Steelcase Office Chairs are one of the best chairs in the market, and the brand, Steelcase is a world-renowned brand that manufactures office chairs. Both Steelcase series 1 and series 2 office chairs have cool ergonomics and innovative features. However, the real question is, what are the differences between Steelcase series 1 & series 2?
The main difference between steelcase series 1 and series 2 is in the design and pricing. Both series 1 and series 2 come with amazing features. The series 1 costs around $120 less. However, Series 2 seems to have a taller backrest and some upgraded features, which makes it more preferable. The decision can vary depending on various factors.
In this article, you will get a detailed comparison between Steelcase series 1 and series 2 office chairs, so that you can identify the best one among these two.
Although all the Steelcase chairs come with high-quality materials and extraordinary technologies, choosing between them can be hard. So, I am here to the rescue. Happy reading!
Steelcase Series 1
Steelcase Series 1 provides office chairs that offer great performance, style, and features. Let me provide an overview of the Steelcase series 1 chair,
- Seat Height: 16.5″ – 21.5″
- Seat Depth: 19.2″
- Seat Width: 19.2″
- Overall Height: 36.5″ – 41.25″
- Overall Depth: 21″ – 23.75″
- Overall Width: 23.5″ – 27″
The advanced weight-activated mechanism in the Steelcase Series 1 chair automatically applies backrest tension so that you can adjust according to your weight. All the features, including 4D armrests, and the comfortable back seat ensure better posture.
The technological touch helps to recline the mechanism and the back control makes it easier to implement the adjustments quickly and effortlessly.
Steelcase Series 1 currently costs $458.30, You can check out the series 1 office chair on Amazon by clicking here. Â
Pros of The Steelcase Series 1 Chair
- The advanced weight-activated mechanism helps to provide the appropriate support according to your weight.
- The back control comes with three different settings to conform to the regular user, an upright back lock, and a full recline that has weight-activated tension.
- The pneumatic adjustment mechanism gives you the privilege to adjust the seat height up to 5 inches up and down.
- The 4D adjustment helps to adjust it up to 2 inches range and pivot a 40 degree in and out.
- The seat depth adjustments, to position the seat move forward and backward, help to position the seat in such a way, you can comfortably sit all day long.
Now, let us move on and check out the drawbacks that the Steelcase Series 1 chair offers.
Cons Of The Steelcase Series 1 Chair
- Sitting in the series 1 chair can sometimes be problematic to sit in, especially for an extended period.
- The armrest is very easy to move and can cause problems for short people as they are usually attached to the wider side.
Steelcase Series 2
Steelcase Series 2 chair is well-appreciated among the users due to its high-performance, and its sophisticated designs, and extensive support.
Check the Steelcase Series 2 chairs overview,
- Seat Height: 16.5″ – 21.5″
- Seat Width: 19″
- Overall Height: 38″ – 42.5″
- Overall Depth: 21″ – 23.75″
- Overall Width: 27″
The Series 2 chairs are extremely durable and provide users with a better sitting experience. It holds up to 400 pounds and not only meets but also exceeds the highest industry standards. The price of this series falls around $586.
You can check the Steelcase Series 2 office chair on Amazon by clicking here.
Now, it is time to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the Steelcase Series 2 chairs.
Pros Of The Steelcase Series 2 Chairs
- Just like Series 1, the series 2 chairs have an advanced weight-activated mechanism that helps you to focus on your work.
- You can adjust the seat backward and forward up to 2.5 inches, and also lock it accordingly.
- The Air LiveBack Technology gives two dimensions as you move, which ensures personalized comfort and fit.
- The seat height can also be adjusted up to 5 inches range, just like the series 1 chair.
- Although the adjustability of the 4D armrest is much better in series 2 compared to series 1, series 2 can be pivoted up to 30 degrees.
- Series 3 also has the comfort dial back control, which ensures back control comes with three different settings to conform to the regular user, an upright back lock, and a full recline that has weight-activated tension.
- The height-adjustable lumbar adjusts up to 3.75 inches which provide additional back support & fits the curve of your back comfortably.
Cons Of The Steelcase Series 2 Chairs
Series 2 of Steelcase is entirely a new invention, and they are the most amazing chairs that you will find in the market, which is why it is really hard to find flaws in this series.
Comparison Between Steelcase Series 1 And Series 2
By now, you are familiar with both the series of Steelcase and you know all about their advantages and disadvantages.
Nonetheless, it can still be confusing, as the features are slightly different. That is why now I will present you with a detailed comparison so that you can choose the best one for you.
Ergonomic Features:
Steelcase Series 1 and series 2, both come with an innovative and impressive feature that allows you better back support, which is known as the LiveBack Technology in series 1 and the Air LiveBack Technology in series 2.
These two series’ chairs have special features that allow the chair to move according to your movement. This feature ensures you have better recline adjustments and a more comfortable sitting arrangement.
The built-in air pockets make the chairs more comfortable to sit in, and gladly both the series have got those.
Both the series have mesh backs which ensures more airflow than any random office chair. This feature also makes the chair comfortable to sit even in the hotter seasons.
The armrests of the series 2 is a massive upgrade from the series 2 because of the 4D arm feature. So, in terms of overall features, series 2 is actually superior.
Let’s look at the adjustable ergonomic features of Steelcase Series 1:
As you can see the series 1 has all the important features except for the headrest. Other than that, it has good lumbar support, mesh back, reclining feature which are really important for comfortable sitting experience.
The swivel feature and casters of this chair are very smooth and combinedly these features makes mobility very comfortable.
Now, Let’s look at the adjustable ergonomic features of Steelcase Series 2:
Like the series 1, the series 2 also don’t have headrest. Moreover, the lumbar support of this chair is not adjustable.
But the LiveBack technology of the series 2 works really well. It automatically adjusts with your back and provides good lumbar support.
Also, the armrests of the series 2 is upgraded. It has 4D armrests. You can adjust the height and angle of the armrests and adjust the position better than the series 1. I love the armrests of the series 2 more than te arms of series 1.
Pricing:
The Steelcase series 1 can cost you around $439 – $693 depending on the version you choose and where you buy.
On the other hand, the Steelcase series 2 can cost you anywhere between $489 – $765 depending on the version you choose.
The base version of the Steelcase series 1 is $50 cheaper than the series 2. Also, the base version of both of these chairs don’t have headrests.
But if you want, you can add extra headrest and it will cost you around $70 – $80 extra.
Check out the price of different Versions of these chairs:
| Model | Price | Model | Price |
| Steelcase Series 1 (Base Model) | $439 | Steelcase Series 2 (Base Model) | $458 |
| Steelcase Series 1 With Headrest | $511 | Steelcase Series 2 With Headrest | $567 |
| Steelcase Series 1 (Stool Version) | $553 | Steelcase Series 2 (Stool Version) | $611 |
Design & Comfort:
Steelcase Series 1 & Series 2 chairs of Steelcase have pliable, but strong foam that conforms to the body without creating any pressure. The flexible seat edge helps to relieve the pressure under your thighs.
Chairs of both the Series are built with innovative geometric design that supports your spine very responsively and comfortably. The reclining feature help you recline without even leaving your optimal zone for effectively conducting your work.
Steelcase Series 1 and series 2, both come with an innovative and impressive feature that allows you better back support, which is known as the LiveBack Technology in series 1 and the Air LiveBack Technology in series 2.
These two series’ chairs have special features that allow the chair to move according to your movement. This feature ensures you have better recline adjustments and a more comfortable sitting arrangement.
No doubt, you will be in love with the designs of Steelcase chairs, it goes the same for both the series. The interesting part is both the chairs have sort of similar designs. Both the launched series come in different colors, which make it look very vibrant and elegant.
Nonetheless, one very noticeable difference will be the back of the chair, which is a bit different in the series 2. The series 2 has a more modernized look and is a bit taller & wider than that of series 1.
I personally liked the Series 2 chairs, because of these features, as it provides more comfort. Even though sitting for an extended period, you will not feel any body pain or stains.
Build Quality & Durability:
Undoubtedly, Steelcase never compromises with its manufacturing quality. You will hardly find any manufacturing defects. Moreover, Steelcase office chairs are highly durable and its components are rarely faulty.
Here, the chairs of both the series are extremely robust and durable. Series 1 chair’s fabric is 100% polyester and the overall chair’s weight is 29 pounds, whereas the series 2 is 36 pounds Having said that, they are pretty light-weighted but can hold up to 300 – 400 pounds.
Both the series have mesh back which ensures more airflow than any random office chair. This feature also makes the chair comfortable to sit even in the hotter seasons.
The chairs come with a 12-years warranty, which can back up the trust Steelcase has in its product. Although the chairs offered by Steelcase are quite pricey, the series 2 chairs are less expensive.
Weight Capacity & Size
Overall chair height of Series 2 is almost 2 inches taller than the series 1 chairs. Except this, the size of both the series does not really differ a lot.
Check out this table to understand the overall size of Steelcase Series 1 & Series 2 chairs,
| Features | Series 1 | Series 2 |
| Chair Height | 36.5″ – 41.25″ | 38″ – 42.5″ |
| Chair Width | 23.5″ – 27″ | 27″ |
| Seat Height | 16.5″ – 21.5″ | 16.5″ – 21.5″ |
| Seat Depth | 15.5″ – 17.75″ | 14″ – 17.75″ |
| Seat Width | 19.5″ | 19″ |
| Back Height from Seat | 21.5″ | 22.5″ |
| Back Width | 17.25″ | 18.88″ |
Now if we discuss the weight capacity of the chairs, both the series 1 can hold up to 300 pounds whereas, series 2 can hold 400 pound maximum.
So, undoubtedly, in this case I also choose series 2 over series 1. The chair height and the weigh capacity, surely outweighed other factors.
Customer Satisfaction:
Finding defaults in any chairs manufactured by Steelcase is hardly possible. Both the chairs have proven its quality service, which is visualized in the customer review.
Users were very much satisfied with both the products. Although Series 1 has a better rating than series 2 chair, it may have occurred because series 2 was recently launched.
Customers have claimed chairs from both the series are very comfortable, durable, and worth the money.
So, Which one Is Actually Better?
After analysing every feature, design and comfort level, I think Steelcase series 2 is better than the series 1.
Both series 1 and 2 are decent mid-range office chairs from steelcase. The series 2 has some cool upgrades over the series 1.
I am not saying that the series 1 is bad. Both of these chairs are awesome. But if the series 2 feels comfy and has better ergonomic features like the 4D armrests.
Both series 1 and series 2 have a seat height of 16.5″ – 21.5″ which makes them suitable for people of height 5’2″ to 6’7â€.
However, the Steelcase Series 2 costs around $120 more, I think Steelcase Series 1 is a clear winner here. You can check out this office chair on Amazon by clicking here.
Related Questions
Is Steelcase Leap V2 Worth It?
The steelcase Leap V2 is absolutely worth buying. This chair has awesome ergonomic features and sitting experience on this chair is really good.
This chair is also very well built and you will be able to use this chair for more than 10 years without any doubt.
Steelcase Leap V2 chairs managed to receive great reviews from its users. Although they can be pretty expensive, they are worth buying.
The adjustability and durability of this chair are unbeatable. However, the seat and back are not so comfortable to sit in the hot weather as the mesh back feature is absent.
Final Thoughts
It would be wrong to say, series 2 is better than series 1, or even vice-versa. Both have amazing chairs, there is no doubt about that.
Nonetheless, when it comes to choosing a particular one, I will definitely choose the more upgraded one, which is series 2. It might cost you a little more than the series 1 but its definitely worth it.
By now, you might have made up your mind which one to choose between Series 1 and Series 2.
Before you make the purchase, you must know how the Steelcase Series 1 competes with Steelcase Amia, so, check out this article: Steelcase Series 1 Vs. Amia: Which One Is Better?
