A quality chair should offer ample support to back, neck, and arms, it needs to be comfortable, and sturdy enough to withstand years of use. In this Herman Miller’s Sayl vs Aeron review I will explain why both these chairs offer an excellent option for anyone looking for a quality workspace chair.
This Herman Miller Sayl vs Aeron review is unbiased and objective, based on actual specs and features of each chair. Even though they’re both great office chairs, the Herman Miller Sayl excels with some features where the Herman Miller Aeron is slightly lacking, and vice versa. With that said, let’s see the differences and similarities between these two models.
Table of Contents
- Herman Miller Sayl vs Aeron Comparison
- Herman Miller Sayl Review
- Herman Miller Aeron Review
- Buyer’s Comparison Guide – how we evaluated Herman Miller Sayl vs Aeron performance
- Herman Miller Sayl Summary
- Herman Miller Aeron Summary
- Herman Miller Sayl vs Aeron – Final Thoughts
Herman Miller Sayl vs Aeron Comparison
Herman Miller Sayl Review
The Herman Miller Sayl family of chairs include 12 variation model options, each sporting a similar design each with at least one unique feature that sets it apart from the rest. Herman Miller Sayl family of chairs include:
- Chair with Suspension Back
- Mid-Back Chair w/ Upholstered Back
- High-Back Chair w/ Upholstered Back
- 4-Leg Chair w/ Suspension Back
- 4-Leg Chair w/ Upholstered Back
- Chair, Suspension Mid-Back w/ Stretch Knit Back
- Stool, Suspension Mid-Back w/ Stretch Knit Back
- Stool w/ Suspension Back
- Mid-Back Stool w/ Upholstered Back
- High-Back Stool w/ Upholstered Back
- Sled Base Chair w/ Suspension Back
- Sled Base Chair w/ Upholstered Back
For more Herman Miller Sayl chair product details on the Herman Miller Sayl chair visit the Herman Miller official website.
The Sayl, it’s an aesthetic masterpiece as much as it is a highly practical office chair that offers much in terms of convenience, support, and flexibility.
Models that belong to the Sayl family are lightweight and compact, and they’re all as suitable for casual use as they are great for studying and office work.
A really nice feature of this chair is how initiative and easy to use the features are:
Features
Some of the most notable features of all Sayl office chairs include the Harmonic tilt, the 3D Suspension system, the patented PostureFit technology, height-adjustable lumbar support, and a contoured seat pad.
The Harmonic Tilt feature offers smooth, organic transition between different types of postures while the Herman Miller PostureFit technology offers unparalleled spine support, promoting a healthier pelvis posture, and minimizing sitting fatigue.
3D Suspension is a feature that is unique to Sayl. Essentially, instead of togglable back adjustments, this chair features un-framed back that supports vital back regions, adapting to the posture of whoever is sitting on it. This 3D suspension design also gives the Sayl its distinctive mesh back design – design inspiration came from the Golden Gate Bridge.
Even though the level of back support it offers is tremendous, Herman Miller do offer an optional lumbar support with this chair. This particular feature is good for people who are suffering from back aches and elderly office workers.
Finally, the contoured seat pad is a comfort feature that makes Sayl ideal for use over extended periods of time. It combines injection molding with plush foam that ensures lasting comfort while providing dependable durability and sturdiness.
| Pros |
- Available in 12 different style versions
- Excellent supportive capacity
- Adaptive back adjustability
- Contoured and cushioned seat pad
- Highly flexible and mobile
| Cons |
- No footrest
- Short armrests
Herman Miller Aeron Review
The Herman Miller Aeron is, without a shadow of a doubt, one of the most versatile office chairs that the current market has to offer. It was one of the best-selling models during the past few decades, and it was re-designed and vastly improved in 2016, sporting a brand-new set of technologies and features.
The Aeron series houses only two models, both of which are available in three different sizes and each sporting different specs. It’s comprised of the Aeron Work Chair and the Aeron Stool.
The key characteristics of Aeron chair depend on the size style. The supportive strength of the Aeron A is 300 pounds while Aeron B & C supports 350 pounds.
Seat height and depth are also different with each model. Aeron A features a seat height range of 14.80 – 19 inches while Aeron B and C 16 – 20.4 inches. The thing that separates these three styles the most is the seat depth spec; Aeron A sports seat depth of 15.75 inches, Aeron B 17 inches, and Aeron C 18.5 inches.
Adjustability-wise, all three Aeron chairs offer the same options. Available tilt options include the Standard Tilt, Tilt Limiter, and Tilt Limiter equipped with an angled seat while Arm Options include the armless design, Fixed Arms, Height-adjustable Arms, fully-adjustable arms, and fully-adjustable arms with adjustable arm pad depth.
Features
Herman Miller Aeron chairs are laden with modern, practical, and highly convenient features, some of which are fairly similar to those offered by the Sayl. Most features are upgrades from the chairs original design technologies.
One of the most notable features of Aeron is the second iteration of the Harmonic Tilt technology. Essentially, the adaptive support of the original Harmonic Tilt was taken a step further, offering superior personalized comfort, highly intuitive reclining positions, and a remarkably smooth operation. This chair has a beautiful recline reflex action. Definitely one of the nicest reclining actions I’ve tried.
For more Herman Miller Aeron chair product details on the Herman Miller Sayl chair visit the Herman Miller official website.
Secondly, the 8Z Pellicle is an adjustable mesh back to the Aeron. It provides loads of all-around comfort and support. Sitting in the chair has a floating type feel.
| Pros |
- Plenty of adjustable features
- Unique 8Z Pellicle Mesh Seat
- Improved Harmonic Tilt feature
- Available in three different sizes
- Optional footrest
- Stable, sturdy base
| Cons |
- Slightly less intuitive to use
- The seat is thinner and a tad firmer than that Sayl chair is supplied with
Buyer’s Comparison Guide – how we evaluated Herman Miller Sayl vs Aeron performance
Now that we’ve seen the gist of Herman Millers Sayl vs Aeron office working chairs, it’s time to compare them and see which performs better in which areas:
Design styles
Both Sayl and Aeron office chairs allow you to pick and choose a certain number of features your particular model will be equipped with.
In Aeron’s case, there are only two models that are available in three different sizes (which are simply labelled as Aeron A, B, and C). These models are the versatile Aeron Work Chair, and the plain, straightforward Aeron Stool.
On another hand, the Sayl generation houses twelve unique design styles. Each of these models pack the same features with the exception of 4-legged stool version. Essentially, you’ll be able to choose between a Sayl workchair with the suspension back, mid-back chair equipped with upholstered back, 4-leg bases, sled base, stools, and many others.
Obviously, Sayl offers loads of variation options as well as an extensive material color selection. The Aeron is far more limited in terms of styles and colors.
If you are looking for a classic piece of furniture design the Aeron is a beautiful chair. If on the other hand you’d like a striking and uniquely designed chair with loads of customization options. Then the Sayl is the way to go.
Comfort & Back support
Herman Miller’s office chairs are widely recognized as incredibly comfortable; it’s fair to say that both Sayl and Aeron perform extremely well as a quality chair that provides excellent comfort and support features.
Both of these office working chairs are equipped with adaptive support system and (a version of) the Harmonic Tilt and Posture Fit technologies that ensure premium long-term comfort and remarkable all-around support.
The subject of comfort is mostly subjective; some people will find Sayl more comfortable, and vice versa. Objectively though, Aeron is superior in this field. I love the level of support provided by this chair. The mesh seat and back rest offer a really light sitting experience. It really does feel like the your body weight is really well distributed across the chair. This gives that feeling of floating.
Durability
Herman Miller chairs are, without exception, sturdy and robust. Most models are supplied with stainless-steel bases, reinforced seats, and rugged backs; the same applies to both the Aeron and Sayl.
Each model that belongs to either of the two families sports a different level of durability, with the Stool types being the flimsiest and versions equipped with 5-Star Steel Bases the sturdiest. Due to the fact that similar technologies were used in the manufacturing process, both chairs are extremely durable.
Customization and Adjustability
One of the best things about Herman Miller chairs is that you’ll get to cherry pick most of the features. The Sayl, really excels when it comes to customization features. Both chairs offer loads of adjustment features. The Aeron just offers a few more upgrade options.
The chairs armrests have loads of adjustment. Arm rests can be adjusted up and down, swiveled in and out, adjusted forward and back. The Sayl’s armrests can also be moved in and out. The Aeron doesn’t offer this adjustment.
Both chairs have smooth tilt tensioner adjustment. Both chairs offer a tilt limiters. A unique feature to the Aeron is the forward tilt feature.
Both chairs seat pan depths can be adjusted.
Both Aeron and Sayl offer standard adjustable lumbar support features. The Aeron features upgrade options for lumbar support specifically the posture fit SL that provides a larger lumbar support than the standard or adjustable options.
Aeron is available in three sizes. Which is a really nice feature for smaller or larger people.
Aesthetics
Both Aeron and Sayl are beautifully designed, despite the fact that their aesthetic elements are strikingly different.
The simplicity and uniqueness of Sayl makes it perfect for minimalistic offices while the feature-packed Aeron is ideal for more modern spaces.
Features and technologies
The original Aeron is inferior to Sayl in numerous regards. However, the current (and remastered) version of Aeron sports a dozen upgraded features and technologies, including the improved suspension system, Posture Fit spine support, and the second version of the patented Harmonic Tilt feature.
Even though Sayl is remarkably versatile, the features of Herman Miller Aeron are, objectively speaking, more practical and more well-rounded.
Ease of use
What I like about the Herman Miller Sayl, is how easy it is to operate. The chair is packed with features and often times would make a chair difficult to operate or require thumbing through a user manual to get the most out of it. But the Sayl is surprisingly initiative and easy to use. Which I’m sure will please loads of users.
Aeron is a bit more complex, although that’s not necessarily a drawback. It just might take a little more time to figure things out. The Sayl is definitely more user-friendly.
Herman Miller Sayl Summary
The Herman Miller Sayl is an excellent example of a casual office chair. It’s exceptionally comfortable, easy to use, and highly durable. It’s simpler and superior to Aeron in terms of aesthetics and selectable features.
But, its adjustability options and upgrades are limited in comparison to Herman Miller’s Aeron office chairs.
It’s a gorgeous chair nevertheless, and it’s perfect for both home and office use.
- Seat Height: 16-20.5 inches (40.5-52 cm)
- Seat Depth: 16.5 inches (42 cm) fixed; 16 – 18 inches (40.5-46 cm) adjustable seat
- Arm options: No arms, fixed arms, height-adjustable, 4D arms
- Style options: 15 style options available
- Maximum Load: 350 pounds (159 kgs)
- Tilt options: Standard tilt limiter, optional seat angle adjustment
- Base options: 4-leg Side chair, 5-Star Work chair
Herman Miller Aeron Summary
The Herman Miller Aeron is a magnificent piece of art that is as beautiful as it is versatile. The abundance of features may somewhat hinder its practicality for all applications, it is a brilliantly designed chair for workstation purposes.
This office chair sports advanced posture technologies that offer remarkable (and adaptable) back, neck, and leg support. It available in three different sizes. To top it off it has to be one of the most comfortable chairs I have used. The mesh seat and back supports really provide an effortless sitting experience.
If, on another hand, you want to get the most of a chair and its versatility, Aeron would be a better choice. Its superior features and adjustability offer a more personalized experience, although it’s slightly less practical than Sayl.
For me if I had had to choose between these chairs. I’d have to go with the Herman Miller Aeron. Its a classic office chair that offers a supremely comfortable sitting experience.
- Seat Height: 16 – 20.4 inches (40.5-52 cm)
- Seat Depth: 15.75 - 18.5 inches (40-47 cm)
- Arm rest options: No arms, fixed arms, height-adjustable, fully adjustable arms, adjustable arm pad depth
- Style options: 15 style options available
- Maximum Load: 300 – 350 pounds (136-159 kgs)
- Tilt options: Standard tilt, tilt limiter, tilt limiter with seat angle adjustment
- Base options: 5-Star Work chair
Herman Miller Sayl vs Aeron – Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, the best chair for you is the one that can cater to your personal needs. If you’re looking for a simple, unique and reliable office chair for a good price, the Herman Miller Sayl would be a perfect fit.
If you want a classic workspace chair, the Herman Miller Aeron would be a better choice. Its superior features and adjustability offer supreme comfort. But all this comes with a bigger price tag.
If I had to pick from either the Sayl or Aeron. My pick would be the Aeron. The seating experience and comfort of this chair is hard to beat. The amount of support the chair offers and how easy the chair is to sit in is difficult to beat.
