Branch Ergonomic Chair vs Steelcase Series 1
The Branch Ergonomic Chair has the lower price, 3D removable arms and a 7-year warranty on a 275 lb rating. The Steelcase Series 1 adds 4D arms, a weight-activated synchro-tilt and a 12-year multi-shift warranty on a chair rated to 400 lbs.
Both chairs have height-adjustable lumbar with fixed firmness, adjustable seat depth and a tilt that moves seat and back together. The Branch costs less, and the Series 1 carries the longer warranty and the higher weight rating.
The Branch Ergonomic Chair costs less and lists 8 adjustment points. Its 3D arms pivot and can be removed, and so can its lumbar rest. Branch says it fits users from 5’2″ to 6’2″, and its weight rating is 275 lbs.
The Steelcase Series 1 costs more and adds arm depth adjustment, for 4D arms in total. It pairs a LiveBack flexor back with a weight-activated synchro-tilt, carries a 400 lb rating, and comes with a 12-year multi-shift warranty covering parts and labor. Buyers who want the longer coverage and the higher weight limit should pick the Series 1.
Choose the Branch if you…
- Want the lower price for an adjustable ergonomic chair
- Prefer to buy direct from the maker at a lower price than Amazon
- Want arms and a lumbar rest that can be removed
- Are between 5’2″ and 6’2″ and under 275 lbs
Choose the Series 1 if you…
- Want 4D armrests with forward-backward depth adjustment
- Need a higher weight capacity (400 lbs vs 275 lbs)
- Value a 12-year multi-shift warranty over a 7-year warranty
- Want a weight-activated synchro-tilt with a boost setting and upright lock
| Spec | Branch Ergonomic Chair | Steelcase Series 1 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | ~$369 (Branch direct) / ~$389 (Amazon) | ~$499 (Amazon) |
| Back | Not listed | 3D Microknit or Air Back mesh, LiveBack flexor system |
| Seat | Not listed | Not listed |
| Lumbar | Height-adjustable, removable, fixed firmness | Height-adjustable, fixed firmness |
| Arms | 3D (height, width, pivot) | 4D (height, width, depth, pivot) |
| Seat Depth | Adjustable (range not listed) | Adjustable slider (range not listed) |
| Seat Height | 17″ to 21″ | 15.5″ to 20″ |
| Tilt | Synchronous tilt with tension control, 20-degree range | Weight-activated synchro-tilt with boost setting and upright lock |
| Weight Capacity | 275 lbs | 400 lbs |
| Warranty | 7 years | 12 years, multi-shift |
| Headrest | Compatible with Branch’s Ergonomic Headrest | Optional add-on |
| Adjustment Points | 8 | Not listed |
| Returns | 30-day return window on direct orders; flat $40 return shipping fee per chair deducted from the refund | Not listed |
| Certifications | BIFMA; Greenguard Gold | BIFMA Level 3, CarbonNeutral product certification |
Arm Adjustability
The Steelcase Series 1 has 4D armrests, adding depth travel to the adjustments the Branch offers. The Branch Ergonomic Chair’s 3D armrests adjust in height and width and pivot, and they can be removed. Only the Series 1 slides its arm pads forward and backward, so the pads can be set relative to the keyboard and the desk edge.
People who alternate between leaning forward to type and reclining to read get the most use from arm depth travel. On the Series 1 the pads can move forward for typing and back for reclining. On the Branch the pads stay at one depth.
Back Support and Lumbar
Both chairs have height-adjustable lumbar support with fixed firmness, and the Branch’s lumbar rest can also be removed. Neither offers the separate lumbar firmness dial found on the Steelcase Leap V2.
The Series 1 back uses Steelcase’s LiveBack flexor system. The standard Branch’s back material and back design are not listed.
The Series 1 comes in two back styles, 3D Microknit and Air Back mesh. Back style options for the standard Branch are not listed.
Buyers who want lumbar firmness control can look at a remanufactured Leap V2 from Crandall Office, whose lumbar adjusts for both height and firmness.
Seat and Comfort
Both chairs adjust seat depth, and the range of travel is not listed for either chair. Seat depth adjustment sets the gap between the front edge of the seat and the back of the knees, so users with longer or shorter thighs can fit the same chair.
The Branch’s seat height runs from 17 to 21 inches and the Series 1 from 15.5 to 20 inches. The Series 1 goes 1.5 inches lower at its minimum, which helps shorter users and lower desks, and the Branch goes an inch higher at its maximum.
Recline and Tilt
The Series 1 uses a weight-activated synchro-tilt. It adds a boost setting and an upright lock.
The Branch has a synchronous tilt, with seat and back moving together through a 20-degree range, and a tilt tension control. Branch does not list a tilt lock for the standard chair.
Build Quality and Durability
The Steelcase Series 1 carries a 12-year multi-shift warranty covering parts and labor, 24/7, and it is rated to 400 lbs. The warranty is rated multi-shift, 24/7.
The Branch Ergonomic Chair sits on a five-star anodized aluminum base and carries a 7-year warranty and a 275 lb rating. It meets BIFMA and is Greenguard Gold certified. For a primary daily chair, the Series 1 adds five warranty years and 125 lbs of capacity.
Value and Price
The Branch Ergonomic Chair is the less expensive of the two, and it costs less from Branch direct than on Amazon. Direct orders carry a 30-day return window, with a flat return shipping fee per chair deducted from the refund, so a return is not free.
The Series 1 costs roughly a third more than the Branch bought direct. Divided over its 12-year warranty, it costs less per year of coverage than the Branch over its 7-year warranty. The extra cost mainly buys the longer warranty and the 400 lb rating, with arm depth adjustment on top.
Who Should Buy Which
The Branch Ergonomic Chair suits buyers under 275 lbs and between 5’2″ and 6’2″ who want an adjustable chair at the lower price.
The Steelcase Series 1 suits users who want the 12-year warranty. Its 400 lb capacity covers a wider range of body weights than the Branch’s 275 lbs.
Alternatives Worth Considering
If you want more adjustability from Branch: Branch Ergonomic Chair Pro
The Branch Pro upgrades to 5D arms that add pad width and depth to the standard chair’s height, width and pivot. Its lumbar adjusts for both height and depth, it adds forward seat tilt, and Branch lists 14 adjustment points. It sells for about the same price as the Series 1 on Amazon.
If you want another option in the same price band: HON Ignition 2.0
The HON Ignition 2.0 on Amazon is priced between these two chairs. Its listing gives a 300 lb weight capacity and arms that adjust in height and width. Seat depth adjusts by a seat slide.
If you can stretch the budget: Steelcase Leap V2 (remanufactured)
A remanufactured Leap V2 from Crandall Office costs more than both the Branch and the Series 1. It adds a lumbar firmness dial to a LiveBack back with the Natural Glide System recline, and Crandall backs it with a 12-year warranty. Buyers focused on lumbar control should weigh it before either chair here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Verdict
The Branch Ergonomic Chair and the Steelcase Series 1 both offer height-adjustable lumbar and adjustable seat depth at mid-range prices. Buyers choose between the Branch’s lower price and the Series 1’s longer warranty, 4D arms and higher weight capacity.
Choose the Branch Ergonomic Chair
The lower price, removable 3D arms and 8 adjustment points make it the pick for users under 275 lbs who want an adjustable ergonomic chair for less.
Choose the Steelcase Series 1
Its 4D arms, weight-activated tilt and 400 lb rating make it the pick for long daily use, and its 12-year warranty runs five years past the Branch’s.
For more detail on each chair: Branch Ergonomic Chair full review · Steelcase Series 1 full review · Branch Ergonomic Chair vs Pro · Best office chairs under $500 · Branch vs HON Ignition 2.0