Steelcase Series 1 vs Series 2
The Series 1 costs less and offers a headrest option. The Series 2 costs more and adds adaptive seat bolstering and an upholstered back option.
Both chairs are weight-activated Steelcase chairs rated to 400 lbs. They share the Steelcase Limited Lifetime warranty, which covers parts and labor for 12 years. Both also have 4D arms and a seat depth slider.
Buy the Series 1 for the lower price or for a headrest. It lowers to 15.5 inches against 16.5 on the Series 2, and its recline adds a boost setting.
Buy the Series 2 for the seat or the upholstery. Its seat has adaptive bolstering and flexible edges, it raises to 21.5 inches against 20 on the Series 1, and its Air LiveBack comes as a quilted upholstered back as well as mesh.
Choose the Series 1 if you…
- Want the lower price: the Series 1 costs less than the Series 2
- Need a seat that lowers to 15.5 inches (the Series 2 stops at 16.5)
- Want a headrest, which is an optional add-on on the Series 1 and unavailable on the Series 2
- Want a boost setting on the recline
Choose the Series 2 if you…
- Want adaptive bolstering and flexible edges in the seat
- Need a seat that raises to 21.5 inches (the Series 1 tops out at 20)
- Want a quilted upholstered back or one of five fabric families
- Want assembly in under 2 minutes with no tools
Series 1 vs Series 2 at a Glance
| Spec | Steelcase Series 1 | Steelcase Series 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | ~$499 (Amazon) | ~$665 (Amazon) |
| Back | 3D Microknit or Air Back mesh, LiveBack flexor system | Air LiveBack geometric flexor; upholstered quilted or mesh (Intermix) |
| Seat | High-density foam, flexible seat edge | High-density foam with adaptive bolstering and flexible edges |
| Lumbar | Height-adjustable, fixed firmness | Height-adjustable, built into the Air LiveBack pattern |
| Arms | 4D (height, width, depth, pivot) | 4D (height, width, depth, pivot) |
| Seat Height | 15.5″ to 20″ | 16.5″ to 21.5″ |
| Seat Depth | Adjustable slider | Adjustable slider |
| Tilt | Weight-activated synchro-tilt, boost setting, upright lock | Weight-activated synchro-tilt, upright back lock |
| Weight Capacity | 400 lbs | 400 lbs |
| Warranty | Steelcase Limited Lifetime (12-year parts and labor) | Steelcase Limited Lifetime (12-year parts and labor) |
| Headrest | Optional add-on | Not available |
| Assembly | Light assembly | Under 2 minutes, no tools |
| Fabric Range | Mesh back options | Intermix, SoftNext recycled, Cafe Leather, Dovetail, and more |
Design and Materials
The Series 1 back is mesh, in 3D Microknit or Air Back, built on the LiveBack flexor system.
The Series 2 uses the Air LiveBack geometric flexor pattern, ordered as a mesh panel (Intermix) or as an upholstered quilted back. Its fabrics come in five families, among them SoftNext, which is 100% post-consumer recycled polyester.
A buyer who wants an upholstered back is choosing the Series 2. A buyer who wants mesh at the lower price is choosing the Series 1.
Seat Comfort
The Series 2 seat is high-density foam with flexible edges and adaptive bolstering. Both chairs add a seat depth slider, and the Series 2 slider releases with a handle and travels 2.75 inches.
Fit and Height Range
The Series 1 seat height runs from 15.5 to 20 inches. The Series 2 runs from 16.5 to 21.5 inches, so the Series 1 lowers one inch further and the Series 2 raises 1.5 inches further. Shorter sitters and lower desks point to the Series 1. Taller sitters and higher desks point to the Series 2.
Both chairs have 4D arms and a seat depth slider, so arm and seat adjustability is the same on each.
Recline and Tilt
Both chairs use weight-activated synchro-tilt and include an upright lock. The Series 1 adds a boost setting to the recline.
Build Quality and Warranty
Both chairs carry the Steelcase Limited Lifetime warranty, which includes 12 years of parts and labor coverage, and both are rated to 400 lbs.
The Series 1 holds BIFMA Level 3 and CarbonNeutral product certification. The Series 2 weighs 37.4 lbs and assembles in under two minutes with no tools.
Value and Price
The Series 1 costs less. It shares the Series 2’s core mechanics and warranty, and adds a headrest option.
The Series 2 costs more. Its seat adds adaptive bolstering and flexible edges, and the chair raises to 21.5 inches. The core mechanics match the Series 1.
Who Should Buy Which
The Series 1 suits shorter sitters and anyone who wants a headrest, at the lower price.
The Series 2 suits taller sitters and anyone who wants adaptive seat bolstering or an upholstered back.
Alternatives Worth Considering
If you want a softer seat and can step up: Steelcase Amia
The Amia is a softer-seated relative of the Leap. It has a height-adjustable LiveLumbar and adaptive foam bolstering, and a remanufactured Amia from Crandall Office costs less than a new Series 2.
If you want a residential design at a similar price: Branch Ergonomic Chair
The Branch Ergonomic Chair costs less than the Series 1 and has a seat depth slider. It has 3D arms against the Series 1’s 4D, a 7-year warranty, a 275 lb capacity, and a stated best fit of 5’2″ to 6’2″.
If back support is your priority: Steelcase Leap V2 (remanufactured)
The Series 1 lumbar adjusts in height at a fixed firmness. The Leap V2 has a height-adjustable lumbar plus a separate firmness dial. A remanufactured Leap V2 from Crandall Office costs more than a new Series 2 and carries a 12-year Crandall warranty.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Verdict
The two chairs share core mechanics and warranty, so price and the listed differences decide the choice. The Series 1 costs less and offers a headrest. The Series 2 adds adaptive seat bolstering and an upholstered back option.
Choose the Steelcase Series 1
Lower price and a headrest option. The seat lowers to 15.5 inches and the recline has a boost setting.
Choose the Steelcase Series 2
Adaptive seat bolstering and a quilted upholstered back option. The seat raises to 21.5 inches.
For more detail on each chair: Steelcase Series 1 full review · Steelcase Series 2 full review · Best office chairs under $500 · Best office chairs under $1,000