Steelcase Leap
Exact average 85.8 · 2 printed, 4 estimated · printed scores only: 88
Image: SteelcaseAll 6 reviewers who tested the Leap recommend it. They agree on why: the lower-back support and adjustable arms fit a wide range of bodies, and it is built to last through years of long workdays. It is the safest expensive chair to buy without trying it first.
Reviewed by Tested & Rated (GearLab), Forbes Vetted, Tom's Guide and 3 more
The catch: It's expensive, and the fabric back runs warmer than mesh.
4 of these 6 outlets print no score. We estimated theirs from the review text, then adjusted the estimates against the ratings outlets actually print (ours ran slightly low). An estimate is never higher than 92.
We earn a commission if you buy through these links. It never changes a score.
What 6 critics said
Highest score first · all converted to 0–100- 89Tested & Rated (GearLab)
The top-ranked chair of the group, very comfortable and highly adjustable.
Read Tested & Rated (GearLab) review - 86Forbes Vetted
- 89est.Tom's Guide
An Editor's Choice chair that is comfortable, has strong and tunable back support and comes in many colors.
Read Tom's Guide review - 85est.NBC Select
Chosen as the best overall ergonomic chair and used daily in the outlet's own office; the writer sits for hours comfortably with good back and shoulder support.
Read NBC Select review - 83est.TechRadar
An excellent, well-built and very adjustable cushioned chair, but the price is high and the armrests are a little hard.
Read TechRadar review - 83est.Business Insider
The reviewer says he has never found a more comfortable chair after over a year of use and picks it for heavier people.
Read Business Insider review
"Est." means the outlet printed no score, so we estimated one from its verdict and checked our estimates against ratings outlets print. How we check estimates
How it compares
Direct comparisons by professional outlets, exact models only, in our words. Shown as evidence; they never change the critic score.
vs Branch Ergonomic Chair82
- TechGearLab (2025): it depends. Choose this one if: you can afford a premium and want the best adjustability, sturdy build and up to 10 hours of comfort.
What critics praise most
What critics dislike most
Other office chairs critics rate highly
Common questions
Is the Steelcase Leap worth it?
Most critics think so: 6 of 6 recommend it. It's expensive, and the fabric back runs warmer than mesh.
Do critics agree about the Steelcase Leap?
Critics agree: scores range from 83 (TechRadar) to 89 (Tested & Rated (GearLab)), a spread of 6 points across 6 reviews. Reviewers broadly agree.
What do critics dislike about the Steelcase Leap?
Price (5 of 6 reviews), Armrests (2 of 6 reviews), Runs warm (2 of 6 reviews).
What is the best alternative to the Steelcase Leap?
The Herman Miller Aeron (critic score 86), if you run warm.