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Comparison Office Chairs

Steelcase Leap vs Steelcase Series 1: Which Should You Buy?

Quick answer

Choose the Steelcase Leap if you sit eight hours or more a day and want a chair that adjusts to nearly any body and lasts a decade. Choose the Steelcase Series 1 if you want a well-made ergonomic chair with adjustable seat depth and arms without spending over £1,000.

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Buy

Steelcase Leap Office Chair

Best for All-day sitters

Typically £999–£1,399

Check Price on Amazon Paid link
Buy

Steelcase Series 1 Office Chair

Best for Value ergonomics

Typically £369–£509

Check Price on Amazon Paid link

Quick comparison

FeatureSteelcase Leap Office ChairSteelcase Series 1 Office Chair
VerdictBuyBuy
Typical price£999–£1,399£369–£509
Best forAll-day sittersValue ergonomics
Key featureLiveBack backrest that flexes with your spineSteelcase adjustability at a midrange price
Weight limit181.4 kg136.1 kg
AdjustmentsSeat depth, lumbar, arms, recline tensionSeat depth, 4D arms, lumbar
WarrantyLifetime limited (most parts, per Steelcase)—
Where to buyCheck Price Paid linkCheck Price Paid link

Main differences

Typical price

Steelcase Leap: £999–£1,399; Steelcase Series 1: £369–£509.

Best for

Steelcase Leap: all-day sitters; Steelcase Series 1: value ergonomics.

Standout

Steelcase Leap: liveBack backrest that flexes with your spine; Steelcase Series 1: steelcase adjustability at a midrange price.

Weight limit

Steelcase Leap: 181.4 kg; Steelcase Series 1: 136.1 kg.

Adjustments

Steelcase Leap: Seat depth, lumbar, arms, recline tension; Steelcase Series 1: Seat depth, 4D arms, lumbar.

Which should you choose?

Choose the Steelcase Leap Office Chair if you

  • sit eight hours or more a day and want a chair that adjusts to nearly any body and lasts a decade
  • care most about flexible backrest supports many postures
Check Price Paid link

Choose the Steelcase Series 1 Office Chair if you

  • want a well-made ergonomic chair with adjustable seat depth and arms without spending over £1,000
  • care most about adjustable seat depth and 4D arms
Check Price Paid link

Which specifications matter?

Focus on the differences above rather than headline numbers. For more options, see our list of the best office chairs in the uk.

Not sure about either? Consider these

Herman Miller · Office Chairs

Herman Miller Aeron Chair

Buy it if You run hot, want an iconic mesh chair and are willing to pick the right size carefully.

Verdict
Consider
Best for
People who run warm
Typical price
£1,299–£1,749

Pros

  • All-mesh seat and back breathe well
  • Comes in three sizes

Cons

  • Very expensive

Sihoo · Office Chairs

SIHOO M18 Ergonomic Office Chair

Buy it if You need a basic ergonomic chair for a few hours a day and can't spend more than £200.

Verdict
Consider
Best for
Tight budgets
Typical price
£139–£179

Pros

  • Low price
  • Breathable mesh back

Cons

  • Seat foam flattens over time

Frequently asked questions

Which is better, the Steelcase Leap or the Steelcase Series 1?

Choose the Steelcase Leap if you sit eight hours or more a day and want a chair that adjusts to nearly any body and lasts a decade. Choose the Steelcase Series 1 if you want a well-made ergonomic chair with adjustable seat depth and arms without spending over £1,000.

Which is better value?

The Steelcase Leap typically costs £999–£1,399 and the Steelcase Series 1 typically costs £369–£509. The better value depends on which differences above matter to you.

Buyrskip Editorial Team

Part of the Buyrskip research team. We compare specifications, documentation and real-world trade-offs so you can decide faster.