Steelcase Leap vs Amia are two very top-notch chairs made by one of the most well-known office furniture brands in the industry. There are a few things you should know in comparison of these high-end chairs.
In this blog, FittingChairs will go over similarities and differences between Steelcase Leap vs Amia.
Steelcase Leap chair
Steelcase Leap is definitely worth buying. Its high-quality build, ergonomic design, and solid warranty help justify the premium price. If you are serious about finding the best ergonomic office chair for sitting at a desk all day, you should consider investing in this chair.
Steelcase Amia chair
Amia by Steelcase offers an attractive and robust design filled with well-implemented ergonomic features. Don’t miss this ideal option if you are looking for a great mesh office chair make you comfortable all day long.
Steelcase Leap Vs Amia – The Story Behind
When you are considering Steelcase Leap vs Amia, it’s not difficult to know that these 2 chairs come from the same brand. So what’s the story behind them?
Steelcase Leap chair introduced in 1999, which is a revolutionary, high-performance task chair. You know, it’s developed in conjunction with IDEO, combining elegant form, rich materials, and Leap technology.
This revolutionary LiveBack technology separately supports the user’s upper and lower back.
There is a more special truth behind this chair that is the significant milestone of Steelcase in general. Leap is the most successful chair introduction in our history, with 22% of Leap sales coming from new customers.
Meanwhile, after many years since the launch of Leap, Steelcase continues to release a new ergonomic office chair called Amia.
The Steelcase Design Studio designed it in collaboration with industrial designer Thomas Overthun of IDEO to create a beautiful, quietly intelligent chair.
Steelcase Leap Vs Amia. What’s The Same?
Reading through the features and specifications on Steelcase Amia vs Leap, you may wonder what the same is.
First, you can easily see that both chairs feature a stylish design, exceptional upper and lower back support, a sliding seat, and intuitive controls. Hence, either is a superb choice for keeping you comfortable.
Of course, they will also have some unique differences that will help you make the best choice for your needs.
Let’s dig into the similarities in this Steelcase Leap vs Amia topic!
Size
Related to size, the Steelcase Leap chair is available in one size only. It has a seat width of over 19 inches and a back width of around 18 inches, allowing the Leap to cater to an extensive variety of customers because of its adjustability, which we can cover with inside the subsequent section.
With 400 pounds of weight capacity, the Leap chair is well-constructed and strong enough to deal with nearly everyone, big or small.
Similarly, the Steelcase Amia chair additionally is available in one size only. It has very comparable dimensions of over 19 inches of seat width and around 18 inches of returned width.
Similar to the Leap, it may additionally support approximately 400 pounds of weight. Judging solely by their appearance, it’s spotless that Leap and Amia look like twins.
Back Support
Specifically, when it comes to back support, both the Leap and Amia offer strong back support and a typical chair back design that contours to fit your body. Although the details are not the same, all designs are designed with comfort in mind and provide flexible sitting positions.
Seat
About seats, how are they similar? In fact, both the Leap the Amia allow you to adjust your seat depth easily. It seems this is also one feature on each ergonomic chair that Steelcase has not forgotten. You know, this is also an important ergonomic feature that will lead to a more customized seating solution.
Not only that, whether you’re using Steelcase Amia vs Leap V2, your chair is guaranteed the depth of your seat will properly support your legs and allow for better circulation.
Additionally, both chairs also have a waterfall seat edge that flexes down to relieve pressure on the back of your legs.
Arms
No real differences about arms. It seems that the battle of Steelcase Leap vs Amia is quite balanced. Steelcase chairs are known for their great, user-friendly armrests, and the Leap and Amia’s arms are no exceptions.
The arms on both chairs offer a wide range of adjustability flexibly. You can move them in and out, up and down, pivot them left and right, or forward and back. Of course, there is no hassle. They will stay in place until you are ready to adjust them again.
You may have noticed that the Steelcase Leap chair costs a few hundred dollars more than the Steelcase Amia chair.
But, can you get the same comfort and support the Leap Chair offers at a significantly lower price point with the Amia chair overall? Let’s explore the differences between the Steelcase Leap vs Amia.
Steelcase Leap Vs Amia. What’s The Difference?
After looking into Steelcase Leap vs Amia – what’s the same, let’s address the differences.
Now, let’s have a look at a comparison of Steelcase Leap vs Amia!
1. Difference in design
The first difference comes from the design of Steelcase Leap vs Amia, including design details, dimensions, and materials.
Design Details
The below are some key features of both Steelcase Leap vs Amia office chair listed by FittingChairs:
The Steelcase Leap is a chair that is powered by LiveBack Technology. It genuinely changes shape to imitate and support the motion of your spine.
This unique trait offers you a more healthy manner to sit. The purpose of the Leap chair is to help reduce hunched postures that stress your spine at the same time as sitting at work.
The Steelcase Amia chair is designed to deal with long hours of serious sitting, albeit, through a similar technology known as the LiveLumbar Technology.
This unique characteristic lets the chair’s backrest flex as you move. Not to mention, you can slide the LiveLumbar higher or lower depending on your sitting preference.
Dimensions
Although judging solely by their appearance, it’s spotless Steelcase Leap vs Amia look like twins and fit for a certain type of size’s users.
But, there are minor changes in dimension between these two chairs, as seen in the images below:
In general, the Leap standard chair is slightly larger than the Amia. Detailly, the Leap is a little wider, a little taller, and adds about an inch to your lumbar height.
However, if you require even more space, the Leap Plus model is available, which offers even more width and a 500-pound weight limit.
Materials
The Amia is available in the standard fabric versions, as well as the Air model, which features a very cool and transparent 3D plastic mesh backrest for adaptive support, thermal comfort and enhanced breathability.
The Leap is available in both a standard fabric and a trendy 3D knit style. You will have breathable and technological materials in both cases, which are ideal for long days in the chair.
Besides, you can also choose leather for either chair if that’s more your style.
2. Difference in adjustments
With its revolutionary LiveBack technology, Leap provides a flexible lumbar support that adapts to the curvature of your back while seated.
From your lower back to your shoulders, the seat back movement offers a flexible support for your complete spine.
The chair back is designed to replicate how you move while seated and includes two adjustable back support mechanisms: one allows you to modify the hardness of your lower back, and the other allows you to alter the degree of resistance as you recline.
While Steelcase Leap uses its revolutionary LiveBack technology, Amia’s Live Lumbar technology complements various postures while offering great lumbar support.
This helps people who suffer from lower back discomfort and reduces lower back tension, resulting in a more comfortable and healthier work environment for users who sit all day.
The contoured back is comfortable for a wide range of users, and it has height-adjustable lumbar support that may be raised or lowered for more support.
The Steelcase Leap vs Amia have numerous configurable options, so you can find the best configuration for any activity.
No matter your height, you may adjust the seat depth forward and backward so that your legs bend and reach the floor at just the correct length. You may also adjust the back tension and recline angle with the variable back locks/stops.
The most noticeable distinction is that the Leap’s lower back hardness can be adjusted, whereas the Amia’s cannot.
The Steelcase Leap has a more complicated system, in which the hardness of the lower back component can be modified while the top flex half remains constant. This allows you to adjust the amount of lower back support without hurting the rest of your back.
Thanks to its LiveLumbar technology, the Steelcase Amia has a unique lumbar adjustment. You may slide where the back flexes to meet your spine using the handles on each side of the backrest.
The Leap’s LiveBack feature has the same feature, however the entire chair’s back flexes to your stance.
You can adjust them in four different ways until you discover the perfect fit for your current situation. Their ranges are more than adequate for supporting your forearms, wrists, and shoulders while keeping your neck and elbows in proper alignment.
3. Which one allows personalized?
Is Steelcase Leap worth it? The Leap, unlike the Amia, comes with certain executive style add-ons. You can, for example, add an adjustable headrest to the Leap for further comfort and neck support.
With Leap, you may additionally extend the height range by another 2″ for a total of 7″ of pneumatic adjustment. There are even small extras, such as a factory-installed coat hanger with a 10 pound weight limit.
4. Difference in price
There’s the price difference of the Steelcase Leap vs Amia.
While neither chair is cheap (neither is on our list of the best under $300 office chairs), when comparing the regular models of these chairs, you can expect to pay roughly 30% more for a Leap vs Amia.
What’s Customer Say
Here are some positive and negative customer reviews related to Steelcase Leap vs Amia:
Steelcase Leap Review
Positive reviews
Riotta M. Scott ranked 5.0 out of 5 stars on Amazon “The best desk chair I’ve ever used”
Riotta M. Scott ranked 5.0 out of 5 stars “The best desk chair I’ve ever used” “My boss bought this model for my team five years ago, and it still looks/feels as good as new; nothing rattles around or feels like it needs to be tightened, and that has never been the case for me in all my years being chained to a desk 40 hours a week.
When I began to work half the day from home, I noticed that I always had body aches by the end of the day. I decided to invest in the Leap chair for my home office, and I don’t regret it a bit. My body feels so much better at the end of the day now!
I bought the Amazon Prime model, which only comes in black (unfortunately) but with Prime I could pay in installments. That made it a little easier to spend a thousand dollars on a desk chair. I was super pleased when it arrived in an enormous box, and was already fully assembled.”
When I began to work half the day from home, I noticed that I always had body aches by the end of the day. I decided to invest in the Leap chair for my home office, and I don’t regret it a bit. My body feels so much better at the end of the day now!
I bought the Amazon Prime model, which only comes in black (unfortunately) but with Prime I could pay in installments. That made it a little easier to spend a thousand dollars on a desk chair. I was super pleased when it arrived in an enormous box, and was already fully assembled.”
Show more +Written by Leslie H. Brown, “Excellent Quality Desk Chair”
“I work on a computer that sits on a desk, and I finally decided to spend the money for a quality desk chair. I read many online reviews and visited various company websites to compare my options, and finally settled on the Steelcase Leap; so I ordered this one from Amazon.
The chair arrived brand new, sealed in a Steelcase box with instructions on how to open the box to allow the chair to be pulled out more easily. Original protective material was easy to remove, and the Steelcase hang-tag explained how to use the various settings to achieve the greatest comfort and ergonomic support.
Plus: No construction required! It was a relief to not have to put the chair together, and you can see why it ships pre-assembled: The chair is quality crafted and solidly built, with strong components that would not be easy to assemble at home. And, plus, it’s just easier. I would not hesitate to buy this chair again, but I don’t expect I’ll need to any time soon!”
Negative reviews
Moscato wrote on Amazon “Steelcase feels like sitting on steel”
“I bought a Steelcase Leap refurbished from Madison Seating. The quality of the chair is good, and does wonders on my back… but the seat is too hard/thin! I bottom it out, and my tailbone hurts!
I have to sit on a pillow for the chair to be comfortable. I’m not sure if I should return the chair, and buy something else, or just buy a gel seat cover or something… I’m pretty thin, and super bony. Other people who have sat on my chair seem to think its comfortable… but it hurts me.”
Show more +Customer iTrek ranked 1.0 out of 5 stars “Original frame but that’s about it”
“I chair I received had a floppy backrest that felt if I leaned at all, it would snap. They replaced the original fabric with scratchy fabric you would expect your grandmother’s computer chair from the 90’s to have.
The only original Steelcase Leap part on the entire chair was the FRAME. Ridiculous.
Shady company and they’ve been sued by Herman Miller and Steelcase multiple times. Here’s what the actual chairmakers say about Madison Seating…”
“They negatively impact the entire category by confusing and frustrating customers and consumers, and damaging the brands and reputations of companies like Herman Miller and others that are committed to creating and selling authentic, innovative, high-quality products that last for generations,” “scourge of the industry” – Herman Miller CEO”
Show more +Steelcase Amia Review
Positive reviews
Customer Carole A Whitcomb ranked 5 stars “NO more pain!”
“I had been having back pain and sciatica for several months. I traced it to my office chair. Went searching for something better and found this chair.
First of all, I am 5’4″ and most chairs aren’t designed for short people. My former chair seat was hitting the backside of my knee so I tended to scoot forward which then made me slump. No more. I have the seat adjusted so I can sit up straight with my back against the back of the chair.
The adjustable arms allow me to get right up under my desk and adjustable height means my feet are flat on the floor like they should be. Sciatica and back pain ended the first day I used this chair!”
Show more +Customer NES also rank this chair highly “Extremely adjustable, very comfortable.”
“Keep in mind I’m a 5’2 woman so I appreciated that I could sit with my back actually on the backrest instead of having to scoot all the way to the front so that my legs could touch the floor.
The ability to adjust almost every aspect of the chair was appreciated and made it so comfortable I could fall asleep on it. The arm rests swivel so you can have them at an angle if you want to.
It’s such a worthwhile investment! I know there are other chairs at this price point that may be better for taller people, but at least in my case, I don’t worry about backpain anymore.”
Show more +Negative reviews
Sina S ranked 1.0 out of 5 stars on Amazon “Worst chair I ever owned!”
“Within 2 month of purchase, the chair is now a few degrees unleveled to the right. The fabric is so slippery that you basically slip out of the chair if sit more towards its front. The support for the knees (or whatever that is), which basically is the bending of its front, is awfully bad, making the chair practically a slippery slope! Wish I could still return it… Now I am sitting on a regular non-office chair and am much much happier!”
Customer Alan Henderson wrote “Ruined Floors”
“Chair is comfortable. I am 6′ 1” and 230 lbs and I find the chair comfortable for extended periods of time.
Unfortunately, the chair damaged my hardwood floors. Each of the hard plastic wheels had a little bump on them, perhaps from the mold used to make the wheel. After using the chair for a few hours, I noticed that the tiny bumps had created many tiny divets in my brand new hardwood floors. HUGE bummer. I was able to remove the bumps with a razor. Alas, the damage is done.
Big letdown from an otherwise very good chair. Steer clear if you plan on using chair on hardwood. Otherwise, you’ll probably love it.”
Show more +Steelcase Leap Vs Amia. What Are The Pros And Cons?
After undergoing subjective and objective evaluation from editor evaluation and customer reviews, here are the pros and cons of Steelcase Leap vs Amia office chair from FittingChairs:
Wide range of ergonomic adjustments
Good seat comfort
Highly adjustable arms
400 lbs. weight capacity
Fully assembled
Excellent warranty
High price tag
Cheaper price than other Steelcase chairs
LiveLumbar technology
Plenty of ergonomic adjustments
Great design
Lacks a headrest
The Bottom Line
The Amia is a wonderful alternative if you’re on a tight budget for an office chair, or if you’re looking for multiple task chairs to update your space. With this option, you’ll save money and space while receiving all the modern ergonomic benefits of a Steelcase chair.
In terms of Steelcase Leap vs Amia, if you’re looking for a high-end ergonomic office chair and have already considered the Aeron or Humanscale Freedom, the Leap should be considered from Steelcase.
Compared to Amia, you would have access to the full range of adjustment choices, as well as optional add-ons like the headrest Plus model. If you have a lower back problem or require greater support, the Leap is perfect for you.
See more:
- Herman Miller Mirra 2 vs Aeron
- Herman Miller Sayl vs Aeron
- Aeron PostureFit vs Lumbar. What Should You Pick?
In this article, FittingChairs has given you what’s differences of Steelcase Leap vs Amia. Hope this helps you choose the right option for reducing your stress.
