Comparison
Series 2 vs Series 1
Steelcase vs Steelcase — full spec comparison
Bottom line
Series 2 steps up support and option range (including headrest path) from Series 1 while staying in Steelcase’s value tier—both work chairs are 400 lb rated.
Comparing 2 chairs across key specs.
Brand
Steelcase
Model
Series 2
Era produced
2020–Present
Discontinued
No
MSRP (new)
$899
Avg refurbished
$480
Avg used
$300
Height range
152–193 cm
Weight capacity
181 kg
Seat width
50 cm
Seat depth
46 cm
Backrest height
58 cm
Seat material
Full Mesh
Armrests
4D Articulating
Forward tilt
No
Lumbar
Height-Adjustable Pad
Headrest
Factory
Cylinder
Top-activated pneumatic
Caster stem
11mm × 22mm standard
Frame
Polymer + steel
Tilt / lock
Weight-activated synchro with comfort settings
Arm adjustability
4D arms on common configs
Brand
Steelcase
Model
Series 1
Era produced
2016–Present
Discontinued
No
MSRP (new)
$686
Avg refurbished
$350
Avg used
$200
Height range
152–193 cm
Weight capacity
181 kg
Seat width
50 cm
Seat depth
46 cm
Backrest height
57 cm
Seat material
Full Mesh
Armrests
4D Articulating
Forward tilt
No
Lumbar
Height-Adjustable Pad
Headrest
Factory
Cylinder
Top-activated pneumatic
Caster stem
11mm × 22mm standard
Frame
Polymer + steel
Tilt / lock
Weight-activated synchro with boost / upright lock settings
Arm adjustability
4D standard on many configs; height-only or armless available
| Spec | SteelcaseSeries 2 | SteelcaseSeries 1 |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | Steelcase | Steelcase |
| Model | Series 2 | Series 1 |
| Era produced | 2020–Present | 2016–Present |
| Discontinued | No | No |
| MSRP (new) | $899 | $686 |
| Avg refurbished | $480 | $350 |
| Avg used | $300 | $200 |
| Height range | 152–193 cm | 152–193 cm |
| Weight capacity | 181 kg | 181 kg |
| Seat width | 50 cm | 50 cm |
| Seat depth | 46 cm | 46 cm |
| Backrest height | 58 cm | 57 cm |
| Seat material | Full Mesh | Full Mesh |
| Armrests | 4D Articulating | 4D Articulating |
| Forward tilt | No | No |
| Lumbar | Height-Adjustable Pad | Height-Adjustable Pad |
| Headrest | Factory | Factory |
| Cylinder | Top-activated pneumatic | Top-activated pneumatic |
| Caster stem | 11mm × 22mm standard | 11mm × 22mm standard |
| Frame | Polymer + steel | Polymer + steel |
| Tilt / lock | Weight-activated synchro with comfort settings | Weight-activated synchro with boost / upright lock settings |
| Arm adjustability | 4D arms on common configs | 4D standard on many configs; height-only or armless available |
| Buy |
FAQ
- Is Series 2 worth it over Series 1?
- Yes if you want a step up in support and options (including a headrest path) while staying in Steelcase’s value tier. Series 1 remains the simpler, usually cheaper entry.
- Are Series 1 and Series 2 both 400 lb?
- Yes for standard work chairs. Check stool ratings separately—Series 1 stools are commonly rated lower.
- Which should I buy used or refurbished?
- Series 1 when budget is tight. Series 2 when you want the upgraded option set without jumping to Leap or Gesture pricing.