Office Chair Showdown: Workpro Quantum 9000 vs Herman Miller Aeron

Workpro Quantum 9000 is often compared to the iconic Herman Miller Aeron. At first glance, these two ergonomic office chairs look the same. From the size, the shape of the backseat to the mesh coverings, they could even pass off as twins.

More often than not, the Workpro Quantum 9000 is also tagged as one of the best alternatives to the roughly expensive Aeron, well apart from the Mirra 2. This ergonomic office chair costs a lot less. The Workpro Quantum 9000 is worth a lot less.

Herman Miller office chair
Herman Miller office chair

So let’s see if it’s really a great alternative to the expensive Aeron. And let’s dive deeper into the similarities and differences.

Back support

The backrest of the Workpro Quantum 9000 has a mesh covering, so expect this chair to be cool and breathable. And the backrest also has that S-shaped curve that follows the shape of your spine. Although the shape of the backstreets is a lot similar to the Aeron, the Workpro Quantum 9000 lacks the adjustable lumbar support, with which the Aeron chair became famous for.

The back and lumbar support of the Aeron is like a force to be reckoned with. Just a few chairs, if none, come close to it. A few are at par with the comfort that it can give, especially if you have back or lumbar issues And that’s where the expensive price tag lies. The Workpro Quantum 9000 costs thrice as less than the Aeron. 

The Workpro Quantum 9000  can still provide decent and comfortable support for your back. Though you’ll be loving the Aeron‘s adjustable lumbar support more, especially if you have any back or lumbar problems.

But in terms of an adjustable backrest, the backrest of the Workpro Quantum 9000  is fully adjustable, while that of the Aeron isn’t. So you can adjust the entire backrest of the Workpro Quantum 9000 to fit your needs. 

Workpro Quantum 9000 chair
Workpro Quantum 9000 office chair

So to wrap it up, the backrest of the Aeron is non-adjustable but it has adjustable lumbar support and a 5 degree forward tilt. The Workpro Quantum 9000, on the other hand, has an adjustable back seat and tilt tension adjustment. But it doesn’t have adjustable lumbar support.

And among the other cheap office chairs that I have tried, the Workpro Quantum 9000 is the closest to the Aeron in terms of the back support, albeit the lacking adjustable lumbar support. 

Also, the Workpro Quantum 9000 is one of the few mid-priced ergonomic office chairs that supports a subtle rocking motion when tilted. Though you can enjoy a full rocking motion if the chair is in an upright position, it’s still a bonus feature for an inexpensive chair. You won’t find any other office chairs at this price with the same convenient specs. So this chart is also a great value for your money.

Materials

These two ergonomic chairs look like they used the same material. Yes and no. 

Yes because it has a mesh-covered backrest and seat, and no because the Aeron uses a special type of flexible material that makes the back and the seat of the chair more flexible. Aeron uses a patented pellicle woven material. This is an innovation that’s exclusive to the Aeron chair. 

The mesh material on the Workpro Quantum 9000 may look exactly the same as that of the Aeron, but it’s of lower quality. The mesh of the Aeron feels more flexible, sturdier, and cooler. Though the Workpro Quantum 9000 is also enough to keep you cool on hot days. But when compared to the Aeron, it’s like a cooler compared to an air conditioner.  

The mesh fabric of theWorkpro Quantum 9000 is similar to what other regular ergonomic office chairs use. Not too shabby, but not great at the same time. But It may have some advantages over the more robust mesh of the Aeron. 

Some may find the mesh material of the Aeron too firm. The mesh on the Workpro Quantum 9000  is softer. Though it’s less durable than that of the Aeron’s, it can still last for some time. It may be a perfect alternative if you find the mesh material of the Aeron too firm or too stiff. The mesh is softer but it can still provide support. So it means that you won’t sink too much. 

And the flexible material on the seat and backrest on the Aeron makes it more fluid. It allows the chair to move with you so it can provide the utmost comfort for your entire body. And this is lacking in the Workpro Quantum 9000.

Scope of users

Both ergonomic office chairs have a mid-back range. Meaning, they would reach up to the shoulders of most users. And both lack a headrest or a neck rest.

Workpro Quantum 9000 chair with headrest
Workpro Quantum 9000 chair with headrest

In terms of the scope of users, the Aeron chair is available in 3 sizes- A, B, and C. So the taller users can choose the Aeron C and still find it comfortable, albeit being a mid-back chair. 

While the Workpro Quantum 9000 is only available in a single size. It’s ideal for an average size user. And taller people will find the backrest uncomfortable. The frame at the back can pinch their shoulders. So the Workpro Quantum 9000 is not ideal for taller users. 

Armrests

TheWorkpro Quantum 9000 has 3d adjustable armrests. It can pivot inwards and outward to 25 degrees. So you can find the sweet spot to make your shoulders and elbows more comfortable. Though the pivoting mechanism is quite sensitive, you can accidentally hit the armrests and it can change its angles.

The armrests of the Aeron, on the other hand, can be the standard 2 way adjustable or a fully adjustable one. And to get the perks of a 4 way armrests, you need to upgrade. And with the upgrade comes the extra cost too. So you’re going to be shelling out more moolah to the already expensive price tag.

Aeron office chair
Aeron office chair

Seat depth

The seat depth is perhaps the Aeron’s Achilles heel. This iconic chair may have it all, except for the adjustable seat depth. And this is where you would favor the Workpro Quantum 9000. The latter offers an adjustable seat depth. So you can find the ideal supportive position or your thighs. And you can also set your knees at the proper angle.

The seat depth is crucial in keeping your legs comfortable. It can ensure that your legs proper circulation. So it prevents cramping.

This is one of the features that might entice you to buy a Workpro Quantum 9000 rather than an Aeron. Well, apart from the quantum’s cheaper price tag, that is. 

The Aeron lacks this important feature. But it compensates by having the chair available in three different sizes. So the seat depth is tantamount to the size of the chair. So trying on the Aeron chair first is crucial to ensure that the seat depth is just perfect for your height. But once the seat depth fits your requirements, everything else is a bliss. 

What we wished were better

These features would have made both chairs head to head with one another. 

The Aeron could have used a seat depth adjustment. And maybe an option to choose for a softer mesh material for those who aren’t into something too firm.

As for the Workpro Quantum 9000, I wished it had adjustable lumbar support and a wider scope of the user. The Workpro Quantum 9000 can’t accommodate heavy and taller users with its 250 lbs capacity. 

Though there are more adjustable features of the Aeron, the seat depth and firmer mesh material might compel one to choose theWorkpro Quantum 9000  over the Aeron. You’d also be saving thrice less moolah. 

Price

Final thoughts

The Workpro Quantum 9000  is indeed a great alternative to the Aeron. It costs thrice as less, has decent back support, adjustable seat depth, and a tilt litter. It can provide decent back support so long as you don’t have any lumbar issues. But its size limits its scope. 

Those who find theWorkpro Quantum 9000 too small is a perfect candidate for the Aeron C, you just need to shell out thrice as much money. But you’ll enjoy a more robust structure, a more flexible chair,  and more adjustable features. Well, that’s except for the seat height adjustment. And those who are looking and can afford the latest innovation will definitely go for the Aeron.Â