My Honest Steelcase Leap vs Gesture Comparison

Last Updated on January 22, 2026 by Cassie Moorhead

I have used both the Steelcase Leap and Steelcase Gesture for years. They are two of the best office chairs you can buy. Each one shines in different ways. The Leap feels better for pure comfort over long hours. The Gesture fits modern work with phones and tablets. Here is my honest take on both.

Steelcase Leap Office Chair Review

The Steelcase Leap Office Chair is one of the most comfortable chairs I have ever sat in for full work days. It helped fix my old back pain. I could sit 10 to 12 hours without feeling stiff. The back moves with my body, and the seat edge bends to keep my legs happy. In short, it feels like a reliable friend for anyone who sits a lot.

What I Like

• It is built to last. I bought a used Leap made in 2007, and it still feels brand new today.
• The back support is amazing. It bends and follows my spine when I stretch or shift.
• The arms adjust in four ways and feel soft. I can push them down to play guitar or tuck the chair under my desk.
• The seat edge flexes. My legs never go numb, even after many hours.

What Could Be Better

• The recline has a bit of drag. It does not feel as smooth as some other high-end chairs.
• The seat shape can press on the tailbone for some people. A touch more padding there would help.
• The optional headrest is not good. It costs a lot and does not stay in place well.

Steelcase Leap Office Chair Overview

Feature	Details
Weight Capacity	400 pounds
Warranty (US)	12 years
Armrests	4D – height, width, depth, pivot
Back Support	LiveBack – flexes with your spine
Lumbar Support	Height and depth adjustable (removable)
Seat Depth	Adjustable slider
Recline	5-position tilt limiter, tension control
Headrest	Optional (I suggest skipping it)

Is Steelcase Leap Office Chair good?

Yes, the Steelcase Leap Office Chair is very good if you sit for long stretches. I made it my main chair for over a year. My chronic back pain went away. It handles daily use without trouble. The parts still feel tight after years.

Recommendation

Go for the Leap if you want top back support and all-day comfort. It suits taller or heavier people well too. In the US, look for used or refurbished ones to save money – many are in great shape. If you need a solid headrest or arms that move in every direction, try the Gesture instead.

Read More Steelcase Leap vs Mirra

Steelcase Gesture Office Chair Review

The Steelcase Gesture Office Chair looks sharp and fits how we work today. The arms are the best I have tried for switching between phone, keyboard, and tablet. I can set them narrow and high for my phone without neck strain. The seat feels wide and flat at first. In short, it is a stylish chair that helps with device-heavy days.

What I Like

• The arms are unmatched. They move in almost any way, perfect for phone or mouse work.
• It has a clean, modern look. It fits nice in home offices without standing out too much.
• The back is tall and flexible. It supports me when I lean or twist.
• The seat slider is smooth. I change depth fast while sitting.

What Could Be Better

• The seat pad feels thin to me. My tailbone gets sore after a few hours.
• The lumbar support is mild. I prefer stronger push in the lower back.
• The arms do not tuck all the way under the desk. A little more range would be nice.

Steelcase Gesture Office Chair Overview

Feature	Details
Weight Capacity	400 pounds
Warranty (US)	12 years
Armrests	Highly adjustable – full range for devices
Back Support	3D LiveBack – moves with spine and arms
Lumbar Support	Height adjustable (extra option)
Seat Depth	Easy intuitive slider
Recline	Tilt limiter with tension control
Headrest	Optional – comfortable and stays in place

Is Steelcase Gesture Office Chair good?

The Steelcase Gesture Office Chair is good for people who use many screens and devices. I set the arms perfect for looking down at my phone, and my neck felt better. It holds up well over time. But I shift a lot because of the seat, so I do not use it every day.

Recommendation

Choose the Gesture if arm freedom and a good headrest matter most to you. It works great for mixed tasks and looks sharp. If seat comfort is your top need, test it in person first. In the US, Steelcase showrooms let you try both chairs side by side.

Steelcase Leap vs Gesture Details Comparison

I’ve spent years sitting in both the Steelcase Leap and the Gesture. They are two of the best office chairs out there. Each one has its own strengths, and picking one really depends on what your body needs most.

Back Support: Steelcase Leap vs Gesture

The Leap has a flexible back that moves with your spine in a natural way. It feels like it hugs you when you shift or stretch. The Gesture has a tall back that supports arm movements too, but it feels a bit more rigid.

I loved how the Leap eased my old back pain on long days. The Gesture felt good for leaning, but not as alive.
Leap: 9.5/10
Gesture: 8/10

Armrest Adjustability: Steelcase Leap vs Gesture

The Gesture wins here with arms that move in every direction you can think of. They are perfect for phone or tablet use. The Leap has solid 4D arms, but they don’t go as extreme.

When I used my phone a lot, the Gesture arms saved my neck by letting me hold it higher. The Leap arms are comfy but sometimes wobble a bit at max height.
Leap: 8.5/10
Gesture: 9.5/10

Seat Comfort: Steelcase Leap vs Gesture

The Leap seat has a flexible front edge that helps blood flow in your legs. It feels supportive yet soft. The Gesture has a flat, wide seat, but the padding feels thinner in spots.

I could sit in the Leap for 12 hours without numb legs. The Gesture made my tailbone sore after a few hours, so I shifted more.
Leap: 9/10
Gesture: 7.5/10

Recline Quality: Steelcase Leap vs Gesture

Both chairs recline well, but neither is super smooth like some rivals. The Leap has a bit of friction when rocking. The Gesture feels similar but goes a touch farther back.

I miss a buttery recline on both. The Leap felt fine for lounging, but the Gesture let me lean more for breaks.
Leap: 7.5/10
Gesture: 8/10

Lumbar Support: Steelcase Leap vs Gesture

The Leap has strong, adjustable lumbar that you can tweak a lot, even remove it. The Gesture’s is milder and height-adjustable only.

I prefer strong lower back push, so the Leap felt perfect. The Gesture was okay but too soft for my taste.
Leap: 9/10
Gesture: 7/10

Performance: Steelcase Leap vs Gesture

Both chairs handle long work days great and feel built to last. The Leap shines for pure sitting comfort. The Gesture fits modern multi-device work better.

Over years, both stayed in top shape. I used a 15-year-old Leap that still worked perfect.
Leap: 9/10
Gesture: 8.5/10

Ease of Use: Steelcase Leap vs Gesture

Controls on both are easy to reach while sitting. The Gesture’s seat slider feels smoother. Arm tweaks are quicker on the Gesture.

I could dial in the Leap fast for my body. The Gesture took less time for arm changes during the day.
Leap: 8.5/10
Gesture: 9/10

Value for Money: Steelcase Leap vs Gesture

New, both cost over $1,000, but the 12-year warranty in the US is solid. Used Leaps are easy to find cheap and reliable.

I saved big buying used Leaps that felt new. The Gesture holds value too, but seat issues make it feel less worth it for me.
Leap: 9/10
Gesture: 8/10

Overall: Steelcase Leap vs Gesture

The Leap is my pick for all-day comfort and back health. The Gesture is better if you need amazing arms and a good headrest.

After testing both a lot, the Leap fixed my pain and became my daily chair. The Gesture looks sharper but didn’t win me over fully.
Leap: 9/10
Gesture: 8.5/10

FAQs

Which is more comfortable for long hours?

The Leap feels better for most people on long sits. Its back and seat flex keep you comfy. The Gesture works if you switch postures a lot.

Does the Gesture have a better headrest?

Yes, the Gesture headrest is solid and stays put. Skip the Leap’s optional one – it’s not worth it.

Is the Leap or Gesture better for tall people?

Both fit tall users well with big adjustments. The Gesture’s taller back gives extra support up high.

Which chair is easier to find used in the US?

The Leap is more common used and often cheaper. Many office upgrades sell them in great shape.

Do both have good warranties?

Yes, both come with a 12-year warranty in the US. That makes either a safe long-term buy.

Conclusion

If you’re choosing between Steelcase Leap vs Gesture, go with the Leap for pure comfort and back support that changed my work days. The Gesture shines for arm freedom and modern style if devices rule your desk. I’ve loved both, but the Leap won my heart for daily use. Try them if you can – your body will tell you quick.