The Next Web85
Steelcase Gesture
8 expert reviews#4 in office chairsChecked 1 Nov 2026
Quick answer
The Steelcase Gesture has a critic score of 80 out of 100 from 8 professional reviews, and 5 of them recommend it. It ranks #4 of 6 office chairs we score. Critics praise its adjustability and armrests. The most common complaint is price.
Reviews checked 1 Nov 2026
Placeholder photoIf you shift around
Our verdict
Critics single out the Gesture's armrests, which move in more directions than any rival's, and its sturdy build. 5 of 8 reviewers recommend it, but several say the lower-back support is weak for a chair at this price, and one lab's testers were split on comfort.
The catch: Very expensive, with limited lower-back support.
Critic agreement: High
Scores run from 72 to 85
Check price at Amazon
We earn a commission if you buy through this link. It never changes a score. Walmart and other stores are coming soon, sorted by price.
What do critics say about the Steelcase Gesture?
The Guardian85est.
The Steelcase Gesture is a stylish, compact, and highly adjustable office chair with intuitive controls and premium build quality, though its firm cushioning may not suit everyone.
CNN Underscored85est.
The Steelcase Gesture is a high-end office chair that accommodates diverse sitting positions comfortably and features a lifetime warranty, though it comes at a steep price.
Wirecutter85est.
The Steelcase Gesture is Wirecutter's top-rated office chair due to its exceptional adjustability, comfort, and long-term durability.
TechRadar76
The Steelcase Gesture is a remarkably comfortable and highly adjustable office chair with a premium build, though its high price, poor breathability in warm weather, and lack of clear adjustment controls hold it back.
TechGearLab75
The Steelcase Gesture received polarizing feedback from testers, dividing opinions on its comfort while impressing with its robust build quality and exceptional armrest adjustability.
Creative Bloq74
The Steelcase Gesture is a very comfortable, well-built office chair with standout armrests, but its exceptionally high price makes it difficult to recommend to the average buyer.
Tom's Guide72
The Steelcase Gesture offers exceptional comfort and impressive armrest mobility, but its extremely high price tag and underwhelming lumbar support make it hard to justify for most buyers.
Scores are converted to 0–100. "est." means the outlet gave no number, so we estimated one from its verdict. How we score
What critics praise most
Adjustability5 of 8
Armrests5 of 8
Build quality4 of 8
What critics dislike most
Price6 of 8
Lower-back support3 of 8
Alternatives
Not sure about the Steelcase Gesture?
Placeholder photo
Placeholder photo
Placeholder photo
Placeholder photoCommon questions
Is the Steelcase Gesture worth it?
Critics are divided: 5 of 8 recommend it. Very expensive, with limited lower-back support.
What do critics dislike about the Steelcase Gesture?
Price (6 of 8 reviews), Lower-back support (3 of 8 reviews).
What is the best alternative to the Steelcase Gesture?
The Herman Miller Aeron (critic score 88), if you run warm.