Haworth Very Task vs Herman Miller Aeron: Which Should You Buy?

Introduction

The Haworth Very Task and Herman Miller Aeron represent two premium approaches to the mesh task chair. On paper, they're similar: both offer 4D arm options and a 12-year warranty. But user experiences reveal meaningful differences in comfort, fit, and long-term satisfaction. This comparison cuts through the specs to help you decide which chair deserves your investment.

At a glance

Haworth Very Task — strengths & weaknesses

Strengths: Users praised the Very Task for extended sitting comfort, with one reporting no pain after several hours of use. The chair features science-based ergonomic design with intuitive weight-sensing recline and multiple adjustable features. Its compact scale and versatile design suit a range of workspaces. Haworth lists a 16–21 in seat height and a 16–19 in seat depth range, plus an optional headrest.

Weaknesses: Real-world fit issues emerged for taller users. One 6-foot reviewer reported that their back touched the plastic frame, causing discomfort. The standard mesh quality drew criticism for being too flexible. Customer service problems surfaced in reviews, with one user reporting no exchange or resolution when issues arose.

Herman Miller Aeron — strengths & weaknesses

Strengths: The Aeron's most compelling advantage is resale value. Current used listings we track on eBay US put the Herman Miller Aeron at about $499–$797 (asking prices, middle half of 126 listings from the last 30 days, updated Oct 28, 2026). The iconic Pellicle mesh with 8Z zones delivers exceptional ventilation. Users described it as "sitting on a cloud," and comments indicated it works well for people with back, hip, and knee issues.

Weaknesses: Despite long-term testing, one reviewer struggled to fully embrace the Aeron as a daily driver after three years. Another noted the seat pan "feels like it digs too deep into bottom." The high price point is a consistent concern, and reviewers acknowledged the chair "is not suitable for everyone." Sizing matters—the Aeron comes in sizes A, B and C, and the wrong size can limit fit.

How they differ

Price and value proposition: The Aeron lists at $1,775 – $2,840; we have no sourced price for the Very Task. The Aeron's exceptional resale value changes the math. Users reported buying and selling for the same price years later, effectively making it a near-zero-cost investment if purchased used. The Very Task offers no such resale track record.

Fit and comfort: Both chairs offer similar adjustments, but user experiences diverge. The Very Task's standard mesh drew complaints for being too flexible, and the plastic frame caused issues for at least one taller user. The Aeron's Pellicle mesh and PostureFit SL lumbar system received more consistent comfort praise, though the seat pan design didn't work for everyone.

Height accommodation: Neither brand publishes a user-height range; Haworth lists a 16–21 in seat height for the Very Task, while the Aeron reaches 22.8 in on sizes B and C. In practice, a 6-foot user found the Very Task uncomfortable due to frame contact. The Aeron comes in three sizes (A, B, C), offering more tailored fit options if you choose the right size.

Support and service: Reviews mentioned poor customer service for the Very Task, with no exchange offered when problems arose. The Aeron benefits from Herman Miller's established parts ecosystem and support network, with users sharing replacement guides and documentation.

Who should buy which

Buy the Haworth Very Task if: You want premium ergonomics and plan to keep the chair long-term. You're not especially tall, avoiding the taller-user fit issues reported. You value the weight-sensing recline and don't mind taking a chance on a chair with less proven real-world feedback.

Buy the Herman Miller Aeron if: You're willing to invest more upfront for better resale value and a chair with a proven 25-year track record. You have back, hip, or knee issues and need the PostureFit SL lumbar system. You want access to extensive sizing options and parts support.

Consider alternatives if: You're very tall and the Very Task's plastic frame is a concern. Aeron sizing may not work, and the Very Task has documented fit issues for taller users. Neither chair includes a headrest as standard (Haworth offers one as an option on the Very), which may be important for reclined work.

The verdict

On paper, these chairs are close. In practice, the Herman Miller Aeron justifies its premium through superior resale value, proven comfort across a wider user base, and better support infrastructure. If you buy an Aeron used, you effectively get a premium chair with minimal depreciation risk. The Very Task suits buyers who'll keep it for the full 12-year warranty period and fit within its comfort sweet spot, but its lower rating, customer service concerns, and mixed reviews on mesh quality make it the riskier choice. For most buyers, the Aeron's track record and resale value tip the scales—unless the upfront cost is prohibitive.