Steelcase Leap V2 vs Haworth Fern: Which Should You Buy?
Lumbar Options and Buying Checks compared using manufacturer references.
$319
lower starting price for Haworth Fern than Steelcase Leap V2 at the brand stores
Differences at a glance
Sources
- Understanding and Specifying Leap 462 Series Work Chairs – Seating Specification Guide, February 2024 (PDF) ↗Checked Sep 26, 2026
- Fern Office Chair – Haworth Store (US) ↗Checked Sep 26, 2026
- Leap Ergonomic Office Chair (steelcase.com) ↗Checked Sep 26, 2026
- Fern Office Chair (haworth.com NA) ↗Checked Sep 26, 2026
- US Steelcase Store (price) ↗Checked Sep 25, 2026
- Price
- $1,499 – $2,667$1,180 – $2,280
- Seat height
- 15.5–20.5 in standard; 17–24 in with optional 7 in cylinder16.5–21.5 in (41.9–54.6 cm)
- Seat depth
- 15.75–18.75 in (functional, 3 in adjustment); seat depth 19 in15.5–18.5 in (39.4–47 cm)
- Load capacity
- 400 lb (181.4 kg)350 lb (158.8 kg); 325 lb (147.4 kg)
- Recline
- Variable back stop, five stops; seat-to-back angle 96°–120°Synchronized 3-point tilt; 5-position back stop from upright to reclined; optional 5° forward tilt
- Arms
- Arm height 4 in range, depth 3 in, width 4.5 in overall, pivot 30°Optional 4D arms (up/down, side to side, front/back, pivot); also fixed, height-adjustable, armless
- Headrest
- Optional (+$340 list; not on stools or Leap Plus)Optional
- Lumbar support
- LiveBack with height-adjustable lumbar (5 in) + lower back firmnessBuilt-in lumbar support; optional height-adjustable lumbar (3.5 in range)
- Warranty
- Steelcase Limited Lifetime warranty – 12 years, multi-shift, 24/7 parts and labor12 year warranty
What users mention
From 366 Steelcase Leap V2 and 87 Haworth Fern user reviews, most mentioned first. Green is liked, orange is a caution.
Comfort
Steelcase Leap V2138 mentionsHaworth Fern48 mentionsAdjustability
Steelcase Leap V2116 mentionsHaworth Fern46 mentionsPrice and value
Steelcase Leap V2129 mentionsHaworth Fern25 mentionsBuild quality
Steelcase Leap V2108 mentionsHaworth Fern32 mentionsSeat
Steelcase Leap V290 mentionsHaworth Fern37 mentionsBack support
Steelcase Leap V275 mentionsHaworth Fern51 mentions
Questions
Which is cheaper, the Steelcase Leap V2 or the Haworth Fern?
The Haworth Fern is cheaper to start: $1,180 versus $1,499 for the Steelcase Leap V2 at the brand stores (Sep 2026).
Which has a higher weight capacity?
The Steelcase Leap V2, rated for 400 lb versus 350 lb for the Haworth Fern.
Which has a headrest?
Both: the Steelcase Leap V2 as an option and the Haworth Fern as an option.
What do owners mention most?
Comfort for the Steelcase Leap V2, and back support for the Haworth Fern, based on review summaries.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Search links may include other models or accessories; confirm the exact item, seller and condition before buying.
Compare the version, condition and included adjustments.
Identify and inspect a used LeapRead the full comparison
| Official specs | Steelcase Leap V2 | Haworth Fern |
|---|---|---|
| Seat height |
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| Seat depth |
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| Seat width |
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| Back height |
| Not stated |
| Load capacity |
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| Recline |
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| Arms |
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| Lumbar support |
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| Headrest |
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| Warranty |
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| Chair weight |
| Not stated |
Leap V2 vs Fern: the practical decision
Make the back-support configuration the first comparison, especially when a refurbished Leap V2 is being compared with a new Fern. Compare the actual offers rather than assuming that two model names describe equivalent equipment or warranty coverage.
This is a research-based comparison, not a hands-on test. No comparative rating, fixed price gap or durability ranking has been established here.
Manufacturer-documented differences
Leap V2
The current Leap page describes height-adjustable lumbar support and a lower-back firmness control. Confirm the equipment on older or refurbished V2 listings separately.
Leap V2 manufacturer reference
Fern
Haworth distinguishes built-in lumbar support from optional additional lumbar adjustment. Forward tilt and upholstery choices also depend on the selected configuration.
Before choosing an offer
- For a used Leap V2, request the manufacturing label and confirmation that its controls work.
- For Fern, distinguish the selected lumbar and forward-tilt options from features pictured elsewhere on the page.
- Compare equivalent condition and delivered cost, including any return freight or restocking charges.
Compare the actual Amazon offer
Use the buying links to check available offers. Search results may include accessories, different configurations or other models. Match the full product name and condition before comparing prices. Seller identity, shipping, returns and warranty eligibility need separate confirmation.
Frequently asked
- Do all Fern listings have the same lumbar configuration?
- No. Check the selected options on the offer instead of assuming that every Fern shown online includes the same equipment.
- Is a refurbished Leap V2 covered like a new Leap?
- Do not assume so. Obtain the seller warranty, exclusions and return policy in writing. A current manufacturer product page does not establish coverage for an older third-party unit.
- Does the Amazon link guarantee the exact chair shown here?
- No. A search link opens search results, and product offers can change. Confirm the model, configuration, seller, condition and return terms on Amazon before purchasing.
Affiliate links: we may earn a commission from qualifying purchases. Check current delivery, return and warranty terms on Amazon.
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- Steelcase Leap V2 vs Humanscale World One Load capacity: 400 lb on Steelcase Leap V2; 100–400 lb on Humanscale World One.
- Steelcase Leap V2 vs SIHOO Doro C300 Headrest: Optional on Steelcase Leap V2; 3D Mechanical Headrest on SIHOO Doro C300.
- Steelcase Leap V2 vs SIHOO Doro C300 Pro V2 Load capacity: 400 lb on Steelcase Leap V2; 330 lb on SIHOO Doro C300 Pro V2.
- Haworth Fern vs Herman Miller Aeron Headrest: Optional on Haworth Fern; None offered by Herman Miller on Herman Miller Aeron.
- Haworth Fern vs Steelcase Gesture Arms: Optional 4D arms on Haworth Fern; Width 10.25–22.5 in between arms on Steelcase Gesture.