Steelcase Gesture
Exact average 81.0 · 2 printed, 8 estimated · printed scores only: 80
Image: SteelcaseCritics single out the Gesture's armrests, which move in more directions than any rival's, and its sturdy build. 7 of 10 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.
Reviewed by The Next Web, TechGearLab, Wirecutter and 7 more
The catch: Very expensive, with limited lower-back support.
8 of these 10 outlets print no score. We estimated theirs from the review text, then adjusted the estimates against the ratings outlets actually print (ours ran slightly low). An estimate is never higher than 92.
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What 10 critics said
Highest score first · all converted to 0–100- 85The Next Web
- 75TechGearLab
Testers were split on comfort, which kept the Gesture from an award, though adjustability, durability and assembly are excellent.
Read TechGearLab review - 85est.Wirecutter
Wirecutter's top pick for most people after panel testing, praised for comfort, adjustability, easy recline and durability.
Read Wirecutter review - 83est.TechRadar
A sturdy, sleek and very adjustable chair with standout armrests that is comfortable once set up.
Read TechRadar review - 83est.Popular Science
Named the pick for big and tall users because it fits many body sizes and has well-judged arms.
Read Popular Science review - 83est.Architectural Digest
An editor found it comfortable and supportive, with a conforming backrest and good adjustability, earning a best-for-posture pick.
Read Architectural Digest review - 83est.CNN Underscored
Part of an 18-chair test, where the Gesture nearly took the top spot.
Read CNN Underscored review - 83est.The Guardian
Tested in a roundup and named best for adjustable style, with a sleek design and intuitive adjustments.
Read The Guardian review - 77est.Tom's Guide
The reviewer calls it the most comfortable chair they have owned, but says the price is nearly impossible to justify and the lumbar support is weak.
Read Tom's Guide review - 73est.Creative Bloq
A well-built, comfortable chair with excellent armrests, but the reviewer cannot wholeheartedly recommend it to ordinary buyers because of the price.
Read Creative Bloq review
"Est." means the outlet printed no score, so we estimated one from its verdict and checked our estimates against ratings outlets print. How we check estimates
What critics praise most
What critics dislike most
Other office chairs critics rate highly
Compare head to head
Common questions
Is the Steelcase Gesture worth it?
Most critics think so: 7 of 10 recommend it. Very expensive, with limited lower-back support.
Do critics agree about the Steelcase Gesture?
Critics agree: scores range from 73 (Creative Bloq) to 85 (The Next Web), a spread of 12 points across 10 reviews. Reviewers broadly agree.
What do critics dislike about the Steelcase Gesture?
Price (9 of 10 reviews), Lower-back support (3 of 10 reviews), Firm seat (2 of 10 reviews).
What is the best alternative to the Steelcase Gesture?
The Steelcase Leap (critic score 86), top pick, narrowly.