The short answer: buy the Fern if you want a soft, edge-free back that supports you from the neck down and a forward tilt for leaning into your desk. Buy the Leap if you want precise lower-back adjustment, a lower seat, or a chair rated past 350 lb. Both adjust seat depth by 3 inches, both have height-adjustable lumbar, and in November 2026 they cost about the same.
Prices in November 2026: the Fern is $997 in Haworth’s Black Friday early-access sale (25% off, was $1,330) and $998 on Amazon, sold by Haworth. The Leap is about $1,124 on Amazon from Pattern, Steelcase’s authorized seller, and $1,625 for the default configuration in Steelcase’s holiday sale (was $2,167; through December 8, 2026).
Fern vs. Leap at a Glance
| Haworth Fern | Steelcase Leap (V2) | |
|---|---|---|
| Price, November 2026 | $997 at Haworth (was $1,330); $998 on Amazon | About $1,124 on Amazon; $1,625 on sale at Steelcase |
| Back | Wave Suspension: frameless central spine with flexible fronds | LiveBack shell, upholstered |
| Lumbar | Height-adjustable | Height-adjustable (5 in.) plus firmness knob |
| Seat height | 16.5 to 21.5 in. | 15.5 to 20.5 in. (17 to 24 in. with tall cylinder) |
| Seat depth | Adjustable 15.5 to 18.5 in. | Adjustable 15.75 to 18.75 in. |
| Seat width | 19.9 in. | 19.25 in. |
| Recline | Synchronized tilt; 5-position back stop | Natural Glide; 4 stops plus upright lock |
| Forward tilt | 5°, optional | No |
| Arms | Fixed, height-adjustable, 4D or none | 4D standard |
| Weight capacity | 350 lb (325 lb with forward tilt) | 400 lb (Leap Plus 500 lb) |
| Warranty | 12 years on the chair; fabrics 3 to 5 years | Lifetime on frame; 12 years on mechanisms, cylinder, foam, casters |
| Certifications | BIFMA Level 3, GREENGUARD Gold; made in the USA | BIFMA Level 3, SCS Indoor Advantage Gold |
Specs are from Haworth’s Fern product sheet and store listing and Steelcase’s 2025 Leap cut sheet.
The Backs
The Fern’s Wave Suspension back has no outer frame. A central spine with flexible fronds holds a fabric or knit surface, and Haworth says it supports the back from the neck down through the lumbar and pelvic regions. Because there’s no hard edge around the back, nothing presses into your shoulder blades when you turn or lean. A height-adjustable lumbar sits on top.
The Leap’s LiveBack is a flexing shell with an upholstered cushion. Its lumbar slides 5 inches and a separate knob sets how firmly the lower back pushes forward. That firmness control is the one thing the Fern doesn’t have.
Seat
Both seats slide 3 inches, so both fit short and long thighs in one size. The Fern sits an inch higher at both ends (16.5 to 21.5 inches against 15.5 to 20.5), which suits taller people and higher desks. The Leap goes lower, which suits shorter people, and its optional tall cylinder reaches 24 inches. See our office chair seat height ranges for other chairs.
Recline and Forward Tilt
The Fern has a 5-position back stop from upright to reclined and an optional 5° forward tilt, which tips the seat down at the front for people who lean in to type, draw or read.
The Leap’s Natural Glide slides the seat forward as you recline so you can keep typing while leaning back. It has four stops plus an upright lock but no forward tilt.
Weight Capacity
Haworth warrants the Fern for people up to 350 lb, or 325 lb with the forward tilt option. Steelcase tests the Leap to 400 lb, and the Leap Plus to 500 lb. See our office chair weight limits.
Warranty
Haworth covers its seating for 12 years at 24/7 use, with shorter terms on fabrics and mesh (three to five years depending on the grade). Coverage starts on the date of manufacture, applies only to the first purchaser, and ends if you sell the chair.
Steelcase’s consumer warranty covers the Leap’s frame and structure for life and its mechanisms, lumbar mechanism, cylinder, foam, arm caps and casters for 12 years, for the original buyer from Steelcase or an authorized reseller. Pattern is Steelcase’s authorized Amazon seller. Our office chair warranty comparison covers the details.
Which Should You Buy?
| If you… | Better pick | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Want a soft back with no hard frame | Fern | Frameless Wave Suspension |
| Lean forward to type, draw or read | Fern | Optional 5° forward tilt |
| Want to set lumbar firmness as well as height | Leap | Firmness knob is standard |
| Are short or sit at a low desk | Leap | Seat goes down to 15.5 in. |
| Are tall or sit at a high desk | Fern, or Leap with tall cylinder | Fern tops out at 21.5 in.; Leap option reaches 24 in. |
| Weigh over 350 lb | Leap or Leap Plus | Rated to 400 or 500 lb |
| Want the lower price this month | Fern | $997 to $998 against about $1,124 |
Best frameless back
Haworth Fern
Wave Suspension back, height-adjustable lumbar, 5-position back stop and optional forward tilt.
Best lumbar adjustment
Steelcase Leap
Adjustable lumbar height and firmness, Natural Glide recline, 4D arms and a 400 lb rating.
The Fern is also on sale on Haworth’s store. For other Leap comparisons, read Steelcase Leap vs. Gesture, Herman Miller Aeron vs. Steelcase Leap and Herman Miller Embody vs. Steelcase Leap. Our guide to the best office chairs has more picks, and office chair Black Friday sales lists this year’s deals.
Haworth Fern vs. Steelcase Leap FAQ
Is the Haworth Fern better than the Steelcase Leap?
It depends on the back you prefer. The Fern’s frameless Wave Suspension back is softer and has no hard edges, and it offers forward tilt. The Leap has more lower-back adjustment, a lower seat and a higher weight rating.
Which is better for back pain, the Fern or the Leap?
Both have height-adjustable lumbar. The Leap also lets you set lumbar firmness. Haworth designs the Fern’s back to support from the neck down to the pelvis. The one whose support fits your spine is the right one.
What is the weight limit of the Haworth Fern?
Haworth warrants the Fern for people up to 350 lb, or 325 lb with the forward tilt option. The Leap is tested to 400 lb.
Does the Haworth Fern have forward tilt?
Yes, as an option. It tips the seat forward 5°. The Steelcase Leap doesn’t offer forward tilt.
What is the warranty on the Haworth Fern?
Twelve years on the chair at 24/7 use, with three to five years on fabrics and mesh depending on the grade. It starts on the date of manufacture and covers only the first purchaser.
Is the Haworth Fern made in the USA?
Haworth’s product sheet says the Fern is made in the USA.
