Ergohuman Chair Guide: GEN2 vs Xtreme, and Which One to Buy

If you're looking at an Ergohuman chair, you've probably noticed there are two that come up again and again: the GEN2 and the Xtreme. They look alike in photos. They don't sit alike.

Here's the short version. The GEN2 gives you more separate adjustments and a deeper seat, so it suits most people at a standard desk. The Xtreme sits higher, folds its controls into a single mechanism, and adds forward seat tilt, which makes it the better fit if you're tall or work at a raised desk.

The rest of this guide walks through the numbers so you can check them against your own body and workstation before you order.

What the Ergohuman chair actually is

Ergohuman is a line from Eurotech, the seating brand the Raynor Group has been building since 1979. When people say "the Ergohuman," they usually mean the high back all-mesh model, the ME7ERG-GEN2.

Most of what you'll find online is store listings repeating the same bullet points, or forum threads arguing about whether it's as good as some other famous chair. Neither tells you much about fit. Measurements do, so let's start there.

The GEN2 by the numbers

From Eurotech's spec sheet for the ME7ERG-GEN2:

Eurotech lists these adjustments: synchro-tilt, tilt lock, tilt tension, back angle, back height (for placing the lumbar support), seat depth, seat height, and arms that adjust in height, width, depth, and angle. It also has a waterfall seat edge and a headrest.

That's a lot of controls, and that's the point. The GEN2 is made for people who want to set the chair to their body. Eurotech also states the Ergohuman is 97% post-use recyclable and GREENGUARD certified.

The Xtreme by the numbers

From Eurotech's spec sheet for the Ergohuman Xtreme:

Eurotech says that on the Xtreme "all of its controls have been integrated into a single mechanism." It also lists two things you won't find on the GEN2's list: forward seat tilt and a 2.8" ratchet back height adjustment.

Ergohuman GEN2 vs Xtreme: four differences that matter

1. Seat height

This is usually what decides it. The GEN2 runs from 17.83" to 21.38". The Xtreme starts at 20" and goes up to 23.6".

Sit at your desk and measure from the floor to the back of your knee, wearing the shoes you work in. If that number is near the low end, the GEN2 is the safer choice, because your feet need to rest flat. If you're tall or your desk is high, the Xtreme's range puts the seat where you need it.

2. Seat depth

The GEN2 seat is 19.69" deep. The Xtreme's is 15.5". Both adjust for depth, but they start from very different places.

With your back against the backrest, you want a gap of roughly two to four fingers between the seat edge and the back of your knee. Long thighs tend to suit the GEN2. If you hate feeling the seat edge behind your knees, the Xtreme will feel less crowded.

3. Controls

The GEN2 gives you more separate adjustments. The Xtreme puts them into one mechanism. If the chair will be shared, or you know you won't touch most of the levers, the simpler setup makes sense. If you like to fine-tune, go with the GEN2.

4. Forward tilt

Eurotech describes the Xtreme's forward seat tilt as changing "the angle of the seat to enable proper ergonomic posture while using a computer keyboard." If you lean in to type for long stretches, that's useful. If you mostly sit back to read or take calls, you probably won't miss it.

Mesh, leather, or both

The GEN2 comes in three covers:

• All mesh (ME7ERG-GEN2): the original, and the most breathable.
• Leather seat, mesh back (LEM4ERG-GEN2): a different seat feel, with the breathable back kept.
• All leather (LE9ERG-GEN2): the most formal look.

Unless the chair sits in a client-facing office, all-mesh is the one to get. The mesh is a big part of why the Ergohuman became popular.

High back or mid back

Each Ergohuman model has a mid back version, marked "LO" in the model name, such as the Xtreme ME3ERGLO.

Choose high back if you recline and want a headrest. Choose mid back if you sit upright, or if the chair has to fit under a low shelf or into a tight room. Measure the space behind and above the chair before you choose.

When an Ergohuman chair isn't the right buy

It's better to know now than after delivery.

• You're above the standard warranty assumptions. Eurotech's general warranty assumes normal use in a 40-hour work week and a 275 lb weight limit unless noted otherwise. If that doesn't describe how you'll use the chair, look at the Big & Tall / 24/7 collection.
• You want to sit down and never adjust anything. The GEN2 pays off when you spend some time setting it up. If you won't, a simpler task chair from the Apollo series may be better value.
• Your desk is the real problem. No chair fixes a desk that's too high or too low for you. Check your elbow height against the desk surface first.

Warranty in plain terms

Eurotech's limited lifetime warranty covers all components for the life of the product, except upholstery and foam, which are covered for five years. It applies to the original purchaser, requires proof of purchase, and covers repair or replacement, not shipping or labor. Keep your invoice.

Try it at your desk: a 10-minute check

When the chair arrives, set it up in this order and adjust one thing at a time:

1. Seat height. Feet flat, thighs about level.
2. Seat depth. Slide the seat until there are two to four fingers behind your knee.
3. Back height. Move the back until the lumbar curve sits in the small of your back.
4. Tilt. Set tension to suit your weight. Lock it upright for long typing sessions if you like.
5. Arms. Bring them to elbow height so your shoulders can drop.

Then do your normal work for a while. If you keep sliding forward or reaching, change one setting and try again.

Which one to buy

For most people at a standard desk, get the Ergohuman GEN2 all mesh. It has the most adjustments, and the deeper seat suits more bodies.

If you're tall or work at a high desk, get the Ergohuman Xtreme. Pick it for the higher seat range and the forward tilt, but check the seat depth first.

You can see every model in our Ergohuman collection. Shipping is free. If you're buying several for an office, the Business Purchasing page covers bulk discounts.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Ergohuman a good chair?

It is if you'll use the adjustments. What it does best is range: seat depth, back height, synchro-tilt, and arms that adjust four ways. If you never plan to touch a lever, you're paying for features you won't use.

What does GEN2 mean?

GEN2 is the current generation of the Ergohuman line. Eurotech sells it in all mesh, leather seat with mesh back, and all leather, in high back and mid back versions.

What's the difference between ME7ERG and ME8ERGLO?

Both are all-mesh GEN2 chairs. ME7ERG is the high back and ME8ERGLO is the mid back. "LO" in an Ergohuman model name means mid back.

Does the Ergohuman have lumbar support?

Yes. The GEN2 has back height adjustment so you can raise or lower the back to support your lower back. The Xtreme has a 2.8" ratchet back height adjustment.

How heavy is the Ergohuman?

According to Eurotech's specs, the GEN2 high back all mesh weighs 66 lbs and the Xtreme weighs 69 lbs. Plan on two people to carry the box up stairs.

Can I use it on hard floors?

Eurotech lists the Ergohuman as available with or without casters. On hard floors, a chair mat or soft casters will help protect the surface.

Not sure which Ergohuman suits you? Send us your height, desk height, and how you work, and we'll help you narrow it down. Email service@ergoessentials.co or call (303) 879-5355.

Specs and warranty terms are from Eurotech's official product pages and policy page at eurotechseating.com.