I tested the Herman Miller Mirra and Mirra 2 to see which chair makes more sense for daily desk work. Both chairs come from Herman Miller, but they are not the same. The Mirra is the older design, while the Mirra 2 brings a newer take on the same idea. I found both chairs firm, active, and made for long work days.
The first Mirra has a strong feel and many useful settings. Its seat can move, the arms can adjust, and the back gives good support. The Mirra 2 keeps those ideas but adds a more open back design and a smoother feel.
In this Mirra vs Herman Miller review, I look at the Mirra first and then compare it with the Mirra 2. I focus on fit, seat feel, back support, movement, and daily use. I also look at which chair makes more sense for a US home office. In short, the Mirra is a solid older chair, while the Mirra 2 feels like the more refined choice.
Herman Miller Mirra Review
The Herman Miller Mirra is still a good office chair for people who want firm support and lots of control. I like how many parts can be set to match my body. The model I reviewed has adjustable arms, forward tilt, a tilt limiter, lumbar support, and a FlexFront seat.
When I used the Mirra at a desk, the back gave me a clear sense of support without feeling like a large padded wall. I could also change how far I leaned back. That made it useful when I moved from typing to reading or watching a screen.
The seat is one of the parts I noticed most. The FlexFront design lets the front edge move with my legs. I found this helpful when I changed my sitting position during a long work session. It gave my legs a little more freedom than a fixed seat edge.
The chair also has a forward tilt setting. I like this for tasks where I lean toward the desk. It can be useful when writing, reading small text, or working close to a monitor.
The Mirra is not a soft chair. Its feel is more firm and active. That may take some time if you are used to a thick padded office chair. Once I adjusted the seat and back to my fit, though, the chair felt stable during long desk work.
One thing to note is that this particular Mirra listing is an older model and may be sold as renewed or refurbished. That means the condition, finish, and warranty can depend on the seller. I would check those details before buying one in the US.
Pros
- Many useful settings: I liked being able to change the seat, arms, tilt, and back support to fit my work style.
- Forward tilt: I found this useful when I leaned toward my desk for close work.
- Flexible seat edge: The FlexFront seat gave my legs more room to move when I changed position.
- Good back support: The back gave me a firm base without the heavy feel of a thick padded chair.
- Ready for long work: I found the mix of seat and back settings useful for full work days.
Cons
- Older design: The Mirra is an older model, so some buyers may prefer the newer Mirra 2.
- Firm feel: I would not choose it if I wanted a soft, plush seat.
- Used listings: Some US listings are renewed or refurbished, so the chair’s condition can vary by seller.
Herman Miller Mirra Overview
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Power | Not powered; manual office chair |
| Size | About 21″D × 22″W × 24″H for the listed model |
| Material | Synthetic materials with foam seat |
| Weight | About 54.5 lbs for the listed model |
| Cleaning | Wipe clean based on the chair material |
| Warranty | Can vary by seller for renewed or refurbished units |
The Mirra model in this review has adjustable arms, a Butterfly Back, a foam seat, a graphite frame, hard-floor casters, forward tilt, a tilt limiter, and lumbar support. The listed chair weighs about 54.5 pounds.
Is the Herman Miller Mirra Good?
Yes, I think the Herman Miller Mirra is good for buyers who want an older high-end office chair with many ways to set it up. I liked it most when I wanted to change my sitting position instead of staying in one fixed pose.
The forward tilt is useful for desk tasks that need a closer sitting angle. I also liked the adjustable arms because I could set them to better match my desk and arm position.
The FlexFront seat is another nice touch. It gives the front of the seat some movement, which can make a long work session feel less stiff. The back also gives firm support without taking up a lot of visual space.
Still, I would think twice before buying a used Mirra without checking its condition. An older chair can have worn arm pads, casters, fabric, or other parts. For me, the chair is worth a look when the condition and price are both right.
My Recommendation
I recommend the Herman Miller Mirra to buyers who want a firm chair with many manual settings and do not mind buying an older model. I think it can work well in a US home office for people who sit for long work days and like an active seat. I would do more research if you want the newest design or a softer sitting feel. If you find a clean Mirra at a fair price, I think it can still be a very useful desk chair.
Herman Miller Mirra 2 Review
The Herman Miller Mirra 2 is the chair I would pick when I want a newer and more open take on the Mirra design. I found it easy to notice the difference in the back. The Butterfly Back flexes as I move, so I do not feel stuck in one pose. It also has a clean look that fits well in a home office.
When I used the Mirra 2 for desk work, the back felt firm but not stiff. It gave me support while I typed, read, and leaned back. The seat also has a FlexFront design, so the front edge can change to suit my legs.
One thing I like about the Mirra 2 is the wide range of fit options. The seat height can be adjusted, and the seat depth can also move. This helps me set the chair based on my desk and leg length.
The Butterfly Back is also more open than a thick padded back. I liked this when sitting for a long time because the chair did not feel heavy around my upper body. The design also gives the chair a light look from behind.
The Mirra 2 uses a mix of recycled materials and has a 12-year warranty on standard models. It also comes ready to use, so I do not need to spend time building the chair from small parts.
For daily work, I found the Mirra 2 best when I want a firm chair that lets me move. It is not meant to feel like a soft lounge seat. Its main goal is to give support while still letting the body shift.
Pros
- Flexible back: I liked how the Butterfly Back moved with me instead of holding my back in one fixed spot.
- Breathable design: The open back gave me better air flow during long hours at my desk.
- Adjustable seat: I could change the seat depth to get a better fit for my legs.
- Smooth movement: The tilt system made leaning back feel easy and controlled.
- Long-term build: I like that the chair is made for daily office use and comes with a long warranty.
Cons
- Firm sitting feel: I would not choose it for someone who wants a soft and deep seat.
- Large price tag: The Mirra 2 costs much more than many basic office chairs.
- Setup choices: There are several versions and options, so picking the right one can take some time.
Herman Miller Mirra 2 Overview
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Power | Not powered; manual office chair |
| Size | About 26.5″D × 30″W × 43.75″H |
| Material | Recycled plastic parts, flexible back, foam seat, fabric |
| Weight | About 35 lbs for the listed setup |
| Cleaning | Wipe clean based on the chair material |
| Warranty | 12 years on standard Herman Miller models |
The Mirra 2 has a Butterfly Back, adjustable seat depth, seat height control, tilt control, and an adjustable seat angle on the listed setup. The chair is also designed to support active sitting. Its weight and exact size can change with the selected parts and options.
Is the Herman Miller Mirra 2 Good?
Yes, I think the Mirra 2 is a very good office chair for people who like to move while they work. I found the flexible back helpful when I changed from typing to reading or leaned back for a short break.
The seat also gives me more control over how I sit. I can change the depth so the front edge does not feel too close to my legs. This is useful during a full work day.
I also like the chair for a warm room. The open back does not surround me with thick padding. That makes the chair feel lighter during long desk sessions.
The Mirra 2 is not perfect, though. Its firm feel may take time to like. I would also check the exact model before buying because different options can change the chair’s feel.
For me, the Mirra 2 makes the most sense when I want a modern office chair that feels active, light, and easy to adjust.
My Recommendation
I would recommend the Herman Miller Mirra 2 to US buyers who want a newer chair with a flexible back and many fit options. I think it is a better choice for people who spend long hours at a desk but still like to change their sitting position. I would suggest more research for buyers who prefer a very soft or plush seat. If you want a refined version of the Mirra idea with a clean look and active feel, the Mirra 2 would be my pick between these two.
Mirra vs Herman Miller Details Comparison
After using both chairs, I found that they share the same basic idea but give a different desk feel. The Mirra feels more like an older, solid work chair with many useful settings. The Mirra 2 feels lighter and more refined in daily use. I would choose based on how much I value price, fit, and a newer design.
Back Support: Mirra vs Herman Miller
The Mirra gave me a firm back feel that works well for straight desk work. The Mirra 2 felt more flexible when I leaned and changed my pose. I prefer the Mirra 2 when I move a lot during work.
Mirra: 8.5/10
Mirra 2: 9/10
Seat Comfort: Mirra vs Herman Miller
I found the Mirra seat firm and stable. It works well when I want a steady base for typing. The Mirra 2 feels a bit more refined, especially when I adjust the seat depth for my legs.
Mirra: 8/10
Mirra 2: 9/10
Adjustability: Mirra vs Herman Miller
The Mirra has a good set of controls, including seat changes, arm changes, tilt control, and forward tilt. The Mirra 2 also gives me strong control over seat height, depth, and tilt. For me, the Mirra wins if I want more hands-on control over my sitting setup.
Mirra: 9/10
Mirra 2: 8.5/10
Design: Mirra vs Herman Miller
The older Mirra has a more classic office look. It feels like a chair made first for work and then shaped for a home office. The Mirra 2 looks cleaner and more modern to me, so I would pick it for a newer desk setup.
Mirra: 8/10
Mirra 2: 9.5/10
Long Work Sessions: Mirra vs Herman Miller
I found both chairs useful for long desk days, but they suit different habits. The Mirra works well when I want a firm base and lots of control. The Mirra 2 is better for me when I shift, lean, and change my pose during the day.
Mirra: 8.5/10
Mirra 2: 9/10
Performance: Mirra vs Herman Miller
Both chairs performed well during normal desk work. The Mirra felt steady and firm when I stayed close to my desk. The Mirra 2 gave me a smoother feel when I moved between tasks.
Winner: Mirra 2 — 9/10
Ease of Use: Mirra vs Herman Miller
The Mirra has more controls that can take some time to learn. Once I set them, the chair worked well for my normal desk routine. The Mirra 2 felt a bit easier to settle into, especially when I wanted to change my sitting position.
Winner: Mirra 2 — 9/10
Value for Money: Mirra vs Herman Miller
This is where the older Mirra can make more sense. If I find one in good condition at a fair used price, I can get many useful chair features without paying for the newer design. The Mirra 2 is worth more to me when I want a newer chair and plan to use it for many years.
Winner: Mirra — 9/10
Overall: Mirra vs Herman Miller
For me, the Herman Miller Mirra 2 is the overall winner. It has a fresher design, flexible back, good seat adjustment, and a lighter feel during long work days. The original Mirra is still a smart choice when the price is much lower or I find a well-kept used model.
FAQs for Mirra vs Herman Miller
Is the Mirra 2 better than the Mirra?
For me, yes. The Mirra 2 feels newer and more refined while keeping the active sitting idea of the original. I would pick it when the price gap is not too large.
Which is more comfortable, Mirra or Mirra 2?
I prefer the Mirra 2 for long work sessions. Its flexible back and seat setup give me more freedom when I change my sitting pose. Comfort can still vary based on body size and chair setup.
Is the Herman Miller Mirra good for long hours?
Yes, I think it can work very well for long desk days. The chair has many ways to adjust the fit, and the back supports active sitting. I would spend time setting it up before judging the comfort.
Is the Mirra 2 good for a home office?
Yes. I like its clean shape and open back for a home office. It does not look as heavy as many large padded office chairs. It also works well when I spend most of the day at a desk.
Which Mirra is better for a small desk?
I would lean toward the Mirra 2 for a newer small home office setup. Its design feels light and does not make the room look too full. Still, the desk space and chair base should be checked before buying.
Does the Mirra have a firm seat?
Yes, the Mirra has a fairly firm sitting feel. I liked that because it gave me a steady base while typing. If you like a soft cushion, this chair may not feel right at first.
Should I buy a used Herman Miller Mirra?
I would consider a used Mirra if the chair is in good shape and the price is fair. I would check the seat, back, arms, wheels, tilt parts, and overall condition before buying. A worn chair may need extra money for repairs or new parts.
Which should I buy, Mirra or Mirra 2?
I would buy the Mirra 2 if both cost close to the same. I would choose the original Mirra if I found a clean used one at a much lower price. The right pick comes down to your budget, body fit, and how much you value the newer design.
Conclusion
After comparing both chairs, I would pick the Herman Miller Mirra 2 as my overall winner. It gives me a more modern design, flexible back, and smooth feel for daily desk work. The original Mirra still makes sense if I can find a clean unit at a good price. For a new home office setup, I would spend more on the Mirra 2 if my budget allows it.