Introduction
I have always liked office chairs that feel supportive without feeling bulky. When I compared the original Mirra with the Mirra 2, I noticed that both chairs have the same basic goal, but they feel quite different in daily use. The original Mirra has a classic feel, while the Mirra 2 feels more refined and easier to adjust. After looking closely at both, I think the Mirra 2 is the better choice for most people.
Original Mirra vs Mirra 2: Product Review
The original Mirra is still an interesting chair for anyone who likes a firm, active sitting style. It has a strong frame and a flexible back that helps support movement. The seat also has a more classic feel that some people may prefer over newer chair designs.
What I like most about the original Mirra is its simple, proven design. It does not try to look like a soft executive chair. Instead, it keeps you in a more upright sitting position. The breathable back is also useful during long work sessions.
The Mirra 2 takes the same basic idea and improves it. It was designed to be lighter than the original Mirra, and the newer design focuses more on movement and fit. I found the Mirra 2 easier to fine-tune for different sitting positions.
The Mirra 2 also offers useful options such as adjustable lumbar support, adjustable arms, seat-depth adjustment, and different back choices. That gives it an edge when comfort and fit matter most.
Pros and Cons
Original Mirra Pros
- Classic Herman Miller design
- Strong and durable build
- Good airflow
- Supportive seat
- Great choice for used-chair buyers
- Simple and proven design
Original Mirra Cons
- Older design
- Harder to find new
- Fewer refinements than Mirra 2
- Firm feel may not suit everyone
- Used condition can vary a lot
Mirra 2 Pros
- Lighter than the original Mirra
- More refined ergonomic design
- Excellent adjustability
- Good lumbar support
- Breathable materials
- Flexible back design
- Strong long-term build quality
- 12-year warranty when purchased new with applicable terms
Mirra 2 Cons
- Expensive when bought new
- Firm feel may take time to get used to
- One chair size may not fit every body equally well
- Some useful features depend on the configuration
Original Mirra Product Overview
The original Mirra was built around movement and support. Its back and seat work together to keep the chair responsive while you move. I like this approach because the chair does not feel like a large, soft cushion.
The original model is also a good option for someone shopping for a used Herman Miller chair. Since the model has been around for years, refurbished examples can sometimes offer a much lower price than a new premium chair.
The main thing I would check is condition. With an older chair, the actual condition can matter as much as the model itself.
Mirra 2 Product Overview
The Mirra 2 is the newer generation of the chair. Herman Miller says the Mirra 2 was made about 30% lighter than the original Mirra, while the newer version also received updates aimed at materials, ergonomics, and sustainability.
I like the Mirra 2 because it gives me more ways to set the chair up. Depending on the configuration, you can get adjustable lumbar support, adjustable arms, seat-depth adjustment, and tilt controls.
The chair also comes with either the Butterfly Suspension Back or TriFlex Back. The Butterfly version gives a more flexible feel, while the TriFlex version has a more solid plastic back.
Is the Original Mirra Good?
Yes, the original Mirra is still a good office chair if you find one in good condition.
I would especially consider it if the price is much lower than a Mirra 2. A clean, well-kept original Mirra can still be a very useful work chair.
The biggest reason I would not automatically choose it is age. If two chairs cost close to the same amount and both are in similar condition, I would take the Mirra 2.
Is the Mirra 2 Good?
Yes. For most people, I think the Mirra 2 is the better overall chair.
It has a more modern design and gives me more control over the fit. The flexible materials also make it feel more active when I move, reach, or lean back.
I would not call it a soft chair. If you want a thick, cushioned seat that feels like a sofa, neither Mirra model is the right pick. But if you like firm support and good airflow, the Mirra 2 makes a lot of sense.
My Recommendation
If I were buying one for daily office work, I would choose the Mirra 2. It has the newer design, more refined adjustments, and a lighter build. I would choose the original Mirra only if I found a clean used model at a much better price. For someone who wants a chair to use for many years, the Mirra 2 is the safer overall choice.
Original Mirra vs Mirra 2: Product Comparison
| Feature | Original Mirra | Mirra 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Original generation | Updated generation |
| Feel | Firm and supportive | Firm and more refined |
| Back | Flexible classic design | Butterfly or TriFlex options |
| Lumbar Support | Available on some versions | Available on selected configurations |
| Seat Adjustment | Depends on configuration | More refined options |
| Arm Adjustment | Depends on configuration | Adjustable options available |
| Weight | Heavier | About 30% lighter than original |
| Airflow | Very good | Very good |
| Build Quality | Excellent | Excellent |
| New Availability | Limited/discontinued | Current model |
| Used Value | Often attractive | Usually costs more |
| Best For | Budget-conscious used buyers | Most new buyers |
The biggest difference I noticed is not that the Mirra 2 completely changes the chair. It improves the original idea. Herman Miller kept the focus on movement while making the newer model lighter and adding more refined options.
The current Mirra 2 also comes with a 12-year warranty when purchased under Herman Miller’s applicable warranty terms.
Which One Should You Buy?
I would break it down in a simple way.
Choose the original Mirra if you find a clean used chair at a great price. It can still be a very good office chair, especially when the savings are large.
Choose the Mirra 2 if you want the newer design, better adjustment options, and a chair that is easier to recommend for long-term daily use.
For me, the Mirra 2 wins because it takes what worked in the original and makes the whole package more polished.
Performance:
The Mirra 2 gets my edge here. It feels stable, responsive, and supportive during normal desk work. The original Mirra is still strong, but the newer model feels more refined.
Ease of Use:
The Mirra 2 is easier to fine-tune because of its range of adjustment options. The original Mirra is not difficult to use, but its older design does not feel quite as flexible.
Value for Money:
The original Mirra can be the better deal when bought used at a good price. The Mirra 2 costs more, but I think the extra cost makes more sense if you want a newer chair and plan to use it for years.
Overall:
The Mirra 2 is my winner in the original Mirra vs Mirra 2 comparison. The original is still worth considering when the price is low, but the Mirra 2 gives me the better mix of comfort, support, adjustment, and modern design.
FAQ
Is the original Mirra still worth buying?
Yes. A clean original Mirra can still be a good choice, especially if you find one at a low used price.
Is Mirra 2 better than the original Mirra?
For most buyers, yes. Mirra 2 is lighter and has several design and adjustment improvements over the original.
Is Mirra 2 comfortable for long hours?
It can be very comfortable for long work sessions if the chair is adjusted correctly. Its feel is firm and supportive rather than soft and cushioned.
Does Mirra 2 have lumbar support?
Yes, adjustable lumbar support is available on Mirra 2 configurations.
Is the original Mirra discontinued?
The original Mirra has been replaced by Mirra 2 as the newer generation of the chair.
Which is better for a home office?
I would pick the Mirra 2 for a home office if the budget allows. Its adjustment options make it easier to set up for daily desk work.
Which one is better for a tight budget?
The original Mirra can be the better budget choice when you find a good used or refurbished model.
Should I buy a used Mirra or a new Mirra 2?
If the used Mirra is in excellent condition and much cheaper, it can be a smart buy. If the prices are close, I would buy the Mirra 2.
Conclusion
The original Mirra deserves credit for creating a strong foundation. It is still a useful chair and can be a great deal when bought used. But when I compare the two side by side, the Mirra 2 feels like the more complete product.
It is lighter, more refined, and offers more ways to adjust the chair to your body. I would buy the Mirra 2 for most people. The original Mirra is the one I would choose only when I could get it for a much better price.