The catch
Haworth Soji
A firm seat and a lumbar pad that can feel direct take getting used to, especially until its height is right.
Side by side
Haworth Soji vs Steelcase Series 1: Series 1 adjusts recline to shared users, Soji relies on manual tension
Quick verdict
If you want to set recline tension manually, Soji is the fit. Series 1 passes between users more easily, since its resistance responds to body weight.
Before you buy
Why, and what it costs you
A shared chair is better with less resetting
With Series 1 you don't have to pick a new tension setting for every sitter.
Where this comes from
Set Series 1's weight-responsive resistance against Soji's manual tilt tension.
The catch
Steelcase Series 1
Next to Leap, the narrow back and thinner seat feel less substantial once sessions get very long.
Haworth Soji
- Why pick it
- Choosing recline resistance yourself is what you prefer.
- A wider-looking commercial task-chair layout appeals to you.
- The catch
- A firm seat and a lumbar pad that can feel direct take getting used to, especially until its height is right.
Steelcase Series 1
- Why pick it
- Different people sit in it each day.
- Once you have checked the seat fit, a rating above 350 lb is what you need.
- The catch
- Next to Leap, the narrow back and thinner seat feel less substantial once sessions get very long.
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What this page compares
Soji and Series 1 compared for a shared desk or a personal workstation, looking at recline setup, seat controls and the published load ratings.
Which one fits
Pick the situations that sound like you
Several daily users
Series 1 adjusts to the user's weight.
- Haworth Soji
- Good
- Steelcase Series 1
- Better fit
You want to choose the recline resistance
Soji lets you control tension directly by hand.
- Haworth Soji
- Better fit
- Steelcase Series 1
- Good
The user weighs over 350 lb and at most 400 lb
Series 1's rating goes up to 400 lb.
- Haworth Soji
- Not suitable
- Steelcase Series 1
- Better fit
Seat-depth adjustment is a must
A movable seat comes with each, though individual fit still has to be checked.
- Haworth Soji
- Good
- Steelcase Series 1
- Good
In practice
Differences you will notice
A shared chair is better with less resetting
With Series 1 you don't have to pick a new tension setting for every sitter.
How we worked this out
Set Series 1's weight-responsive resistance against Soji's manual tilt tension.
Having seat slides is a shared requirement
The documented depth travel on Soji is 2.5 inches.
How we worked this out
18.75 minus 16.25 leaves 2.5 inches. Series 1 adjusts depth as well, so check its endpoint dimensions before deciding on fit.
Capacity and compact styling are separate matters
Even with its compact design, Series 1 is rated 50 lb higher.
How we worked this out
400 minus 350 leaves 50 lb. Neither figure tells you the seat width or whether there is comfortable working clearance.
Option A
Haworth, Mist
Soji
This commercial task chair keeps things simple, with seat-depth control, synchronized tilt and a foam seat that supports well.
- Best for
- Shared or home offices that need a durable chair that is easy to adjust
Facts we checked
- An upright back lock is part of the synchronized tilt
- Adjustable depth and a waterfall edge feature on the seat
- North American manufacturing, BIFMA compliance and GREENGUARD Gold are all listed by Haworth
Option B
Steelcase, Onyx with lumbar support
Series 1
A compact task chair that brings Steelcase ergonomics together with 4D arms, adjustable depth and recline that responds to your weight.
- Best for
- Small shared workstations where you still want premium controls
Facts we checked
- Adjustable lumbar comes standard, and the seat adjusts in height and depth
- Arms with four-dimensional adjustment cover height, width, depth and pivot
- Steelcase terms give 12-year multi-shift coverage, and the chair is rated to 400 lb
Spec by spec
Where they really differ
| Spec | Haworth Soji | Steelcase Series 1 | In practice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Recline resistance | Manual tension | Weight responsive | With Soji you choose the resistance yourself, while Series 1 adapts to the user. |
| Rated load | 350 lb | 400 lb | Series 1 has 50 lb more rated capacity. |
| Seat-depth control | 16.25 to 18.75 inches | Adjustable seat depth | A seat slide is on both, so depth adjustment alone doesn't set them apart. |
| Back construction | Mesh back | Flexible LiveBack with upholstered or mesh-style cover by configuration | Even when both look ventilated, the back structure and finish are different. |
| Recline control style | Tension adjustment and upright lock | Weight-responsive mechanism with comfort settings | In practice, the difference is how often the user has to retune the chair. |
Trade-offs
What each pick costs you
With Haworth Soji
- When checked, the Mist listing on Amazon had few offers available, but Haworth still sells Soji direct.
With Steelcase Series 1
- Leap gives you separate recline tension and stops to set directly, while the weight-responsive recline here gives you less direct control.
Change of plan
When the answer changes
You want greater load capacity along with detailed manual back controls
Neither model fits. Leap offers manual recline and separate lower-back firmness on top of a 400 lb rating.
Decision guide
How to decide
Series 1 is easier to share around, thanks to resistance that responds to body weight. Soji fits people who want to set recline tension manually.
For a hot desk at home
When one person likes firm recline and another is much lighter, resistance settings can turn into a daily annoyance. Series 1 handles the switch automatically. Soji works well if users like a deliberate personal setting and remember to adjust it.
For shorter or longer thighs
The seat moves on both chairs. What to check is whether the right position leaves clearance behind your knees while your back still reaches the support. Soji has a documented 16.25 inch minimum. Get the exact Series 1 dimensions before assuming the fit is equal.
For an office ordering several chairs
At 400 lb, the Series 1 rating gives a broader rated load envelope than Soji. Treat that as a screening criterion and not a comfort ranking. A chair can meet the weight requirement and still have arm spacing or seat dimensions that do not suit a particular employee.
What this page can’t tell you
- Everything here rests on documented controls and dimensions. No hands-on test measured pressure, durability or comfort.
- Seller eligibility and regional terms decide how far manufacturer warranties apply. Neither chair is positioned as treatment for pain.
By the numbers
What the data shows
What we found across the office chairs we compare, plus the checked facts behind each finding.
How many fit
Only 3 of the 32 models checked meet every need here: “More than one person will use this chair”, “I shift around and recline while I work”, “The seat depth has to fit my legs”, and “Having parts covered long term matters”.
3 models fit, out of 32 checkedShow the facts and the math
How we countedThe count uses each product's current fit ratings for “More than one person will use this chair”, “I shift around and recline while I work”, “The seat depth has to fit my legs”, and “Having parts covered long term matters”. A need with no documented match is not counted.
| Product | Needs it meets | Facts we checked | Sources |
|---|---|---|---|
| Haworth Soji |
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| Steelcase Series 1 |
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Ready to buy
See today’s price and what owners say
Open either model on Amazon for the current price, customer reviews and delivery options.
Haworth Soji
Choosing recline resistance yourself is what you prefer.
See price & reviews on AmazonSteelcase Series 1
Different people sit in it each day.
See price & reviews on AmazonEach link opens in a new tab.
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