ErgoChair Pro vs Freedom Chair with Headrest by Humanscale: which is safer?
Freedom Chair with Headrest by Humanscale is our pick: better on PFAS and on the overall hazard picture.
Autonomous
ErgoChair Pro
PFAS grade
Overall grade
Verdict
Hazard flags
Material
Confidence
LikelyFlame-retardant chemicals in upholstery fabric
PossibleFormaldehyde-releasing resins in fabric finish and adhesives
PossibleVolatile organic compounds (VOCs) from off-gassing
Our pick
Humanscale
Freedom Chair with Headrest by Humanscale
PFAS grade
Overall grade
Verdict
Hazard flags
Material
Confidence
PossibleVolatile organic compounds (VOCs) from polyurethane foam and upholstery finish
PossibleUndisclosed flame retardants in foam or fabric
PossibleFormaldehyde releasers in adhesives or fabric binders
Where these two actually differ
- We flag Flame-retardant chemicals in upholstery fabric, Formaldehyde-releasing resins in fabric finish and adhesives and Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from off-gassing on the Autonomous and not on the Humanscale.
- We flag Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from polyurethane foam and upholstery finish, Undisclosed flame retardants in foam or fabric, Formaldehyde releasers in adhesives or fabric binders and Polyurethane degradation under heat or UV on the Humanscale and not on the Autonomous.
- The Autonomous is Steel frame, upholstered fabric seat/back, plastic/aluminum components where the Humanscale is mesh fabric, aluminum frame, foam cushioning, polyurethane upholstery options, which is most of the difference in these two grades.
- These two are level, close enough that price and fit should decide it rather than our grade.
Both products run through the same public rubric: materials, coatings, brand disclosure, lab findings, and recalls, plus a beyond-PFAS hazard analysis. Grades are model-based estimates, not lab tests. How grades work →
More office chairs: see the full ranking