ErgoChair Pro vs Series 2 Upholstered Chair: which is safer?
Autonomous ErgoChair Pro is our pick: better on PFAS and on the overall hazard picture.
Our pick
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
Steelcase
Series 2 Upholstered Chair
PFAS grade
Overall grade
Verdict
Hazard flags
Material
Confidence
LikelyFlame retardants in upholstered foam and fabric
PossibleVOC off-gassing from polyurethane foam
PossibleFormaldehyde in fabric finishes or dyes
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 Steelcase.
- We flag Flame retardants in upholstered foam and fabric, VOC off-gassing from polyurethane foam, Formaldehyde in fabric finishes or dyes and Deterioration and particle release over time on the Steelcase and not on the Autonomous.
- The Autonomous is Steel frame, upholstered fabric seat/back, plastic/aluminum components where the Steelcase is upholstered fabric, foam cushioning, steel frame, 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