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the $900 tcentric hybrid chair is a solid aeron alternative

AVATAR Matt Burns
Matt Burns
Editorial Director, Insight Media Group
•November 5, 2020
Topics:ChairchairsTCwork from home gear
the $900 tcentric hybrid chair is a solid aeron alternative

To be upfront: The Aeron remains a superior chair. However, the difference is minimal, and that’s the key takeaway here.

The tCentric Hybrid begins at $900 and delivers substantial comfort and support for individuals who spend long hours working. It features a comprehensive array of adjustment controls, knobs, and customization possibilities. This chair is available for purchase with a wide selection of accessories and optional features. The model I’ve been using includes the optional headrest, which I’ve found particularly beneficial during extended periods at my desk, even for quick rests away from the household.

This chair is exceptionally well-constructed. It’s robust, weighty, and possesses a certain aesthetic appeal rooted in its industrial design. The lumbar support is generous, and the seat provides ample cushioning – though not excessively so – for extended sitting. To clarify, this is designed as an office chair, not a recliner, but it still prioritizes comfort.

The Hybrid chair incorporates all the features one would anticipate. Every component is adjustable, including the lumbar support, which utilizes an inflatable element that can be adjusted as needed. The armrests are also highly adjustable, perhaps to an excessive degree. Unfortunately, the armrests cannot be securely locked into a fixed position.

I began evaluating this chair approximately two months ago, temporarily setting aside my Herman Miller Aeron for comparison. Do I prefer the tCentric Hybrid? Not particularly. Nevertheless, they perform similarly, although it required about a week of adjustments to bring the tCentric Hybrid to the same level of comfort as the Aeron.

The test unit I received is equipped with several optional upgrades, all of which are excellent. The company provides a multitude of options for this chair. Require a greater height? A larger lift can be ordered. Have longer legs? A longer seat is available. Various cushion options are also offered. The possibilities are extensive.

These chairs are manufactured by ergoCentric in Mississauga, Ontario, and the company is currently expanding its presence into the United States. ergoCentric chairs can be purchased through authorized retailers or directly from the company via their sales network.

The Hybrid Mesh Back chair has a starting price of $900, and this is a significant consideration. It is priced very close to the highly regarded Herman Miller Aeron. After two months of use, I have no urgent desire to return to my Aeron. Having fine-tuned this chair over the past two months, I’ve established a comfortable workstation and plan to continue using it for the foreseeable future. Considering the numerous Aeron alternatives available, the tCentric Hybrid stands out as one of the best, largely due to its exceptional build quality.

#tcentric#hybrid chair#aeron alternative#office chair#ergonomic chair#budget office chair

Matt Burns

Matt Burns is an experienced journalist specializing in technology, currently serving as Editorial Director at Insight Media Group. He previously held the position of Managing Editor at TechCrunch. Within his role at Insight Media Group, he oversees content strategy and manages programs for a portfolio of rapidly expanding technology-focused publications. Prior to this, he dedicated over fifteen years to TechCrunch, beginning as a writer and progressing to Managing Editor, where he played a key role in the newsroom’s growth and the organization of events like Disrupt and other TechCrunch conferences. He also contributed articles to Engadget in his earlier career. Matt is also a co-founder of the Resilience Conference, a series of events exploring the connections between national defense, security, and innovative startups. He is responsible for developing the conference program, facilitating discussions, and establishing “Launch @ Resilience,” a platform for showcasing emerging companies developing technologies for national security. Throughout his career, he has covered and led discussions on topics including artificial intelligence, transportation, cutting-edge technologies, and the challenges faced by technology businesses. He has conducted interviews with prominent figures such as global leaders, leading investors, startup founders, and CEOs of publicly traded companies. A native of Michigan with significant experience in Silicon Valley, he combines a Midwestern perspective with a keen editorial judgment. Outside of his primary roles, he collaborates with teams to refine their messaging and assess market entry strategies, and enjoys camping near Lake Michigan when his schedule allows.
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Matt Burns