Struggling to find the perfect ergonomic office chair for your workspace? Look no further than our in-depth comparison of the Sihoo M18 and M57 models.
In the age of remote work, these chairs offer a blend of comfort and functionality, but they cater to different needs and budgets.
Whether you’re seeking affordability or premium features like multidimensional armrests and a headrest, we’ve got you covered. Explore the key differences and make an informed decision to transform your office setup.”
A Brief Comparison Table
| Feature | Sihoo M18 | Sihoo M57 |
| Price | $$ | $$$ |
| Weight Capacity | 265 lbs | 287 lbs |
| Adjustable Armrests | ✅ | ✅ |
| Adjustable Back Angle | ✅ | ✅ |
| Adjustable Seat Height | ✅ | ✅ |
| Lumbar Support | ✅ | ✅ |
| Headrest | ❌ | ✅ |
| Recline Angle | 120°-128° | 120°-126° |
| Seat Depth | Adjustable | Fixed |
| Wheels | PU dual wheel | PU dual wheel |
| Warranty | 3 years | 3 years |
Overview of the Sihoo M18
The Sihoo M18 is an affordable, entry-level ergonomic chair. It has a breathable mesh back and soft padded seat. Key features include:
- Price ranges from $150 to $250, making it very budget-friendly
- Mesh back keeps you cool and comfortable
- Adjustable lumbar support helps align spine
- Seat depth can be adjusted for proper leg support
- Locking tilt mechanism with tension knob
- Seat height adjusts from 17.3” to 21.25”
- Passed BIFMA and SGS certifications
- 265 lb weight capacity
- 1-year warranty on parts
Despite the low price, the M18 offers ample adjustments and solid ergonomic support. The mesh back provides breathable comfort during long hours of sitting. The built-in lumbar support is adjustable to fit your spine. And the tilt mechanism can be locked or unlocked to recline up to 128 degrees.
The armrests adjust up/down, in/out, forward/back for proper alignment. Seat height lifts high enough to fit most body types. And seat depth can slide back and forth up to 2” for thigh support.
Downsides are lacking a headrest and shorter 1-year warranty. But overall the M18 is a fantastic budget choice for home offices.
Overview of the Sihoo M57
The Sihoo M57 is a higher-end ergonomic chair with more features. It has a flexible mesh back and 3D armrests. Key features include:
- Price ranges from $250 to $400, so more of an investment
- Mesh back with adjustable lumbar support
- Integrated adjustable headrest
- 3D armrests adjust in multiple directions
- Seat tilt tension and back angle adjustment
- Seat height adjusts from 17.5” to 21.25”
- 287 lb weight capacity
- Passed BIFMA and SGS certifications
- 3-year warranty on parts
The M57 chair shares a similar mesh back design with the M18. But it adds an integrated headrest that adjusts up and down 2” as well as angles forward and back. The backrest reclines up to 126 degrees for napping during breaks.
It also upgrades to 3D armrests that move pivot, angle, width, and height for ultimate adjustment. These premium features make the M57 more ergonomic for all-day sitting.
The chair lacks adjustable seat depth, however. And the price jumps $100+ more than the M18. But the M57 does include a longer 3-year warranty on parts.
Also Read: Comparison Between Haworth Zody and Herman Miller Aeron
Key Differences Between Sihoo M18 and M57
Now let’s dive deeper on how these two Sihoo chairs compare across various features:
· Adjustability
Both chairs offer ample adjustments, but the M57 inches ahead in some areas.
The M18 provides seat height, tilt tension, back angle, and lumbar support adjustment. You can also slide the seat depth back and forth up to 2”.
The M57 matches all those adjustments and adds a 2” height/angle adjustable headrest. It also upgrades to 3D armrests that are more customizable. However, the M57 lacks adjustable seat depth.
For maximum customizability, the M57 is the better choice. But the M18 still offers key adjustments for proper ergonomic support.
· Back Comfort
These Sihoo chairs share similar back designs focused on breathability.
They both use flexible mesh material on the backrest and seat. This improves airflow to keep you cool during long sitting sessions.
The M18’s mesh back includes an adjustable lumbar support bar. You can move it up and down to match the curve of your spine.
The M57 also has that adjustable lumbar support. And it adds an integrated headrest you can angle/lift for neck support. The extra cushioning makes it a bit more comfortable.
Overall, the M57 takes the lead for back comfort thanks to its headrest. But both chairs still provide excellent breathable support.
· Armrest Comfort
The armrest design differs significantly between the two models.
The M18 comes with basic adjustable armrests. You can change their height, width, depth and pivot.
The M57 takes it a step further with 4D/multi-dimensional armrests. These pivot, slide forward/back, angle in/out, and adjust height/width like the M18. It makes them easier to customize for your body.
If you want maximum armrest flexibility, the premium M57 is the winner. But the M18 armrests still offer decent adjustability for the price.
· Seat Comfort
Both chairs use cushioned seats for comfort, but have some subtle differences.
The M18’s seat cushion has a rounded front edge to avoid pressure points. It also slides back and forth up to 2” to adjust depth. Padding strikes a nice firmness balance without being too soft or hard.
The M57 seat doesn’t have adjustable depth. But it’s still generously padded without excessive softness. The front edge is also waterfall shaped.
When it comes to the seat specifically, the M18’s adjustability gives it a slight advantage. But both chairs provide ample cushioning and support during long sitting sessions.
· Recline and Locking
You can recline comfortably in both chairs, though the M57 offers more locking positions.
The M18 reclines up to 128 degrees with its tilt mechanism. You can lock the chair upright or allow it to rock. Tension knob makes it easier or harder to recline.
The M57 reclines similar up to 126 degrees. It also includes a tension knob for adjustable rocking. But the M57 adds an infinite locking system so you can lock any recline angle vs. just upright.
If you want more precision with locked angles, the M57 wins. But both chairs enable healthy reclining movement throughout the day.
· Weight Capacity
The maximum weight capacity differs somewhat between models.
The M18 supports users up to 265 lbs per its BIFMA certification. This capacity accommodates most body sizes.
The M57 holds heavier users up to 287 lbs based on specs. The steel frame and base give it durability.
For people over 250+ lbs, the M57 can handle more weight. But the M18 should still support most users under its 265 lb capacity.
· Wheels
Both chairs include dual wheel casters suitable for different floor types.
The M18 comes with 2” PU casters with dual wheels. This means the wheels have both soft tread for carpets and hard plastic for hard floors. They roll smoothly in both cases.
Same with the M57 – it has 2” dual wheel PU casters. They perform identical to the M18 for maneuverability.
When it comes to the wheels specifically, the M18 and M57 are equal. They both enable easy rolling on any floor surface.
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· Price
The M57 costs $100+ more than the M18 on average.
Pricing for the M18 ranges from $150 to $250 at most retailers. That makes it one of the most affordable ergonomic chairs you can buy.
The M57 normally costs between $250 and $400 depending on the seller. So you’re looking at closer to a $300 investment for the upgraded model.
If budget is a main factor, the M18 provides fantastic value. But the M57 is worth the splurge if you want those extra features.
· Warranty
The M57 includes a longer warranty period than the M18.
Sihoo provides a 1-year warranty on parts for the M18 model. Labor costs would be an additional expense.
For the M57, Sihoo extends the parts warranty to 3 years. Again, labor is not included if repairs are needed.
The M57 has the advantage here with 3X the warranty coverage. But both periods are relatively short for office chairs.
Also Read: Comparison Between Steelcase And Haworth Chair.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The main differences are the M57 has a headrest, 4D armrests, infinite locking angles, higher weight capacity, and longer warranty. But the M18 costs less and has adjustable seat depth.
The Sihoo M57 costs between $250 and $400 depending on the retailer. The average price is around $300.
Yes, Sihoo is headquartered in China and manufactures most of its chairs in Chinese factories. But the company sells many of its ergonomic chair worldwide.
The Sihoo V1 is one of the company’s newer high-end chairs with more features than the M57 or M18. It adds carbon fiber components and other upgrades for around $500. For those wanting the highest quality Sihoo chair, the V1 is likely worth the investment.
Also Read: Comparison Between Ticova and Sihoo
Final Thoughts
In summary, the Sihoo M57 clearly wins when it comes to premium adjustability and comfort with its multidimensional armrests and headrest. But the M18 remains a top budget choice under $200 with decent ergonomics.
So those wanting maximum customization for long hours of sitting should consider stretching their budget for the M57. However, the M18 is ideal for shoppers that prioritize affordability while still wanting good lumbar and recline support.
Hopefully this detailed comparison gives you a better idea of which Sihoo chair best fits your needs and budget!