Steelcase Bodie vs Zillow: Two Affordable Chairs, One Clear Winner

Introduction

Steelcase is widely known for premium chairs like the Leap and the Gesture, which typically sell for over $1,000. But the company also owns AMQ, an import brand acquired in 2017 to offer lower-priced seating options. Two of those chairs, the Bodie and the Zillow, both come in at under $500, yet they deliver very different experiences. One of them stands out as a genuinely strong value, while the other falls short in several key areas.

Steelcase Bodie and Zillow: Background

The Bodie is priced at $456 and the Zillow at $498. Both chairs are backed by a 12-year warranty, which is a meaningful guarantee at this price point. However, the build quality is not on the same level as Steelcase’s flagship models. That is expected, since the company acquired AMQ specifically to offer more affordable options that they could not produce with their usual components and manufacturing approach.

The unboxing experience differs significantly between the two chairs. The Zillow arrives fully assembled in a large box, ready to use immediately. The Bodie ships knocked down, which is more economical, but it does not include tools, instructions, or organized hardware. All the parts are loose in the box, making assembly more frustrating than it needs to be.

Seat Comfort and Size

The Bodie has a smaller seat than the Zillow. It is not petite-sized, but it feels noticeably more compact. A person around 5’9” and 185 lbs may find it snug, and it does not seem well suited for anyone larger. The seat is also firmer than the Zillow’s, sitting on the firmer end of the office chair spectrum. It does offer seat depth adjustment with a good range, and the mechanism is smooth to use.

The Zillow takes a different approach. Its seat slider is nearly useless, moving only about a quarter inch, so it effectively lacks seat depth adjustment. However, the seat itself is larger and more comfortable. It accommodates taller and wider users, and it is easy to sit in for full days without discomfort. The Bodie, by contrast, becomes uncomfortable after just a few hours.

The backrests on both chairs are very similar. They use a cloth-style mesh that does not have the same bounce-back as more elastic meshes, but it is comfortable and not abrasive. The frames are flexible, allowing natural movement, and they do not dig into the shoulders or back. The lumbar support is not very pronounced on either chair. It provides a mild to lower level of support, which works well for those who prefer subtle lumbar contact, but it will not satisfy anyone looking for aggressive lower back support.

Armrests and Adjustability

The armrests are one of the biggest differences between these two chairs. The Bodie has a very basic arm package with height adjustment only. The range is limited, especially on the low end, making it difficult to position the arms low enough for a desk or keyboard tray. The arm caps are hard, with little give, and they cannot swivel or adjust in any other direction.

The Zillow is a significant upgrade in this area. It offers three-way adjustable armrests, with pads that move forward, backward, and side to side. The height range is much better, allowing the arms to sit quite low under a keyboard tray. The arm pads are also softer and more comfortable. For anyone who spends long hours working at a desk, the Zillow’s armrests are clearly the better choice.

Recline and Back Support

The recline mechanisms on these chairs feel very different. The Bodie has an open-angle, hip-thrust style recline where the seat does not drop as far as most chairs when leaning back. This design does not feel natural or smooth. Because the backrest curve is not very pronounced, the lower back loses contact with the backrest during recline, resulting in a lack of support. The recline range is also limited.

The Zillow offers a much more standard recline with smooth action and a good range for the price. It also includes tension adjustment. For most users, the Zillow’s recline will feel more intuitive and comfortable. Those who prefer the newer open-angle ergonomic style may lean toward the Bodie, but it is a niche preference.

Overall Buying Advice

Neither chair matches the build quality of a typical Steelcase-branded chair, and they are not meant to. The price reflects that difference. However, the Zillow stands out as a strong value at under $500. It has good armrests, a comfortable seat, an adequate recline, and a solid warranty backed by Steelcase.

The Bodie, on the other hand, feels small, has an uncomfortable seat, limited armrests, and fewer features overall. It is not a poorly made chair, and the warranty is excellent, but it does not offer enough value, especially when the Zillow is available for only a small upcharge.

Conclusion

If you are looking for an affordable office chair under $500, the Zillow is the one to consider. It delivers a comfortable seat, useful adjustability, and a smooth recline, all backed by a 12-year warranty. The Bodie, while not a bad chair, simply does not compete with the Zillow on comfort, features, or overall value. For most buyers, the Zillow is the clear winner.