Description

Experience the latest evolution
in active sitting.

After selling over 8,000 Ariel chairs and listening to customer feedback, we redesigned our best-selling chair. Introducing the Ariel 2.0!

Larger, Softer Seat

Due to popular demand, the Ariel 2.0 has thicker foam padding and a 15% wider seat.

+Comfort

Sleeker handles

Uniquely designed bent metal handles at the front and sides for improved maneuverability, plus a larger handle in the back to grab-and-go.

+Maneuverability

Redesigned Rocker

Our patented RedRocker, redesigned to be more stable (slightly less tippy) and to accommodate a greater weight capacity.

+Stability

New features, better sitting experience

A seat base formed from powder-coated steel instead of wood, to accommodate a 40lb increase in weight capacity (max. weight: 300lbs).
Uniquely designed, minimalist handles built into the front and sides of the seat base, allowing for easier maneuverability while you’re sitting in the chair.
A larger rear carry-handle to make transporting your chair a breeze.
15% wider seat than the original Ariel, plus a thicker layer of foam padding for increased comfort while sitting all day.
Patented RedRocker redesigned to be slightly less tippy, and with fewer parts for increased durability. (min weight: 135 lbs).
New, injection-molded lifter handle for a smoother touch.

Affordable

Less expensive than most active chairs or “ergonomic” office chairs, our design is an economical solution to preventing back pain and improving posture.

MD Designed

Try for 60 days

Enjoy a 60 day trial period to fully experience our chairs. If active sitting isn’t for you, just send us back the chair for a full refund – completely hassle-free.

RETHINK SITTING

The healthiest way to sit.

The office chair you are sitting in is terribly designed. Modern chairs encourage poor posture and inactivity.

1. Relieve Back Pain

Active sitting keeps your core strengthened and body aligned. We are designed to move, and when you stay in motion, your back appreciates it.

2. Improve Posture

Posture is your body’s response to gravity. QOR360 chairs are designed to allow your hips and spine to tip, gently aligning into a natural, comfortable position.

Research shows that sitting is as bad for our health as smoking. People sit more than ever (Americans, on average, sit for 11 hours per day!) and it’s literally killing us. Active sitting keeps your body in motion, and helps prevent sitting disease.

"I’ve finally found something that leads to a sense of wellness, security, and freedom. Not only do I use this chair for normal sitting but am using it in movement exercises that I can conclusively say are restoring my functionality in a way that I never thought I would be able to."

DR. RICHARD RODRIGUEZ MD

"I love this chair. I was having shoulder issues in my previous chair from leaning and not being in an active position. This also contributed to some hip and ham string issues. With your chair I can still sit to take a load off but it keeps me upright, no slouching."

SEFTON HIRSCH

BOSTON GLOBE

It’s a different kind of chair, invented by a former surgeon.

Former surgeon Turner Osler is trying to save the world from the traditional chair by creating a design that includes a rocking seat that feels more like walking than sitting. -Billy Baker

8 Min Read

MEDIUM.COM

Your Office Chair Is Hurting You

But also, forget standing desks. Try ‘active sitting,’ according to a trauma surgeon who wants to cure sitting disease. -Ashley Abramson

10 Min Read

WALL STREET JOURNAL

Goodbye, Back Pain? This Office Chair Was Designed by a Trauma Surgeon

For decades, American workers have tried trendy office chairs hoping to alleviate the agony of sitting. Is the new ‘Active Stool’ the one? -Magdalena Puniewska

5 Min Read

TECH SPECS

Customize your chair.

Choose from three different seat coverings, two different sizes, and whether or not you want to add wheels to your chair.

SEAT MATERIAL

Performance Leather (Vegan)

If you want to make a statement, here’s how. Elegant, buttery soft to the touch but nearly indestructible, our performance leather is stronger and far more durable than animal hide. And, unlike traditional leather, performance leather requires no upkeep. Maybe this is why Mercedes uses performance leather in their cars?

Available in Red or Black.

Fabric

Corporate and understated, our upholstered Ariel fits easily into any office decor. But while it may seem undistinguished, beneath the seat is a radical sitting technology hiding in plain sight. Hand-stitched and with a thin layer of foam on the underside for breathability, we pay attention to detail.

Available in Gray.

SIZE

Short

(17-22 inches), for shorter folks

Tall

(22-29 inches), for average and tall folks

How to measure

How to measure:
Deciding the correct height of your QOR360 chair is very important to maintain proper posture when sitting. Our chairs are adjustable, but come in two sizes: Tall (22″ – 29″) and Short (17″- 22″). To decide whether you need a tall, or short chair, stand in whatever shoes you will be wearing when sitting and measure from the ground to the top of your patella (knee cap). This measurement is roughly the height at which you’ll want to be sitting. So, if the height of your patella is above 21″ you’ll need a tall chair, but if your patella is less than 21″ you are better suited for a short chair. There is some overlap in the sizes so don’t sweat it too much.

How to measure

WHEELS OR FEET

Wheels

Chair feet are also included when you purchase wheels. We recommend starting with chair feet and then graduating to wheels when you are ready. If your chair has wheels, warn any friends that are new to active sitting that they are in for a different experience of sitting if they try out your QOR360 chair.

No Wheels

Comes with easy to install chair feet.

Size matters

Measure the distance from the ground to the top of your kneecap while standing. If you wear shoes when you sit, wear shoes when you measure. If your measurement is 21″ or less, you will need a Short chair. Greater than 21″ and you will need a Tall chair. There is some overlap in the sizes so don’t sweat it too much if you are right around 21″.

Watch video with sound

Features that make your currrent chair jealous...

MD Designed

Adjustable

Made with highest quality gas cylinder on the market, easily adjust height.

Transportable

Convenient handle for carrying and only 18 lbs.

Strong

Our chairs are tested to hold up to 300 pounds.

Stylish

2020 A’Design Furniture Award Winner.

Easy Assembly

Assembly can be done in 90 seconds without any tools.

Space Saver

One of the smallest chair footprints on the market.

Sustainable

Made with less material than most modern office chairs.

Unboxing & Review

Unbox an Ariel and learn more about our approach to active sitting.

Click play to watch

Seriously easy assembly

Assemble our Ariel chair in 90 seconds without having to use any tools.

Click play to watch

Optimal workstation posture

Proper, comfortable posture will likely require adjusting the position of your work station. Here are some tips we developed working with specialists.

View diagram

Love from happy sitters.

“I received an email from my friend Larry Goldfarb, a well known Feldenkrais teacher/practitioner and Trainer in this method, he mentioned this new concept of sitting and mentioned he was using one of their chairs. Now imagine I was sitting on my solid oak stool at my computer in no real comfort but living with this as normal. Well I decided to take the hint and leap of faith and ordered a Ariel for my self. I have been using this wonderful chair for a little over a month now and what a wonder it is! I am so impressed with the engineering that has gone into this chair. It takes a little time to get accustomed to the sitting dynamics, but once you do, it gives a sense of freedom that is truly unique. I can’t imagine being with out this chair. If you are considering the purchase of one of these great chairs, just do it. You won’t be disappointed. Dave Worth PT GCFP”
David Worth

“I live with a bleeding disorder that has led to arthritis in most joints in my body. I’ve had injuries from normal every day actions, including sitting down. Over the years, I have moved from the gamut of options in Western medicine to a more fluid journey into alternative methods of health preservation. I’ve tried many sitting devices to maintain neutral posture but have invariably been disappointed or hurt. I was recommended this chair by my rolfer whose opinion I really value. Combining the principals of structural integration and the mechanics of this chair, I’ve finally found something that leads to a sense of wellness, security, and freedom. Not only do I use this chair for normal sitting but am using it in movement exercises that I can conclusively say are restoring my functionality in a way that I never thought I would be able to. I hope to be able to adapt the principles of this chair and structural integration to help others like me who live with chronic pain some day.”
Richard Rodriguez, MD

“I have sat on yoga balls, zero gravity recliners, stools, standing – and this is the first chair I’ve simply sat on and had it balance me. Best. Chair. Ever.”
Doug

“This chair is brilliant. Brilliantly simple. Really really expensive ergo chairs have managed to feel about there same as cheap crap office chairs to me, and standing desks add variety but don’t seem to add actual change in how I feel day to day. This is the first chair to have the balance and motion off a yoga ball without the high randomness and the pressure pushing at your backside. I can feel a difference after sitting on it at the office for four weeks now and I purchased a second for use at home. I’m also finally getting actual use out of an adjustable standing desk at work. The adjustable height desk is so much a part of there experience of this chair I adapted my home desk surface onto an adjustable height frame. Great chair. Thank you.”
Douglas Munsinger

“I love my new chair! My colleagues have all taken turns coming down to my office to try it. I’m a runner and have been struggling with some hip stiffness that’s affecting my back. Even after just a few days of using it, my IT band and psoas tightness is lessened. I was especially pleased with how easy it was to assemble, and in the overall quality of construction, especially at so affordable a price.”
Loraine

“Better than advertised. As someone who practiced clinical medicine for many years but who transitioned to a phase in my career where I am at a desk quite a bit I was worried about the adverse effects of sitting so much. In emergency departments and clinics there were always rolling stools to sit on, but usually you’re so busy you don’t sit too much. The Ariel reminds me of those stools, but far better. I am very pleased with the way I can move, and adjust subconsciously while I type, video conference or read. Takes just a few days to get used to it, then you will never go back. I highly recommend it.”
TJ Wright, MD, MPH

“This chair has made a huge difference in my comfort and productivity in working at home. I recently sat in my office chair at work, and could not get comfortable or sit for a long period, which tells me this chair is really changing how I sit and engage.”
Mikael Bristow

“ABSolutely love this chair! I work from home and have had this chair for a few years. This IS my office chair despite me thinking I would have to switch back and forth with my old office chair:) No more back pain, better balance and tighter abs. Love it!”
Rita

“I wish I had found this chair earlier in my life! I’m at my home-office desk for 6-8 hours a day and found that this chair relieves pressure on my both my knees and lower back. It’s easy to adjust and after getting use to the “active sitting” I completely understand why it’s better for posture. Also, the sales and customer service team has been incredible to work with – very quick to respond to questions and helpful all the way through the process.”
Judie Brower

MD Designed

Meet Dr. Turner Osler

Turner is the CEO and Founder of QOR360. Dr. Osler is an academic trauma surgeon turned research epidemiologist who has published over 300 peer-reviewed medical papers and book chapters. As a physician who’s suffered from a tyranny of conventional chairs for most of his life, Dr. Osler’s quest for a healthier way to sit led him to develop The Eccentric Bicylinder, a shape that is central to QOR360’s ergonomic, healthy, and active seating products.

Click play

(brands who’ve embraced QOR360 chairs)

Additional information

Weight	21 lbs
Dimensions	18.5 × 18 × 10 in
Height	Short 17" – 22", Tall 22" – 29"
Material	Light Grey Fabric $495, Red Performance Leather $525, Black Performance Leather $525
Wheels	Wheels + Feet – Add $15, Just Feet
Seat Height	Short: 17" to 22", Tall: 22" to 29"
Seat Width	15"
Seat Depth	10"
Star Base Width	18.5"

20 reviews for The Ariel 2.0

Rated 5 out of 5

Dr. Tom Orent (verified owner) – July 11, 2023

I’ve suffered from intermittent chronic lower back pain for decades. I practiced dentistry for 22 years, and for the last 23 years I coach and consult for other dentists… sitting in a chair at a computer 10 hours per day.

I’ve had the QOR 360 Ariel 2.0 for about a month… and LOVE it. It just makes good sense. Although I am not yet pain-free, I have had several days in a row with minimal pain and excellent motion and flexibility.

I really appreciate Uwe and his support and teaching as well. Thanks for what you do for us.

Tom Orent, DMD
Rated 5 out of 5

Liele Degefu – July 10, 2023

I’m a Software Engineer in NYC – I sit and code for hours, since I started using this chair i have seen great improvement in my posture and breathing! (on & off the chair). I think with regular chairs we have a tendency to arch forward, I certainly do, which not only weakens the lower back but also compresses the diaphragm & affect breathing/overall comfort, clear headedness etc. Happy to report this chair helped strengthen my back, neck muscles & improve my breathing – I highly recommend it to all Software Engineers & anyone who sits for hours.
Rated 5 out of 5

Raul C (verified owner) – June 30, 2023

Like other reviewers here, I use a standing desk most of the time. Recently, however, I’ve started taking short breaks to sit down. When looking for a chair to buy, I wanted a comfortable, high quality chair that wasn’t too large or bulky so it wouldn’t take much space when it wasn’t in use. The Ariel 2.0 fits the bill perfectly!

The chair arrived quickly after I ordered it. Order confirmation, shipping information and updates were all provided in a timely fashion. Assembly was a breeze. I had a question after receiving the chair, customer support was quick to respond, courteous and very helpful.

I’ve used the chair now for several weeks now and I’m very happy with it. Sitting down feels great after hours of working standing. The Ariel promotes great posture. I experience a gentle, comfortable stretch in the lower back as well as in between the shoulder blades.
Great product, backed by a great company. Highly recommended!
Rated 5 out of 5

Christopher Head – June 12, 2023

I did initially wonder about the wisdom of spending what was somewhere quite a way north of five hundred bucks (by the time I’d paid shipping and import duties in the UK) on a seat that would not allow me to relax, but it has proved to be a very wise investment. My posture has improved noticeably.

My wife is also a fan, because it has done wonders for my glutes! Apparently the way to a woman’s heart is through tight buns, even if they are on a 70-year old ass!
Rated 5 out of 5

Jonathan Wallace (verified owner) – April 5, 2023

Great chairs (bought the Ariel 2 for the office and now Ariel 1 for home). Real feeling of freedom while also naturally encouraging good posture. Feels great for the hips, too. Everyone loves it at home so the chair rotates between rooms!
Rated 5 out of 5

Becca – March 21, 2023

Really pleased with this chair! I’d been sitting in the same $200-but-still-cheap desk chair for over 2 years and knew I needed something different. Though I love my standing desk, I needed to take breaks throughout the day and my old chair was killing my back.

I initially looked into ergonomic chairs, but my searches quickly led me to the active-chair corner of the internet. And I’m so glad it did! I ended up with a whole spreadsheet of active chair options, ranging from a $99 wobble stool to a $600 fancy multi-position chair. I loved the look of the Ariel, and LOVED how many reviews mentioned relief from back pain! I read reviews, watched videos, and learned about the company. When I learned that QOR360 is based out of Vermont (only about 20 minutes from me!) my decision was made. It had to be the Ariel.

I’ve had the chair for about a month now, and I really love it. I adjusted pretty quickly and can now sit for more than half the day, swapping on and off with standing, without feeling sore. I’m a very fidgety person in general, so the ability to wobble, rock, and swivel is awesome. I have noticed a decrease in back pain thanks to the better posture encouraged by the Ariel, and I’m hoping it continues to improve as I build some core strength! The chair is easy to move from place to place, and looks cute in my office.

I haven’t sat in my old desk chair since I got the Ariel, and the only reason it’s still in my office is because my dog likes to sleep in it. I’m really happy I bought this chair, it’s worth the money!
Rated 5 out of 5

George Benes – January 23, 2023

I’ve had this chair for 3 weeks and LOVE IT! It stretches all the hip and pelvic areas while you sit. My mid section was sore after first few hours lol . It’s very refreshing compared to traditional chairs

No Pain no Gain they say 🙂
Rated 5 out of 5

Sarah Reese (verified owner) – January 20, 2023

What a great chair! It was assembled in minutes, no tools. no head scratching. Easy to adjust, very comfortable and also stable. I absolutely love it. Great customer service, too!
Rated 5 out of 5

Jared (verified owner) – September 17, 2022

I’ve had this chair for two weeks now – and what a difference it has made! The fact that you engage your core while sitting in this chair really does seem to make all the difference. However, I will say that beyond making sitting more comfortable and ergonomic, it’s encouraged me to use my other active office equipment. Particularly my walking treadmill – it’s small enough that it fits right on top of the treadmill, so whenever I get tired of walking, I can easily sit, and vice versa.
Biggest difference overall – I have had no lower back pain since using it after a couple of days. Additionally, the fact that it encourages me to alternate between sitting and walking more easily is major – I get in more steps now than I ever have before, and switch 7-8 times a day.
Rated 5 out of 5

David Hernick – September 15, 2022

It is a totally different chair. I love it! It takes time to get used to & develop the muscles for. It does not automatically give you good posture, however active sitting draws my attention to bad posture which give me the opportunity to adjust.
Rated 5 out of 5

Kristy Bjornas (verified owner) – September 9, 2022

The cost of this chair was a very small price to pay for the hope that some of my back pain would be relieved. I have found this chair to be very useful for me. I can feel that I sit with much better posture. I also feel that my core is getting stronger. The other interesting side effect is that it is hard for me to sit for hours in this chair. I think that is good, because it reminds me that maybe I have just been sitting to long and need to get up and move around. The chair is of very high quality and the videos and support from the team are fantastic. So glad I bought this chair.
Rated 5 out of 5

Katherine – August 31, 2022

This chair is phenomenal. I’ve had back pain for 3 years and MRI said it was from spinal stenosis and I might need surgery. I’ve had PT for 3 years and the best I got was temporary relief. I’ve done yoga and weightlifting and everything to help. My work entails sitting for 8 hours or more a day and even standing was hard to alternate with sitting and I looked crippled when I first stood up. I used this chair the last two days and amazingly the pain is gone. I walk better and straight and can stand easily using my standing desk. It is wonderful!
Rated 3 out of 5

dean (verified owner) – August 26, 2022

i really like how the chair feels and the quality is great, but if i sit in it more than half an hour my lower back starts to hurt. i dont know if its helping my back or making it worse =/
Rated 5 out of 5

Kate Gray – August 22, 2022

I can’t say enough good things about the Ariel 2.0. I got the leather seat and added wheels to my order. I haven’t added the wheels yet because I want to make sure I have adjusted to the active seating before I add the wheels.

I have arthritis in my left hip and seem to have pain when walking most of the time. This chair is a miracle! While I still expect to have hip replacement surgery eventually, this chair has made my getting up off the chair and walking easy by simply changing the way I sit. If you are hesitant, like I was, about getting one because of the price, it is worth every penny and then some. Just get it!
Rated 5 out of 5

Kevin S (verified owner) – August 12, 2022

I’ve been sitting in a Herman Miller Aeron chair and having back and hip pain. After a few weeks using the Ariel 2 my pain is gone and I’m less fatigued at work. What more could you ask for in a chair?
Rated 5 out of 5

Elijah (verified owner) – July 21, 2022

Amazing chair! One of the best investments I’ve made for my desk setup, I can consistently focus better thanks to the chair since it literally got rid of all my back pain!!!!! I highly recommend this chair to anyone who wants to reach that next level in sitting which may sound strange but it’s true.
Rated 5 out of 5

Rachel Thornberry (verified owner) – July 18, 2022

I love this chair! I have been using it for about two weeks. I work at my desk 40-45 hours per week. It did not require a long break-in period for me. I have had injuries to my lower back and it feels great to stretch this area all day. I don’t have as much stiffness in general.
I originally ordered the tall option, but it was too tall for my desk. I sent an email and the shorter pump was sent out at no charge. Great customer service!
Rated 5 out of 5

Ken Wolf (verified owner) – July 17, 2022

Have had the chair for only about two weeks and so far, the pain shooting down my leg is gone. Yesterday I picked something up incorrectly and my lower back went into spasm. It usually takes at least three days for that spasm to go away. I sat on the chair for half an hour and the spasm was much reduced. Walked around and then used the chair again, and the spasm was gone. Great chair.

UPDATE August 13, 2022:
You might be interested to know that my original back surgery was scheduled for this coming Monday. I have now canceled my surgery because your chair has totally removed my back pain.
Rated 5 out of 5

Ed Krywiak (verified owner) – July 15, 2022

Quick delivery to Canada. Simple setup. Easy to use, forces good posture and movement. As instructed, 30 min the first sitting is long enough to get used to the setup. After a week, it’s natural now. Not to mention, no more awkward chair handles to bump into, or to bump into my desk. Easy to sit on and getup from. Seat is comfy, black leather and chrome is simple and classic – fits well in my decor (although color doesn’t help your back so color doesn’t matter!). Have left the stationary feet on the chair, not sure I’ll put the rollers on as it is quite easy to move if necessary.
Rated 5 out of 5

Carl Young (verified owner) – June 15, 2022

The Ariel 2.0 chair is terrific! I started sitting on the Ariel 2.0 and never looked back at the luxury chair that it replaces. My work requires being at a computer most of the day and I really like active sitting. I’m not cognizant that I’m sitting for long periods with my body in an upright and healthy position. I love the Ariel 2.0 and have not sat in the luxury office chair since receiving the Arial 2.0.