Best Standing Desks

Standing desks are an increasingly popular item within the modern workplace. They’re desks you stand at instead of sitting, and they significantly reduce the amount of time you’re sedentary during the day.

Sitting at a desk all day may result in lower back pain and weight gain. By switching to a standing desk, you might minimize these effects while still being productive, if not more so.

Whether you work from home or at an office, a standing desk might pique your interest. In our article, we take a look at some of our favorite standing desks and go over everything you need to know about them, including the different types and how to adjust to standing instead of sitting all day.

Best Standing Desks

Best Standing Desk Overall: Poppin Series L 2S

The Poppin L 2S is a sit-to-stand desk. The desktop comes in three laminate finishes (white, walnut, and oak) with multiple sizes and has a 250-pound weight capacity to hold everything you need to work efficiently.

The desk has an electric handset so you can quickly and quietly adjust the height from 26.5 to 46 inches at 1.4 inches per second. It’s whisper-quiet with a 50dB (decibel) noise level.

The Series L 2S Desk is GREENGUARD Gold certified and meets BIFMA’s durability standards, so it’s been tested for over 10,000 chemicals and meets precise emission standards. Poppin backs their desks with a 5-year warranty in case any repairs or replacements are needed.

Best Standing Desk for Tall People: Uplift V2

The Uplift V2 is incredibly customizable with five different sizes, 20 different finishes, and more. It includes up to four memory presets in case you share your desk and so you can rapidly adjust the desk’s height. The desk’s height range is 25.3 inches to 50.1 inches to comfortably accommodate users as tall as 6’7”.

The desk’s anti-collision technology detects any resistance and prevents your desk from accidentally hitting your chair or anything else nearby. Its steel frame has a stability base to keep your desk from shaking. Plus, the base is expandable, a nice feature if you ever choose to switch out your desktop.

At a slightly higher price point, you can upgrade to the Uplift V2 Commercial. It’s very similar to the Uplift V2 but includes a thick crossbar for added stability, and a different height adjustment range (22.6 inches to 48.7 inches).

The Uplift V2 and V2 Commercial are GREENGUARD certified. Both products also come with a 10-year warranty on the off chance your desk or its motors malfunction.

Best Standing Desk for Athletes: FlexiSpot Electric Height Adjustable Desk

The FlexiSpot Electric Height Adjustable Desk is a sleek sit-to-stand desk with countless customization options, from different-sized keypads to monitor arms, so your desk is perfectly fit for you. If you’re looking to stay active while working, you can pair your desk with an exercise bike or treadmill.

The desk’s height range is 29 inches to 48.6 inches and moves at 1.5 inches per second. There are multiple desktop sizes and they can carry up to 220 pounds. The FlexiSpot is hoisted up by a steel frame for durability and stability.

The FlexiSpot Electric is affordable while still rivaling other sit-to-stand desks. It comes with a 5-year warranty covering defects or damage.

Best Budget Standing Desk: Seville Classics Mobile Laptop Desk Cart

If you’re looking for extra mobility, the Seville Classics Mobile Laptop Desk Cart might appeal to you. The 24 by 16-inch desktop is lightweight and attached to a steel frame with four casters, two of which lock, so you can easily transport your work surface.

The rolling workstation can be lowered down to 20.5 inches or as tall as 33 inches high, so you can easily use it while sitting or standing. The desk has a 15-pound weight capacity, so you can work on your laptop or tablet with ease.

The Mobile Laptop Desk Cart is small, so it’s great if you don’t have space for a full-size desk. Also, it’s rather affordable, making it a good option if you’re new to standing desks and want to get a feel for them.

Seville Classics products are backed by a 1-year limited warranty to protect your purchase from potential defects.

Most Convenient Standing Desk: ApexDesk Elite

The ApexDesk Elite features a curved desktop for an optimal and ergonomic workspace. The desktop has two sizes you can choose from, either 60 by 28 inches or 71 by 33 inches.

The ApexDesk Elite is built with a dual-motor adjustable lift system and can be adjusted at 1.5 inches per second, going from 29 inches to 48 inches in seconds. It has 4 memory presets so you can easily reach your desired height. The desk has a steel frame capable of lifting up to 225 pounds, so you can fit whatever you need on your desk.

The ApexDesk Elite takes less than an hour to assemble and it’s backed by a 2-year warranty.

Easiest Standing Desk to Assemble: Vari Electric Standing Desk

The Vari Electric Standing Desk is known for its quick and easy assembly, taking roughly five minutes. The motorized sit-to-stand desk is available with two desktop sizes, 48 by 30 inches or 60 by 30 inches, and has a wide height adjustment range, from 25 inches to 50.5 inches.

The Electric Standing Desk’s steel, T-style legs keep your desk stable regardless of what height it’s at. The desk has a programmable keypad with four memory settings so you won’t have to look for your correct height each use.

Vari’s 5-year warranty and free shipping make shopping easier. Also, all Vari products are GREENGUARD, GREENGUARD Gold, and UL Certified, meaning they have low chemical emissions and have been rigorously tested for safety risks.

Most Classic Standing Desk: GeekDesk Model 4

The GeekDesk Model 4 encompasses all the best features of its older editions, with some new improvements. Model 4 is sleek, simple, and durable without the need for a crossbar. It’s available with a desktop attached (47.25 inches wide by 31.5 inches deep) or with just the frame if you have your own surface (from 48-80 inches wide by 24-32 inches deep) you’d prefer using.

The Model 4 desk’s quiet motors (45dB) raise and lower your desk, going as high as 50.8 inches or as low as 25.2 inches. It can also carry up to 275 pounds, ensuring your workplace has everything you need.

While you can easily assemble the Model 4 yourself, you can also request an assembly service for assistance. GeekDesk also provides free shipping and a 5-year warranty for the steel frame, as well as a 2-year warranty for the motor.

Why Use a Standing Desk?

People have become increasingly sedentary when working from home or at an office, negatively impacting their health. Sitting for long periods can weaken and strain your lower back (especially if you have bad posture), and is linked to heart disease, diabetes, obesity, and early death.

However, reducing the amount of time you’re seated every day improves mood and minimizes back and neck pain. A 2016 study found standing burns more calories than sitting, burning 88 calories per hour versus 80, potentially reducing the risk of obesity and its associated health conditions.

Using a standing desk is also linked to better productivity, with a 2015 study seeing a 25 percent increase in productivity when standing versus sitting.

Tips for Using a Standing Desk

When switching to a standing desk, optimize your comfort by properly preparing a workspace. We recommend slowly introducing prolonged standing into your routine, choosing the correct height, using a cushioned platform, and wearing comfortable shoes.

• Start slowly: When first transitioning to a standing desk, start with only 30 to 60 minutes of standing time per day and gradually increase your usage. This way, any back, leg, and foot pain is minimized during the switch from sitting to standing.
• Set the correct height for you: Too tall or short of a desk causes discomfort and soreness, so keep your desk aligned with your body. Your computer monitor should be eye level and your forearms and wrists should be in line with the tabletop, if not slightly lower, to prevent straining your wrists. Alternate between positions throughout the day so you don’t get stiff while standing.
• Use an anti-fatigue mat: Anti-fatigue mats are soft, foam platforms you stand on for comfort and to prevent joint soreness and fatigue. The solid ground is painful and can make standing for hours difficult, but the mats reduce pain and support your body. You might also lean against a footrest while standing up.
• Wear comfortable shoes: At home, you’re presumably barefoot, but at the office, avoid wearing heeled shoes and instead opt for comfortable, cushiony shoes with a supportive midsole, such as non-slip shoes, running shoes, or nurse shoes.

Types of Standing Desks

There are several variations of standing desks to accommodate different needs, budgets, and workspaces. If your current seated desk is still in good condition, standing desks are available in convertible forms.

Sit-to-Stand Desk

Sit-to-stand desks are one of the most common standing desks as they’re multifunctional and practical. They are available in both motor-powered and manual forms, though motorized versions are more expensive for the ease of use and added technologies.

A sit-to-stand desk’s large height range accommodates both sitting and standing, as the name suggests, and simplifies your workplace. Some sit-to-stand desks are available as frames-only, so you must provide your desktop of choice, while others come with the frames and desktop as one.

Fixed Standing Desks

Fixed standing desks are typically just one height for standing, though some might be adjustable by a few inches. Fixed standing desks are typically too tall for sitting and they are often combined with treadmills or bikes so you stay moving while working. The desks are cheaper than sit-to-stand desks since they don’t contain added motors or cranks.

Conversion Desks

Conversion desks are a relatively inexpensive and portable standing desk. They transform your existing table or desk into a standing desk without permanently mounting it, so, if you sit down again, you just remove the converter. They typically have one or two shelves for your workspace and are useful if you already have a desk or don’t have much space.

Swing Arm Adaptors

Swing arm adaptors clamp to an existing desk or table in your home and have a shelf or mount for your monitor or laptop. They’re adjustable and economical compared to an entirely new desk. If you already have a desk or are just trying out standing desks, swing arm adaptors are a good starting place. Remember, if you get a laptop adaptor, you cannot use it with a monitor and vice versa.

FAQs

Are standing desks ergonomic?

Ergonomics is the science of designing a workplace for maximum comfort and efficiency. Standing desks are ergonomic as they typically increase productivity, but be sure your desk is positioned so your screen, mouse, and keyboard are comfortably within reach. Also, step back from your desk and stretch for a few minutes every hour or two so you don’t burn out.

Does using a standing desk help you lose weight?

Using a standing desk burns 88 calories per hour versus 80 calories per hour when seated; however, it’s not guaranteed that you’ll lose weight. It increases your calories burned and can promote weight loss when paired with a healthy diet, a caloric deficit, and at least 150 minutes of physical activity per week.

What depth should a standing desk be?

Some brands just sell standing desk stands, so users have to buy their own tabletops. The ideal tabletop should be between 20 to 30 inches deep and at least 24 inch wide. This way, you have space for your monitor, keyboard, mouse, and other accessories.

Does standing build muscle?

Compared to sitting, standing builds your leg and back muscles and improves your balance. However, if your goal is to build muscles, standing is inefficient compared to aerobic and strength-training exercises.

Does standing all day count as exercise?

While standing for hours can strengthen your back and legs, standing won’t improve your cardiovascular health as exercise will. Standing is a good alternative to sitting, but it’s not an alternative for physical activity.

Conclusion

If you are feeling a bit sedentary at work, converting to a standing desk might improve your health. The desks increase productivity, relieve back and neck pain, and may reduce the risk of health conditions associated with prolonged sitting.

You don’t have to use a standing desk 100 percent of the time (nor should you), but standing for even a couple of hours a day may help you feel less stiff and take some pressure off your back. Our favorite standing desks convert from sitting to standing, so you can find a comfortable balance between the two while working.