Best Standing Desks

The standing desk is an increasingly popular item within the modern workplace and can upgrade your workspace whether you work from home or the office. They’re desks you stand at instead of sitting, and they significantly reduce the time you’re sedentary during the day.

What the standing desk does is allow you the flexibility to sit or stand while working in an effort to improve your health. Sitting at a desk all day may result in lower back pain and weight gain. Switching to a standing desk might minimize these effects while still being productive while working.

Sitting too much can be bad for your health while standing too much can cause lower back pain because you end up in an extended posture. This is why it pays to have adjustable standing desks in your workspace to avoid both scenarios. 

Whether you work from home or the office, a premium standing desk pique your interest. Here, we look at some of our favorite best-standing desks, whatever your budget may be. And we’ll go over everything you need to know about standing desks, including the different types of standing desks 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 an adjustable standing desk. The desktop comes in three laminate finishes (white, walnut, and oak), which are stain-resistant and easy to clean, and comes in multiple sizes. It has a 250-pound weight capacity to hold everything you need to work efficiently and can be plugged into any standard 15A outlet.

This electric standing desk has a handset and legs, 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.

This electronic control handset positions the work surface at any height between 29″ and 48″ to get your keyboard at the correct ergonomic level for someone up to 6’1″. 

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 back this standing desk with a 5-year warranty in case repairs or replacements are needed.

Specs: Height range: 29″ and 48″

Dimensions: 

47″ Desk: 47.25″L x 27″W x 29″ – 48″H

57″ Desk: 57″L x 27″W x 29″ – 48″H

60″ Desk: 60″L x 30″W x 29″ – 48″H

72″ Desk: 72″L x 30″W x 29″ – 48″H

Weight limit: 250 pounds

Reasons to buy it:

• The motor whisper is quiet so as not to disturb fellow workers
• Height adjustability
• Stylish appearance

Reasons not to buy it:

• If you’re not the handiest person, you may find this difficult to put together

Best Standing Desk for Tall People: Uplift V2

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

The Uplift standing desk supports up to 350 pounds, which is better than most of the best standing desks on this list, and takes around half an hour to assemble. It is more involved than the Vari standing desk.

This electric standing desk anti-collision technology detects the resistance and prevents your desk from accidentally hitting your chair or anything else nearby. Its steel frame has a stable base to keep your desk from shaking. Plus, the base is expandable, a nice feature if you switch out your desktop.

You can upgrade to the Uplift V2 Commercial at a slightly higher price point. It’s similar to the Uplift V2 standing desk 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 standing desks are both GREENGUARD certified. Both products also have a 10-year warranty if your desk or its motors malfunction.\

Specs: Height range: 23.5”- 50.1”

Dimensions: 42″L x 30″W

Weight limit: 350 pounds

Reasons to buy:

• It comes in 5 different sizes, 20 different finishes, and can support an industry-leading 350 pounds. 
• Sturdy construction
• Height adjustability

Reasons not to buy:

• It can take over 30 minutes to assemble.

Best Standing Desk for Athletes: FlexiSpot Electric Height Adjustable Desk

The FlexiSpot electric height adjustable standing 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 want to stay active while working, you can pair your standing desk with an exercise bike or treadmill.

The desk’s height range is 29 inches to 48.6 inches, moving at 1.5 inches per second. There are multiple desktop sizes, and they can carry up to 220 pounds. A steel frame for durability and stability hoists up the FlexiSpot or increased sturdiness.

While it’s less attractive than the Vari desk standing desk because you can see the motor and turning mechanism, the FlexiSpot electric standing desk is affordable while rivaling other sit-to-stand desks. It comes with a 5-year warranty covering defects or damage.

Specs: Height range: 29” to 48”

Dimensions: 47.2W – 24”D

Weight limit: 220 pounds

Reasons to buy:

• Durable steel frame
• Lower price point
• Space-saving Design

Reasons not to buy:

• 24” desktop depth could be a problem depending on your equipment set-up.

Best Budget Standing Desk: Seville Classics Mobile Laptop Desk Cart

The Seville Classics Mobile Laptop Standing Desk Cart might appeal if you want extra mobility. 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 standing desk rolling workstation can be lowered manually to 20.5 inches or as tall as 33 inches high, so you can easily use it while sitting or standing. Plus, it is easy to secure with a twist-lock knob. This sit-to-stand has a 15-pound capacity, so you can efficiently work on just your computer.

It features a rugged steel frame and is finished in bronze for easy care and durability. Plus, all tools for assembly are included in the price. 

The Mobile Laptop Desk Cart is small, so it’s great if you don’t have space for a full-size desk. This makes it great for medical offices where space is at a premium. Also, it’s an affordable standing desk, making it a good option if this is your first standing desk and you want to get a feel for them.

A 1-year limited warranty backs Seville Classics standing desk products to protect your purchase from potential defects.

Specs: Height range: 20. 5″ to 33″

Dimensions: 23.75″ W x 15.75″ D

Weight limit: 15 pounds

Reasons to buy: 

• It’s an excellent standing desk for those who lack space and just need it for a laptop. 
• Portability – equipped with four wheels, allowing you to easily move the desk from one room to another.
• Multifunctional Use – can be used as a laptop desk, a standing workstation, or a mobile presentation cart.

Reasons not to buy:

• It doesn’t support much weight, and you need to adjust the height manually. 

Most Convenient Standing Desk: ApexDesk Elite

The ApexDesk Elite electric standing desk 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, with both being 1″ thick.

This desktop is made of laminated MDF with six colors to choose from to give it a modern look; the edges are beveled so devices with shorter C-Clamps can be mounted. Both sizes come with preinstalled metal anchors for easy installation and can be taken on, off, and reinstalled anytime.

The ApexDesk Elite electric standing desk is built with a dual-motor adjustable lift system and can be adjusted at 1.5 inches per second, going from 29 inches to 49 inches in seconds. It has four memory presets, so you can easily reach your desired height. The desk has a steel frame capable of lifting to 235 pounds, so you can fit whatever you need on your standing desk.

The ApexDesk Elite standing desk takes less than an hour to assemble, and a 2-year warranty backs it.

Specs: Height range:29” to 49”

Dimensions: 27″D x 60″W x 49″H

Weight limit: 235 pounds

Reasons to buy:

• Smooth curves and a modern look will help make your office space stand out. 
• Allows for customization through various desktop sizes and colors
• Sturdy steel frame

Reasons not to buy:

• Priced close to $600, which could be an issue when purchasing multiple desks.

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 in 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 height. The desk has a programmable keypad with four memory settings, so you won’t have to look for your correct size for each use.

It’s got all this, and it looks good too. The Vari electric desk stands out because of its good-looking work surface and thicker desk surface. It has two hooks, one for hanging your handbag, purse, or headphones, and a coaster to protect the standing desk surface. 

The company that sells this standing desk offers a range of accessories, from cable management trays to monitor arms and power strips.

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.

Specs: Height range: 25” to 50.5” 

Dimensions: 48 by 30 inches or 60 by 30 inches

Weight limit: 200 pounds

Reasons to buy:

• Comes with an extended 5-year warranty and free shipping
• Can be customized with a wide range of accessories
• Ergonomic Design

Reasons not to buy:

• It doesn’t have the greatest weight limit compared to the other premium desks on this list.

Most Classic Standing Desk: GeekDesk Model 4

The GeekDesk Model 4 sit-stand desk encompasses all the best features of its older editions, with some new improvements, including heavier feet and thicker steel. Model 4 is sleek, simple, and durable without needing 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 dual motors (45dB internally housed and electronically controlled) raise and lower your standing 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 workspace has everything you need at your fingertips. 

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

Specs: Height range: 25.2” to 50.8’

Dimensions: 42. 25W and 31.5” D

Weight limit: 275 pounds

Reasons to buy:

• Quiet dual motors raise and lower the desk without disturbing anybody, and there is a 2-year warranty on the motor. 
• Allows for customization through various desktop sizes and colors
• Sturdy Construction

Reasons not to buy:

• If you like your standing desk to look good, there is a better desk for you.

Best Manual Standing Desk: Ikea Trotten standing desk

The IKEA trotten standing desk is the desk for you if you’re not afraid of a little manual labor or the price point of the other standing desks scares you off the benefits of having a standing desk. The ikea trotten standing desk has a manual hand crank that can be mounted on the left or right-hand side for comfort.

You can easily adjust the ikea trotten standing desk height between  27½” and 47¼” with the hand crank, and the crank is taken off and stored if you prefer a clean, uncluttered look. But this standing desk has very little in the way of customization options: with the choice of two desktop colors and two frame colors, and supports just 110 pounds.  

The ikea trotten standing desk doesn’t have any holes through which you can route wires, so cable management could be an issue if you have a lot of peripherals. It is easy to assemble and comes with a 10-year limited warranty. If you want to save money when buying a standing desk, consider a model like the Ikea Trotten.

Specs: Height range: 27.5” to 47.25” 

Dimensions: 47.25” W and 27.5” D

Weight limit: 110 pounds

Reasons to buy:

• Stylish desk for a lower price point. 
• Simple assembly
• Customizable features

Reasons not to buy:

• It requires manual cranking, taking time away from your work.

Most Attractive Standing Desk: Jarvis Bamboo Standing Desk

The Jarvis Bamboo Standing Desk is an attractive standing desk that offers many customization options (available on their website), desk material, sizes, colors, and more. Check their website for more details. 

Suppose you work in a green office or are an environmentally friendly person. In that case, the Jarvis bamboo used for their desks comes from sustainable forests grown without pesticides or fertilizers, So their footprint is small. Jarvis bamboo standing desk is coated with a UV-cured, water-based polyurethane coating for increased attractiveness, are durability. If this is no concern to you, the branch standing desk is very similar.

The Jarvis bamboo standing desk has a minimum and maximum height of 30 to 49.3 inches, allowing a 5 ft 10 to 6ft 9 person to use this desk comfortably. This desk has an industry-leading weight capacity of 350 lbs with quiet and efficient dual motors and an easy-to-read handset with four memory presets for quick 1.5″ per second height adjustment. 

The Jarvis bamboo standing desk was easy to assemble but was more complex than some of the other models on this list. Jarvis bamboo standing desk claims to have an industry lead warranty, free shipping, and a 30-day return policy.

Specs: Height range: 30” to 49.3”

Dimensions: 30” W and 24” D

Weight limit: 350 pounds

Reasons to buy:

• This is your desk if you want a great-looking, durable desk for a lower price.
• Environmentally friendly materials
• Easy-to-use height adjustment feature

Reasons not to buy:

• If you’re not on the tall side, this desk is not for you. 

Best Smart Standing Desk: Realspace Smart Electric Height-Adjustable Desk

The Realspace smart electric height-adjustable standing desk is no ordinary sit-stand desk. It’s an intelligent standing desk. You can use either Alexa or Google Assistant to lower or raise this standing desk. Using the downloadable app, innovative desk technology pairs your desk with your mobile and tablet devices.

There are three USB ports on the right side with built-in power and charging capability. This desk has a built-in cable management solution that accommodates cables, power strips, and surge protectors, and a wellness mode lets you set goals and get reminders on whether you are sitting or standing too much and tracks your progress.

The Realspace adjustable standing desk has built-in storage drawers that give you enough space to store a laptop and other PC accessories. The Realspace smart standing desk’s drawback is its weight limit of 88 pounds. It has an electronic lift control that adjusts the surface from 29-1/2″ to 49-1/5″, and minimal assembly is quick and straightforward with a fully assembled top.

Specs: Height range: 29.5” to 49.2 inches

Dimensions: 48” W-23.5D

Weight limit: 88 pounds

Reasons to buy:

• The storage drawers underneath the desk are ideal for putting stuff away needed for your workday. 
• Sleek and modern design
• Electric height adjustment

Reasons not to buy:

• If you have heavy electronic equipment, there is a better desk for you.

Best L Shaped Standing Desk: ErGear L-Shaped Electric Standing Desk

The ErGear L-shaped standing desk is a large L-shaped standing desk perfect for people who need more space and like to spread themselves out. This L-shaped desk can be set up on the left or right side, depending on your space or whether you’re right or left-handed.

This L-shaped electric standing desk comes with a sturdy steel frame with aerospace-grade lifting connectors which are still safe and secure after being used more than 100,000 times. ErGear standing desk has a desk height range of 28.35″ to 46.46,” and you can save your favorite three settings and smoothly switch between them. 

The ErGear L-shaped standing desk has a max load of 220 pounds and comes in black, or vintage brown engineered wood where formaldehyde and other VOC emissions are sharply reduced to meet US federal and state safe air standards.

Specs: Height range: 28.35″ to 46.46’

Dimensions: 63″ L-Shaped

Weight limit: 220 pounds

Reasons to buy:

• This is the desk for you if you operate multiple monitors and like to spread yourself out. 
• Sturdy construction
• Ergonomic design

Reasons not to buy:

• If you are not the handiest type, you may need to hire someone to put this together.   

What To Look For When Buying A Standing Desk

Now that you’ve presented the best adjustable standing desks with all the wiz-bang features, we’ll go into what you should look for when choosing the best standing desk. 

Are They Programmable: Some of the adjustable electric standing desks listed are programmable with different settings for proper ergonomics for each person who uses the space. This is important when multiple people are using the same standing desk. 

Functionality: Does the standing desk look good and fit your office environment? Is there more than enough room to fit multiple standing desks? Determining whether it fits into your office environment is a consideration buyers only realize once it is too late.

Price: The standing desks listed are the best in their class, not the cheapest. When buying multiple desks for one workplace and working with a budget, the price is always your first consideration. Choosing a manual desk over an electric standing desk should be considered when looking for an affordable desk.

Speed: How quickly does the standing desk raise and lower? The quicker it changes, the more likely you will adjust your workspace throughout the day. Electric standing desks are faster than manual desks but cost more.

Weight:  Each of the desks listed above has a weight capacity. Make sure to buy a standing desk that can handle what you put on top of it. 

Height Range: BIFMA suggests the optimal range for standing desks is between 22.6″ to 48.7″. However, this will depend on the individual’s height and what they want it for. If multiple people are using a standing desk, then it’s best to find to buy a standing desk with a more extensive range.

Depth: A 30″ depth works best for standing desks, but this depends on how people want to spread their work. If this isn’t a consideration, you can look at smaller depths for your standing desk. 

Noise: When the sit-stand desk motor runs, it is loud and disruptive. If sit-stand desks are noisy, workers will not use them for fear of disturbing colleagues.

Is it Easy: Several methods exist to lower and raise many standing desks, from hand cranks to electric or pneumatic lifts. Electric motors or pneumatic lifts are the quietest and easiest to use.

The Pros Of The 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 an individual linked to heart disease, diabetes, obesity, and early death.

However, reducing the time you’re seated daily 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 most standing desks is also linked to better productivity, with a 2015 study seeing a 25 percent increase in productivity when standing versus sitting. Here are other advantages of purchasing a premium standiIt’sesk for your office or at-home workspace.

Research has shown most standing desks can boost a workplace’s productivity and improve an individual’s cognitive function.

A sit-stand adjustable desk helps ease the pain associated with sitting all day by allowing you to stretch out, increase blood flow throughout the body, and re-engage the core, glutes, and upper and lower leg muscles.

People who use standing desks have increased energy and alertness, otherwise known as avoiding the mid-afternoon slump.

Standing desks can improve employee engagement because when their employer cares about their well-being and provides an employee with a standing desk, it is an excellent way of investing in employee wellness and empowerment.

Cons Of The Standing Desk

It’s not all sunshine and roses when using standing desks. It is up to you to shift through the pros and cons to determine if purchasing one of the best-standing desks listed above is worth it.

Standing for extended periods is also not good for you, like sitting too much is bad for you. It can lead to joint and back pain due to the spine being compressed while standing.

Some studies suggest standing desks don’t impact productivity at all.

Like too much sitting is bad for posture, standing at a standing desk can also aggravate lousy posture if you ignore proper ergonomics.

Because when you spend equal time sitting and standing, you’ll be spending more time on your feet, shoes will wear out faster, and some will have to invest in newer shoes earlier.

To alleviate the stress on your or your employee’s feet, you may need a surface that can reduce this. And buying a new carpet will add a further expense in addition to switching to a standing desk, and you may need to buy other office furniture like chairs.

Standing desks may lead to employees being distracted at work from the constant adjustment from standing to sitting. Plus, it is hard to focus from the ache in the lower back and legs that comes from adjusting to doing work from a standing desk.

Tips for Using a Standing Desk

Optimize your comfort when switching to a standing desk 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 transitioning to a standing desk, start with only 30 to 60 minutes of standing time per day and gradually increase your usage. This way, back, leg, and foot pain is minimized when switching 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 at 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 at your standing desk.
• 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. Standing desks are available in convertible forms if your current seated desk is still in good condition.

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 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 aThey’reches. Fixed standing desks are typically too tall for sitting and are often combined with treadmills or bikes, so you stay moving while working. These standing desks are cheaper than sit-to-stand desks since they don’t contain added motors or cranks.

Standing Desk Converter

Standing desk converters are relatively inexpensive and portable standing desks. They transform your existing table or desk into a standing desk without permanently mounting it, so if you sit down again, you remove the standing desk converters. They typically have one or two shelves for your workspace and are helpful if you already have a desk or need more 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. If you already have a desk or are trying out standing desks, swing arm adaptors are a good starting place. If you get a laptop adaptor, you cannot use it with a monitor.

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 standing 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 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 inches 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 to physical activity.

Conclusion

Converting to a standing desk might improve your health if you feel sedentary at work. 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.