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15 Best Height Adjustable Standing Desks With Desk Riser Options

The words 'office furniture' and 'wellness' are rarely used in the same sentence. Standing desks are great if you have been looking for a way to relieve body aches caused by too much sitting. You may even boost productivity and burn a few calories while you’re at it! Our experts found the best adjustable standing desks and table top converters that can improve every day at the office.

​  Standing Desk and Table Top Converter Reviews
​Electric Standing Desks
​Desk Risers
​Manual Standing Desks

There are a lot of different standing desks on the market, and all of them are made for different purposes and body types. Figuring out which one to buy can be overwhelming.

Our team of health professionals and office management experts reviewed dozens of products in each category to make your choice an easy one. The following reviews detail the best standing desks that you can buy now. 

Desk Riser with Standing Desk

You are organized and passionate about your work. You take your job seriously and are all about hitting those deadlines. As much as you give your all at the office, It would be nice if you could go home without feeling like you spent the day busting rocks with an old-timey chain gang.

The aches. The pains. The constant fatigue. How do they all come from sitting all day?

Believe it or not, a sedentary lifestyle is the cause of plenty of health problems, and they only get worse as you age. According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, a sedentary lifestyle can even lead to stroke, heart attack, and cancer.

Thankfully, standing desks allow employees to spend part or all of their day on their feet. This does wonders for avoiding the negatives of too much sitting, and it can even help you shed a few pounds!

But not all standing desks are the same. The last thing you want is a wobbly desk that can’t support your supplies and negatively affects your productivity. That’s why we brought together office management and health specialists to pick the best adjustable standing desks on the market.

Our reviews of the best standing desks summarize the findings of our experts. Check out ​at how these options stack up. We have​ included a complete buying guide further down to help you pick the best stand up desk for your needs.

​There are three types of standing desks to choose from, so we’ve separated our reviews into three sections:

  • ​Electric Standing Desks: Adjust the height with the push of a button
  • ​Manual Standing Desks: Use a crank to adjust desk height
  • ​Desk Risers/Converters: Turn your existing desk into a standing desk

NOTE: Need to learn a bit more before choosing a desk? Skip down to the buying guide below. In it, we discuss the three categories in detail so you can pick the right desk at the best price.

​Electric Standing Desk Reviews

An electric standing computer desk is a motorized desk that you can use either while sitting or standing. A simple button activates the electric motor which raises the desk from the normal sitting position to standing mode.

Choosing the right model is important for your safety and convenience. Let’s take a look!

1. Seville Classics OFFK65826 Airlift S3 Electric Standing Desk

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  • ​Rises up to 51.4 inches and lowers to 25.6 inches
  • ​Quick and quiet motor
  • ​Ergonomic design allows you to stand closer to the desk
  • ​4 customizable height adjustments
  • ​Heavy-duty steel construction
  • ​Expensive

If you are looking for a premium sit stand desk, then the Seville Classics OFFK65826 Airlift S3 Electric Standing Desk is definitely the one for you.

The Seville S3 is everything that a 21st-century office desk should be. It has a sleek finish and a small LED screen that lets you know the current height setting. You have the option of saving up to 4 height settings once you have used the desk enough to figure out the optimum height for different uses/times of the day.

Bells and whistles aside, the S3 does what you would expect from a premium electric standing desk. It goes as low as 25.6 inches and as high as 51.4 inches, which our taller experts very much appreciated. The motor runs quietly, smoothly, and quickly so you won’t create unwanted attention at the office or stand around awkwardly while waiting to hit the ideal height.

The heavy-duty steel construction makes for a sturdy desk with a maximum weight capacity of 264 pounds. We also liked the ergonomic design with sloping bottom edges and a curved side that allows you to stand as close to the desk as you need to be comfortable.

Finally, assembly was straightforward with clear instruction included, although it does take a bit of time to put everything together.

 The only downside is the high price, but if you’re looking for a top-of-the-line standing desk, the Airlift S3 is worth the money.

2. Jarvis Standing Desk Bamboo Top

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  • ​Quick and smooth motor
  • ​Durable construction
  • ​350-pound lifting capacity
  • ​4 preset adjustable height settings
  • ​Straightforward assembly
  • ​Expensive

The Jarvis Standing Desk Bamboo Top is a motorized standing desk that can support just about anything you put on it. It is almost identical to the Seville S3 in terms of features and operation with only a few minor differences.

Once assembled, we liked the classic wooden-top look. We gave extra points for the bamboo top finish, which is an eco-friendly choice.

The desk rises up to 51 inches (perfect for tall users) and lowers to 25.5 inches. You still get the 4 programmable height adjustments as you do with the Seville S3 as well as a handy control panel with an LED display to easily adjust the height at the touch of a button.  

The motor runs quickly works well, although it’s slightly noisier that of the Seville. But to make up for it being slightly louder, you can pack up to 350 pounds on this desk! This is almost 100 pounds more than the Seville.

The desk is solidly built and sturdy with only negligible wobbling at the maximum height. The leg design features 2-tiers, which is one less than the Seville, but it offers slightly more stability than the latter, especially when approaching maximum height.

We recommend this electric adjustable standing desk for people with heavy equipment. Its 350-pound capacity is unsurpassed in the industry.

The only glaring downside is the expensive price point. Overall, this desk is marketed as a high-end product and definitely lives up to its price tag.

3. VARIDESK – Full Electric Desk – PRODESK 60

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  • ​Quick and easy assembly
  • ​Silent motor
  • ​3 preset adjustable height settings
  • ​Looks great
  • ​Very Expensive

Praise for the VARIDESK – Full Electric Desk – PRODESK 60 started the moment the package arrived at our testing center. We were pleasantly surprised at just how well the desk was packaged with special care to avoid damage. Putting the desk together was very easy and only took a few minutes! This is compared to the 90-minute assembly time for the Seville S3 and Jarvis.

Once assembled, the clean, classic wood-like finish makes for an attractive desk. The wide top easily fits two monitors and all your work accessories without making the desk look cluttered. The 250-pound capacity is also sufficient for most office workers.

The VARIDESK PRODESK 60 comes with a stability crossbar which we like to call the ‘shin crusher.’ We’ve had issues with these types of desks before, but the crossbar on this VARIDESK is thoughtfully placed so that even the taller testers didn’t mangle their shins on the crossbar when sitting.

The standing computer desk goes from 25.5 inches to 50.5 inches quickly and quietly. There is the option to preset three height settings, which is always convenient.

Overall, the desk is solidly built, though we observed a slight wobble from the 37-inch mark. This wobble continued at the maximum height, but it’s very slight and doesn’t interfere with normal work.

The main point of contention with the VARIDESK 60 is the high price point. It costs significantly more than the Seville S3 and the Jarvis, yet it comes with more or less the same features and functionality.

4. Flexispot EC1S-R4830N ​Desk Frame Electric Sit Stand Desk

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  • List Element
  • ​Quick and easy assembly
  • Durable
  • ​Environmentally friendly
  • ​No preset adjustable height setting
  • ​Relatively low weight capacity

The Flexispot EC1S-R4830N Height Adjustable Desk Frame Electric Sit Stand desk is a great budget option if you want an electric standing desk and are willing to overlook extra features.

Right away, we noticed that this desk was significantly lighter than the other options we have reviewed. This makes assembly quick and easy, and we had everything set up in just a few minutes.

The chipboard desktop is an eco-friendly option, and the operation is quick and smooth. The desk lowers to 27.9 inches and goes as high as 47.6 inches. Its 157-pound weight capacity is sufficient for basic office use, although you may need something sturdier if you have an elaborate setup, such as dual monitors.

The Felxispot EC1S-R4830N is surprisingly sturdy considering its small size and light weight. It has a simple up-and-down button to adjust the height, but there is no option to preset adjustable heights on this one.

This is a no-frills sit and stand desk that compares nicely to the more premium-price options in this review, especially in terms of stability and functionality. It is also affordable, which is not always easy to find with electrically powered standing desks.

The main criticism is the lack of extra features, most notably the preset adjustable height settings. The Flexispot also doesn’t come with any kind of cable management feature, so your cables can get messy. Though at its great price, all of this can be overlooked.

5. Mount-It! Electric Height Adjustable Ergonomic Standing Desk

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  • ​3 programmable height presets
  • ​Silent dual motor
  • ​Quick and easy assembly
  • ​Affordable
  • ​Low Weight Capacity

The Mount-It! Electric Height Adjustable Ergonomic Standing Desk is a budget standing desk that holds its own against the more expensive options in this review.

It comes with dual motors which quickly and quietly raise the desk from 28.7 inches to 48.8 inches. Assembly took roughly 30 minutes and the instructions were clear and straightforward.

The desktop can hold up to 220 pounds which is sufficient for most office uses. You also get 3 programmable height options—a feature missing from the Flexispot. This desk is highly durable and one of the stablest budget options given you don’t exceed around 200 lbs.

The main drawback is the relatively low weight capacity. You’d definitely need a sturdier desk like the Jarvis if you plan to stack your desktop with heavy equipment.

We noticed the control panel switches to “sleep mode” after a minute, showing three dashes on the display. It took a little digging into the manual to figure out that the desk wasn’t broken and that you need to press the M button continuously for three seconds to re-activate the controls. Once you figure it out, it’s ok, but this desk lost a few points for ease of use as a result of the display.

The Mount-It! may be a better option than the Flexispot EC1S-R4830N if you don’t mind shelling out a little extra for it. You’ll get a higher weight capacity and the oh-so-convenient programmable height presets. Overall, it’s great to see a budget electric standing desk that works this well.

6. Autonomous SmartDesk

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  • ​Cheap
  • ​4 preset height settings
  • ​Quick and easy assembly
  • ​Wobbly, especially when approaching max height

The Autonomous SmartDesk is yet another affordable electric sit stand desk, and it’s actually the cheapest in this review so far. It has a simple, clean finish, and it’s easy to put together.

The desk has a height range of 28 inches to 46 inches. The maximum height wasn’t sufficient for our taller testers who had to slouch slightly to work on the desk. This is also the lowest maximum height we’ve seen so far.

The Autonomous SmartDesk has a weight capacity of 220 pounds, which is good enough to serve most of your office needs. You will need something with a higher weight capacity if you intend to use heavy accessories such as arm monitors.

This is not the right choice if you have large or multiple monitors. The desktop size is average for office use but will feel cramped with multiple monitors and/or accessories.

It comes with 4 programmable height presets, which is a great find in an affordable option.

The main problem we had with this Autonomous SmartDesk is the desk doesn’t feel very solid and gets noticeably wobbly especially when approaching maximum height. This desk is still a good choice if you are looking for a cheap standing table to use with an ordinary computer or laptop.

7. UPLIFT 2-Leg Height Adjustable Standing Desk Frame

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  • ​Solid frame construction
  • ​4 preset height options
  • ​Lifts up to 355 pounds
  • ​Expensive
  • ​Frame only; doesn’t include desktop

The UPLIFT 2-Leg Height Adjustable Standing Desk Frame isn’t a complete standing computer desk but rather just the frame. Still, this desk frame is well worth considering.

Its got all the features we love in an adjustable standing desk. You get 4 adjustable height settings to conveniently raise the desk to the optimum height at the touch of a button.

The motor runs quietly and the frame height ranges from 24.5 inches to 50.5 inches. This Uplift frame also comes with leveling glides to easily get around the problem of uneven flooring.

The frame is solidly constructed and can hold up to 355 pounds, giving you more than enough options for the kind of desktop and accessories you’d like to use. We made three separate desktops and tested the frame as a workstation, a sewing desk, and a woodworking bench. The frame worked great in every situation.

The manufacturer claims that the desktop can adjust from 43 inches to 96 inches wide. Although this is true, we found the optimum width for the desktop was between 43 inches and 80 inches.

The UPLIFT is great all around, but you’ll pay for the pleasure of using it. The frame costs almost as much as the Seville or the Jarvis, and it doesn’t include a desktop or tabletop. All the same, we’d happily recommend the UPLIFT adjustable standing desk frame to anyone who wants a stable and durable frame to custom-make a workstation or work desk.

8. Stand Steady TranzForm – Tranzendesk Electric Standing Desk

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  • ​Affordable
  • ​Good height range
  • ​Detachable top shelf for extra space/height
  • ​Sturdy frame
  • ​Quick and easy assembly
  • ​No LED display
  • ​No preset height adjustment option

The Stand Steady TranzForm – Tranzendesk Electric Standing Desk 48" is yet another affordable model with some great features. Assembly is easy, and a two-person team can put it together in well under 30 minutes.

The motor works quietly and easily raises the desk up to 48 inches high, which works for anyone but the exceptionally tall. The clearly marked buttons sit on the desktop. Simply push down until you get to the ideal height.

There is generous desktop space, and we loved the attachable extra shelf that goes on top of the desktop. The extra shelf also adjusts inward or outward so you can find the perfect position for your monitors.

The Tranzendesk has a strong and sturdy frame that keeps everything stable. It also handles weight well at the max height setting. Overall, It’s a great standing workstation.

There are a few more features we would have liked to see. A display that lets you know the current height setting or when you are approaching min/max height is always useful. You also don’t have the option to preset your ideal height settings.

Otherwise, this is an affordable option that met our expectations. We’d especially recommend it to older people or people who aren’t too technologically inclined. Its lack of techie features actually make it easier to use than other electric standing desks.

​Desk Riser Reviews

Not everyone can get a new desk on a whim, but that doesn’t mean you can't enjoy the health benefits of a standing workstation. A desk Riser or desk converter is a unit that attaches to your existing sitting desk, converting it to a standing desk. These models typically come with attachments for your keyboard and mouse so you can work comfortably while standing.

We have more details about desk raisers and converters in our buying guide section below.

​1. VIVO Height Adjustable Standing Desk ​Converter

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  • ​Sturdy steel frame construction
  • ​Easy operation
  • ​Good height range
  • ​No assembly required
  • ​Keyboard and mouse tray included
  • ​Keyboard tray doesn’t slide back and forth

The VIVO Height Adjustable Standing Desk Sit to Stand Gas Spring Riser Converter hits all the important requirements, especially at its price range.

There is no assembly required, so you can get to work a few minutes after taking it out of the box. The gas spring lift mechanism works smoothly and quickly with a simple squeeze of a handle.

It comes with a keyboard and mouse tray and an extra section for small items like your pens, markers and cell phone. This is one of the most convenient and easy-to-use products on this list, by far.

The desktop itself is wide enough to handle dual monitors and most of the things you would need on a regular day at the office. The VIVO is very sturdy even at maximum height and raises up to 19.7 inches above your desktop, which is perfect for taller people.

This VIVO does everything that an attachment to convert to a standing desk should even if it doesn’t have any of the extras common to electric desk risers.

The main criticism is although the keyboard tray is a convenient addition, it doesn’t slide back and forth. You can, however, unscrew it and remove it entirely if it gets in your way. Overall, it is a great budget option that’s easy to use right out of the box.

2. ​VARIDESK – Height Adjustable Standing Desk Converter

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  • ​No assembly required
  • ​Electric-powered desk riser
  • ​Quiet operation
  • ​Good height variation
  • ​Durable and sturdy construction
  • ​Fixed keyboard tray
  • ​Expensive
  • ​Expensive

The VARIDESK – Height Adjustable Standing Desk – ProPlus 36 Electric & PowerHub is a luxury pick among desk converters. It’s stylish, electric, and packed with features. Attach double monitors and you will have a hard time convincing yourself you don’t work for NASA or a spy agency.

All you need to do is take the unit out of the box, attach it to your desktop, and plug it in. There’s no assembly required.

As for the operation, it is easy to forget that you are not using a full-on electric standing desk but rather a desk riser. The motor works quietly and raises the desk up to 18.75 inches above your current desk height (which is better than the VIVO for taller people). Simply hold the button down to adjust to the ideal height.

This electric desk converter also comes with a handy LED display that shows the min/max height on a scale of 0-100.

The VARIDESK ProPlus 36 is solidly constructed and easily handles your double monitors and work accessories. The dedicated keyboard and mouse tray is a nice addition that frees up space on your desktop, making typing more comfortable.

The only downside we noticed is the keyboard tray is in a fixed position. This may be a problem if you have a shallow desk and need to work in the sitting position. Otherwise, we were very impressed by the VARIDESK ProPlus 36. It’s not simply a run-of-the-mill elevated desk stand but the closest you will get to a full electric standing desk at the price.

3. Standing Desk Stand Up Desks Height Adjustable Sit Stand Converter

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  • ​Sturdy steel base construction
  • ​200 adjustable height positions
  • ​Easy and efficient operation
  • ​No assembly required
  • ​No keyboard tray

It was easy to set up the Standing Desk Stand Up Desks Height Adjustable Sit Stand Converter. The unit comes pre-assembled, so it only took about 5 minutes to start using the desk riser.

We were concerned about stability at first, especially after testing the electric standing desks, but these concerns were quickly laid to rest. The Standing Desk Stand Up desk raiser’s solid steel base held all of our supplies confidently.

The unit raises and lowers easily using a pneumatic air cylinder. The operation is straightforward and raises up to 16.9 inches above your current desk height.

The Standing Desk Standup boasts up to 200 height variation, making it convenient to find that sweet spot regardless of your height. The desktop is wide enough to handle a regular work station and accessories. The operation did begin to lag at 35 pounds (recommended is 30 pounds) which is still sufficient for most office users.

Although the Standing Desk Stand Up does work well, it costs almost as much as the VIVO. For almost the same amount, you get extra height (19.7 inches for the VIVO compared to 16.9 inches for this one), a keyboard and mouse tray and extra room for accessories. The VIVO also has a higher weight capacity. Considered on its own, the Standing Desk Stand Up performs sufficiently. But ultimately, it pales in comparison to other units in its price range.        

​4. EleTab Standing Desk Converter

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  • ​No assembly required
  • ​Sturdy steel frame
  • ​Quick, quiet and smooth operation
  • ​Very Affordable
  • ​Keyboard tray doesn’t slide back and forth

The EleTab Standing Desk Converter definitely falls within the category of “budget desk riser,” yet despite its price, it’s particularly impressive. Simply unpack it, quickly install the keyboard tray (or not), and place it on the desk. Voila!

Many cheap desk risers are flimsy, but not so with the EleTab. The top is made from high-quality veneered particle board, which is great if you intend to use your unit with a monitor mount.

Included are the standard features for convenience such as a detachable keyboard tray and an extra provision at the top for your cell phone and stationery. The unit raises and lowers quietly and smoothly from 4.2 inches to 19.7 inches above your existing desktop. Simply hold the handle on either side to operate.

There is sufficient space on the top for most office setups, and the EleTab can hold up to 33 pounds of weight. The unit remains stable even when stacked with office equipment at the max height setting.

We recommend this model to anyone looking for a functional desk raiser at a bargain price.

The only downside is the keyboard tray doesn’t slide back and forth, forcing you to remove it if it gets in your way. Otherwise, the EleTab works as well as some higher priced models.​

​Manually Adjustable Standing Desk Reviews

A manual standing desk is much like the electric version except, as the name suggests, you need to use some elbow grease to position the desk at the desired height. These are also called crank sit stand desks.

We have more details about manual standing desks in our buying guide section of this article.

Our testers reviewed dozens of manual standing desks, and the following 4 made the cut.

1. Stand Up Desk Store Height Adjustable Work Station

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  • ​Sturdy
  • ​Four wheels for convenient transport
  • ​Includes keyboard tray and bottom shelf for storage
  • ​Inexpensive
  • ​No lever to adjust height; have to loosen screws before adjusting
  • ​Keyboard tray doesn’t slide back and forth

The Stand Up Desk Store Height Adjustable Work Station is simple and sturdy, which is about all you need in a table with adjustable height.

Putting the desk together was quick and simple. Though the instructions are all pictures with no text, so you might have a bit of trouble if you have never assembled a piece of furniture before.

Once set up, the frame is very sturdy even at maximum height. There is a keyboard tray, which is a nice touch, and a bottom shelf that we packed with almost 70 pounds supplies with no visible strain.

The desk comes with four wheels, so it’s a standing desk that you can move around easily even with equipment on it. We were easily able to wheel the almost 70 pounds (not including the double monitors we had on the desktop). There is a locking brake on two wheels so the desk won’t drift in the stop position.

Practical and sturdy as this manual standing desk might be, there is no lever to raise or lower the desk. You have to manually remove the screws on either side and adjust it to the correct height before tightening the screws. It’s too much work for a desk that you intend to use as a sit stand desk.

This is a good option if you want a standing desk that you rarely (or never) have to adjust. It’s also a great mobile option. The Stand Up Desk Store Height Adjustable Work Station has a price tag that can’t be beat, putting it more in the price range of a desk raiser than a complete standing desk. This helps offset the inconvenience of the screws.​

2. VIVO Black Manual Height Adjustable Table Sit-Stand Desk

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  • ​Heavy duty frame
  • ​Smooth hand crank
  • ​Good height clearance
  • ​Attractive matte black finish
  • ​Affordable
  • ​No keyboard tray or extra shelves
  • ​Doesn’t come with wheels
  • ​Low weight capacity

The VIVO Black Manual Height Adjustable Table Sit-Stand Desk is more of a table with adjustable height rather than your typical office desk.

Assembly was quick and easy, and the assembled table looks amazing in its matte black finish. The hand crank works smoothly and easily raises the desk from a minimum 29-inch height to the maximum 47.6 inches.

We loved the spacious table surface measuring 55.1 X 23.6. The frame itself is detachable, so this option is perfect for those who want to make their own tabletop or workbench.

The stable steel frame holds up to 88 pounds. We maxed out around 100 pounds and were still able to raise the desk easily. Any more than this, though, and you might have problems.

We like the convenient hangers on the side, allowing you to tuck away the crank handle when not in use. There is also the option to remove the handle entirely if you’ll be using the desk at the set height permanently.

The main criticism is this VIVO doesn’t come with a keyboard and mouse tray or any extra shelves to store your equipment or accessories. It also holds much less weight than other models we’ve seen. Overall, this is an affordable yet basic standing desk.​

3. Crank Adjustable Sit to Stand Up Desk

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  • ​Crank handle installs on either side
  • ​Stable and durable frame
  • ​Quick assembly
  • ​Multiple tabletop color options
  • ​Affordable
  • ​No keyboard shelf

One of the most versatile desks in terms of décor, the Crank Adjustable Sit to Stand Up Desk is available in several tabletop designs. We opted for the bamboo top and were not disappointed.

Assembly was quick and straightforward. Once assembled, the bamboo top has a glossy wooden look, and the large 59 X 29.5 tabletop provides plenty of room for whatever equipment you need to work with.

The hand crank works smoothly, although it does take quite a few cranks to get to the ideal standing height if you are tall. The heavy-duty frame keeps everything stable while cranking to the max height. We used mounted double monitors, an additional monitor, and a laptop and had no fear of tipping.

A simple but nice touch with the Crank Adjustable manual sit stand desk is the hand crank can be installed on either side of the desk. This isn’t too common, and it’s a thoughtful addition for left-handed people.

The adjustable height table comes with wheels which move easily even while weighed down with equipment.

The only thing we don’t like is that the standing table doesn’t come with a keyboard and mouse tray. It also doesn’t have extra shelves for your equipment, which is always a convenient feature on these types of desks. It costs a bit more than the VIVO, but you get wheels, a larger tabletop, and a crank handle that works on either side of the desk.​

Complete Buying Guide: Adjustable Standing Desks and Table Top Converters

The standing desks we reviewed here are all great choices. Although they beat out dozens of standing desks and desk risers that didn’t make the cut, it doesn’t mean that every desk on this list would be ideal for you.

You want a desk that’s going to keep you comfortable and productive for years. To find it, you need to know what to look for in a standing desk.

We put our nose to the grindstone to find out exactly what makes a good sit stand desk. Learn about the key features and differences between models in this complete buying guide.

Why Do You Need a Standing Desk?

Standing desks don’t come cheap, so why buy one? Aren’t regular desks good enough?

If you have been experiencing neck, shoulder, back, and hip pain, then your regular desk is likely the culprit. Sitting for too long is MUCH worse for you than ever thought before. In fact, sitting has been referred to as the new smoking! Aside from the aches and pains, additional health risks associated with prolonged sitting include increased risk of heart disease and diabetes, among others.

Standing workstations aren’t just a new office fad. They have actually been shown to boost productivity and help workers lose weight, meaning they’re soon to be a workplace staple.  

Just think about what you’ll be able to accomplish by getting a standing desk before the other desk jockeys do. Increased productivity, a sharper mind, and a better mood can translate to cash in your pocket in a work setting. Who knows? You might be moving your standing desk to a corner office before long!

At the very least, a standing desk can improve your overall health and make your work life more comfortable.

Types of Standing Desks

There are three major categories of standing desks which form the basis of our review. Each category has its own benefits and drawbacks. There are also certain features that are uniquely important in each category. We’re going to take a look at the details of all three to help you decide which is right for you.

Electric Standing Desks

This type of standing desk plugs into a power source and needs electricity to work. Depending on the unit's design, one or two motors raise the desk from a sitting to standing position.

Simple up and down buttons operate the height. These desks typically stop the moment you release the button, allowing you to find the ideal height.

Most electric desks are made to consume little power (usually fewer than 200 watts), which is about the same as most desktop computers.

Key Features of Electric Standing Desks

High-quality features are more important in electric standing desks than in the other categories. The most important ones include:

  • ​Motors: The motor is arguably the heart of the electric desk. Generally speaking, dual motors raise the desk more quickly and quietly than a single motor. Dual motors also have a higher weight limit than their single-motor counterparts. Two motors can, however, double the chances of something going wrong with the mechanism.
  • ​Memory Preset Options: The memory preset stores your ideal height adjustments much like you store your favorite stations on your car radio. More memory options are ideal for a shared desk. This feature allows you to get to the ideal height at a single push of a button.
  • ​LED Display: A display screen lets you see just how high or low the desk is. This is helpful for knowing when you are approaching the minimum or maximum height. The display is particularly useful if the electric desk doesn’t come with the memory preset feature. Simply note your ideal height and raise/lower the desk accordingly.
  • ​Anti-collision Feature: This feature helps to prevent collision with objects that might be in the path of the desk such as cabinets, door handles, and windowsills. The desk detects obstruction and stops adjustment until the obstruction is removed. This is a great feature to protect your desk and fixtures from damage.
  • ​Cable Management: Loose cables hanging off of your desk can create tripping hazards and look untidy. Most desks come with a hole for routing cables while others include dedicated cable trays for better cable management.
  • ​Power Saving Mode: Although most electric desks are designed with energy efficiency in mind, every little bit that you do to save power helps. A standby mode helps to minimize electricity consumption when the desk is not being operated.

Why Choose an Electric Standing Desk?

There are a few reasons why you would choose an electric standing desk over any other category.

Higher weight capacity

Because of the use of electric motors, these desks typically support more weight than manual standing desks and desk risers/converters. Most desks in this category easily lift 250 to 300 pounds.

Preset height adjustment

It takes a bit of time to find the perfect sitting/standing height, so it helps if you can recreate it every single time. Presetting the height adjustment lets you get to the ideal height at the single push of a button. This is especially important on a shared desk. Things aren’t as easy with the manual options.

Easy/Convenient Lifting

​As easy as manual desk cranks are to operate, effort is still required to lift a considerable weight. Electric sit-stand desks require zero effort to operate—simply push a button. The electric version also makes the most sense for people with limited mobility.

Manual Standing Desks

Manually adjustable height desks, unlike their electric counterparts, require physical exertion to raise/lower the desk. These typically use a rotary crank system which operates with the use of a hand crank. Simply turn the crank to raise or lower the desk. Alternatively, some desks come with a handle or lever to adjust the height position.

Key Features of Manual Standing Desks

While some features are important for all standing desks, some are more important to consider when shopping for a manual standing desk. These essential features include:

  • ​Weight Capacity: As these desks tend to support less weight than their electric counterparts, make sure that you have a ballpark figure of how much weight you'll be stacking on the desk.
  • ​Handle Positioning: Handle adjusters or hand cranks that are mounted on the side of the desk can be a problem if you have limited space. These handles can also catch on clothes if left protruding. Opt for a desk that allows you to keep the handle out of the way when not in use.
  • ​Removable Hand Crank: Again, the crank can get in the way. Some desks have the option to remove the crank without disassembling the desk. You may also want a hand crank that works on either side of the desk if you are left-handed.
  • ​Number of Turns: Manual standing desks can take a while to adjust, especially if you are tall. Choose a desk with a good height adjustment to cranking ratio. There are even manual desks that adjust faster than their electric counterparts.

Why Choose a Manual Standing Desk?

There are many instances in which a manual standing desk is a better option than an electric model or a desk raiser/adjuster.

Affordable

Crank adjustable desks have fewer parts and features, rendering them more affordable. This isn’t always true, but generally speaking, manual adjustable desks cost almost half the price of comparable electric models.

Quiet Operation

Electric models work quietly. The sound of an electric motor can be distracting or a nuisance, especially in quiet office spaces. Manual standing desks aren’t totally silent, but they are quieter than electric models.

Longer Lifespan

Crank adjustable height desks have fewer moving parts, and therefore, fewer elements that can get damaged. As with other kinds of technology, electric motors eventually fail or develop mechanical issues. Replacing the motor can be expensive. A well-built manual rising desk may be the better option if you are looking for long-term use.

No Power Needed

Manual standing desks don’t need electricity to work. This gives you more freedom in terms of placement. These desks are also easier on utility bills in the long run.

​Standing Desk Risers

Standing Desk risers and converters are attachments that convert an ordinary desk into a standing desk. The converter rises and lowers as a typical sit-stand desk should.

Just like full-size standing desks, these converters come in manual and electric options.

Standing desk converters are built for portability, giving you the freedom to use the same unit on multiple desks.

Key Features of Standing Desk Converters

Certain features play a primary role in whether a standing desk riser/converter is worth buying. These features include:

  • ​Desktop Surface: Keep in mind that the desk riser is designed to fit on your existing desk, which means its desktop will be smaller than that of the base desk. Make sure you have a good idea of what size desktop you need for the equipment and stationery that you use. Shoot for a 36-inch width or more to recreate the same space you get on most office desktops.
  • ​Weight Capacity: Standing desk converters have the lowest weight capacity of the three categories in this review. This goes doubly for manual converters whose gas-strut or coil spring can't handle heavy loads. Electric standing desk converters have a much higher weight capacity, and some can lift nearly as much as a full-size adjustable height desk.
  • ​Aesthetics: Only a handful of desk risers are built with aesthetics in mind. Practicality usually dominates this category, and this leads to some eyesores. This idea, however, seems to be changing in newer models. Electric models also tend to look better than manual ones.
  • ​Keyboard Trays and Extra Shelves: Putting your keyboard and mouse on an already small desktop takes up valuable space. A desk raiser with a dedicated keyboard space is far more practical for everyday office use. Extra shelves also ensure that your essentials stay within reach.

Why Buy a Standing Desk ​Converter

There are a few reasons why you would pick a desk riser over a full-size adjustable standing desk. Let’s take a look.

Affordable

If all you are looking for is to be able to stand at your work desk, a cheap adjustable desk riser allows you to do so without batting an eye. These units are also compact, saving you extra money on shipping.

Keep Your Existing Desk

You may already have an expensive, functional desk that you don’t want to get rid of. You can still keep your beloved desk complete with all the drawers and storage space you are used to while enjoying the benefits of a standing desk. These converters work well with most desks.

Easy Assembly

Most converters are ready to use right out of the box. If the thought of putting together furniture gives you anxiety, an adjustable tabletop workstation might be the perfect solution. The most work you might have to do is to clip on a keyboard tray or extra shelf.

Portability

Adjustable height standing desk converters are versatile. You can use them on your office desk, dining table, kitchen counter, or anywhere you'd like to work. You can also carry the unit to and from the office so you always have a standing desk no matter where you are working from.

The Best Adjustable Standing Desk

Are you ready to improve your health and productivity at work? You can, at any budget, begin to take your health more seriously and make your working hours a little (or a lot) more comfortable. Our experts did their due diligence and put all the standing desks reviewed here to the test. Any of the best adjustable standing desks and table top converters on this list are sure to get you a STANDing ovation at your next performance review!

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