13 Best Standing Desks (Review) In 2022
- The Best Standing Desk
- 1. FEZIBO Height Adjustable Electric Standing Desk
- 2. ApexDesk Elite Series Electric Height Adjustable Standing Desk
- 3. Vari Electric Standing Desk
- 4. Flexispot Height Adjustable Standing Desk
- 5. FLEXISPOT Standing Desk Converter
- 6. SHW Electric Height Adjustable Standing Computer Desk
- 7. Stand Steady X-Elite Pro Standing Desk Converter
- 8. Stand Steady Tranzendesk Standing Desk with Clamp On Shelf
- 9. Flexispot Electric Stand Up Desk Workstation
- 10. FEZIBO Ergonomic Stand Up Desk Converter
- 11. Calico Designs Adapta Height Adjustable Sit to Stand Desk
- 12. Seville Classics AIRLIFT Pro S3 Electric Adjustable Standing Desk
- 13. VIVO Manual Height Adjustable Stand Up Desk
As more and more of our activities are based online, we tend to spend more time than ever sitting at our desks. Unfortunately, spending hours in a seated position has been shown to be harmful to our health, causing aches, pains, and sometimes more serious conditions. But there is a solution to this problem - and that is to use a standing desk. The best standing desks are designed to make it easy for you to move regularly from a seated to a standing position whilst you work. Some desks are powered by electricity, with a push-button mechanism to raise or lower the work surface as needed. Other desks are adjusted manually, either by using a hand crank or a pneumatically assisted lift handle. This guide to the best standing desks is designed to make it easier for you to find the right model for your needs. It looks at lots of different types of desks, including corner desks , floating desk, computer desk, secretary desk, executive desks, and their particular pros and cons, so you can find the best option to help you work comfortably all day long.
The Best Standing Desk
1. FEZIBO Height Adjustable Electric Standing Desk



Key Features
Motorized height adjustment
48″ x 24″ work surface
Industrial grade steel frame
Natural top
Height range: 27.36″ to 46.06″ (including tabletop)
Programmable memory function
This high-quality standing desk is the best in our review and is packed with features that make it ideal for your home office. The FEZIBO Height Adjustable Electric Standing Desk is very strong – able to support up to 176 lbs in weight – so it can easily accommodate your desktop monitor, laptop setup, or monitor stand. The large work surface makes it suitable for a wide range of tasks and it’s easy to adjust the height whenever you need, with a simple-to-use LCD display and 4 programmable memory presets. This means that once you’ve found the perfect height, you can easily return to it whenever you want to. If you’re tired of accessories and cables cluttering up your office, you’ll be happy to know that this desk comes with hooks to hang up items like headphones, plus a cable tray to keep a power strip and cables neat and tidy. A 3 year warranty is included along with tech support, so you can feel confident that any questions you might have about using your standing desk will be answered quickly.
Pros
Strong – can support up to 176 lbs
Large work surface allows for a variety of office setups and tasks
Easy to assemble
Pneumatic cylinder allows for smooth height adjustment
Comes with desk hooks and a rack to hold cables
Built-in sensor to protect desk from damage
No crossbar
Cons
The desktop is in two parts, so there is a seam in the middle
Table top is not as high quality as the frame
Can be a little noisy
Error messages on touch screen can be hard to decipher
Numbers and arrows on control screen may wear off
2. ApexDesk Elite Series Electric Height Adjustable Standing Desk



Key Features
Motorized height adjustment
Contoured design
71″ x 33″ desktop area
Height range: 29″ to 48″ (including tabletop)
Industrial-grade steel frame
LED control with memory
The ApexDesk Elite Series Electric Height Adjustable Standing Desk is built to last. Its solid frame is made from industrial-grade steel whilst its large, sturdy MDF desktop – beautifully finished with beveled edges – can support up to 225 lbs. This means you have the freedom to set up your workspace just the way you want it and can safely carry out a range of office tasks. This contoured desk is designed with comfort in mind. At its narrowest point it measures 29″ deep, so you can get right up close to the tasks you choose to. The LED controller is programmable, so you don’t need to continually adjust the height to find the one that’s perfect for you – you can simply set the desk to remember! You’ll have plenty of legroom as this desk has no crossbar underneath. This also means that you can use it with a treadmill or exercise bike if you choose to.
Pros
Contoured design allows you to get closer to certain tasks
Desktop is one piece
Easy to assemble
Heavy duty
Multiple colors to choose from
No crossbar underneath – can be used with exercise equipment
Cons
Difficult to mount a monitor stand/microphone etc due to beveled edge
Instructions for setting memory are hard to follow
Difficult to undermount a keyboard tray in the curved area
Desktop may scratch easily
3. Vari Electric Standing Desk


Key Features
Motorized height adjustment
Height range: 25.5″ to 50.5″
60″ x 30″ desktop
4 programmable memory settings
T-Style leg with heavy-duty steel foot
White work surface
With a modern, stylish look, the Vari Electric Standing Desk is made from commercial-grade materials and offers great stability at any height. The laminate work surface is not just tough – it’s also spacious enough to hold up to 3 monitors, and the control panel allows you to program up to 4 height settings in its memory, so you can quickly get the desk to your favorite position. The adjustment operation is smooth and simple and there’s no crossbar underneath, giving you plenty of legroom. Perhaps one of the best features about this desk is that it’s super simple to assemble! Unlike many other standing desks – which can be quite complex to put together – this one was deliberately designed with simplicity in mind and takes just 5 minutes or less!
Pros
Takes 5 minutes to assemble
Tools for assembly provided
Durable
Stable
Available with or without crossbar
Comes with plastic tray for cables
Cons
Cable tray makes it hard to attach monitor/microphone mount
Heavy – requires 2 people to assemble due to weight
Control box seems fragile
You need to press and hold the preset buttons to raise or lower the desk
4. Flexispot Height Adjustable Standing Desk



Key Features
Motorized height adjustment
Height range: 28″ to 47.6″
Industrial-grade steel frame
48″ x 30″ desktop
Protective edge on work surface
Cable management system
With a strong frame made from industrial grade steel, this electric sit stand desk has a 154 lbs weight capacity. The Flexispot Height Adjustable Standing Desk is designed to be completely stable and won’t wobble during use. It moves smoothly and goes from a sitting to standing position in just 10 seconds, using the very simple 2-button controller. For your peace of mind, this desk comes with a 5-year warranty for the frame, motor and other mechanisms, and a 2-year warranty for the controller and switch plus electronics.
Pros
Strong and durable
Smooth, quiet operation
Great value for money
Easy to attach a monitor mount
Easy to use with exercise equipment
Simple to control
Cons
Assembly instructions hard to follow
Cable tray may come loose
No programmable memory settings
Fingerprints are very visible on work surface
5. FLEXISPOT Standing Desk Converter




Key Features
Adapts your existing desk to a standing desk
28.4″ x 23.7″ desktop
U-shaped keyboard tray
Non-slip rubber feet to prevent damage to existing desk
Enough room for two monitors and one laptop
Adjustable height range of 4.7″ to 19.7″
The best standing desk converter in terms of value is this model from FLEXISPOT. The FLEXISPOT Standing Desk Converter is cleverly designed with a keyboard tray that would work equally well with a full size keyboard and large mouse pad or a 17″ laptop. But if you don’t want the keyboard tray, you can quickly and easily remove it. Whereas some desk converters take up a lot of space, this one conveniently goes up and down within its own space, using a gas spring hovering system for smoothness and support. A 5-year warranty for the frame and desktop plus a 3-year warranty for the gas spring system and other mechanisms allow you to buy these excellent desk converters with absolute confidence.
Pros
Cheaper than buying a full standing desk
Easy to adjust the height using a single handle
Two tier work surface gives you lots of room
Can be adjusted to any height within its range
No assembly required (aside from adding the keyboard tray)
Includes cable management system
Cons
Keyboard height not adjustable – may be unsuitable for shorter people
Can be slightly wobbly
Does not sit flush to original desk
Can be hard to lift with larger monitors
6. SHW Electric Height Adjustable Standing Computer Desk



Key Features
Motorized adjustable height
Steel frame
Height range: 28″ to 46″
Digital display handset
47.25″ x 24″ desktop
The SHW Electric Height Adjustable Standing Computer Desk changes height telescopically, transitioning from sitting to standing using the strong legs. A clear, simple-to-use controller allows you to raise or lower the desk with ease, and you can program it to save your favorite height settings. It has a grommet to keep your desk tidy and a handy basket for cables, which stops them from hanging down behind the desk and keeps your office looking organized. This standing desk has a sleek look – whereas some other models have large, obvious frames, the fact that this desk adjusts telescopically means it has a simpler look and is particularly suitable for your home office. Checkout our best computer desk buying guide.
Pros
Comes with a cable management system
4 preset memory options
Comes with screw-in leveling glides for stability
Easy to assemble
Elegant, minimal appearance
Great value for money
Cons
Desktop is in 2 pieces, so there is a seam
Cable basket hangs into knee space
Slightly noisy
Edges of the work surface are sharp
7. Stand Steady X-Elite Pro Standing Desk Converter



Key Features
Pneumatic pump assisted lift
20″ x 28″ work surface
Supports up to 20 lb in weight
Single level design
Height range: 16.25″ x 23.5″
Steel base
These standing desk converters just sit on top of your existing desk and make a good – and cheaper – alternative to buying a full standing desk. The Stand Steady X-Elite Pro Standing Desk Converter offers adjustable height using a pneumatic pump assisted lift – all you need to do is grip the side handle and let it do the heavy lifting for you (in the same way that you’d raise and lower an office chair)! You will still have plenty of space left on your existing desk, as the unit takes up a relatively small area of 2.25″ to 16.75″.
Pros
Comes fully assembled and ready to use
Compact footprint
Easy to adjust the height
Economical – cheaper than replacing your existing desk
Smart, modern appearance
Stable
Very close to your original desk in its lowest position
Cons
No keyboard tray
Company logo is stamped on the side of the desktop
A little stiff to use at first
Drops quickly when lowered to the bottom
Can be noisy
8. Stand Steady Tranzendesk Standing Desk with Clamp On Shelf




Key Features
Easy-turn crank mechanism
Height range: 46″ x 55″
Telescoping legs
Total weight capacity of 70 lbs
Metal frame
100% satisfaction guarantee
The best standing desk for taller people, this model extends all the way up to 55″, making it perfect for anyone up to 6’4″ tall. The Stand Steady Tranzendesk Standing Desk with Clamp On Shelf also boasts a generous 9 square feet of workspace, plus it comes with a bonus shelf. The shelf itself is adjustable, so you can position it to extend outward, or inward over your desk. This gives you loads of room for your monitor, keyboard, laptop, and other items you may need. The desk has a total weight capacity of 70 lbs whilst the shelf can support 35 lbs.
Pros
Extra tall – suitable for people up to 6’4″
Lots of space
Comes with a clamp-on shelf
Sleek design
Sturdy
Easy to assemble
Cons
No keyboard tray
Shelf wobbles slightly when extended
No cable management system
Slightly wobbly at full height
9. Flexispot Electric Stand Up Desk Workstation


Key Features
Electric lift system
Height range: 28″ to 47.6″ (not including table top)
55″ x 28″ workspace
Choice of colors
Industrial-grade steel frame
154 lbs weight capacity
This Flexispot Electric Stand Up Desk Workstation uses an electric lift system for adjustable height and is very strong, with a sturdy steel frame capable of supporting 154 lbs in weight. This allows you to set up your monitor, keyboard, laptop, etc. just the way you want them. Thanks to its speed and smoothness, you can go from working in a seated position to standing in just 10 seconds – and it’s very simple to operate, with an easy-to-use 2 button controller. The powder coating on the steel frame means that it will stay looking good in your home office, as it is resistant to both stains and scratches.
Pros
Large work space
Stable and robust
Operates quietly and smoothly
Simple 2 button control
Can easily be used with exercise equipment if desired
Durable
Cons
Assembly requires a drill
No preset memory option
Assembly instructions are difficult to follow
Desktop surface vulnerable to scratches
10. FEZIBO Ergonomic Stand Up Desk Converter





Key Features
Gas spring hovering system
Height range: 4.5″ – 19.3″
32.6″ x 17.8″ workspace
Holds up to 28.6 lbs in weight
Dark wood finish
10-year whole standing desk warranty
Probably the most high end of the standing desk converters in our review is this beautifully designed unit from FEZIBO. With an attractive dark wood finish, the FEZIBO Ergonomic Stand Up Desk Converter looks great in any office and is an easy way to convert a regular desk to a standing desk within moments. You can adjust the height smoothly and easily thanks to its gas spring hovering system, which you operate just by squeezing a handle. It comes with a generous 10 year warranty plus tech support, so you can be confident that any questions you may have will be answered.
Pros
Saves money – cheaper than buying a full standing desk
High quality appearance and feel
Sturdy
Keeps your keyboard and mouse just half an inch off your existing desk
Dual tier design to give you separate surfaces for your monitor and keyboard
Easy to operate
Cons
Relatively small workspace
Textured surface is bumpy to write on
Keyboard bounces slightly due to lack of support underneath
Keyboard shelf is very thick
11. Calico Designs Adapta Height Adjustable Sit to Stand Desk




Key Features
Uses a simple locking system
36″ x 20″ work surface
T-Mold edge band on work surface
Height range: 23″ to 32″
Durable powder-coated finish on base
The best standing desk if you’re on a limited budget is the Calico Designs Adapta Height Adjustable Sit to Stand Desk. It has a simple, incremental height adjustment system where it locks into place at different levels and you tighten the knobs to secure it. The base is sturdy and durable as is the heavy-duty work top, which features a T-Mold edge band. It comes with 4 floor levelers which help keep it stable whilst in use.
Pros
Work surface is very thick, tough and durable
Easy to assemble
Stable – uses 4 floor levelers
Can be used at heights lower than many other standing desks
Small footprint
Cons
Adjusts in 1″ increments which may not suit everyone
Takes a little time to raise and lower
Too narrow to use with an under-the-desk treadmill
Can be tricky to hold the desk in position whilst tightening the knobs
12. Seville Classics AIRLIFT Pro S3 Electric Adjustable Standing Desk




Key Features
Electric lift system
Height range: 25.6″ to 51.4″
54″ x 28″ workspace
Choice of colors
LED display height controller
High-end professional design
Top of the list of standing desks in our premium category is this electric model from Seville Classics. The Seville Classics AIRLIFT Pro S3 Electric Adjustable Standing Desk LED display height controller can be programmed with 4 memory settings, so it’s easy to get the desk back to your most comfortable position. The large workspace is made of one solid piece and can comfortably fit all your gadgets such as wireless phone chargers and headphone stands. This is an attractive feature, as many standing desks have 2 piece work tops with a seam that can make it difficult to use them for writing. Strong and sturdy, this desk is capable of supporting up to 264 lbs in weight and provides plenty of workspace for your preferred office setup.
Pros
4 memory settings
Solid, single piece work surface
Easy and smooth to operate
Large work surface makes it possible to arrange your preferred office setup
Three section legs that allow the desk to rise higher than other standing desks
Easy assembly with tools included
Cons
Difficult to add keyboard shelf if required due to the cross brace
Preset memory button needs to be held down to adjust height
Holes for controller unit are not pre-drilled
Beveled edge can make it difficult to clamp on a monitor stand and microphone
13. VIVO Manual Height Adjustable Stand Up Desk





Key Features
Hand crank system
43″ x 23.6″ work surface
Weight capacity 154 lbs
Height range: 30.2″ to 50″
Steel frame and particle board top
Choice of colors available
The VIVO Manual Height Adjustable Stand Up Desk is raised and lowered manually using a simple hand crank system and strong, telescopic legs. Robust and sturdy, its steel frame is tough enough to support up to 154 lbs in weight – ideal for arranging your monitors, laptops and keyboards just as you need them. This standing desk comes with a 3 year manufacturer’s guarantee.
Pros
Durable
Easy to operate
Accessories are available (sold separately)
Strong – able to support up to 154 lbs
Ideal for smaller spaces
Modern appearance
Cons
Handle does not fold away
No cable storage
Work surface is a little smaller than with some other standing desks
Some drilling required during assembly
Features To Consider With Standing Desks
Comfort
When you buy an adjustable standing desk, your main priority is to be comfortable when you are working. So it's important to look out for the extra features that guarantee this will be the case! Always check the minimum and maximum height specifications to make sure that these will be suitable for you. If you are considering an electric standing desk, you might prefer to choose one that has memory options. This means that you won't have to keep trying to find your most comfortable height position - you can just get to it with the click of a button. Another feature you might want to look for is a curved edge - this makes it easy to sit up close to the task you are carrying out.
Design
Desks for standing come in a variety of designs, so you need to think about how you will be using yours and which will be the best type for your needs. Are you planning on using exercise equipment - such as a treadmill or an exercise bike - whilst you work at your standing desk? If so you will need to make sure that the desk doesn't have a crossbar underneath, which would make this difficult or impossible. You would also need to check the width of the desk, as some would be too narrow to accommodate a treadmill underneath. Another point to consider when looking for the best standing desk is how to organize your cables. Some standing desks come with cable management systems that allow you to place your cables neatly and may even hold a power strip too. Do you also have accessories that need storing, such as headphones? Then look for a standing desk that is designed for storage too, usually featuring hooks underneath for keeping them tidy. A final - but very important - point is to think about whether you will need to clamp accessories such as a mounting stand or microphone to your standing desk. Some desks are designed with beveled edges - and while these look nice, it can make it quite difficult to clamp on your accessories.
Desk Converter Accessories
Using a desk converter is an alternative to buying a full standing desk. It's far cheaper and makes use of your existing desk - you simply place the converter on top and raise it when you need to work in a standing position. The best desk converters usually come with a keyboard tray, so this is something to look for when choosing the right model for your needs. If it doesn't come with a tray, then you might want to check that a compatible one is available to buy separately.
Manual or Motorized
This is one of the biggest things to take into consideration when choosing the standing desk that best suits your needs. Motorized desks tend to be more expensive, but they do offer some advantages. The main one is ease of use - a motorized desk requires little in the way of effort to raise and lower, making it suitable for use by anyone. Another advantage with some motorized standing desks is that they can be set to remember certain heights. This means that you don't have to find the best height for your needs every time you use the desk - instead, you can press a button and the desk will move straight to the perfect position. There are a couple of different types of manual standing desks. Some are hand cranked, which can be quite easy to use, while others feature a lift handle, which is usually assisted by a gas spring or pneumatic pump. Whilst this means that you won't be lifting the full weight of the monitor and other accessories on your desk by yourself, it's worth bearing in mind that these types of standing desks do require a degree of strength to operate effectively and might not be suitable for everyone.
Max Height
The maximum height of your chosen standing desk is very important. If it's not high enough for you, it will cause you to work in a stooped position. Bad posture is, of course, exactly what you are trying to avoid when working in a standing position. Always check both the maximum and minimum heights of the standing desks you are considering - they can vary by several inches.
Weight Capacity
Some of the standing desks we reviewed have robust metal frames that can hold a significant amount of weight, whereas others can support far less. Think about your office setup - do you require more than one monitor and perhaps a laptop too? Then you will need to ensure that the standing desks you shortlist are able to fully support the weight of your equipment, plus any you may need to add to your setup in the future.
The Health Benefits Associated With Sit-Stand Desks
If you work in an office, then you will spend many hours throughout the day in a seated position. This can cause all sorts of problems, from aches and pains caused by poor posture to weight gain from inactivity. Standing desks can help alleviate these problems. For example, if you suffer from back pain that's made worse by sitting at a desk all day, using a standing desk could help reduce your discomfort by allowing you to work in different positions. If weight gain is your biggest problem, then you could use a standing desk in conjunction with exercise equipment. Some people will place a treadmill or exercise bike below the desk, effectively killing two birds with one stone! In addition to weight gain, sitting down throughout the day is believed to contribute to cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and even some forms of cancer. Alternating between sitting and standing whilst working may help reduce these risks.
Standing Desk FAQ
Q: How long should I stand at my desk?
One of the biggest misconceptions with standing desks is that you need to be standing at them all day for them to be beneficial to your health, But this isn't the case - after all, if sitting in one position all day causes neck pain, then it stands to reason that standing all day may cause leg pain instead! The best option is to alternate between standing and sitting throughout your working day, changing from one to the other every 30 to 60 minutes. Try to make sure that for every one to two hours you sit at your desk, you spend one hour standing.
Q: Do I need a standing desk mat?
While standing desks provide a great way to avoid constant sitting throughout the working day, standing on a hard office floor can cause its own discomforts. These include muscle fatigue, inflammation to the feet and legs, and even damage to the joints. If you are experiencing any of these - or want to prevent them - then a standing desk mat is the answer. These small mats are made of lightweight, shock-absorbent material and are designed to relieve aches and pains in your feet and legs when standing for long periods of time. They are also slightly flexible so that you have to make constant, very small movements to keep your balance. These small movements cause expansion and contraction in the muscles of your legs, stimulating the circulation of blood to the heart, reducing spinal pressure, relieving foot pressure, and protecting your feet from cold floor surfaces, which can make you feel more fatigued. Whilst a standing desk mat isn't essential, it's very beneficial to use one.
Sources
The Truth Behind Standing Desks - Harvard Health Publishing