The best standing desks make it easy to transition between sitting and standing without disrupting your workflow and can ultimately help you build healthier habits at work. Standing throughout the day can reduce sedentary time and ease common aches, though experts note that the real goal is balance — too much standing can strain your circulation just as too much sitting can.
Our team has tested nearly two dozen height-adjustable standing desks and converters in our home offices. In addition to working from them for months at a time, we evaluated stability, adjustment range, noise and speed, desktop size, cable management, and customization options.
An adjustable desk is just one part of an ergonomic setup. Pairing it with monitor arms or a laptop stand and a supportive desk chair will help you maintain a comfortable posture while a desk mat will help manage fatigue and back pain.
Read more about how Insider Reviews tests home products.
Our picks of the best standing desks
Best overall: Uplift V3 Standing Desk - See at Uplift
Best budget: Flexispot E2 Standing Desk - See at Amazon
Another budget pick: Vivo Electric Standing Desk - See at Amazon
Best heavy-duty: Flexispot E7 Pro Standing Desk - See at Flexispot
Best for cable management: Secretlab Magnus Pro - See at Secretlab
Best for small spaces: Branch Duo Standing Desk - See at Branch
Best with drawer: Burrow Copilot Standing Desk - See at Burrow
Best for tall people: Branch Standing Desk - See at Branch
Best converter: Vivo K Series - See at Amazon
How to choose the best standing desk for your needs
Aesthetics and function come into play here. Consider your personal needs and space to find your ideal standing desk. Then consider add ons like
| If this sounds like you… | What actually matters | Not ideal if… | Best type | Our pick |
| You want to customize everything (size, materials, accessories) | Wide range of desktop sizes, finishes, add-ons, and stability | You want something simple and quick to set up | Fully customizable standing desk | Uplift V3 Standing Desk |
| You want something affordable that works well | Reliable motor, decent stability, simple design, Basic up/down functionality | You need premium materials, heavy-duty performance, or a high weight capacity | Budget standingdesk | Flexispot E2 Standing Desk or Vivo Electric Standing Desk |
| You hate wobble or have a heavy setup (multiple monitors, PC, gear) | High weight capacity, dual motors, strong frame | You just need a lightweight desk for a laptop | Heavy-duty standingdesk | Flexispot E7 Pro Standing Desk |
| You hate messy cables and want a clean setup | Integrated cable tray, power management, magnetic organization | You don’t care about aesthetics or cable clutter | Cable-management-focused desk | Secretlab Magnus Pro |
| You’re working in a small space or apartment | Compact footprint, smaller desktop sizes | You need a large multi-monitor setup | Compact standing desk | Branch Duo Standing Desk |
| You want built-in storage like a drawer | Integrated drawer, clean design, workspace organization | You're looking for tons of customization options | Desk with storage | Burrow Copilot Standing Desk |
| You’re tall and need a higher desk range | Extended height range, stability at full height | You’re shorter or have limited space | Tall-friendly standingdesk | Branch Standing Desk |
| You don’t want to replace your current desk | Easy setup, sits on top of existing desk, adjustable height | You want a full-size dedicated standing desk | Desk converter | Vivo K Series |
Best overall
Uplift’s highly customizable V3 standing desk has a sturdier frame with a 355-pound weight limit, improved cable management, and a more streamlined install, compared to its predecessor.
What we like
What we don't like
Uplift has been one of our go-to standing desks for years. This in part thanks to its durability, stability, and endless customization options. The brand has long held the top spot for making the best standing desk you can buy, but we've updated our pick to focus on the new V3 model. Released in September 2025, it's easier to assemble, features better cable management, and has a sturdier frame for better stability.
The new V3 offers a more inclusive height range of 22.6 to 48.7 inches. This meets current 2021 BIFMA (Business and Institutional Furniture Manufacturers Association) ergonomic standards and fits about 95% of users (anyone from 5 feet to 6-foot-4). The previous V2 model ranged from 25.3 to 50 inches and was available in both standard and commercial versions. If you're on the taller side, adding the caster wheels can give you a bit of extra height.
Customization is where Uplift really shines. You can choose from tons of desktop materials — laminate, bamboo, solid wood butcher block — and mix and match frame styles, keypads, and accessories like drawers, monitor arms, power strips, and privacy panels. Flexispot offers small-space friendly 40-inch desktops to 80-inch executive desks that can fit multiple monitors. There are also L-shaped and corner desk options too. If that sounds overwhelming, Uplift offers a few pre-configured setups to make the process easier. It's also available on Amazon for a more streamlined experience, though you lose out on seeing the full range of options available to you. Every desk now comes with the FlexMount Cable Manager, a pouch-style system along the back that can hold up to 10 pounds of cords and power bricks.
The V3 functions beautifully. It has the same 355-pound lifting capacity as the V2 and stays impressively quiet, moving from the lowest to the tallest setting in about 13 seconds. The desk feels rock-solid at any height, thanks to its reinforced steel foot, stability plates that reduce side-to-side movement, and a crossbar that evenly distributes weight.
The new V3 offers a more inclusive height range of 22.6 to 48.7 inches. This meets current 2021 BIFMA (Business and Institutional Furniture Manufacturers Association) ergonomic standards and fits about 95% of users (anyone from 5 feet to 6-foot-4). The previous V2 model ranged from 25.3 to 50 inches and was available in both standard and commercial versions. If you're on the taller side, adding the caster wheels can give you a bit of extra height.
Program it to your desired heights. The digital keypad allows you to view the desk's exact height and program preset positions for sitting and standing. You can even add a Bluetooth adapter to control it from your phone, track how often you sit or stand, and set reminders to move more throughout the day.
Assembly took about an hour. It was noticeably faster than putting together the V2. Uplift reduced the number of screws and added pre-assembled crossbars, fasteners, and a control box. The instructions were straightforward, though installing the optional drawer was tricky since it didn't come with pre-drilled holes.
Read our full Uplift V3 Standing Desk review.
Best budget
The no-frills Flexispot E2 Standing Desk moves quickly, smoothly, and quietly to reach your desired height. It's an affordable option for people who need a basic standing desk.
What we like
What we don't like
There's no way around the fact that standing desks are more expensive than traditional desks. FlexiSpot's budget-friendly offering costs around $200, which is about as low as you'll find for a motorized standing desk that is sturdy. Flexispot makes a dizzying array of models, but the E2 is its least expensive option. On Flexispot's website, you can customize the desk with a range of desktop materials and accessories, but if you suffer from decision fatigue, you can just buy the whole thing pre-configured on Amazon, where it is sold as the EN1. It comes with hooks to
We tested the Pro version of the E2, which is now discontinued, but the only real difference between the Pro and the current version is that the cable management was included (for an extra $40, you can just add it to the current configuration).
The overall desk quality was comparable to some of the more expensive models we've tested. The desktop has enough space for two monitors and other desktop accessories. With a simple two-button push system, it lifts to your desired height at a smooth and quiet rate of one inch per second. Importantly, it doesn't look cheap, which is an issue we've seen with other budget standing desks.
The biggest drawback of the desk was putting it together. Fortunately that's a one-time task. The the assembly instructions weren't clear, and some parts don't fit together as well as they should. Since putting all the pieces together, the desk has run smoothly, quietly, and without issue.
Read our full Flexispot standing desk review.
Another excellent option under $200 with an impressive weight capacity
Vivo's 1B Series is a worthy choice for anyone looking to check out the standing desk scene while staying on a sensible budget. It has a generous 220-pound weight capacity to accommodate your gear, with a range of sizes and tabletop finishes to personalize it to your style.
What we like
What we don't like
The Vivo standing desk is a great alternative to Flexispot. It also is available in a wide range of surface sizes and colors to choose from. The roomy 60 × 30 inch size costs under $200, with smaller sizes costing less. The version we tested supported up to 176 pounds, which is more than enough for a few monitors, a desktop PC, or even a gaming setup, but the brand has since upped the desk's weight capacity to 220 pounds. I'm around 150 pounds, and it had no problem lifting me to its 48.5-inch limit. This very affordable standing desk has four programmable height settings, making it ideal for shared workspaces, but it lacks basic cable management unless you choose add-ons.
Assembly was a bit frustrating. It had vague instructions for leg width adjustments and a lack of some pre-drilled holes. It required a little extra effort with a Philips head screwdriver. Once set up, the desk feels sturdy.
We stress-tested this desk to the limit. A child lock adds safety, but the collision detection, which is supposed to stop the desk mid-movement if someone bangs into it or it detects resistance, is unreliable. In testing, the desk failed to stop when met with resistance, raising concerns for households with children or for protecting furniture beneath. Also, the motor overheats easily, as I discovered during initial setup, when a 'Hot' warning displayed well under the 15 minutes mentioned in the manual, but it was fine after leaving it for a few minutes. I haven't seen the error message since. Even so, that's a minor red flag for durability.
Compared to Flexispot's entry-level desks, the differences are minimal. Vivo offers a height range of 29.3 to 48.5 inches, while Flexispot ranges from 28.1 to 45.7 inches. Vivo has a higher weight capacity than Flexispot. In practice, both far exceed the needs of most home offices. Also, Vivo's 3-year warranty is far shorter than Flexispot's five-year. In all, the two are very similar, and it could ultimately come down to whichever is on sale at the moment. — Brendan Griffiths, senior commerce director
Best heavy duty
Flexispot's most premium and heavy-duty offering, the E7 Pro has a powerful motor, greater adjustability, and a semi-C Leg structure for added stability and comes with a 15-year warranty.
What we like
What we don't like
The Flexispot E7 Pro can lift upwards of 440 pounds of gear. This makes it ideal for people with heavy gear to load up the desk and provides added peace of mind if leaning on the table with body weight. "I couldn't believe how well it did during the weight testing process — lifting and lowering my entire body with ease," said tester Alex Temblador.
It's one of the best standing desks under $500. Flexispot emphasizes great value for the features. It was edged out from taking best overall as Uplift had a slight edge in terms of total customization and ease of installation. You can read more in our comparison of the Uplift and Flexispot's E7 Pro.
It's available in numerous sizes and desktop materials, but fewer accessory add-ons. The Flexispot customizations include chipboard, rubberwood, solid wood, or bamboo desktops across numerous sizes, or as a frame-only option. Some options like solid wood made in the US have longer lead times. Flexispot also offers an L-shaped desk with triple motors for added stability if you need an extra-large workspace. Unlike Uplift, there is just one control panel to choose from, but it has all the features you could need, Temblador liked that it was easy to program the standing and sitting heights with four presets and a digital height display. "I liked that the control panel had a USB port, as it made charging my phone while I worked much easier."
It's well-suited to people of varying heights. The desk can could rise and lower an inch in less than two seconds with a maximum standing height of 50.6 inches and a minimum sitting height of 25 inches,. The C-Frame has a solid carbon steel base that provides stability and a three-stage lift system. It also comes with an extended cord management tray. However, it's not as quiet as some of the other models we tested, hitting about 61 decibels, but not disruptive either.
Assembly can be a little difficult with the instruction manual and tools provided. However, it's hard to beat the price of this standing desk, especially when you compare it to others on the market.
Read our full Flexispot E7 Pro Standing Desk review.
Best for cable management
The Magnus Pro has incredibly thoughtful cable management and supportive add-ons that make it a great choice for gamers, streamers, and anyone who uses multiple monitors and accessories.
What we like
What we don't like
A desk designed for gamers, but you don't need to be one to love it. It's smooth motor, stable desktop, and vast customization options are huge selling points as to why we love the Secretlab Magnus Pro Desk. The metal desktop comes in two spacious sizes, with over a dozen different leatherette Magpad Desk Mats to choose from. These magnetic surfaces sturdily roll out over the metal surface to provide a matte, non-skid workspace that didn't budge during hours of testing. From there, you can add accessories like cable management sheaths, monitor arms, RGB lighting, and PC mounts.
Where this desk truly shines is in its cable management. Pesky cables are the standing desk user's worst enemy, and this desk tames them with a hidden channel at the back of the tabletop for extension cords, chargers, and power cables. The desk itself acts as a power hub of sorts by plugging into your power socket from the leg's base, then rerouting power to an outlet at the top of the desk for you to plug in all of your electronics. It means that all of your cords are connected to the top of the desk, so when you raise or lower it, nothing gets tugged or tangled with the movement. You can further customize with magnetic cable anchors, sheaths to hide cables up the leg, and cord ties.
During testing, I found this to be a flawless solution in motion. After days of use, I was blown away by how freely I could move my desk without fretting about yanked cables. Really, the Magnus Pro is everything it promises to be: a stable base with unrivaled cable management and premium add-ons that just make it better. Its smooth motor, stable desktop, and vast customization options are huge selling points for the Magnus Pro.
The main setback is just how difficult it is to assemble. Like Ikea furniture on hard mode, this desk arrives in pieces, all of them flat-packed in separate boxes. Though the instructions are detailed, putting it together is a real project that involves a fair amount of crawling around and heavy lifting. It's an incredible desk that I highly recommend to everyone, but you need to be ready for some difficult assembly. — Sarah Saril, deals editor
Read our full Secretlab Magnus Pro Standing Desk review.
Best for small spaces
Branch’s standing desk is simple to set up and easy to move up and down throughout your workday. It comes in 3 different sizes and its sleek design makes it a good option for small spaces.
What we like
What we don't like
Our search for a compact desk led us to the Branch Duo Standing Desk. It is an easy-to-use option that moves seamlessly and quietly to reach your desired height. It's available in three different sizes: 36 x 24 inches, 48 x 24 inches, or 58 x 27 inches, but the smallest option is sized well to fit into a tiny office or apartment.
It's customizable. Choose from four different leg options and nine tabletop finishes in laminate or wood veneer. You can choose to make the desk monochromatic or add a wood tone to the top. This desk also comes with multiple add-ons, including a front drawer for extra storage and cable management.
The desk has a sleek design and simple control panel. It fit nicely in tester Rebecca Shinners' studio. She thought programming the sitting and standing heights took a bit of time to get right, but in general, the desk moves quickly and smoothly and feels stable at all heights, supporting up to 275 pounds of weight. There's also an option to set a reminder to stand up to add more movement to your day.
Unlock smart features when you add on a Bluetooth adaptor. Since we tested this desk, Branch introduced a Bluetooth adaptor that connects to the Branch app (iOS only), which lets you control your desk, schedule standing time, and monitor time spent standing.
It has a 19.3-inch range of movement (from 27.8 to 47 inches). This suited Shinners, who is petite at five-feet tall, all the way up to users up to 6-foot-1. It ships in two boxes and was mostly straightforward to set up, but some of the wiring was tricky to secure into place and required two people.
Read our full Branch Duo Standing Desk review.
Best with drawer
Burrow’s attractive CoPilot Standing Desk features a hardwood top with a drawer compartment roomy enough to fit a 17” laptop. It easily adjusts to your desired height, up to 48”, whether sitting or standing.
What we like
What we don't like
Burrow sought out customer feedback to build the perfect standing desk. While Burrow is most notable for its modular and easy-to-assemble sofas, the Copilot Standing Desk was designed following feedback from a customer survey about the ideal aesthetics, interior storage, and cord management needs for a standing desk. As a result, the Burrow Copilot Standing Desk features a stylish hardwood tabletop (available in oak or walnut), adjustable and stable steel legs, and, most notably, a built-in drawer with a luxe soft-close mechanism and enough space to hide away a 17-inch laptop, extra papers, or small office supplies.
Beyond being incredibly functional, the Copilot caters to our need for something beautiful, too. Very few standing desk brands offer any sort of built-in storage, let alone one that blends into a home office setting. Other design considerations include a hidden monitor mount and a cord organization compartment.
The desk incrementally adjusts from 28.5 to 48 inches. The control panel displays the exact height and has buttons to program three pre-set options. It is situated on the right side, which is convenient for right-handed users, but perhaps less so for left-handed folks. When I'm ready to shift between sitting and standing, the desk smoothly lifts with a low hum to my desired height. I'm comfortable leaning into the desk with my weight at taller heights, but it may wobble if you try to force it.
The Burrow Copilot desk shipped in two packages and included all the necessary tools and instructions for assembly. With the help of another person, I attached the legs, added the motor components, and flipped it right side up, which took me about 40 minutes. Burrow will also connect you with TaskRabbit if you want to avoid assembly.
The desk has a cord storage compartment sized to manage cables. Burrow also sent me a power block that tucks into the cord storage compartment, but my laptop charger prevented the lid from sitting flush. I had better luck turning a traditional surge protector on its side. — Jaclyn Turner, senior home editor
Best for tall people
The Branch Standing Desk has a wide 26 inch adjustment range and can extend up to 52 inches tall, making it a great option for tall people. It's available in four different finishes, two leg colors, and two table sizes.
What we like
What we don't like
Tall users over 6-foot-2 may need to consider a desk that is ergonomic to their height needs. The Branch Standing Desk adjusts to 52 inches for people up to 6-foot-8. It's just behind the Uplift desk in terms of adjustment range, but it moves slightly slower, at about 1.5 inches a second, and lowers down to a minimum of 26 inches.
The frame was sturdy and didn't sway. It has a maximum weight capacity of 275 pounds. However, it's not as customizable as the Uplift. The Branch Standing Desk is available in two top lengths of 48 or 60 inches by 30 inches deep and four top colors with a black or white frame. The desk is also only available with laminate MDF.
The control panel is great if you share the desk. You can store four preset heights and it displays the exact height. We find the keypad easier to use than the paddle design of the Duo, our pick for small spaces.
The Branch Standing Desk has a large grommet in the center of the desk to funnel cables through. This is something the smaller-sized Duo lacks. It's compatible with adds-on like a monitor arm, privacy panels, and in-desk power, which includes various plugs and USB outlets. Unlike the Duo however, it does not have compatibility to add on a Bluetooth adaptor to unlock smart features.
Best converter
The Vivo K Series balances comfort, stability and portability for an all-around great work setup.
What we like
What we don't like
A standing desk converter gives you the option to adjust the height of your workspace without buying a whole new desk. The Vivo K Series is the best overall pick from our guide to the best standing desk converter and offers a full range of customization, both in height and width. This model is available in six different widths, from 26 to 42 inches. Our tester used the 32-inch version, which offered ample space for a laptop and an additional monitor.
It's ideal for small desks and workspaces. Unlike other converters, the Vivo K Series has an X-shaped frame (similar to an ironing board), so the height adjustment goes straight up and down. Our tester noted that the converter fit on her own desk with a width of only 16 inches and that it was easy to tuck away when she wanted a more traditional workspace.
This converter was comfortable to use and visually pleasing. It has rounded edges and a curved keyboard level. You can choose from six color options to match your workspace.
Assembly took about 15 minutes. Though the process was intuitive, the instructions were not entirely clear.
Our top picks compared
| Category | Product | Size | Lift range | Weight capacity | Certifications | Warranty |
| Best overall | Uplift V3 Standing Desk | 42" x 24" to 80" x 30" | 22.6 to 48.7 inches | 355 pounds | ANSI/BIFMA X5.5-2021 for strenghth, safety, and durability; ANSI/BIFMA G1-2013 for height standards | 15 years |
| Best budget | Flexispot E2 Standing Desk | 42" x 24" to 71" x 30" | 28.1 to 45.6 inches | 187 pounds | N/A | 5 years |
| Another budget pick | Vivo Electric Standing Desk | 43" x 24" to 83" x 30" | 29.3 to 48.5 inches | 220 pounds | N/A | 3 years |
| Best heavy-duty | Flexispot E7 Pro Standing Desk | 42" x 24" to 71" x 30" | 25 to 50.6 inches | 440 pounds | N/A | Frame: 15 years; Desktop: 2-5 years |
| Best for cable management | Secretlab Magnus Pro | 59.1" x 27.6" or 70" x 31.5" | 25.6" to 49.2" | 265 pounds | United States Ergonomics Certified | 5 years |
| Best for small spaces | Branch Duo Standing Desk | 36" x 24", 48" x 24, 58" x 27" | 28 to 47.3 inches | 275 pounds | BIFMA standard for commercial-grade use | 10 years |
| Best with drawer | Burrow Copilot Standing Desk | 27 x 43 inches | 28.5 to 48 inches | 300 pounds | N/A | 1 year |
| Best for tall people | Branch Standing Desk | 48" x 30", 60" x 30" | 26 to 52 inches | 275 pounds | BIFMA standard for commerical-grade use | 10 years |
| Best converter | Vivo K Series | 26 to 48 inches | 4.5 to 20 inches | 33 pounds | 3 years |
What else we tested
Fully Jarvis Desk: Once upon a time, the Fully Jarvis bamboo desk was the best standing we had tested: it was easy to adjust, stable, had a strong warranty, and nice design configurations. However, once Herman Miller acquired Fully, the range of customizations and compatible accessories significantly dropped off. It's still available with specific options for short and tall users that fall outside the standard height ranges, and is an overall sturdy and well-made design.
Branch Four Leg Standing Desk: Branch's Four Leg Standing Desk follows a more traditional desk design than the clunky C- or T-frame style bases that dominate the standing desk landscape. Like Branch's other standing desks, it's a solid product: sleek, sturdy, and has held up fairly well over time (except for a superficial crack in the wood near the control pad). It offers minimalist appeal and a decent weight-bearing capacity (up to 225 pounds), with four slim but durable legs that don't wobble at elevated heights. The touch-sensitive control pad is also helpful and very customizable, and even lets you lock it if you're spreading out at the desk and worried about bumping the controls. Beyond the confusing and time-consuming setup, its greatest drawback may be its limited 17-inch adjustment range, which tops out at 44.6 inches, meaning it won't be the best ergonomic fit for those over 5-foot-8-inches.
Ergotron Mobile Desk: The Ergotron Mobile Desk is great for laptop users seeking portability and a desk that takes up a small footprint. However, its $550 price tag is pretty expensive considering the desk is adjusted manually.
VertDesk V3: Offering solid construction, excellent stability, and lots of customization options, the VertDesk V3 came very close to making our list. It's a well-built, reliable standing desk that comes with a good warranty, but it can get expensive as you begin to add extras or jump up in size. It also has a limited range of height adjustment, and it's tricky to assemble.
Ikea Idasen: With a distinctive look and great stability, this is a solid standing desk from Ikea, and it comes with a reassuring 10-year warranty. Unfortunately, the weight capacity is very low, the tabletop is particle and fiberboard, and it's slow to adjust with no preset height option on the keypad. It also has varying availability depending on your local Ikea.
NewHeights Elegante XT: Extremely stable, with top-quality internal electronics and plenty of customization options, there's no denying this is one of the best standing desks around. It offers reliable adjustment with a wide, 24-to-51-inch range and has no obvious weaknesses. It's too expensive for most people, but a great choice if you have the budget.
Xdesk Terra 2s: This is a very good-looking standing desk with lots of customization options, including dual-level desktops and beautiful build quality that combines bamboo, oak, or glass desktops with an aluminum frame. Sadly, it's far beyond most people's budget and doesn't quite justify the premium.
What to look for in a standing desk
Height range: Finding the best standing desk height for you will take some trial and error, so we prefer models with a large range between minimum and maximum heights. This is especially important if you're sharing the desk with multiple users of different heights. Desks that adhere to BIFMA standards, which ergonomically accommodate 95% of office workers, should work for people between 5 feet and 6-foot-3 and have an adjustment range of 26.1 inches. Taller users, such as those over 6-foot-5 may find that many of today's models don't extend tall enough. To remedy that, we recommend adding caster wheels, extenders, or adding a converter on top of a height-adjustable desk.
Maximum weight supported: If your desk is laden with heavy monitors and other equipment, it's important to get a sturdier desk. You'll also want to make sure the desk doesn't feel wobbly or sway when you lean on it with your body weight. The Flexispot E7 Pro has a 440-pound weight limit, but Uplift, Burrow, and Autonomous offer substantial limits of at least 300 pounds, too.
Length and depth: While your desk should comfortably support your laptop and monitor, it also has to fit within your office space. Several of our picks offer customizations for tabletop dimensions, ranging from 36 inches to as long as 80 inches. The most common desk lengths are 42, 48, and 60 inches. Popular desk depths are 24 or 30 inches, which are suggested for narrower or desktop configurations, respectively. If you need a desk that fits a dual-monitor set up, looks for desks that are at least 60 inches long.
Electric vs manual: Electric standing desks are faster and sleeker, but are much more expensive. Some manual options are laborious to adjust, so it's unlikely you'll want to do so every day. We only recommend electric standing desks.
Noise and speed: If you're working around other people, you want a desk that quickly and quietly adjusts to minimize disturbances. All the desks we recommend fall at or below 50 decibels when adjusting, comparable to the sound of an AC unit running.
Collision detection: This safety feature is essential for avoiding accidents like hitting pets or kids who are hiding underneath the table.
Control pad: The control pad can vary among models. Basic features include up and down buttons, and more advanced ones include custom pre-sets (two to four is normal), USB charging, and digital displays that show the particular height. Child locks are also useful to keep kids and pets from accidentally changing settings.
How we test standing desks
Over the past three years, we've tested over two dozen standing desks and converters. Every one of our picks was tested in real-life conditions for several months at a time. Here are the main criteria we use to determine the best standing desks:
Setup: We built each desk ourselves using only the included instructions and timed how long it took us. We considered the clarity of the instructions, whether we needed help to unbox and assemble the desk, and any other hiccups that might come with setup.
Height adjustment: We adjust the desks several times from their minimum to their maximum height, both empty and with at least 100 pounds of weights or books on top, noting how smoothly the desk adjusts and whether the desktop feels sturdy or wobbles. We dial in our own ideal desk height for both sitting and standing and then time how long it takes for the desk to make the adjustment and how loud it is in decibels. During the testing period, we adjust the desk daily in everyday use, changing from standing to sitting positions several times throughout the day.
Stability: The higher a desk, the more prone it is to swaying or wobbling. At standing height, we'll lean up against the desk and apply weight to see if it is comfortable and stable to lean on the desk or if it feels like our belongings are at risk of collapsing.
Customization: If a desk offers the ability to program presets or a schedule, we evaluate the accuracy and efficiency of those features. We also note the available customizations for the desk design, including materials, finishes, sizes, and accessories like cable management, drawers, and monitor arms.
Standing desk FAQs
Why buy a standing desk?
During the workday, you should be doing a mixture of standing, sitting, and moving, if possible, said Alan Hedge, a certified ergonomist and professor emeritus in the Department of Design and Environmental Analysis at Cornell University. "Mixing things up reduces any negative effects [of sitting or standing] in terms of musculoskeletal discomfort, your level of alertness, or productivity," Hedge said. Standing desks make it much easier to transition from sitting to standing while keeping proper posture and ergonomics in mind.
What are the benefits of using a standing desk?
According to experts, using a standing desk can reduce neck and upper back pain, help you burn more calories than sitting, and potentially lower blood sugar levels.
Of course, for a truly healthy work setup, you'll want to invest in one of the best ergonomic chairs to keep your posture in check when seated. You may also want to consider a monitor mount or laptop stand for your ideal screen height to keep your body in a truly ergonomic position.
Is standing at your desk healthier than sitting?
A standing desk alone isn't going to improve your occupational health. According to Hedge, people tend to hunch over their standing desks after just 10 minutes. Mix sitting, standing, and moving throughout the day for the biggest impact.
How long should you stand at a standing desk?
Hedge suggests a 20-8-2 pattern based on his research and real-world testing: Sit for 20 minutes, stand for 8, stretch or walk around for 2, and repeat. These numbers aren't absolute, but what's most important is not to stay in one position for too long, Hedge said. We also recommend looking at our guide to the best standing desk mat if you find you regularly fatigue while standing.
What is a good standing desk height?
To achieve ergonomic positioning at a standing desk, your elbows are bent at a 90-degree angle, and your shoulders feel relaxed when working at the desk. These charts from Uplift, BTOD, and Autonomous provide specific settings to try for your height if you need a starting place. For example, Uplift says its recommended standing desk height for someone who is 5-foot-5 would be 39.5 inches, and 44 inches for an individual who is 6 feet tall.
What size standing desk should I get?
The standing desks in our guide are available in desktop sizes ranging from 36 inches to 80 inches. You'll need to consider your space constraints as well as how many screens you'll be using. Those using laptops or single monitors will get on fine with a 42- or 48-inch desk. If you plan on using two or more monitors, first you'll need to account for how large each monitor is. The desk should accommodate both screens without them feeling cramped or extending beyond the desk's edges. The standard desk size to comfortably accommodate two monitors is at least 60 inches.
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