An adjustable standing desk is a great investment for any home office as it allows you to easily adjust between sitting and standing while using the computer throughout the day.
The ability to change the height of your desk helps with comfort along with promoting health and productivity and is increasingly being encouraged in offices.
Check out the following reviews and buyers guide to help find the best standing desk for your needs.
1. UpDown Desk Pro Series Electric Standing Desk (Top Pick)
The UpDown Desk Pro Series is our top pick thanks to its exceptional build quality, premium materials, and value for money.
We also like the after sales support, generous warranty period (10 years on the frame and 5 years on the desktop), and 30 day risk-free trial.
As discussed in our detailed UpDown Desk Review, we’ve been using the Recycled Messmate desktop version (pictured above) of the Pro Series desk for a few weeks and our experience has been overwhelmingly positive.
Everything from the delivery to the assembly to setting up different height preferences has been easy and enjoyable.
The frame is extremely high quality and very heavy (the heaviest on the market) which importantly makes it very stable, even in the highest positions. The desktop itself is beautifully crafted and is of the quality you’d expect on other premium home furniture.
The UpDown Desk Pro Series comes with a powerful dual motor with a 150kg lifting capacity and a movement speed of 32mm per second. It also features an anti-collision mechanism with adjustable sensitivity along with overload protection.
The only negative we can see with this standing desk is that it does cost more than other options on the market. However, we think the quality of materials and construction combined the warranty and risk free trial with make it worth the investment.
What We Like:
- Very heavy and stable
- Exceptional build quality
- Available in 3 sizes and 8 different desktops
- Black or white frame colour
- Powerful dual motor
- 4 height memory settings
- Generous warranty and returns
What We Don’t Like:
- More expensive than alternatives
- Requires assembly
2. Rein Office Gregor Height Adjustable Standing desk
The Rein Office Gregor is a high-quality and durable standing desk that comes in three different sizes and with an option of two different leg colours.
The solid timber desktop is finished with melamine, which is a durable, scratch-resistant organic compound that is commonly used on this type of furniture. The legs are made from steel and are available in black or white.
The height range on this desk is 64.5 – 127.5cm, making it suitable for anyone up to around 6 ft 9 inches tall.
It has a dual motor that smoothly raises or lowers the workbench to your desired height. It also has the ability to program three pre-set heights and features a built-in anti-collision mechanism.
What We Like:
- Solid timber frame and steel legs
- Comes in a range of sizes and colour options
- Memory controller with 3 pre-sets
What We Don’t Like:
- Requires assembly
3. Jason.l Height Adjustable Electric Stand Up Desk
Available in white, maple, or dark wood, this high quality standing desk will make a great addition to your home office.
Its electric motor means you can raise or lower the desk with ease, allowing you to rotate between sitting and standing throughout your work day.
The design is spacious and modern and comes with a cable tray to keep cords and wiring, helping you keep your office space tidy and organised.
This desk also comes with the option of a digital memory handset that can remember your preferred height adjustments for extra convenience.
What We Like:
- Smooth electric motor
- Modern, simple design
- Handy extras like cable tray and optional memory handset
What We Don’t Like:
- Some users may prefer manual height adjustment
4. Artiss Roskos Standing Desk (Best Value)
The Artiss Roskos is one of the best budget standing desks on the market. It has a sturdy and durable construction and a stepless motorised height adjustment that allows you to easily alternate between sitting and standing.
The desk is available with a black or white frame and also has a range of desk top colour options, including walnut, white oak, black and white.
The control panel is easy to use and access and the height adjustment mechanism is smooth and quiet.
While it may not be as sturdy as some of the high-end options, or feature a premium wood desktop, it’s still a great option for most people, especially at the reasonable price point.
What We Like:
- Great value
- Durable construction
- Range of colour options
What We Don’t Like:
- Requires assembly
- Less sturdy than premium alternatives
5. Artiss Mobile Laptop Adjustable Height Standing Desk
This Standing desk is lightweight and mobile, it is designed to be moved from room to room with ease.
With 4 lockable wheels, you can smoothly move the desk with minimal effort and you can lock the wheels when the desk is in the preferred position.
This is a versatile standing laptop desk that offers a level of convenience and mobility you rarely get with other options.
You can adjust the height to suit your preference and whether you are working sitting down or standing up. The height range is between 65cm – 97cm using a simple manual height adjusting knob.
The U shape of the frame allows you to place the desk next to furniture and beds to give you a comfortable working position wherever you are.
The desktop itself is made from MDF board and has a stylish matte finish for easy maintenance and durability.
You can also remove the wheels if you are leaving the desk in one spot.
What We Like:
- Great for moving around the house and office
- Versatile
- Gives you a comfortable workspace wherever you are
What We Don’t Like:
- Rollers don’t work too well on carpeted areas
6. Vari Electric Standing Desk
The Vari Electric offers plenty of workspace (enough for multiple monitors and equipment) and is ideal for home or commercial settings.
There are 3 programmable height memory settings and the quiet motor allows you to smoothly adjust the height to suit your preference. The standing desk’s height can be set between 25.5″ (64.5cm) and 50.5″ (128cm).
This computer desk has a high build quality and is made using durable, commercial-grade laminate and steel. It has a stability crossbar to ensure the desk remains stable at any height.
The height adjustment means you can make this desk comfortable for sitting or standing with ease.
Assembly takes just 5 minutes with easy to attach legs and you do not need any specialist tools which makes this a great option for any office. The desk comes with a 5-year limited warranty too.
What We Like:
- 3 height settings
- Quiet motor
- Stable and high quality desk
What We Don’t Like:
- Expensive
7. Avante Height Adjustable Sit Stand Desk Riser
The Avante desk riser offers a sleek, modern design that will look great in any workspace. The desk is very quick to set up and has a useful two-tier layout.
The two-tier design is perfect for reducing eyestrain and enhancing comfort as you can place your keyboard and mouse on the lower tier and the monitor on the higher tier.
The lower tier keyboard tray is also removable so is ideal for versatility and saving space.
The height levels of this desk can be adjusted using the quick-release one-touch lever.
One of the best things about this desk is that the height adjustment options are limitless and the dual gas mechanism ensures all adjustments are smooth.
This desk offers a large, flat, durable surface that has a weight capacity of 15kg.
What We Like:
- Sleek design
- Two-tier model for comfort and convenience
- Easy to adjust
What We Don’t Like:
- Quite a heavy unit
8. Artiss Mobile Twin Laptop Standing Desk
The Artiss Mobile Twin Laptop Standing Desk is a strong, stable and adjustable unit that offers two separate desk areas to keep your workspace uncluttered and organised. It is a versatile option that is ergonomic and user-friendly.
This is an affordable option that is lightweight and easy to move. The two desktop areas can be tilted and adjusted independently and there are simple locking knobs to lock the desk in the preferred position.
There are also castor wheels for portability but these can be easily removed if you want your desk to be a more permanent fixture. All of these features allow you to position the standing desk exactly as needed.
An anti-slip bar helps keep your keyboard or book in place when you have the desktop slanted and there is a cable storage slot to keep cables organised and out of the way too. The desktop is made from MDF board and the frame is made from steel making it strong and sturdy.
What We Like:
- Two adjustable worktop areas
- Lightweight
- Versatile
What We Don’t Like:
- May not be as sturdy as other options
9. IKEA Bekant Standing Desk
This standing desk is durable and sturdy, it allows you to conveniently change the height as needed to provide an ergonomic working position. The height can be adjusted from 65 – 125cm using the easy-to-use electric button.
The surface is melamine which is stain-resistant, durable and easy to clean. There’s a cable management net under the desk so you can keep your area neat and organized.
When put together this desk gives plenty of depth so you have enough desk space for your paperwork and you can sit a comfortable distance away from your computer screen.
For peace of mind, these standing desks from IKEA come with a 10-year guarantee too.
What We Like:
- Spacious
- Electric height adjustment
- Durable and easy to clean
What We Don’t Like:
- Quite heavy
10. Bratek Height Adjustable Standing Desk
The Bratek desk is a neat, spacious and sturdy option that allows you to go from sitting to standing in a matter of seconds. The design blends into your home or office seamlessly as it sits directly on top of your desk.
You can change the standing height of the desk by simply using the gas lever and there’s a choice of 10 heights for ultimate comfort and convenience.
This height adjustment gives you the option to sit or stand when working, helping to improve comfort and productivity.
The Bratek worktop provides two tiers with the upper section offering enough space for multiple monitors and the lower area providing the perfect space for a keyboard tray. This desk is solid, stable and easy to operate.
What We Like:
- 10 height adjustment levels
- Two tiers
- Spacious design
What We Don’t Like:
- Add-on rather than a full desk
11. Altex Height Adjustable Desk
This simplistic white desk from Altex has a clean, modern feel. It is spacious, sturdy and you can adjust it from a sitting to a standing desk at the push of a button.
This is a durable and easy to use option that can be adjusted from 66cm to 118cm. To adjust the height of the desk you need to push down two buttons at the same time which prevents accidentally knocking the switch and adjusting the height when you don’t want to.
The Altex height adjustable desk blends into any office environment and does not have any obvious cabling so your workspace will not become cluttered. This product comes with a 10 year warranty.
What We Like:
- Simplistic and neat
- Sturdy
- Easy to operate height adjustment system
What We Don’t Like:
- Assembly required
Standing Desk Buyer’s Guide
The best standing desks are the ones that are the right size, easy to adjust and fall within your price range.
Choosing the right desk is important, as it means you’ll be more likely to use it as intended, and therefore reap the health benefits such as improved energy and reduced back pain.
There are lots of factors and features to consider, including the following:
Size
You’ll want your standing desk to provide you with enough space for your computer and paperwork but it also needs to be high enough that it can comfortably accommodate you when you are standing. The best standing desks are the ones that are a comfortable height for you, you don’t want to be hunching over or craning your neck up when using the desk.
Desk Type
- Fixed-height standing desks: the height of these desks can be adjusted but this usually requires the use of tools and takes time to achieve.
- Adjustable standing desks: these desks let you quickly and easily change the height from sitting to standing in very little time. They usually use an electric motor and a button or simple twist knobs to make adjustments.
- Add-on Adjustable Desktop: If you have a small budget or you already have a sturdy desk in your office, you may be interested in a desk converter add-on or riser instead of a new desk. The price of standing desk converters is less as it is simply placed on top of your existing desk and allows you to raise your computer to the desired height.
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Surface Area
The area will vary between products so you may want to measure the office area so you can get a clear idea of how much space your new desk needs to provide.
A stand up desk is great but only if it is able to accommodate your computer monitor, printer etc.
Other Things to Keep in Mind
Consider the following when selecting your standing desk:
- If you like the idea of being active while you work, consider a treadmill desk. Treadmill desks have the additional benefits over and above those offered by sit-stand desks such, thanks to the cardiovascular exercise incorporated into their usage. Some research claims the use of treadmill desks can reduce the risk of heart disease and diabetes, along with lower blood pressure and cholesterol and improving circulation.
- Consider how often you’ll want to adjust the height, as this will be a factor in determining whether a crank desk or electric desk is best for you. The design of the lifting system often places a large role in the price.
- High-end standing desks come with a hefty price tag but they usually are much more sturdy. Keep in mind that standing desks are generally not as stable as regular desks and cheaper models can sometimes have stability issues.
- If the desk will have multiple users, consider the max height, minimum height, and memory presets. You’ll want a solution where the desktop or laptop can easily be set to eye level for all users.
- Take a look into the required assembly process for your sit-stand desk and make sure you have the required tools.
- Consider the amount of working space you require. This includes the actual work surface but also desktop space and storage space. If you would like space for desk lamps, cpu holders or a document storage unit, you’ll need to factor this in also.
Standing Desk FAQs
Research suggests that for every 2-3 hours you spend working at a desk you should spend 1-hour standing. Some people like to alternate between sitting and standing every 30 or so minutes.
