For those who spend their days at their desk, then a standing desk is definitely something worth considering. You probably already know that standing 8 hours a day, 5 days a week isn’t ideal for your body’s fitness. While you should take the time to get a bit of exercise in, there just never seems to be enough time in the day, and in the absence of a good workout routine, you may be seeing extra pounds packing on back pain building, and exhaustion rearing its ugly head. A standing desk isn’t a complete cure-all, but it can help with a number of these concerns and more. If you’re not sure which desk is right for you, don’t worry about it – we’ve done the research for you!
We reviewed dozens of standing desks to identify the best of the best. We looked for desktop standing desk converters as well as the stationary, tall desks that will stay where you want it all day long. We found adjustable desks powered by electricity and those powered manually by you. No matter what you want in your standing desk, we’ve found the best option for you.
Early in our research, we easily identified the Seville Classics AIRLIFT Pro Electric Adjustable Standing Desk as the standout performer. With its electric powered lift, you’ll be able to adjust the height of your desk from sitting to standing with just a push of a button and with that kind of convenience, it’s a no brainer why it’s the best overall.
In This Article
The 5 Top-Rated Standing Desks
| Editor's Picks | Brand | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Best Standing Desk Overall | Seville Classics AIRLIFT Pro Electric Adjustable Standing Desk | 4.3 |
| Best Adjustable Standing Desk | Stand Steady Tranzendesk Standing Desk | 4.7 |
| Best Budget Standing Desk | FLEXISPOT Stand Up Desk Converter | 4.8 |
| Best Standing Desk Converter | VIVO Black Height Adjustable Stand up Desk Converter | 4.6 |
| Best Electric Standing Desk | FEZIBO Electric Height Adjustable Standing Desk | 4.3 |
*Ratings are from Amazon at the time of publication and can change
Best Standing Desk Overall: Seville Classics AIRLIFT Pro Electric Adjustable Standing Desk
The Seville Classics AIRLIFT Pro Electric Adjustable Standing Desk is composed of your choice of glass or wood and dual motors will operate the two sectioned legs to adjust from 29″ height to 48″ in height. You won’t need to worry about how long it takes to transition from sitting to standing, either, because the speed for these adjustments is at 1.5 inches per second – plenty fast enough for you to maintain your work pace, but not so much that you’ll worry about spilling your coffee.
You’ll be able to control the adjustments with the digital, LED display located along the bottom of the desktop, which means you can reach it easily – you won’t even need to take a break in your call. It has four memory settings, so you’ll get the same height every time you change from stand to sit with complete consistency. There’s even a charging port on this desk that allows you to charge your device directly from your desk.
There’s plenty more to celebrate with this desk, too. It has an overall rating of 4.3 stars on Amazon with right around 250 customer reviews. That means there’s plenty of support to suggest you’ll be another satisfied customer.
Seville Classics AIRLIFT Pro Electric Adjustable Standing Desk Key Features:
- 6 color and style options
- 3 finishes available
- Easy assembly – approximately 15 minutes
Best Adjustable Standing Desk: Stand Steady Tranzendesk Standing Desk
With the Stand Steady Tranzendesk Standing Desk, you’ll easily be able to control the exact height of your desk. In fact, you’ll have a hands-on approach that will allow you to turn a crank to turn as quickly or as slowly as you decide. That means you can raise or lower the desk’s height based on what you know the contents of the desk are – but be careful! You may not want to turn the crank too aggressively if your monitors aren’t secured.
The legs have four leveling feet to make sure you’ll have no wobbling, and the desktop surface is wide enough to fit three monitors comfortably. The included crank can be mounted on either side of your desk, so you won’t need to worry about the position and access to the crank – place it wherever it fits, and the desk will fit the spot accordingly.
With over 350 customer reviews on Amazon and an overall rating of 4.7 stars, you can play the odds with this purchase because you’re statistically likely to be satisfied. After all, 94% of the reviews are positive, there’s every reason to expect you will be as well.
Stand Steady Tranzendesk Standing Desk Key Features:
- Height adjustable from 27.5″ to 46″
- 59.75″W x 23.6″D
- 70 lb weight capacity
Best Budget Standing Desk: FLEXISPOT Stand Up Desk Converter
The FLEXISPOT Stand Up Desk Converter is a manual raise standing desk that sits atop the desk you already have to give you the option of sitting or standing. It has a 2-tier design that will allow you to type at a more ergonomically friendly height for working. The keyboard level is even deep enough that you’ll be able to place your laptop on it. This can come in especially handy if you use your laptop as your primary computer, commuting to and from work. For those who work from home, at least some of the time, this is an invaluable perk.
The riser comes with a quick-release that will allow you to move your desk from standing to sitting position without resistance but still secures in place so that you won’t need to worry that it will drop while you work. The X-frame works with a single handle that means you won’t pinch or damage any cables as you adjust and the desk holds up to 33 pounds.
The numbers for this converter standing desk are outstanding across the board. There are over 1700 customer reviews on Amazon and it has an overall rating of 4.7 stars – that in and of itself is impressive enough, but the real selling point has to be the cost. You can pick this standing desk converter up for under $100! That’s a total steal.
FLEXISPOT Stand Up Desk Converter Key Features:
- 3-year warranty
- 2 color options
- 4 width options
Best Standing Desk Converter: VIVO Black Height Adjustable Stand up Desk Converter
The VIVO Black Height Adjustable Stand up Desk Converter is an excellent quality standing desk converter that will give you plenty of space and allow you to adapt your workspace to be as comfortable as you need. You’ll manually raise and lower the desk by simply pull a lever under the surface and pull up to adjust the height according to your own. It has a lift assist to make the process all the smoother, and the steel frame is solid and weighted to support the frequent movements without any imbalance.
You can adjust the height to stand or sit, as your body tells you its need – or you could just set a timer and make sure you’re adhering to the recommended times standing and sitting. Using this desk optimally could very well contribute to improved posture, decreased back pain, even weight loss. You’ll appreciate the boost of energy you get when you stand more frequently as you go about your desk tasks, and your overall productivity may be dramatically improved.
There are plenty of people singing this desk’s praises, too. On Amazon, there are over 3,200 customer reviews, earning it an overall rating of 4.6 stars. You’ll appreciate how confident the manufacturer is in its product, too – it comes with a 3-year warranty.
VIVO Black Height Adjustable Stand up Desk Converter Key Features:
- 5 color and design options
- 2 sizes available
- Adjustment range: 6.5” to 17”
Best Electric Standing Desk: FEZIBO Electric Height Adjustable Standing Desk
The FEZIBO Electric Height Adjustable Standing Desk will adjust to your preferred height with just a press of a button and you’ll appreciate the ease with which you can program presets to make sure you’re getting consistent heights each time you use it to stand and to sit. And if you share a desk with another person, they can program in their preferred heights, as well. You can store up to four presets.
The cable tray on the side of the desk will raise and lower with the rest of the desktop surface and that means that your cables will need to have a bit of slack. If you use the cable tray to hold a backpack or a purse, though, this means they’ll always be well within your reach, whether you’re standing or sitting. Assembly is a breeze – you can plan on it taking less than 30 minutes and isn’t over complicated with a ton of extras; they’re even packaged in two sections to keep the steps of assembly all the more clear.
Just over 1,100 customer reviews on Amazon have given this standing desk an overall rating of 4.3 stars, making it more than a little tempting. If you’re on the fence for a whole new desk and want standing and electric, though, we highly recommend perusing the reviews to assure you of the validity of this purchase.
FEZIBO Electric Height Adjustable Standing Desk Key Features:
- 3-year warranty
- 6 color and style options
- 3 sizes available
Who Should Buy a Standing Desk
If you work at a desk for your entire workday, you should consider getting a standing desk. Sitting stationary for an extended period of time may lead to obesity and even diabetes.1 Your body will slow its metabolism to compensate for a more sedentary lifestyle and that will affect your body’s ability to process your foods and insulin resistance. A standing desk, with frequent breaks, can contribute to a healthier, longer life. If you have a fitness watch, there’s a good chance you have to ability to set “sedentary reminders” that can help you remember when to move – a standing desk will give you a way to do this without losing your ability to work. Even if you can’t avoid that your days are spent, in a large part, at your desk, you can minimize the effect it has on your body by varying your body’s position while you work.
For those who are experiencing back, shoulder, or neck pain may benefit tremendously from a standing desk. Though it’s not a cure-all, the relief from the pressure and ill-posture that sitting often facilitates can be a big help. You’ll also appreciate the boost in energy and your overall productivity with a carefully balanced schedule of standing and sitting. Some employers can be tempted to purchase you a standing desk (or a desk converter, most commonly) to see the return on your performance.
To get a standing desk for a child, then you’ll need to make sure the computer on the desk is suitable for your child. Check out The Best Laptops For Kids. If you’re interested, not just in making your home office more comfortable but your entire home more comfortable by securing it, then you may be interested in The Best Smart Locks.
Important Features to Consider
A standing desk should have a few important features. Here’s what to consider when selecting a standing desk:
- Converters. If you don’t want to replace your desk, one cost-efficient way to upgrade your work station is to purchase a standing desk converter. A good quality, solid desk will last decades, if not longer. Because of this, very often desks are worth keeping – they may even have sentimental value. More than that, desks are costly enough that you may want to save a penny by buying a converter rather than replacing the entire desk. You can get a converter for around $100 while a standing desk that’s adjustable will be more than twice that. Not to mention that a standing desk converter can be made with such high standards that it will really improve your workstation without spending a fortune. If you already have a desk you like, it makes sense to at least look at a standing desk converter.
- Adjustable. Not only will you want to adjust the height to match yours, but an adjustable desk could allow you to sit as well as stand. You may think standing would be an excellent option for your home office – especially if you don’t use it for extended periods of time. But even the rare occasion of extended use can harm your posture and make you ache the next day. Adjusting from standing to sitting is a must-do task and if your desk isn’t adjustable, that makes it a bit more complicated. You’ll also love that an adjustable desk will work as well for you as it does your co-workers, spouse, or roommates. You can adjust the desk to your height and so can every other person who uses it – to make sure you all get the perfect height every time.
- Stationary. The alternative to the adjustable desks is stationary standing desks. They can also be a good ergonomic option – if you prepare properly. For a standing desk to maintain your body’s health, you’ll want to pick up a standing desk chair. That may sound counterproductive, but you’ll need the break, even if you have a stationary desk, and that means a chair that fits the desk. You can look for “tall” desk chairs, or you may have better luck searching for “drafting desk chairs” – though they’re not strictly the same, they are certainly closer to a standing desk height than your standard desk chair.
- Electric vs. manual. While you may see manual and immediately think inconvenient, bear in mind that the more moving pieces and parts, the more potential for breaks. A manual may not be consistent in either the height adjustment or the pace with which the desk moves, but it will very likely last you for longer. That being said, the convenience of just pushing a button and getting the same exact height that’s perfect for you, every single time, without exerting any physical energy – well, that can’t be discounted either.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a standing desk and how does it work?
A standing desk is, as the name would suggest, a desk you stand at. Rather than sitting and remaining stationary while you work at your desk, a standing desk will allow you to stand and remain a bit more active, in a better posture, while you work. They come in a few possibilities, the most common is probably the standing desk converter. It’s a desk that adjusts the height by being placed on the desk’s top and rises to your height desire. There’s also the tall desk style – it’s just like a normal desk, but it’s at the height of a bar. Adjustable desks had legs that will rise to your preferred height and are operated manually or by electric power.
How long should you stand at a standing desk?
Just because your body feels good standing doesn’t mean you should do it for your entire 8-hour workday. In fact, studies from Canada’s Research Chair in Spine Biomechanics and Injury Prevention, you should adhere to a schedule of varied sitting and standing at a ratio of 1:1 to 1:3. 2 Meaning for every hour you work, you should stand from 30 to 45 minutes and sit for the rest; for an 8 hour day, sit for 4-6 of those hours, but never more than 45 minutes at a time. This means you may need to set reminders to make sure you’re optimizing your time. The key is to just make sure you’re moving and not staying sedentary in one position for too long.
Are standing desks actually good for you?
As we mentioned above, you absolutely can have too much of a good thing with your standing desk. Yes, it’s an excellent idea to get a standing desk! However, you shouldn’t plan on spending the entire day standing. For this reason, you’ll want to prepare accordingly. A standing desk that’s adjustable can help you in this venture – one that’s electric will make the transition easy, and a manual will give you full control with fewer pieces and parts to break. But perhaps the easiest solution is a standing desk that you pair with a bar stool height desk chair. That way you can stand and slide your desk away whenever you’re up to a standing period.
If we’re speaking about more than just the health benefits, then you should check out how much more productive you are if you opt for a standing desk. According to the British Medical Journal, if you’re standing, you’re more likely to be alert and actively engaged in your work.3 There is a fine line, though, so make sure you’re sitting periodically, as well, or the standing desk will make you tired and your productivity can drop dramatically.
Are standing desks good for back pain?
Whether a standing desk will help your back pain will definitely depend on the cause of your back pain. If there’s genuinely something wrong with your back, like scoliosis, or a bulging disk, for example, then you won’t see too big a difference standing off and on throughout the day. However, if you’re just experiencing tightness and muscle aches, then the standing desk could be a life-changer. It will likely improve your posture, and if that’s a source of pain, then problem solved! It can also relieve the pressure off your neck and lower back, so if those are your trouble areas, then you should take a good look at a standing desk as a real possibility.
Other Standing Desks We Reviewed
We looked at 20 other standing desks. Even though they didn’t make our 5 best standing desks list, they’re the best of the rest and each is still a great option for your home or office. The information you’ll need to compare each one is included with the listing.
Standing Desk Converters
ABOX Electric Powered Lifting Standing Desk Converter
You’ll be able to use the same desk you love and still stand as you should with this adjustable standing desk converter.
Key Features:
- X-frame lift
- 2-tier for monitor and keyboard
- 34″ W
Cost: $200
AmazonBasics Adjustable Standing Corner Desk
If your space works best with your monitor at an angle for your corner desk, then you won’t want to miss this standing corner desk.
Key Features:
- 33 lb weight capacity
- Weighs 46.2 lbs
- 47.7″ x 23.6″
Cost: $310
FITUEYES Height Adjustable Standing Desk Converter
You can raise your desktop and monitor(s) from 4.3″ from your desktop to a 19.8″ height.
Key Features:
- Metal construction
- 36″ x 24.2″ top surface
- 3 color options
Cost: $150
FlexiSpot Height Adjustable Standing Desk Converter
With 12 different height levels, you’ll easily be able to configure this standing desk converter, whether you’re 5’1″ or 6’1″.
Key Features:
- Straight up and down movement
- Quick-release keyboard tray
- 2 size options
Cost: $200
The U-shape of this standing desk converter will give you up to 25% more space than the straight-edged competitors.
Key Features:
- 37.5 lb weight capacity
- Rises from 4.3″ to 20.4″ off desk
- Lifetime warranty
Cost: $120
Vari – Height Adjustable Standing Desk Converter
Lifting this standing desk converter is made easier with a rowing-lift mechanism to move up and back and requiring less effort on your part.
Key Features:
- 2-tiers for more space
- 2 color options
- 5-year warranty
Electric Standing Desks
AITERMINAL Split Top Electric Stand Up Desk
If you’re using your desk to frequently alternate between sitting and standing, you’ll appreciate the programmable memory that will store two presets.
Key Features:
- 2-tiered design
- 27.9″ to 44.1″ height range
- 59″W x 15.7″D
Cost: $500
ApexDesk Elite Series Electric Height Adjustable Standing Desk
If you’re beginning your home office from scratch, you may appreciate the bundle option with this listing that will give you a filing cabinet as well as the electric desk.
Key Features:
- 2 size options
- Programable up to 6 presets
- Transitions at 1.5″ per second
Cost: $650
FEZIBO Dual Motor Height Adjustable Electric Standing Desk
This standing desk features a keyboard tray that will easily pull out when in use and slide away for easy storage when not.
Key Features:
- 2 style/color options
- 2 sizes available
- Industrial-grade steel frame
Cost: $300
FEZIBO Height Adjustable Electric Standing Desk
After you purchase and assemble this standing desk, you’ll have a cord storage and control touch screen that will give you plenty of opportunities to ensure an organized work station.
Key Features:
- 2 color/style options
- 2 sizes available
- 3-year warranty
Cost: $300
FEZIBO L-Shaped Electric Standing Desk
If your office is best suited for a corner desk, this option proves that you won’t have to give it up in order to get a quality standing desk.
Key Features:
- 3-year warranty
- Adjusts from 27.6″ to 47.3″
- Wooden stand on the left side of the desktop surface
Cost: $330
Jarvis Standing Desk Bamboo Top
This manufacturer feels so confident in their product that they offer a 7-year warranty on all frame, mechanical, and electrical components.
Key Features:
- 3 desk sizes
- 4 color/style options
- 1.5″ per second
Cost: $745
SHW Electric Height Adjustable Computer Desk
This telescoping, adjustable, standing desk can store up to 4 presets to take all the guesswork out of your adjustments.
Key Features:
- 2 style options
- 47.25″ W x 24″ D
- Adjusts from 28″ to 46″
Cost: $250
TechOrbits Electric Standing Desk
The digital panel on this standing desk will allow you to adjust your desk’s height anywhere from 28 inches to 48 inches with just a touch of a button.
Key Features:
- 6 color/style options
- Lifetime warranty
- 180 lb weight capacity
Cost: $350
This desk knows just the extra little perks that gamers need – as shown in the headphone hook that will keep you from tripping over or wondering where you put them.
Key Features:
- 220 lb weight capacity
- 4 programmable presets
- 2 sizes available
Manual Standing Desks
With adjustable feet, this standing desk is perfect for your office – even if the floor isn’t as level as you think.
Key Features:
- 47.2″ W x 23.6″ D
- Adjusts from 29.5″ to 45.5″
- 2 color options
Cost: $220
Stand Steady Tranzendesk Two Level Mobile Workstation
This standing desk’s keyboard tray is actually wide enough that you can use it as a functional workspace and that’s a big win for anyone fed up with their existing space being only big enough for a keyboard.
Key Features:
- 2-tiered
- Locking wheels
- Adjustable in 1.5″ increments
Cost: $220
Stand Up Desk Store Crank Adjustable Sit to Stand Up Computer Desk
This standing desk sits atop heavy-duty 3″ caster wheels that will lock into place and keep your desk steady and secure.
Key Features:
- Mount crank on either side
- 5 color/style options
- 2 sizes available
Cost: $370
TechOrbits Rolling Workstation Cart
This standing desk is a compact way to maintain a work station that can easily be moved out of the way when needed.
Key Features:
- 133 lb total weight capacity (33 lbs each shelf)
- 4 shelves
- Lifetime warranty
Cost: $150
This desk is a stationary one, so you’ll want to make sure you also pick up a standing desk chair if you want the option to sit as well as stand.
Key Features:
- 4 style options
- Key Raised shelf for monitors
- 48″H x 23″D x 47.5″W
Cost: $190
- Pulsford RM, Stamatakis E, Britton AR, Brunner EJ, Hillsdon MM. Sitting behavior and obesity: evidence from the Whitehall II study. Am J Prev Med. 2013;44(2):132-138. doi:10.1016/j.amepre.2012.10.009
- University of Waterloo. How long should you stand – rather than sit – at your work station? Kinesiology. https://uwaterloo.ca/kinesiology/how-long-should-you-stand-rather-sit-your-work-station. Accessed October 19, 2020.
- Edwardson CL, Yates T, Biddle SJH, et al. Effectiveness of the Stand More AT (SMArT) Work intervention: cluster randomised controlled trial. BMJ. 2018; 363: k3870. doi:10.1136/bmj.k3870.
