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Sitting at a desk all day can be boring. And worse, it can be detrimental to your health. Whether you're looking for the option to stretch your legs, be more active or just change up your workday routine, upgrading to a good standing desk will give you the ability to multitask on your feet, in addition to other convenient bonus features.
While working at a desk all day, you can begin to suffer from a sore back, lack of focus or feeling like you need to move. With a standing desk, you have the option to switch up your position and make it easier to continue throughout the day. There are also other upsides, like health benefits.
Research has shown that sitting for long stretches isn't healthy. It's associated with cardiovascular disease, obesity and other potential health risks. That's not great for office workers, who have to be at a desk all day, but standing desks can help make a difference. Scientists are still looking into exactly how much of a health difference standing can have against sitting, but some research shows that an average person will burn 8 additional calories per hour of standing instead of sitting. Other estimates are significantly higher.
Right now, the best standing desk you can buy is the Branch Standing Desk. With a mid-level price tag and high-end build quality, the Branch fits most people's standing desk needs perfectly. It has four programmable heights, and the base is so sturdy the desk feels solid even at full extension.
While standing instead of sitting might not lead to weight loss, it's still shown to help moderate blood sugar faster following a meal and reduce the potential for back or shoulder pain (although you might be trading that for leg or foot pain). Check out these tips on how to position your desk for maximum comfort, whether you're sitting or standing.
I tested a lot of standing desks of various prices, styles and options to get to this list of favorites. Each model is a little different, but they all share one key feature: the ability to raise or lower on demand to suit your specific home office needs.
At first glance, the Branch standing desk looks pretty generic, but the level of craftsmanship is apparent on closer inspection. All of the materials feel premium, with a weight that only comes from good engineering.
Putting it together was simple and only took about 30 minutes, though I think having two people would reduce that significantly. It was also extremely well packaged -- something that Branch does with all its products -- so it was in top shape once I had it all together.
The Branch desk can remember four separate heights and has a handy cable door at the back to keep your desk clear and tidy. While the desk can feel a little too business-like -- I bought the white top and white legs -- if you choose one of the warmer woods and the gray legs, it will likely fit into your home office better.
Of course, if you are furnishing an office, then the Branch desk and Verve office chair from our best office chairs list is a great combination.
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$525 at Amazon $525 at Amazon
At $850, the Vari Electric Standing Desk is expensive, but it's also the best standing desk I tested. Measuring 60 inches wide, with a depth of 30 inches, providing ample desktop area and a weight capacity of 200 pounds, the Vari electric desk can easily hold a dual monitor work setup using monitor arms and pretty much any other office accessories or desktop options you need. This stable standing desk looks nice, too. I got the "reclaimed wood" finish, but the top is really made of plastic (although it doesn't look cheap). The steel legs are very sturdy and you can adjust the feet if there's any wobbling.
It was surprisingly easy to install, too, considering it's the heaviest desk of the bunch. I did need help moving the top of the desk onto a flat surface for the installation (make sure the surface is cushioned to avoid scratching it) -- and flipping over the finished desk at the end, but there was minimal hardware and few steps involved overall.
The digital display on the electric control panel makes it easy to see the height of your desk, and it provides four buttons for setting custom desk heights. The adjustable standing desk also comes with an optional storage mount to organize your cables -- and a couple of sturdy hooks to hold a bag or headphones. And, it isn't loud when it's raising and lowering the adjustable height.
The Vari is too big for my house, but it's still the best standing desk with an easy installation, an attractive design, simple, quiet controls and tons of space. For the price, I do wish this one included a standing mat, but that's my only complaint.
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$949 at Secret Lab $949 at Secret Lab
I have used a lot of desks over the course of my career, but I can honestly say I've never used a desk quite like the Magnus Pro XL. It is at once the most industrial-looking table, while also giving off huge gamer energy. Measuring 70 inches long and made almost exclusively of metal parts, this desk is not meant for one-person assembly. It took nearly two hours to put it all together, but once it is finished, it's a work of art.
It has a five-setting standing system and the motors are some of the quietest I've heard while testing. The motion is smooth, and even though the desk weighs quite a lot, it rises quickly and without hassle. I never thought of using a standing desk for gaming before, but it really helps to break up the hours of sitting.
If you can manage the cost of getting the extras I would recommend it. The cable management is already excellent with the built-in power supply unit, as well as the large trench down the back, but the optional magnetic conduit lets you hide all of your wiring sins. I especially liked the PC mount that connects your gaming tower to the leg, making it rise with the table so your cables don't get stretched as the desk moves.
The cost of this desk is my only sticking point. Fully loaded, it will set you back about $1,600, though you could reduce that with fewer optional extras. But if gaming is your job and you need a large desk to help you, I cannot recommend the Magnus Pro XL enough.
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$499 at Branch Furniture $499 at Branch Furniture
The Branch Duo is the company's latest line of standing desks and uses a very simple control mechanism to set heights. The display is simple and clean, and all of the accessories just ooze quality. Building it was simple, taking less than 30 minutes, and the size is perfect for smaller spaces. It's big enough for a couple of smaller monitors or one big one, with plenty of room on the top for a laptop.
I especially like the notifications that you can set to remind you to stand or sit throughout the day. Standing desks are designed to help with your health, but they only work if you remember to do it! The Branch Duo removes that problem.
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$340 at Ikea $340 at Ikea
The Ikea Trotten is an excellent option when you need a larger standing desk, but don't want to spend too much money. This simple sit-stand desk nails the basics.
This standing desk option is relatively easy to install, but I did need help screwing in some stubborn hardware -- and flipping over the completed desk after finishing the setup. The Trotten measures 47.25 by 27.5 inches. It has a sturdy, easy-to-clean work surface made of particleboard and fiberboard, as well as a steel base for a stable standing desk.
While this adjustable standing desk model doesn't have electric controls to raise or lower the desk height, the manual hand crank (which can be mounted on the right or the left side), was easy to turn for adjustments. And when you're done using it, you can slide it back under the desk.
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$569 at Uplift $569 at Uplift
Not only was this model easier to install than expected (you only need a few tools, and Uplift includes accessories for no extra cost to organize all those pesky device cables), it was by far the most customizable standing desk of the bunch.
You have the basic options, including five desk sizes, a handful of frame colors (gray, dark gray, white or black) and over two dozen desktops, ranging from laminate (most affordable) to solid wood. From there, you have the ability to add multiple additional accessories, such as grommet covers that screw into either size of the desk for additional storage, outlets and more. There are also five different keypads to choose from in a black finish and three different keypad options in gray and white -- and a wireless foot switch accessory if you'd like to raise and lower your desk via a pedal at your feet (in addition to the keypad).
I tested the 48 by 30-inch model with a white frame and rubberwood desktop, complete with one cupholder grommet and one power grommet (the power grommet brings two outlets up your desktop so you can more easily charge your phone or other handheld devices) and a paddle keypad you can press up or down to raise/lower your desk.
Overall it's an excellent, sturdy desk that seems durable enough to stand up to years of use. Again, if the $569 price doesn't scare you away, consider adding the Uplift Standing Desk V2 to your shortlist.
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I selected desks of different sizes and styles. Some are controlled manually, while others have electric motors for height adjustment. To test each standing desk, I started out by building each one and noting the ease or difficulty, including whether I needed help with any of the steps. Then I spent a full day working at each one -- switching between sitting and standing -- making notes when something worked particularly well or caused a problem.
Of the others I tested -- the Seville Classics Airlift Height Adjustable Desk with Glass Top, the Seville Classics Airlift Pro S3 Electric Height Adjustable Standing Desk (no longer available), the Steelcase Solo Sit-To-Stand Desk and the Fezibo Height Adjustable Electric Standing Desk with Double Drawer -- didn't make the cut. The Airlift with Glass Top came close to earning a spot above. It's a beautiful, sturdy desk at a midrange price. It also features a small center drawer for holding the basics. Unfortunately, its built-in touchscreen wasn't very responsive and the two USB-A ports, while a nice tech feature in theory, are outdated for today's phones and tablets.
The Airlift Pro S3 was a decent desk, too, but it was a little tougher to install than the others in its size range and it had a cheaper-looking finish than the overall winner for best standing desk (the Vari desk).
The Steelcase Solo desk was surprisingly simple to install for its size (the same as the Vari desk). Instead of using screws to install the legs, these simply lock into place. The desk is sturdy, looks nice and is quiet when raising and lowering. But the Vari has a more sophisticated control panel, a nicer-looking finish and comes with desk accessories.
The Fezibo model intrigued me due to its built-in storage, but I found this model more difficult to assemble than many of the others. Still, it's a reasonable option if you'd like storage compartments integrated into your desk and two levels -- one for holding your monitor and the other for your keyboard and related accessories.
As always, consider your specific needs before you buy a sit-stand desk. Do you have a lot of space and a higher budget? Consider the Vari or Uplift models. The Ikea model is a fantastic midsize manual desk at a great price. Regardless of your home setup, one of these models is bound to suit your needs. But if you aren't sold on a standing desk, consider a standing desk converter for your existing desk instead.
As with any new piece of furniture, you'll want to take a little time to balance your needs with the space and budget you have for it.
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Prices range widely for standing desks, but you can find a great one to suit your needs at almost any budget. As noted above, the Ikea Trotten Standing Desk was my favorite option under $350.
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Make sure you have enough space for your standing desk before you make your purchase. Don't just consider the room it's going in, either. Also think about the doors, stairwells and other places the box must pass through. It might fit in your planned office space, but if you can't get it up your third-floor walk-up, you'll be in trouble.
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All adjustable-height desks have a low and a high range for sitting and standing, but the height adjustment ranges aren't universal across different styles and brands. If you're on the shorter or taller end, certain models might not be comfortable for you, so check the specs beforehand to determine if you'll be comfortable using the desk, both sitting and standing.
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Electric standing desks cost more than manual desks, so your budget will absolutely come into play here, but there's more to consider. Manual desks, which have pneumatic pedals, hand cranks or other manual controls, are lighter and quieter (because there's no heavy, noise-making motor mounted under your desk). Manual desks also don't require proximity to an outlet to work. Electric desks allow for easy raising and lowering with the press of a button; some even have digital height readouts so you can always return your desk to the exact same sitting or standing height settings.
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Some standing desks (typically the smaller ones) come with wheel attachments for better mobility. Others allow you to mount the electric or manual height control to the left or right side, to favor your dominant hand. Some even have two levels so you can put a monitor on the higher level and your keyboard and mouse on the lower one. If any of these sound appealing, factor those into your purchase decisions.
If you want to take a stand against the sitting disease, investing in an electric height-adjustable desk is a great step in the right direction!
Canadians spend a lot of time sitting down—up to three-quarters of our day! With all this sitting comes the sitting disease, which can include an increased risk of diabetes, heart problems, and obesity. It’s no wonder offices are making the switch to standing desks!
And the many health benefits of sit-stand desks are nothing to sneeze at, either. Did you know that using a standing desk…
Reduces your risk of obesity
Alleviates
back pain
from sitting
Lowers your risk of heart disease
Boosts energy levels and productivity
But there’s such a wide array of standing desks in every shape and size--it’s hard to decide which one is for you! If you’re lost in a sea of standing desks and don’t know what to look out for when you’re choosing, we hear you.
Today, we’re going to narrow down the top 6 things to look out for when you’re buying an adjustable standing desk. Once you know what you need, you can go forth and build the home office of your dreams!
Top 6 Things To Look Out For When You're Buying an Standing Desk
The first thing to consider is your office space. How much room do you have for a standing desk? Where do you plan to stand, and do you have room for an ergonomic chair as well? (Remember, you should only be standing for about 30 minutes every hour!)
Once you’ve sized up your space, think about your work surface. How big of a tabletop will you need? If you like everything to be within arm’s reach, pick a compact desk that will hold your keyboard and stationery close by. Maybe you decorate your desk with plants, or you like to spread our papers out in front of you. Find a wide tabletop, or maybe check out a corner desk setup for even more room!
The adjustment range of the desk is one of the biggest factors when it comes to picking a desk. Without the adjustments, your sit-stand desk would be pretty useless!
Check out the desk specifications--how much height range does it have? This is especially important to consider if you’re taller or shorter than average. Make sure you can work comfortably in front of the desk with good posture. Whether you’re sitting or standing, there should be no hunching or straining!
This can sometimes be hard to determine if you’re ordering a desk online, but you can further customize your desk setup with a monitor arm. This way, your monitor can be adjusted freely to accommodate your posture needs.
What’s the weight capacity of the desk? Having a durable desk is important. It should be able to hold your keyboard and monitor(s) without a hitch, as well as any accessories and snacks you might load up on it.
Consider the material. If the tabletop is made of flimsy wood, you definitely shouldn’t put thousands of dollars of electronics on it! Look for firm, sturdy wood tabletops or equivalent composites. (Our TerraDesk is made of compressed recycled chopsticks, which results in a tabletop stronger than oak!)
Look for wide feet so your desk doesn’t wobble when you adjust it up and down. Strong columns mean they can hold up your setup without shaking! Which brings us to our next point...
How many electric motors are doing the heavy lifting on your adjustable desk? Look for desks with dual motors so that your desk can be moved from sitting to standing position without any trouble.
If you work for 8 hours a day and switch positions every half hour, that’s at least 15 adjustments from sitting to standing every day! That adds up to at least 300 adjustments every month--and that’s if you’re the only one using the desk. If you have coworkers or family members who share the desk, you’ll need a durable motor to keep up!
Pay attention to motor noise as well. If it’s pretty loud and noticeable now, just think how annoying it’ll be in the long term! A quiet, efficient motor will help you adjust the height daily without a headache.
If you’re using this desk at home, make sure it’s relatively easy to set up and use. There’s nothing worse than excitedly receiving a new piece of furniture and then having to spend three hours reading instructions just to figure out how to put it together!
Check to see that the desk is easy to operate and adjust. Bonus points if there are presets on the keypad so the desk lifts and lowers to the exact right height for you every time!
If you need your standing desk right away, make sure to check when it will arrive if it’s being shipped to you! Also read the company’s shipping policies. Are there additional hidden fees you need to know about?
The last thing to look out for before you hand over your credit card or hit “buy now” is to check the warranty. A stand-up company (see what we did there?) will back their product with a good warranty that will cover any defects for a few years. Most standing desks come with at least a 6-7 year warranty. That’s how you know the company is proud of their product!
At EFFYDESK — we design, mould, and deliver the best Electric Standing Desks for professional or personal use.
Still have questions about finding the right ergonomic standing desk for you? EFFYDESK has answered customers and Redditors on the most frequently asked questions about standing desks.
Our award-winning ergonomic office chairs ensure that office workers are protected against desk job damage, and are well-equipped to maximize efficiency and morale in the workplace — wherever that may be for you.
Browse our signature Standing Desks, Office Chairs, and Monitor Mounts designed to boost workplace productivity, so you can get more done, more comfortably.
To learn more about EFFYDESK’s products and services, be sure to check out our FAQ page or browse the blog archive for other helpful articles on ergonomics in the workplace.
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