While there are many small tweaks you can make to minimize sedentariness, one powerful way to combat workday woes is to use a standing desk (sometimes called an “adjustable height desk” or a “sit-to-stand desk”). These desks can be lifted and lowered, allowing you to shift seamlessly between sitting and standing positions. Doing so can help you to change posture and stretch more throughout the workday, which can increase “mindfulness, alertness, and circulation,” says Heather White, master ergonomist for the Ergonomics Center at North Carolina State University. We consulted both White and Nick McElhiney, certified ergonomic assessment specialist and owner of Ergonomic Evolution, to get the scoop on the potential benefits of standing desks and advice on how to best utilize them. We also set out to identify the best standing desks on the market, researching the many options available and considering criteria such as weight capacity, riser range, and stability. We also factored in any extra features that could further optimize the workspace (such as tabletop power grommets and cable organizers). You’lll find we’ve also included a range of sizes and prices to accommodate diverse needs and budgets. Our top pick, the Vari Essential Electric Standing Desk comes from Vari’s “budget” line but includes many top-tier features, such as programmable memory settings for your preferred heights. You’ll also get the same whisper-quiet and smooth operation found in their pricier models. Find more of our standing desk recommendations below, and keep scrolling for ergonomic advice from the experts.
Our Top Picks
Best Overall Standing Desk: Vari Essential Electric Standing Desk Best Budget Standing Desk: Ikea Trotten Sit/Stand Desk Best Splurge Standing Desk: Uplift V2 Ergo Edge Curve Standing Desk Best Small Standing Desk: Fully Jaswig Nomad Standing Desk Best L-Shaped Standing Desk: FlexiSpot L-Shaped Electric Standing Desk Best Standing Desk With Drawers: FlexiSpot Comhar All-in-One Standing Desk Best Wood Standing Desk: Branch Standing Desk
Who it’s for: People who want something sturdy and stylish to support a small-to-medium size workstation. Who it’s not for: People who want a standing desk with a more substantial weight capacity. Sturdy, stylish, programmable, whisper-quiet, and (surprisingly) affordable, Vari’s Essential Electric Standing Desk is branded as their budget option, but it’s leagues above competing budget picks, and it differs little from the brand’s pricier options. An electric motor lifts and lowers the desk from 27.5 to 47.2 inches with smooth action and minimal noise. Four programmable memory settings and an LED interface allow you to create pre-set heights for seamless transitions (which is the same technology used in their pricier models). Vari’s Essential Desk supports up to 150 pounds, and while other popular brands can support over 300 pounds, a 150-pound weight capacity is more than sufficient for most office setups—even those with multiple monitors. The Essential line comes in fewer sizes and finishes than their pricier offerings, but you’ve still got choices to suit any decor: all white, all black, or several options with attractive wood laminate finishes. And while the Essential line is not compatible with some accessories, the cutout in the back of the desk allows you to run cables behind the desk while still allowing it to sit flush against the wall.
Tabletop Size: 48 x 24 inchesHeight Range: 27.5 to 47.2 inchesLift Mechanism: ElectricWeight Capacity: 150 pounds
Price at time of publish: $325 Who it’s not for: People with many peripherals and cables to manage or people who want an electric standing desk. If you’re looking for a no-frills pick with a simple, clean design, the Trotten Desk from Ikea fits the bill. The crank function is the most notable difference between this desk and many of the others that made our list. While cranking the riser requires more effort than pushing a button wired to an electric motor, it’s still relatively effortless—hardly anything you’ll work up a sweat over. We also appreciate how the crank handle slides underneath the tabletop when not in use for an uncluttered look that preserves the clean, simple design of the desk. (Lefties, don’t despair: The crank can be mounted on the left or right.) The Trotten is comparable to our best overall pick, the Vari Essential Electric Standing Desk, in both tabletop size and lift range. Weight capacity is where you see a bigger difference between the Trotten desk and other sit/stand desks—its 110-pound weight capacity pales in comparison to others in this list, which range from 150 to 350 pounds. Still, for most users—especially laptop users—a 110-pound weight capacity is more than sufficient.
Tabletop Size: 47.3 x 27.5 inchesHeight Range: 28.4 to 48 inchesLift Mechanism: Manual, crankWeight Capacity: 110 pounds
Price at time of publish: $279 RELATED: The 5 Best Standing Desk Converters to Upgrade Your Home Office Who it’s for: People with substantial office setups who want to invest in a top-of-the-line desk that can be heavily customized. Who it’s not for: People who want a standing desk for occasional use only. The Uplift V2 Ergo Edge Curve Standing Desk is pricey, but the added comfort, convenience, and customizability deliver real bang for your buck. We chose the Ergo Edge Curve over the classic Uplift V2 for its hyper-functional and comfortable design: The curved cutout with a tapered edge at the front of the desk allows you to get closer to your workspace and maintain greater comfort and circulation in your wrists. Not only does this desk banish cramped wrists, it also allows your arms to rest in a more neutral position that relaxes the shoulders and neck. Out of all the desks in this roundup, this Uplift desk boasts the greatest range in riser height, ensuring a comfortable experience for both short and tall users. Though Uplift offers fewer customizations for the Ergo Edge Curve line, there are enough variables and add-ons that even Goldilocks could find her perfect match. Choose from four desktops, five sizes, four frame styles, six grommet combinations, and six keypads. (Power grommets enable you to plug things in right at your desktop—a major added convenience for charging phones, headphones, or other tablets and tools.) From there you can also choose from an endless array of compatible accessories like desk hooks, monitor arms, clamp-on cup holders, hammocks, and even treadmills. The Uplift V2 boasts a weight capacity of 350 pounds and a free wire management tray with cable tie mounts, a combination that’s especially key for those with substantial office setups and lots of peripherals. Though this is one of the pricier picks out there, the 15-year warranty speaks to its durability and ability to up your office game for years to come.
Tabletop Size: 5 sizes ranging from 42 x 30 inches to 80 x 30 inches Height Range: 25.3 to 50.9 inchesLift Mechanism: ElectricWeight Capacity: 355 pounds
Price at time of publish: From $778 Who it’s for: People who want a portable workstation or a standing desk for small spaces. Who it’s not for: People who are desktop users or people with heavy office setups. If you have a small office—or lack a designated office space entirely—a standing desk that’s both small and collapsible can be a real space-saver. Enter: the Jaswig Nomad Standing Desk from Fully. It’s engineered to be compact and lightweight so you can easily change locations or stash it away. Its sleek design also exudes playful charm, which is paramount in smaller spaces where each piece of furniture contributes more towards curating the overall character of the room. A conventional T-style sit-stand desk can nicely anchor a roomy office, but it may overwhelm a small space. In lieu of an electric motor, there’s a lift-and-lock system that’s intuitive to use (and helps to bring the cost down). While this lift mechanism doesn’t grant you the infinitely customized locking positions you’ll typically see in motorized risers, it does offer nine height increments—generous enough to cover most uses and user heights. The Jaswig Nomad desk also offers a unique and welcome feature in the form of a built-in footrest, which allows you to shift your body weight from one leg to the other. This can help combat fatigue and stiffness and even improve circulation.
Tabletop Size: 32.6 x 21.6 inchesHeight Range: 36.5 to 48 inchesLift Mechanism: Manual, spring-liftWeight Capacity: 110 pounds
Price at time of publish: From $325 RELATED: 8 Desks That Are Perfect for Small Spaces—All Under $150 Who it’s for: People who could benefit from a generous work surface and extra storage space. Who it’s not for: People who struggle with complicated assembly. FlexiSpot manufactures some of the sturdiest standing desks on the market. The FlexiSpot L-Shaped Electric Standing Desk’s industrial-grade steel frame and dual motor combine to ensure a quiet, wobble-free lift, and its tabletop is thick, minimizing bounce or reverb when typing or mousing. The keypad is intuitive to use, and includes three memory settings that allow you to shift seamlessly between your preferred sitting and standing positions. Another standout feature is the anti-collision feature, which prevents the desk from crushing any forgotten coffee cups or soda cans when lowered. The main drawback of FlexiSpot desks is the complicated assembly—you’ll likely need a drill, a bit of patience, and possibly a handy friend. L-Shaped desks are ideal for corners, but that’s not all they’re good for. You can use them to carve out a clear office space in any room, and they help you to maximize horizontal and vertical storage space.
Tabletop Size: 63 x 40 inches or 71 x 48 inchesHeight Range: 28.9 to 48.2 inchesLift Mechanism: ElectricWeight Capacity: 220 pounds
Price at time of publish: From $530 Who it’s for: People who want a sleek standing desk with integrated storage. Who it’s not for: People with few office supplies to corral or people with office equipment exceeding 110 pounds. Like the L-Shaped desk from FlexiSpot, the Comhar desk includes sturdy construction, a dual motor to ensure smooth, quiet action, and the anti-collision feature that helps you prevent any crushed coffee cups. What’s new here is the desk drawer, which has been integrated seamlessly beneath the tabletop to preserve the simple lines of this sleek desk. This desk also includes an extra memory setting (for a total of four) and a sit-stand reminder to help keep you moving. This desk comes in three different color options: white, black, and maple. It’s worth noting that the weight capacity of this desk is on the lower end of the spectrum at 110 pounds; those with substantial office setups may need to opt for something sturdier.
Tabletop Size: 47.3 x 23.7 inchesHeight Range: 28.3 to 47.6 inchesLift Mechanism: ElectricWeight Capacity: 110 pounds
Price at time of publish: From $500 RELATED: The 6 Best Office Chairs, According to Our Testing Who it’s for: People who want a desk that won’t stick out like a sore thumb amongst their existing decor. Who it’s not for: People who want a wide range of extra accessories and features. Branch’s Standing Desk comes in four possible finishes, two of which are woodgrain: a pale birch and a rich walnut. As we see it, these are the most handsome desks on the market, and these tabletops aren’t just handsome, they’re hardy. Made of melamine, they’re stain and crash resistant, so they hold up well to normal wear and tear and the occasional coffee spill. The tabletops also feature beveled edges, which are easier on the wrists (and on the eyes). Like other electric standing desks that made our roundup, the Branch Standing Desk comes with four memory presets for hassle-free transitions between sitting and standing, and their EasyGlide motors facilitate quiet and smooth movement. Compared to competitors, Branch boasts a higher weight capacity than most, topping out at 275 pounds. Though they offer fewer add-ons than some competitors, there are still some useful additions on offer: namely, an in-desk power grommet with five outlets and two USB ports, a wire organizer, and a flexible arm for your computer monitor.
Tabletop Size: 48 x 30 inches or 60 x 30 inchesHeight Range: 25 to 52 inchesLift Mechanism: ElectricWeight Capacity: 275 pounds
Price at time of publish: From $699
How to Shop for Standing Desks Like a Pro
Mechanism
Standing desks feature either manual or electric lift mechanisms. The lift mechanism determines a few things: cost, ease of use, adjustability, and noise level. An electric lift makes for a pricier purchase, though it also increases the ease of use considerably, allowing you to raise and lower the desk at the push of a button. Often, electric lifts also come with programmable memory presets, so that you don’t personally have to remember and recall ideal settings. Not only do these models do the heavy lifting for you, they also tend to have a higher weight capacity. Those with substantial office setups (e.g. multiple monitors or bulky speakers), should likely opt for an electric riser. Manual risers are ideal for those with lighter technology and office setups, those on a budget, or those who want something more portable. Manual sit-stand desks typically operate in one of two ways: a crank model, in which the user operates a handheld crank beneath the tabletop, or a spring lift model, in which the user grips the tabletop and pulls it up or down along predetermined intervals. Crank models are typically more compatible with heavier setups, while spring lift models are often used in conjunction with lighter setups featuring one monitor or a laptop. Spring lift models are typically a little louder than electric risers, producing a loud clicking sound when adjusted, but they are also typically more lightweight and portable.
Features
If you’re considering investing in a standing desk, you’re already looking to optimize your workspace. Many manufacturers offer additional features and customizations that can further optimize your office setup by enhancing accessibility or organization. Power grommets (in-desk power outlets) are a major convenience-booster, allowing you to charge your phone, headphones, and other accessories right on the desktop. They’re also one way of eliminating drooping cords that look cluttered. (Not to mention, without them, you may need to invest in longer cables that won’t catch or snap when your desk extends to its greatest height.) A more affordable way of keeping your desktop free of unsightly cables is to invest in a desk with tabletop cutouts or cable organizers that allow you to thread cables through the desk or stow them away beneath the desktop. Many companies also provide accessories such as hanging baskets and hooks (or even hammocks and bikes) that are compatible with their standing desks.
Size
A standard standing desk will typically have a depth of around 30 inches. This enables users to place a laptop on the tabletop in front of a monitor. Users hoping to spread out laptops or notebooks horizontally (i.e. creating different workstations alongside their primary monitor) should prioritize width, looking for something wider than the standard 48 inches. For those working in small home offices or homes without a designated office space, a smaller standing desk may be ideal. The portable Fully Jaswig Nomad Standing Desk, for example, has a tabletop measuring 32.6 inches wide by 21.6 inches deep.
Questions You Might Ask
What are the benefits of using a standing desk?
Prolonged periods of sitting can be detrimental to your health, potentially increasing the risk of heart disease, cancer, diabetes, depression, and anxiety, according to the Mayo Clinic. Thus, anyone who spends a lot of time sitting can see benefits from adopting a standing desk. “Studies have found that energy expenditure, mood, low back comfort, productivity, and overall health all improved by increasing the amount of time spent standing during the day,” says White.
How often should you stand at your standing desk?
Don’t ditch your office chair just yet! While prolonged periods of sitting can be detrimental to your health, so too can prolonged periods of standing. The key to reducing stress on the body is to keep changing your working position, says McElhiney. “The lower half of our body—hips, knees, and ankles—are all designed for weight transference rather than a prolonged sedentary standing position.” McElhiney recommends people stand a maximum of 30 to 45 minutes at a time, “then allow themselves to sit, rest, and recover,” he adds. White agrees: “Alternating between sitting and standing is recommended over maintaining one type of posture throughout the day.”
Should you use an anti-fatigue mat with a standing desk?
McElhiney warns against the use of anti-fatigue mats and other gadgets designed to allow people to stand longer while working. Standing for a long time is just as “sedentary” as sitting for a long time, says McElhiney. Instead of aiming to stand longer, “people who feel fatigued while standing should simply sit down and change their position completely,” says McElhiney. McElhiney also warns that “these gizmos become something people can fall off of or trip on.”
How high should a standing desk be?
The average 5-foot-11 person requires a standing desk that’s at least 44 inches tall. As a rule of thumb, a standing desk should extend high enough that the tabletop or lowest tier (essentially where your keyboard rests) should lie just beneath elbow height when your fingers reach the keyboard. The top row of characters on the computer screen should be approximately the same as the user’s standing eye height.
Take Our Word for It
This article was written by Leslie Joblin, a writer with two years of experience writing lifestyle content. Her work has appeared in The Spruce, Brides, and MyDomaine. To complete this roundup, she dove deep into the research on the best standing desks and solicited advice from Heather White, master ergonomist for the Ergonomics Center at North Carolina State University, as well as Certified Ergonomic Assessment Specialist Nick McElhiney.
