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Your Ultimate Guide to Standing Desk Converters
Contrary to popular belief, ergonomics is not just about the ideal working posture that can make a worker more productive. It’s much more than that. It has to do with the ideal working posture that can help you relieve back, neck, leg, and body pain while working. Proper ergonomics requires that you are in a healthy and supported position while you work, so as to reduce the risk of serious injuries you may sustain in the long run.
With many more people experiencing aches and pains because of the wrong working posture, we’re now paying more attention to ergonomics. One of the most recent principles involves the “standing while working” dynamic, which health and ergonomic experts say is ideal to reduce strain in your body.
What’s recommended is that you transition between sitting and standing during your work days to prevent too much pressure on your body and promote movement, thereby reducing the likelihood of straining your back, neck, legs, etc.
Because of this came the popularity of standing desk products, a height-adjustable desk that enables you to switch between the two ideal working positions by either pulling a lever or pushing a button.
But what if you have an existing desk and you don’t really want to invest in a standing desk? Luckily, there is such a thing as standing desk converters. These ergonomic products are positioned on top of your desk and other flat standard office furniture to make your work surface higher and allow you to stand while working.
If you’re the type who doesn’t want to replace the office desk you currently have, then this guide is for you. We list our top picks for the best standing desk converter to help you make the best choice for your investment and your transition to a pain-free ergonomic workstation. Get value-packed information, tips, and a comprehensive list of the best standing desk converters in the market today.
Which is the top one?
Editor's Choice  Best Standing Desk Converter | Best Standing Desk Converter for Dual Monitor Setups | Best Advanced Standing Desk Converter |
Stand Steady X-Elite Pro Standing Desk ConverterThis desk converter comes with left and right configurations. It is also easily adjustable with its pneumatic pump lift. | Varidesk Pro Plus 36 Height Adjustable Standing Desk ConverterIf you have a dual monitor setup, this converter is for you. It has 11 height settings and can be easily adjusted using its spring-loaded lift. | Ergotron WorkFit S Dual Sit-Stand Workstation ConverterThe WorkFit S has a smooth vertical lift that makes work easier. It has a back-tilt keyboard tray and can be clamped on your desk. |
Functionality: Quality: Price: | Functionality: Quality: Price: | Functionality: Quality: Price: |
Let’s go over each one
#1: Stand Steady X-Elite Pro Standing Desk Converter
Functionality: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Quality: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Price: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
This Stand Steady model easily makes its way to the top of our list as one of the best converters. And it’s easy to explain why. This standing desk converter makes the job of transitioning between sitting positions to standing such a breeze with its pneumatic pump-assisted lift. It’s easy to adjust — all it requires is lifting the handle located at the side of the table and letting the standing desk converter do the rest. Raising and lowering the desk then becomes as easy as gently lifting and pushing down the handle.
The ergonomic design of this is unlike any other. It has a slim frame that removes excess weight and requires zero effort to adjust. This helps you stay in the optimal posture as you raise and lower it, removing the hassle of having to manually adjust your stand desk converter. Slim as the frame may be, you’ll be stunned to hear that it can easily hold a weight of 20 pounds without wobbling or negatively impacting its stability.
This standing desk converter also checks off another non-negotiable when it comes to quality desk converters — its wide surface space. The desktop workstation is 28 inches long and has plenty of room to fit two screens, a laptop, keyboard, mouse, and other desk equipment.
And the best part, you ask? Unlike other models, this desk doesn’t have to be assembled at all — which is a huge relief for consumers. It comes out of the box ready to be placed on top of your current desk! Not to mention that with all these benefits, you can get this for a fair price — definitely a comment that dominates consumer reviews!
Pros and Cons of the Stand Steady X-Elite Pro Standing Desk Converter
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Arrives fully assembled ✔️ Slim but sturdy frame ✔️ Easy height adjustment ✔️ Comes in many desktop colors ✔️ Works well with a dual monitor setup ✔️ Fair price | ✖️ Mid-range heights are not as stable as maximum height range presets ✖️ Pump mechanism deteriorates over time, according to some reviews |
#2: Varidesk Pro Plus 36 Height Adjustable Standing Desk Converter
Functionality: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Quality: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Price: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
The Varidesk Pro Plus 36 has a very spacious work surface, making it apt for two huge monitors. It’s also equipped with a keyboard tray that fits not only a keyboard, but also a laptop, mouse, notebook, pens, and other essential desk accessories/ products. You will never complain about limited desk space with this standing desk converter.
Height adjustment is easy as well, thanks to the brand’s special rowing-lift raising mechanism with up-and-down back movement. With this unique adjustability, you can use your lower body power to raise and lower the desk, keeping your back in the proper posture as you make the transition from sitting positions to standing. 11 preset adjustable height settings make it adaptable to users of any height, a very valuable factor when it comes to standing desk risers.
The Pro Plus 36 is made using the highest quality of materials, providing it with a heavy-weighted base that keeps the desktop converter stable and sturdy. It doesn’t require assembly either so you can start your monitor setup and begin working productively the moment you lay your hands on it!
Pros and Cons of the Varidesk Pro Plus Standing Desk Converter
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Sturdy ✔️ Holds dual monitors ✔️ Has a maximum height of 14 inches ✔️ Easy to use | ✖️ Can be pricey ✖️ May not be tall enough for other users |
#3: Ergotron WorkFit S Dual Sit-Stand Workstation Converter
Functionality: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Quality: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Price: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
For those who don’t like having to adjust their converters whenever they want to make the transition from sitting to standing, the Ergotron WorkFit S is an ideal choice. One of the best standing desk converters around, it resembles a monitor mount, except with a work surface that’s suitable for the standing while working dynamic.
You can easily attach this to the front of the desk and adjust the height to your preference. It has a smooth vertical lift that can go as high as 23 inches. The Ergotron WorkFit, being a riser that should be attached to the desk, would require extra space where you can mount it — attaching and detaching whenever you want to transition from sitting positions to standing and vice versa would be a lot of work.
The WorkFit S has one of the most advanced ergonomic designs we’ve seen in other standing desk converters. It’s made with professional-grade materials that look sleek and sophisticated, making it an easy and elegant addition to any workspace. Plus, it has a back-tilt keyboard tray and supports up to two screens that can be attached to the built-in mount with a 360-degree adjustment.
Pros and Cons of the Ergotron WorkFit-S
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔️ A monitor mount and standing converter in one ✔️ Wide work surface that can fit dual monitors, a laptop, and other computer accessories/ products ✔️ Affordable standing desk converter | ✖️ Lifting mechanism can be more durable ✖️ Keyboard tray can only fit standard-width keyboards |
#4: Mount It Height Adjustable Corner Standing Desk Converter
Functionality: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Quality: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Price: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
The Mount It Corner Standing Desk Converter is a cult favorite. One of the prime reasons why is its corner-desk configuration, enabling you to maximize the corner space of your work station with its triangular build. It works best with an L-shaped desk.
But more than its shape, this Mount It Standing Desk Converter has a lot of other features to show for. First off is its work surface. It has a wide surface space that can comfortably fit two screens plus a laptop on the top tier. The built-in keyboard tray measures the same and hence can accommodate a keyboard, mouse, and other desk essentials without crowding up your workstation.
The height can be adjusted in a matter of seconds, thanks to its efficient gas spring power that effortlessly raises and lowers the desk from 6.75 inches up to 16.5 inches high. Overall, the Mount It Standing Desk Converter is the best standing desk converter to create a more ergonomic work dynamic, encouraging movement, improving productivity, and eliminating back, neck, shoulder, and body pain.
Pros and Cons of the Mount It Converter
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔️ 8 height adjustment settings ✔️ Wide work surface ✔️ Affordable price ✔️ Dual spring-assisted height adjustment lift | ✖️ Too much space between desk surface and keyboard tray while in a seated position ✖️ Assembly is required ✖️ No built-in cable management feature |
#5: Ergotron WorkFit T Standing Desk Converter
Functionality: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Quality: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Price: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Surface space is never an issue with this Ergotron T model. It has a 35” wide desktop, with another variation that offers a work surface as wide as 37.5 inches. This, in effect, gives you more room to work comfortably. It also comes with a built-in keyboard tray that can fit a standard-sized keyboard plus mouse. With this ultra-wide surface space, you can put your laptop, two screens, tablet, coffee, and still have plenty of room for other desk accessories/ products. This standing desk riser can hold up to 40 pounds.
Lifting the desk is also easy with a smooth vertical lift that can go as high as 20” above your desk. The stability is immaculate thanks to a sturdy steel frame that pushes back to keep you within your desk’s footprint. No assembly is required for this one, so you can take it out of the box and immediately start your sit-to-stand working journey.
Pros and Cons of the WorkFit T
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Can give you more desk space with its wide surface and tray ✔️ No assembly required ✔️ Easy height adjustment that doesn’t push you away from your desk ✔️ Fair price | ✖️ Keyboard shelf lacks width ✖️ Does not have a tilting keyboard tray unlike other models in Ergotron’s line-up ✖️ A little bit more difficult to raise the standing desk converter with two screens |
#6: Varidesk Cube Corner Height Adjustable Standing Desk Converter
Functionality: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Quality: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Price: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
The ability to maximize surface space is very important when it comes to ergonomics. You need to be able to reach your essentials with ease as you work, while still having enough room to move and function. The last thing you want is to strain your body trying to fit into a small workspace.
And that, in essence, explains why the Varidesk Cube Corner Converter makes it to our list of the best standing desk converters. This standing desk converter gives you more space in your work station, thanks to 2 tiers of work surfaces. The upper tier, where you can position two monitors, measures 36 x 19.75 inches. It can fit two monitors, a laptop, a notepad, and more — while still having room for a few other desk accessories/ products. The lower tier fits a large keyboard and mouse, as well as other documents you may need.
Ergonomic movement is highly enhanced with a rowing-lift mechanism with up and back movement. This allows you to adjust the desk using the power from your lower body, keeping your back, neck, and shoulders in optimal posture during your transition from sitting to standing. Adjustability is easy with 11 height options that you can easily navigate using a patented spring-loaded lift.
This standing desk converter fits perfectly on the corner of your workstation and is best suited for L-shaped desks. The lower-tier has a carefully crafted curved build that helps it perfectly fit into corner workstations. The standing desk converter is made with a heavy-weight base and keyboard tray that makes it durable and suitable for long-term use. No assembly is required — you can take it out of the box and immediately start using it on top of your current desk!
Pros and Cons of the Varidesk Cube
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Specially-made for cube corner sit-stand workstation setups but can be placed on any kind of desk ✔️ Has a wide work surface ✔️ 11 standing heights ✔️ Steel weighted base for stability ✔️ Comes fully assembled out of the box | ✖️ Optional monitor arm for ergonomic viewing angle ✖️ Noticeable monitor shake when adjusting height |
#7: Varidesk Laptop 30 Height Adjustable Portable Standing Desk Converter
Functionality: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Quality: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Price: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Standing desk converters are meant to be easier to carry around compared to full-standing desks. But there are only a few that can really promise a lightweight and small build. Most risers can be carried around, yes, but may still be too bulky to simply put in a bag and bring to the office.
Luckily, there are small and lightweight products like this Varidesk Laptop 30. It has a space-saving design that workers on the go will surely appreciate, as well as those with rather small workstations.
But this standing desk converter shouldn’t be underestimated because of its size, nor because it’s less expensive than others in the market. It still has all the features you would need and want in a standing desk converter. The Varidesk Laptop riser has 30 inches of surface space and can fit a laptop and light monitor (15 lbs. weight capacity). It’s the brand’s most portable solution — you can even bring and use it in a coffee shop! The only trade-off is that it might not be suitable if you’re trying to fit a monitor and keyboard on the work surface, as it doesn’t come with a built-in keyboard tray.
This standing desk converter has 9 height settings between 1.25 inches sitting height to 15 inches off your fixed-height desk. You can easily raise and lower it with its fool-proof scissor-lift movement. True enough, you’ll never find another high-quality, functional, and budget-friendly desk riser like this one.
But of course, not everyone will appreciate its small and portable design. Its size means its features are limited. But considering its price and functionality, that doesn’t make it less of an ideal choice for workers on a budget, or those who are still starting out with the sitting-to-standing work dynamic and aren’t ready to invest in an expensive and large riser just yet.
Pros and Cons of the Varidesk Laptop 30
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Incredibly simple and fool-proof ✔️ Lightweight and portable ✔️ Slim build ✔️ Less expensive price compared to other converters in the market | ✖️ May break down easily, especially if the 15 lb. weight capacity is exceeded ✖️ No keyboard platform ✖️ Can only carry a light monitor or laptop |
#8: Ergotron WorkFit A Dual Workstation Converter
Functionality: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Quality: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Price: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Throughout the course of this best standing desk converters guide, you’ve seen a lot of Ergotron risers, and for good reason. Their WorkFit series really changes the game when it comes to standing desk converters, having products that can suit a wide variety of needs and preferences.
This model, the Ergotron WorkFit A is so different and unique compared to other members of the WorkFit series. Its main selling point is its flexibility, being an arm-based standing desk converter that allows you to move it as you please without breaking a sweat. You can set your desired standing height and angle (whether up, down, left, or right) by a simple push or pull.
The WorkFit A has 20 inches of total lift plus 5 inches of monitor height adjustment. It can be personalized to suit your needs in order to provide you with a more comfortable and pain-free working experience.
This standing desk converter resembles a monitor mount with the added benefit of a wide work surface and keyboard tray that can hold as much as your keyboard and mouse, plus other things. It’s also equipped with a grommet mount and cable wrap to keep those monitor wires tamed and prevent clutter to avoid distractions.
Its sturdy, ergonomic, and professional-grade design alone already makes this a great option. Mount your dual monitor, clamp the product on your desk, and prepare for a boost of productivity while working.
Pros and Cons of the Ergotron WorkFit A
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Monitor height and angle adjustment ✔️ Versatile and can fit a wide range of users ✔️ Can accommodate dual monitors ✔️ Fair price | ✖️ A little shaky with heavy pounding on the keyboard tray ✖️ Difficult assembly, according to a few reviews |
#9: Fully Cooper Standing Desk Converter
Functionality: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Quality: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Price: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Fully is known for its high-performance and high-quality standing desks, but they also have great converters that are equipped with the desirable features the brand is known for.
The first noticeable thing about the Fully Cooper converter is its signature bamboo desk surface and keyboard tray. It’s made with very sustainable material and held in place by a sturdy powder-coated steel frame. The surface has a footprint of 36.6 by 23 inches, able to fit up to 2 small-sized laptops or monitors. In the lower tier, you can fit your keyboard and mouse, plus other important accessories/ products.
More than its sustainable and obviously aesthetic design, the Fully Cooper Standing Desk Converter is known for its height-adjustability features. The riser’s height adjustment is smooth and easy, making your transition and sit-stand height adjustment as simple as squeezing the lever or paddle. Height adjustment is through a front-to-back motion that lifts straight up and not away from you. The riser can smoothly lift as heavy as 35 pounds to a maximum standing height of 22 inches — so much higher than any other standing desk converter in the market can reach.
The brand manufactured the cooper with 4 core features in mind: stability, usable work surface space, ease of use, and sustainability. And with the mentioned functions and features, we can confidently say that they nailed it.
Pros and Cons of the Fully Cooper
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Sustainable design from the work surface to the keyboard tray ✔️ One-hand operation for easy sit-stand workstation transition ✔️ Smooth adjustability ✔️ Fair price | ✖️ Wrist support on the keyboard tray is inadequate ✖️ Lack of ergonomic tilt on the keyboard tray ✖️ Assembly may be difficult, according to some reviews |
#10: Versa Desk Power Pro Electric Height Adjustable Desk Riser
Functionality: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Quality: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Price: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
For non-budget-conscious workers, an electric standing desk converter is always ideal. Having a built-in motor, adjustability will be as easy as pressing a button — no effort or pressure required.
Among the lineup of electric risers is the Versa Desk Power Pro Electric Standing Desk Converter. Adjustment can be done in seconds with fully electric power and no stopping points up to 20 inches in standing height. All you have to do is push the button conveniently located on the right side of the upper desktop.
The desk will lift up or move down quickly, without preset stopping points. So you have the liberty to set the sitting or standing height that you are most comfortable with. Movement is quieter than a whisper and incredibly smooth because of sealed ball-bearing roller glider wheels.
In all desk height settings, the work surface and tray remains stable and sturdy. This is thanks to the carbon steel frame, a high-quality and durable material that never gets scratched, dents, or fades. It may have an expensive price, but this small investment gives you a riser that you can use for a very long time. In fact, this riser is so heavy-duty and sturdy that it can hold a max weight of 80 pounds.
Desk surface space is also another thing this riser has to boot, with two tiers of spacious work surfaces. The top can hold up to three large monitors and still have extra space for a bunch of other things. Not to mention that it also comes with a spacious keyboard tray that can hold all your keyboard and mouse, as well as other desk essentials. You can also easily mount a monitor arm on the converter should you want to elevate your monitors.
Overall, the Versa Desk Power Pro Electric Standing Desk Converter makes the transition from sitting to standing much smoother and more ergonomically proper. This product may earn your appreciation and trust once you get to experience it, and there’s really no question why it made it to this list of best standing desk converters. Though a tad pricey, it sure is worth your investment, considering that it has all the features that define great converters.
Pros and Cons of the Versa Desk Power Pro Standing Desk Converter
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔️ One-touch adjustment ✔️ Heavy-duty material ✔️ Smooth adjustability | ✖️ Expensive ✖️ It should be placed on a very flat surface to enjoy the stability |
#11: InMovement Standing Desk Converter DT20
Functionality: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Quality: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Price: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Transitioning to a sit-stand method while working can be confusing for some but worry not, for the InMovement DT20 standing desk converter was designed with them in mind. The DT20’s easy-to-use gas spring system makes the transition to an ergonomic work position simple and convenient.
Similar to most standing desk converters, the DT20 is placed on the tabletop of your workstation. It has a wide work surface of 41 inches, capable of accommodating numerous office essentials. It has enough space for a dual monitor setup, documents, a laptop, a tablet, your coffee mug, and more. Additionally, it also has a retractable keyboard tray that provides you with more space to move. With its 25-inch width, the tray can accommodate both a keyboard and a mouse, ensuring that your setup is not crowded.
Aside from providing you with a ton of space, the DT20 also ensures that your arms, shoulders, and neck are in a healthy posture when you work. This desk converter features 10 height settings, allowing you to fully maximize the benefits of standing while working. Best of all, its gas spring mechanism is effortless to use. You won’t have to work up a sweat just to lift or lower the DT20.
Beyond its convenient lift mechanism, the DT20 also comes with a unique modesty panel that helps hide the clutter at your workstation. With its uncomplicated mechanism, organization feature, and elegant look, investing in the InMovement DT20 will surely be worth it.
Pros and Cons of the InMovement DT20
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Has a modesty panel to hide clutter ✔️ Wide work surface ✔️ Separate keyboard tray ✔️ Numerous height settings ✔️ Gas spring adjustment | ✖️ Can be heavy ✖️ May be too high for others |
What is a Desk Converter/ Riser?
A riser or converter is a product you place on top of an existing desk or table to convert your seated workstation into a standing one. Thus, it resembles a foldable laptop riser, except with the added benefit of more surface space on your actual desk, so that you can place more than a laptop and mouse, but rest all your desk essentials on it.
Sit-stand converters are different from your average laptop stand. It’s more apt for mobility and easy storage. Many standing desk converters are also adjustable so you can switch between a sitting position and a standing position when you please. On the other hand, a laptop stand only improves your posture in a static workstation. Therefore, it lacks versatility in terms of the ability to change from a seated to a standing workstation.
What’s the difference between risers and converters?
The term “riser” is used interchangeably with “standing desk converter” — they are essentially the same thing. But standing desk converters should not be confused with a standing desk or sit-stand desk. As the name implies, a standing desk or sit-stand desk is its own piece of furniture that adjusts in height to support a sit-stand workstation. You can learn more about standing desks and check out our top picks for the best standing desks in our complete guide.
But for those who are not ready to invest in a standing desk, sit-stand desk converters are the best choice. They’re smaller, more portable, and cost less than a full-blown desk. This can be your first step towards the sit-stand dynamic to help you adjust and get a grasp of it before you purchase a standing desk.
Types of Standing Desk Converters
Corner Standing Desk Converters
As the name implies, a corner standing desk converter is made for corners. It’s triangular in shape to make it fit perfectly in a corner desk or L-shaped desk, allowing you to optimize more desktop space. Corner sit-stand converters usually come with a keyboard tray for your mouse, keyboard, as well as other desk essentials.
Electric Standing Desk Converters
Standing desk converters come in different forms. There are manual ones that you have to assemble onto your desk. But if you want an easier shift, there are electric standing desk converters that are equipped with a tilt mechanism that effortlessly shifts from low to high with a press of a button.
Electric standing desk converters usually have programmable height range settings to free you from the hassle of setting ranges every time you want to transition to your working position. Electric converters are automatic and equipped with a smooth lift mechanism, therefore easy to use and navigate while working.
Hover Standing Desk Converters
A hover differs from your average standing desk converter because they are mounted or clamped onto your desk. It resembles a monitor arm but has a work surface you can use every time you transition from sitting positions to standing.
However, hovers usually have a limited desk space, able to fit only computer accessories/ products such as a monitor, keyboard, and mouse. So it may not be ideal if you have a lot of equipment you want to take with you when transitioning to a standing position. Further, many hovers have a thin keyboard tray, which can sabotage stability, as well as comfort while typing.
Z-Lift Standing Desk Converters
Z-Lifts are the most popular type of standing desk converters. They are lifted by pushing a lever or brakes. These are preferred by workers trying out the sitting-while-standing work dynamic for the first time because they make raising and lowering easy, have a wide work surface, and have a cheap price.
The most ergonomic kinds of Z-lift risers are those that lift backward or away from you. With this ergonomic movement, you can use the power in your lower body to make adjustments, keeping your back, neck, and shoulder in perfect posture even while you make the transition.
The most popular Z-lift is the Vertdesk converter. A Vertdesk converter has exceeded expectations with its solid and stable design, wide surface area, easy lift, and more. You should consider getting a desk converter if budget is not an issue and you want to get the best features and executive office solutions.
What are the Health Benefits of a Standing Desk Converter?
A standing desk converter has plenty of benefits, which can be summarized into the following:
It’s better for your health
- You activate more muscles while standing, which improves bone and muscle health
- It reduces common aches and pains from sitting since it improves posture
- It increases blood flow and boosts cardiovascular health
- Better blood and oxygen flow boost brain function and energy
- It decreases blood sugar levels, hence, fewer chances of becoming diabetic
- It decreases the risk of cancer (colon, breast, and endometrial)
- Less body compression means better digestion and increased lung capacity
- It reduces the risk of hemorrhoids
It boosts productivity
- The fewer aches and pains you feel, the more comfortable you are and the more work you can do.
- You don’t feel tired after your 9-5, giving you the chance to take on other activities
- You can maximize your time at the office without taking excessive breaks due to body pain.
Are Standing Desk Converters Worth It?
You might be asking yourself, “How is standing while working a good idea?” Well, let us tell you the benefits of standing desks. Most people work for long hours at their desks, not moving at all from their chairs. Being in a seated position for too long is actually terrible for your overall well-being. Standing desk converters reduce those health risks in a lot of ways. Having a sit-stand workstation activates more of your muscles while standing, improving bone and muscle health. A standing desk converter also reduces any common back aches and pains since it can improve your posture. Desk converters may also aid in better blood and oxygen flow throughout the body.
Apart from health benefits, standing desk converters also help in boosting productivity because the more comfortable you are, the better you’ll be able to work. You also won’t feel as tired by the end of the day. Additionally, converters are more budget-friendly compared to a full standing desk. Standing desk converters offer all the perks and benefits of a standing desk for a more affordable price tag. These benefits are all the reasons why standing desk converters are worth it.
Do Chiropractors Recommend Standing Desks?
A lot of health practitioners, including chiropractors, recommend the use of a standing desk as it can help prevent and reduce numerous health issues. This ergonomic device not only helps in improving your posture and ensuring that you move more, but it can also help you feel refreshed and more productive throughout the day.
What to Look for in a Sit-Stand Desk Converter
Surface Space
A riser is supposed to help you transition between sitting and standing while working. So you want to have a lot of surface space that will enable you to work naturally and easily — without having to slouch to grab your mouse, pen, or other office supplies.
Determine what desk essentials you use while working to know how much space you need. If you use two screens, then you need desktop space that’s large and can accommodate the sizes of your screens. Some of the best standing desk converters come with keyboard trays and have two spacious tiers that you can utilize to fit everything you need for a day’s work.
It’s important not to limit your surface area while working. The more space you have, the more your body can move naturally and you’re put in a better position to practice proper ergonomics. Forcing yourself to work with a small surface area can cause your body to maintain awkward positions, which takes a toll on your posture in the long run.
Ease of Use
The transition between sitting positions to standing shouldn’t be a hassle, or else it defeats the entire purpose of having a standing desk converter. Adjustability should be as smooth as possible, considering that you will be doing it quite a lot during your 9-5 work hours. The best standing desk converter is one that is easily adjustable, preferably one with a lever, crank, or electric motor that adjusts the converter seamlessly.
You should also be wary of the smoothness of the transition. You don’t want to experience the headaches of the motor or lever getting stuck while you’re trying to adjust the standing height of your riser. There are many converters, some of which we mention in this list, that have smooth-running lifts that adjust swiftly and easily.
Stability
The work surface of your standing desk converter should be as stable as your desk itself. After all, no one wants to work on a trembling or shaking surface, otherwise, that disrupts your productivity. And imagine how annoying it will be to have your desk bouncing around while you’re trying to check things off your to-do list! Ergonomics requires comfort, less stress, and less hassle. So you want to do your part by ensuring these three factors marry in your ergonomic equipment.
When it comes to desk risers, the frame is usually in charge of providing stability. The best standing desk converter has a sturdy steel frame that keeps the entire base in place even during heavy pounding on your keyboard.
Build Quality
Until you’re ready to invest in a standing desk, you want to be able to use your converter to mount on top of your existing desk for a long time. Keep build quality in mind when looking for a riser to invest in. Make sure it’s durable enough to sustain years of use.
Furthermore, there are certain questions you should ask yourself when buying a riser:
- What desk height range do you need? Is the riser suited for taller or shorter users?
- What is your monitor height?
- What is your ideal work surface size? Do you need more space for multiple monitors, note-taking, etc.? Will you need a separate tray for your keyboard and mouse? Or a storage tray for your other accessories?
- How much weight can the riser take? Is your laptop heavy? Or will you need a desk riser sturdy enough for a computer monitor?
- How important is portability? Do you have different workstations or office spaces? How heavy is the desk riser?
- Is the product durable? Is it waterproof or scratch-proof?
- What do the product reviews say about the desk riser? What are the pros and cons?
- Does it have a fair price? Is the price worth it for its features and benefits?
Frequently Asked Questions
The best under-desk bike that you can use in your workspace is the DeskCycle Pedal Exerciser. To know more about this device and other mini bikes, check out our guide to the best under-desk bikes.
To convert your existing desk to a standing desk, you can use a standing desk converter. Aside from allowing you to switch between sitting and standing, a converter can also give you a wider working space. Whether you work in an office or on a kitchen table in your home, a converter can help you work better. Our guide lists the best standing desk converters in the market available today.
Final Note
As you probably know by now, there are a ton of standing desk converters in the market. Each of them have their own unique features, material, benefits, and of course, price. But not all desk converters are of great value and worth the investment.
As an office worker, you surely want one that you can use for a long time and makes your sit-stand transition much easier and fool-proof. So it’s very important to do your research and determine what you need in a desktop converter. Some non-negotiables should be the adequacy of surface space to fit your monitor (and keyboard tray if you need one), easy and hassle-free adjustment, and durability so you can use it for a long time.
You need to pay more attention to these core features so that you get only the best for your ergonomic investment. Now that you have a clear idea of the benefits, ideal features, and the reigning converters in the market, you can now make a more informed and wiser decision as to which one to get. Use this guide to help make your workstation healthier, more productive, more ergonomic, and pain-free.
Editor’s Choice
Stand Steady X-Elite Pro Standing Desk Converter
The Stand Steady is easily the best standing desk converter in the market. It’s easy to adjust, requiring only a gentle pull or push of the handle. Lifting is made easier thanks to pneumatic pumps that help you seamlessly transition without fuss.
The desk has a patented ergonomic design with a wide, 28-inch work surface and a slim frame. It can hold dual monitors, your keyboard, mouse, and other desk products with ease. The best part is that you don’t have to assemble it upon receipt! It can come from the box straight to the top of your desk and is ready to use.
