The Best Standing Desk Converter in the Philippines for 2022

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 the 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 already have a 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.

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At a Glance: Our Top Picks for the Best Standing Desk Converters

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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 desk, so that you can place more than a laptop and mouse, but rest all your desk essentials on it.

This product differs from your average laptop stand. It’s more apt for mobility and easy storage. It’s also adjustable so you can switch between sitting and standing 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 standing position.

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 the sit-to-stand working dynamic. 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. These types 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 standing desks 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 more 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 a cheap price. 

The most ergonomic kinds of Z-lift risers are those that lift backwards 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 vertdesk converter if a budget is not an issue and you want to get the best features and executive office solutions.

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What are the Benefits of a Riser/ 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, less 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 less 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.

It has a more budget-friendly price tag compared to a standing desk

• The price of a full standing desk may be out of your budget
• A riser offers all the perks of a standing desk but for a cheaper price

It’s convenient to use

• You can use your existing desk, whether that’s at home or in the office
• There’s no need to rearrange or get rid of furniture to make room for a riser
• You can flatten a riser so you can bring it to and from the office, coffee shop or co-working space
• You don’t need a traditional office desk to use the product — a riser works on tables and any stable flat surfaces
• It’s easier to assemble compared to a standing desk

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How to Use a Desk Riser

Using a riser seems straightforward, but there are a few things to keep in mind to make the most out of the product:

1. Adjust your chair

A standing desk converter won’t get rid of all your back pain if you’re not seated properly on your chair. The right chair lets you lean back while maintaining a straight spine with your feet planted flat on the ground, so adjust your chair accordingly for lower back support.

To fully maximize the benefits of the sit-to-stand working dynamic, you also need to invest in a good ergonomic chair. Check out our guide for the best ergonomic chairs in the market and find one that suits your needs and preferences.

2. Don’t stand for your entire shift

First-time users of stand-up desk risers need to avoid standing for long hours a day. Instead, start by sitting for 40 minutes then standing for 20 minutes. Once you’re comfortable or used to being on your feet for 20 minutes at a time, switch positions every 30 minutes. Eventually, you want to build up to standing for 40 minutes.

Although a riser or stand-up desk encourages you to stand, standing for too long also has its downfalls. Thus, it’s best to strike a balance between sitting and standing while working.

3. Wear comfortable shoes

Because you’ll be standing for longer periods of time, it’s important that you wear shoes with the proper support. Without the right shoes, aching feet will discourage you from standing as you work.

4. Consider a standing mat

If you have your own office or work from home, you can place a mat underneath your stand up desk for extra cushion and comfort for your bare feet. Additionally, you can invest in a standing mat to keep you on your feet for longer.

5. Feel free to move as you stand

Just because you’re standing, it doesn’t mean you have to stay still. Rather, use your standing time to stretch, tip toe, and basically activate more movement in your feet and legs every 10 minutes or so. 

Moving around like this will increase blood circulation and keep you mentally focused. To help keep your body moving, you may also want to add background music, if that helps your focus. You can also invest in a standing mat that encourages foot movement.

6. Adjust the riser so you’re looking forward at your screen, not down

Whether you’re standing or sitting, your laptop screen or monitor height should be slightly below eye level, thus preventing neck strain, eye strain and slouching. Furthermore, you should angle your screen a little lower so that your neck is in a more natural position.

While most sit stand desk converter products/ models would have the monitors standing on the desk surface, you can also find more advanced ones that can accommodate a monitor arm. For these types of risers, you can clamp your monitor arm so as to elevate your screens and keep them slightly below eye level, hence avoiding strain on your upper back and neck.

7. When sitting, your arms should form an “L” shape

Having good posture is not just about adjusting your back and legs. In fact, the position of your wrists and arms are just as important in preventing strain injuries, so make sure your wrists and forearms are straight while your elbows are at your sides, regardless if you’re sitting or standing.

As much as possible, your shoulders and arms should fall naturally while you type on your computer so as not to cause unnecessary pressure on your upper body.

8. Don’t forget to take breaks

Most users with converters think that the short time it takes to adjust it can be considered their work break. But even with this new, dynamic setup, do remember to take breaks every once in a while. Walk around your office, eat lunch out, etc. 

No matter how ergonomic your set up is, nothing beats taking a breather. It’s not only beneficial for your body, but for your mind as well. Pounding on your computer and forcing yourself to accomplish your task is rather counterproductive. You think you’re able to accomplish a lot more, but in reality, you’re just exhausting your brain and it’s taking you longer to do your work. 

On the other hand, if you give yourself the permission to go on short breaks, you can better enjoy more productivity. Your brain works faster and more attentively, so you can check items off of your to-do list faster — not to mention that the quality of work you are able to do is better.

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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 materials. 

Determine what desk essentials you need while working. If you use two screens, then you need desktop space that’s large and can accommodate the sizes of your screens. Some desk converters come with a keyboard tray 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. A good riser is one that is easy adjustable, preferably one with a lever, crank, or electric motor that adjusts the converter seamlessly. 

You should also be wary of the smoothness of 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 riser 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. Look for one that 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 offices? 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?

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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.