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Your Ultimate Guide to the Best 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 the standing desk converter, a height-adjustable desk that enables you to switch between the two ideal working positions by either pulling a lever or pushing a button, thereby highlighting its many health benefits.

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 the new standing desk converter. These ergonomic tilt products are positioned on top of your existing desk and other flat standard office furniture to make your work surface higher and allow you to stand while working. They may come in a monitor mount, space for multiple monitors, built-in keyboard trays and mouse pads.

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 converters 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 are the Top Standing Desk Converters

Editor's Choice

FlexiSpot ClassicRiser Standing Desk Converter
Best Overall
MoKo Laptop Riser Stand Standing Desk Converter
Best Laptop Stand
FlexiSpot GoRiser Standing Desk Converter
Best Standing Desk Converter for Laptop
FlexiSpot ClassicRiser Standing Desk Converter

This riser is one of the most adaptable and useful standing desk converters on the market, and it's a terrific substitute for a full-standing desk.

MoKo Laptop Riser Stand Standing Desk Converter

This riser is one of the most adaptable and useful standing desk converters on the market, and it's a terrific substitute for a full-standing desk.

FlexiSpot GoRiser Laptop Standing Desk Converter

Another height-adjustable converter with a sleek design, this laptop riser is ideal for laptop users searching for a more affordable option.

Functionality: Quality: Price:
Functionality: Quality: Price:
Functionality: Quality: Price:

Let’s Go Over Each Standing Desk Converter

Best Standing Desk Converters - FlexiSpot ClassicRiser Standing Desk Converter

Functionality:  ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Quality:  ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Price:  ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐  

If you’ve been wanting to get your hands on a standing desk, but don’t exactly want to spend too much on an entirely new table, the FlexiSpot ClassicRiser Standing Desk Converter is a great alternative and addition to your existing desk. We’d describe this riser as versatile and fully functional, making it one of our picks for the best standing desk converters in the market.

Much like an actual desk, its entire desk work surface is wide enough to mount it with a 32” monitor screen while still having space for your pens, a cup of coffee, or a small plant. The riser is completely height-adjustable like full-standing desks. It gives you a height of 19.7 inches at most, which should be able to accommodate most individuals regardless of height.

This product arrives fully assembled and also comes with a large keyboard tray, wide enough to fit both a regular-sized keyboard and a mouse. If you personally don’t use a keyboard tray, simply leave the converter as is and set it up without attaching the keyboard tray. If you’re a stickler for built-in cable management, this riser has that, too.

Other models worth looking at with the same features include Varidesk Pro Plus 36 and Ergotron Workfit Z Mini.

Pros and Cons of the FlexiSpot ClassicRiser Standing Desk Converter

ProsCons
✔ A great alternative for standing desks
✔ Can hold a 32-inch monitor with ease
✔ Wide desktop surface
✔ Has a wide, detachable keyboard tray or keyboard platform
✘ Not suitable for dual-monitor setups

MoKo Laptop Riser Stand Standing Desk Converter

Functionality:  ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Quality:  ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Price:  ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ 

If you’re looking for an effective ergonomic laptop riser that also looks incredibly pleasing to the eye, then the MoKo Laptop Riser Stand is your best bet. It’s also our pick for the best standing desk converter. With its intelligent design, useful features, and portable exterior, there’s no question why this model is highly raved about.

The aluminum alloy finish will make you think this is an accessory that’s purely for aesthetic purposes, but that’s not the case. While it’s definitely visually pleasing, that’s not all it has to offer. This laptop stand is compatible with any laptop that’s up to 15.6” wide, making it a great fit for anyone no matter what laptop brand you use. Its aluminum alloy is designed with a smoothed rear edge to give a classy feel while also providing more stability. The silicone pads at the top and bottom are there to ensure your device stays in place.

This laptop stand measures 12 x 9.2 x 5 inches in dimensions and weighs only 2 lbs. Coupled with its detachable design, you can easily pack this accessory with you to the library, cafe, beach, or anywhere you desire.

Pros and Cons of the MoKo Laptop Riser Standing Desk Converter

ProsCons
✔ Stylish, seamless design
✔ High-quality aluminum alloy material
✔ Can hold a small keyboard underneath
✘ Limited to a maximum 15-inch laptop
✘ Not height adjustable

FlexiSpot GoRiser Laptop Desk Riser Standing Desk Converter

Functionality:  ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Quality:  ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Price:  ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

FlexiSpot also has a simpler model for those looking for a more budget-friendly alternative. The FlexiSpot GoRiser Laptop Desk Riser is yet another height-adjustable converter that is perfect for laptop users. With its 26-inch workspace and 5 different height adjustment settings, there’s really nothing wanting with this laptop desk converter.

As for the specifics, this riser can hold up to 7.98 kilograms or 17.6 lbs, with a desk space wide enough to easily fit a 15-inch laptop. Even then, you’ll have enough space for a handy notepad or tablet. Monitor users would be glad to know they can also place a monitor here, as long as it doesn’t exceed the weight limit. However, this is only recommended if you intend to use the riser as a stationary device and don’t plan on adjusting the height while using it.

This riser is great for anyone who wants a minimalist workspace. The design is sleek, adding aesthetic value to your desk. It also helps lessen the appearance of clutter. The built-in holes for wire management help here, too.

 

Pros and Cons of the FlexiSpot GoRiser Laptop Desk Riser Standing Desk Converter

ProsCons
✔ Can hold most laptops on its wide surface
✔ Has 5 different height settings
✔ Minimalist design fits easily on any desk
✔ Includes holes for wire management
✘ Height-adjustment feature can only be used with laptops
✘ No keyboard tray

Mobihub Laptop Riser Standing Desk Converter

Functionality:  ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Quality:  ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Price:  ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

A more unique product on our list is the Mobihub Laptop Riser. It is designed to elevate your laptop screen at an angle, this riser is an effective way to keep one’s laptop display closer to eye level. This lessens the chances of a slouched back, which may lead to back pain and even injury.

At first glance, this riser looks to be an underdog compared to its competitors. But the sturdy aluminum alloy build actually makes for a long-lasting product. It’s also more heavy-duty than others, being able to hold up to a 17” laptop whereas others have a maximum of 15”. The non-skid pads at the end ensure your laptop is secure no matter its size.

The triangular design lets this riser double as a tablet stand. Simply flip it over so the base becomes the back stand and you have an almost-vertical support stand for your tablet. This feature makes it perfect for presentations or when you’re simply using your tablet for work.

 

Pros and Cons of the Mobihub Laptop Riser Standing Desk Converter

ProsCons
✔ Affordable price
✔ Angles your screen at a more ergonomic position
✔ Portable and no set-up needed
✔ Can accommodate even a 17" laptop
✘ Not height-adjustable
✘ No built-in space for an external keyboard
✘ Angle is also not adjustable

Sierra Wooden Laptop Stand and Riser Standing Desk Converter

Functionality:  ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Quality:  ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ 
Price:  ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

Ergonomics and sustainability meet in this unique riser. The Sierra Wooden Laptop Stand and Riser is locally sourced and made wooden laptop riser that doesn’t cost a fortune. In one compact package, you’re vastly improving your workflow while also helping the earth.

Any fan of aesthetics is sure to be happy with this riser’s hardwood design which makes it a beautiful addition to any desk. The reclaimed mahogany construction also makes it sustainable and budget-friendly. Unlike other risers, this hardwood one won’t wear easily and thus, will save you more money in the long run. 

The two risers fit together like a puzzle. You won’t have a hard time figuring out which part goes where making setting up a breeze. Portability is no problem, either. Just put the two pieces together and store them in the pouch that comes with the package, and you’re all set. Use it with any laptop between the sizes of 11-15 inches.

Pros and Cons of the Sierra Wooden Laptop Stand and Riser

ProsCons
✔ Made with eco-friendly and locally sourced materials
✔ Angles your screen at a more ergonomic position
✔ Compact and lightweight
✔ Beautiful wooden design enhances workspace
✘ Lacks height adjustability
✘ No anti-skid grips

Nillkin Adjustable Laptop Riser Standing Desk Converter

Functionality:  ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Quality:  ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ 
Price:  ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

If you’ve been wanting a laptop stand that’s actually height-adjustable and not just angle-adjustable, the Nillkin Adjustable Laptop Riser is here to help. It’s a bit on the expensive side, but for its functions, it makes a pretty strong case for its price. This is why we’ve named it our best premium height-adjustable laptop riser.

Like many other risers, this stand is made out of aluminum alloy. Its 3MM thick material allows it to look sleek as well as house a bigger load capacity. In fact, it can carry as heavy as a 12.5 kg weight limit. It also has a double shaft and a built-in damper to keep your device stable while you’re working. The panels at the bottom allow for air to go in and out freely, keeping your device cool.

What makes this product different is that you can actually adjust the height to get your screen and eye level parallel. Most risers can only elevate the screen a few centimeters off your desk. This one can elevate your laptop screen to almost the same height as a monitor screen. Thus, it’s a better investment for those who wish to avoid bad posture and slouching while spending long hours in front of the desk.

Pros and Cons of the Nillkin Adjustable Laptop Riser Standing Desk Converter

ProsCons
✔ Sturdy 3mm aluminum alloy build
✔ Up to 20.87 inches height adjustment
✔ Anti-skid grips to add friction and reduce scratching
✘ Expensive

NEXSTAND K2 Compact Foldable Laptop Stand Standing Desk Converter

Functionality:  ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ 
Quality:  ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ 
Price:  ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

If the Nillkin is a little too pricey, the NEXSTAND K2 Compact Foldable Laptop Stand is your best affordable bet. Sturdy, foldable, and reliable, this height-adjustable stand is practically a steal. If you’re keen on saving a little more while still reaping the benefits that a height-adjustable stand has to offer, then you can’t go wrong with the NEXSTAND K2. 

At first glance, it’s obvious this stand is unlike others. It comes with pivoting arc grips that keep your laptop in place no matter what. The unique joint design lets you adjust the height smoothly. To use, simply hold these joints and move them up or down depending on your preferred height. It gives 6 to 12 inches of maximum height lift, enough to keep your screen at eye level.

The anti-skid grips at the bottom and pads for the laptop also keep your stand in place and reduce the number of scratches on the device. Its open structure lets your laptop breathe and stay cool even during long working hours.

Pros and Cons of the NEXSTAND K2 Compact Foldable Laptop Stand

ProsCons
✔ Affordable price
✔ Different height adjustment settings
✔ Lightweight and fully collapsible
✘ Design not as sleek as others

YuKids T8 Multi-functional Adjustable Laptop Stand Standing Desk Converter

Functionality:  ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ 
Quality:  ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ 
Price:  ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

The YuKids T8 Multi-functional Adjustable Laptop Stand is a standing desk converter that has your laptop’s safety in mind. That’s why it has two cooling fans placed at the base, which allow for better ventilation and prevent your laptop from overheating.

This desk converter is probably the most multi-functional desk converter in this lineup. Its 360-degree rotating and height-adjustable legs allow it to be used on a desk, in your bed, on the couch, or just about anywhere you see fit. Its flexibility lets you choose almost any position you prefer, making it a versatile product. Once you’ve positioned the stand, simply lock it in place so it doesn’t move while you’re using it.

Its 16.5” wide surface is fit for any laptop. Plus, it comes with a built-in mouse tray, eliminating the need for a mousepad or a hard surface to rest your mouse on. This product has a 1.89-18.9″ height range and is built with aluminum alloy.

Pros and Cons of the YuKids T8 Multi-functional Adjustable Laptop Stand

ProsCons
✔ Has 2 cooling fans
✔ Versatile and can be used anywhere
✔ Includes a mouse tray
✔ Height-adjustable
✘ Not built for holding larger displays

King Power LED RGB Gaming Laptop Cooler 6 Fan Standing Desk Converter

Functionality:  ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Quality:  ⭐ ⭐ ⭐  
Price:  ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

Ergonomics isn’t limited to just working. In fact, if you’ve spent hours on end on your favorite game, you’ll know that proper posture and screen placement is vital. That’s why the King Power LED RGB Gaming Laptop Cooler 6 Fan is a great accessory to have. We’ve named it our best gaming laptop riser, and there’s no question why: heat-dissipating technology, angle adjustment, and bright RGB lights all add up to make this product your next buy.

This stand doesn’t come with just one or two fans. Instead, it has six core high-speed cooling fans to keep your computer from thermal throttling. It can also carry bigger laptops of up to 17 inches. Weighing only 1.46 kg, we’d say this stand is even portable. 

The RGB design is one any gaming enthusiast would love. But while it checks every box aesthetically, that’s not all you’re getting with this stand. It has 7 height adjustment settings so your screen is more parallel to your line of vision, without you having to slouch or strain your neck. The best part is, you won’t have to spend a ton of money to get all these cool features; the King Power Laptop Cooler is affordable as well as high-quality. 

Pros and Cons of the King Power Gaming Laptop Cooler Standing Desk Converter

ProsCons
✔ Has 6 core cooling fans
✔ RGB lights to enhance work/gaming area
✔ Different angled height adjustment settings
✔ Built for any laptop, big or small
✘ Larger/bulkier than other stands

MOFT Z Invisible Thin Sit-Stand Desk

Functionality:  ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Quality:  ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ 
Price:  ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

The MOFT Z Invisible Thin Sit-Stand Desk may look plain at first, but don’t be fooled. This sleek, reliable laptop stand packs a punch when it comes to functionality as well as durability. With this monitor stand, there is more than what meets the eye.

This laptop stand is not only small and space-saving, but it’s also multifunctional. It comes in 4 different positions for different height range options and angles. Its “golden Z” structure lifting mechanism adjusts the laptop to a maximum height, allowing you to take a break from sitting.

The PU material sets it apart from other stands. Unlike aluminum alloy, this stand is softer to the touch and won’t scratch your device. Plus, it still carries the same weight limit capacity as many standing desk converters at its 22 lbs. maximum. 

Its unique foldable structure allows you to put this away with ease. Once folded, it becomes the size of a small notebook and weighs even less. You can also personalize your desk converter by choosing between the different color options, which include black, orange, blue, and grey.

Pros and Cons of the MOFT Z Invisible Thin Standing Desk Converter

ProsCons
✔ Thin, lightweight design
✔ Great height adjustment
✔ Smaller than other standing desk converters
✘ Limited to laptops

FlexiSpot M4B Standing Desk Converter

Functionality:  ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ 
Quality:  ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ 
Price:  ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

Having a corner workstation can be troublesome at times as you may find yourself having a cramped space or seeing that some of your essentials don’t really fit your setup. A regular standing converter comes in a rectangular shape, making them quite difficult to fit in corner working stations. It’s a good thing that there are corner desk converters available in the market, and one of the best is the FlexiSpot M4B.

FlexiSpot is a brand that understands ergonomics very well, and if you read our guides, you’ll see that we have a ton of appreciation for their quality ergonomic products. This M4B Corner Desk Converter is no exception. Designed with corner work desks in mind, the M4B can easily fit thanks to its angular shape.

Transition with the M4B is effortless at it only takes a light squeeze of the hand bar to lower or raise it to its maximum height. This converter is also height adjustable, allowing you to comfortably position your screen at eye level. It also has a removable keyboard tray, letting you place your wrists in a healthy position. With the FlexiSpot M4B Desk Converter, you can turn your workstation into a stable and dynamic work area.

The Varidesk Pro Plus 36 and Ergotron Workfit Z Mini are two further versions with similar qualities that are worth considering.

Pros and Cons of the FlexiSpot M4B Standing Desk Converter

ProsCons
✔ Durable and sturdy
✔ Easy to move up and down
✔ Space saving
✔ Can accomodate people up to 6 feet
✘ Keyboard tray is not adjustable

What is a Desk Converter or 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 workstation. 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 a standing position.


Types of Standing Desk Converters

Standing desk converters comes in different forms and styles. Let’s take a look at the types of standing desks 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 tend to come in different forms. There are manual ones that you have to assemble onto your desk. But if you want an easier shift, there is an electric standing desk converter that is equipped with a tilt mechanism that effortlessly shifts from low to high with a press of a button.

An electric standing desk converter usually has 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 heights.

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

A Z-Lift is the most popular type of standing desk converter. They are lifted by pushing a lever or brakes. These are preferred by workers trying out the sitting and standing work dynamic for the first time because they make raising and lowering easy, have a wide work surface space, 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 Vertdesk converter if a budget is not an issue and you want to get executive office solutions and the best standing desk converter features.


Is a Standing Desk Converter Worth It?

It is recommended that you alternate between sitting and standing while also incorporating brief periods of light activity into your workday. While a full-standing desk does a good job on this, you can also opt for a standing desk converter with standing height adjustment at a more affordable price. You may quickly transition from sitting to standing and back again throughout the course of the day. Plus, you will have less muscle tightness and soreness from sitting in one position all day if you combine this with a few short walks about the workplace to get the blood flowing.


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.

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 including a monitor mount and space for a keyboard tray and mouse pad 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

How to Use a Desk Riser

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

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 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.

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 and 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.

Wear comfortable shoes

Because you’ll be standing for long 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.

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.

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, tiptoe, 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.

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 would have 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 arms so as to elevate your screens and keep them slightly below eye level, hence avoiding strain on your upper back and neck.

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 is 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.

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 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.


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 in terms of desk depth and width that will enable you to work naturally and easily — without having to slouch to grab your mouse, pen, or other office materials. 

To know how much space you need, also determine what desk essentials you will be using while working. If you use two screens, then you need desktop space that’s large in desk depth and width and can accommodate the sizes of your screens. Some desk converters come with a keyboard tray and keyboard shelf 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.

With this feature, products like the Ergotron Workfit Z Mini and Varidesk Pro Plus 36 are also worth considering.

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 easily adjustable, preferably one with a lever, crank, or built-in desk 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 electric 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 and keyboard tray. 

Ergotron Workfit Z Mini and Varidesk Pro Plus 36 are two further models with comparable stability that are worth exploring.

Build Quality

Until you’re ready to invest in the best standing desk, you want to be able to use your converter to mount it on top of your existing desk, center table, or even kitchen table 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 existing desk height? 
  • What is your ideal work surface size? Do you need more ample space for multiple or dual monitor setup, 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 limit can the riser take? Is your laptop heavy? Or will you need a desk riser sturdy enough for a computer monitor or dual monitors?
  • 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?

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between risers and converters?

The term “riser” is used interchangeably with “standing desk converter” — and 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 while using your current desk and before you purchase a standing desk.


Final Note

As you probably know by now, there are a ton of standing desk converters in the market. Each of them has its 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 (or dual monitor setup 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 reigning converters in the market, you can now make a more informed and wiser decision in choosing the right standing desk converter for you. Use this guide to help make your workstation or office space healthier, more productive, more ergonomic, and pain-free.

So, now you have a stand for your fixed-height desk or current desk, what about your documents? Check out the Microdesk Document Holder to pair with your standing desk converter.


Best Standing Desk Converters - FlexiSpot ClassicRiser Standing Desk Converter

Editor’s Choice

FlexiSpot ClassicRiser Standing Desk Converter with Keyboard Tray

The FlexiSpot ClassicRiser Standing Desk Converter is easily our top pick for the best standing desk converter in the market. It’s a seamless and well-thought-out ergonomic accessory with a host of functions and features that ensure the safety of your laptop as well as a proper ergonomic setup that reduces aches and pains.

This laptop riser is compatible with most, if not all, laptops. It also houses heat-dissipating technology to keep your laptop cool all day. This standing desk converter has a wide surface area and a wide keyboard tray that can also hold smaller laptops, a notebook, or any other accessories you desire.