Table of Contents
Your Ultimate Guide to the Best Standing Desks
Studies show that ergonomics has taken a drastic shift within the past year. With many office-based companies making the decision to start working from home, employees have taken it upon themselves to create a work environment in their households. Because everyone was unprepared for the pandemic, many did not have a set workspace in their houses and resorted to creating makeshift office spaces in different corners of their living room.
With technology and ergonomics improving every day, it’s no wonder a novel appliance such as a standing desk is the new standard for office and home working. A standing desk is also called a sit-stand desk, and it’s an invention that allows you to work sitting down or standing up and lets you switch between sitting and standing multiple times in a day. This is not to be confused with a desk riser or converter, which is a desktop accessory, while adjustable standing desks are used on their own.
Check out our top picks for the best standing desks to help you make an informed decision in choosing a reliable and ergonomic standing desk for your office.
Which is the Best Standing Desk
True Vision Ergonomic Motion Standing DeskWith ergonomic features that make transitioning from sitting to standing much easier, this premium standing desk is a major player in its market. By pressing a button on an electronically controlled panel, you can adjust the desk's height. | True Vision Ergonomic Pro Standing DeskWith a foundation made of steel and aluminum and a reinforced crossbar construction, this stable standing desk is incredibly sturdy and can support big loads without losing its stability or smooth lift mechanism. | Height Adjustable Sit-Stand DeskThe manual operation of this crank standing desk doesn't compromise its many ergonomic benefits, though. A manual crank is used for adjustment, yet it can be raised and lowered as smoothly as possible. |
Functionality: Quality: Price: | Functionality: Quality: Price: | Functionality: Quality: Price: |
Let’s Go Over Each Standing Desk
#1: True Vision Ergonomic Height Adjustable Electronic Motion Standing Desk TVS03/5-22D
Strength, reliability, and so much more are what the True Vision Electric Motion Standing Desk have to boot. Simply coming from the superior brand True Vision already tells us that this is one great product that’s worth your investment.
This standing desk is a big player in its market, with ergonomic features that make sitting to standing so much easier. It has an electronically powered panel that allows you to change the height of the desk with a push of a button. You can choose from three encoded height settings or adjust them according to your preference using the up and down arrow buttons.
What’s more, is that the tabletop has great strength that can carry heavy weight without losing stability. The surface area is also customizable, so you can choose frame colors that fit your sleek workstation.
This sturdy desk, despite being electronic, is energy efficient. It has a switched-mode power supply that saves and maximizes power efficiency — all while keeping the noise level low.
Pros and Cons of the True Vision TVS03/5-22D
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
✔ Reliable and sturdy ✔ Electric panel for easy adjustability ✔ Energy-saving | ✘ Work surface can be wider |
#2: True Vision Ergonomic Pro Standing Desk TVS04-22DB-W
Yet another product from True Vision, the TVS04-22DB-W model boasts ergonomic dimensions and structure that you will surely benefit from.
First off, it’s very durable with its steel and aluminum base with a reinforced crossbar design that helps the desk carry heavy weights while maintaining its stability and smooth lift mechanism. The surface area is also heavy-duty and made of moisture-resistant particle board.
This desk looks complicated at first glance, but it’s incredibly easy to adjust. It’s adjustable using a fool-proof remote control that’s navigable by easy and simple buttons.
No matter how small or tall you are, this desk will meet the demands of your work requirements. It can be adjusted to a broad range of standing heights from 29.1 inches to 47.2 inches.
Pros and Cons of the True Vision TVS04-22DB-W
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
✔ Sturdy frame with added crossbar support ✔ Heavy-duty and moisture-resistant tabletop ✔ Remote control adjustability | ✘ Limited height adjustment range |
#3: Height Adjustable Sit-Stand Desk
Electric standing desks with one-touch adjustability can come with a price. And for someone who’s just starting to make the transition to a sitting-to-standing work dynamic, you may not be ready for that investment.
But that’s okay because there are a lot of cheaper options other than an electric standing desk (namely Jarvis bamboo standing desk, Uplift v2 standing desk, Vari electric standing desk or Vari Desk). They’re manually operated, but still have a lot of ergonomic features to boot. One is this height-adjustable sit-stand desk.
Construction-wise, it’s a very durable bet, made of solid steel with a premium powder-coated finish for that sleek look. The tabletop is made of laminated wood, with frame colors that can suit any workstation.
Adjustability is done using a hand crank, but raising and lowering it is as smooth as it can get so you transition from sitting and standing just as smoothly. You can adjust the table height range from 740 mm to 1150 mm.
Pros and Cons of the Height Adjustable Sit-Stand Desk
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
✔ Durable and stable solid steel frame ✔ Various color options ✔ Wide range of heights | ✘ Tabletop is only laminated wood |
#4: Electric Height Adjustable Standing Desk
A standing desk is not easy to come around here in the Philippines. But when you do find one, it’s an absolute gem. This Electric Height Adjustable Standing Desk is a great investment to make, boasting of the top-notch features and functions that you would need to build an ergonomic set-up.
The main selling point of this electric standing desk is its adjustability, with the desk having a control box or panel strategically situated on the right-hand side of the tabletop. Anytime you want to switch between sitting to standing, you can simply press a button on the panel and experience no sweat in raising or lowering the desk.
Made of wood and a gorgeous steel frame, this electric standing desk is durable and can sustain years of use — making it one suitable investment that you can enjoy for a long time. It can carry a weight of 264 lbs! As with most customizable standing desk models, you can opt to buy the frame only, should you want to customize the tabletop.
Pros and Cons of the Electric Height Adjustable Standing Desk
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
✔ Control panel for easy adjustability ✔ Sleek and aesthetic build that is customizable ✔ Can support heavy weights without sacrificing its stability | ✘ Slow lifting speed |
#5: Electric Adjustable Smart Home Standing Desk
Another standing desk gem you can find on Philippine e-commerce sites is this Electric Adjustable Smart Home Standing Desk. It’s incredibly easy to use. And at first glance, there’s no doubt that it can be one sleek addition to your workspace. You also have other color options, such as ash and white.
The adjustability of this desk can be navigated through a fool-proof control panel with a digital display. You can raise or lower the desk according to your desired height. But you can also choose one of three preset height range settings by pressing a simple button. The panel has a digital display that tells you at what height your desk is currently so that you don’t have to keep adjusting the specifications the next time you transition from sitting to standing.
The only desk on the list that can carry up to 240 pounds of weight without wobbling, thanks to adequate support from the steel frame. The undersides of the table’s legs are equipped with rubber soles to keep the table in place without damaging your flooring.
Pros and Cons of the Electric Adjustable Smart Home Standing Desk
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
✔ Various color options ✔ Digital panel for easy adjustability ✔ Can support heavy weights without sacrificing its stability | ✘ Long steel base can become a potential tripping hazard |
#6: Manual Lift Standing Desk
While electric standing desks (Vari electric standing desk or Vari Electric, Jarvis bamboo standing desk, and Uplift v2) are ideal because they make the transition from sitting to standing a hundred times easier, there are also manually operated desks (Ikea Trotten standing desk) that make great investments. This Manual Lift Standing Desk is one example.
The height of this desk is adjustable with one turn of a crank that is situated conveniently on the side of the desk. Turning the crank can raise or lower the desk from 70 cm to 113 cm. The steel base can also be adjusted in width to give you the optimal work desk size suitable for your needs. Desktop sizes reach from 110 cm to 180 cm wide.
Worth noting is that this Manual Lift Standing Desk comes with a lot of color options you can choose from — and we don’t mean only the tabletop. You can also choose your desired steel frame color (either white or black).
Durability is also not an issue, with a sturdy steel frame that supports the weight of the tabletop and of your desk accessories. The tabletop is made with 3 layers of solid wood to ensure that you can enjoy your standing desk for a long time.
Pros and Cons of the Manual Lift Standing Desk
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
✔ Broad range of height options ✔ Unique color variations ✔ Durable construction | ✘ Manual adjustability ✘ Slow lift mechanism |
#7: Manual Height Adjustable Standing Desk
Another viable manually operated standing desk, this one does not disappoint. With the same appearance as the famous Ikea Bekant, it’s made of durable and solid wood that’s supported by a fitted frame that allows for a maximum adjustable range. The table can hold a 120kg weight capacity without losing its well-prided stability.
The height can be adjusted with the use of a fool-proof hand crank that lifts the desk from 680mm to 1160mm with ease. The speed of adjustability is 5mm per turn of the crank. The lift mechanism remains smooth no matter how heavy your desk equipment is. Just like our previous contender, this one also allows for width adjustment. The fitted frame adjustability ranges from 1100mm to 1600mm.
Probably the best part is that this option is a little more affordable compared to other standing desks.
Pros and Cons of the Manual Height Adjustable Standing Desk
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
✔ Width and height adjustable ✔ Cheaper than others of its kind ✔ Strong weight capacity | ✘ Manual adjustability ✘ Slow lift mechanism |
#8: Mobile Rolling Stand-Up Computer Desk Workstation
Full-blown sit desks are heavy pieces of equipment that you can’t just bring around anywhere. It’s meant to stay in place in a particular area of your home or office. But if you’re the type to enjoy moving around and switching sceneries while working, you’re lucky because there are existing desk models that are mobile.
Although not as sturdy and stable as a conventional standing desk, this Mobile Rolling Stand-up Computer Desk Workstation does create a great ergonomic set-up and can assist in transitioning from sitting to standing positions. Adjustability is done by turning the knobs on the table and carefully lifting or lowering the desk to your desired height.
And this is one versatile mobile standing desk, with its built-in storage shelves, two-tier workstation, and not to mention the tilting bottom tier that allows you to adjust your keyboard to the right angle. Not only does this solid desk reduce strain on the lower back and legs, but you also enjoy an added feature for the benefit of your wrists while pounding away on your keyboard.
Pros and Cons of the Mobile Rolling Stand-Up Computer Desk Workstation
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
✔ Mobile standing desk ✔ Spacious tiers ✔ With storage shelves | ✘ Not that stable ✘ Difficult adjustability |
#9: HKE Movable Height Adjustable Standing Desk w/ Wheels
Mobility is a breeze with this HKE Movable Height Adjustable Standing Desk. It encourages freedom of movement, allowing you to move your workstation anywhere you please. The wheels are universal and have a construction that’s safe for the floor.
Alternating between sitting to standing is done by turning the knobs on the bottom of the surface tiers and lifting or lowering the desk to your desired height. Although not as seamless and hassle-free as what you get from other desks, it does its job well.
This model has two spacious work desk surface tiers to help you maximize the given space and move around freely. it also has additional layers for storage and organization purposes.
It may not look it, but this desk is durable to hold your heavy work equipment thanks to its strength and quality steel frame that can offer the support you need for your new ergonomic set-up.
Pros and Cons of the HKE Movable Height Adjustable Standing Desk w/ Wheels
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
✔ Universal wheels for easy mobility ✔ Spacious tiers ✔ Angled keyboard surface | ✘ Not that stable ✘ Difficult adjustability |
#10: Portable Laptop Standing Desk w/ Wheels
If you’re a beginner in the entire desk-standing work dynamic, then it’s helpful to start with a budget standing desk that can kickstart your journey.
This Portable Laptop Standing Desk is as simple as it can get, but it does make for a good transitional start. It’s a movable and portable desk, equipped with wheels that enable you to easily roll it around your house and in the room where you want to work.
Adjusting the desk requires you to turn the knobs situated on the steel frame and push or pull the tabletop to your desired height.
Speaking of the tabletop, this non-expensive standing desk has a smooth wooden desk surface. Although it’s not as wide as what other desks have, it is still enough room to hold a laptop and other basic desk equipment.
Pros and Cons of the Portable Laptop Standing Desk w/ Wheels
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
✔ Good transitional equipment ✔ Smooth wooden work surface ✔ Affordable | ✘ Work surface can only fit a laptop and basic desk equipment ✘ Difficult adjustability |
#11: FlexiSpot Electric Height Adjustable Standing Desk
Any guide wouldn’t be complete without a product from FlexiSpot, a highly popular brand that specializes in manufacturing ergonomic essentials. Among their lineup of sit-stand desks, a seemingly simple yet immensely functional one is the FlexiSpot Electric Height Adjustable Desk. Unlike most standing desks, this desk may not have any frills to it at first glance but it’s greatly dependable in providing you with a better ergonomic working setup.
Smart homes and offices have been increasing in number these days, especially given the wonders of what we can do and achieve with technology. To keep up with the times, FlexiSpot equipped this desk with a Smart Reminders feature. The Smart Reminder lets the user know whether they’re sitting or standing for too long and reminds them to switch positions, reducing the risk of body and muscle pain. You don’t have to set up an external alarm to remind yourself to move around after prolonged sitting or standing as this desk will conveniently do it for you.
This desk is also armed with an LED panel for the user to choose from a variety of height levels. There are also memory settings on the panel, allowing the desk to remember the desk height that they prefer. The dual motors lift is fast, smooth, and quiet, making it a great fit for offices.
With a durable steel frame material, a wide work surface, an extremely convenient LED panel, and a useful Smart Reminders feature, FlexiSpot truly does have the worker in mind when they designed this desk. If you want the ease of transition and automated features, definitely invest in this FlexiSpot height adjustable desk.
Pros and Cons of the FlexiSpot Electric Height Adjustable Standing Desk
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
✔ Standalone sturdy steel frame ✔ Wide desktop surface ✔ Smooth and quiet motor lift ✔ Easy to use | ✘ Can be heavy ✘ Setup may require two people |
What is a Standing Desk?
These desks serve as adjustable workstations and come with either a laptop or monitor mount or a flat-top workspace. They aren’t to be confused with desktop converters, which are more like additional accessories you can pair with your table. You can have these desks custom-built or ready-made online. A customizable standing desk usually comes with a lot of built-in features and functions, such as an adjustable desk height, adjustable width, built-in sockets, 1-touch electronic height adjustment, and so many more functions that make your working hours more convenient, intuitive, and efficient than ever.
If you’re looking to maximize the ergonomic value of your home or office space, then these desks are definitely for you. If you don’t know where to start, let’s first take a look at each component of these desks and why they’re such a beloved staple in offices.
Why You Need a Standing Desk
With workspaces taken into the hands of the employees, ergonomics has never been more important. A study done by the University of Cincinnati has identified a network of issues with home offices, from the wrong office chair height and monitor height to improperly adjusted armrests. In the study, 41% of participants reported having chairs that were too low. 32% of workers had armrests but did not use them. Looking at these results, it’s clear that education is more important than ever in order to prevent any recurring pain and serious injury and encourage pain-free working environments.
Recent research has shown favor towards standing desks, often called sit-stand desks or height-adjustable desks, that allow for optimum working conditions by letting the user switch from sitting and standing while working. Because the body doesn’t do well with staying in the same position for too long, having the option to sit and stand every 30 minutes to an hour can prevent serious injury.
Components of a Standing Desk
What exactly makes a nice standing desk the useful office furniture that they are? Let’s take a look at the four main components and all the necessary tools included in standing desks:
Adjustable Desk Frame
Probably the most integral part of all standing desks is the table frame. This is the part that lets you adjust the height, giving you the option to sit down or stand up with just a press of a button. A frame that’s easily adjustable makes it easier to switch between positions while working.
Desktop
Standing desks usually come with a tabletop that is spacious and durable enough to hold a monitor, your keyboard, and any other accessories needed. Other standing desk models have a flat top while others have a built-in mount for monitors or monitor arms, and still, others come in steel, plastic, or reclaimed wood material. Other desks come in the L-shaped variety. L-shaped desks are built specifically for those who need to use multiple monitors or house other desktop materials, and their L-shaped design makes them a bigger and more sturdy option.
Desk Control & Accessories
Many standing desks come with a few extra features and accessories. An example is a built-in or integrated cable management system so all the wires from your accessories and computer are fully organized and won’t get in the way of your work. With cable management trays, you can make sure your mouse, keyboard, or even charging cables don’t get tangled up, giving you one less thing to think about in the middle of a busy conference or a hectic workday. If the cable management tray isn’t an option, some desks opt for a cutout that’s around 3 to 5 inches in dimension. Another cable management tray pick, the Vari Electric Desk Pro, has 5 inches of space at the back specifically for wire management.
Some sit-stand desks also have the option to mount other ergonomic accessories like a foot hammock or a footrest, a keyboard tray (perfect if you’re an avid typer, or your work requires you to be), or a pen drawer at an additional price.
Leveling Feet
A full-standing desk with leveling feet means it’s a lot sturdier than most typical standing desks. No matter where you place it, this feature ensures that its legs and feet are parallel to the ground so your desk stays firmly in place. Since standing desks have an adjustable height and are constantly moving up and down, it’s important that the feet are placed firmly on the floor so everything on top of the table stays put.
Benefits of a Standing Desk
There’s a reason so many people concerned with proper posture, ergonomics, and workspace efficiency are getting an electric standing desk. Here are some of its benefits for our health:
Perfect for any fan of physical activity and exercise
With the recent outbreak, much of our physical activity has been halted. Before, commuting to work or taking a short walk during lunch to the nearest restaurant served as ample activity for our bodies, keeping our muscles and joints refreshed. Now, it’s a lot harder to incorporate movement into our day when we’re just at home with limited outside movement.
That’s why standing desks have been recommended by so many professionals — they give you physical activity even when you’re stuck in front of your computer. Simply adjust the height in order to transition from sitting to standing. Doctors recommend varying your position from sitting for an hour and then getting up for 30 minutes so as not to stay in one position for too long.
One hour of standing burns more calories than sitting
In a study published in the Journal of Physical Activity and Health, participants were able to burn 88 calories per hour while standing compared to 80 calories per hour sitting. With this number, standing at your desk for three hours burns an extra 24 calories.
If you’re looking for a quick way to burn some calories off without leaving work or having to perform a full-blown workout routine, then simply standing up a few times in your workday will give you enough energy and uplift your spirits. However, if you’re someone who wants to push themselves and really commits to creating a routine of physical activity while working, then adding a few desk exercises will give you a world of difference.
How to Use a Standing Desk
Surprisingly enough, many people still have no idea that they are sitting or standing the wrong way, thereby damaging their spine or their back in the long run. To avoid this heightened risk of injury, start by being mindful of the way you carry yourself. Here are a few tips on how to properly use standing desks:
Keep your neck neutral
You can adjust your monitor height or use a standing desk computer to ensure that your monitor is perfectly aligned with your eyes, not looking 5 inches up or down and straining your neck.
Keep your posture straight and your spine neutral
Having a neutral spine means the muscles surrounding it are supporting your body equally, so no slouching or putting your weight on one leg. To make sure you’re in the right standing posture, keep your shoulders relaxed and your chin tall. Your feet should also be parallel to the ground without locking your knees. Make sure your wrists are relaxed, not inclined up or down. Your fingers should be floating over the keyboard and mouse, and likewise not inclined up or down.
If you’re sitting, make sure you’re also using an ergonomic chair or a backrest
The same tips for standing apply here: keep your spine neutral, your neck and shoulders relaxed, and your elbows relaxed at a 90-degree angle over your keyboard and mouse. If you need an ergonomic chair, check out our complete guide here.
Are Standing Desks Really Worth It?
If you want to invest in your body’s health and well-being, then yes, sit-stand desks are absolutely worth it. With research-backed evidence of their benefits, anyone who prioritizes feeling good and maintaining fitness while working would do well to make this investment. Standing desks come in a wide price range, from the more expensive custom-made models to those you can order online. Whatever your choice may be, you’re definitely getting your money’s worth by fostering a healthier lifestyle for yourself and reducing the risk of serious injury in the long run. We believe that the cost of a standing desk is a small price to pay for securing a healthier, pain-free lifestyle.
Standing desks are also not to be confused with a standing desk converter, which is an accessory that is mounted on top of an existing table. If your electric standing desk (Uplift v2) is a bit lacking in height, or if you simply want more space for your desk’s materials, you can look at buying a new desk converter so you’re able to meet ergonomic requirements with ease. Standing desk converters also come with a variety of models and styles, shapes, and table and frame colors, so the best standing desk converter really depends on you and your individual needs. A quick search for the best standing desk converter already comes up with multiple results as they’ve rapidly risen in popularity.
How Long Should You Stand at a Standing Desk?
Standing desks are definitely all the rage nowadays. Many professionals recommend standing only for 30 minutes to an hour at a time, nothing more. Many reports show workers whose jobs depend on being up and about the whole day are more likely to have leg pain, foot injuries, and nerve damage in the leg area. So be careful! Standing up while working is great, but like most things, it’s best done in moderation.
Are Standing Desks Really Healthier?
Standing desks are a great way to incorporate movement into one’s daily office routine. They help the worker avoid many issues that come with sitting too long, such as stiffness in the legs, feet, neck, and other joints. Desks with adjustable height are shown to aid calorie burning because they let the user stand for longer periods of time instead of just sitting down.
What is the Best Standing Desk Height?
The perfect height should be the height wherein you can comfortably rest your forearms with your elbows bent at a 90-degree angle. The best height will vary from person to person, so make sure you’re getting the height and range that’s fit for you.
Is it Better to Sit or Stand All Day?
Standing at workstations for roughly 15 minutes per hour has long been recommended by professionals as opposed to spending the entire day seated behind a desk. But another study found that the key is finding the appropriate balance. Moving early and frequently is the best way to avoid back pain while still enjoying the benefits of standing. Back pain can strike at any time and it can be difficult to treat, so, you must be moving and changing positions before it happens
Frequently Asked Questions
The best standing desk depends on individual needs, preferences, and budget. A few factors to consider though are its desktop sizes, adjustability, stability, ease of use, and price. Some popular standing desk companies include Vari Desk, Uplift Desk, and Flexispot. You can also check out specific models like a Fully Jarvis desk, Jarvis Bamboo standing desk, Uplift V2, Branch standing desk, Ikea Trotten standing desk, and Vari electric standing desk.
Ikea standing desks are generally sturdy and of good quality. They offer a range of standing desks in different desktop sizes, styles, and price points to cater to different needs and budgets. However, like with any product, it’s essential to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for use and assembly process to ensure the desk’s stability and longevity.
Final Note
While ergonomics has certainly taken a different shape over the past few years, one thing remains the same: in order to make the most out of our workday, we have to incorporate enough movement. Staying still too long, be it in a sitting or standing position, can cause too much strain on our bodies and muscles. The key to any healthy lifestyle is to have a balance of both movement and rest, and these desks offer just that.
However, not all standing desks are created equal, and this guide is here to help you make an informed decision. There are many standing desks in the market that come in different price points, desktop sizes, functions, and unique features such as the child lock feature. Make the most out of your workspace and time at home or in the office by getting the equipment that’s perfectly suited for you and your needs, because the best standing desk option will depend on what each worker is looking for. We test standing desks and have gathered the best standing desks in the market so you won’t have to look anywhere else.
Editor’s Choice
True Vision Ergonomic Height Adjustable Electronic Motion Standing Desk TVS03/5-22D
Transitioning from sitting to standing was just made easier by the True Vision TVS03/5-22D Standing Desk. It comes with an easy-to-operate panel that allows you to set your desired height. All you have to do is press a button and the electronic motor will do all the work for you.
The desk is rather durable, ensuring that it can sustain over a decade of use. It has a strong weight capacity of 80 kilograms or 176 pounds, so you’ll feel safe putting your monitor plus other desk essentials on it. Despite putting on heavyweight, the desk still lifts smoothly with superior lifting power while being whisper quiet.