Top-Rated Standing Desk Reviews
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What is an Electric Adjustable-Height Standing Desk?
An electric adjustable-height standing desk is a desk typically powered by precision linear motor drives that easily changes height with the press of a button. They have a distinct advantage over most manually-operated desks in speed, convenience, and performance, but tend to cost more than their crank-operated cousins. Nevertheless, they remain the active standing workstation of choice for homes and offices across the country. With dozens of adjustable standing desks spanning a wide range of capabilities, feature sets, and price tags, you can be sure to find a model that works for your unique workspace. And if you want to get the most ergonomic adjustability, make sure to check our in-depth reviews of the best monitor arms to go with a standing desk.
Our Comprehensive Standing Desk Review Process
With the sheer number of height-adjustable standing desks available, it can be pretty daunting to find the right desk. That’s why we’ve done the leg work and compiled the specifications of every standing desk we’ve reviewed. This page provides an apples-to-apples comparison of the different products in the market today and is a great place to start your search.
As we explain in our Standing Desk Review Criteria, we look at a number of qualities and attributes when creating our product reviews. These include weight capacity, lift speed, stability, noise, ergonomics, customizable options, and assembly. To learn more about our review process in general, visit our Anatomy of a Review primer.
Standing Desk Product Categories
Since price is often the first qualifier most prospective adjustable height desk users think of when desk hunting, we divided electric standing desks into four tiers, based on their price tag.
- Ultra Premium (over $1,100) standing desks should offer the best desk you can buy. In this price range you should expect stunning finishes and premium quality components. Jump below
- Premium (under $1,100) standing desks require a bigger investment, but are feature-loaded, usually feature better build quality and warranties, and are sure to match the décor of the executive suite. Jump below
- Value (under $800) standing desks offer good feature sets and specifications without costing as much as the premium adjustable height desk offerings. This tier is typically where you find your best value for the dollar. Jump below
- Budget (under $500) standing desks have been optimized for cost-savings. They have generally lower, though not necessarily poor, performance specs, and come with the smallest price points and shortest warranties. Jump below
In response to reader demand, we’ve also created a separate round-up of reviews just for Standing Desks Made in America—worth checking out if you’re looking for the very best-engineered and best-produced standing desks with the longest warranties and optimal customer support.
As you might be wondering, yes there are also standing desks available for corner and cubicle denizens. We have grouped these separately in our comprehensive round-ups of Corner Standing Desk Reviews and L-Shaped Adjustable-Height Standing Desk Reviews. Click here to learn the difference between corner desks and L-desks. And, more recently, we’ve added the new round-up category of Top Quick-Install Standing Desk Reviews.
No matter which type of sitting standing desk you settle on, make sure you look carefully at the warranty and exclusions. Be sure to read our primer on How to Compare Warranties on Standing Desks.
Below, you’ll find abstracts of each product review by category.
Ultra Premium Standing Desks
Uncompromising in its features and capabilities, an ultra premium standing desk should offer the best that money can buy. Not just the most functional, these stand up desks tend to have the best aesthetic as well. Thicker tabletops with beautiful finishes abound in this space, and you can also find hardwood and bamboo tops here. Of course, even among the high-tier desks, there is a wide range of quality and price. But beware—high price and high quality don’t always go hand in hand.
1. iMovR Ensign's Standing Desk
Pros: As a piece of designer furniture, like the other limited edition models in iMovR’s nautically-themed Baltic desk line, the Ensign is sure to turn heads in any office setting. The optional Fly Deck provides some extra storage and helps you achieve decent monitor ergonomics in great style. Or you can go without and completely dial in your ergonomics the conventional way using a monitor arm. Assembly is extremely easy since it comes 95 percent factory pre-assembled, and you won’t even need to break out the toolbox; we’re talking no more than 8 minutes to put it all together by yourself. The desktop craftsmanship quality, precision robotics-built Lander Lite lifting base and industry-leading warranty are top-tier. Plus, it’s ready for the future with a built-in health coach and Bluetooth-connected smartphone app.
Cons: The Baltic birch look is clearly coveted from a style standpoint and is incredibly rigid for how thin it is (0.7”), but there’s one drawback to it specifically for our treadmill desking audience. While the extensive height range of the Lander Lite base is usually great for treadmill desk users, the lack of a SteadyType keyboard tray option prevents us from giving it the highest score available for the office treadmill application, versus other iMovR desks that have thicker desktops that can support SteadyType.
Price: $1,449
2. iMovR Lander Adjustable Height L-Desk
Pros: More size/color combinations than any other standing L-desk, literally thousands. Tops are made with advanced Surf(x) 3-D laminate, ergo-contoured and ultra-durable. Wood grain runs in same direction for the entire desk surface, uniquely among electric L-desk offerings. Also now available in 36 species/stain combinations of solid wood. Arrives 90% pre-assembled, requiring less than 15 minutes to put together. High-tech features like Bluetooth-enabled height control paddle that connect to smartphone app; users can store their own height preferences and health coach settings in their phones.
Cons: With the 3D-laminate desktops there is a very slight groove between the two tabletop sections, but it does preserve ergo-contouring all around every edge of the desk (not found on any other sit-to-stand L-desk) and makes it possible for the side table to be easily swapped from left to right anytime. In solid wood versions the joint is flush, no groove.
Price: $2,048
3. iMovR Lander U-Shaped Standing Desk
Pros: The first true U-desk we’ve seen where all three surfaces lift in unison. It has more size and color options than any other standing desk we’ve ever seen, with nearly 15,000 possible combinations. It also has more work surface area (44.4 sq. ft.) and lift capacity (720 lbs) than any other standing desk. The tops are made with gorgeous Surf(x) 3-D laminate that is ergo-contoured and ultra-durable. Woodgrain runs in the same direction for the entire desk surface, something that’s virtually impossible to find among L-desks, let alone U-desks. The desk arrives 90% pre-assembled, requiring only 13 minutes to put together (we timed it). There are high-tech features like a Bluetooth-enabled height control paddle that connects to a smartphone app where users can store their own height preferences and health coach settings.
Cons: It’s much cheaper than other U-desks made by manufacturers of console workstations, but still very expensive because it is a U-desk with three integrated desk surfaces and four lifting columns. At the interface of the 3D-laminate desktops, there is a very slight groove between the individual sections, but it does preserve ergo-contouring all around every edge of the desk.
Price: $2,957
4. iMovR Captain's Desk
Pros: The Captain’s Desk appeal as a feature piece of furniture and talking point is unmatched. This desk just looks cool. The Baltic birch is appealing, so strong that it adds to the desk’s stability, and good for the environment. The drawer helps you reclaim some desktop real estate and declutter your desk. 95% factory pre-assembled means a simple assembly of a few minutes with a provided tool. Made-in-USA quality and an excellent warranty. Built-in health coach reminders result in 117% increase in use at standing height, according to studies. Controlled by the same smartphone app as the original Lander, via Bluetooth link to the sleek and intuitive “DPG style” height control paddle.
Cons: It’s not compatible with a keyboard tray and not easily compatible with a monitor arm, so it’s more ideal for laptop users and those who simply do not intend to have either a monitor arm or keyboard tray on their standing desk. There are only two sizes available, targeting primarily the home office user. While the extensive height range of the Lander Lite base is generally great for treadmill desk users, the lack of a SteadyType keyboard tray option and monitor arm mounting challenges prevent us from giving it a high score for the office treadmill application; other iMovR desk models are better suited for that.
Price: $1,999
5. Humanscale Float Adjustable Height Desk
Pros: No plodding electric motors or crank handles – a counterbalance system gives the Float Table as seductively quiet and smooth gliding adjustment in the blink of an eye. Extremely well designed; users have praised the wide desktops (customizable) and uncluttered foot space. Made with sustainable practices for the green-conscious consumer. Very popular with the high-decor lot like law offices and financial firms.
Cons: High quality, high cost. The Float Table is brilliant piece of work, but standing and treadmill deskers on a budget may balk at the price tag. The “removable crank” option is a pain to adjust – we strongly recommend the built-in crank option for resetting the weight settings on the counterbalance mechanism. The Humanscale aesthetic, while beautiful, can be tough to match unless your office has modern solid-color decor. If you’re looking for woodgrain colors in the same league of a adjustable height desks check out iMovR’s Thermodesk line.
Price: $ 1,749
6. Fully Jarvis L-Desk
Pros: For $100 more Fully will upgrade you to old-school HPL tops in maple, oak or walnut; or for $200 more you can get it in whimsically named “Spacestation Black.”
Cons: Disparagingly known as “shin crushers” in the industry, low crossbars are usually a sign of insufficient stability in the linear actuators—the lifting columns—which is particularly curious in this case given that two-legged L-desks are inherently more stable than 2-legged desks.
Price: $1,399
7. UpLift L-Desk
Pros: Three different L-desk models across the budget spectrum. At the moment, the only vendor offering real wood options on L-desk (though competitors are rumored to be bringing out their natural wood offerings soon).
Cons: Jiecang base (made in China) has some drawbacks in stability, reliability and performance. Some of the real wood tops offered would seriously challenge the ability to lift your stuff.
Price: $1,399
8. Herman Miller Motia Sit Stand Desk
Pros: Made in the USA from generally high-quality components.
Cons: Because these desks are really for commercial offices a professional installer with a full toolbox is required, so an in-home installation adds another $199 or $299 (depending on “distance from the hub”) and you have to wait around for someone to show up and then work in your home office to assemble the desk – no DIY option. Extremely limited options in size and color, and a very limited height adjustment range that’ll leave shorter and taller people unable to use this desk ergonomically. Short warranty on the base. Low-quality desktop construction. Low lift capacity and other specs for a desk in this price tier. Chevy desk at a Cadillac price. 7-week ship time.
Price: $1,195
9. Herman Miller Renew Standing Desk
Pros: Made in the USA from generally high-quality components.
Cons: Because these desks are really for commercial offices a professional installer with a full toolbox is required, so an in-home installation adds another $199 or $299 (depending on “distance from the hub”) and you have to wait around for someone to show up and then work in your home office to assemble the desk – no DIY option. Extremely limited options in size and color, and a very limited height adjustment range that’ll leave shorter and taller people unable to use this desk ergonomically. Short warranty on the base. Low-quality desktop construction. Low lift capacity and other specs for a desk in this price tier. Chevy desk at a Cadillac price. 7-week ship time.
Price: $1,575
10. MultiTable Mod-E Pro Electric L-Desk
Pros: As cheap and simple as it gets in this category. Few choices in colors and sizes make this one for people who suffer from “the paradox of choice” and may be budget constrained.
Cons: HPL tops are only ¾” thick, where most of the competition offers 1” to 1.25” thick tops. Asian-made base, not known for being of the highest quality. Difficult assembly. Weak motors are slow (1.4″/sec) and light duty (330 lbs).
Price: $1,369
11. Fully Jarvis Albright Standing Desk
Pros: One of the few “designer” standing desks on the market, the Albright is indeed quite pleasing to the eye. If you like the solid wood secretary desk look, this is one of the few in the market.
Cons: Only one size (30″x60″), only one wood species (maple). A very pricey, American-made hand-crafted desktop that’s planted on a commodity-grade Chinese-made lifting base that’s hard to assemble and not of the nicest quality, so a bit mismatched. Drawers are very small (only 7″ wide) and take up a lot of the desk surface area; especially if you want to be able to open them without clearing things out of the way each time. Non-adjustable built-in shelf makes it impossible to mount an ergonomic monitor arm.
Price: $1,868
Premium Standing Desks Under $1,100
Nearly every adjustable height desk in this price category includes a digital hand controller and many come equipped with advanced safety and reliability features that give them longer warranties than the average.
1. iMovR Lander Desk
Pros: The Lander is the most revolutionary standing desk design we’ve seen in years, with two features that set it clearly apart from the rest of the field. The first is that it arrives almost entirely pre-assembled, and comes together in just minutes without tools. The second is that in place of the conventional hand controller with an array of buttons and segmented readouts, the Lander’s height is intuitively controlled with just a tap on its height adjustment paddle. A double-tap will take the next to its next “favorite” height. The paddle has a multicolor hi-res display and a Bluetooth link to any smartphone, allowing you control the desk and access its built-in health coach using either the phone or the paddle. Made-in-America like all iMovR electric height-adjustable desks, comes with iMovR’s industry-leading 15-year warranty, ultra-durable and gorgeous 3D-laminated surfaces, and a plethora of size and color combinations, as well as the option of a built-in SteadyType keyboard tray. Recently, iMovR added another 36 color options in ultra-premium solid natural wood. Our top choice for taller users and treadmill deskers too, as the Lander’s impressive height range is matched with incredible work surface stability. It is also one of only three desks you can buy online that is ANSI/BIFMA X5.5 certified.
iMovR Lander rated Best Standing Desk by USA Today! Reviewed.com, a subsidiary of USA TODAY, named the iMovR Lander Standing Desk as its Editor’s Choice and Best Overall Standing Desk on the market in the article Best Standing Desks of 2020. The roundup highlighted the Lander’s industry leading design, intuitive technology features, craftsmanship and ease-of-use, concluding that “The Lander is still our top choice for its American-made quality, durability and intuitiveness.”
Cons: Corner models are not yet available. For those see iMovR’s Freedom line, the Energize and Cascade models. However, iMovR has recently released an extraordinary array of innovation-leading L-shaped Standing Desks based on the Lander.
Price: $1,049
2. iMovR Cascade Standing Desk
Pros: 100% American-made quality, built-in SteadyType™ ergonomics, PerfectPaint glide system, easy assembly (as well as a factory pre-assembly option), low cost, extra base color options (black, silver, and white), industry-leading warranty, extremely quiet operation. Also comes in eight varieties of standing corner desk models.
Cons: Users over 5’11” should upgrade to the XT base (+$75) for extra height range. Note: users over 6’2” can also add 6” height extenders (+$59) to the XT base, a very popular option for extra-tall users that is only offered on iMovR electric standing desks. SteadyType™ removes desk space for the rare user with lots of paper flow.
Price: $968
3. Eureka E60 Standing Desk
Pros: High-tech, high-quality base with many state-of-the-art features. Five year warranty.
Cons: Only one desk size and two color schemes. For $899 you could do much better—including having all the size and color options you can desire and double the warranty with a top-rated American-made standing desk—so it feels highly overpriced for what you’re going to get.
Price: $899
4. Varidesk ProDesk 60 Electric Standing Desk
Pros: Varidesk, known as a pioneer in the standing desk converter industry, has finally entered the ring of full-size electric standing desks. Varidesk has one of the strongest brand names in the industry due to its immense advertising budget. The ProDesk60 comes about halfway pre-assembled, so putting it together should be easier than most standing desks (though not the “5 minutes” claimed by Varidesk, more likely 30 minutes.)
Cons: The other side of the Varidesk brand name is inflated price, and the ProDesk 60 Electric is no exception. At $995, it is simply outclassed by competitors with made-in-America desks, much less competition from China (where this desk is made). The outdated “knee crusher” crossbar is a no no for a standing desk in this day and age, and the lack of customization options (only one size is currently available) means you won’t be able to customize it to ideally fit your space.
Price: $699
5. Floyd Birch Standing Desk
Pros: Because of its compact dimensions (26″ x 54″), the 1.26″-thick birch plywood top lends rock-solid stability to Fully’s Jarvis (Jiecang) base, which isn’t otherwise known for its stability. A lot of people like the plywood look around the edges of the desktop, and not many standing desk makers have offered it in the past (although this is changing rapidly).
Cons: This is a “filler” product for Floyd, which sells everything from sofas to beds to storage shelves. There is only one style and size of top, in just three top finishes, on top of a Fully Jarvis base (which they’re not hiding from anyone). The birch that is used is not top-grade Baltic birch as you’d expect on a desk at this price point. Support is a question mark since the base comes from Fully but this home furnishings e-tailer is not experienced at making or supporting sophisticated electromechanical products.
Price: $865
6. GeekDesk Max Standing Desk
Pros: The vintage classic electric adjustable standing desk, GeekDesk has been around a long time, is solidly built, affordably priced and loved by their users. Admittedly, GeekDesk users tend to be – you guessed it – a bit on the geeky side (including some of our staff here at WWW who fondly remember the days when GeekDesk was pretty much the only available option.)
Cons: Despite being one of the first kids on the block GeekDesk is today a boutique-y, lifestyle manufacturing company that has not stayed on top of its game, and lacks the vast array of color and size options and the adjustable-width bases that other manufacturers now offer. Assembly takes longer than most other desks. The crossbar is necessary for lateral stability but can be a bit of a knee crusher for the individuals with long legs. It’s the turtle of the pack, with a lifting speed of only 1.1″ per second, compared to the speedy 1.5″ – 2.0″ per second of its competitors. Persistent production delays usually mean the desks can take as long as five to eight weeks to arrive, longer than most people are willing to wait.
Price: $849
7. Herman Miller Nevi Standing Desk
Pros: The least expensive standing desk you can buy as a consumer from Herman Miller’s e-commerce store. Oddly, it’s the only one of the three Herman Miller desks (the others being the Motia and the Renew) that offers a full ANSI/BIFMA range base, meaning it can be upgraded (+$50) to work well for shorter and taller users as well.
Cons: Stripped to the bones in features and quality, the Nevi is built with low-end componentry and is offered in an extremely limited range of sizes and colors. Dramatically more expensive than other standing desks of similar quality, and even ultra-premium American-made desks. Shipping and in-home installation adds $199 to $299 per desk and isn’t a good experience. DIY assembly is not an option due to the fact that these desks were designed for professional installation, not assembly by the consumer. Disappointing warranty.
Price: $845
Value Standing Desks Under $800
Mid-tier standing desks offer the best combination of features and value. More function than form, these desks may lack some of the bells and whistles of the fancier desks on the market: their table tops may be thinner and less exotic, and their electronic controllers may be simpler two-button devices. But make no mistake, these adjustable height desks give you the most bang for your buck and can handle nearly anything your workday can dish out. They come in a variety of sizes to fit any office environment, and most come with hefty lifting capacities upwards of 200 lbs.
1. iMovR Lander Lite Standing Desk
Pros: The Lander Lite is the newest follow-up to iMovR’s legendary Lander Desk (see Premium Desks category above), the #1-rated standing desk we’ve ever tested. It has all the same revolutionary features of the original but with a price point and performance attributes that are more suitable to the mainstream user (We liken it to the difference between the Tesla Model 3 and the original Model S). Like all iMovR desks, this made-to-order desk comes in thousands of size and color combinations, is manufactured entirely in America, ships in just one week, and features iMovR’s industry-leading 15-year warranty and 100-day satisfaction guarantee. Like the original Lander it arrives almost entirely factory pre-assembled, but requires one tool (provided) for an easy 8 minute assembly, as opposed to 2 minutes and no tools for its premium cousin. All the other high-tech features of the original, like bluetooth sync’d height control paddle and smartphone app, blazing yet hushed lifting at 1.6 inches per second, and the option of both 3D-laminated and solid wood desktops in 58 colors are there, but with a lift capacity of 225 lbs versus 360 lbs. Other ways this version is “lightened” is the use of lighter feet and thinner desktops with a more modern look versus the more traditional thick tops on Lander. The Lander Lite is available with a single-stage or dual-stage base giving it a lower entry point at only $799 for those who are of average height, while still offering a height extension kit on the dual-stage base with a top height of 55″ for the vertically-endowed and for treadmill desk users.
Built to extraordinary quality and reliability standards the Lander Lite is ANSI/BIFMA X5.5 certified, like the original Lander Desk and only one other standing desk model that can be purchased online; see our primer on ANSI/BIFMA standards and how they apply to standing desks.
Cons: Corner models are not yet available. For those see iMovR’s Freedom line, the Energize and Cascade models. Built-in SteadyType keyboard tray also only available on the original Lander because of the “thick top” requirement. Compact (24″-deep) version also not yet available but see iMovR’s Energize Compact for the best option there.
Price: $799
2. iMovR Energize Standing Desk
Pros: All the benefits of the Cascade minus the SteadyType™ keyboard tray. Comes in even more custom tabletop size options, including 24″ and 30″ depths, and 3/4″ and 1-1/8″ thicknesses. Also available in eight varieties of standing corner desk models.
Cons: For those over 5’11”, upgrading to the XT base (+$75) will deliver extra height range. Those over 6’2” can add 6” height extenders (+$59) to the XT base, an option only available on iMovR electric standing desks. For treadmill desk users especially, there is not the ergonomic benefit of the SteadyType™ keyboard tray.
Price: $593
3. ZipDesk Standing Desk
Pros: Designed and built in the USA. Top-quality base technology and excellent warranty. Unique in the industry as the first “desk in a box” we’ve ever seen. And that means it can ship fast (even same-day through Amazon Prime in some markets) or even be picked up at a retail store. Plus it’s one of the fastest desks to set up, being almost completely factory pre-assembled (8 minutes, no extra tools required). This is also a great desk to be able to break down just as easily, transport and set up again in your next office – maybe after you’re done working from home and want to go back to the corporate campus. ANSI/BIFMA and NEAT Certification are a solid indicator of the ZipDesk’s durable and reliable componentry and stable user experience, matching up with our lab-test results.
Cons: The trade off is color and size options. The ZipDesk comes in three base colors (black, white and silver) but only two top colors (black and white for now, more “swatch colors” coming soon), and two sizes: compact and standard. Since these are shipped from stock there’s a practical limit on versions as compared to parent iMovR’s made-to-order desks that come in tens of thousands of size, shape and color combinations. The powder-coated tops are not as nice as iMovR’s 3D-laminate and solid wood tops offered on the rest of their products, but they are 3D-ergocontoured and a great value at this price point.
Price: $729
4. Steelcase Solo Standing Desk
Pros: For a big-name office furniture brand like Steelcase, a $600 standing desk looks like a real bargain, at least compared to what they usually sell standing desks for to commercial customers. The Solo is targeted specifically at the home market, however. Despite the 25-page assembly manual and lack of an assembly video guide, this desk comes together much faster than most due to the use of Linak’s new “Desk Frame 2” base design, made in Thailand. Full ANSI/BIFMA height range. Decent lift capacity (350 lbs) and transit speed (1.5 ips).
Cons: To meet e-commerce sellers at their price point Steelcase went to Thailand to source cheaper components and circumvent Chinese tariffs. The desktop quality is very basic. The subpar 5% duty cycle and the reliability of the drive shaft mechanisms do give us some pause, especially when coupled with a complete lack of a defined warranty. A very limited number of size, shape and color options of the HPL desktops and only two base color options. Compared to other offerings in this price range from digitally-native sellers the selection range is very limited, and the price is close enough to premium made-in-USA desks to be a challenging sell.
Price: $599
5. Jarvis Standing Desk
Pros: The Jarvis is a low-cost adjustable standing desk with a good warranty. It comprises a commodity Jiecang base which normally exhibit poor performance stats, but uses some customized components that – according to the company – give it better stability than the stock base product.
Cons: The Jarvis desktop is an ordinary high-pressure laminate, lacking the improved durability of 3D lamination. Additionally, its motors move at a crawl, with a 1.25″ per second adjustment rate that’s on the low end of the spectrum for mid-tier bases. (ErgoDepot, the ergonomics retailer that exclusively makes and sells the Jarvis Desk, has elected not to submit their their product to our testing lab.)
See also our reviews of the Jarvis L-Shaped Standing Desk.
Price: $539
6. Uprise Standing Desk
Pros: The Uprise is Ergoprise’s newest line, an improvement over their aging S2S model. It is quieter and stronger than a number of desks on the market, clocking in with a 42 dB noise signature during adjustment and a rated lift capacity of 360 lbs. The base adjusts at a rate of 1.7″ per second, faster than the majority of desks out there.
Cons: Everything above the Uprise’s base is plain-Jane. Its standard, high-pressure table top isn’t as durable as 3D lamination and is susceptible to moisture damage and delamination. Bamboo tops are available for the Uprise, but the added cost would put the desk well above the mid-range category.
Price: $729
7. UpLift V2 Standing Desk
Pros: The UpLift adjustable standing desk is low-cost, and features a digital controller with four memory presets. 15-year warranty on frame and desktop, though it does have many exclusions.
Cons: UpLift uses a run-of-the-mill high-pressure laminate desktop. While it does feature some modifications to the base, the UpLift’s commodity, Chinese-made, Jiecang base is notorious for being unstable at taller heights. (HumanSolution, an ergonomic retailer that exclusively makes and sells the UpLift, has elected not to submit their desk with the WWW labs for testing.)
See also our reviews on the UpLift L-Shaped Standing Desks and the UpLift “Curved Corner” Standing Desk.
Price: $599
8. UpLift V2-Commercial Standing Desk
Pros: The V2-Commercial will fit some very short users that couldn’t make the standard V2 work. The crossbar adds a great deal of lateral stability at lower heights. There are many different desktop options to pick, from the inexpensive (rubberwood, bamboo, HPL) to expensive solid hardwoods. In a competitive marketing move UpLift has recently upped their warranty to 15 years on frame and desktop, though it does have many exclusions.
Cons: The crossbar is ugly and cumbersome, without providing any useful longitudinal stability improvement. This desk won’t work for many taller users and isn’t practical for use with an under-desk treadmill. Issues with the Jiecang base remain as not everything fits quite right, leading to a difficult assembly that will take most users more than an hour. While the longer warranty is a great marketing move to try and keep up with the Joneses (chiefly American-made standing desks), UpLift hasn’t fundamentally changed its frames or its desktops, so caveat emptor, it doesn’t mean the product is suddenly more durable than it was before.
Price: $679
9. StandUpDeskStore Dual Motor Standing Desk
Pros: The solid wood desktops are much cheaper than competitors. The frame is stable and has a good range of height adjustability.
Cons: The solid wood desktops are of poor quality and will be susceptible to moisture damage because there are so many seams and the underside is not finished. A 5-year warranty falls well behind competitors. There’s no Bluetooth connectivity. There aren’t many size options. Assembly on solid wood desktops is a pain because the desktops are not pre-drilled.
Price: $729
10. Knoll Hipso Standing Desk
Pros: High-quality base components robotically manufactured in Lithuania.
Cons: Very limited height adjustment range that’ll leave shorter and taller people unable to use this desk ergonomically. Only three smallish desktop sizes offered in three colors. Very basic desktop quality. Relatively short warranty.
Price: $535
11. MultiTable Mod-E Standing Desk
Pros: The Mod-E is the fastest adjustable standing desk in the West, with a 2.0 inch-per-second transit speed.
Cons: The Mod-E only comes with a simple up/down controller. It’s also on the louder end of the desk noise spectrum, and at 75dB sounds like a coffee grinder during adjustment. A low max height of 47 inches may be too short for taller deskers and most treadmill desk users. Made in Malaysia, the Mod-E’s tabletop is not of the most impressive quality, and its design is somewhat dated.
Price: $649
12. Fully 'Remi' Budget Standing Desk
If you’re looking for the cheapest standing desk you could possibly buy and still get decent support, the Remi is worth a look. But you have to be able to live with its limitations in height adjustment range (only good for medium-height users), sizes (only three very non-standard desktop sizes offered), finishes (only 3 desktop colors and 2 frame colors offered) and quality (really cheap particleboard desktop and flimsy TFL finishes). Still, a better bet than other Chinese-made desks sold on Amazon that might cost $100-$200 less but be worthless in durability, with challenging customer support and returns.
Price: $479
Budget Standing Desks Under $500
Bargain desk hunters will find the cheapest deals for their sit-to-stand offices here. Budget adjustable standing desks come with small price tags, sometimes cheaper even than standing desk converters. While this price tier includes a small number of desks that perform adequately, many cost-reduced desks lack in performance in one way or another. Buyers shopping for the lowest priced deals should be especially mindful of the possible compromise on quality.
1. FlexiSpot Esben Standing Desk
Pros: It has two built-in drawers with generous proportions. The appearance of a very thick desktop and drawers is unique. It’s cheap. Assembly is quick and easy. The hand controller upgrade is cheap ($30) and adds several important features to the desk.
Cons: Because of the thick desktop, it won’t work with a keyboard tray or ergonomic monitor arm, so it’s more ideal for a laptop user who’s not concerned with fine-tuning ergonomics. There’s only one size and color available. The 99-lb weight capacity is on the lower end, but since it’s intended for laptop users it’s not a huge concern. The desk’s minimum height will be too tall for short users. The warranty is short. If you don’t upgrade the hand controller, it doesn’t have a height readout, memory presets or anti-collision. It’s not very stable at maximum height.
Price: $499
2. FlexiSpot Theodore Standing Desk
Pros: It has a built-in drawer with fairly generous proportions. You might like or dislike the appearance, but it’s at least something unique and matches a more traditional decor. It’s cheap. The three built-in USB ports will be very handy. The assembly process has only a few steps and should go very quickly.
Cons: Because the desktop is so thick it is decidedly not compatible with a keyboard tray or ergonomic monitor arm, so it’s more ideal for laptop users and those who simply do not intend to have either a monitor arm or keyboard tray on their standing desk. There’s only one size and color available. The 99-lbs weight capacity is on the lower end, but since it’s intended for laptop users it’s not a huge concern.
Price: $499
3. Eureka i1 Standing Desk
Pros: Relative to other products in this price range the iMovR+Eureka i1 Standing Desk offers better reliability, durability, tech features and ease of assembly. Arrives in one box, unlike any other electric standing desk we’ve seen so far.
Cons: Only one size, only two desktop color options. We’d love to see more options.
Price: $339
4. Autonomous SmartDesk First Class Standing Desk
Pros: A step above earlier SmartDesk models, the First Class uses more reliable linear actuators (desk legs) and electronics from Taiwan. Assembly is about 20% faster than other SmartDesk models, and it looks to be faster, quieter, and stronger than their other standing desk products.
Cons: Still a commodity product made as cheaply as possible—not deserving of a “premium product” classification. Only 1 desktop size and 2 colors options for the desktop and base, so it could be difficult to match to your desk to your office decor.
Price: $449
5. FlexiSpot Comhar Standing Desk
Pros: The built-in drawer is fairly large and will definitely help. It has three built-in USB ports accessible from the front of the desk. The assembly is quick and easy, with only three steps and one included tool required.
Cons: There’s an unappealing crossbar down by the feet that definitely gets in the way. The thick desktop that has a built-in drawer doesn’t allow for a keyboard tray or ergonomic monitor arm, so it’s best for laptop users. There’s only one size available. With all the heavy hardware in the desktop the remaining weight lifting capacity is low for a modern-day standing desk.
Price: $499
6. StandDesk Standing Desk
Pros: Simple product, simple buying process. Limited desktop choices still offer a sufficient range of options for buyers who aren’t trying to match a specific decor or space. Vanity tops like natural wood or reclaimed wood are half the cost of what Fully and Human Solution charge. Ten year warranty is better than offered on any other Chinese-made base. Nice looking full-color manual with clear instructions for how to clear error codes.
Cons: Weaknesses in crossbar design lead to instability with very large desktops and for taller users. Warranty does not include desktops. Assembly is quite involved, as it is with most any Chinese base that arrives as an “IKEA kit.” Specs say it’ll lift 400 lbs but we encountered numerous faults just trying to lift 355. There is a slight sync problem between the left and right motors that causes the desk to wobble every time it starts to ascend.
Price: $480
7. Ikea IDÅSEN Standing Desk
Pros: Simple up-down height control paddle has cleaner look than buttons and syncs to your smartphone through Bluetooth for impressive parlor tricks. Extra tubing in the leg-to-foot connection and a metal crossbar add to stability. Ten year warranty (which you’ll probably wind up needing). If your local IKEA has it in stock and you’re OK with the very limited choice in colors/sizes, it is one of the fastest desks you can buy short of using Amazon Prime.
Cons: Severely underpowered leading to concerns that it will have a similarly notorious DOA and premature field failure track record as the IKEA Bekant. Limited to only two drab colors and two sizes. Tubing in the legs are a collision hazard when swiveling out of your chair. Typically arduous IKEA assembly.
Price: $549
8. Autonomous SmartDesk Core
Pros: The Artists x Autonomous desktops are very cool and definitely a standout feature. Even with a price increase, this is still a cheap standing desk.
Cons: It’s unstable, especially near the top of the height range. Overall quality, from the powder coat top to the thin gauge of steel, feels like the cheap desk it is. Assembly can be confusing and difficult. Even if it all goes well, there are 44 bolts and screws to work with. Desktop options are limited. The warranty is short. This is basically the SmartDesk 2, which has a very poor reputation.
Price: $499
9. Ikea Bekant Standing Desk
Pros: A constant companion in college dorms and budget-conscious homes, Ikea aims to make the sit-stand office as affordable as possible with their adjustable-height Bekant. The desk manages to come in at $489 and offers a 10-year warranty. If your office furniture is IKEA brand this desk would fit in well with the rest of the decor.
Cons: The Bekant’s low cost comes at the expense of unimpressive stats: its 154lb weight capacity is eclipsed by most desks, even manually-operated desks, and its low max height of 48″ makes it less than ideal for tall users or treadmill desk use. For a few dollars more you can get a much higher caliber desk from a manufacturer that specializes in these products. Overwhelming consumer complaints of early failing product.
Price: $199
10. IKEA Knotten Standing Desk
Pros: The Knotten has plenty of storage in a variety of spots. The birch pieces themselves are strong and light. It’s cheap, compared to real standing desks.
Cons: This isn’t a standing desk and IKEA really shouldn’t market it as one. It’s exceptionally unlikely anyone could get the Knotten set up in an ergonomically correct position. It is available in only one size and one color. The desktop surface is very small and made smaller by the fact that there’s an ill-fitting drawer taking up much of it. The assembly is typical IKEA.
Price: $159
Completing Your Ergonomic Workstation
Acquiring the best standing desk for your decor, budget and performance requirements is Step One. But making it a true ergonomic workstation involves adding the appropriate accessories you’ll need to keep your body in a correct posture, and have a neat and tidy setup. Check out our comprehensive guides to monitor arms, keyboard trays, anti-fatigue mats, ergonomic seats, cable management kits, power management modules, foot rests and under-desk treadmills for both expert advice and lab-tested product reviews of options in each of these categories.
Need more help? Read how to find your correct desk height, then check out 10 ways to improve your office ergonomics and answers to the most common standing desk questions.
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