Finding the Best Standing Desk is a slightly more complicated exercise than it once was (so many choices), but this article is going to make that process much easier for you.
First, let's acknowledge that a blanket list of "Best Stand Up Desks" doesn't really work any more. With so many different types and use-cases, it's important that we get a bit more granular than that.
So on this page, we've broken standing desks into several distinct categories, and then given you our top 3 stand up desks for each one.
Next, let's make an important distinction between our list of best standing desks, and some of the others. We are not a blog or media outlet. We are former dealer of sit-stand and ergonomic products, and we get our hands dirty testing our products, talking to customers, working with manufacturers, and using these desks ourselves. We have practical and real-world experience with everything you find on these lists, and we offer real insight.
Table of Contents:
(Click the link to jump ahead)
Before we get into any specific categories, we thought we would first recommend some of OUR favorite desks. These are the best of the best, based on our own use and testing. They may not be the most popular or most affordable, but of all the desks on the market we feel these give the absolute best experience (for varying reasons).
All of the desks in this section are unique or special in some way, and as such they might not fit perfectly into the sections below. But we would be remiss if we didn't mention them.
The InMovement Standing Desk is a new favorite of ours because it solves a key problem - installation. Most desks require quite a bit of effort to assemble and set up, but the InMovement literally unfolds right out of the box. Tighten a couple screws, and you're ready to sit or stand. And the quality is amazing!
Pros:
✅Super easy to assemble - in minutes
✅Extremely quiet and stable
✅Unique "Knock knock" controls
Cons:
❌Limited size and color options
$795
👍Why buy this desk:
Because it's faster to adjust and easier to assemble than any desk in the market.
👎Why not:
If you need a certain size or color that InMovement doesn't have.
The Focal Locus Desk is one of a kind, and will completely change the way you use your desk. Instead of traditional sitting, the Focal Bundle comes with a special active chair that keeps you upright and active, encouraging great posture and movement throughout the entire day (not just when you're standing).
Pros:
✅Stay active while standing AND sitting
✅Comes with a unique tilting desktop
✅Super high quality - made in USA
Cons:
❌It's quite expensive
❌Won't work with a traditional chair
$2,079
👍Why buy this desk:
If you want to maximize the movement and overall health benefits of your desk.
👎Why not:
If you can't live without a traditional chair.
The Humanscale Float Desk is another solution to the problem of slow adjusting standing desks - but it solves the problem a different way. Instead of relying on an electric motor, the Float desk uses a pneumatic counter-balance system. So, all you have to do is pull the handle and it will easily "float" to the height you like.
Pros:
✅Fast and easy to adjust
✅No power required
✅Huge selection of sizes & colors
Cons:
❌It's expensive
$1,799
👍Why buy this desk:
If you want the absolute best that money can buy, and budget isn't an issue.
👎Why not:
If your budget won't support it.
Electric motorized standing desks have long been the standard in the industry, and still remain the most popular type of sit to stand desk, by a wide margin. Unfortunately, it's become harder and harder to tell the difference between desks. Instead of finding ways to innovate and make these desks better for users, most manufacturers have been focused solely on driving down costs, and the result has been a flood of low quality desks that don't last and don't perform.
So, on this list we're going to focus on models that haven't been caught up in this race to zero. We will have a section below for cheap standing desks, so if you're particularly focused on keeping costs down, we will have some good options for you. But for now, let's focus on the best overall electric standing desks:
If you've already read the first section, you'll know that this is one of our favorites. It's new to the market, but it's one of the first real innovations in electric standing desks that we've seen in a while. The InMovement Standing Desk is extremely easy to assemble (just unfold and tighten), very high quality, and offers a unique "Knocking" control system that makes adjustment between your preset sitting and standing positions effortless.
Pros:
✅Super easy to assemble
✅Extremely stable and quiet
✅Unique "Knock knock" controls
Cons:
❌Limited size and color options
$795
👍WHY BUY THIS DESK:
Because it's faster to adjust and easier to assemble than any desk in the market.
👎WHY NOT:
If you need a certain size or color that InMovement doesn't have.
We love the Lander Desk, because it's another one of the few innovations in the standing desk industry. While other manufacturers focus on cutting costs in all ways possible, iMovR instead decided to up the anty - increasing their focus on quality and help features. Like the InMovement Desk, the Lander can be assembled in minutes without any need for tools, and it also features a unique smart control system combining a sleek paddle control and a connectable bluetooth app.
Pros:
✅Simple assembly - no tools required
✅Smart controls and bluetooth app
✅Super high quality construction
Cons:
❌A bit on the expensive side
$1,049
👍Why buy this desk:
If you understand the value of quality construction, and want something that lasts.
👎Why not:
If it exceeds your budget.
The Ergotron Workfit Electric Sit-Stand Desk might not look like much, but it does have some unique features that we really like - such as a built in cable management system (much better than the average cable management upgrade), and a built in hook for bags, headphones, etc. And with Ergotron, you can always feel good knowing it's made with precision and quality. The installation is not quite as fast as the InMovement or the Lander, but its still pretty easy compared to most.
Pros:
✅Built in cable management (that actually works)
✅Built in accessory hook w/ bottle opener
✅High quality construction
Cons:
❌Limited sizes and colors
$949
👍Why buy this desk:
If organization and a clean desk are very important to you.
👎Why not:
If you want something that adjusts faster or has more options.
Manual standing desks are generally regarded as an affordable alternative to their electric counterparts - but it's also worth noting that a manual standing desk can have its advantages: flexibility, reliability, no need for power, etc.
There are 2 types of manual standing desks: crank adjust (most common) and pneumatic standing desks. If you've every used a Varidesk, Flexispot or standard standing desk converter, then you've experienced a pneumatic desk. They use springs to counter-balance the weight on your desk surface, allowing the desk to float up and down without the need for true "lifting."
If you're in the market for a manual standing desk, we strongly recommend that you give this pneumatic lifting style some serious consideration. Crank standing desks are cheap, but they're also very slow to adjust and can be a bit tiresome. A pneumatic standing desk is fast and easy to adjust, which will encourage you to move between sitting and standing more often!
The ApexDesk AirDesk is a pneumatic standing desk - meaning that it is adjusted with the assistance of springs that counter-balance the weight on your desk, rather than cranking the desk up and down. If you've every used a desk riser or Varidesk, then you know exactly how this works. Pull the handle, and the desk floats up and down with very little force. We love this style because it makes switching between sitting and standing extremely fast and easy, which in turn encourages you to move more throughout the day.
Pros:
✅Very affordable for a pneumatic desk
✅Counter-balance makes adjustment fast & easy
Cons:
❌Doesn't look as nice as other options
$369.99
👍Why buy this desk:
If you want all the benefits of a pneumatic desk at an affordable price.
👎Why not:
If look and style are important to you.
While we don't typically recommend a crank adjustable standing desk for most people, it's hard to argue with their price and simplicity. This new Crank-Adjust model fits that mold perfectly. It's ultra simple and reliable, comes in a variety of color options, and is priced well under $300. When we compared it to some of the other manual desks win the market, we also noticed that the VIVO desk feels a bit more sturdy, and looks a little more refined.
Pros:
✅Great price
✅Nicer quality than most crank desks
Cons:
❌Crank adjust is slow and cumbersome
$249
👍Why buy this desk:
If you're looking for an extremely affordable desk, but need something reliable.
👎Why not:
If crank adjust isn't for you.
The Humanscale Float is NOT one of the most affordable standing desks in the market - as most manual desks usually are. However, it is a feat of engineering. The counter-balance on the Float is smooth and absolutely effortless. The styling is second to none. And it comes with lots of options - like a normal electric desk. So, it's clearly in a different class than the other manual desks, but we couldn't NOT mention it in this section.
Pros:
✅Fast & easy to adjust
✅Huge selection of sizes & colors
Cons:
❌Very expensive compared to others
$1,749
👍WHY BUY THIS DESK:
If you're shopping for experience and function over price.
👎WHY NOT:
If you're shopping for an inexpensive option.
Sometimes we just don't have the budget to buy our perfect standing desk, but that doesn't mean you have to be stuck in your chair. What really matters here is that start standing now, so all of the options below are designed to get you 80% of the benefits of a great standing desk - at an extremely affordable price.
So what's different between these models and some of the other top-of-the-line models? Build quality primarily. That's not to say that these are poor quality. They are just manufactured with less precision, which means they might be less stable, louder, have shorter life spans, not look as nice, etc. They also often require a bit more work to assemble.
The VIVO Electric desk has become one of the best selling models in our entire store - and at less than $400, it's an impressive desk. There are other desks out there in this price range, but frankly they look like and feel like cheap desks. The VIVO electric doesn't. It's built very well for it's price, and looks surprisingly clean. We also like that it comes in a full range of colors to fit most needs. This desk is a steal!
Pros:
✅Sturdy for an inexpensive desk
✅Nice range of color options
Cons:
❌Not the easiest assembly process
$349
👍WHY BUY THIS DESK:
If you want a quality electric desk for less than $400, this is your best bet.
👎WHY NOT:
If you need a desk larger than 60" wide
The ApexDesk Elite Series Standing Desks are the flagships of this category. They are no longer the cheapest manufacturer on the block, but they make quality desks, and they've been doing it for a long time. We particularly love the 71" model, which is like having an executive desk for less than $650. The Elite Series is also very easy to assemble, compared to the other affordable desks on the market (you only have to turn 2 screws in the process).
Pros:
✅User friendly size and shape
✅Easy assembly process
Cons:
❌Crank adjust is slow and cumbersome
$579
👍Why buy this desk:
If you need a quality desk lot of work space, this one is for you.
👎Why not:
If you need something at a lower price point.
Price, price, price. If you've read any other parts of this article, you know that we're not big fans of crank standing desks. But if you simply need something to get you standing NOW, and can't afford the price tag of the other models, then this one is for you. At $249, it's hard to the value you get. Just be aware that cranking your desk up and down can get pretty old quickly. If you have the means, we strongly recommend upgrading to the electric model.
Pros:
✅Great price
✅Nicer than other crank standing desks
Cons:
❌Limited sizes and colors
$249
👍Why buy this desk:
If you're looking for an extremely affordable desk, but need something reliable.
👎Why not:
If the crank adjust isn't right for you
What makes an ideal standing desk for home? That's probably a bit subjective, but here are some of the things we considered when when we chose the best models for this category:
1- Is it easy to assemble yourself?
2- Does it have the styling to fit in a living space, and not stand out like a sore thumb?
3- Is it available in (smaller) sizes and colors ideal for home?
These may not be universal to everyone, but in general these seem to be the most important criteria for standing desks for home according to our customers.
The Lander Lite is very similar to the iMovR Lander Desk we featured in the Best Electric Standing Desk section - except that it's been scaled back to make it a bit more affordable. It's still very easy to assemble and features iMovR's unique paddle control system like the original lander, but this one features a lower weight capacity (still 225#) and a thinner desk top. Made in the USA, the Lander Lite is still top quality.
Pros:
✅Easy to assemble - no tools required
✅Available in small sizes
✅Super high quality - made in USA
Cons:
❌A bit more expensive than other models
$799
👍Why buy this desk:
If you want a really high quality desk that is easy to assemble.
👎Why not:
If you're on a budget, this is a bit expensive.
The InMovement Standing Desk is the best all-around standing desk in the market, and it's perfectly set up for home. First off, it's extremely fast and easy to assemble - even if you're by yourself. Second, is has the kind of styling that looks really good in an office or in the home. And third, the quality is amazing for the price. It's not the cheapest desk on the market, but it's definitely the best.
Pros:
✅Super easy to assemble
✅Extremely stable
✅Unique "Knock knock" controls
Cons:
❌Limited size and color options
$795
👍WHY BUY THIS DESK:
Because it's faster to adjust and easier to assemble than any desk in the market.
👎WHY NOT:
If you need a certain size or color that InMovement doesn't have.
The VIVO electric standing desk is on this list because of its unique price point. At less than $400, this desk feels like a steal. There are other desks out there in this price range, but frankly they look like and feel like cheap desks. The VIVO electric doesn't. It's built very well for its price, looks surprisingly clean, and can be ideal for home because of it's range of sizes and colors. If you need something on a budget, this is a great model.
Pros:
✅Great price for an electric desk
✅Available in smaller sizes (48" & 60")
✅Nice range of color options
Cons:
❌Not very easy to assemble
$349
👍WHY BUY THIS DESK:
If you want a quality electric desk for less than $400, this is your best bet.
👎WHY NOT:
If you need a desk larger than 60" wide
The term "standing desk" is often used interchangeably to refer to both standing desks and standing desk converters, but the difference is significant. Put simply, a standing desk is a full desk with legs going all the way down to the floor. A standing desk converter (sometimes also referred to as a desk riser) is designed to be placed on top of an existing piece of furniture (a table, desk, counter, etc.) and "convert" that furniture to a sit to stand desk. These desk converters have become so popular, that they now out sell the standard standing desks!
Standing desk converters have become such a large category, that we actually built a whole page listing all the Best Standing Desk Converters in the market (similar to this page). We strongly recommend that you check this page out if you're truly in the market for a desk converter, so you can see all of the best options available, broken down by category. Here is a sampling of our top 3:
The InMovement DT20 is the best overall combination of design, aesthetics, size and quality, and it really stands out in an office or home. We also love that it comes fully assembled, right out of the box.
Pros:
✅Highly space efficient
✅Effortless lifting
✅Beautiful design
Cons:
❌Keyboard tray is a bit small for some over-sized keyboards
$399
👍WHY BUY THIS DESK:
This desk is for everybody - particularly if you're looking for something that looks as good as it functions.
👎WHY NOT:
If you have a large ergonomic keyboard.
The Flexispot offers a particularly large upper surface and keyboard tray, so it gives you lots of room for more than just your monitors. The downside is that it takes up quite a bit of space, and can feel a bit bulky on your desk.
Pros:
✅Massive work space
✅Large keyboard tray
✅Lifts straight up and down
Cons:
❌31" depth takes up more space than other similar desk risers
$279
👍Why buy this desk:
Hard to go wrong with this one, but it's particularly great if you like having extra work space.
👎Why not:
If you have concerns about the look and size.
The Winston is a "Column-style converter, that offers better ergonomics and function over a typical desk riser. It has a wider range of height adjustment, allows monitors to be adjusted separately from the keyboard, and takes up very little space on your desk.
Pros:
✅18" of height adjustment
✅Adjustable monitor height, tilt and depth
✅Very space efficient
Cons:
❌A bit expensive, and requires monitors to be installed
$699
👍Why buy this desk:
If you want complete ergonomic control of your desk or if you are taller than 6'2"
👎Why not:
If you don't want to pay extra for the enhanced ergonomics
We hope that this page has helped you narrow down the choices and find a standing desk that will work for you (or your employees). Above all, please don't forget that priority #1 is to sit less. So when in doubt, take a leap of faith. Very rarely will you ever find a bad review on our products, which happens for 2 very good reasons:
So just keep in mind that while you might feel like all these choices are overwhelming, there's really only one choice that matters. The decision to start standing.
I did research for months when trying to find a standing desk to fit my employees' needs. Some were too bulky, overpriced with little to no customer service support- but then I found Standing Desk Nation. Not only did they personally help me find the right desk for our needs, but they continued to offer support even after we purchased. I recommend Standing Desk Nation to anyone who is looking for an office upgrade. Great company with great products. We did one large order to start, but continue to come back because they really are the best in the business.
Standing Desk Nation is awesome. The customer service response I've had was better than any other company response. From getting the questions I had before purchasing my Ergotech Freedom Desk 42 answered before I ordered to dealing with a damaged replacement product, Standing Desk Nation personnel have been quick to respond and take action! Our business will definitely consider them first for any future products they carry. I could not be happier with the desk I ordered. Love it.
I love my Flexispot 47 inch standing desk converter! I haven't sat down since i got it! Super Quality, Super easy to install, Super easy to lower/raise! I am so happy with my purchase! Brian and Jaki were awesome to work with, friendly and knowledgeable about the product! I would highly recommend this company to anyone. TRUST me, you'll be SUPER SATISFIED!
I love my new adjustable desk riser!! I'm in my 60's and it has literally saved me from an aching back and neck from sitting all day. It may even have saved my life! Thank you!
I am enjoying using my stand up desk. I stand all day Monday through Friday and I feel more productive. The desk top has ample work space. The surface is very nice to work on. Unfortunately, my initial purchased desk was delivered with some flaws. I was disappointed. However, Brian and Standing Desk Nation stood behind their product. They sent a replacement desk that was in new condition and pay for the return shipping of the initial desk. I was most relieved as to me it was an expensive purchase.
I would recommend the product and Standing Desk Nation. Great product and great customer service!
We recently purchased 30 of these desks and our employees are very happy with them! Very easy to assemble...you literally take it out of the box and put it on your desk. The customer service is also excellent! Brian at Standing Desk Nation was very responsive to my questions and made the whole process very easy for us. I would highly recommend the ZipLift and Standing Desk Nation!
I purchased both the Flexispot Wellness Mat and the Vivo Compact Height Adjustable Standing Desk. I love them both and they have made a huge difference for me by helping to avoid back and hip stress from sitting at my computer! The team at Standing Desk Nation helped me immensely. They asked me to send pictures of my existing desk and measurements so that they could recommend the best compact desk for me. It is all a perfect fit. Thanks Brian and team!!
The desk is great. It definitely makes a long day at the desk a better experience. I experienced some difficulty with the keyboard tray due to my improper installation and Brian and his staff could not have been more helpful in dealing with my problem. They went above and beyond.
