Switching to a standing desk can significantly enhance your posture and contribute to better back health — a fact I can attest to personally. Numerous studies indicate that prolonged sitting is detrimental to your health, making a standing desk a great solution for many people.
With so many sit-stand desks available, choosing one can feel overwhelming. Should you invest in a high-end model featuring quieter motors, increased weight capacity, and a luxurious hardwood finish, or go for a more budget-friendly desk converter? We’re here to simplify your selection process for your next workspace upgrade. Below are some of the top standing desks available in 2024.
Uplift Desk
Top Standing Desk Overall
Pros
- Exceptional build quality
- Quiet dual-motor operation
- High weight capacity and sturdy design
- Wide range of options and accessories available
Uplift has established itself as a leader in the standing desk market, with its latest model receiving numerous accolades and rave reviews. The author of this article, Jon Martindale, has personally enjoyed using the Uplift desk for years and continues to be an advocate.
This desk is incredibly solid, featuring quiet motors that allow for smooth and quick adjustments without any wobbling. You can choose from various attractive wood finishes, including hardwood and butcher block styles, as well as more affordable laminate options. There’s a range of sizes, shapes, and designs available to suit your preferences.
While it leans toward the pricier side, especially with hardwood selections, Uplift offers a myriad of accessories that can enhance your workspace, including balance boards, PC tower supports, desk extenders, integrated LED lighting, and USB ports. This desk is the epitome of comfort and functionality, though it comes at a cost.
Secretlab Magnus Pro
Best Desk for Gamers
Pros
- Durable metal construction
- Innovative magnetic accessory system
- Includes a large desk pad
- Multiple customization options
- Integrated LED lighting and cable management
Cons
- Metal frame can feel cold
- Assembly can be heavy
The Secretlab Magnus Pro stands out as an exceptional gaming desk, constructed entirely of metal for superior stability and robustness. This support ensures it won’t wobble when adjusting its height, making it perfect for gamers.
It features built-in RGB lighting to complement your gaming gear, as well as integrated cable management solutions to keep wires organized. The magnetic rail system simplifies attaching accessories like headphone hooks and monitor arms. With several size options available, this desk can fit seamlessly in any gaming setup, and the intuitive control system allows users to save preferred height settings.
Flexispot Frame
Best Budget Standing Desk Frame
Pros
- Affordably priced
- Quiet motor operation
- User-friendly control system with height memory
- Compatible with various desk surface dimensions
Cons
- Requires a separate desk surface
One of the most cost-effective ways to enjoy a standing desk experience is to invest in a frame only. You can attach any suitable surface, from reclaimed wood to an antique desk, enabling you to upgrade the top later as needed. This model is economical and features a straightforward control system with height memory.
While it uses a single motor—thus not quite as rapid or smooth as higher-end models—it is perfectly functional. The author, Jon Martindale, used the Flexispot frame for several years before opting for an Uplift model and found it to be almost as effective, despite its lower price tag.
The frame can support over 170 pounds and accommodates various surfaces, giving you plenty of options. There are sturdier models available for those wanting to spend more.
Flexispot Frame
Best Budget Standing Desk Frame
Seville Classics Airlift
Best Premium Feel Standing Desk
Pros
- Elegant glass tabletop
- Includes USB charging ports
- Touchscreen control interface
- Adjustable leveling feet
Cons
- Glass is prone to fingerprints
The Seville Classics Airlift desk combines affordability with a touch of luxury. Its glass top gives a premium appearance, though it does smudge easily. It offers an innovative way to jot down notes using liquid chalk markers, easily wiped off when not needed.
The desk features a user-friendly control system that nestles seamlessly into the surface for easy seating, as well as built-in charging ports that maintain a clean aesthetic. It’s sturdy enough to support sizable monitors and a variety of equipment while offering a broad height adjustment range suitable for both short and tall users.
Seville Classics Airlift
Best Premium Feel Standing Desk
Flexispot EN2
Best Budget Standing Desk
Pros
- Very affordable
- Sturdy construction
- Various sizes and colors available
- Built-in drawer for storage
Cons
- Not as strong as pricier options
- Limited customization features
Flexispot has earned a reputation for delivering quality budget sit-stand desks. The Flexispot EN2 model is particularly noteworthy as it blends value and performance seamlessly. This choice comes in various sizes and colors while boasting a strong vinyl-coated surface.
The desk features a user-friendly control panel with programmable height settings, built-in cable management, and convenient under-desk storage. Although it isn’t as robust as higher-end models, it serves well as an economical option for those needing a simple sit-stand desk.
Flexispot EN2
Best Budget Standing Desk
Vivo 32 Desk Converter
Best Desk Converter
Pros
- Transforms your current desk into a standing desk
- Height adjustable for sit-stand support
- Robust enough for multiple monitors
- Integrated keyboard and mouse tray
Cons
- Manual adjustment required
If you’re satisfied with your current desk but want to experience the benefits of a sit-stand setup, consider the Vivo desk converter. This affordable option is stable and can support a weight capacity of 33 pounds, making it suitable for dual monitors and additional peripherals.
Despite requiring manual adjustments, it includes convenient pneumatic lifts, allowing for easier height changes without feeling overwhelmed by the weight. The product is backed by a three-year warranty to ensure peace of mind.
Vivo 32 Desk Converter
Best Desk Converter
Common Questions
What factors should you consider when choosing a standing desk?
It’s crucial to select a desk that can support the weight of all your equipment. Many standing desks are not designed to bear the weight of a person, so it’s essential to avoid attempting to stand on them.
If you’re seeking features like keyboard trays, cable management, or USB charging, ensure that your chosen desk can accommodate those add-ons or provides the flexibility to include them later. It’s also important to verify that it can reach an ergonomic height for your specific stature, particularly if you are taller than average.
Additionally, choose a desk that fits your workspace dimensions, as they come in various sizes to suit different needs.
Which brands offer the best standing desks?
Numerous manufacturers produce standing desks, but several brands have earned our trust, including Flexispot, Uplift, Secretlab, Seville, Vari, Jarvis, Herman Miller/Jarvis, and Vivo. While other quality brands may exist, these are the ones we consistently endorse.