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You sit at your desk all day only to then sit on your commute home and then sit in front of the television all evening. Your health is deteriorating without you even realizing it. Standing for a portion of your workday can improve your health drastically.
We’ve published a companion article illustrating the benefits of standing desks.
Our experts have reviewed the best adjustable stand-up desks and selected winners by category.
What Types Of Standing Desks Are Available?
There are three main styles of sit/stand desks to consider: standing desks, desk mounts and mobile desks.
What Is A Standing Desk?
There are two types of standing desks:
- Fixed height – these are immovable and can only be kept at one height (similar to a regular desk, just taller).
- Adjustable – this is the more popular option, and has the ability to move from a sitting desk to a standing desk.
Sit And Stand Height Settings
These desks can typically be customized (“personalized”) to fit your specific height and needs, and some models include the option/upgrade to save your height positions. All of the desks we review here are adjustable so they can be used for sitting and standing.
What Is A Desk Mount?
A desk mount sets/connects to the top of your regular office desk. These generally are made out of metal and can be raised so you can sit or stand when you wish. These are typically cheaper than the full standing desk above but they don’t always afford you as much workspace.
What Is A Mobile Desk?
Mobile desks are typically smaller and meant for laptops or tablets. They have wheels at the bottom of the legs so you can move them from room to room easily. These are good for those of you who like to change locations while you work. For example, if you work in the medical field and help patients in various rooms. This is also the type of desk I’m using in the featured image above.
See The Difference Visually (Infographic)
Here’s a visual to show the difference between the three types of desks mentioned above.
4 Key Components Of Standing Desks
There are some terms we will use throughout this article that you’ll want to know what they mean. Below are the terms and their definitions.
- Desktop or Desk Mount: These are not full standing desks, as mentioned above. Instead, these are placed on top of your existing sitting desk and can be raised and lowered to fit your sitting and standing desk needs.
- Monitor Arm/Mount: These are typically attached to your desk so your computer is not resting directly on the desk. Instead, it is lifted up some and you can swivel the position of your computer to your liking. This gives you more space on your desk as well for other items.
- Capacity: This is the total weight the desk can hold.
- Keyboard Platform: This is typically an add-on for a place to rest your keyboard.
Best Standing Desk: StandDesk Review
If you’re looking for a custom, full-size desk without the high price, then StandDesk is a perfect option. These stand up desks cost much less than their competitors. You can even pick out the colors of the base and top to make it match your office and build your own add-ons.
These extras could be purchased later on too. If you want to save the thousands of dollars you will spend on the competition, then we suggest this one.
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Price
- Starting at $399.95
- Two-button handset: included
Table Top Choices:
- Jet Black
- Arctic White
- Wood Finish
- Natural Bamboo
- Light Bamboo
- Reclaimed Wood
- Natural Wood
Base Colors:
- Black Matte
- Glossy Grey
- Pure White
Add-Ons
- Memory Handset: $49.95
- Cable Management Tray: $49.95
- Stabilizing Cross Bar: $49.95
- Rolling Casters: $29.95
- Commercial Grade Power Strip: $44.95
- Anti-Fatigue Mat: $99.00
In Action
See the StandDesk in action by watching this video. You can also find out why this user thinks standing desks are so important.
Read Our Interview With The StandDesk Founder
Best Desk Mount: FlexiSpot Review
FlexiSpot has some affordable standing desks and desk risers. The most common option is the desk riser, which is often compared to VARIDESK, the previous winner for Best Desk Mount.
FlexiSpot requires some assembly, and there are complaints about the keyboard tray. However, if you’re looking for a more compact desk riser, we suggest going with FlexiSpot. It is $100 less expensive than Varidesk and customers rave about the quality of the riser.
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Pricing
Standing Desk Converters | Price |
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ClassicRiser M1B – 27″ | Check Amazon for availability |
ClassicRiser M2 – 35″ | Check Amazon for availability |
ClassicRiser M3W/M3B – 47″ | $289.99 |
AlcoveRiser M7B/M7N | Check Amazon for availability |
AlcoveRiser M7MB/M7MN | $188.24 |
Height Adjustable M8MB | Check Amazon for availability |
CompactRiser M5B/M5W/F3N – 27″ | Check Amazon for availability |
CompactRiser F3MB/M5MW/M5MN – 32″ | Check Amazon for availability |
CornerRiser M4B – 41″ | $279.99 |
Best Mobile Desk: Seville Review
If you’re looking for something cheap but still good quality, Seville is a good option. They have 5 desks available that buyers are fairly pleased with. These desks can be moved from room to room, so if you like to change the location of where you work, or if you use your laptop at home a lot, this is a good option for you.
In the past, when I was doing a lot of traveling and moving, I used this desk and loved it. I wanted a standing desk and after I wrote this article I decided this was the best fit for my lifestyle.
I purchased an exercise ball to use as a chair to sit at the desk to also work on my posture. After I bought my first home and had a permanent office space, I purchased the Varidesk above and love it as well. I passed this on to one of my friends who is a teacher and she loves using it in class.
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Pricing
Below are the five desks offered by Seville.
Original | Original with Side Table | Tilting Top, Black | Tilting Top, Walnut | Pneumatic Sit Stand | |
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Price | $43.59 | Check Amazon for availability | Check Amazon for availability | Check Amazon for availability | Check Amazon for availability |
Wheels To Help Move It | |||||
Locking Wheels | 2/4 | 2/4 | 2/4 | 2/4 | 2/4 |
Height | 20.47″ to 33″ | 27.9″ to 40.7″ | 23.62″ to 36.41″ | 23.62″ to 36.41″ | 29.3″ to 41.7″ |
Depth | 15.74″ | 15.75″ | 17.32″ | 17.32″ | 16.9″ |
Length | 23.6″ | 17.75″ | 23.62″ | 23.62″ | 24.4″ |
Capacity | 15 Pounds | 20 Pounds | 30 Pounds | 30 Pounds | 35 Pounds |
Side Tray | |||||
Tilt Adjustment |
Best For Kids: Jarvis Review
Jarvis is one of the few (if only) standing desk companies to offer a desk specifically designed for kids. We think this is great because it helps children develop good habits by learning to be on their feet more.
Kids can be fidgety and like to wiggle around when they’re in their seats, so why not give them the option to stand and make it easier for them to focus? This desk can be used at home or in the classroom.
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Pricing
Jarvis Adjustable Desk | Price |
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For Kids | $469 |
Bamboo and Powdercoated Desks | $449 |
Laminate Desk | $449 |
Bamboo Standing Desk Bundle | $733 |
Jarvis Frame Only | $399 |
Reclaimed Wood Desk | $1,249 |
Whiteboard Desk | $499 |
Oregon White Oak Desk | $1,599 |
Hardwood Desk | $999 |
Crank-Powered Desk | $419 |
L-Shaped Desk | $1,249 |
Crank-Powered Frame Only | $299 |
L-Shaped Frame Only | $849 |
Jarvis3 Frame Only | $599 |
Atwood | $1,799 |
Evolve | $1,849 |
Treadmill Desk | $1,539 |
Standing Desk Reviews By Brand
Just because these companies weren’t our top picks doesn’t mean they wouldn’t be a good fit for you. In our experience, desk brand, functionality and type varies largely based on individual preference.
Learn what these sit stand desks succeed in by reading about their pros and cons. These are some of the best adjustable standing desks available on the market today.
Ergotron | Evodesk | iCraze | Kangaroo | Varidesk | Xdesk
Ergotron Review
Ergotron is a well-known company that offers desks designed especially for clinics and doctors’ offices. Their site isn’t as easy to navigate as its competitors because it is not focused primarily on desk alternatives.
They are a large office supply company that an office manager might use to shop for many of their office needs, in addition to standing desks. Ergotron sells monitor arms, so if you are purchasing another brand of standing desk that needs a monitor arm, you could buy one from here.
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Pricing
Below are some of Ergotron’s most popular models. They offer many other models besides those mentioned in the table below.
Price | Model Number | Style | Capacity | Lift | |
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WorkFit-T, Sit-Stand Desktop Workstation | $535.00 | 33-397-085 | Desk Mount | 10-35 Pounds | 15″ |
WorkFit-S, Single LD Sit-Stand Workstation | Check Amazon for availability | 33-342-200 | Desk Mount | 24 Pounds | 23″ |
WorkFit-PD Sit-Stand Desk | Check Amazon for availability | 24-280-928 | Full Desk | 40 Pounds | 19.5″ |
WorkFit-S, Dual Monitor with Worksurface+ | $829.99 | 33-349-200 | Dual Monitor Desk Mount | 25 Pounds | 22.8″ |
TeachWell Mobile Digital Workspace | $758.78 | 24-220-055 | Mobile Cart | 38.5 Pounds | 20″ |
WorkFit-D, Sit-Stand Desk | $1,049.00 | 24-271-926 | Full Desk | 65 Pounds | 20″ |
Evodesk Review
Evodesk is the Lamborghini of desks. If you’re looking for an all-in-one solution with all the bells and whistles (treadmill and sound system anyone?) this may be your best bet. They don’t offer desk mounts or desk carts but their full desks can be adjusted to sitting or standing height and are very customizable to your unique needs and style.
Desk sizes vary and you can outfit them with all the features imaginable. Of course, you’ll have to pay for it. These desks start at $599 for the basic desk with frame, top and movement buttons.
Reference our table below for all the available add-ons once you’ve decided on your size, material and colors. Add-ons include the option to add multiple monitor mounts, keyboard mount, a programmable memory for your desk height positions and even a CPU mount system.
Personal Experience
Fantastic desk – got mine three years ago, shipping was expedient, and after spending some time with it upgraded to the programmable memory controller. The construction is solid, the design is contemporary, and the desk zips up and down to my pre-programmed locations. My body hasn’t felt this good since I sat in my old office chair! – Alex S., Safe Smart Living
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Pricing
Your Evodesk can be built to your specifications. First choose the size, colors and materials, then add-on any additional features. Below are some of the items you can get from Evodesk, be sure to check the building options on the website.
Evodesk also offers a desktop mount option starting at $379.
MSRP | |
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Evodesk Rectangle | Starting at $599 |
Evodesk Pro Rectangle | Starting at $1,299 |
Studio L (L Shaped Tabletop) | Starting at $1,167 |
Ergo Edge (Rounded Front) | +$79 |
Desktop Color in Rubberwood | +$129 |
Desktop Color in Bamboo | +$249 |
Evodesk Pod | +$149 |
Evodesk Pod Plus | +$239 |
HighRise Desktop Platform | +$149 |
Programmable Memory | +$59 |
Harman Kardon Sound System | +$199 |
EvoTech Single Monitor Arm | +$139 |
Ergo Single Monitor Arm | +$189 |
Ergo Double Monitor Arm | +$299 |
Treadmill System | +$999 |
CPU Mount System | +$129 |
Anti-Fatigue Mat | +$89 |
Cable Management Tray | +$99 |
Evodesk Casters | +$99 |
iCraze Review
iCraze has a nice concept, but it doesn’t look like they’ve executed it perfectly. Reviews of these stands show that they are difficult to adjust and seem flimsy. (In all fairness the portable style of this desk prevents it from being as stable as a full standing desk.)
For some users, the stand was so difficult to adjust that when they decided they wanted to sit again they’d remove the computer from the stand instead of taking the time to adjust it. iCraze is only available on Amazon and users report that it is often shipped missing a part or with a faulty fan.
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Pricing
Adjustable Sit Stand Desk | Adjustable Vented Laptop | |
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Price | Check Amazon for availability | Check Amazon for availability |
Capacity | 30 pounds | 30 pounds |
Compatibility | Laptops and Desktops | Laptops |
Keyboard Tray | ||
Maximum Height | 24″ | 27 1/4″ |
Kangaroo Review
Ergo Desktop offers various Kangaroo desktop mounts to help you adapt your office desk to more ergonomic and balanced setup. Kangaroo desks are placed on your current desk and can be adjusted to a standing position.
These desks vary in size and capabilities, so depending on whether you have a laptop or monitor you may make a different choice. They also offer desks that can hold two computers.
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Pricing
Nearly all of the desktop mounts with shelves are cheaper than the desktop mounts with a computer mount. However, mounting the monitor may be more sturdy, which may be more appealing to you. If you’re using a laptop, then mounting is not an option. Also, note that there are more Kangaroo products than those listed in this table.
Wallaroo Elite | Kangaroo Pro Junior | Kangaroo | Kangaroo Pro | Dual Kangaroo | Kangaroo Elite | Hybrid Kangaroo | Electric Kangaroo Pro | Electric Kangaroo Dual Elite | |
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Capabilities | Mount 1 Monitor | Holds 1 Laptop or Monitor | Holds 1 Laptop or Monitor | Mount 1 Monitor | Holds 2 Laptops or Monitors | Mount 2 Monitors | Can Hold 1 Laptop and Mount 1 Monitor | Mount 1 Monitor | Mount 2 Monitors |
Price | Check Amazon for availability | Check Amazon for availability | Check Amazon for availability | Check Amazon for availability | Check Amazon for availability | Check Amazon for availability | Check Amazon for availability | Check Amazon for availability | Check Amazon for availability |
Workspace Measurements | 28″ Wide by 24″ Deep | 24″ Wide by 18″ Deep | 28″ Wide by 24″ Deep | 28″ Wide by 24″ Deep | 28″ Wide by 24″ Deep | 28″ Wide by 24″ Deep | 28″ Wide by 24″ Deep | 28″ Wide by 24″ Deep | 28″ Wide by 24″ Deep |
Maximum Height | 16.5″ Above Your Desk | 15″ Above Your Desk | 16.5″ Above Your Desk | 16.5″ Above Your Desk | 16.5″ Above Your Desk | 16.5″ Above Your Desk | 16.5″ Above Your Desk | 20.5″ Above Your Desk | 20.5″ Above Your Desk |
Computer Shelf Measurements | N/A | 16″ Wide x 9.25″ Deep | 16″ Wide x 9.25″ Deep | N/A | 10″ Deep x 14″ Wide (2 Shelves) | N/A | 14″ Wide x 14″ Deep | N/A | N/A |
Mount* | |||||||||
Computer Weight/Size | 15 Pounds or Less | 12 Pounds or Less | 15 Pounds or Less | 15 Pounds or Less | 10 Pounds or Less | Up to 10 Pounds Each w/o their Bases Attached and 25″ Wide | Monitor: Up to 25″ Wide Laptop Up to 20 Pounds |
15 Pounds or Less | Monitors: Up 25″ Wide Each |
Dual Ergonomics* |
Mount: VESA mount has 75 x 75 or 100 x 100 hole pattern and can tilt, pan and rotate. The hole pattern is where you can add the screws to mount your computer. So bigger screens need a different hole pattern than smaller screens.
Dual Ergonomics: Dual adjustment (work surface and monitor adjust separately)
Warranty Information
Stated on the Kangaroo site: Non-Electric Kangaroo Desk’s Gas Springs and all moving parts come with a full five-year warranty and the steel structural frames come with a ten-year warranty. The Electrical units come with a full two-year warranty on their electric components.
VARIDESK Review
If you’re looking for a desk mount to turn your standard desk into a convertible sitting to standing desk, VARIDESK is another excellent option. They specialize in different styles of desk mounts, so if you need a standing desk for your single, dual or multi monitors they’ve got you covered. Keyboard trays are another optional feature.
Two members of our team have these style desk mounts and love them. They say going from a seated to a standing position requires little effort since the desk is easy to move up and down.
VARIDESK also offers cubical specific desk mounts that you can use in a cube working environment. They recently added some standing desks to their lineup as well so the company now offers desk mounts and standing desks.
Personal Experience
Varidesk is the perfect addition to my existing desk setup since it allows me to adjust between sitting and standing easily. It is extremely heavy and sturdy (so don’t use it on a wobbly table!), but this also makes it a trustworthy solution for my laptop and monitor to adjust. Despite its weight, it is effortless to adjust. – Michelle S., Safe Smart Living
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Pricing
VARIDESK offers many desk mount options including ones specially made for a cubicle. They also have a Pro Desk line which is adjustable standing desks. Below are some of the standing desk options they offer.
Price | Height | Width | Depth | Capacity | Keyboard Tray | Monitors | |
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Laptop 30 | Check Amazon for availability | 5″ to 15.5″ | 30″ | 24.75″ | 35 Pounds | Laptop | |
Pro 30 | Check Amazon for availability | 5″ to 15.5″ | 30″ | 26.75″ | 35 Pounds | Single | |
Pro Plus 30 | $339.99 | 4.5″ to 17.5″ | 30″ | 29.75″ | 35 Pounds | Single | |
Pro 36 | Check Amazon for availability | 5″ to 15.5″ | 36″ | 26.75″ | 35 Pounds | Dual | |
Pro Plus 36 | $339.99 | 4.5″ to 17.5″ | 36″ | 29.75″ | 35 Pounds | Dual | |
Cube Plus 40 | 4.5″ to 17.5″ | 40″ | 23.75″ | 35 Pounds | Dual | ||
Pro Plus 48 | $525.00 | 4.5″ to 17.5″ | 48″ | 29.75″ | 45 Pounds | Multi | |
Cube Plus 48 | Check Amazon for availability | 4.5″ to 17.5″ | 48″ | 23.75″ | 35 Pounds | Dual | |
Cube Corner 36 | 4.5″ to 17.5″ | 36″ | 33.5″ | 35 Pounds | Dual | ||
Cube Corner 48 | Check Amazon for availability | 4.5″ to 17.5″ | 48″ | 33.5″ | 35 Pounds | Dual | |
Exec 40 | Check on Amazon | 4.75″ to 23″ | 40″ | 19.5″ | 45 Pounds | Multi | |
Pro Desk 48 | Check Amazon for availability | 29.75″ to 42″ | 48″ | 32″ | 45 Pounds | Multi |
XDesk Review
XDesk (formerly NextDesk) prides themselves on their high-design bamboo and aluminum desks. These desks are very alluring and Xdesk says they’re a more environmentally-friendly option than some alternative materials.
These desks can be personalized to fit your workspace ergonomically and aesthetically. The company says the desks can be assembled in minutes with five easy steps, but they also offer a third-party assembly option starting at $199. With all the features and add-ons, an XDesk could cost you as much as $10,000.
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Pricing
Below are the different desks available from XDesk at their lowest price.
Model | MSRP (Starting) | Capacity | Min-Max Height | Depth | Width |
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CrossOver | $447 | 100 pounds | 0.5” – 20.75” | Not Listed | Not Listed |
Flex | $599 | 150 pounds | 24.5″ – 43.2″ | 24″ | 30″ and 36″ |
Solo | $897 | 250 pounds | 24″ – 50.5″ | 24″ | 30″ and 36″ |
Solo Plus | $997 | 250 pounds | 24″ – 50.5″ | 24″ | 30″ and 36″ |
Up | $897 | N/A | 36″ – 43″ | 31.5″ | 63.5″ and 79″ |
Encore | $1,097 | 315 – 630 pounds | 24″ – 50.5″ | 30″ | 48″, 60″ and 72″ |
Classic Terra | $1,497 | 315 pounds | 24″ – 50.5″ | 31.5″ | 63.5″ and 79″ |
Terra 2 | $1,547 | 315 pounds | 24″ – 50.5″ | 30″ and 31.5″ | 48″, 60″, 63″, 72″ and 79″ |
Terra 2s | $1,697 | 315 pounds | 24″ – 50.5″ | 30″ and 31.5″ | 48″, 60″, 63″, 72″ and 79″ |
Air | $2,178 | 315 pounds | 24″ – 50.5″ | 31.5″ | 63.5″ and 79″ |
Terra Pro | $2,697 | 630 pounds | 24″ – 50.5″ | 31.5″ | 63.5″ and 79″ |
Air Pro | $3,378 | 630 pounds | 24″ – 50.5″ | 31.5″ | 63.5″ and 79″ |
L-Shape | $3,350 | Custom | Custom | Custom | Custom |
U-Shape | $4,350 | Custom | Custom | Custom | Custom |
Porter | $4,485 | 600 pounds | 24.5″ – 43.2″ | 30″ | 72″ |
Wynstone | $5,270 | 600 pounds | 24.5″ – 43.2″ | 30″ | 72″ |
Copland | $5,775 | 600 pounds | 24.5″ – 43.2″ | 30″ | 72″ |
Dalton | $6,320 | 600 pounds | 24.5″ – 43.2″ | 30″ | 72″ |
Custom | Call for Quote | Custom | Custom | Custom | Custom |
Desk Add-Ons
Some of the add-ons for XDesk are listed below.
Aluminum Finish | Attachments | Monitor Arms | Software | Miscellaneous |
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Silver Gloss (+$97) | Connect (+$147) Holds the CPU |
Single Monitor Arm (+$197) | NextDesk Pulse (+$79) Collects Real-Time Fitness Data |
Vanity Cover (+$147) Conceals Cables |
Silver Matte (+$147) | Xdesk Fit (+$999) Treadmill |
Dual Monitor Arm (+$327) | Power Management (+$99) Power Protection |
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Black Matte (+$197) | Artisan Bar (+$247) | 3rd Party Assembly (+$149) Have Them Assemble for You |
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Keyboard Platform (+$327) | ||||
Harmon Kardon Sound System(+$197) |
What Are The Benefits Of Standing?
The real ergonomic benefit to your working life comes with change. You don’t want to be standing or sitting all day. Take frequent breaks, go outside and breathe some fresh air, take the dogs for a walk, etc. If you’re in your office for several hours a day like most of us, you’ll need a standing desk as part of that “change” formula to keep you healthy. Read our article on the benefits of standing desks for the lowdown from our experts.
Which standing desk are you leaning towards? Let us know in the comments!
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