Best Sit Stand Desk to Upgrade Your Home and Office

Ian Mutuli
Updated on
Ian Mutuli

Ian Mutuli

Founder and Managing Editor of Archute. He is also a graduate architect from The University of Nairobi, Kenya.
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Sitting for long periods can be tiring and is also not recommended. If you spend most of your day sitting at an office desk, it is advisable to be the best sit-stand desk or an adjustable standing desk. Although alternatives like the standing desk converters are becoming popular, they may fail to provide the best solution a standing desk can.

A sit-to-stand table is a complete desk that can move from sitting to standing heights and vice versa. There are various types of these desks, including electric, crank, and pneumatic. An electric standing desk, operated with a push of a button, is the most popular option when it comes to finding a complete standing desk.

The best productivity is enjoyed by those who constantly alternate sitting and standing throughout the day. If you want to achieve the most ergonomic adjustability out of a standing desk, read on to find out the best standing desks as well as the main factors you should consider before buying one.

5 Best Sitting And Standing Desks

1. ApexDesk Elite Series Electric Height Adjustable Standing Desk

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If you're looking to get multiple monitors and a lot of desk space for all your accessories, then the ApexDesk Elite Series Electric Standing Desk is a great option. As the best overall standing desk, this quality desk comes in two sizes, the 71-inch, and the 60-inch, to cater to your space needs.

It features a dual-motor lifting system with a smooth and a little slow lifting mechanism. It also has a controller with four height settings. With a lifting weight capacity of about 100kg, this standing desk can for sure support lots of hardware on top of it.

The Elite standing desk is sturdily built with the center beam that provides greater stability without the need to have a crossbar underneath. The 71 inches wide and 33 inches deep can hold up to three screens and is one of the biggest standing desks in the market today. The crossbar is fixed, and the legs are secured with locking levers.

Pros:

  • High-quality build.
  • Loads of desktop space.
  • Supports 100kg of kit on your desk.
  • Adjustable presets.
  • Huge work surface.
  • Powerful dual-motor lifting system.
  • Unique design and structure to match your office furniture.

Cons:

  • Lifting speed is a little slow.

2. SHW Electric Memory Preset Height Adjustable Computer Desk

Sale
SHW Memory Preset Electric Height Adjustable Standing...
  • Digital Display Handset - 4 memory preset options for easy...
  • Electric Lift System - Fully motorized lift from 28 to 45 Inches...
  • Telescopic Height Adjustment - The strong legs use telescopic...
  • Desk Top includes grommet to organize your cords and de-clutter...
  • Measures - 47.25" L x 24" W x 28-45 " H ; Patent No: US D934,012...

The SHW Electric Memory Preset Height Adjustable Computer Desk is one of the best standing desks because it offers a stable and functional operation. It offers the same functionality as the high-end models but at an affordable price. It has an electric motor and four memory presets that make it easier to adjust.

Compared to other competing models, it is a bit lighter, making the moving and assembly easier. It is a fully motorized lift system that lifts a desk height from 28 to 46 inches. The legs use a telescopic adjustment to transition from a sitting to a standing height.

It is also made from high-grade industrial steel, and the desktop has grommets that help you organize the cords. The table comes in a variety of sizes and designs, and the adjustable leg glides ensure that you stay level on any surface.

Pros:

  • Sturdy and durable quality.
  • Simple assembly.
  • Relatively lightweight.
  • The presets are available for easy adjustments.
  • Affordable price.
  • Great functionality.

Cons:

  • The motor may slow down over time.
  • Lower weight capacity.

3. FLEXISPOT Standing Desk Converter M7B 28 Inches

Sale
FLEXISPOT Electric Standing Desk 48 x 24 x (28.6-46.3)...
  • COZY & ERGONOMIC WHOLE-PIECE WORKSPACE: Spacious 48” x 24”...
  • ELECTRIC HEIGHT ADJUSTABLE LIFT SYSTEM: The motor lift mechanism...
  • SOLID CONSTRUCTION: An industrial-grade steel frame combined with...
  • BUILT FOR WORK FROM HOME: The perfect standing desk to allow...
  • PLEASE NOTE: This product is also covered by a 5-year warranty...

If you already have an existing desk but would like to convert it to a standing version, then the Flexisport Standing desk converter is the best option. Unlike other standing desk converters, the Flexispot standing desk converter features an effortless transition that will save you the hassle. It transitions into a standing desk allowing you to adapt postures for maximum productivity and comfort.

The two-tier design is ergonomically designed for typing and reading. The top tier of this standing desk converter measures 28.4 inches in width and can hold a monitor of up to 27 inches without any struggles, while the base tier is 12.1 inches deep and can hold a keyboard and mouse as well as a 13-inch laptop.

It is designed to sit on top of a table or desk and is much more affordable than buying a separate standing desk. The Flexispot standing desk converter features a hydraulic system that aids in height adjustment, although you may need to do it manually since it doesn't have an electric motor.

Pros:

  • Very affordable price.
  • Stable and durable.
  • Two-tier design with a keyboard tray.
  • A standing desk converter that will sit on your existing desk.
  • A hydraulic system for easy adjustment.
  • Easy assembly.

Cons:

  • Manually powered, not electric.
  • Requires an existing desk

4. UPLIFT V2 Bamboo Standing Desk

Uplift Desk Bamboo (48 x 30 inch) Standing Desk 2-Leg...
  • ELECTRIC HEIGHT ADJUSTABLE DESK: Height range with 1" thick...
  • STRONG, FAST, CAPABLE, DURABLE, & SAFE: 355 lb lifting capacity;...
  • ONE-TOUCH HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT: Advanced Comfort Flush Memory Keypad...
  • 1" THICK BAMBOO: High-quality bamboo desktops are 40% harder than...
  • 15 YEAR WARRANTY: all-inclusive warranty against damage or...

The Uplift V2 is another best standing desk that boasts great build quality, solid wood, and stable standing. It comes with dual motors, which means one can change the heights smoothly, quickly, and quietly. It also features anti-collision technology, which means that if your desk is lowering and it hits something, it will stop.

Uplift V2 bamboo desk has a large number of mounting points and also comes with extras, including an under desk hammock, which you can attach under the desk when it's fully raised. You also get a ton of choices in terms of sizes and colors to choose from, built-in cable management, and corner or curved models.

It is a 1"-thick solid bamboo desktop that is sturdy, environmentally friendly, attractive and comes with two wire management covers. With a 355-pound lifting weight capacity and 3-stage legs, the uplift model assures users of stability. The frame also includes a wire management tray. However, this Uplift model lacks an option to add a cross beam like the V2 commercial model.

Pros:

  • Great for tall individuals.
  • Accommodates multiple gear and monitors.
  • 10-year warranty.
  • Durable construction.
  • Great design and a lot of accessories.
  • A great weight limit for heavier things.

Cons:

  • Unstable for taller heights because of lack of a center beam.
  • Slow lifting speed.

5. Fully Jarvis Standing Desk 48" X 30" Bamboo Top

The Jarvis Bamboo standing desk has been the top pick for three years features on WireCutter's, as the best standing desk. It is designed from bamboo, which is environmentally friendly. The desk frame has the ability to support a weight capacity of about 150 kgs which means it can support a wide load of items.

It is suitable for tall people who are as tall as 6 foot 7 inches. This desk moves into position quietly and smoothly and is quite sturdy. With simple adjustments using the up and down control panel or a programmable handset, one can easily achieve the preferred height.

You can find the Jarvis desk as a rectangular desk shape, contoured with a concave curve on the front side or an L-shaped model that fits perfectly in a corner. This desk also offers a number of nifty options, including drawers, a desk shelf, and desk lamps, or a gas-activated monitor arm.

Pros:

  • Great quality construct.
  • Green-friendly credentials.
  • Lots of extras.
  • 10-year warranty on frame + electronics.
  • Wide variety of top options.
  • Great weight capacity.

Cons:

  • Pricey.
  • White grease may build up on legs.

Factors To Consider Before Buying The Best Standing Desk

1. Safety

One of the most important things to consider is if the standing desk is safe for use. The desk should have a stable and sturdy structure that can withstand heavy use as well as your workplace situation.

If you have a number of accessories, e.g., the bin rails or shelves above your work surface, you need to ensure the frame of the standing desk can withstand loads of accessories on your worktop without falling.

2. Desktop Size/ Space

Most often, the primary worktop space is usually small. When selecting the best standing desk, it is important to consider your worktop size and if you have enough space for the standing desk to fit. Also, think about other areas like the staircase, doors, etc., that the table has to pass through. It should be able to fit your office space and design.

3. Height Adjustment

As mentioned, there are different types of adjustable desks. Electric standing desks are important when you need to adjust the workbench several times a day because several workers use the same bench or require a different working posture.

If the height of the workbench needs to be adjusted only once or twice a day, like during a shift change, then you can use the hand crank. All adjustable height standing desks come in the different low and high ranges for standing and sitting. This depends on the brand and different styles.

If you're short or extremely tall, you might find that some models might not favor you. This is why it is important to always check the specs in order to find out if you will be comfortable standing and sitting with the adjustable height standing desk.

4. Easy To Use

It is important to ensure the standing desk is easy to operate no matter the tasks or the workers using it. The adjustment of the height should be effortless and shouldn't require any tools or excess force. The standing desk converters should also be easy to attach to the existing tables.

5. Range Of Accessories Available

Different standing desks come with different accessories, including an LCD screen, auxiliary shelves, an equipment tray, document holder, keyboard tray, etc. Some may have wheel attachments for better movement, while others will allow you to mount the manual or electric height control from left to right according to your preference.

Some of the standing desks come with two levels which means you can put the mouse and the keyboard on the lower level while the monitor is on the higher level. You need to factor all the above extra features in your purchase decision.

6. Electric Or Manual

While a manual desk costs less than an electric standing desk, the electric ones are considered to be the best standing desks when it comes to convenience. A manual standing desk that has hand cranks, pneumatic pedals, or other manual controls is quieter and lighter because it doesn't have a heavy and noisy motor mounted under the desk.

On the other hand, electric desks will allow easy, easy lowering and raising with a press of a button. Some electric desks have digital height readouts, which means you can easily return to the same standing or sitting height you had before.

7. Price Point

Just like anything else, the prices of standing desks range widely depending on the brand, style, size, among many other factors. However, you can always find one that is within your budget.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) On Standing Desks

1. Are Sit And Stand Desks Worth It?

Although these desks are a little overhyped, they are definitely worth it, especially for someone who spends most of the sitting. Sitting all day on your desk is not good for your health, and it is advisable to stand at least for ten minutes every hour.

2. How Long Should You Stand At A Desk Per Day?

In order to achieve the maximum health benefits, research has shown that it is best to stand for about 30 minutes every hour.

3. Is A Standing Desk Better Than A Sitting One?

Standing is said to have more health benefits compared to sitting. This is because while standing, one tends to burn more calories, and muscle activity lowers the risks of heart attacks and strokes.

4. Is It Unhealthy To Use A Standing Desk All Day?

Studies have shown that even if you're working actively on a standing desk, the lower body is usually relatively static, which means a decreased circulation. The less movement throughout your day may impact your body, causing more aches and pains. This is why standing as well as moving more throughout the day is important as it will impact your health positively.

Ian Mutuli

About the author

Ian Mutuli

Founder and Managing Editor of Archute. He is also a graduate architect from The University of Nairobi, Kenya.
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