Having one of the best standing desks could transform your life for the better. Chances are you're still working from home with no end in sight, so it pays to make your work environment as comfortable and safe as possible.
Standing desks are an increasingly popular choice; they prevent you from slouching in a chair all day, they can help improve your posture and reduce back pain, and it's even been suggested that they can help reduce anxiety.
What sort of standing desk should you go for? Ideally you should choose one with adjustable height, so you can find the working position that's best for you and even sit down for a bit if you feel like it. Some standing desks are motorised, enabling you to adjust the height at a touch of a button, while others use hand cranks or counterweights, giving you the same control for less expense. And if you're wedded to your existing desk there are options that'll sit on top of it and transform it into a standing desk.
If you want to give your studio a complete overhaul, don't miss our guides to the best office chairs and best desks (for those of you who are happy sitting, that is). Below, you'll find all the best deals on the best standing desks available right now.
Best standing desks in the US
An important thing to consider with motorised standing desks is the weight they can support, and the 3-stage, dual-motor E5 frame that we tested supports up to 125kg, which is 5kg more than the Flytta 2, and all for around half the price. In our testing we had a desktop PC, 3D printer, keyboard, and printer on the desk, and the motor did a brilliant job.
Having chosen which frame you want, you’ll need to select a top. We opted for a maple top section, but you have the choice of up to nine different colours and finishes, such as maple, marble, white, and mahogany, and you also get a more limited selection of colours to choose from with the frame. Assembling the table is a cinch, and you’ll be up and running within an hour or so; maybe even sooner if you have some help with the assembly (which we’d recommend).
The desk is operated via an energy-efficient LED display, which goes into sleep mode to reduce power usage when the desk is stationary. Using this display, you can pre-set three different height options, and it even has an alarm to remind you when to take a screen break, if required. For the price, it’s hard to see where this desk can be beaten right now.
The Humanscale Float will make switching to a standing desk effortless. Rather than a crank or motors, it uses a counterbalance mechanism (much like a sash window) that lets you change its height in seconds, making it a clear entry for this best standing desks article. You can adjust it single-handed, even fully laden with computer equipment, reference books and other work; just turn the weight adjustment handle a few times to compensate, then press the handle under the desktop and lift or lower it. The Humanscale Float is tough too, and environmentally sound with a frame made from recycled steel and a tabletop made without toxic chemicals.
Like the Yo-Yo Desk 90 above, the Varidesk Pro Plus 36 collapses flat for transport and storage, and can be raised and lowered easily thanks to its spring-loaded design (with 11 different height settings). The Varidesk has a more plush, premium feel than the Yo-Yo, with a less industrial look and smoother edges. It's seriously strong too, with an upper level that's easily capable of supporting a dual-monitor setup, or a monitor and laptop. The lower deck provides enough space for a full-sized keyboard, mouse, plus a graphics tablet for illustrators.
The Ergotron WorkFit-TX is designed to help you maintain good posture while you're working long hours on a project. This standing desk adaptor's adjustable drop-down tray helps you maintain the correct distance beween your hands and monitor, and can also be used while you're sitting (the whole unit flattens down to just a few inches). The WorkFit-TX provides a huge workspace for monitors, laptops, graphics tablets and other devices, and it can support up to 40lb of equipment without so much as a wobble. It's not cheap, but it's an impressive feat of engineering that will transform your workspace. One of the best standing desks, and to our mind, the best ergonomic standing desks.
Many of the best standing desks are adjusted by electric motors, but as with the Flexispot featured above, the Ikea SKARSTA uses a manual crank handle instead. Not only does this make it a more affordable option (those electrical components don't come cheap), it also means that this desk is lighter than many others without compromising on strength. You can adjust the height between 70cm and 120cm, letting you work comfortably either sitting or standing. The crank can be fitted on either side, depending on whether you're right or left-handed, and can be tucked neatly out of the way when not in use.
Install the Desk Control app on your smartphone or tablet, and you can adjust the height of the Ikea IDASEN standing desk without even touching it. Just tap with your thumb to choose exactly the right level for sitting or standing, and let the motors do the rest. The veneer desktop might not be to everyone's liking, but it's durable and wipes clean easily (handy if you use soft media like charcoal or pastels) with contours to support your wrists. A net underneath helps keep wires and cables out of the way, leaving you more room to work, all of which makes this one of the best standing desks around.
Build a little exercise into your standing desk regime with this model from Flexispot. Instead of a motor it uses a hand crank, which means it's not only cheaper than comparable standing desks, it also frees you of the worry of the motor failing on you; these things happen. There's a roomy surface measuring 55 by 28 inches, and the desk's weight capacity is 154lb, which should be more than enough for all your office tech. Be aware that the desk ships in two separate packages and will require assembly, including a bit of drilling. We've seen criticism of the quality of the crank, too; be careful with it.
Best standing desks in UK
It should be no great surprise that the best standing desk in the UK is the same one as in the US. Flexispot's standing desk has everything you need: a dual-motor E5 frame that can support up to 125kg, a great choice of frames, tops, and colours, and reasonably easy assembly.
The desk can be raised and lowered via an LED display that'll go into low-power sleep mode when the desk is stationary, and you can set three height options for ease of use. It'll even tell you to go and take a screen break if you want it to; a very welcome feature in our opinion. In short this desk hits the sweet spot of functionality and price; if you're in the market for a standing desk then this should be your first choice.
Flytta is a Nordic word meaning 'move', and the smart Flytta 2 standing desk can do exactly that. It features dual motors that adjust its height smoothly, with collision-detection technology to avoid accidents when lowering it. It has a lift capacity of 120kg, making it suitable for even heavy desktop computers, and can store your preferred stitting and standing heights for future use. The Flytta 2 is available as a frame only (if you have an existing top that you want to use) or a complete desk, so make sure you pick the right option when ordering.
If you use a shared workspace then the Yo-Yo Desk 90 might be the tool for you. It folds down flat for easy carrying, and allows you to transform any regular desk into a standing one. It's not flimsy, either; this portable standing desk solution a strong gas spring that allows it to open and close smoothly, and lock securely in place. The keyboard tray is detachable too, letting it pack down even smaller for stashing in a bag. This model is recommended if you're between five and six feet tall, but Yo-Yo also makes desks for shorter and taller people.
If you're looking for the best standing desk to make a statement in your studio, take a look at the Eiger Pro. Simply slot this standing desk adaptor together (choosing your own height for the monitor and keyboard sections) and you're ready to get to work. Its unusual design means it's not suitable for desktop PCs, but if you use a laptop it's surprisingly practical thanks to thoughtfully designed cable management, a smartphone dock, and even a pen well. It's made from sustainably sourced birch coated with a clear lacquer that'll keep it looking great for years to come.
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