We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Shopping Home Products Furniture The 7 Best Standing Desks of 2024, Tested and Reviewed After months of testing, we found the best standing desks for all office setups. By Leslie Joblin and Jen Woo Jen Woo Jen Woo is a freelance design, lifestyle, and culture writer and content strategist with over ten years of experience. She is a regular contributor to Dwell and contributing editor at 7x7. Real Simple's Editorial Guidelines Updated on May 28, 2024 In This Article View All In This Article Our Top Picks Reviews Final Verdict Our Testing Process How to Shop More to Consider FAQs Take Our Word for It Photo: Real Simple / Ashleigh Morley The many hours dedicated to devices and computer tasks may be causing neck pain—commonly known as "tech neck"—and other pervasive issues including arched backs, hunkered shoulders, and extended chins. Even the most active people can suffer from the stiffness and sleepiness associated with a sedentary workday. While there are many small tweaks you can make to minimize pain and poor posture, one powerful way to combat workday woes is to use a standing desk. These can be lifted and lowered, allowing you to shift seamlessly between sitting and standing positions and, in turn, help change your posture and promote stretching throughout the workday. We set out to identify the best standing desks on the market, testing the many options available and considering criteria such as weight capacity, height range, and stability. We also consulted Heather White, master ergonomist for the Ergonomics Center at North Carolina State University, and Nick McElhiney, certified ergonomic assessment specialist and owner of Ergonomic Evolution, to get the scoop on the potential benefits of standing desks and advice on how to best utilize them. Our Top Picks Best Overall : Flexispot Comhar Standing Desk at Amazon $400 Jump to Review Best Budget : Radlove Height Adjustable Standing Desk at Amazon $360 Jump to Review Best Splurge : Lillipad Standing Desk at Lillipad.com Jump to Review Best Adjustable : Seville Classics airLIFT Desk at Wayfair $370 Jump to Review Best Manual : Threshold Loring Adjustable Standing Desk at Target $200 Jump to Review Best Basic : SALE Vari Electric Standing Desk at Amazon $350 $245 Jump to Review Best Converter : TechOrbits OF-S06-2 37 Inch Desk Converter at Amazon $160 Jump to Review Best Overall Flexispot Comhar Standing Desk PHOTO: Amazon $400 at Amazon View on Flexispot.com What Stands Out This substantial desk has a middle drawer where you can stash office supplies. What Could Be Improved The weight capacity is only 110 pounds. The FlexiSpot Comhar desk has a sleek design and sturdy build that looks great in the workspace while bringing extra functionality to it. In testing, the desk was pretty quiet when changing height, and the height controller was easy to use. It even let us program height presets, so the desk rose to our ideal height each time. It can reach a maximum height of 47.6 inches, which can accommodate people up to 6-foot-5. Setting up this desk was simple and took us only 15 minutes, which was the fastest out of all the desks we tested. Once assembled, we were amazed at how strong and durable it felt—after using the desk for a year and a half, it still looks as good as new, with no scratches or signs of wear. It even came with a few convenient bonus features including built-in USB cables, a charging port, and a child lock button to prevent kids from accidentally lowering it. We especially like its wide desk drawer, which helps us stay organized. This desk comes in 48-inch-wide and 55-inch-wide options, and you can choose between a glass or wood desktop. However, it has a weight capacity of 110 pounds, which is lower than other desks we tried. In our testing, we were able to keep multiple computers and laptops on it without any issues, but if you need to use a lot of heavy office equipment, you may want to consider other options. Tabletop Size: 47.3 by 23.7 inches or 55 by 28 inches | Height Range: 28.3 to 47.6 inches | Lift Mechanism: Electric | Weight Capacity: 110 pounds Real Simple / Michelle Parente Real Simple / Michelle Parente Best Budget Radlove Height Adjustable Standing Desk PHOTO: Amazon $360 at Amazon What Stands Out This desk offers great durability at a less expensive price. What Could Be Improved There’s no way to lock the height, which can result in it accidentally being adjusted. While this standing desk is at a lower price point, its quality and ease of use blew us away. It rose and lowered effortlessly, even after a year and half of use, and we were able to preset up to four different heights for an extra-seamless adjustment process. We also appreciated the hooks on the side, which allowed us to hang a backpack or briefcase. It took an hour to assemble, which was a little time consuming, but the instructions were clear to follow. The only issue we had with this desk was its height adjustment buttons. There wasn’t a way to lock our position, so if you work from home with playful kids, they may change the desk height and disrupt your workflow. The desk also offers a few cable management features to limit cord clutter, namely a wire basket at the back of the desk to organize cables and a couple of holes to pass cables through. While these features were useful, they certainly have room for improvement: The wire basket is small, so depending on how many wires you have in it, it may not be able to hold all of your cables. Plus, the cable hole covers don’t sit flush against the desk. Despite these minor flaws, this desk offers a lot of value given the price. We used it daily for over a year, and it still works perfectly. It can accommodate up to 176 pounds, which is more than enough for our needs, and it looks great in our space, so we don’t have to sacrifice style for function. This pick is also incredibly versatile—it's available in a few size options spanning 48 to 63 inches in width, and it even comes in an L-shaped style. Tabletop Size: 48 by 24 inches, 55 by 24 inches, 59 by 24 inches, or 63 by 30 inches | Height Range: 27 to 45 inches | Lift Mechanism: Electric | Weight Capacity: 176 pounds Real Simple / Ashleigh Morley Best Splurge Lillipad Standing Desk PHOTO: Lillipad View on Lillipad.com What Stands Out This desk doesn’t require any assembly, and it holds up to 350 pounds. What Could Be Improved It noticeably whines while you're adjusting it, and there's no extra storage. While the Lillipad standing desk is a splurge, convenience is built into almost every aspect of it. It doesn't require any assembly, so we just had to unfold it and plug it in to start using it. We also appreciated its wheeled legs, which maneuvered easily on our heavy carpet and allowed us to adjust its positioning in our office with minimal hassle. And for people living in small spaces, its compact size is an added perk; you can refold your Lillipad and stash it under a bed or couch to save space. This desk is available in two height options that can accommodate people up to 5-foot-9 and taller than 5-foot-10, and you can customize the presets to save your ideal desk height, making it great for people who share a desk. Depending on the size you get, the tabletop will be either 46.25 or 52 inches wide, and it has been tested to hold up to 350 pounds of gear. It even comes with a hole for mounting a monitor for even more room on the work surface. The only downsides to this desk were that it didn’t offer any storage aside from its spacious tabletop, and it whined when we adjusted the height. That said, those are small flaws considering its overall sturdiness and versatility. And, after one year of use, the desk has maintained the same quality as day one, making it a long-lasting choice. Overall, we think this is a great investment for those looking to upgrade their work-from-home game. Tabletop Size: 46.25 by 24 inches or 52 by 25 inches | Height Range: Up to 42 inches or up to 48 inches | Lift Mechanism: Electric | Weight Capacity: 350 pounds Real Simple / Anna Knief Real Simple / Anna Knief Best Adjustable Seville Classics airLIFT Desk PHOTO: Amazon $370 at Wayfair $370 at Walmart View on Sevilleclassics.com What Stands Out This sturdy desk adjusts seamlessly and has a streamlined design that looks good in any space. What Could Be Improved It’s pretty heavy, so you need two people to move it around the room. Able to rise between 27 and 48 inches, this desk has one of the most precise height adjustment controls we tested. Using the up and down arrows on the digital interface, we were able to set it to the exact height we wanted, right down to the decimal. It also can save three height presets—making it handy for anyone who shares a desk—and it doesn’t wobble or jerk while changing heights. We put multiple fragile items on our desktop, including a vase and ceramic candle, and we didn’t have to worry about them falling over. Putting this desk together was a breeze. It only took us 30 minutes, though moving the box it came in from the porch, up a flight of stairs, and into the office space was a workout. The package was large and over 50 pounds, so it took two people to move it into the apartment, and if we wanted to adjust its location in our space, it would be best if a second person were there to help. That said, we think its sturdiness, durability, and high quality made up for it. After six months of use, this desk has held up beautifully, with no scratches or signs of wear and tear. A standout feature of this desk is its center drawer, which clicks firmly shut to prevent it from opening during height adjustments. We also appreciate its simple and sleek style, which can match pretty much any existing interior decor. Thanks to the well-made design, the desk has great tabletop surface area—47.5 inches by 24 inches inches to be precise—without looking bulky whatsoever. With the Seville Classics AirLift Desk, there's no need to sacrifice aesthetics for functionality. Tabletop Size: 47.6 by 24 inches | Height Range: 27.5 to 46.5 inches | Lift Mechanism: Electric | Weight Capacity: 176 pounds Real Simple / Taylor Rock Real Simple / Taylor Rock Best Manual Threshold Loring Adjustable Standing Desk $200 at Target What Stands Out This no-frills desk has a sleek look and uses a hand crank to adjust its height without making extra noise. What Could Be Improved The desk came without pre-drilled holes specified in the assembly instructions, so we had to drill them ourselves. Measuring 47 by 24 inches wide, this desktop offers an excellent amount of surface area. It supported all of our work essentials—including a monitor, laptop, keyboard, and office stationery—with plenty of space left over, and it never wobbled or felt unsteady while changing heights. Despite these benefits, this desk did not make a great first impression. The instructions said to insert screws into pre-drilled holes that were nonexistent, so we had to purchase a drill to finish setting it up, which ended up taking over four hours. Once assembly was out of the way, we started to warm up to this desk. The base is made of metal, so it’s strong and secure, and it adjusts between 29 and 48 inches to accommodate a good range of heights. After using the standing desk for six months, we've noticed a significant decrease in back, neck, and knee pain. While it doesn’t have any drawers, we still think it’s a good pick for people who want a simple, fuss-free adjustable desk, so long as they’re prepared for a longer assembly process. This desk uses a hand crank to adjust its height rather than an electric mechanism, which has its pros and cons. On the plus side, it eliminates extra cords, doesn’t make any noise, and allows for small adjustments while you’re working. However, the hand crank was a little stiff to use, and it may be inconvenient to manually lower or raise your desk each time you want to change your position. There also isn’t a way to save a height preset, so it takes some trial and error to get it at the exact right height. Tabletop Size: 47.24 by 23.62 inches | Height Range: 28.66 to 48.35 inches | Lift Mechanism: Hand crank | Weight Capacity: 121 pounds Real Simple / Brit Haines Best Basic Vari Electric Standing Desk PHOTO: Vari $245 at Amazon $450 at Vari.com What Stands Out It offers some nifty cord management solutions and is simple to assemble. What Could Be Improved It takes up a lot of room and lacks storage space, so it’s not ideal for small apartment living. The Vari Essential Electric Standing Desk was a bit cumbersome to carry up to our apartment—it’s definitely a two-person job—but once inside, we found it surprisingly easy to assemble as the whole desk came together in less than 30 minutes. We were also impressed by the quality: It didn’t scratch or show any signs of damage after carrying it up three flights of stairs, nor did we observe any changes in performance throughout six months of use. We also liked how intuitive the height controller was to use, offering four preset buttons we could program. Plus, it was almost silent while changing heights. This roomy desk offered lots of tabletop space at 24 inches by 48 inches, which was more than enough space to keep our computers, monitors, and work devices within arm's reach. We also appreciated the cord organizers and thoughtfully placed indents on this desk that helped contain cable clutter. When it comes to managing desktop mess, though, this pick could use some improvement. It doesn’t have any drawers or shelves to organize belongings, so it’s not an efficient use of space for cramped apartments where things pile up quickly. In all, the quality, ease of use, and simple assembly make this desk a fantastic deal that we think is more than worth it if you’re looking to improve your posture and break up your workday. Tabletop Size: 48 by 24 inches | Height Range: 27.5 to 47.2 inches | Lift Mechanism: Electric | Weight Capacity: 150 pounds Real Simple / Anna Popp Real Simple / Anna Popp Best Converter TechOrbits OF-S06-2 37 Inch Desk Converter PHOTO: Amazon $160 at Amazon What Stands Out The one-sided lift mechanism makes it easy to raise and adjust. What Could Be Improved You may need a separate keyboard, as your laptop may feel too cramped on the lower level and too far on the higher one. If you want to experiment with a standing desk without committing to one full time, consider a standing desk converter. Converters provide versatility, allowing you to maximize your small setup and transition between sitting and standing as you please. Achieving perfect scores in durability, comfort, and value, the TechOrbits Desk Converter secured the top spot in our test of standing desk converters. Despite arriving in two pieces, the converter only took us about 10 minutes to assemble. We appreciate the one-sided lift mechanism with a handle, which made it easy to raise and lower the converter without requiring a two-hand squeeze. We were particularly amazed by this converter's stability— it didn't wobble at all when we leaned on it or move at all as we worked. This converter fits perfectly on our desk, taking up most of the depth while leaving enough room on the sides for some trinkets and decor. The upper level has enough space for two monitors or a monitor and a notebook, with a thin trench to keep your phone. Just shy of 20 inches in height, this converter proved to be comfortable for those of us on the taller side, promoting neck alignment and better posture. However, you may need to use a separate keyboard with this pick—our laptop felt too low and cramped when on the lower level, and too high and distant on the upper level. Tabletop Size: 37.4 by 16.1 inches | Height Range: 5 to 19.88 inches | Lift Mechanism: Hand crank | Weight Capacity: 35 pounds Final Verdict Based on its fuss-free assembly process, durability, and storage capacity, we chose the FlexiSpot EW8 Comhar Electric Standing Desk with Drawers as our top pick. If you’re not looking to make a huge investment but still want a high-performing product, we recommend the Radlove Electric Height Adjustable Standing Desk. Our Testing Process To find the best standing desks, we put 14 popular models to the test in our own homes. For each desk, we noted how the package was delivered, how cumbersome it was to move into our space, and how easy it was to unbox and put together. Then, we used our standing desks regularly over the months-long testing period, during which we evaluated their comfort, the effectiveness of their lift mechanisms, sturdiness, durability, and the ease of creating preset heights. Each model was tested for at least six months, though some were tested for as long as a year and a half. We also made note of any neck or back pain that was developed or alleviated after switching to a standing desk. On desks that had storage and drawers, we considered how much storage they offered and how smoothly they opened and shut. Finally, we rated each desk based on setup experience, design, durability, comfort, and overall value for money. Real Simple / Brit Haines How to Shop for Standing Desks Like a Pro Mechanism Standing desks feature either manual or electric lift mechanisms. The lift mechanism determines a few things: cost, ease of use, adjustability, and noise level. An electric lift makes for a pricier purchase, though it also increases the ease of use considerably, allowing you to raise and lower the desk at the push of a button. Often, electric lifts also come with programmable memory presets so that you don't personally have to remember and recall ideal settings. Not only do these models do the heavy lifting for you, but they also tend to have a higher weight capacity. Those with substantial office setups (like multiple monitors or bulky speakers) should likely opt for an electric riser. Manual risers are ideal for those with lighter technology and office setups, those on a budget, or those who want something more portable. Manual desks typically operate in one of two ways: a crank, in which the user operates a handheld crank beneath the tabletop, or a spring lift, with which the user grips the tabletop and pulls it up or down at predetermined intervals. Crank models are typically more compatible with heavier setups, while spring lift models are often used in conjunction with lighter setups featuring one monitor or a laptop. Spring lift models are typically a little louder than electric risers, producing a loud clicking sound when adjusted, but they are also usually more lightweight and portable. Features If you're considering investing in a standing desk, you're already looking to optimize your workspace. Many manufacturers offer additional features and customizations that can further enhance your setup by enhancing accessibility or organization. Power grommets (in-desk power outlets) are a major convenience booster, allowing you to charge your phone, headphones, and other accessories right on the desktop. They're also one way of eliminating drooping cords that look cluttered. (Not to mention, without them, you may need to invest in longer cables that won't catch or snap when your desk extends to its greatest height.) A less expensive way of keeping your desktop free of unsightly cables is to invest in a desk with tabletop cutouts or cable organizers that allow you to thread cables through the desk or stow them away beneath the desktop. Many companies also provide accessories such as hanging baskets and hooks (or even hammocks and bikes) that are compatible with their standing desks. Size A standard standing desk will typically have a depth of around 30 inches. This enables users to place a laptop on the tabletop in front of a monitor. Users hoping for space to spread out laptops or notebooks horizontally (i.e. creating different workstations alongside their primary monitor) or for a home office printer or desk lamp should prioritize width, looking for something wider than the standard 48 inches. For those working in small home offices or homes without a designated office space, a smaller standing desk may be ideal. More Standing Desks to Consider Herman Miller Jarvis Bamboo Standing Desk: This stylish desk has a lot going for it: It's easy to assemble, it adjusts height smoothly without wobbling, and it has held up to over five years of daily use. However, we think you can find other options that are just as durable and well made at a lower price point. VIVO Electric Height Adjustable Desk: This desk had a frustrating assembly process, and we found that the controller wasn't intuitive to use—some functions required a hard press to enable while other adjustments could be made with a light tap. Despite those flaws, we love how spacious and sturdy this desk is, and it even comes with a timer to let you know when to adjust its position. Real Simple / Bianca Pineda Questions You Might Ask What are the benefits of using a standing desk? Prolonged periods of sitting can be detrimental to your health, potentially increasing the risk of heart disease, cancer, diabetes, depression, and anxiety, according to the Mayo Clinic. Thus, anyone who spends a lot of time sitting can see the benefits of adopting a standing desk. "Studies have found that energy expenditure, mood, low back comfort, productivity, and overall health all improved by increasing the amount of time spent standing during the day," White says. How often should you stand at your standing desk? Don't ditch your office chair just yet! While prolonged periods of sitting can be detrimental to your health, so can prolonged periods of standing. The key to reducing stress on the body is to keep changing your working position. "The lower half of our body—hips, knees, and ankles—are all designed for weight transference rather than a prolonged sedentary standing position," McElhiney says. He recommends people stand a maximum of 30 to 45 minutes at a time, then allow themselves to sit, rest, and recover. White agrees, adding that "alternating between sitting and standing is recommended over maintaining one type of posture throughout the day." Should you use an anti-fatigue mat with a standing desk? McElhiney warns against the use of anti-fatigue mats and other gadgets designed to allow people to stand longer while working, noting that standing for a long time is just as "sedentary" as sitting for a long time. Instead of aiming to stand longer, McElhiney says that "people who feel fatigued while standing should simply sit down and change their position completely." He also warns that "these gizmos become something people can fall off of or trip on." How high should a standing desk be? The average 5-foot-11 person requires a standing desk that's at least 44 inches tall. As a rule of thumb, a standing desk should extend high enough that the tabletop or lowest tier (essentially where your keyboard rests) should lie just beneath elbow height when your fingers reach the keyboard. The top row of characters on the computer screen should be approximately the same as the user's standing eye height. Take Our Word for It This article was written by Leslie Joblin, a writer with two years of experience writing lifestyle content, and Jen Woo, a freelance design, lifestyle, and culture writer and content strategist with over 10 years of experience. It was updated by Jamie Fischer, a commerce writer for Real Simple. To complete this roundup, we tested a variety of standing desks and evaluated them based on their setup experience, design, durability, comfort, and overall value for money. We also solicited advice from Heather White, master ergonomist for the Ergonomics Center at North Carolina State University, as well as Certified Ergonomic Assessment Specialist Nick McElhiney.