Best Standing Desks to Turn Your Pandemic Home Work Day Into a Home Workout

All of us are aware of the risks of sitting for long hours. Most of us have even faced the consequences. From stiffness and pain to heart diseases and obesity, sitting at work has affected us all at different levels. Even worse, scientists have claimed that the long-term effects of sitting cannot be countered by exercising at a specific time. We need to move more frequently throughout the day. 

This doesn’t mean you need to (or you can) take frequent breaks between work. Most of us are reeling under work pressure due to pandemic and these breaks can make things worse. 

The simplest thing that you can do to stay more active while at work is to stand. This is why standing desks are in demand these days. Even the society for human resource management states that they are the fastest-growing employee benefit in the US. 

So, can sit-stand desks be a solution to the ‘sitting disease’? Is it a miraculous product that can help you lose weight, control your blood sugar, and improve your heart health? Should you just throw away your exercise mat and dumbbells and just stand as much as you can? 

Honestly, standing desks cannot compensate for exercising. A study published in the Journal of Physical Activity and Health concluded that sitting burns 80-120 calories an hour whereas standing burns 120-160 calories, which isn’t really a game-changer (but can help). 

Yet, you must stand up at work for at least 4 times a day, each time for 30 minutes. And, if you do so, here is what you will achieve:

• You will be more productive. Studies have concluded that standing up while working can boost productivity. This happens because standing improves mood and energy flow. 
• You will be able to increase your life expectancy by 2 years. 
• You will feel more energetic. 
• You will be able to manage your stress and fatigue. 
• If you are suffering from neck and back pain, you will see an improvement. 
• You will see an improvement in your blood sugar level. 

Watch this video where two physiotherapists explain how your standing desk can help you make significant changes to your life: 

Now that you are convinced to get rid of your sedentary work culture, let’s look at some of the best standing desks that you can buy to set up an active work station at any corner of your home. 

Best Rated Standing Desks For Your Home Office 

Name	Adjustment system type	Adjustment range	Weight capacity	Our Rating	Price
Autonomous SmartDesk 2	Motorized	28″ -47″	300 lbs	4.8	Check Price
UPLIFT Standing Desk	Motorized	25.3″ -50.9″	355lbs	4.8	Check Price
Ikea Skarsta sit/stand desk	Manual	27½”- 47¼”	110lbs	4.6	Check Price
IKEA IDÅSEN sit/stand desk	Motorized	24” – 50”	154lbs	4.6	Check Price
FLEXISPOT Stand Up Desk Converter	Manual desk riser (not a desk)	Up to 17” from your desk	Not mentioned	4.7	Check Price
Stand Steady Tranzendesk 55 Inch Standing Desk	Manual	27.5” – 46”	70 lbs	4.6	Check Price
Flexispot electric height adjustment standing desk	Motorized	28″ – 47.6″	154 lbs	4.5	Check price
TechOrbits Electric Standing Desk	Motorized	28” – 48”	180 lbs	4.6	Check Price
ApexDesk Elite Series Electric Height Adjustable Standing Desk	Motorized	27.8” – 47.4”	225 lbs	4.7	Check Price
VIVO Manual Height Adjustable Stand Up Desk Frame	Manual	29″ – 48″	132 lbs	4.6	Check Price

Autonomous SmartDesk 2

With dual-motor to help you adjust its height instantly, this sit-stand office desk is perfect for anyone who is looking for something sturdy, hassle-free, and economical. You can adjust the height even when there is 300 lbs of weight placed on it. 

Features: 

• It has a robust stainless steel frame with a lifting capacity of 300 lbs.
• The motorized frame offers quick and silent height adjustment. 
• Height can be adjusted between 28″ and 47″. 
• It is available in two sizes and comes in a wide variety of finishes to blend with the overall decor of your office. 
• It comes with a 30-day trial and 5 years warranty. 

What we like about it

• It comes with all the necessary things that you would need to assemble it. 
• The assembly process is pretty easy. Even if you are not so tool-friendly you will be able to assemble it within no time. 
• The frame is wide and stable. Unlike the cheaper standing desk, it doesn’t wobble when used at max height. 
• Buyers have stated that the height adjustment process is very smooth. It doesn’t jerk, so you need not worry about your cup or bottle falling off.  

Here is what a buyer has to say about its quality and stability: 

“First off, this is not a lightweight desk, no, this is a well built under frame with lots of metal providing a substantial feel of stability and quality. I assembled it myself and the assembly process went generally well. I had a couple of screw holes that seemed to be partially damaged and impossible to fully get the screw to snug up, and the directions are not perfect, with a degree of ambiguity on some steps, but the end result was very much worth the effort.”

Things that could be improved: 

• Although the manufacturer claims it to be scratch-resistant, the buyers have stated that it does scratch easily. 
• The assembly process is easy but lack of in-depth instructions may require you to brainstorm a bit, especially if you are not so good with assembling things. 

Our Rating: 4.8/5

Our Review: 

This standing desk for home office is a very basic furniture with an easy motorized height adjustment feature. Although it is inexpensive, it does exactly what you expect it to do. The base is strong and sturdy plus the 5-year warranty proves that the manufacturer is confident of its product. 

UPLIFT Standing Desk

If you have a good budget for your standing desk, do check out this product from Uplift. It is fully customizable to match your overall home decor. Plus, it is available in different sizes and frame quality to suit your needs. Also, check out its amazing range of accessories that you can add to this standing desk to create your mini and yet functional home office setup. 

Features: 

• As mentioned above it is fully customizable. You can customize the table top’s finish, its size, the frame, the keypad, etc. 
• This award-winning Uplift V2 standing desk has a weight-bearing capacity of 355 lbs. 
• It has a dual-motor height adjustment system that lets you adjust the height between 25.3″ and 50.9″.
• The best part about this sit-stand desk is its inverted leg orientation. The largest tube section is at the top and it has stability braces to prevent side-to-side wobbling. 
• All v2 desks have an under desk wire management system to keep the unsightly wires well-arranged. 
• It comes with a 10-year warranty and 30-day trial.

What we like about it

• This motorized standing desk features an anti-collision system. So if you try to change its height, the motor will automatically stop if it detects an obstruction in its path. This helps prevent any damage to the motor. 
• No matter what your budget is, you will not be able to resist the wide variety of accessories that you can buy and attach to it. The under-desk hammock and the footrest is our favorite. These accessories can be attached to the desk itself or kept beside it. You can save money by buying them together. 
• The max height you can achieve is 50”. Taller people don’t need to compromise anymore. 
• The height adjustment mechanism is smooth and quiet. 
• The desktop is thicker than the inexpensive adjustable desks. 

Things that can be improved: 

• A few buyers stated that they did receive the product with cosmetic damages. Thankfully, Uplift has a helpful customer service team. You can get your desk exchanged in such cases. 
• It is very expensive. Although everything looks and works well, you could always find a competitive product at a lesser price range. But, this height-adjustable desk delivers everything that it promises. 

Here is what a buyer has to say about its price: 

“I feel the price you pay for this well-designed, customized, quietly adjustable, easy-to-move around desk is on-point and more than fair. When I placed my order, I was able to choose a couple of add-ons at no extra charge, which was a nice touch and added an element of surprise that I appreciated, especially now that I'm using both items (desk pad and rocker board)!”

Our Rating: 4.8/5

Our Verdict: 

If it fits your budget, why not! It offers everything that you can expect from an active work desk; a smooth and convenient height adjustment system, a wire management system, a storage cabinet that can be attached to it, a footrest or foot hammock, etc. It can be used for commercial purposes as well. 

Ikea Skarsta Sit/Stand Desk 

Nothing can beat Ikea furniture in terms of affordability and durability. This Skarsta sit/stand desk is no exception. But, please note that it is a very basic standing desk that needs manual height adjustment. 

Features: 

• As mentioned above, you can manually adjust the height between 27½” and 47¼”. There is an easy-grip handle for height adjustment. 
• The handle remains concealed under the tabletop, giving a clutter-free look to the table. 
• It has a weight-bearing capacity of 110 lb. 
• The surface measures 47″x27″. 
• Available in white and beige colors. 
• It comes with a 10-year warranty. 

What we like about it:

• You can mount the height adjustment handle on the left side or right side depending on your convenience. So, left-handers won’t have to make any compromises.
• Just like all other Ikea products, it comes with detailed, easy-to-follow assembly instructions.
• It is inexpensive and yet comes with a 10-year warranty. So, if you are on a tight-budget to set up your home office, you can start with this one.   

Things that can be improved: 

• The table surface scratches easily. 
• The tabletop is made of particle and fiberboard with honeycomb paper filling. This is why it has a weight capacity of just 100lbs, which is much less than what other standing desks are offering. If you are used to keeping a lot of gadgets on your desk, maybe this could be an issue. But, here is what a buyer has to say about this issue:

“This is a great sit stand desk for anyone who doesn't want something motorized. The frame is surprisingly sturdy feeling, the tabletop is where this product lacks in quality, but you could easily change for a better tabletop.”

Our Rating: 4.6/5

Our Verdict: 

Some buyers have stated that the desk sways a bit, especially when you use it at its max height. So, if you are a tall person, please keep this in mind because it can be annoying when you type fast. Overall, it will meet your expectations because you won’t find anything better at this price. 

IKEA IDÅSEN Sit/Stand Desk

If you are willing to spend generously to buy a standing desk that can be adjusted with the help of your mobile phone, the IKEA IDASEN height adjustable desk is a good option. It features a high quality two-stage gear system manufactured by Linak Electronics, one of the best manufacturers of automated movement solutions.  

Features:

• This motorized height adjustment desk can be adjusted between 24” – 50”. 
• For height adjustment, there is a LINAK paddle with bluetooth receiver. You can use the paddle or you can adjust it using your phone. This bluetooth technology is a hot trend these days. 
• It has a weight-bearing capacity of 154 lbs. 
• It has a cable management system net under the tabletop. 
• Unlike other sit-stand desks, it has t-leg design, which helps enhance its stability. 
• Comes with a 10-year warranty.

What we like about it

• Not many standing desks have T-shaped leg design, which is why they do wobble when used at maximum height. This one has amazing stability. Not many buyers have reported wobbling issues. 
• The desk control app lets you set your favorite height for quick adjustment.
• You can also use it to set reminders for standing. 

Things that can be improved: 

• Ikea products are made of hollowed wood and this is no exception. The inside has honeycomb filling, which is why it has a very low weight-bearing capacity as compared to many other standing desks in this price range.
• This IDASEN Ikea height adjustable desk is a very basic desk with not many color and sizing options or additional features. We find it expensive, but of course, the Bluetooth enabled height adjustment is a thing that could probably justify its high price. 

Here is what a buyer has to say about its price:

“Some nitpicks: I wish the top was solid wood, but they probably didn't do that to reduce the load on the motors. The price is a little steep. I just feel that the 200 dollars over the BEKANT sit/stand isn't quite justified. But I made the purchase anyways since everything else about it was so good. Overall: I am very satisfied with this product. If you want a desk that you're going to use, and use a lot for years to come, then consider the IDÅSEN sit/stand desk.”

Our Rating: 4.6/5

Our Verdict: 

It isn’t a feature-rich, customizable standing desk but the option to control its height using bluetooth does make it desirable. If the paddle stops working, you will still be able to adjust it using bluetooth until it is fixed. 

FLEXISPOT Stand Up Desk Converter

Please note that it is NOT  STANDING DESK. IT IS A DESK RISER. This smart solution is meant to convert your traditional desk into an active sit/stand desk. It is much cheaper than even the cheapest standing desk, so people who are in a position to spend hundreds of dollars can go with this alternative solution. 

Features:

• You can use this desk riser to raise your laptop or monitor up to 17 inches above your desk. 
• It offers one-hand height adjustment. 
• It has two-tier design that can be used to accommodate laptops, monitors, keyboard, mouse, etc.
• The lower tier meant for keyboard tray is removable using quick-release tabs. 
• The frame comes with a 5-year warranty and the gas spring height adjustment mechanism comes with a 3-year warranty. 
• Available in two shades and 5 different sizes to suit various needs. 

What we like about it: 

• No assembly required! It comes fully assembled. 
• It doesn’t have a ‘click-in’ mechanism. So, you can make precise adjustments to the height. Those with click-in slots provide only preset adjustments. 
• This sit/stand desk has small cable guides and a cable sleeve to keep the wires in place. 
• The lifting mechanism is very smooth. You don’t need to worry about your laptop falling off due to jerks. 
• The base of this desk riser has rubber footings so they won’t scratch your desk surface. 

Here is a what a happy buyer has to say about it: 

“This is much better than I expected. I am extremely thankful I didn't go and buy a standing desk. The footprint of this is perfect in my small office with my small desk. Although, I probably wouldn't buy a desk at this point even if I had the space. Obviously, I can't say how long this will last, and quickly wearing out is the one thing that could decrease the 5-star rating. I'll try to remember to update this review if there any issues in that regard.”

Things that can be improved: 

• The size of the keyboard tray is small. If you have a large-sized keyboard it may stick out a bit. 
• When you use the desk raiser in its lowest position, the keyboard tray sticks out. You need to remove it, which is easy but it does require some effort to remove it and keep it somewhere. 

Our Rating: 4.7/5

Our Verdict: 

Well, it isn’t as aesthetically appealing as a standing desk itself. It has a large footprint, so it will occupy a lot of desk space. Nevertheless, it does its job pretty well. Many of us are not in a position to spend a lot of money amid the pandemic, salary cuts, layoffs, etc. This is an economical option. It does what you expect it to do and that's why we have included it in our list of the best standing desks for your home office. 

Stand Steady Tranzendesk 55 Inch Standing Desk

If you are someone who needs a spacious work desk to place your dual monitors, keyboards, mice, files, writing pad, diary, and lot more, this Stand Steady extra-large desk is meant for you. 

Features

• This manually adjustable standing desk offers you a maximum working height of 46”. 
• The crank for adjusting the height can be attached on either side of the desk. 
• It is a full-sized sit/stand desk measuring 55” X 23.6”. You can comfortably place two monitors and all other accessories that you may need for your work. 
• The weight-bearing capacity of Stand Steady Tranzendesk is 70lbs. 

What we like about it

• Many buyers have stated that it is pretty easy to assemble, even if you are not fond of tools. 
• The crank works smoothly without making any noise. 
• The desk is sturdy and durable.

Here is what a buyer has to say about its quality:

“Initially I was concerned about the quality and what I initially thought was a very “office bland” design. My home office is very traditional, but this solid black desk blends quite well. Not to mention the quality is VERY good. Almost silent when you adjust up or down. Sturdy and only took my husband a few minutes to construct. The support structure is ideal for mounting a power strip and consolidating wires. I highly recommend this desk whether for home of office. Will buy again if we need one.”

Things that could be improved

• The maximum height is just 46”. Taller people may not find it high enough. 
• The crank remains visible unlike the Ikea one where the crank remains concealed under the tabletop. 
• It wobbles slightly, especially when you type fast. 

Our Rating: 4.6

Our Verdict: 

This is a simple and elegant standing desk for home office for people who need a lot of space. Some buyers found it overpriced but the size justifies it. The inexpensive ones are too small to provide you enough space for two monitors, keyboards, printers, etc. But, please note that it has a bigger footprint too. Buy it only if you have enough space. 

Flexispot Electric Height Adjustment Standing Desk

This is another generously sized electric standing desk that can accommodate more than one monitor and all your computer accessories and office supplies. It lets you adjust the height with the touch of a button, so you need not take a break from your work just to adjust the height. 

Features:

• It has a spacious 48” x 30” working surface and offers a maximum height of 47.6″.
• The height adjustment is smooth and quiet. You can adjust the height using just one hand. 
• Has a weight-bearing capacity of 154lbs. 
• It comes with a 5-year warranty for frame and 2-year warranty for the controller and switches. 
• Available in 55”X28” size as well. 
• All Flexispot electric height adjustable desks are FCC and UL certified, which means they are durable and safe for home use. 

What we like about it

• It is much bigger than the other competitive products in this price range. 
• Many buyers have stated that the desk is pretty sturdy and stable. 
• Flexispot has amazing customer service. Some buyers have stated that when the motor stopped working during the warranty period, Flexispot promptly provided a replacement. 

Things that can be improved: 

• The basic version doesn’t come with pre-drilled holes. You need to do the drilling part yourself. 
• Assembly is tricky. Many buyers have stated that there are no markings on the support beams so you don’t really know where you need to drill. You will have to do some guesswork and trial and error. 

Here is what a buyer has to say about the assembly process:

“There is a problem in the assembly instruction tough, and maybe this is why other interviewers had to drill holes. When the beam is attached to the legs, the beam length is adjustable but It does not say how long the beam has to be, i.e., how far two desk legs should be apart. And when you are attaching the work surface, of course these legs are not going to be aligned with the pre-drilled holes. You can either drill new holes, or try to figure out how to align them. In my opinion, you should not fasten the beam and the motor shaft when instruction tells you to do so. You need to keep them loose until you attach the work surface.”

Our Rating: 4.5/5

Our Verdict: 

This sit/stand desk is fantastic. It offers everything that it promises. We rated it low because of its difficult assembly. You must be willing to spend some time and energy on it. 

TechOrbits Electric Standing Desk

Still need a larger, sturdier, and well-built standing desk that can hold almost everything you need for your work? With a 60” work surface, this TechOrbits electric height adjustable desk should be suitable for you. It is larger than the average desks listed here. The water-resistant and scratch-resistant surface makes it easier to clean and maintain. 

Features: 

• As mentioned above, this height adjustable desk by TechOrbits offers 60”X 24” working surface. 
• You can get a maximum height of 48” and lower it down to 28 inches. 
• Unlike the honeycomb tabletops that come with many affordable desks, this one is made of water-resistance MDF wood.
• Since it has a laminated surface, it is scratch-resistant too. 
• Weight-bearing capacity is 180lbs. 
• The height adjustment motor lets you set four favorite height levels, so you can quickly and precisely adjust the desk even when you are in the middle of something. 

What we like about it:

• Anti-collision technology is a boon for people who have kids at home. The motor can detect obstructions and can stop automatically. This helps prevent damage to the motor as well as the obstacle. 
• You can install the controller buttons on either side of the table, so left-handed persons need not make any compromises. 
• Many buyers have confirmed that the assembly instructions are pretty clear and you can easily assemble it within an hour. 
• TechOrbits has a prompt and helpful customer service desk. 

Here is what a buyer has to say about its spacious design:

“I have a dual monitor setup (27 inch monitors), using a laptop and hub. I also have a backup hard drive, a small laser printer, and a small table lamp. All that fits on the desk and I still have room for other items like coffee mug, water bottles, and plenty of room to spare. I feel like I went from a twin bed to a California King bed!”

Things that can be improved: 

• Since it has a single motor unit to adjust the height, the adjustment process is rather slow. 
• The edges are not rounded. They could hurt you when you use the table for hours at a stretch. 

Our Rating: 4.6/5

Our Review: 

Spacious motorized standing desks are hard to find in this price range. This is why we have chosen it to be a part of our list. It has some flaws but nothing that could affect your productivity. So, if it matches your needs, feel free to buy it. 

ApexDesk Elite Series Electric Height Adjustable Standing Desk

TechOrbits standing desk is good but ApexDesk is even better and meant to bear years of rough use. It is made of sturdier material and has a curved midsection so you can sit closer to your office supplies. This is the one desk that doesn’t compromise with quality and provides decent functionality, which is why it is expensive. 

Features: 

• This electric height adjustable desk offers 60” x 29. 5” working area. 
• You can adjust the height between 29” to 48”. 
• The tabletop is made of MDF wood. It is available in many different colors, so you can choose one that blends well with your overall decor. 
• The weight capacity is 225 lbs. 
• There are 6 customizable buttons that you can use to pre-set your favorite positions. 

What we like about it:

• The overall built and look of this desk is pretty good. It is not made of cheap hollowed particle boards. The edges are beveled and have a streamlined look. 
• The desk is laminated, which is why it is scratch-proof.
• The narrowed mid-section helps you get closer and work comfortably despite your position. 
• Many buyers have praised its prompt customer service team that does not hesitate to ship a replacement product almost immediately. 
• Easy assembly. 

Here is what a buyer has to say about its contoured top.

“This is by far the best value in stand-up desks. Not only are all the materials first rate and well-designed, the overall design is ideal. By that I mean the desktop is not a rectangle. There is a rounded cutout where I stand allowing easy access to the entire surface. Really thoughtful feature. The motor is super quiet and smooth. I've had 3 dozen people come in my office, check it out, and not one says it's a bad idea. I am 6'2″ and the surface adjustment ranges from below normal desk height, to several inches higher than needed.”

Things that can be improved: 

• You need to buy their cable management system separately, which means you need to spend more than you expected. 
• The assembly is easy but the manual is not well-presented. The pictures are small and you may have to experiment a bit. 

Our Rating: 4.7/5

Our Verdict: 

If you are looking for a standing desk for long-term use, you can’t go wrong with ApexDesk Elite sit/stand desk. Do note that it is heavy, so moving it is going to be an issue. But, that heaviness gives it the stability that you want to work fast and work comfortably. If you need an even bigger surface, you can buy the 71” desk. 

VIVO Manual Height Adjustable Stand Up Desk Frame

As obvious from its name, it is a desk frame and not a full desk. You can add plywood of your choice to create a desk that matches with the overall decor of your house. This way, it will be much more economical than the ready-made standing desks. 

Don’t want to get into the hassles of buying plywood and cutting it to its desired dimensions? You can buy Vivo’s full standing desk, which is also quite economical and at par with its quality standards. 

Features:

• The length of the frame is 39” to 61.5” and can be used to create a desk measuring 40” to 80”. 
• The height can be adjusted between 28” and 48”.
• It uses a manual crank height adjustment system. 
• The weight-bearing capacity is 132lbs. 
• Comes with 3 years manufacturer warranty. 

What we like about it:

• Vivo standing desk frame comes with clear assembly instructions so you don’t have to wonder how you need to assemble it or attach the top. The earlier models didn’t come with any pre-drilled holes but the latest versions are fully ready to be used. 
• It is a heavy-duty frame that eliminates the issue of wobbling. But, please note that it's heavy too, which is what gives it the stability that you are looking for. 
• The crank handle slides in and remains hidden neatly under the desk. 

Here is what a buyer has to say about its overall quality: 

“I was hesitant because of the price, but it was so well worth it. I used the tabletop from my old desk and it worked perfectly. The table top I used is 60″ x 30″ which is close to what I imagine the max width is for this base. This thing is solid as a rock. The installation could be difficult if you aren't used to assembling furniture, but wasn't too bad. I would say don't bother with electric bases, because this has worked flawlessly.”

Things that can be improved: 

• The assembly is easy but the parts are heavy. You would need someone’s help. 
• The crank is stiffer than what most buyers expected. But, with use, it will loosen up. Also, the crank could have been made of metal instead of plastic but you can’t expect anything more from such an inexpensive and yet sturdy desk frame. 

Our Rating: 4.6/5

Our Verdict: 

If you are looking for a low-cost way to create your own standing desk, nothing can be better than this Vivo standing desk frame. Its quality and the craftsmanship is far better than what you can expect at the price at which it is available. But, the assembly could be an issue if you are not good at it. 

Wrap up:

Sit-stand desks are not meant for everyone. Moreover, they are supposed to be used carefully. Before you order one, here is what you need to know:

• Standing for an extended period can put pressure on your feet, knees, and hip. So, do not start standing for hours right from the beginning. Start with a 15-minute standing routine thrice a day and gradually increase your time. 
• If you are suffering from knee pain, do not buy a standing desk. It can worsen the pain. Buy a seated elliptical instead. Here is a useful blog on top seated elliptical to stay active at work. 
• Standing for hours can cause varicose veins. So, be careful and do not overdo it. 
• When standing, do not wear heels. Wear a well-cushioned shoe or buy a cushioned standing mat to protect your joints against strain. 
• If your job requires too much concentration, standing can be a bad idea. Such people should prefer sitting instead. You can, however, stand up when answering calls or during meetings. 

Remember that standing at work cannot compensate for exercise. Make sure you do at least 30-minutes of moderate exercise at least 5 times a week. If you are time-crunched like most of us, you can use your break time to do some workout. For example; you can grab a loop band and squat for 30-50 times thrice a day during breaks or you can install a pullup bar in your home office and do some pull ups when you need to defog your brain. These loop bands are highly recommended for quick workouts. For pullup bar recommendations, check out our latest blog on best doorway pull up bars that do not need any screws.