Best standing desks 2022: Get up out of your seat

Written by

Lena Borrelli, Contributing Writer

Lena Borrelli
Contributing Writer

Lena Muhtadi Borrelli has several years of experience in writing for insurance domains such as Bankrate, allconnect, Healthline, Reviews.com, HomeInsurance.

Full Bio

on January 13, 2022

| Topic: Office Furniture

Vari Electric Standing Desk

Best high-quality standing desk

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$695 at Amazon

ApexDesk Elite Electric Height Adjustable Standing Desk

Best large standing desk

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$900 at Walmart

Uplift V2 Standing Desk

Best adjustable standing desk

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$758 at Amazon

Fully Jarvis Bamboo standing desk

Best eco-friendly standing desk

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$600 at Fully

Seville Classics Mobile Desk Cart

Best mobile standing desk

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$50 at Amazon

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SHW electric adjustable computer desk

Best standing desk with accessories

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$225 at Amazon

SHW Height Adjustable Mobile Laptop Standing Desk

Best affordable standing desk

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$44 at Amazon

Uplift E7 Electric Standing Desk Converter

Best standing desk converter

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$631 at Amazon

If you are concerned about sitting for long periods during the workday, a standing desk may be able to help. Research shows that sitting for more than eight hours each day can increase your risk of chronic disease. Sedentary lifestyles are not only linked with a higher risk of obesity but also cardiovascular disease and a myriad of other ailments.

To help you figure out which standing desks are worth your money, we’ve hand-picked eight top-rated options that satisfy a range of wants and needs. We first looked at all the top brands, then combed through dozens of standing desk listings at different price points across several retailers, and absorbed what the user reviews had to say. Ultimately, we landed on this bunch, which are among the absolute best desks you can buy online right now. 

Vari Electric Standing Desk

Best high-quality standing desk

Vari

The Vari Electric is another great standing desk that many reviewers stand by. 

It’s supposedly ideal for individuals up to 6 feet 6 inches tall — with the adjustable frame going from 25.5 inches to 50.5 inches tall. There are fewer options in terms of the size of the desk, as the only choice is between a 48-inch or 60-inch long desktop that is 30 inches wide. It can handle weights of up to 250lbs and has a motor that operates at under 45 decibels. 

Another positive is the desk is really easy to set up. Vari said it should take under five minutes.

The Vari Electric Standing Desk comes in five colors as well as stunning wood finishes like Butcher Block, Reclaimed Wood, and Darkwood. 

Pros:

Extremely stable design

Programmable controls

Custom colors and designs

Cons:

Missing keyboard tray

Pricier model

Pesky crossbar

$695 at Amazon

$795 at Office Depot

ApexDesk Elite Electric Height Adjustable Standing Desk

Best large standing desk

Amazon

The ApexDesk Elite Series has become a go-to model for many workers, becoming quieter and more stable over the years. The ApexDesk Elite Series Electric Height Adjustable Standing Desk is a popular standing desk that has a fast motor, offering 1.5″ per second and a full load capacity of 235lbs. It is also one of the largest standing desks available today, holding up to three monitors, and yet installation is easy. A cable tray is included with your desk, and there is a matching side desk you can add on if you need more room.

The desk includes a one-piece blacktop with beveled edges and a matching black frame, although other colors are also available. 

Pros:

One of the largest standing desks available

Fast motor

Improved cord management

Cons:

Some wobbliness at higher heights

Higher price tag

It May be too large for some places

$900 at Walmart

Uplift V2 Standing Desk

Best adjustable standing desk

UpliftDesk

The Uplift V2 Standing Desk is among the most top-rated standing desks. Two factors help make it stand out: its sturdy, functional design and its endless options for customization. The desk can be adjusted between 25.3 and 50.9 inches tall, but you can also get a commercial version of the V2 frame that lowers the desk by two inches, making the height range from 23.5 inches to 50.9 inches. 

Many reviewers have remarked that the Uplift V2 is extremely sturdy at any height. The desk’s height is controlled through a keypad on the desk, and the motor is said to be quiet. The desk also has a nifty anti-collision feature that stops the desk from raising or lowering if it hits something. 

One of the best features about the Uplift is you can tailor it to your specific needs. All models are 30 inches deep but range in length from 42 inches to 80 inches. You also have the option to add wire grommets or power outlets to the desk. The desktop itself comes in 21 styles, and even the electric keypad that controls the height is available in three different options. These customization offers are available through the Uplift website, but dozens of different models are already available to buy on Amazon. Uplift’s Amazon store also sells standing desk frames and desk converters.

Pros:

Three-stage, dual-motor frames 

Up to 80′ wide

Industry-leading warranty

Cons:

Lower quality electronics

Complicated installation

Cross support system lacking

$758 at Amazon

Fully Jarvis Bamboo standing desk

Best eco-friendly standing desk

Fully

The Fully Jarvis Bamboo Standing Desk has an adjustable frame with generous dimensions recommended for those between 5’1″ and 7’1″ tall. There is a customizable width of 30″ to 72″ and depth options of 27″ to 30″ to help you find the best fit for your working style. The desk also has a 350-pound lifting capacity, making it hard for the average user to overload. 

The desktop comes in a sleek natural bamboo contour, but you can personalize your desk further with a choice of four colors for your desk’s base. Choose from black, white, alloy, or silver to best complement your home or office decor. 

Pros:

Sustainable design

Great for taller users

Optional arm for mounting monitors

Cons:

Limited designs

Can feel wobbly at high settings

A lower quality electronic system

$600 at Fully

$754 at Amazon

Seville Classics Mobile Desk Cart

Best mobile standing desk

Amazon

This is the true bargain version of a standing desk. It has a wood desktop that measures 23.6 inches by 16 inches. The height can be adjusted to anywhere between 20.5 inches to 33 inches tall. You do have to adjust the height manually using a twist-lock knob, which might make switching back and forth between sitting and standing a little more cumbersome. 

Still, this desk costs under $75, making it an affordable option for many users. It’s sturdy, and, thanks to lockable castor wheels, it’s pretty portable. If you’re just looking for something so you can stand and work for a few minutes at a time throughout the day, then this might be the best option for you. 

Pros:

Ergonomic design

Easy portability

Great for working on-the-go

Cons:

Not for prolonged use

No frills or extras

Minimal weight capacity

$50 at Amazon

$43 at Walmart

SHW electric adjustable computer desk

Best standing desk with accessories

Amazon

The SHW Electric Height Adjustable Mobile Standing Desk features a reliable, sturdy design that includes a high-grade industrial steel desktop. A two-piece design is adaptable to your workspace with built-in grommets for cord management and a cable management basket under the table. The desk stretches from 28″ to 46″ in height with a programmable LED display. There is also a built-in sliding drawer and two adjustable desk hooks for your headphones and bags. 

It holds just minimal weight with a 110lbs capacity, but adjustable leg glides help keep the desk sturdy and level. With easy assembly, you can enjoy your desk that much faster. 

Pros:

Industrial steel desktop 

Extra accessories included

Memory presets

Cons:

Two-piece desktop design

Limited weight capacity

Basic design

$225 at Amazon

SHW Height Adjustable Mobile Laptop Standing Desk

Best affordable standing desk

Amazon

This is another affordable option. The SHW Height Adjustable Mobile Laptop Stand has a no-frills design that’s built for functionality. Its height can be adjusted between 28 inches and 33 inches tall. It uses a locking knob in order to adjust the height. Its desktop is a little wider than the Seville Classics desk cart at 26 inches. 

Its design may be nothing fancy, but it works efficiently when you need to move a laptop around with you all day. 

Pros:

Sturdy design

Simple assembly

Affordable pricing

Cons:

Manual operation

Unspecified load capacity

Basic design

$44 at Amazon

$54 at Walmart

Uplift E7 Electric Standing Desk Converter

Best standing desk converter

Amazon

This is another affordable standing desk option. It’s best if you already have a work desk that you love. The E7 sits on top of an existing table and adds up to 21 inches of height. The desktop itself measures 30 inches long by 21.5 inches deep. It has a built-in electric keypad, too, which controls the desk’s height and can be programmed to save the heights you prefer. 

The E7 also offers single or dual mounts for your monitors. It’s capable of lifting up to 110lbs. It also has a detachable tiered keyboard tray, which means your keyboard and mouse can stay at hand level while the monitor is higher up at eye level. 

The desk surface comes in four colors (black, white, bamboo, and rubberwood), while the base and monitor mounts are only available in black and white.  

Pros:

Convenient digital keypad

Adjustable monitor bracket

Additional 110lbs capacity

Cons:

Requires separate desk

Considerable weight

Takes up desk space

$631 at Amazon

How do they compare?

How did we choose these products?

There are several factors to consider when choosing the best standing desk for you. 

Height: Both size and height are two major factors that help to ensure a desk is the right fit. Taller individuals may require higher desks than a more petite user. Size: It is also important to consider the kind of work you do, as some users may require more surface space than others.Stability: A desk’s stability is critical to ensure that your equipment is not damaged while your desk is in use.Sound level: Some electric desks may have louder motors than others, but most desks provide a decibel rating, so you know what you expect.Accessories: Some desks offer extras like keyboard trays and cable management, while other desks may skip the accessories altogether.Warranty: Many desks offer a warranty, but the length can vary considerably. 

Which is the right one for you?

It can seem impossible to find the right fit for you with so many factors to consider, but we can help. 

FAQs

What is a standing desk?

A standing desk has many names; it is also known as a stand-up desk, height-adjustable desk, and sit-stand desk. Whatever it is called, a standing desk is one that allows its user to stand rather than sit when the desk is in use. Many of these desks are adjustable to allow users of all shapes and sizes to find a customized and comfortable fit for use. 

How much does a standing desk cost?

The cost of a standing desk ranges from less than $100 to more than $1,000, depending on your features. Our picks for the best standing desks range in price from less than $40 to around $750, combining affordability with convenience and reliability. 

What are the benefits of a standing desk?

According to Healthline, standing can lower your risk of heart disease and obesity and improve back pain. It can even reduce blood sugar levels.

Are there alternatives worth considering?

In our search for the best standing desks of 2021, we came across many great options. 

These are some other picks worthy of consideration:

Adler Adjustable Desk

FlexiSpot ClassicRiser Standing Desk Converter

Stand Up Desk Store Fixed Stand-Up Desk

Xdesk Standing Desks

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