Claire FountainWhether you’re spoiling someone on your holiday gift list or treating yourself to the gift of reduced back pain, consider these 7 adjustable standing desks.
After testing out a ton of standing desks, we’ve found the best ones.
Check out our personal favorites that we use every day, as well as different options for every budget.
FlexiSpot E7 Standing Desk - Why We Recommend
- Extra stability & weight capacity (see what it can do in our video)
- More sizes, tabletops, and shapes available (like the curved front for an ergonomic fit)
- LED touch screen
- Child lock
- 15-Year warranty
Table of Contents
- Top Picks for Standing Desks – At a Glance
- Testing Notes – How We Evaluate and Rank Standing Desks
- 1. Flexispot E7 – Best Overall
- 2. Lifetime Home Height Adjustable 44 Inches Manual Standing Desk – Best Budget
- 3. FlexiSpot M3 Riser – Best Converter
- 4. SmartDesk Levitate – Best Smart Desk
- 5. UPLIFT Custom Laminate Standing Desk – Best for Customization
- 6. FEZiBO L-Shaped Worland Standing Desk – Best L-Shaped
- 7. FlexiSpot E2 Pro – Best Compact
- Why Trust Us?
- Frequently Asked Questions
We offer this website completely free to our visitors. To help pay the bills, we’ll often (but not always) set up affiliate relationships with the top providers after selecting our favorites. However, we do our best not to let this impact our choices. There are plenty of high-paying companies we’ve turned down because we didn’t like their product.
An added benefit of our relationships is that we always try to negotiate exclusive discounts for our visitors.
Top Picks for Standing Desks – At a Glance
- Best Overall: FlexiSpot E7
- Best Budget: Lifetime Home Height Adjustable 44 Inches Manual Standing Desk
- Best Converter: FlexiSpot M3 Riser
- Best Smart Desk: SmartDesk Levitate
- Best for Customization: UPLIFT Custom Laminate 24″ Deep Standing Desk
- Best L-Shaped: FEZiBO Worland
- Best Compact Desk: FlexiSpot E2 Pro
Desk | FlexiSpot E7 | Lifetime Home Manual | FlexiSpot M3 Riser | SmartDesk Levitate | UPLIFT Custom Laminate | FEZiBO L-Shaped Worland | FlexiSpot E2 Pro |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating | |||||||
| Best for | |||||||
| Manual or Electric | |||||||
| Price |
Testing Notes – How We Evaluate and Rank Standing Desks
Here’s what we looked at when compiling this list.
Height & Weight Ranges
One of the biggest limitations when it comes to adjustable sit-stand desks is the height limitations. While the average 5’8” person will likely find something in their height range, our taller friends may struggle to find a desk that extends to their personal standing height.
Likewise, if you have a bunch of heavy equipment like multiple monitors, keyboards, etc, you need a desk that can hold all of that while remaining stable.
Customer Support
With all of the advanced tech that goes into the new adjustable desks available on the market, there’s always a possibility that something will malfunction at some point. And when that happens, it’s important to be able to get in contact with someone who can help you troubleshoot.
Customization Options
You deserve a desk as unique as you are. That’s why so many of our options come in a variety of materials, washes, and colors, helping you find the desk that matches your vibe.
Ease of Assembly
As easy as it seems to put together flat box furniture, sometimes it’s just… not.
That’s why we tested ourselves to see how long it took for us to put these desks together.
Build Quality
Let’s face it, a standing desk is an investment, and you don’t want to drop hundreds on one that lasts a year or two. All of these desks are built to last and many even come with warranties.
1. Flexispot E7 – Best Overall
Overall Rating: 4.8/5 | Height & Weight Ranges: 5/5 | Customer Support: 5/5 | Customization Options: 5/5 | Ease of Assembly: 4/5 | Build Quality: 5/5
Key Specs:
- Price: From $499.99 (frame only) starting at $579 with tabletop.
- Tabletop dimensions: 48” x 24” or 48” x 30” (large tabletops available for an additional fee.)
- Max Height: 48.4” or 50.6” (depending on frame style)
- Load Capacity (lbs): 355 lbs.
Our favorite sit-stand desk is, hands-down, the Flexispot E7.
It took an 11-year-old well under an hour to put this hefty desk together and, since then, it’s been our go-to. It’s strong, with an impressively high weight capacity, and smooth and quiet to operate.
You can use the memory settings to raise or lower the desk to your preferred height with the touch of a button so you don’t have to constantly adjust.
It’s also beautiful. We got the bamboo finish and found that it adds a nice touch to the home office setup.
Add the aesthetics and customizability along with the cool added features like a useful cable tray to keep everything organized and you have our overall winner.
Pros
- It’s super sturdy and can hold a lot of weight.
- The electric raise/lower feature is easy to use and fast while being smooth and quiet.
- The width is adjustable so it can fit in smaller spaces.
- Memory settings allow you to easily switch between preset heights rather than guessing and adjusting each time.
- Attractive finish options make it an attractive addition to any WFH space.
Cons
- The package that the desk came in was heavy, but this is just a consequence of how sturdy the FlexiSpot is.
- The cable tray was a little bit confusing to install.
- Check out our Flexispot E7 standing desk review.
- Also, check out our review of the FlexiSpot E7 Pro
2. Lifetime Home Height Adjustable 44 Inches Manual Standing Desk – Best Budget
Overall Rating: 4.5/5 | Height & Weight Ranges: 5/5 | Customer Support: 4/5 | Customization Options: 4.5/5 | Ease of Assembly: 5/5 | Build Quality: 4/5
Key Specs:
- Price: $89.95
- Tabletop dimensions: 44” x 24”
- Max Height: 46.5”
- Load Capacity (lbs): 176 lbs
If you’re looking for an adjustable desk under $100, you won't find a better one than the Lifetime Home Height Adjustable Manual Standing Desk.
This affordable manual-adjustable standing desk comes in at just under $90 and can go up to an impressive 46.5” via a hand crank system. It comes in 3 different styles to suit any home office decor.
The 44” x 24” tabletop gives you enough space to fit anything you need while not taking up too much space, making it a great option for those of us working from smaller offices.
It also takes under an hour to put together on average and is just sturdy enough to not wobble too much at standing height, though the weight capacity is under half of the Flexispot option.
Pros
- Affordable price point
- Three different styles
- Easy to assemble and sturdy enough for daily work
- Large height adjustment range perfect for users up to around 6’2”
- Shipping is free and fast with Amazon Prime
Cons
- Manual crank takes more effort to adjust than electrical options on the list
- Lower weight capacity may not be suitable for a lot of equipment
3. FlexiSpot M3 Riser – Best Converter
Overall Rating: 4.8/5 | Height & Weight Ranges: 4.5/5 | Customer Support: 5/5 | Customization Options: 4/5 | Ease of Assembly: 5/5 | Build Quality: 5/5
Key Specs:
- Price: $350
- Tabletop dimensions: 46.9” x 23.2 “
- Max Height: 19.7”
- Load Capacity (lbs): 44 lbs.
Want to add a standing option to your work routine but don’t want to part with your current desk? We recommend the FlexiSpot M3 Riser.
This nifty little desk converter has plenty of tabletop space (enough to fit up to 2 monitors plus most of the other stuff on your desk) and sits right on top of the desk you already have in your home.
The easy-to-use lever allows you to switch between the 5” and 19.7” height options by simply releasing the level and moving the entire unit up and down to whatever height you want. It comes with a keyboard tray that you can easily slide out from underneath the top or stow away when not in use.
It’s easy to set up right out of the box and comes with padded feet that ensure you won’t scratch the top of your desk. And at $350, it’s much more affordable than purchasing a complete standing desk.
Pros
- Easy setup and easy to adjust the height
- Cheaper than purchasing an entirely new standing desk
- Sturdy and stable
- Padded feet protect your existing desktop
- The large top can hold everything you need and the keyboard tray adds flexibility
Cons
- No memory setting or electrical adjustment (though we’d argue it’s not really necessary for this type of converter)
- Large tabletop size may be a drawback for some as it can be cumbersome
- Check out our FlexiSpot M3 Riser review.
4. SmartDesk Levitate – Best Smart Desk
Overall Rating: 4.5/5 | Height & Weight Ranges: 4.8/5 | Customer Support: 5/5 | Customization Options: 4/5 | Ease of Assembly: 5/5 | Build Quality: 5/5
Key Specs:
- Price: $999
- Tabletop dimensions: 53” x 29” or 59” by 31.5”
- Max Height: 44.1”
- Load Capacity (lbs): 250 lbs.
For some people, memory settings just aren’t innovative enough. SmartDesk Levitate was made for those people.
For the low price of around $1,000, you can have this wild, futuristic smart desk. It looks super sleek with 4 legs (most electric standing desks just have two) and a slim, chic design with a tapered tabletop.
What really makes this electric standing desk different is that it has a no-touch, quad-motor adjustment system. Thanks to special sensors, you can control the height by waving your hand over the desk itself. Yep. You literally hover your hand over the desk and raise or lower it without even touching it. Pretty wild.
It also comes with a wireless powertrack system with four sockets that can be used as traditional sockets as well as USB and USB-C connectors so you can plug in any way that works for you.
The advanced features on this desk make it the smartest one on the list.
Pros
- Advanced sensor system allows for touchless raising or lowering of the desktop
- Versatile powertrack allows you to charge any electronics on your desktop
- Sleek 4-leg design makes this possibly the most attractive desk on the list
- Surprisingly easy to put together
- Matching app allows you to preset heights and operate from your phone
Cons
- Expensive!
- Only one color option
5. UPLIFT Custom Laminate Standing Desk – Best for Customization
Overall Rating: 4.8/5 | Height & Weight Ranges: 4.8/5 | Customer Support: 4.5/5 | Customization Options: 5/5 | Ease of Assembly: 4/5 | Build Quality: 5/5
Key Specs:
- Price: From $899
- Tabletop dimensions: 30” x 42” or 80”
- Max Height: 48.7” or 50.9”
- Load Capacity (lbs): 355 lbs.
If aesthetics are super important to you, consider the ultra-customizable UPLIFT custom standing desk.
They offer a huge variety of depths and widths, so you can find exactly what you need. Whether they need a compact version for a tight workspace or a large tabletop for maximum room, it’s an ideal option.
One of the unique customizable features is the height control system. You have the option between a basic touch control system with up and down buttons, an advanced keypad with 4 memory settings, a paddle keypad that you can pull up or push down, and a foot pedal that allows you to adjust the height of the desk hands-free.
But the customizations don’t stop there. You have 28 different tabletop styles to choose from, with options to suit any taste. You also have 4 frame colors to choose from, including black, white, gray, or industrial style.
As far as assembly, this one can be more difficult depending on what style of desk you get. It also comes in as many as 8 boxes, making it a bit tougher on your FedEx delivery driver.
Pros
- Ultra customizable sizes, frame colors, and tabletop designs for every aesthetic
- Anti-collision sensitivity technology prevents damage to property
- App that allows you to operate the desk from your phone
- Different height adjustment methods of operation
- High weight capacity and stability
Cons
- Extensive, time-consuming assembly
- On the pricey side
6. FEZiBO L-Shaped Worland Standing Desk – Best L-Shaped
Overall Rating: 4.5/5 | Height & Weight Ranges: 4.5/5 | Customer Support: 4/5 | Customization Options: 4.5/5 | Ease of Assembly: 4.8/5 | Build Quality: 4.8/5
Key Specs:
- Price: From $499
- Tabletop dimensions: 63” x 48” or 75”
- Max Height: 47”
- Load Capacity (lbs): 265 lbs.
If you need a lot (we mean a LOT) of space, check out the FEZiBO L-shaped standing desks.
This L-shaped desk holds up to 265 lbs of equipment, making it perfect for the serious gamer or work-from-home developer who needs multiple monitors. It also comes with drawers to stay even more organized.
And if you can't decide on which side you want the desk, left or right, don't worry! The desk has an option for a triple, more powerful motor and allows for a reversible setup.
The downside of this one is that even though they offer drawers for organization, we had some issues with the cable management side of things.
Pros
- Easy to assemble w/ well organized and labeled pieces
- Oak finish looks good
- Three presets available
- Sheld/drawer space makes a big difference
Cons
- We didn't see a spot for the monitor arms to attach, but we easily made one
- Ability for reversible orientation costs more
- Check out our FEZiBO L-Shaped Standing Desk review
7. FlexiSpot E2 Pro – Best Compact
Overall Rating: 4.8/5 | Height & Weight Ranges: 4.8/5 | Customer Support: 5/5 | Customization Options: 5/5 | Ease of Assembly: 4.8/5 | Build Quality: 5/5
Key Specs:
- Price: $169
- Tabletop dimensions: 55” x 28”
- Max Height: 47.6”
- Load Capacity (lbs): 187 lbs
If the other desks on this list seem too big, the compact FlexiSpot E2 Pro could be perfect for you.
At a modest $169 price point, it’s both more affordable and smaller for tighter budgets and spaces.
It’s UL Certified, meaning it comes “with advanced features like overload protection, overheating protection, overcurrent protection, and power outage protection.”
We love the wide range of heights you can choose from and how stable the desk is at any of these heights. Even at the top height setting, it didn’t wobble or shake.
While the instructions were tricky for us to figure out at first, once we got the hang of it, we were able to complete the other tables (we ordered multiple) in half an hour, which was pretty quick. The customer service was great, and we felt like if we had any problems they would be there to help.
Pros
- Stability- remains stable at every height
- Cheaper than most other options on the list
- Compact size is perfect for smaller spaces
- Quiet and strong motor enables smooth, soundless movement
- Attractive design with multiple desktop styles and materials
Cons
- Tricky to put together the first time around
- Keypad is a bit much with a lot of settings (though this almost made the “pros” list since it’s also pretty cool!)
Why Trust Us?
We tried them. We ordered them, had them shipped to us, and put them together ourselves (or let our kids put them together with our supervision). We’ve even done in-depth reviews about some of them.
We use standing desks daily and have interacted with these company’s customer service departments, so we know what we’re talking about.
Our personal favorite of any of the ones we’ve tried is the FlexiSpot E7 due to its modest price point, durability, ease of assembly, stellar customer service, and customizable options. Check out our FlexiSpot E7 review for a more in-depth look.
FlexiSpot E7 Standing Desk - Why We Recommend
- Extra stability & weight capacity (see what it can do in our video)
- More sizes, tabletops, and shapes available (like the curved front for an ergonomic fit)
- LED touch screen
- Child lock
- 15-Year warranty
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best standing desk?
The FlexiSpot E7 is the best overall standing desk.
What are good brands for standing desks?
FlexiSpot, FEZiBO, and Vari Desk are good brands for standing desks.
How much should I pay for a standing desk?
You should expect to pay at least $200 for a good standing desk, though you can find some for cheaper and more advanced ones that cost upwards of $1,000.
What should I look out for when buying a standing desk?
When buying a standing desk, look for a size that suits your space, ease of assembly, great customer support, and excellent quality.
Rashida Beal
