“Standing desks are a great investment for any desk user, because they provide the flexibility to move throughout the day, prioritizing ergonomics, improving workflows, and boosting social interactions,” Darcie Jaremey, founder of ergonomicsHelp and Certified Ergonomist partner with Ergotron, tells BHG. When shopping around for the best standing desks, Jaremey says that the most important thing to consider is how the piece fits and supports your unique work needs. “Determine if you want a freestanding height-adjustable desk, or if you would prefer a desktop converter placed on top of an existing desk or table,” Jaremey says. Haaris Ross, the product manager at FlexiSpot Ltd., suggests looking for a standing desk made of durable materials that have an aesthetic appeal to it, considering its size. “Make sure you check the size of your desk before making any purchase,” Ross says. “A desk should fit snugly in your working area and not be too big or too small for your needs.” With its motorized adjustability, three touch-sensitive height-memory buttons, and dry-wipe writing desktop surface, our overall top pick for the best standing desk is the Seville Classics Airlift Tempered Glass Electric Workstation. Here are the best standing desks. Keep in Mind: The wood trim version doesn’t have any storage capacity. It’s vastly adjustable to various sitting and standing positions and goes up and down, thanks to its motor, which is operated via a touchscreen controller. Its beautiful and sleek look makes it a stylish addition to any office, and it’s available in black or white with a pretty wooden front trim. Alternatively, you can get it in either all-black or all-white, which comes with a pull-out drawer if the lack of storage space on the wood trim version is an issue. It’s reasonably priced, too, making it a no-brainer in our books. Price at the time of publish: $350 Minimum and Maximum Heights: 28–46.5 inches | Surface Size: 47.5 x 24 inches | Weight Capacity: 176 pounds | Material: Tempered glass (tabletop), metal (legs) | Motorized: Yes Keep in Mind: There’s a crank—rather than a motor—to adjust the height manually. The desk is available in several widths and comes with a thick and solid wood desk top with either white or black steel legs. There’s an option with a couple of drawers for storage space, although it will cost you a bit more. It does have rather an industrial look if you like that sort of thing, but that also makes it a great option for a garage or a craft workstation. The desk also features a three-year limited warranty for extra peace of mind. Price at the time of publish: $200 Minimum and Maximum Heights: 26–42 inches | Surface Size: 46 x 24 inches | Weight Capacity: 672 pounds | Material: Wood (tabletop), steel (legs) | Motorized: No Keep in Mind: It’s quite pricey (but worth it), and it’s currently on closeout, so you’ll have to grab one while stocks last. This bundle comes with the treadmill—these usually have to be bought separately—but are specifically designed for office use. It features a SteadyType keyboard tray that stays in place as you move, like the technology behind Steadicams. This wooden model is being phased out to make room for the company’s popular Jaxon standing desk, but there are many of these still available, and the company is still offering them made-to-order. Each desk features a 15-year warranty—so grab one while stocks last. Price at the time of publish: $3,358 Minimum and Maximum Heights: 22.4–48.5 inches (can add six-inch extenders) | Surface Size: 47, 53, 59, 65, or 71 x 30 inches | Weight Capacity: 220 pounds (desk), 400 pounds (treadmill) | Material: Laminate (tabletop), metal (legs) | Motorized: Yes Keep in Mind: It takes up quite a bit of desk surface space. This desk riser comes in five different color combinations, including dark walnut and black and light wood, and white, so you can get one to blend in with your existing desk. In addition to this 32-inch option, it’s available in other widths from 26 to 42 inches to accommodate multiple monitors and your desk setup. It’s a sturdy item that has to be manually adjusted up or down and offers a three-year company warranty. Price at the time of publish: $130 Minimum and Maximum Heights: 4.5–20 inches | Surface Size: 31.5 x 31.5 inches | Weight Capacity: 33 pounds (desktop), four pounds (keyboard tray) | Material: Wood (tabletop), metal (legs) | Motorized: No Keep in Mind: It’s a little more expensive than other options. The company is committed to sustainability, and the desktop is made from sustainably sourced bamboo grown without pesticides or fertilizers. Even the packaging that the desk comes in is eco-friendly and fully recyclable. The desk might be a little on the higher end of the price spectrum, but it comes with a 15-year warranty on the desk frame and its components, and there’s a five-year warranty for the desktop surface. Price at the time of publish: from $1,029 Minimum and Maximum Heights: 21.9–50 inches | Surface Size: 30 x 24 inches | Weight Capacity: 350 pounds | Material: Bamboo (tabletop), metal (legs) | Motorized: Yes Keep in Mind: The buttons are sensitive and can easily be activated if you don’t have the child lock on. The buttons are touch-sensitive, so you could accidentally activate the motor with a single brush past them, but there’s a handy child lock feature to prevent that. FlexiSpot allows you to customize your desk to your tastes. It gives you a wide selection of sizes, frame colors (black, white, gray), desktop materials (chipboard, bamboo, fiberboard, solid wood), and desktop colors (black, white, oak, and brown, to name a few). You can add drawers, an anti-fatigue mat, clamp power strips, cable management systems, and a monitor stand. Price at the time of publish: $560 Minimum and Maximum Heights: 23.6–49.2 inches | Surface Size: 48 x 24 inches | Weight Capacity: 275 pounds | Material: Wood (tabletop), metal (legs) | Motorized: Yes Keep in Mind: It’s not most highest-quality standing desk you can buy, but this is reflected in the price. There are also desk hooks on either side to hang wires, headphones, and other office musts. It comes in three sizes (48-inch, 55-inch, and 60-inch), and the legs are made of steel, which is quite sturdy. It even comes with a cable-management tray. The motor’s keypad can store three preset heights, features anti-collision technology, and has a child lock to prevent little hands from messing up your settings. The desk provides a bunch of storage space, and although it’s not of the highest quality, it’s still an affordable starter standing desk that does the job nicely. Price at the time of publish: $300 Minimum and Maximum Heights: 27.6-47.3 inches | Surface Size: 48 x 24 inches | Weight Capacity: 176 pounds | Material: Wood (tabletop), alloy steel (legs) | Motorized: Yes Keep in Mind: It might not be worth the investment if you’re not planning on using its extensive features, like whisper-quiet functioning and Bluetooth compatibility. The desk has an extremely heavy-duty construction and can hold up to 220 pounds, and the treadmill can hold a user up to 400 pounds. The desk can rise to 54 inches, which is a suitable option for taller users, and the controls are intuitive and easy to use. The treadmill is super-quiet and even comes with a Bluetooth app to track your steps and monitor your progress. It comes in two sizes, and either a black or white frame, plus there are three desktop colors. Price at the time of publish: from $3,190 Minimum and Maximum Heights: 40–54 inches | Surface Size: 48 x 24, or 60 x 30 inches | Weight Capacity: 220 pounds (desk), 400 pounds (treadmill) | Material: Wood (tabletop), steel (legs) | Motorized: Yes Keep in Mind: The add-ons cost extra. The keypad is available in six styles, and you can opt for a wireless foot switch. The accessories available are practically endless, with a choice of desk hooks, desk organizer sets, casters, cup holders, lighting, desk surface protection, privacy panels, and monitor stands. If you want to kit out your whole work area, you can add a side table, a chair or stool, a footrest, a filing cabinet, and many more office items. The company even offers treadmill or desk bike options. Price at the time of publish: $1,018 Minimum and Maximum Heights: 22.6–48.7 inches | Surface Size: 80 x 30 inches | Weight Capacity: 355 pounds | Material: Laminate, wood or bamboo (tabletop), steel (legs) | Motorized: Yes Keep in Mind: It’s big, so you’ll need to measure your space. The mechanism to lift and lower the desk is a triple motor that operates all three leg supports and collision detection. There are four programmable settings, so it can be preset for more than one user, and there’s a power-saving mode, too, that turns off after 60 seconds of inactivity. The desk comes in two sizes and 10 colorways, and the package arrives in three boxes, so it’s easier to haul up the stairs or from room to room if you have to. Price at the time of publish: $800 Minimum and Maximum Heights: 24.7–50.3 inches | Surface Size: 83 x 60 inches | Weight Capacity: 208 pounds | Material: Particleboard (tabletop), steel (legs) | Motorized: Yes Keep in Mind: It might not be the best for super-tall users as it only raises to 42 inches. Available in four wood finishes, including this satin birch and a darker American walnut, this Scandi-style desk can be upgraded by adding an array of handy extras that the company offers. These include extra shelves, hooks, a monitor stand, a footrest, or even a double-wide desk module. It assembles without the need for tools, and if you ever need to store it away, it simply flatpacks, taking up minimal storage space. Price at the time of publish: $699 Minimum and Maximum Heights: 25.5–45 inches | Surface Size: 35 x 23.5 inches | Weight Capacity: 100 pounds | Material: Birchwood ply (tabletop and legs) | Motorized: No Keep in Mind: It’s small, so it won’t be able to accommodate a double-monitor situation. The height-adjusting lever is placed discreetly at the side, and the desk easily glides up and down, thanks to its gas spring technology (the same one you find on office chairs). Once you squeeze the lever, you can effortlessly switch between seated and standing positions. It’s easy to set up as it comes partially assembled, and all the tools you need to complete the setup are included in the package. Price at the time of publish: $180 Minimum and Maximum Heights: 28–45 inches | Surface Size: 27 x 18 inches | Weight Capacity: 50 pounds | Material: Plastic/acrylic (tabletop), steel (legs) | Motorized: No

What to Know About Standing Desks Before Shopping

Surface Size

Just like regular desks, standing desks come in many different desktop sizes. Ross says that since standing desks are typically more of an investment than regular desks, making sure the model you opt for isn’t too small for your needs or too large for your space is essential. Jeramey advises that understanding your workflow and your spatial needs is equally important. “Those who require a large monitor set up or may have heavy equipment will require a larger surface area and higher-density materials,” she says. “I recommend measuring your space and considering your height to best understand the dimensions that will support your workday,” says Jeramey. “There are handy calculators online that can help you plan your workspace.

Minimum and Maximum Heights

Standing desk heights can vary from a minimum height of around 22 inches to a maximum height of approximately 55 inches. To ensure that your standing desk allows you to work within ergonomic parameters and maneuvers without issue to meet your desired sitting and standing heights, it’s vital to take measurements before investing in one. “This is especially important for petite or extremely tall people,” says Jaremey. To get the best measurement, Jaremey advises standing with your elbows at approximately 90 degrees and taking the height measurement between the underside of your elbow and the ground. “Make sure that the height is within the height range of the standing desk that you are interested in,” says Jaremey.

Weight Capacity

Standing desks can have weight capacities ranging from 100 to 500 pounds or more. If you’re looking to deck out your desk with monitors, books, and office accessories, it’s crucial to find a standing desk that can handle the weight. All standing desks come with the maximum weight capacity stated.

Material

Again, like regular desks, standing desks can be made from materials like wood, plastic, wood composite, or metal. The legs on a motorized standing desk, however, are typically made from heavy metal, like steel, that ca extend the desk to a standing position. Manually adjusting standing desks can also have wooden legs. The type of material you opt for in a standing desk is a personal choice. “Whatever your choice,” says Ross, “remember that quality is always the most important characteristic for a standing desk. A good desk should last you many years and is an investment in your health.”

Motorized

When choosing whether you’d like your desk to extend mechanically or manually, there are some factors to consider. “Motorized or electric desks, while more expensive than mechanical desks, can be easier to operate and provide more support for larger monitor setups,” says Jaremey. “Mechanically adjustable workstations are relatively less expensive and tend to last longer, but can have the disadvantages of slower, manual adjustments.” Motorized standing desks often have up and down buttons built into the desk, while others come with a remote control to operate it. A manually adjusting desk often has a crank lever to raise and lower it, and more economical options need a whole overhaul, i.e., adding extensions to the legs and clearing your desk before adjusting it. There’s no doubt about it, though—standing desks with a motorized ability are far more convenient.

Your Questions, Answered

Is a standing desk worth it?

There are many benefits to owning a standing desk. “Standing desks are worth the investment because of the full range of benefits they provide their users,” says Jaremey. “These desks can improve physical health and wellness, which in turn improves mental health, by providing the opportunity to incorporate movement into the workday. Data has shown that if people sat for most of the workday—even if they were physically active outside of work—they reported higher rates of anxiety and depression than workers who sat for less than three hours per day. Reducing stress and anxiety in the workplace allows for increased productivity and focus.” Ross advises that anyone who wants a desk that can help with lingering back pain and improve overall physical health should invest in a standing desk. “The average office worker is on their desk for more than eight hours a day,” he says. “You want to feel as comfortable as possible while working, and a standing desk allows you to do just that. Investing in yourself is always a good decision. A standing desk is not something you’ll buy every year. One good-quality desk will last you many years and will be a purchase you won’t regret.” Adopting an active, ergonomic workstyle is like a new fitness routine. “Resist the temptation to stand all day, especially when starting,” says Jaremey. “Start slowly, and give your body time to adjust and strengthen. Gradually increase the time spent standing until you reach a comfortable balance and decrease workday sitting by half.” Another tip when using a standing desk is to use visual or verbal cues as a reminder to change positions. When you walk away from the computer, raise your workstation to standing height. You could also choose to stand whenever you have a conference call, or set a timer and change positions every 30 minutes.

Are standing desks good for your back?

“When you spend a lot of time at your desk, you are living a sedentary lifestyle that can affect your physical health,” says Jaremey. “Sitting for long periods of time can place pressure on your spine and cause pain. However, alternating between sitting and standing throughout the day promotes good posture by reducing pressure on your spine. Creating a workspace that works for your body will encourage movement and comfort. Additionally, research shows that movement is key not only to physical health but our mental health.” The research and evidence from standing desk users make it evident that standing desks are great for the back. Many sit in positions that are not ideal for their heights and body shapes. A standing desk lets you pick your ideal working position without compromise and gets your back feeling as comfortable as possible. “Switching between a seating and standing position while working lets your back relax and not be in a fixed position for an extended period,” says Ross. “Sitting down all day is, unsurprisingly, not good for back health. A standing desk fixes this problem.”

Do I need an anti-fatigue mat for my standing desk?

An anti-fatigue mat provides a soft surface to stand on while working at a standing desk. “While it is not necessary to pair your standing desk with an anti-fatigue mat in order to feel its benefits, it does help,” says Jaremey. “The support for your feet can increase your comfort level, promote good posture, and alleviate pain.” When muscles become rigid, the chances of health issues increase. An anti-fatigue mat works by making the user a little bit unbalanced while working, forcing their leg muscles to be less rigid and constantly making micro-adjustments to stay upright. “Less rigidity equals more flexibility and a reduced chance of developing leg aches associated with being too stiff,” says Ross. “An anti-fatigue mat is comfortable and improves your physical health—a win-win situation!”

Who We Are

This article was written by Kat de Naoum, who has over ten years of commerce writing experience. Kat is also the commerce editor-at-large at Thomas-Xometry, the leading U.S. online platform for supplier discovery and product sourcing. For this article, she reviewed and tested multiple standing desks, researching factors such as each desk’s minimum and maximum height capacities, weight capacity, material, whether it’s motorized or manual, and value for money. She also spoke to Darcie Jaremey, MSc CPE, the founder of ergonomicsHelp and Certified Ergonomist partner with Ergotron, and Haaris Ross, the product manager at FlexiSpot Ltd.