We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Shopping Home Reviews The 8 Best Standing Desks of 2024, According to Testing Improve posture, back pain, and overall health with these top options. By Kat de Naoum Kat de Naoum Kat is a writer, editor, author, and frequent contributor to Better Homes & Gardens. She covers home decor, appliances, and housewares. Learn about BHG's Editorial Process Published on April 26, 2024 In This Article View All In This Article Our Top Picks Reviews The Bottom Line Our Testing Process What to Know Before Shopping Others We Tested Your Questions, Answered Who We Are What Is BHG Recommends? Photo: Better Homes & Gardens / Ashleigh Morley When choosing a desk, you want something that is going to be functional but also provides comfort throughout the day. While standard desks can get the job done, a standing desk is a great way to improve your work day. “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,” says Darcie Jaremey, founder of ErgonomicsHelp and Certified Ergonomist partner with Ergotron. To find the best standing desks, we tested several models at home for their setup, design, durability, and comfort. In addition to Jaremey, we also consulted Dr. Ingrid Anderson, a physical therapist and owner at Intown Physical Therapy. What We Researched We evaluated 14 standing desks on their setup, design, durability, and comfort. For more information on how we tested standing desks, check out our testing process below. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Flexispot Comhar Standing Desk at Amazon $400 Jump to Review Best Budget: Radlove Height Adjustable Standing Desk at Amazon $160 Jump to Review Best Splurge: Lillipad Standing Desk at Lillipad.com Jump to Review Best Electric: Seville Classics AIRLIFT® Tempered Glass Electric Standing Desk at Amazon $370 Jump to Review Best Manual: SALE Threshold Loring Adjustable Standing Desk at Target $200 $140 Jump to Review Best Features: Tresanti Adjustable Height Desk at Amazon $530 Jump to Review Best Variety: FlexiSpot Height Adjustable Desk at Amazon $280 Jump to Review Best Wood Top: Vari Electric Standing Desk at Amazon $350 Jump to Review Best Overall Flexispot Comhar Standing Desk PHOTO: Amazon $400 at Amazon View on Flexispot.com $429 at Staples Why You Should Get It It’s easy to set up, easy to adjust, and has a handy drawer and USB ports. Keep in Mind The glass or 55-inch tabletop are more expensive. Overall, our favorite standing desk is the Flexispot EW8 Comhar Electric Standing Desk. We liked the features on the desk, which include a small drawer, USB ports, a charging port, child lock for safety, and preset height buttons. This desk arrived mostly assembled, so all we had to do was attach the legs and plug it in. Overall, setting up this desk took about 15 minutes. This pick is offered in several color choices, so you can choose which one works best in your office. There’s even a glass-covered option as well as a 55-inch pick, but keep in mind they’re more expensive. We were impressed by the desk’s high-quality, and functionality. The desk was spacious enough for multiple monitors and laptops and was stable even with several large devices on it. The built-in drawer in the middle isn’t deep but it’s perfect for storing chargers, pens, and other stationary and office necessities. The preset height buttons were easy to use. Adjusting the desk's height was straightforward as there are simple arrows for up and down conveniently located next to the touch buttons and the ports. We were comfortable in both standing and sitting positions, and we particularly appreciated the desk’s quiet operation. Overall, we thought this desk was a great value. Product Details: Dimensions: 23.7 x 47.3 inches | Type: Electric | Minimum Standing Height: 28 inches | Maximum Standing Height: 47.6 inches Better Homes & Gardens / Michelle Parente Better Homes & Gardens / Michelle Parente Best Budget Radlove Height Adjustable Standing Desk PHOTO: Amazon $160 at Amazon Why You Should Get It It’s easy to assemble and it features helpful additions, like wire holes and a basket for cable management. Keep in Mind The wire hole covers do not lie completely flush with the desk surface and there’s no locking feature for height adjustments. The Radlove Electric Height Adjustable Standing Desk is a great option if you’re furnishing a home office on a budget. The desk is offered in several colors and has a minimal aesthetic that we think competes with other more expensive options. The assembly process was smooth as it came in smart packaging and with clear instructions. The motorized height adjustment worked flawlessly, and the transition between sitting and standing was seamless. We appreciated the ability to program up to four different heights, although the buttons are not lockable—an important note for those with small children. Plus, the desk was spacious enough for two monitors and all our desktop necessities. We liked the desk’s extra features, such as holes on the backside for wire management. Just keep in mind that the wire hole covers did not lie completely flush with the desk, which we found was a minor inconvenience. There’s also a basket underneath for extra storage that we thought could have been a little bigger for better cable organization, but it was helpful nonetheless. We found the desk to be sturdy and able to support the weight of multiple devices without wobbling. After using this desk for several weeks, we noted improved posture and reduced back pain. If you’d like the benefits of a standing desk but aren’t too keen on splurging on a high-end model, we found this one from Radlove to be excellent value for money, offering all the benefits at a fraction of the cost. Product Details: Dimensions: 24 x 55 | Type: Electric | Minimum Standing Height: 27 inches | Maximum Standing Height: 45 inches Better Homes & Gardens / Ashleigh Morley Better Homes & Gardens / Ashleigh Morley Best Splurge Lillipad Standing Desk PHOTO: Lillipad View on Lillipad.com Why You Should Get It The desk is fully collapsible for easy storage. Keep in Mind There’s a slight whining noise during height adjustment. The Lillipad Standing Desk is an investment but after testing this unit out for several weeks, we were sold. There are four desktop color options to choose from, as well as two maximum heights: 42 or 48 inches. Plus, the desk came fully assembled so we were able to get to work right away. Setup and operation of this desk was straightforward, so all we had to do was lift one end, plug it in, and adjust its height with the simple controls. Plus, we liked that this desk was easy to maneuver even over thick carpet. If you’re short on space, you’ll appreciate that this desk can collapse completely flat, so you can easily store it under a bed or between furniture. Overall, we liked the simple and crisp look of this desk and that each feature was easy to use. The sizable desktop has a durable plastic laminate surface that could comfortably accommodate a PC tower, extended resolution monitor, and router with plenty of space left over. Plus, there’s a mesh pocket for cable management, two USB-A ports, an integrated power strip with USB ports, and an optional monitor mount. During testing, we noted that there’s a slight whine during the height adjustment. However, we thought it was tolerable so it wasn’t a dealbreaker to us. Product Details: Dimensions: 25 x 52 inches | Type: Electric | Minimum Standing Height: 27 inches | Maximum Standing Height: 48 inches Better Homes & Gardens / Anna Knief Better Homes & Gardens / Anna Knief Best Electric Seville Classics AIRLIFT® Tempered Glass Electric Standing Desk PHOTO: Amazon $370 at Amazon $370 at Wayfair View on Sevilleclassics.com Why You Should Get It It has a smooth adjustment mechanism, a wide surface area, a locking drawer mechanism, and built-in USB ports for charging devices. Keep in Mind The desk is heavy so it’s difficult to move alone. The Seville Classics Electric Standing Desk is one of the heaviest desks on our list but it took just 30 minutes to assemble and left us impressed with its sleek look and functionality. During testing, it was a breeze to assemble as there were only four parts: the glass top, preassembled legs, and two feet. However, two people were needed when it came time to flip the desk over due to its weight, which is around 50 pounds. The desk has a digital interface that allows for precise height adjustments from 27 to 48 inches. The raising and lowering mechanism is smooth and the glass top feels durable, albeit prone to fingerprint marks. There’s also a locking mechanism for added safety during height adjustments. The desk features a handy drawer and has a spacious surface area that can hold up to 176 pounds. During testing, it was able to support a monitor, laptop, a small Christmas tree, and other personal belongings without wobbling. We liked that this desk features USB ports and a Type-C port. During testing, we noted that this desk did make some noise when adjusting the height but we didn’t think it was a dealbreaker. The desk allowed us to work standing up for three to four hours per day with no discomfort, and we can confidently report that it contributed to an improvement in our leg, neck, and back pain. Product Details: Dimensions: 24 x 47.5 inches | Type: Electric | Minimum Standing Height: 27.5 inches | Maximum Standing Height: 46.5 inches Better Homes & Gardens / Taylor Rock Better Homes & Gardens /Taylor Rock 21 Home Office Storage Ideas for a More Productive Work Space Best Manual Threshold Loring Adjustable Standing Desk PHOTO: Target $140 at Target Why You Should Get It It offers ample space, and the lift mechanism makes no noise. It’s also affordable. Keep in Mind Assembly proved to be a challenge, and the handle for height adjustment feels a bit stiff and cumbersome to use. If you prefer a manual option, we recommend the Threshold Loring Manual Height Adjustable Standing Desk. The desk is less expensive than other styles and we found it was easier to use than expected. The desk is just over 69 pounds and assembly wasn’t as easy as some other options. For example, fixing the crank mechanism’s pieces into the desktop was intensive and we had to bring in our own tools to get the job done. The absence of pre-drilled holes meant we had to get the drill out, too. Despite the assembly challenges we found it to be quite a nice desk overall. While we think there are better quality options out there, it does feature sturdy white metal legs and a wood-like painted surface. Although this option doesn’t feature any additional storage, the desk's size provided ample surface area for essential items. Although it was a little stiff at first, the lift mechanism functioned well overall. The manual nature of the desk meant it didn’t produce any noise during height adjustments, which is great if you’re working at home. Product Details: Dimensions: 23.62 x 47.24 inches | Type: Manual | Minimum Standing Height: 28.66 inches | Maximum Standing Height: 48.35 inches Better Homes & Gardens / Brit Haines Better Homes & Gardens / Brit Haines The 25 Best Desks to Maximize Your Home Office Space Best Features Tresanti Adjustable Height Desk PHOTO: Costco $530 at Amazon $350 at Costco.com Why You Should Get It You can save three height settings and it’s spacious, so there’s plenty of room for your necessities. Keep in Mind The desk height adjustment buttons are sensitive and it’s also quite heavy. The Tresanti Adjustable Height Desk is one of the best standing desks we tested for its sturdy construction and helpful features. Though it took around 40 minutes to set up, we thought the assembly was easy to do. Just keep in mind that it’s quite heavy, so you might need an extra person to help assist. We were able to load the desk’s spacious surface with a laptop, a large monitor, a desk lamp, books, a water bottle, notebooks, and other workday needs. The desk also included a glass top, a slim drawer, USB charging ports, and a wireless phone charging area. One of its best perks is its timer feature that reminded us when it was time to get a standing session in. The lift mechanism is fairly quiet and smooth. However, the height adjustment buttons were very sensitive and would activate if we brushed past them. Thankfully, it has a lock button on the side of the desk so you can lock it in place and unlock it when you're ready to adjust it again. Plus, you can save three different height settings on this desk. Product Details: Dimensions: 25.5 x 47.24 inches | Type: Electric | Minimum Standing Height: 29.4 inches | Maximum Standing Height: 47 inches Better Homes & Gardens / Jessica Fleming How to Bring Fall Coziness Into Your Office Space Best Variety FlexiSpot Height Adjustable Desk PHOTO: Amazon $280 at Amazon Why You Should Get It It is sturdy, customizable, and spacious. Keep in Mind We noted a slight wobble during testing. If you’re concerned about finding a desk that works in your home office, the Flexispot EN1 Electric Stand-Up Desk is available in plenty of color variations and sizes to suit all needs. Although we thought the instructions could have been better, it was easy for just one person to put together. This desk sports an industrial-grade steel frame and the desktop feels solid. Plus, it has a weight capacity of 154 pounds. Although the desk seemed sturdy, we did notice a slight wobble so keep that in mind depending on your needs. The electronic control panel was easy to use. The panel features six buttons and allows for swift and precise height adjustments, including 1-inch increment adjustments, as well as some micro adjustments. You can also program four preferred heights. The desk's size is adequate and was able to house a laptop, a large monitor, a desktop Mac Studio, two keyboards, and wireless mice. The electric motor operated quietly during height adjustments, even when the desk was fully loaded. While it doesn’t have many extra features, like drawers or USB ports, we think the ample desk space and effortless adjusting more than made up for it. Product Details: Dimensions: 48 x 30 | Type: Electric | Minimum Standing Height: 28 inches | Maximum Standing Height: 47.6 inches Better Homes & Gardens / David Carr Best Wood Top Vari Electric Standing Desk PHOTO: Amazon $298 at Amazon $450 at Vari.com Why You Should Get It It’s pretty, high quality, sturdy, spacious, and has an intuitive and easy to use lift mechanism. Keep in Mind There’s no built-in storage, and it’s quite heavy. The Vari Essential Electric Standing Desk has a gorgeous hazel wood desktop that’ll make a great addition to any home office. We felt that the desk was very sturdy, clearly high-quality, and spacious, too. There’s an intuitive lift mechanism, up and down buttons, and programmable preset options. It took us just under 30 minutes to set up this desk since it had less than 10 parts and clear instructions. This desk is large and offers ample space for a computer monitor, laptop, books, and other workday items. Even under the weight of our items the desk didn’t wobble. We loved the seamless and quiet transition from sitting to standing positions, as well as the customizable presets that offer a personalized touch. The seven push buttons aren’t touch-activated, which makes the mechanism less likely to accidentally activate While sturdy, the desk is heavy and we needed two people to move it during testing, so keep that in mind depending on where you want to place it. While it lacks built-in storage, it does offer other thoughtful touches, like cord organizers and a cord-passing indentation. Product Details: Dimensions: 24 x 48 inches | Type: Electric | Minimum Standing Height: 27.5 inches | Maximum Standing Height: 47.6 inches Better Homes & Gardens / Anna Popp Better Homes & Gardens / Anna Popp The Bottom Line Overall, the Flexispot EW8 Comhar Electric Standing Desk is our favorite standing desk. We thought this pick was high quality and easy to set up and adjust. It also has a convenient built-in drawer, USB ports, a charging port, a child lock, and preset height buttons. Our Testing Process To come up with our list of the best standing desks, we personally tested 14 of the most popular models at home over several weeks. The desks were evaluated on their ease of setup, design, durability, and comfort. We started by evaluating the setup process, noting factors such as how well-packed the desks arrived, how many parts there were to assemble, and whether extra tools (as well as extra people) were needed to do so. We also timed the unboxing and setup process. Next, we noted factors such as desk quality, and whether there were any extra features such as storage, cable management, USB ports, and power outlets before testing out the desk’s rising and lowering mechanism. We considered factors such as the ease of adjusting each desk, the lift mechanism effectiveness, and the desk’s overall sturdiness. We also looked out for potential issues like wobbling, lack of space, or difficulty adjusting the desk. Then, we noted each desk’s durability, weight support, stability, and any damages observed during testing, as well as how easy the desks were to move around. We also considered how comfortable we were in both seated and standing positions while using each desk, and whether we detected any improvement in back or neck pain, and overall posture. Better Homes & Gardens / Jessica Fleming What to Know About Standing Desks Before Shopping Dimensions and Surface Size Just like regular desks, standing desks come in an array of sizes, with desktops typically ranging between 45 and 55 inches in width and 23 and 30 inches in depth. When choosing the best dimensions and surface area size, you’ll want to consider the items you’ll need to keep on the desk, like multiple monitors, laptops, and chargers. “Another important size consideration is whether you are going to choose a flat or multi-level desk. People who use their desk full-time may like having a multi-level desk that puts their monitor(s) in a higher position,” says Anderson. Minimum and Maximum Standing Heights Standing desk heights can be a minimum height of around 22 inches and 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. To get the best minimum upper height that’s best for you, both Anderson and Jaremey advise standing with your elbows at approximately 90 degrees and taking the height measurement between the underside of your elbow and the ground. From there, Anderson suggests sitting in your office chair and adjusting it as low as you are likely to ever want your chair. “Then repeat the process, bending your elbow to 90 degrees alongside your body and [measuring] from your forearm to the floor,” she says. “Your desk should go at least that low.” Material 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 can extend the desk to a standing position. Manually adjusting standing desks can also have wooden legs. Type When choosing whether you’d like your desk to extend mechanically or manually, there are some factors to consider, like price and your specific needs. “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. However, a manually adjusting desk often has a crank lever to raise and lower it. “Don’t be fooled into thinking that electric is always better,” Anderson says. “If you have the strength and mobility to use a manual convertible desk, they can sometimes be quicker to transition. Always read the fine print as far as the speed of your electric motor if you choose an electric desk.” She adds that people with shoulder problems or limited upper body strength may prefer electric options. Overall, manual desks are typically the cheaper option, but this is not always the case. “There are many affordable electric desks available,” Anderson continues. “In general, the more affordable ones have smaller motors, and convert a little more slowly. If you are using your desk movement time as a break, this may be fine. However, some people find that if their desk converts too slowly, they find they don’t use it.” Better Homes & Gardens / David Carr Other Standing Desks We Tested Branch Standing Desk The Branch Standing Desk is a heavy-duty piece of furniture that’s built to last. It’s stylish, spacious, offering plenty of desktop surface space that can fit multiple items. However, we found it quite difficult to assemble (it took 1.5 hours) as the instructions were unclear and the pre-drilled holes were too small. Despite the initial struggle, when it was up and running it proved to be a stable desk that’s nice to look at. It also seamlessly transitions and adjusts to the various heights. Herman Miller Jarvis Bamboo Standing Desk The Herman Miller Jarvis Bamboo Standing Desk is a very stylish option that’s quick and easy to set up. It’s high quality, super functional and offers a smooth, silent, and efficient height adjustment, and it’s easily programmable for different height preferences. The legs are quite sturdy and designed simply. After years of owning and using this desk, we found it to be durable, stable, with no signs of damage, warping, or discoloration, and no wobbling, either. However, we felt that it was a bit expensive and we’d be able to get a similar option for less money. Seville Classics Solid-Top Height Adjustable Mobile Laptop Computer Desk The Seville Classics Solid-Top Height Adjustable Mobile Laptop Computer Desk has a small surface area that is only really enough to lean a laptop and a mouse on. However, it has a very simple and compact aesthetic, and has been designed to be portable—it even has wheels for easily moving it around. Plus, it’s less expensive than other options. Your Questions, Answered How much does a standing desk cost? Standing desks can cost between $80 for the cheapest static standing height desk to upwards of $1,000 for electronic convertible-height desks. Our favorite standing desk, the Flexispot EW8 Comhar Electric Standing Desk, is $400. However, the Radlove Electric Height Adjustable Standing Desk, our best budget pick, is $190. Are standing desks easy to set up? Standing desks are typically easy to assemble. Take our best overall pick, the Flexispot EW8 Comhar Electric Standing Desk, and Tresanti Adjustable Height Desk, our best features pick, which didn’t take much to set up during testing. Who We Are This article was written by Kat de Naoum, who has over ten years of commerce writing experience. For this article, she reviewed testing insights from multiple standing desks we tried at home. She also spoke to Darcie Jaremey, MSc CPE, founder of ergonomicsHelp and certified ergonomist partner with Ergotron, and Dr. Ingrid Anderson, a physical therapist and owner at Intown Physical Therapy. What Is BHG Recommends? Next to all of the products on this list, you may have noticed our BHG Recommends seal of approval. Products that earn the seal have been put through rigorous testing to make sure they're worth a spot in your home. We buy most of the products we test ourselves, but occasionally we are provided samples by companies if buying isn't an option. In these cases, we use the same testing criteria we use to test the purchased products. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit