A standing desk is an excellent way to continue moving even as you spend long hours on your computer. Plus, working for long periods while sitting can truly be uncomfortable at times. Thus, a standing desk, as well as standing desk converters, can allow you to switch up your routine and avoid discomfort such as back pain.
A standing desk can help you transition from a sitting to a standing position while working on your laptop or computer. This will enable you to move about rather than simply sitting down. In this article, we've put together a list of our top 10 recommendations as well as a buying guide to help you learn about the things to consider when selecting the best standing desk.
Quick List - Top Standing Desks
Aofeis
A Standing Desk That Boasts Functionality and Style
Flexispot
Durable Desk With Outstanding Preset Features
FlexiSpot
Convert Your Table Into a Standing Desk
IDr. Alyssa Jean Rosalem is a Registered and Licensed Interior Designer in the Philippines. With 7 years of experience in the field, she is committed to bringing a unique, vibrant perspective and aesthetically pleasing design while enhancing the quality of life and culture of the occupants. Alyssa stays up to date with the latest trends and knowledge in the field of Interior & Architecture. She is passionate about learning new creative thinking skills and making a difference by sharing her understanding of designing a space.
Our recommendation articles are carefully researched and crafted by the mybest Philippines team of writers and editors. To stay true to our company’s mission and vision to help users’ selection process easier, we also collaborate with experts from various fields to ensure that our content stays factual and useful.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
Table of Contents
Studies show that sitting for nearly the entire day may lead to significant health issues such as weight gain, tense shoulders and neck, and even an increased risk of diabetes. Thus, having a standing desk that enables you to change positions would be more beneficial to your health. Continue reading to learn about their benefits.
According to research, those who used sit-stand workstations, such as a standing desk, had significant relief from lower back discomfort. It helps improve your posture as it prevents you from hunching down or slouching. Thus, this would be suitable for those who frequently suffer from back pain from prolonged sitting.
Studies show that standing for six hours not only prevents weight gain but also helps in weight loss over time. When compared to sitting, researchers found that 0.15 calories are burned each minute. This is especially beneficial for busy employees who do not have time to relax after eating since it may aid in faster digestion.
Standing workstations may also help you stay engaged and attentive, which can help you be more productive. Studies have revealed that people who used this type of desk are approximately 45 percent more productive every day than their sitting colleagues. So, this helps in getting more things done.
Here are some key points to consider:
For more detailed information, read through our buying guide below.
One of the essential considerations is the simplicity of adjusting the height of the desk from a sitting to a standing position. You may choose one of three kinds, which differ in a variety of aspects such as loading capacity, functionality, size, and more.
This kind of standing desk manually adjusts the height through a lever. When you rotate it many times, it rises and adds height. No need to plug it in, so it may be placed anywhere. Furthermore, it is less expensive and much simpler to repair than electric desks, saving you money on maintenance.
Since most hand-crank desks need 3-5 handle rotations per inch adjustment, moving from a sitting to a standing position requires 30-75 handle rotations, which is also a good arm exercise. Also, unlike electric standing desks, these tables have a low carrying capacity because the more the desk weighs, the more difficult it will be to crank.
Also, consider the adjustment range height to your height as a user. Test it first and make sure you can work at your workstation comfortably and with proper posture. There should be no hunching or straining, whether sitting or standing.
Electric standing desks require less effort since they are motorized and use buttons to adjust their height, making them extremely convenient to use. They can handle more weight than manual tables since the motors also help lift the desk, making it perfect for people with a lot of equipment on their tables.
The shift from sitting to standing would take just a few minutes. And generally, electric desks provide customizable features such as levels of height adjustments and even charging ports for your devices. Also, this must be plugged in, so be sure to position it near an outlet.
Do bear in mind that those great features also make it a more expensive purchase. Some people also don't like the hum of the motors when it is being adjusted, which can be quite distracting. Another drawback is that if it malfunctions, you may need to hire a professional to fix it.
Check the weight capacity of an electric standing desk to avoid wobbling when adjusting.
Desk converters are manually adjustable tables that you place atop your current one. Think of it as similar to a foldable breakfast tray table. Because it is portable, it is ideal if you have limited space. It may be the least expensive but it offers great variety in terms of height adjustments from 14" to 18" above.
Unlike manual and electric desks, it does not require assembly so once it arrives, it's good to go. Do take note that it has limited tabletop space, and despite its portable size, it may be a little on the heavy side.
Ensure the folding mechanisms are made of durable and high-quality materials. These types are made for everyday use, so you better invest in the best ones that can last longer.
In terms of height, it's best to look for standing desks that can go as low as 60 cm up to 120 cm. This would give you more options for both a sitting and standing position. On the other hand, it is also important to assess a standing desk's height capacity.
Height capacity varies depending on its leg section or the number of legs. Tables with two-section legs are more lightweight but can still lift heavy tabletops. If you require a higher table, opt for one with three-section legs. This is ideal for those with heavy equipment like desktops as you can expect more power and speed when adjusting.
When choosing an adjustable standing leg, keep in mind that the material should be made of treated and painted metal. This means it will be durable and strong enough to carry its desired weight.
Standing desks are a practical investment that provides many advantages, including improved room aesthetics. This would be determined by the tabletop materials that would be used; you have the choice of laminated desks, solid wood, or glass.
Choose a laminated material made of medium density fiberboard or MDF if you want a low-cost tabletop with a variety of design choices. With its wood grain style, it will easily blend into your space. This is an excellent choice for high-traffic workstations since it does not scratch or dent easily. It's also simpler to maintain and clean.
Also, laminated materials have a wide variety of designs. it can have a plain solid color finish, a wood grain design, or even a simulated marble design.
Standing desks built of solid wood have been polished and have a timeless design. This material is heavier than others, but it is guaranteed to last a long time. Because of its weight, this will occupy a large portion of the loading capacity of your standing desk. Thus the number of items you will put on top of the desk may be limited.
When using a solid wood table top, be sure to use coasters when having a drink or a sip of hot coffee while working at your desk. Take note of this tip to have a long-lasting solid wood.
Because of their modern appearance, glass standing desks are a great choice. These are often constructed of tempered glass that is thick enough to avoid breaking while carrying objects on its surface. If you do not want a complete glass top, you may opt for a hardwood top with a glass inlay instead.
Your glass table top should be tempered glass with a minimum of 1/4 inch thickness when used as a hardwood topper, whereas if you want it as your only table surface, it should be thicker than 1/4 inch.
Most standing desks indicate the weight capacity, excluding the tabletop, so it is important to keep this in mind when purchasing a standing desk. Tabletops often range from 5 kg to 30 kg, depending on the material. So, it is best to search for desks with a loading capacity of 70 to 130 kg to handle all your equipment.
For electric standing desks, consider the number of motors since they act as support that will allow the desks to easily adjust their height. A single-motor desk lifts both legs and is best suited for lightweight use. On the other hand, a dual-motor desk is much more efficient since each side has its own motor, making it perfect for a heavy setup.
Because safety is a top concern, it's important to search for some additional features that will keep you and your family safe. Fortunately, most electric standing desks have safety features such as anti-collision and child lock.
An electric standing desk adjusts its height using a keypad, and you may select from the most simple keypads to the most elaborate ones with many features. A simple keypad includes just two buttons for adjusting the desk's height. It is less difficult to operate than a premium keypad, but it also has fewer functions.
A premium keypad with an LED display is a high-tech option that may need a learning curve, so you must first be familiarized with the settings to optimize it fully. This is a sophisticated device as it allows you to adjust the height of your desk at varying levels. Plus, it has a timer to remind you to switch positions every now and then.
Anti-collision desks have a sensor that automatically prevents the desk from adjusting when it gets one inch closer to a barrier. This reduces any mishaps from occurring. This is useful since it protects your other possessions beneath and above your table, such as your file cabinet, office chair, and even hanging shelves.
Because most tabletops are heavy, they may cause severe injuries, especially if you live with children or pets; thus, it's preferable to include a child-lock function to avoid mishaps while a kid or pet is around.
Tables equipped with this functionality remain disabled unless activated. This means even if your little ones or pets get near your desk, you don't have to worry about them accidentally adjusting the desk.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Aofeis Ergo E8 All-in-One Standing Desk Tempered Glass Top | ![]() | A Standing Desk That Boasts Functionality and Style | |
2 | Flexispot Electric Height-Adjustable Standing Desk E3R 3-Stage | ![]() | Durable Desk With Outstanding Preset Features | |
3 | MXTARK Electric Standing Desk With Wheels | ![]() | Give Your Gaming Setup an Awesome Upgrade | |
4 | FlexiSpot Standing Desk Riser 35" Adjustable Desk Converter with Spacious Laptop Keyboard Tray | ![]() | Convert Your Table Into a Standing Desk | |
5 | Stance Executive Electric Corner Standing Desk | ![]() | An L-Shaped Desk for a Larger Work Space | |
6 | True Vision Adjustable Steel & Aluminum Essential Desktop Riser | ![]() | Transform Any Table into a Standing Desk | |
7 | Ofix Gas Lift Height Adjustable Desk | ![]() | Portable Standing Desk for Laptops and Small Spaces | |
8 | Ofix Electric Height Adjustable Single Motor Desk | ![]() | A Fast and Reliable Electric Desk | |
9 | San-Yang Laptop Table | ![]() | For Laptop Users Who Need a Space-Saving Table | |
10 | True Vision Stance Executive Manually Height-Adjustable Standing Desk | ![]() | Hand-Crank Standing Desk Lets You Have an Everyday Arm Exercise |
This standing desk from Aofeis has practical features such as charging ports and a small drawer for the best working experience at your desk. This is made from a steel frame with a tempered glass surface with rounded edges for safety. It features a minimalist design that will complement any room theme.
This also includes a child lock button to prevent injury to your children and pets. With its three USB charging ports, two Type A and one Type C, you can simply plug in your devices. Reviewers strongly recommend this product since it remains stable even when adjusted to its maximum height.
Flexispot's ER3 Ergonomic Standing Desk features 7 button controllers for various tasks. It includes controls for moving the desk up and down, a height memory button to save your preferred height, and a sit-and-stand reminder to encourage you to shift positions. It even has an anti-collision function to avoid any mishaps.
Its three programmable memory presets allow you to select three desk heights, which is handy if you intend on sharing this desk with others. It has a dual motor that effortlessly raises the tabletop and three leg sections that allow a carrying capacity of 100 kg. Plus, users recommend this standing desk since it is easy to assemble!
Be more active and improve your posture anywhere in your home through this rolling electric standing desk. With a quiet but powerful single motor, this desk easily goes up and down in less than 20 seconds. It also has 4 buttons that you can customize for different heights or levels.
It is also ergonomically designed as its tabletop is curved, giving your body more space to move around. In addition, you can be sure of its stability due to its all-metal frame, strong desk that can handle up to 80 kilos, and lockable wheels. Plus, it has two hooks that can help organize your wires.
Here's another desk from FlexiSpot that is especially made for those who already have a desk at home but want to upgrade it to a standing desk. This is a less expensive option that works just as well. You can use this for any monitor or laptop set-up without worries due to its weight capacity of 15 kg.
What is great about this desk converter is its spacious tabletop and keyboard tray which can accommodate any laptop, monitor, and keyboard configuration. You can also adjust its height from up to 50 cm so you can easily find a level that suits you. Plus, its legs come with a non-slip mat to ensure stability.
If you have extra space in your home office, this L-shaped table from Stance may be a good option for you. You'll get more surface area while keeping your papers and laptop within arm's reach. Plus, if you have another family member who works from home, you can share the desk with them!
This desk is expandable, as it can go from 110 to 170 cm, helpful if you want to have a bigger workspace. It has three leg sections, which ensures that it can be raised smoothly. You won't have to worry about noise since it only generates 20db, making it perfect for the office.
Made with a high-strength steel frame and MDF board, this desktop riser by True Vision can carry a heavy laptop or an entire desktop set-up up to 8 kg with ease. Truly durable, this can last you for years after purchase. This also comes with foam pads that can protect your devices from scratches.
Furthermore, this has five different height settings that can cater to a comfortable working height for you. It has a squeeze handle that you can press to change the desk height instantly. This is ideal if you want to transform tables of varying heights at your home or office into a standing desk.
If you're looking for portability, this may be the best choice for you! It has 4 wheels with 2 brakes, which allow you to move from one location to another easily. This is useful to have in a meeting room because its tilting feature enables it to be used as a podium. Plus, this is extremely easy to adjust, simply push and pull the lever.
Take note that its tabletop surface is only sufficient for a laptop. But, it takes up less floor space than a normal desk, making it perfect for a small home office. It's also worth mentioning that its base is made of steel columns, which guarantees its stability and durability even when slightly heavier equipment is placed on top of it.
If you're on a tight budget but still want something convenient to use, this adjustable single-motor desk from Ofix is just what you are looking for. This model has electrical presets that make lowering and elevating your desk considerably simpler. Despite having only one motor, it can be adjusted at an astounding 1.5 inches every second.
This is suitable for many users due to its 3 programmable memory buttons that keep a record of your preferred height. Its anti-collision function also prevents you from accidentally hitting a chair underneath it. You can certainly put a lot on the tabletop surface and not worry about any malfunction since it can carry up to 80 kg.
This compact laptop table from San-Yang Furniture is the ideal choice for those who don't have a lot of space in their rooms for the usual wide standing desk. It is height-adjustable so you can convert it from a normal desk to a standing desk as you please. You can also easily transport it due to its wheeled legs.
Made of melamine and powder-coated steel, you're guaranteed that this desk is durable and easy to clean, making it a low-maintenance addition to your workspace. Plus, customers have praised it for its sturdiness and ease of assembly despite its affordable price.
Stance's manual standing desk is another product that uses an easy-to-use crank lever for a sit-and-stand routine. You won't have to worry about finding the right size since this standing desk can be customized to fit any space. And for tabletop choices, you can choose from black, cherry, maple, or white colorsーall of which will surely match any space.
With a 5-year guarantee, you'll have peace of mind knowing that if anything goes wrong, you can always get it serviced. In addition, Metro Manila customers won't have to worry about assembling the desk since it will be delivered in a ready-to-use setup. For orders outside Manila, they provide an instruction manual to assist you in assembling this.
When buying an electric standing desk, test it out before purchasing. Be sure the mechanisms are smooth, the tabletop finish is seamless and durable, and the adjustable legs are heavy-duty and have a protective furniture leg pad to avoid scratches on your floor.
Below are some of the most asked questions on the web answered by registered interior designer Alyssa Jean Rosalem.
Looking for some new additions to your work-from-home setup? We've got your back! Check out the best mechanical keyboards for a new typing experience, desk pads to protect your table and device, and mice to provide you the smoothest working experience even while you're at home.
Author: J. Salao
Re-editor: B. Fajardo
No. 1: Aofeis|Ergo E8 All-in-One Standing Desk Tempered Glass Top
No. 2: Flexispot|Electric Height-Adjustable Standing Desk E3R 3-Stage
No. 3: MXTARK|Electric Standing Desk With Wheels
No. 4: FlexiSpot|Standing Desk Riser 35" Adjustable Desk Converter with Spacious Laptop Keyboard Tray
No. 5: Stance|Executive Electric Corner Standing Desk
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
Beauty
Health
Household goods
PCs and laptops
Home appliances and electronics
Cameras
Food and drinks
Kitchen supplies
Clothing
Shoes
Accessories
Mom and baby
Interior and furniture
Hobbies
Outdoor
DIY and tools
Sports and fitness
Pets
Books, CDs, and DVDs
Games
Cars and motorcycles
Gifts
Home improvement and tools
Smartphones and tablets
Banking and finance
Insurance
Audio
Smartphone applications
Others