With reviewing and rounding up the best standing desks, what I expect to see is a wide height range, stable construction, and an easy-to-use control panel. Bonus points, too, for essentials like cable management and device charging ports. With that in mind, and after extensive tests of over 40 different models, these are my top recommendations.
When it comes to height adjustable sit-stand desks for the office and home office, I recommend the FlexiSpot E7 - for me, this standing desk strikes the right balance of performance and price for most people. It also reviewed extremely well, and we found it stable and relatively quiet in operation, ideal for shared workspaces. If you're looking for a model on a budget, check out the Fezibo standing desk, which delivers decent performance at around the $100 / £100 mark.
You can read the full thoughts from me and my team below, alongside some great alternatives for a range of uses, workspaces, and budgets, including my favorite pick for gamers.
With Prime Day on its way, I'm now tracking down some of the best early Prime Day standing desk deals - watch this space.
Update: No major changes to the page this month, with the exception of our newly reviewed Branch Four Leg standing desk - ideal for those who want a bit more stability. I've also recently added a comparison table below the models, giving you at-a-glance information on how each standing desk compares on price, height adjustment, and warranty.
The quick list
The best standing desk overall
The FlexiSpot E7 is our top pick for anyone who wants a stable, height-adjustable standing up desk. Operation is smooth and quiet, and we found it perfect for offices and home offices.
The best standing desk on a budget
We’ve had some great experiences with Fezibo desks, and this is one of the cheapest around. Has all the key features I’d look for in a sit-stand desk, without breaking the bank.
The best standing desk for the home office
One of the best standing desks we’ve ever tested, the Branch Duo is beautifully designed, can be accessorized and, impressively, comes with a 10-year warranty.
The best standing desk for gaming
Our top-rated choice for gamers, this desk is specifically designed for gaming set-up and even has optional RGB strip lighting for bringing the right vibes.
The best standing desk for the office
A true standing desk for professionals, the Fully Jarvis from Herman Miller boasts a 15-year warranty and heavyweight 350lb lifting capacity for those loading up the desk with devices.
The best standing desk with drawer
It might not be the only standing desk with drawers here, but this is a relatively inexpensive option that has all the core features most people will need.
See more desks
The best standing desk for small spaces
Unique among our round-up, the Lillipad is an electric standing desk that’s completely foldable for easy storage (and extra portability). A great performer and space-saver.
The best L-shaped standing desk
The FlexiSpot E7L boasts a neat L-shaped design ideal for corners. In use, we found it performed very well in both home and work settings. Great if you've got the space.
The best standing desk for cable management
The Ergonofis Shift is a well-made, well-designed standing desk. The cable management is stellar, and one of our favorites for those looking to keep workspaces tidy.
The best standing desk with four legs
A highly stable and stylish standing desk that mimics the look of a classic office desk thanks to its four legs - with the added bonus of being height adjustable.
Best standing desk overall
✅ You want a solid, stable standing desk. Well-priced and well-designed, we enjoyed our time with this sit-stand desk. It's stable, quiet, and basically ticks every box.
❌ You need a cheap standing desk. There's not much we don't like about the E7, but the cost is decidedly mid-range, rather than a budget pick.
This has been my top-rated standing desk for some time now, and with good reason. For me, the FlexiSpot E7 electric standing desk ticks just about every box most people need. It’s stable, offers plenty of height adjustment, and it’s reasonably priced - not cheap, not expensive, but pleasantly mid-range.
Like almost all FlexiSpot standing up desks, this one comes in a large range of sizes and colors for different workspaces, with a good selection of tabletops, including your basic chipboard desk, and even a version with drawers. Our home office furniture reviewer Collin Probst tested out the 55in bamboo version with the optional cable management tray and effectively came away feeling it was functional, practical, and difficult to fault.
What I like about the E7 is the four-memory preset control panel that includes a USB charging port. At less than 50dB when rising or lowering, the dual-motors are also quiet in operation, making it suitable for shared office settings.
Read our full FlexiSpot E7 review
Cheapest standing desk
✅ You want a cheap standing desk. This is one of the lowest-priced standing desks around from a brand whose other models impressed us for the cost.
❌ You need the most stable option. A common complaint with this Fezibo desk is the slight lack of stability when raised to full height.
It’s not often I’ll recommend a desk we haven’t fully reviewed, but I’ll make an exception for this height adjustable sit-stand desk from Fezibo. We’ve reviewed a number of other desks and chairs from this budget brand, and for the money, there’s a whole lot to like here.
Coming in at around the $100 / £100 mark (and I frequently see it discounted on Amazon), this standing desk is available in a range of tabletop sizes, from 40in to 60in, and colors, including vintage brown, black walnut, and white. So, there are a lot of options here to find the right style for your workspace.
The desk rises between 28.3 to 46.5in, which is about average in my experience, matching the E7’s noise levels as sub-50dB. Features include anti-collision detection, lockable casters, and two hooks for hanging headphones, bags, and so on.
As a cheap standing desk, what I’d be watching out for here is the materials used in construction. For example, the frame is built from solid steel - stable (at least at lower settings),but also very heavy. Also expect extras like cable management to be missing here.
Best standing desk for the home office
✅ You want one of the best around. We couldn't find many - if any - real faults with this standing desk. Well-worth the money.
❌ You're outside the US. My biggest issue with the Branch Duo is the lack of availability outside North America.
The Branch Duo is easily one of the best standing desks we’ve ever reviewed here - and my only real issue with it is the low availability outside the US. Beyond that, it’s beautifully designed, boasts quiet height adjustment, and an impressive ten-year warranty. Our reviewer, Collin, tested out this one for two months, and was really pleased with its minimalism and the high-quality construction.
What stands out to me here is the discrete control paddle, similar to that on the premium Herman Miller Fully Jarvis, rather than the big, button-filled control panels I’ve seen on other standing desks. Here, you’ll find a small screen and invisible buttons letting you adjust the height between 28 and 47.8in. The downside, however, is the paddle has no USB charging ports,
Alongside a range of sizes and styles, there are a handful of accessories available to accompany the Branch Duo. Our reviewer selected the cable organizer, a basic management solution that sits below and to the rear of the desk, and the desk drawer. This shallow, felt-lined drawer, he found, is ideal for storing your laptop, tablet, and stationery.
Read our full Branch Duo review
Best standing desk for gaming
✅ You want a standing desk for gaming. Ok, it's not just a desk for gaming, but with its black, all-metal design, optional RGB lighting strip, and some of the best cable management I've seen, this is ideal for gamers.
❌ You need a cheap standing desk. As you'd expect from a standing-up desk of this size and design, it's not really a budget choice.
When it comes to the best standing desk for gamers, there’s no doubt in my mind that the Secretlab Magnus Pro fits the bill. This is an all-black, all-metal desk that comes equipped with a full-length cable management tray and, interestingly, a control panel neatly built into the tabletop itself.
I haven’t seen many all-metal standing desks in my time - but there’s a good reason for Secretlab designing one: it means you can add magnet accessories, including a monitor arm, desk riser, and cable anchors. I also really like the concept of threading the power cables through the frame itself, neatly tucking them away from sight. Everything about this sit-stand desk is thoughtfully designed.
Using this desk for a month, Collin, our resident office furniture expert, called it a “highly flexible workstation because it can do almost anything I need.” Standing at 6’2”, he found the maximum height of 49.2in ideal for taller users compared to other desks.
Downsides are few here - it may be more desk than many need, and it certainly comes with a large price-tag. But for a highly modular and stable standing desk experience, that even includes an optional RGB strip light for gamers, there’s plenty to like.
Read our full Secretlab Magnus Pro review
Best standing desk for the office
✅ You want an executive-level standing desk. With its long warranty, excellent build quality, and performance, this is perfect for professionals in the office.
❌ You need stability at maximum height. It's not just our budget pick that has a slight wobble when adjusted to full height, we noticed it with this one too.
When it comes to professional standing desks - the sort built for executives, with a price-tag to match - the Fully Jarvis from Herman Miller is my top pick. One of the top features here is the relatively high 350lb lift capacity, which will be a serious boon for those planning on loading up the tabletop with multiple devices, monitors, and more.
Build quality is excellent, with our reviewer feeling it was solid and stable throughout use. I’m also a fan of that bamboo desktop - it’s not only pleasantly elegant, but the natural, warm coloring gives it an understated style that won't dominate your workspace. Better yet, it only took our reviewer around 15 minutes to assemble this standing up desk.
In use, it’s quiet, operated with a control paddle that simply needs a brush of the finger to begin elevation. In our experience, it's vastly superior to cheaper control panels with physical buttons. You can even upgrade the basic grommet for a powered version, which adds a socket, USB-A, and USB-C ports for charging devices.
Admittedly, it’s an expensive bit of kit, but there’s not much to dislike, and with a 15-year warranty, I’d consider this an investment.
Read our full Herman Miller Fully Jarvis review
Best standing desk with drawer
✅ You want a well-priced standing desk with a drawer. There are a few desks with drawers around, but for the low- to mid-range cost, this is a stand out for me.
❌ You need deep drawers. There's only one drawer here, and it's not as deep as you'll find on traditional desks, with room for laptops and notebooks, but nothing too thick.
I’ve included a number of standing desks with drawers in this round-up, but if you’re just looking for a standard model that won’t break the bank, then my go-to choice would be the FlexiSpot EG8 Comhar (confusingly, it’s also known as both the Comhar and the EW8 Comhar, too).
Our reviewer, Anthony, found it is more than spacious enough to hold a laptop, notebook, and other accessories, though not especially deep (it couldn’t hold a mouse, for example). In my experience, most standing desk drawers are pretty shallow, but considering the price, it’s a fair trade-off for much-needed extra storage. During testing, he found it comfortable to use and easy to type on, with no problems when it came to stability.
As with most FlexiSpot standing desks, it’s available in a range of sizes and styles. Elsewhere, the desk features a built-in control panel with four memory presets, two USB-A ports, and a USB-C port, with enough power to charge small devices like phones, but not your laptop. At 110lb, weight capacity isn’t the highest but should be more than enough to hold devices and monitors without preventing elevation.
Read our full FlexiSpot Comhar review
Best standing desk for small spaces
✅ You don't have much space. While the desk size itself is pretty standard, the fact that this is foldable and portable makes it a great choice for storing away when not in use.
❌ You need a more traditional standing desk. If you have the space for a classically designed sit-stand desk, you may get more for your money elsewhere.
Almost all standing desks we’ve reviewed are available in a range of sizes, typically spanning between 40in and 55in, so finding one suitable for smaller spaces isn’t usually too tricky. If you’re really short on space, though, the Lillipad Pro foldable electric standing desk is an attractive option.
This is one of the most unique sit-stand desks I’ve ever seen, a standing desk on wheels with the ability to collapse flat, making it easy to store and as portable as these can get. During his two months using this model, our office furniture expert Collin discovered a real love for the desk’s versatility, letting him easily create a temporary workstation area whenever and wherever he needed it.
Specs-wise, the height adjustable range runs between 6 and 48in for the larger model (and 42in for the smaller one), with a relatively low 75lb lifting capacity. Underneath, there’s even a cable net for stashing the power cable when not in use, while a power supply unit serves up three mains sockets, three USB-A ports, and one USB-C port.
While there is space for Lillipad’s monitor arm, I would’ve liked a VESA bracket for mounting monitors (but that would impact the otherwise cunning design of the desk). The real issue for me here is the lack of shipping outside the US. For a UK alternative, check out our Back in Action single column standing desk review - it’s not foldable, but it’s still a space-saver.
Read our full Lillipad Pro review
Best L-shaped standing desk
✅ You want a standing desk that fits in any corner. With its L-shaped design, this FlexiSpot desk is designed to neatly slide into any corner and make the most of your space.
❌ You have limited space. This standing desk is big - it surprised us just how big it is, and without much room, it's going to dominate the office or home office.
If you’ve the space for it, the FlexiSpot E7L Pro is a great L-shaped standing desk for corners. It’s a spin on the classic E7 desk, which we proceeded to test in both the home office and in a classroom. It shone in both.
Our reviewer, Collin, found it stable in use, durable under hand, and quiet in operation. In fact, he found it even more stable than either the E7 or the E7 Pro, and on par with the E7 Plus. All core features I’d look for are present here, with a USB-A port for charging devices, child lock, anti-collision detection, and an easy-to-use control panel with four memory presets.
Assembly was very easy, with the tabletop coming in two sections - the main tabletop and a shorter section that can be attached on either the left or right side to suit your workspace. You'll also find a cable management tray in the box, although it's relatively small for a desk designed for use with a lot of devices (perhaps I'm being picky here, though).
What really impressed us during tests was just how smooth the elevation was. That’s because the E7L Pro boasts three motors, and we experienced no stuttering or uneven lifts at all.
Read our full FlexiSpot E7L Pro review
Best standing desk for cable management
✅ You want excellent cable management. Alongside the Secretlab Magnus Pro, this height-adjustable desk has the best cable management solution around for keeping your space neat and tidy.
❌ You're on a budget. There's a lot to like about the Shift, but it's notably expensive compared to other standing desks we've reviewed.
While I’ve included several standing desks with cable management solutions in this round-up, the Ergonofis Shift features our favorite take on this. There are two parts to this, with netting for storing cables and a privacy screen / cable management solution that boasts an integrated power strip.
Our expert reviewer, Collin, came away feeling that with the power brick integrated into the cable management solution, most people can avoid an additional PSU in their set-up. Very neat and tidy.
It wasn’t the easiest or quickest to assemble, but overall design and construction quality is great, and I’m a big fan of the anti-fingerprint matte surface found on the tabletop. Beyond the cable management, the desk isn’t loaded with features - although a monitor arm and desk shelf are available separately. However, there is a four memory preset control panel. The desk can rise between 24.5 and 50.2in - one of the tallest standing desks we’ve ever reviewed - with a 300lb maximum lifting capacity.
Read our full Ergonofis Shift review
Best standing desk with four legs
✅ You want four legs: The main appeal of this offering from Branch is the fact that it boasts four legs for added stability, making it similar to traditional office desks.
❌ You don't need a height adjustable desk: If you just need a desk with four legs and no sit-stand function, an office desk will suit you better.
You won't find many standing desks with for legs, but Branch has bucked the trend with its appropriately named Branch Four Leg standing desk. This is a good pick if you're looking for a little more stability. While the lifting load capacity is capped at a low-ish 225lb, when static, it can hold up to 450lb, which is a lot higher than most sit-stand desks we've reviewed, making ideal if you intend to load it up with monitors, laptops, and more. It comes in a range of colorways and two desktop sizes - 48in and 57in - to suit your set-up.
After 173 days of use, our reviewer, Collin, found this stylish desk rock-solid throughout the testing period, with a stable base, easy-to-use control panel, and, despite requiring assembly, was very simple to set up. Surprisingly, even after all the time spent working at this desk, he noted that the tabletop area remained unblemished - no scratches from continuous mouse movements or anything of the sort.
His only reason concern comes from the height range, which particularly tall users may find slightly too low for their needs. Also, it's worth noting that while there is a cable management solution available, like Branch's monitor arm and a range of other accessories, it's sold separately.
Still, this is a smart standing desk with a clean, modern design that we found reliable, functional, and most importantly, super-stable.
Read our full Branch Four Leg standing desk review
Best standing desks compared
Model | Price (RRP) | Height range | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|
$500 / £460 | 22.8 - 48.4in / 58 - 123cm | 15 years | |
Fezibo electric standing desk | $100 / £100 | 28.3 - 46.5in / 72 - 118cm | 5 years |
$649 | 28 - 47.3in / 71 - 120cm | 10 years | |
$878 / £798 | 25.6 - 49.2in / 65 - 125cm | 5 years | |
$795 / £760 | 22.9 - 51in / 58.2 - 129.5cm | 15 years | |
$400 / £300 | 28.3 - 47.6in / 72 - 121cm | 5 years | |
$949 | 6 - 48in / 15 - 122cm | 5 years | |
$700 / £600 | 25 - 50in / 63.5 - 128.5cm | 15 years | |
$945 | 24.5 - 50.2in / 62.23 - 127.51cm | 10 years | |
$949 | 27.3 - 44.6in / 69 - 113cm | 10 years |
Standing desk terms you need to know before you buy
Complete your setup with these accessories - all tested, reviewed, and rated by us.
> Best standing desk converters
> Best under-desk treadmills
> Best monitor stands
> Best laptop stands
Height range
This is the adjustable height that a desk spans. Typically, this is from around 28in to 48in, which makes the range suitable for most users. For those standing at 5'5”, set the height for around 39 inches. For users 6’ tall, 44 inches will be the approximate height for comfort.
Cable management
Not every standing desk has cable management storage solutions, but as with traditional office desks, some include desk grommets, letting you thread cables through the tabletop, while others have under-desk trays for storing power bricks and computer cables.
Memory preset
Most desks with a full control panel feature a three- or four-memory preset. This lets you store specific heights for standing and sitting. So, at the push of a button, the desk will automatically elevate or descend to this height without further user input.
Weight limit
The weight limit, sometimes called the load or lifting capacity, is the maximum a standing desk can carry while remaining operational. If you’re planning on loading up the tabletop with multiple monitors, laptops, and computers, then choose a higher weight limit. In general, I see lifting capacities of around 250 - 350lb, but there are plenty of exceptions.
Anti-collision detection
A feature you’ll find on just about all the best standing desks, this technology detects objects or people obstructing descent, and will automatically stop lowering to prevent crushing them.
Motors
While you can get manual (or hand-cranked) height-adjustable desks, electric models use motors. What you want to check for is how many your chosen desk has. The more motors, the faster and smoother the movement will be. Most standing desks have a dual-motor design. However, cheaper units often have a single motor, while larger models, like L-shaped standing desks, will have three.
Best standing desks: Frequently asked questions
Are standing desks good for you and are they worth it?
TechRadar's former Senior Fitness & Wearables Writer, Stephen Warwick, explains how to enjoy the benefits of a standing desk.
“The trick is to balance both sitting and standing. It’s best not to stay in one position for too long. After all, if you stay seated for too long, it carries risks of CVD such as coronary heart disease, stroke, and heart failure. So, make sure you move often during your work day. For anyone using a standing desk for two or more hours, I’d recommend getting an under-desk treadmill, so you can continue staying active throughout the day. Extra support for health and mobility may also help improve your workplace routine, like ergonomic office chairs, smartwatches with movement reminders, and the best fitness trackers.”
For more on this topic, we've studied the reports in-depth in our guide Sitting vs. standing for work: we take a comprehensive look at what the science says.
Stephen Warwick is TechRadar's Fitness & Wearables writer with nearly a decade of experience covering technology, including five years as the News Editor of iMore. He's a keen fitness enthusiast and is never far from the local gym, Apple Watch at the ready, to record his latest workout.
How high should a standing desk be?
The best height for a standing desk depends on your own height and stance. When using a sit-stand desk in the elevated position, your elbows should be at a 90-degree angle, with arms and wrists flat and resting comfortably on the desk. In this position, you should be able to stand upright without hunching over.
If you’re around 5’5”, your standing desk should be set to around 39 inches.
If you’re around 6’, the desk should be elevated to 44 inches.
For the best fit, measure the length from your feet to the crook of your elbow - this will show you the best standing desk height for maximum comfort and ergonomics.
What are the different types of standings desks?
Fixed or non-adjustable standing desks come at a predetermined height and don’t have the option to revert to a traditional desk for sitting down.
Electric standing desks, like the ones above, are very simple to operate with the option to alter between a standard seated desk and one for standing - all at the push of a button.
Mechanical standing desks function the same as their electric counterparts, but will need to be manually cranked to reach your desired height.
Pneumatic standing desks use gas-powered canisters to allow for rising and lowering the desk, similar to those often found in height-adjustable office chairs.
Exercise desks are a niche range of office furniture that let you workout while you work - for example, including a treadmill or bike attached to the desk area.
Desk converters or risers are a separate device that can be placed on top of a standard desk, letting you put your monitor and peripherals at eye-level when standing.
How do you reset a standing desk?
Sometimes, you may see an error code while using your standing desk that requires a reset. We’ve come across this a few times when reviewing some models. Often, it’s because the standing desk has been used or ‘overworked’ too much in a short space of time, and the 'error' is to protect the unit.
For example, in our FlexiSpot E9 review, we received the error code E01 - this is the desk's overcurrent protection, which lets the unit operate for 2 minutes, but requires an 18-minute rest after this. In most cases, simply unplugging the desk from the mains and waiting a few minutes will fix the problem (yes, it’s a case of “Have you tried turning it off and on again?”).
How long will a standing desk last?
The longevity of a standing desk depends on the materials and quality used to construct it. Generally speaking, a good-quality option should last between five and ten years with regular use. The lifespan may be extended significantly if a higher grade of material is used, such as maple or oak, instead of particleboard.
Based on the warranties most commonly offered by standing desk manufacturers, I'd expect a standing-up desk to last between five and fifteen years of regular use. With regular care and maintenance, a good quality choice should provide many years of service before needing to be replaced.
How we test the best standing desks
My team of expert reviewers have tested and reviewed a wide range of office and home office furniture, including the best office desks and best office chairs based on over fifty in-depth reviews. When it comes to standing desks, we prioritize real-world settings and tests - in home offices, businesses, and classrooms - where these desks will actually be used. Each desk is used by the team for a minimum of a week (but usually, a month or more).
These are the four key areas we review…
Assembly
We look at how easy each desk is to put together, clarity of instructions, and whether all necessary components and tools are included in the box. Some sit-stand desks can be assembled in under 15 minutes, others we’ve tried can take double or triple that time.
Size & style
We assess the overall design and build quality of all stand-up desks, including materials used for the frame and desk. As part of this, we’ll look at the tabletop sizes available, as well as the overall height adjustment range and stability in use.
Features
We’ll test out all features available. This includes anti-collision detection, USB and wireless charging, cable management, and storage. We want to know how well they work and where there’s room for improvement.
Operation
No standing desk review would be complete with a full evaluation of how the desk operates under real=world conditions. As part of this, we explore the speed and smoothness of rising and lowering the desk, alongside the noise levels in use.
For more about our test and review process in our guide How we test standing desks.
