The 9 Best Standing Desks of 2024, Tested and Reviewed
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Take your work-from-home day to a whole new level
People / Nicole Lund
With hybrid and remote work serving as the new normal for many office workers, many have begun to set up their home offices for longer-term use. It’s not sustainable to work from a laptop on the couch, considering so many people will work part-time or full-time from home. When setting up their office, standing desks have become a popular option for those who want more variety in their work life — and the best standing desks can help to remove or decrease back or neck pain, too.
We spoke to Dr. Tawny Kross, physical therapist and pain and wellness coach about the benefits of using a standing desk. She cautions that they won’t solve every health problem, but “according to one study, the use of standing desks contribute to greater task engagement (interest, alertness, and enthusiasm).” They could also serve as a way to manage some pains that come along with working at a computer all day. She notes that standing desks are “more related to how they can help break up sitting time, encourage more frequent changes of position, and reduce sedentary behavior, all of which is thought to indirectly impact neck, shoulder, and back pain.” Simply put, they’re great options for a more productive and comfortable work-from-home day. While our top pick is the Flexispot Comhar Electric Standing Desk, there are nine total options we think also work great.
These are the best standing desks that PEOPLE tested.
Best Overall: Flexispot EW8 Comhar Electric Standing Desk
Pros
There are four programmable presets to easily go from one height to another, and it’s quiet while doing so.
There are three USB ports on the side of the desk, perfect for laptops and phones.
Setup only took 15 minutes for this desk to be in working condition.
Cons
The drawer is fairly small and will likely only fit a few office supplies like pens or notepads.
The ease of using this Flexispot Comhar Electric Standing Desk starts with the setup: it only took 15 minutes to assemble. All that was needed to get it to working order was to place the leg on the base and plug it in, a process that was straightforward once out of the box. Once assembled, this sleek alloy steel standing desk functions as both a standing desk and a sit-to-stand desk. Dr. Kross notes that the sit-to-stand option is an important element of the best standing desks: “Sit-stand desks are recommended versus standing desk[s] only” for optimal benefits.
There are some nice tech-forward features that make this a standing desk that’s quick to master, including the ability to program four preset options for height, which means two users of different heights can easily set their perfect sitting and standing heights. Programming these presets is simple, and there’s an available child lock to prevent tiny hands from making the desk move. The desk also has three USB A to C ports available, which is great for charging phones, laptops, tablets, and more without straining to reach a plug.
The desk itself goes from 28.3 inches to 47.6 inches and holds about 110 pounds of weight, making it a solid option for various work equipment. We had no problem fitting two monitors, a laptop, and a keyboard on this desk. During the testing period, the desk stayed pristine, with no visible wear or tear, and our tester could stand for hours at a time without any pain or discomfort reported. It was easy and quiet to adjust, too. There were really no downsides to the Flexispot Comhar, save for the size of a small drawer that would likely only fit pens and some light paperwork. Finally, the desk was also surprisingly affordable given its functionality and would be an excellent standing desk to have in a home office.
Type: Electric | Height Range: 28.3 to 47.6 inches | Dimensions: 47.3 x 23.7 x 47.6 inches | Weight Capacity: 110 pounds | Material: Alloy steel | Features: 4 programmable height presets, 3 USB ports
Best Overall, Runner-Up: Tresanti 47" Adjustable Height Desk
Pros
This solid, spacious electric desk has programmable height presets and USB ports.
A timer and a glass top for dry-erase markers are nice additional features.
Cons
It took almost an hour to assemble.
There were two desks that both performed exceptionally well, so we felt it only fair to include a runner-up to our best overall pick: the Tresanti Adjustable Height Desk. It has a similar height range as the Flexispot Comhar and also features USB ports (two in comparison to Flexispot’s three) that make charging phones and tablets easier when working. It’s also similar in price range, and both are electric models that are adjustable by the push of a button. The mechanism to make the Tresanti move up and down is fairly quiet, and there’s also a childproof lock available. There’s a small drawer to fit office supplies in, and there are three presets available to program.
Now, of course, there are differences between the Tresanti and the Flexispot. A unique aspect of the Tresanti is its glass desktop: one can safely use a dry-erase marker on it to take notes, it’s easier to clean, and a glass top will also protect the surface from any damage from coffee or water cups. There’s also a timer that allows users to remind themselves when to sit and when to stand again; a useful feature for those easily distracted. If you’re looking for a more specific number, Dr. Kross mentions that common ratios might fall around “one hour of sitting to one hour of standing time or two hours of sitting to one hour of standing.”
It will take a little longer to assemble than the Flexispot — around 40 minutes to an hour — and while it’s a benefit that this desk is solidly constructed, it does also mean that it’s likely a two-person job to move it. Of course, perhaps its most notable difference is its availability: it’s only consistently available for the lowest price on Costco's website, which does require a membership for purchase.
Overall, the desk is spacious and sturdy, with no visible wear after months of consistent use. We appreciated how easy it was to fit lots of equipment and decor on the desk, including monitors, laptops, books, a desk lamp, and even digital picture frames. With easy adjustability and added features like presets, it’s another great pick.
Type: Electric | Height Range: 29.4 to 47 inches | Dimensions: 25.53 x 47.25 x 47 inches | Weight Capacity: 100 pounds | Material: Glass desktop | Features: 3 programmable height presets, 2 USB ports, timer
Best Budget: Radlove Electric Height Adjustable Standing Desk
Pros
This electric desk is made of stainless steel and still comes in at less than $200.
It’s equipped with tech organizers, like a basket to hold wires, holes in the back for cords, and hooks for headphones.
Cons
There are no drawers to hold office supplies.
While there are presets, there’s no child lock, so it’s easy to accidentally set the presets or the up/down button off.
Finding a budget-friendly standing desk that’s electric and spacious enough to hold a laptop and monitor is a feat in itself, but we’ve found one in the Radlove Electric Standing Desk, which typically retails for less than $200. The sturdy desk holds up to 176 pounds of weight and easily fits equipment in addition to notebooks, a lamp, coffee mugs, or other odds and ends. It’s also fairly design-forward with its sleek stainless exterior and a faux wood top for the work area. Plus, it’s water-resistant and easy to wipe down with a wet cloth.
There are four presets one can set for this electric option, but users should note there are no child locks, so it’s fairly easy to accidentally hit a button and set it off in motion. The back of the desk has two holes to allow wires to pass through, and it also includes a basket on the underside of the desk to easily collect and gather wires. While it’s not large enough to fit something like a surge protector, it will still hold several cords. There are also some included sticky clips to keep wires close to the basket, as well as hooks on the outside of the legs for holding bags or noise-canceling headphones. While there’s no drawer, these are nice substitutions for helping to keep things tidy around your workspace.
After using this metal desk for almost a year, there is zero damage and it has never wobbled or frayed when in use. It was easy to set up (although it did take around an hour to assemble), and is relatively quiet when adjusting itself up and down. For the price, it’s a truly excellent option.
Type: Electric | Height Range: 27 to 45 inches | Dimensions: 55 x 24 x 47 inches | Weight Capacity: 176 pounds | Material: Stainless steel | Features: 4 programmable height presets
Best Investment: Lillipad 48" Standing Desk
Pros
This electric standing desk can completely collapse down to six inches, allowing users to store it flat when not in use.
There are two sizes to accommodate taller people when using the standing option.
This desk comes with three surge-protected outlets.
Cons
It doesn’t come equipped with a drawer or more than two height presets.
There’s an available monitor arm, but it has to be purchased separately.
At $1,249 the Lillipad Standing Desk is an investment piece, but it’s worth a purchase for those who value a tech-forward, versatile desk or have limited space. There are two sizes available in the Lillipad: a 42-inch desk that’s made for users up to 5-foot-9 and a 48-inch desk that’s meant to additionally accommodate users who are over 5-foot-10. This is a great feature, as Dr. Kross notes that “the best/optimal height for a standing desk is based on a person’s individual height.”
Whatever model is best for your household, they both come with the same unique construction and features. The Lillipad Standing Desk is an electric collapsible standing desk, which means it condenses to six inches and can be stored underneath a couch or bed. This feature is done via the electric touchpad: when the user plugs in the code, it will move to its flat position. There are also wheels on it that can lock when not in use.
This standing desk also has a nice array of tech options. There are three surge-protected outlets for heavy-duty plugs like monitors, three USB outlets, and one USB-C outlet, ensuring anything and everything can be plugged right into the desk. There are two programmable height presets in addition to a lock button for the touchpad. The Lillipad also comes with collision protection that will sense if raising or lowering it will hit an object the user doesn’t notice (like a shelf).
We loved that this desk came completely assembled, and because the desk is only 80 pounds and has two wheels, it’s unsurprisingly easy to move around. The desk is made of sturdy particle board-like material with metal legs (which come in a few different colorways) that haven’t rusted or warped over time. The matte finish feels luxurious and high-quality, and while there is a noticeable electric whine when adjusting the height, it’s quiet enough.
Because the Lillipad is meant to be more of a desk for small spaces or hybrid workspaces where you might not need it sitting out all the time, it does have a smaller workspace (although we found it perfectly spacious). For those that need to work with monitors, however, there is a single and dual monitor arm available for purchase separately — and if you don’t need that, the hole that accommodates it can be used as cable management. As for storage, there’s a small mesh side pocket that can fit tiny accessories like a headset.
Type: Electric | Height Range: 27” to 48 inches | Dimensions: 52 x 25 inches | Weight Capacity: 75 pounds | Material: Industrial-grade materials | Features: 3 surge-protected outlets, 3 USB outlets, 2 programmable height presets, 1 USB-C outlet
Best Programmable: Branch Standing Desk
Pros
This standing desk has a large, laminated surface that will fit plenty of organizers, electronics, and even some decor.
With a woodgrain top and coated alloy steel legs, it’s a well-made, aesthetically pleasing desk.
Cons
There are no outlets, drawers, or cable management systems on this desk.
Assembly proved to be a little tricky and may require two people and an electric drill.
The Branch Standing Desk is one of the more aesthetically pleasing desks we’ve seen, with a laminated wood grain fiberboard top (which repels both stains and dents), coated articulated steel legs, and tapered feet. It’s both stylish and well-made, and even the cable routing system at the top of the desk is decorated to be hidden from sight. On the brand’s website, you’re able to customize the desk: it’s available in two sizes, with two different leg finishes and four different tops. It’s also a desk with a larger surface, with more than enough room for a laptop, monitor, and decorative items such as plants, picture frames, and a lamp — perhaps even an air purifier. This spacious top would also be useful for organizers and decorative storage bins, as there are no drawers in the Branch Standing Desk.
There are four programmable height presets, and the dual motors and three-stage lift columns are made to ensure smooth, quiet operation, which was both easy and quiet to maneuver, in addition to the keypad being simple to operate. It’s also worth noting it goes higher than the other options on this list at up to 52 inches.
The biggest drawback to the Branch Standing Desk is assembly: the desk arrived in two large, heavy boxes and would likely be a two-person job. Instructions weren’t clear, and we found that the pre-made holes were smaller than the screws so an electric drill had to be utilized to complete it. There are also no drawers, cable management systems, or outlets in this standing desk, although an in-desk power cord can be purchased on the site for an additional fee. Still, this desk is sturdy, beautiful, and has a nice number of presets. With a quiet operating system and extra-spacious top, it’s a great fit for many home offices.
Type: Electric | Height Range: 25 to 52 inches | Dimensions: 30 x 48 x 25 inches | Weight Capacity: 275 pounds | Material: Alloy steel, engineered wood | Features: 4 programmable height presets
Best Customizable: FlexiSpot EN1 Electric Height Adjustable Desk
Pros
Although it’s a fairly affordable option, it has an easy-to-use electronic panel and four programmable height presets.
There are a surprising amount of different sizes and finishes available for this desk.
Cons
Although it hasn’t proved to be a large issue, the desk does wobble on occasion.
This electric standing desk from Flexispot is a simple, affordable desk that has some nice features for the price, including customization of both the wood top, the legs, and the size. On Amazon, there are five different sizes available, as well as several steel and faux wood finishes for the top and the legs. It lacks a lot of the add-ons that one might expect to see in a standing desk: there are no places to organize cables, no drawers, and no outlets on this model. However, for the price, which is typically under $300, it has four programmable height presets and is made of industrial-grade steel. The tester said the top was sturdy enough to hold heavier electronics without trouble, and that they appreciated the ability to move the desk in one-inch increments. The electric motor was also fairly quiet, and the electronic panel was a breeze to program and operate.
Assembly was, as described by the tester, with “minimal frustrations” — the order comes in two different boxes and the product page even notes that users may need an electric drill during assembly. However, the biggest issue was the lack of clarity in some of the instructions, as the tester needed to refer to YouTube to get things assembled perfectly.
Overall, we were satisfied with this sturdy, affordable electric standing desk, and its biggest draw is those easy, programmable presets and the ability to move the desk up and down inch by inch. While there was some light wobble now and then, it didn’t affect performance or movement, as it seems to only happen in the legs and base. Plus, there's plenty of clearance to accommodate compact fitness equipment such as an under-desk elliptical for exercise breaks.
Type: Electric | Height Range: 28 to 47.6 inches | Dimensions: 30 x 48 x 28 inches | Weight Capacity: 154 pounds | Material: Alloy steel | Features: 4 programmable height presets
Easiest to Assemble: Vari Essential Electric Standing Desk
Pros
This desk assembles in 10 minutes with no special tools needed.
It’s especially sturdy and well-made.
Cons
This desk is heavy and large, so it may not be great for small spaces.
While there are many nice features of the Vari Essential Electric Standing Desk, perhaps its biggest draw is its incredibly easy assembly: the brand’s patent-pending design allows you to completely put it together in less than 10 minutes and without any special tools. Our tester confirmed this, noting that it was “amazing how easy it was” to assemble. The box the desk comes in is a bit heavy to navigate, but the pieces themselves were packed tightly and securely in foam, preventing any damage in transit. From there, there were 10 pieces to assemble and an easy-to-understand instruction manual with pictures. For those who can’t stand a complicated assembly for furniture, this is the perfect find.
The desk takes up a considerable amount of space (so it may not be the best for small spaces), with a lift mechanism that was intuitive to set up and use. The LED control panel displays the height right on the screen, has both up and down buttons and four programmable preset buttons, and functions quietly. There are no drawers, but the desktop itself is large and can accommodate organizers in addition to electronics, and there are also cord organizers and a spot in the back to let cables route through. The Vari desk comes in six colorways and four different sizes.
Type: Electric | Height Range: 27.5 to 47.2 inches | Dimensions: 24 x 48 x 27.5 inches | Weight Capacity: 150 pounds | Material: Engineered wood, steel | Features: 4 programmable height presets
Best Electric: Seville Classics Airlift Electric Sit-Stand Desk
Pros
This electric desk has a smooth, quiet motor that doesn’t move fragile items around as it goes up and down.
The screen is touch-sensitive and blends in with the woodgrain when not in use.
Cons
The tempered glass top will mark easily with fingerprints, so users will need to clean it fairly often.
The Seville Classics Airlift Table is a great electric standing desk with a nice range of heights up to 46.5 inches, a touch-sensitive control panel, and quiet seamless movements. It also has three programmable height presets and a safety lock feature to prevent accidental movements. Our tester reported that the movements were incredibly smooth and quiet and didn’t move any of the fragile decorative items they had on the desk when utilizing the motor. The desk can be adjusted by the decimal point, too. Another nice feature is that the touchscreen disappears behind the woodgrain top when not in use.
There’s a shallow drawer for office supplies on this desk, which is elevated by a felt lining and a locking feature to keep it secure when the electric desk is in motion. There are two USB ports for charging phones, tablets, or headphones as well. The tempered glass top is compatible with dry-erase markers and also makes the desk easy to clean while preventing staining or dings. The tester also reported the desk doesn’t wobble, but it also features some adjusters on the bottom to even things out if it does start to do so.
The desk was quick to assemble in about 30 minutes, likely because the legs are already complete and just need to be attached to the top. Its greatest consideration for users to keep in mind is how heavy the desk is, especially with the tempered glass — it’s not easy to move alone. Another small consideration is the glass desktop, which does tend to collect fingerprints and will need to be cleaned often with glass cleaner.
Type: Electric | Height Range: 28 to 46.5 inches | Dimensions: 24 x 47.5 x 27.56 inches | Weight Capacity: 176 pounds | Material: Tempered glass, woodgrain vinyl, powder-coated steel | Features: 2 USB ports, 3 programmable height presets
Best Manual: Threshold Loring Manual Height Adjustable Standing Desk
Pros
This desk doesn’t require an outlet, so you can place it just about anywhere.
Cons
Assembly was complicated and required an electric drill, as some of the holes were not pre-drilled.
For those who aren’t interested in plugging in their desk to make it work, there are manual standing desks like this Threshold Loring option from Target. Instead of an electric motor, this has a handle that you crank up or down to adjust the desk. It’s great for those who aren’t looking for anything too tech-forward and just want a desk to be able to sit and stand from while working. And because there are fewer features, it’s a good price at around $200. Our tester found that the handle felt a bit stiff to maneuver, and you have to pull it out slightly to get it to work, but overall, it works well. The manual desk also has the same benefits as an electric one, as our tester wrote: “This desk helped with the back and neck pain I was experiencing from my previous desk so much,” and that it was simple to adjust.
The desk is made from powder-coated steel and has a faux woodgrain top, which our tester thought didn’t look or feel cheap but didn’t necessarily feel super high-quality either. The legs, however, felt sturdy as they were powder-coated steel, and the desk didn’t wobble or experience any wear or tear during the testing period. The Threshold Loring is on the smaller side but fits a laptop, monitor, keyboard, and some accessories without the desk feeling overcrowded. It doesn’t have a drawer, and because it’s not electric, obviously doesn’t have any USB ports or outlets, either. Its biggest challenge is the assembly: users should note that they will need to create their own holes with an electric drill, as some of the holes do not come pre-drilled. This made setup significantly more time-consuming.
Type: Manual | Height Range: 28.66 to 48.35 inches | Dimensions: 23.62 x 47.24 x 28.66 inches | Weight Capacity: 121 pounds | Material: Powder-coated steel | Features: None
Other Standing Desks We Tried
Herman Miller Jarvis Bamboo Standing Desk: This standing desk from high-end furniture brand Herman Miller is aesthetically pleasing, with sturdy legs and a beautiful bamboo top. It has four programmable heights and a smooth, quiet electric motor. Our tester had used this for years, and it remained in pristine condition with no wobbling after plenty of use. However, it’s on the pricier side and USB outlets need to be purchased separately.
VIVO Electric Height Adjustable Desk: This spacious desk has a large workspace and goes as high as 49.6 inches. It also features sturdy stainless steel legs and multiple wire holes for cable management. Its biggest drawback, however, was that while the control panel had programmable presets and even timers, sometimes it was hard to use and would require an extra-hard button press to get it to work.
Things to Consider Before Buying a Standing Desk
Electric vs. Manual
There are two types of standing desks: electric and manual. There are benefits to both, although electric standing desks seem to be the most common (and make up the majority of this list). Electric standing desks have a motor and provide a smooth, easy way to adjust the height of a desk (typically, there’s a control pad that makes it work with the touch of a button). Manual desks tend to have a hand crank and while they’re not going to be as precise as an electric desk, which can sometimes be moved as little as 1/10 of an inch, it will still give the users the same benefits of back or neck pain relief that an electric standing desk would. It might be useful for those who don’t want to plug in their desk or don’t have an available outlet in their space.
Height Range
A standing desk needs to correlate with the height of the person using it, so if you’re taller, a wider range of heights is likely preferred. Dr. Kross says to go by the elbow when measuring: “It is helpful to measure the distance from the floor to personal elbow height. The desk height should be able to support a 90-degree angle elbow bend comfortably.” If you look at the minimum to maximum height range on the desk you’re considering, this number should let you know if it’s the best standing desk for you.
Additional Features
Electric desks also can have some nice extras, like programmable presets that allow the user to save the perfect height for them to sit and stand at. Dr. Kross notes that it’s important to go between sitting and standing while working on one of these desks, and while there are no “hard and fast rules” when it comes to how often one should sit or stand, some electric standing desks have a timer to remind users when it might be time to switch it up. USB ports are also a great add-on that you’ll see on electric desks, and some desks even have outlets, too. Being able to charge a laptop, tablet, or phone without having to use another plug is a feature plenty will enjoy.
While manual desks won’t have electric outlets, all standing desks can have things like storage, cable management systems, or drawers. Depending on how many office supplies you’ll store or use when working, it can be a great way to reduce clutter.
How We Tested
The PEOPLE Tested team tried 14 desks over a few weeks (although some users had their desks for much longer), and rated each desk from one to five (five being the best) in the following categories: setup, design, durability, comfort, and value. Testers recorded their observations when it came to delivery, ease of unboxing, ease of transport, and ease of assembly, and a timer was used to record the assembly time. Over an extended period of use, testers recorded several metrics and observations about the standing desks. This included the minimum and maximum height, comfort, the lift mechanism, sturdiness, any neck or back pain increase or decrease, any damage, the ease of the programming, and any noticeable wear and tear. These metrics were used to determine the best standing desks featured in this article.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are good standing desk brands?
There are plenty of great brands that make the best standing desks. For example, Flexispot has two models on this list. Some DTC brands have grown in popularity, too, like the Branch Standing Desk and the Lillipad. However, there isn’t one brand that is better than the other; our article is meant to showcase the many great options that might fit a consumer’s needs.
How much does a standing desk cost?
Some standing desks are expensive. Our most expensive option on this list is over $1,000, while some land in the $200-350 range. There’s no set price for standing desks, and our top pick is currently priced at $300. The higher prices come from things like the materials being utilized – like the Lillipad, which is a desk that folds down completely flat – or the tech that comes with it, such as outlets or LED control panels. Sometimes, aesthetics can play a role in a price increase, like the Branch Standing Desk, which looks like high-end furniture in addition to being functional.
What is a good standing desk height?
Dr. Kross recommends a user measure the distance from the floor to the elbow. But it’s important to also think about sitting down as well as standing: you want a standing desk that will be able to accommodate both sitting and standing because the combination is what Dr. Kross says has the most benefits. She further notes: “It is important that the frequency of sitting to standing time is determined by being mindfully aware of body signals and listening to body cues. It is helpful to experiment and figure out what personally works best.” When looking for the best height, consider the height you would need when toggling between both positions.
What length of standing desk do I need?
The length of the standing desk is going to depend on the space you’re putting it in. If you have limited wall space, the only thing that matters is if it’ll fit in the space itself. From there, you can consider how much equipment you’ll need on the desk: those with several monitors will likely need more room, as will those who plan to keep things like desk lamps or office supply organizers on the surface.
Why Trust PEOPLE?
Alida Nugent is a commerce contributor for PEOPLE with an extensive background in commerce writing, editing, and strategy. She also writes for Food Network, HGTV, and Better Homes & Gardens. Alida wrote this article with fresh insights from our PEOPLE Tested lab, focusing solely on the best standing desks you can buy in 2024. She also interviewed Dr. Tawny Kross, a physical therapist, for this article.
Meet Our Expert
Dr. Tawny Kross is a physical therapist and pain and wellness coach.
What is PEOPLE Tested?
We created the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval to help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs.
But we don’t stop there: We also regularly re-review the categories in which we’ve awarded the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval — because the best product of today might not be the best of tomorrow. And by the way, companies can never buy our recommendation: Their products must earn it, fair and square.
In short, PEOPLE Tested provides recommendations you can trust — every day, every purchase.
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