To help people determine the best standing desk converter to suit their needs, we dedicated hours to researching the top-rated options, evaluating models for their stability, versatility (aka range of height settings and adjustable angles), and ease of use. We also consulted Master Ergonomist Heather White of the Ergonomics Center at NC State University on how to choose the right fit and get the most from using your standing converter. “There are two elements that determine success when implementing a piece of equipment: Choosing the right equipment for the current workspace and using it correctly.” One thing users should definitely consider? “Ease of use,” she says. “If users don’t alternate between sitting and standing once the change in workstation is installed, the intended benefits may not be realized.” Our top pick, the VariDesk Pro Plus, earned its spot for its ease of use: with little effort and no motor assist, both tiers move in tandem to one of the 11 different height settings. Its 30-day risk free warranty, five-year limited warranty, and uber-responsive customer service make it a reliable brand that consistently earns consumer trust. Here, the best standing desk converters available now.
Our Top Picks
Best Overall Standing Desk Converter: VariDesk Pro Plus Best Electric Standing Desk Converter: FlexiSpot Motorized AlcoveRiser EM7 Best Budget Standing Desk Converter: Huanuo Adjustable Laptop Stand for Desk Best Standing Desk Converter for Multiple Monitors: Rocelco 46″ Large Height Adjustable Standing Desk Converter Best Standing Desk Converter Design: Uplift Desk E7 Electric Desk Converter
Who it isn’t for: Those with heavier setups—the weight limit for this converter is the lowest on the list. With 11 different height settings and up to 17.5 inches of lift, the VariDesk Pro Plus is intuitive and versatile. At 30 inches wide, the top tier easily accommodates one monitor and everyday office essentials, while the second tier houses a keyboard and mouse or laptop. This model is notable for its spacious keyboard tray and beveled edges that provide soft support for your wrists. (They also offer 36-inch and 48-inch models for multiple monitors.) Featuring a spring-loaded lift mechanism, the unit can be raised and lowered while maintaining your posture. (Very minimal leaning is required.) The heavy base ensures the unit remains sturdy while shifting position, though those with heavier setups may note some minor rocking. A note on heavier set ups—this model has the lowest weight capacity of all of the converters on our list, so it’s best if you just need the basics. If your work set up has a lot of equipment, this may not be the pick for you. VariDesk models also come equipped with a 30-day risk-free warranty and a five-year limited warranty, so you can test the desk for yourself before making the commitment. Product Details:
Dimensions: 29.75 x 30 inchesMaximum Added Lift: 15.5 inchesLift Type: Spring assistedWeight Capacity: 35 pounds
Who it’s for: People with particularly heavy set ups, or anyone who can’t lift their set ups themselves on a manual model. Who it isn’t for: People looking for a sleek, style-focused desk set up. It doesn’t get more effortless than this: a converter that responds to the tap of your finger. With whisper quiet and wobble-free effort, the FlexiSpot motor raises the unit from 5.7 up to 19.7 inches. Unlike some manual units that extends forwards or backwards when lifted, the way the base works for the FlexiSpot means it only lifts vertically, which can be a benefit in tight spaces. The unit features two tiers with separate weight limits—11 pounds for the front tier, and a whipping 44 pounds for the back. The 34.6-inch cutout in the top tier allows a laptop to rest on the second tier as easily as a keyboard or mousepad. Choose from two sizeable options: 36 inches or 40 inches. With an X-shaped bracing mechanism and maximum load of 55 pounds, this unit easily accommodates a computer and even a few books and files without sacrificing stability. Electric operation makes it super easy to shift from sitting to standing, which has the added benefit of encouraging users to stand more often. What’s more, this motorized model comes with a price point lower than some manual units. Product Details:
Dimensions: 24 x 37.4 inchesMaximum Added Lift: 19.7 inchesLift Type: Electric motorWeight Capacity: 55 pounds
Who it isn’t for: Anyone who uses an extra monitor or a separate keyboard when working. For such a small price tag, this standing riser boasts versatility and stability. While some affordable models offer limited adjustability, the Huanuo Adjustable Laptop Stand features up to 16.5 inches of height and 9 adjustable angles, ensuring you can customize the unit to your preferences. When it comes to stability, this model outstrips other contenders in the budget bracket: its heavy-duty steel and non-slip padding ensure your laptop isn’t going anywhere. While not as effortless as a coil-spring or electric model, the Huano Adjustable Laptop offers the same benefits as other desktop risers at an affordable price point. While highly portable, users should note that the bottom of the unit is not padded, so you’ll want to protect your tabletop. It’s also worth noting that this option is really only suited for people who exclusively work from a laptop—there’s not much surface area on this for an extra mouse, keyboard, or other accessories. However, because it’s only intended for keyboard use, you can set the surface at an angle to make typing more comfortable while you’re working. Product Details:
Dimensions: 13.46 x 17.56 inchesMaximum Added Lift: 16.5 inchesLift Type: Manual foldingWeight Capacity: 44 pounds
Who it isn’t for: Anyone who plans on placing a lot of heavy materials on their converter. Those who like to work with multiple screens or those who tend to toggle between numerous devices may prefer more ample workspace than contained in the conventional desk converter. At 45.75 inches wide and 23.25 inches deep with a 45-pound weight capacity, this desktop can support up to three medium-sized monitors (or two large monitors). Elbow-leaners and aggressive typers will be thrilled to find that this is one of the sturdier units out there. You can also purchase compatible monitor mounts separately if you want to leave the surface of your standing desk open for books, organizers, or notepads. Because of its straight up-and-down lift mechanism, this unit can achieve 20 inches of height without extending forwards or backwards. (Though, at over 23 inches deep, the unit is best paired with a large desk.) To raise the unit, the user squeezes levers on the sides of the desk while pulling or pushing. The functionally sophisticated (and uber quiet) lift mechanism doesn’t rely upon pre-set intervals, so you can lock in the riser at any preferred height. Perhaps the best part of all? No assembly required. Product Details:
Dimensions: 23.35 x 45.75 inchesMaximum Added Lift: 20 inchesLift Type: Gas strut assistWeight Capacity: 45 pounds
Who it’s for: Anyone looking for a lot of flexibility in their standing desk color, style, and accessories. Who it isn’t for: People looking to raise and lower a large workspace. If you’re searching for a standing desk converter that will elevate both the functionality and style of your desk, the E7 Electric desk from Uplift is the way to go. Featuring four possible surface styles, and two possible base and mount colors, this model ensures that the desk converter coheres with your office décor. It even somes standard with a single monitor mount, or you can choose to add one a double or triple mount for an additional price. The electric motor makes less sound than its gas strut or spring lift competitors, so it’s especially ideal for quiet workplaces. This unit features a generous height range of 21 inches and 24 possible customizations, not to mention, a “memory” function that remembers your preferred heights. While this unit is pretty heavy—making installation somewhat cumbersome—it boasts an incredibly generous weight capacity of 110 pounds. Like all Uplift Desks, this one comes with a 15-year warranty that helps to safeguard your investment. Product Details:
Dimensions: 21.5 x 20 inchesMaximum Added Lift: 21 inchesLift Type: Electric motorWeight Capacity: 110 pounds
Questions You May Ask
Who should buy a standing desk converter?
Anyone who spends prolonged periods of time sitting in front of a screen can benefit from using a standing desk converter. “Studies have found that energy expenditure, mood, low back comfort, productivity, and overall health all improved by increasing the amount of time spent standing during the day,” notes Master Ergonomist Heather White. Additionally, she adds, “The neutral posture for the spine is standing,” which is at odds with most office and computing tasks. Don’t ditch your office chair just yet though—It’s important to mix things up. “Alternating between sitting and standing is recommended over maintaining one type of posture throughout the day.” (Turns out that standing too much also poses some health detriments.) The converter is great for those who don’t want to opt for a full standing desk and those who simply want to optimize their current desk.
What’s the most ergonomic position for my standing desk?
Becoming familiar with neutral sitting and standing positions can help users, White insists. “If users use the workstation incorrectly it could potentially introduce additional physical stressors.” The lowest tier of your standing desk converter (where your keyboard rests) should be just under elbow when your fingers touch the keyboard, and your shoulders should feel relaxed. “The keyboard and mouse should be within ~12 inches of the worksurface edge so that they can be utilized while the elbows are close to the waist, and the top row of characters on the screen should be approximately at the user’s standing eye height,” notes White. The distance of the screen should be approximately an arm’s length away with fingers extended, with a small upwards tilt between 10 and 20 degrees. This helps you combat the impulse to tilt your neck up or down. This article from UCLA Health provides a handy diagram.
How to Shop for a Standing Desk Converter
Weight Limit
The average non-electric standing desk converter can support between 35 and 45 pounds. Those with heavier setups should consider an electric desk converter which touts a higher average weight capacity, between 45 and 80 pounds. However, consumers should note that electric standing desk converters will be slower to adjust (compared to manual setups).
Installation
Happily, most standing desk converters require little to no effort to install. Where users typically run into issues is their extant tech and supplies. To account for the vertical or forward movement of the desk riser, users should ensure that their existing cables have enough slack to enable movement, about 12-14 inches. Another important consideration is desk depth: you don’t want your converter hanging off the edge of your desk. As most converters are at least 20 inches deep, they may not be compatible with narrow desks.
Lifting Mechanism
The particular lifting mechanism of a standing desk converter determines a few things, namely, loudness, adjustability, and price. One benefit of a gas strut model is its quiet adjustability (an undeniable pro in a quiet workplace or a home office shared with a napping toddler). These units are also highly customizable, allowing for infinite stops rather than predetermined intervals. Spring lift models feature predetermined intervals which produce louder ‘clicking’ when adjusted; on the plus side, they’re often more affordable than other types. An electronic lift responds to the touch of a button, doing all the manual heavy lifting for you—and speaking of heavy lifting, electric models generally have a higher weight capacity than other types, so they’re especially great for those who have (or are considering) multiple monitors. One minor con is that these units can be slower to adjust than other models—but hey, you need to get those extra stretches in anyway.
Take Our Word for It
This article was written by Leslie Joblin, a writer with two years of experience writing product reviews and lifestyle content. Her work has appeared in The Spruce, Brides, and MyDomaine. To compile this list, she dove deep into the research and reviews on the top-rated standing desks and solicited advice from Heather White, Master Ergonomist at the Ergonomics Center at NC State University.
