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By Esat Dedezade , Daphne Bugler and Owen Gough
The best standing desk could be the difference between a functioning home office and WFH-induced aches and pains
Investing in one of the best standing desks is not only a sensible idea, but also probably one of the best decisions you're likely to ever make. With WFH now a norm for a lot of us, there's never been a better time to invest. That might sound like a bunch of hyperbole, but we speak from personal experience, having tested and used all manner of standing desks to help inject some variety into our work days.
While it might initially seem like a dull purchase, believe us when we say that a high-end standing desk can genuinely change your life for the better. And we're not exaggerating. Our bodies are finely-tuned pieces of biological engineering, They're designed to move, to run, to climb over obstacles — not to spend more than eight hours a day sitting down while our muscles get lazy and our flexibility shrivels away.
We're not against sitting, of course, and we're not trying to fearmonger for the sake of it. We're simply speaking from experience — a mixture of sitting and standing during the course of a regular workday has all manner of positive benefits. From improving your posture to helping alleviate and prevent back pain, to increasing concentration and even sparking creativity, the best standing desks can have a surprisingly positive impact on your day-to-day life.
There are countless options out there, mind, and the selection process can be rather overwhelming, with so many different standing desks out there all fighting for your attention. So with that said, we've rounded up some of the best standing desks below, to help make your buying decision that little bit easier.
From convertible gizmos that transform existing desks into standing ones, to fully-fledged motorised offerings, there's something for every person, style, and budget below. And if you fancy upgrading your sitting experience for those moments when you need a rest, we'd recommend checking out our round-up of the best office chairs, too.
We’ve rounded up some of our top three standing desk picks below, ahead of the full list. Note that we’ve limited our selection to standing desks that are available to buy in the UK only. If you happen to live in the US, you’ll have a few more highly rated options such as stand-up desks like the Uplift desk (or Uplift V2), or even the Vari electric standing desk.
The Flexispot's Pro Series E7 is the best standing desk for most people as it blends a solid build, a large desktop area and a decent max weight capacity — all at a reasonable price with a plethora of customisation options to tailor it to your space.
One of the most affordable items in our round-up. If you're primarily working on a laptop and need something that won't dominate a small space then this compact workstation is an ideal solution when you fancy getting out of your chair.
Arguably the best investment you could make for mixing up your WFH life a bit, a standing desk gives you the option to work from both sitting and standing positions, whether by using an electronic or manual mechanism to change the height of your desk, or by adding or removing a standing desk converter on top of the desk.
Arguably the best investment you could make for mixing up your WFH life a bit, a standing desk gives you the option to work from both sitting and standing positions, whether by using an electronic or manual mechanism to change the height of your desk, or by adding or removing a standing desk converter on top of the desk.
Spending long periods sitting slumped over in front of a screen on your existing desk? Kiss your posture goodbye, and prepare yourself for stiffness, tightness, and pain. Standing desks combat all this by encouraging better posture while keeping your legs and core engaged throughout the day.
And you shouldn't underestimate this power. The World Health Organisation currently has a strong recommendation in place that ‘adults should limit the amount of time spent being sedentary’ citing ‘evidence of an association between greater time spent in sedentary behaviour and higher all-cause mortality, cardiovascular mortality and cardiovascular disease incidence’. Now, we don’t want to be dramatic here, but when words like mortality are being thrown around, it does make us want to pay attention to our lifestyle and habits. And if spending less time sitting down can help, we’re not going to say no.
Depending on the price, standing desks can come with anything from basic to more advanced features (that go beyond the choice of materials such as MDF). These can include keyboard trays and the ability to support clamp-type monitor arms — both of which are features that can be found in other high-end office desks and office furniture in general.
Once a novelty in the workplace, standing desk solutions have become more common in the office over the years. Their health and productivity benefits have been long established, so depending on where you work, approaching your office manager or HR and asking them about assessing your workspace is the simplest way to start. Depending on space and budget constraints, you could have access to anything from a tabletop desk solution to a fully-fledged motorised standing desk frame. If you have any medical reasons like a bad back, a doctor’s note can help your case, too.
Even if you manage to stay on your feet for a full eight-hour working day, it’s best to alternate between sitting and standing to help avoid the negative effects associated with either. That’s why a sit-stand desk that allows you to do both is the best option. Switch around as you see fit, and you’ll reap the rewards.
Before you go out and buy one in the hopes that will solve all your back-aching problems, understand that a standing desk only goes so far to help you maintain good posture. As we mentioned above, switching between standing and sitting at regular intervals will keep your body moving and will reduce the amount of time you spend hunched over the desk. A standing desk will keep your posture at the forefront of your mind and might help you remember to straighten your back, but it won’t fix any long-standing back issues you might have without other medical help.
But to make things much easier on your body, we’d recommend also investing in one of the best office chairs to ensure that when you do take the weight off your feet, you’re sitting properly. Oh, and it will definitely help to grab an adjustable computer monitor, or at least a laptop stand and ergonomic mouse and keyboard, to help keep repetitive strain injuries to an absolute minimum.
You could drop down the cash for high-quality, programmable, pneumatic motorised offerings complete with keypads. Or you could go for a simpler, easy-assembly laminate tabletop that can be raised or lowered without any wobble. Either way, prices can range from affordable to eye-opening. Stick to whatever you're comfortable with that also happens to work in your space/price point. Other key things to consider are extra features like anti-collision tech, the desk surface size, cable management, overall build quality and lifting capacity.
The below picks are a combination of the best-rated standing desks and standing desk converters and some models we have tested internally. We picked these models by assessing how easy they are to set up and use, the weight size limitations to ensure they fit into most at-home office spaces and any other additional features like motorised adjustments, extra storage options and material used.
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Reasons to buy: Huge weight capacity to hold plenty of devices | Anti-collision system to reduce damage to walls or shelves
This FlexiSpot desk supports the same 125kg weight capacity as the brand's EQ4, along with similar built-in controls for easily operating the motor and the ability to store preset heights. Heights range from a minimum of 62cm to 125cm and there's even a built-in sit/stand reminder feature to help make sure you don't sit or stand for too long. The main differences between the E7 and the EQ4 can be found in the overall appearance, with the slightly pricier E7 sporting a sleeker look, thanks to its tapered leg design. As with other Flexispot desks, you can mix and match different coloured legs and table finishes, along with the option to kit it out with a bunch of accessories to customise it to your needs. From £420. At flexispot.com
Reasons to buy: Built-in drawer | Wireless/USB charging options | Clean design
The G8 is a delightfully minimalist bamboo-clad standing desk that sports clean lines and smooth, rounded corners. Visually, it blends together utilitarian functionality with calming Scandi design, which is more difficult to pull off than you might think. Appearance aside, it's got plenty going for it, with a 100kg max lifting capacity and a built-in slimline drawer for keeping the top clutter-free. Better yet, it also has plenty of charging options to help keep your tech happy. These include a wireless charging pad for cable-free top-ups with compatible devices like headphones and smartphones, as well as USBC-A and USB-C ports for more traditional charging options. Its maximum height of 125cm means it's suitable for users up to 6ft 5in too. Flexispot's generous warranty also offers additional peace of mind for those unsure about their first desk with motorised moving parts. £700. At flexispot.co.uk
Reasons to buy: Made from sustainable materials | Curved option to accommodate an office chair
The Jarvis' biggest selling point (beyond its clean, minimal design) is the fact that it's made from sustainable bamboo, grown without the use of any pesticides or fertilisers. Covered in a tough UV-cured water-based polyurethane coating, it enhances the natural robustness of bamboo, which is made even more impressive by the fact it can lift a whopping 158kg load, while reaching a height that's comfortable enough for a two-metre tall person. From £875. At hermanmiller.com
Reasons to buy: Multiple height settings with a controllable motor | Plenty of space to fit a monitor, lamp, keyboard and more
When you start to verge onto more premium standing desks you'll notice they have more height-adjustable options, but you know you're truly in the more advanced standing desks when you start to find that they're electric height adjustable. With a large desktop workspace (we're talking 140 cm by 72 cm), you'll be able to fit not just your computer monitor, keyboard and mouse on your work surface, but there's extra room for a desk lamp, or to store a few books.
The height settings allow you to adjust the standing desk from anywhere between 72 to 116cm, allowing you to adapt it to your workspace, your height, or just your own personal preferences. Rather than undergoing a clunky process attempting to lift the desktop up, simply press the up or down button and then refer to the LED screen until it shows the height you're after. The simple design means it should fit with most office spaces with a minimalist look and neutral aesthetic. £200. At amazon.co.uk
Reasons to buy: Premium scratch-resistant build | Ergonomic shape
The ApexDesk range is widely regarded to offer exceptional build quality that’s on par with other alternatives that cost even more. That’s not to say that the ApexDesk Elite Pro is cheap, mind, but if you’re after a very premium, sturdy build (with a scratch-resistant laminate surface for added durability), then you won’t go wrong with this offering. Better yet, its MDF surface is ergonomically shaped with a gentle inward curve to allow you to get closer to the screen action while resting your arms on the surface. With an impressive load capacity of 102kg, this is one of the better standing desks for those looking for something that will last through years of heavy, daily use. £1,481. At amazon.co.uk
Reasons to buy: Simple white design, regularly on sale on Amazon
Your desk needn’t be a statement piece in your room, in fact, keeping things simple can help you approach your work with a clear mind. If this sounds familiar, this desk from Devoko can be a great choice. In an elegant white design, it’s sleek and clean, with a large work surface that has space for two monitors, as well as a keyboard, storage pots, and any other equipment you might need.
The desk moves between heights of 73 and 122 cm with the ability to memorise two heights so you can easily move between different family members’ preferred settings, or remember your own sitting and standing positions. It’s also regularly discounted on Amazon, meaning you’ll be saving money at the same time, especially if you shop during a particularly good sales period. £200 £160. At amazon.co.uk
Reasons to buy: Streamlined look | Budget-friendly standing desk
Standing desks can be a pretty big investment if you're not quite sure the whole thing will work for you. And while this may one from Dunelm not have as many bells and whistles as the Fullys and Flexispots of this world, it is exactly what it claims to be; a desk that lets you work standing up, at an affordable price. That being said, the desk still has plenty going for it. The frame is a sleek black design that'll blend seamlessly into most industrial-style workspaces and home offices, while the height can be adjusted to make sure you're working at a level that suits you and your own body size. Put simply, it's an easy way to change up your working routine that won't completely transform your bank account at the same time. £149. At dunelm.com
Reasons to buy: Storage shelf, rustic brown top has a different feel to more clinical desk styles
Standing desks can often have a clinical, corporate feel to them, normally coming in sleek white or black designs, but that doesn’t always suit every workspace, especially if you’re trying to incorporate it naturally into your home office. Should you want a relaxed feel, Fezibo’s standing desk opts for a rustic wooden look, bringing more personality with it than the monochromatic designs and acting as a great accent feature for industrial homes, thanks to the contrast between the wooden work surface and the black desk legs.
In terms of fun features, Fezibo’s desk really just does exactly what it says on the tin. With three preset buttons, you can set up your personalised heights to make sure you can move seamlessly and quickly between them, while the electric lift system takes all of the hassle and stress out of the process too. 200. At amazon.co.uk
Reasons to buy: Monitor shelf for additional under-screen space/storage
Besides its affordable price, there's another main reason to pick up Triumphkey's standing desk — its built-in monitor shelf. Raising your screen to a more comfortable level, it not only makes for a more ergonomic experience, but also adds additional space to your desk by allowing you to utilise the space beneath for extra accessories or storage. Available in two colours, it has handy front controls for raising and lowering itself at a mere touch, with cleverly placed holes at the rear for neater cable management. £189 £139. At amazon.co.uk
Reasons to buy: Multiple work and storage spaces | Additional support to a desk you already own
If you're after a more affordable standing desk option, we'd recommend opting for a height-adjustable standing desk converter. While you do need a desk of your own to place it on, the standing desk converter allows you to easily go from a seated to a standing position with the vertical adjustment system that moves straight up and down within a height range of between 13.5cm and 52cm. Beyond how easy it makes it to work standing up when you so feel inclined, the desk converter also provides you with plenty of space to work, with capacity for a single or dual monitor set-up, and a specific area for your keyboard or mouse. A simple and budget-friendly way to make your workspace more ergonomic? We'll take it. £80. At amazon.co.uk
Reasons to buy: Cable tray, headphone hook, and side pockets make for neat little extras
Maidesite's offering is all about organisation. Regular standing desk tricks aside (IE a control panel for easy adjustments and a solid carrying capacity), it stands out from the crowd by offering plenty of in-built storage. This includes a headphone hook on the side for saving desk space, along with an organiser for documents, stationary, or anything else you fancy. There's even an under-desk cable tray to help keep the dreaded mass of wire spaghetti at bay. A neat freak's dream. £240. At amazon.co.uk
Reasons to buy: Multiple work and storage spaces | Great option as a presentation stand
This mobile workstation won’t break the bank or take up much room. Sturdy enough for a laptop and peripherals, it can be wheeled around easily without dominating the room. A choice worth considering, unless you’ve got a huge and heavy gaming PC/monitor setup to contend with. £92 £89. At amazon.co.uk
Reasons to buy: Gorgeous minimalist Scandi design | Strong enough to hold heavier monitors
If you're after something a little more minimal and compact that works with your existing WFH setup then the Stan 2 is a unique option. Crafted from high-quality birch plywood, its lightweight, modular design means it can be quickly and easily packed away, while its small footprint won't take up too much space on your desk. Capable of supporting a monitor and a laptop with easily adjustable configurations, this is a good fit for smaller spaces. £269. At amazon.co.uk & humbleworks.co
Reasons to buy: Great looking reclaimed wooden surface | Optional extras include under-desk storage, castor wheels and increased height
UK-based Flomotion has a wide range of standing desks, but it's their Sisu desk with a reclaimed wood worktop that stands out in our eyes. You can mix and match two-leg designs with a variety of wooden surfaces that are available in a range of finish options, including hardwax oil or matt lacquer finishes. There are plenty of customisation options to fit your needs too, with optional under-desk drawers for storage, and castor wheels for manoeuvrability. With a strong 160kg lifting capacity, it's built like a tank too. From £1,025. At flomotionstudio.co.uk
Reasons to buy: Means you don't need to remove your old desk | Wide height range | Durable
If you’ve previously invested in a nice computer desk, or have a stylish vintage desk that perfectly matches your home office aesthetic, it can feel like a huge pain to have to swap it out in order to have a standing desk. The solution? Standing desk converters. And Yo-Yo’s Desk 90 is one of the best. With a wide height range, from 15-50cm, you can simply pop it on your desk when you fancy standing up, adjust it to the right height, and then store it away to keep it out of plain sight when not in use. Or, make use of the converting system which means you can use it in both a seated and standing position for extra convenience. We’d say this is really the best of both worlds. £330. At amazon.co.uk
Reasons to buy: Electric height adjustment | Available in three sizes | Range of colour options for both frame and desktop
If there was one thing that we’d say takes a standing desk from good to great, it’s an electric manoeuvring system. Because, if we’re being honest, we’ve rarely managed to move a desk from sitting to standing without one and not create some form of chaos. Maybe that’s us, but we’ll be sitting (well, standing) firmly in the electric desk camp until further notice. Ticking that box, Zipcode Design’s Electric desk moves smoothly from a seated to a standing position, involving minimal noise, and incorporating a memory function that stores your preferred height options to save you from trying to remember what height worked best for you each time.
Movement aside, the desk itself has plenty of space for all of your items, a handy hook area where you can keep headphones or bags to prevent any clutter on the table, and a smooth surface that looks sleek in your home office. We’re not reinventing the wheel here with a new or exciting design, but we’re also not offending anyone. £174 £134 At wayfair.co.uk
Reasons to buy: Ergonomic design | Solid wood construction
Functional as a desk may be, given that you spend a good eight hours a day sitting at it for the majority of the week, aesthetic and design shouldn't be the last item on your agenda when choosing which one to buy. And while standing desks aren't always the most attractive of options, finding one that has different colourways like the 17 Stories Arbaz, means you can tailor it to blend into the aesthetic of your home office, rather than to stand out. Sturdy and made from solid wood, this desk ticks the majority of our boxes, from the quiet electronic lifting system to the anti-collision system that'll protect your pets or possessions as you lower the height. It's truly hard to go wrong. £220 £164. At wayfair.co.uk
Reasons to buy: Ergonomic design | Solid wood construction
Keeping things light on the eye with a fully white design, Ikea's Trotten is the kind of standing desk that's easy to integrate into your home. Simple in style, the design also focuses on simplicity, opting for a cranking handle rather than an electric one to move the desk between different heights and positions. And to help keep things clutter-free and ergonomic, the handle can be mounted on the left or right side depending on which hand you use, and then slid under the table top when not in use. It's a classic case of Ikea smashing the basics once again. £199. At ikea.com
Reasons to buy: Stealthy design | Compact | Built-in drawers
Westerleigh's offering is completely different from anything else on our list, and from most standing desks you're likely to come across in general. Resembling a standard chic desk or side table, its secrets are revealed by lifting up part of the desktop, which hinges upwards to create a higher platform for working in a standing position. It obviously doesn't have the same weight capacity as larger motorised rivals, but if you're happy with writing or working from a laptop, then it's a simple, effective way to help ensure you stand more throughout the working day. The built-in storage has a rather generous capacity too, and the clever stealthiness of its design makes it ideal for smaller spaces where one room doubles up as an area for both work and play. £246. At wayfair.co.uk
Reasons to buy: Sturdy build | numerous finishes | Simple controls
Despite its slimmer desktop stature (which makes it ideal for narrower rooms), Yo-Yo's standing desk still has a respectable carrying capacity of 100kg, letting you place a PC, monitors, and speakers on it with confidence. Suitable for users up to 6ft 1in, it has a robust steel frame and dual silent motors for minimal noise during operation. Its design, while sparse, is inoffensive, and there are a couple of cable routing holes for keeping wire clutter to a minimum. The controls are equally bare, with a simple up and down arrow configuration for simplicity. It's a bit barebones compared to some rivals, but offers decent value in its price-to-construction ratio. With numerous faux wood finishes to choose from, you can mix and match it to suit your home office decor with ease. £500. At ryman.co.uk
Reasons to buy: Affordably priced premium desk | Simple, minimalist design
Ikea’s offering is more affordable than most, thanks to its simplistic design which uses a crank handle system instead of an electric motor. While that might seem like more work than pressing a button, you have the benefit of being able to place it wherever you like without forcing yourself to sit near a plug socket. Available in different colours and sizes, it’s the ultimate minimalist solution that doesn’t compromise on surface area. £220. At ikea.com
Reasons to buy: Fast motor to adjust the height | Cup and headphone holder and plenty of space for office gear
The EZ Desk Air is a great option for those looking for a solid standing desk experience without spending massive amounts. Available in multiple finishes including a smart faux walnut effect, it comes with an easy to use motorised system, complete with memory functions for saving your ideal sitting and standing heights. It arrives in a small, manageable box, and we’d recommend paying a little extra for the made-to-measure mousemat which not only looks smart, but covers up the central seam while providing a slick surface too. From £300 £150. At ezshopper.co.uk
Reasons to buy: Minimalist design | Wide surface area for lots of desktop gear
The Primo designer standing desk caught our eye thanks to its unusually futuristic, eye-catching leg design. Looking like it's been plucked straight out of a neon-lit cyberpunk apartment, its angular legs offer stability while impressively standing out from the crowd. Available in various sizes and equally impressive finishes (which include concrete effect, natural walnut and more), this is one of the best-looking examples we've come across, with dual motors promising smoothness and reliability too. From £1,597. At friskadesk.com
Reasons to buy: Counter-weight system makes it easy to adjust without a motor | Huge desk surface area
Humanscale's Float desk is aptly named. Relying on a clever weight counterbalance mechanism instead of a motor which requires power, it effortlessly glides up and down at the press of a convenient lever. It's slick enough to easily be operated with one hand, and saves on unsightly cables or forcing yourself to be near a plug socket too. Its under-desk shelf for your keyboard and mouse is a delightfully clever touch as well, letting you save even more precious tabletop real estate. Sleek, clever, and well built, it's a marvel of design and engineering. From £1,777 £1,422. At officefurnitureonline.co.uk
Reasons to buy: Simple, small standing desk for those with little space | Lightweight and easy to manoeuvre
Moveable Desk For a desk set-up that saves space and offers the best of both sitting and standing work, this metal workstation by Symple Stuff is a top choice. Modelled after writing desks, it boasts a tiltable desktop best suited to work from a laptop rather than desktops, alongside a lower shelf to work with a separate keyboard and mouse. Easily wheeled away when not in use, it's especially good for those working with homes an estate agent might describe as “cosy”. £92 £83. At wayfair.co.uk