How do you benefit from standing and working?

"Standing desks are beneficial in the fact that they allow the user to reduce strain on their neck and lower back," says Dr. Smith. "When standing, the user is required to use more muscles to maintain balance and posture which increases caloric expenditure," he adds. While research is still being conducted, some studies show that standing while working may aid in health benefits including weight loss. While other studies note that standing for long periods of time may steady blood sugar levels and improve shoulder, back, and neck pain, Dr. Smith explains that there can also be drawbacks to standing full-time. "The ability to vary between sitting and standing allows you to work and rest different parts of your body. Standing alone is very demanding on the body and most people are not able to stand for a full workday," he says. "I usually recommend a 2:1 or 3:1 ratio of standing to sitting depending on tolerance."

How tall should a standing desk be?

Standing desks come with a wide range of height settings, from as low as about 24 inches to as high as about 50 inches. To determine the best level for yourself, measure the height of your elbows when holding your arms at a 90-degree angle (as though typing on a keyboard). Your standing desk should be parallel to or just below this level (to accommodate the height of your keyboard).

How often should you stand and work?

For most of us, spending all day on our feet isn’t comfortable, and it isn’t necessary for health benefits, either. Instead, a balance of sitting and standing throughout the day is ideal. While Dr. Smith recommends a 2:1 or 3:1 ratio of standing to sitting, you should take into consideration your physical fitness and needs. Dr. Smith also says you can place one foot on an elevated surface to take pressure off one leg—alternating from side to side. "When using a standing desk, it is best to start with short periods, perhaps 15 minutes at a time, and gradually increase your tolerance," says Erin DiGangi, physical therapist in La Grange Park, Illinois. "If you start to lean on the desk or lock your knees, it may be time to sit for a bit," she adds.

What is the appropriate form for standing and working?

Correct ergonomics are key for getting the most out of standing while working. Once you’ve adjusted a standing desk to the appropriate height, place your computer monitor at or just below eye level and keep elbows close to your sides as you type on your keyboard. Do your best not to slouch; keep your body upright with legs, torso, and head in a straight line.

The 11 Best Standing Desks of 2023

Standing desks are an increasingly popular tool used in offices worldwide to help protect the health of employees. A small study conducted in 2021 noted that subjects had improved cardiovascular health, triglyceride levels, and insulin resistance after switching to a standing desk for 24 weeks. The Spine and Health Center of New Jersey's Alexander Smith, DC, notes that standing while working can help reduce strain on your neck, mid-back, and lower back which may help reduce pain levels.

"Standing has been shown to improve the number of calories you burn as compared to sitting which can help many different organs and systems within the body such as cardiovascular disease and metabolic diseases like diabetes," Dr. Smith says. He explains that standing all day can place unnecessary strain on your knees, hips, and ankles, but agrees that alternating between sitting and standing with an adjustable desk can provide you with health benefits.

We evaluated the standing desks on our list for things like durability, how easy the lifting mechanism is to use, and what type of special features it includes like programmable presets, charging ports or a keyboard tray.

We also had a NASM-certified personal trainer from our Review Board review this article for accuracy surrounding what to look for in a standing desk, its potential benefits, and how long it's safe to stand while working.

Here are the best standing desks on the market.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Fully Jarvis Bamboo Standing Desk at Amazon

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Best Budget:

FlexiSpot EN1B Electric Height Adjustable Desk at Amazon

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Best for Laptop:

Stand Steady X-Elite Pro Standing Desk Converter at Amazon

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Best Electric:

Seville Classics airLIFT Desk at Amazon

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Best with Large Desk Area:

ApexDesk Elite Series 71-Inch at Amazon

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Best Easy Assembly:

Vari Electric Adjustable Standing Desk at Amazon

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Best Standing Desk Converter:

Uplift E7 Electric Standing Desk Converter at Amazon

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Best Adjustable:

UPLIFT V2 Standing Desk at Amazon

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Best with Storage:

FEZIBO Electric Adjustable Standing Desk at Amazon

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Best Mobile:

SDADI Mobile Standing Desk at Amazon

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In This Article

Our Picks
What to Look For
FAQ
Why Trust Verywell Fit

4.2

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Fully.com

Pros

Durable, bamboo top
Multiple color/finish options
Programmable presets

Cons

No storage
Expensive

This desk wins awards year after year which is why it was an easy choice for our best overall. You can set it to a wide range of heights between 24.5 and 50 inches, accommodating virtually any person who wants to use it. Better yet, it maintains its stability and doesn’t wobble at its maximum height. The desk can hold and lift a load of up to 350 pounds, and the motor is quiet and unobtrusive when in use.

It also features a touch programmable handset that can store four height presets for quick and easy adjustments throughout your day. The desk surface is made from quality bamboo and comes with two wire management grommets. Meanwhile, the frame and mechanical and electrical components are all protected by a seven-year warranty.

Price at time of publication: $1,029

^{Key Specs:
Type: Motorized | Height Range: 24 to 50 inches | Desktop Size: 72 x 30 inches | Material: Natural bamboo top, steel frame}

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Flexispot.com

Pros

Smooth lift system
Programmable presets
Eco-friendly

Cons

Ships in two packages
Vague setup instructions

For half the price of the Jarvis desk, you can enjoy this quality option from FlexiSpot. Its height ranges from 28 to 47.6 inches, keeping it versatile for all users, and the all-in-one keypad makes it easy to preset three heights and manually adjust the desk depending on where you are in your workday. During height transitions, the desk remains smooth, stable, and quiet.

What the Experts Say: “Standing reduces pressure on the lower back often caused by sitting with poor posture and allows the muscles in your core and legs to activate. This process helps improve blood flow while reducing tightness in the hip muscles. A standing desk can encourage better posture while providing the option to do exercises, such as calf raises or hip extensions, at the same time.” Alternating between sitting and standing can be especially beneficial to those who already wear supportive gear to deal with chronic issues, like running shoes for bad knees.

The legs of the desk are made with double steel tubing that provides its impressive sturdiness, and the desk surface is made with environmentally-friendly, medium-density fiberboard. It also comes in a variety of colors to accommodate your office’s existing aesthetic.

Price at time of publication: $350

^{Key Specs:
Type: Motorized standing desk | Height Range: 28 to 47.6 inches | Desktop Size: 55 x 28 inches | Material: Alloy steel}

Stand Steady

View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Standsteady.com

Pros

Multiple finish options
Comes fully assembled
Air pump assisted lift

Cons

Manual adjustment
May not sit completely flat on desk

If you complete the majority of your work on a laptop, you will likely enjoy the compact design of this standing desk converter. It’s plenty large enough to hold your device, a monitor, an additional keyboard, and some notes without creating a cluttered mess. It also rests sturdily on your existing desk, helping you stand more for a fraction of the price.

It fits easily in small, traditional cubicle offices, as well as in customized home offices. It also comes fully assembled, and the air pump system paired with an ergonomic handgrip makes it easy to switch between sitting and standing modes with minimal noise and workspace disruption.

Price at time of publication: $230

^{Key Specs:
Type: Standing desk converter | Height Range: 2.23 to 16.75 inches | Desktop Size: 23.5 x 16.25 inches | Material: Cherry wood top, steel frame}

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Globalindustrial.com View On Home Depot

Pros

Glass top for writing
Charging ports included
Touchscreen height controller

Cons

Heavy and difficult to move
Motor may make noise

This top-notch electronic desk is as enjoyable to look at as it is to use. The desk can sit as low as 29 inches and as high as 47 inches, and the dual motors and two-section legs allow it to adjust at a rate of 1.5 inches per second smoothly and safely. The desk itself also houses two USB-A charging ports, making it easy to charge multiple devices at once, minimizing the number of cables hanging off your work surface.

It also comes equipped with three touch-sensitive memory buttons so you can save your ideal heights for sitting, standing, and maybe even pedaling on your under desk bike. Finally, the tempered glass tabletop with beveled edges makes for a durable and beautiful workspace that provides you with plenty of room.

Price at time of publication: $400

^{Key Specs:
Type: Motorized standing desk | Height Range: 29 to 47 inches | Desktop Size: 47.5 x 24 inches | Material: Tempered glass top, steel frame}

Amazon

View On Amazon

Pros

Large surface area
Dual motor lifting system
Programmable height presets

Cons

No wheels for transportation
Ships in multiple boxes

If your desk job requires a little extra surface area to get things done, we recommend checking out the ApexDesk Elite. It comes in two sizes—60 inches and 71 inches—the latter of which has an impressive depth of 33 inches. It’s also built to last with top materials, a dual-motor lifting system, and a center beam that provides additional stability.

The desk moves slower than some, but it adjusts smoothly and safely, and it features a controller that stores four preset heights. It can handle up to 220 pounds, which should be plenty for all of your devices and projects. All in all, it’s not the least expensive desk on this list, but you definitely get a lot of desk for your money.

Price at time of publication: $750

^{Key Specs:
Type: Motorized standing desk | Height Range: 29 to 49 inches | Desktop Size: 71 x 33 inches | Material: Engineered wood top, steel frame}

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Vari.com

Pros

Multiple finish options
Comes with expert assembly
Quiet, dual motors

Cons

Ships in multiple boxes
Top is not real wood

Looking for a simple yet solid standing desk you can assemble successfully in five minutes or less? Check out this model from Vari, which sits at a minimum of 25 inches and can reach a maximum height of 50.5 inches. The T-style legs are made with heavy-duty steel for the ultimate durability and stability, supporting a desk load of up to 220 pounds.

The LED display allows you to program four memory settings so you can easily alternate between your preferred heights throughout the day. Plus, the durable laminate-coated top makes it easy to keep clean and the chamfered edges make it more comfortable to use.

Price at time of publication: $695

^{Key Specs:
Type: Motorized standing desk | Height Range: 25 to 50.5 inches | Desktop Size: 48 x 30 inches | Material: Laminate finish top, steel frame}

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Upliftdesk.com

Pros

Arms can rotate
Keyboard tray is detachable
Over 20 custom combinations

Cons

Only one size top
Does not sit low on desk

Folks who already have a standard desk they love and simply want to incorporate some more standing into their day should consider this converter from UPLIFT Desk. It’s designed with the same motor they use in each leg of their full standing desk models—so the platform remains smooth, steady, and strong during height adjustments.

The smaller desk surface is made with genuine bamboo and can hold up to 110 pounds safely, making it an excellent choice for a monitor, laptop, keyboard, mouse pad, and your favorite accessories. Meanwhile, the durable steel construction ensures that the desk is built to last and is worth your money.

Price at time of publication: $599

^{Key Specs:
Type: Standing desk converter | Height Range: 0 to 21 inches | Desktop Size: 30 x 21.5 inches | Material: Bamboo, natural rubberwood top, steel base}

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Upliftdesk.com

Pros

Multiple mounting points
Durable, bamboo top
Standing balance board included

Cons

Expensive
Difficult to move

It’s hard to beat the adjustability components of the Uplift V2 Standing Desk. The height adjustment mechanism is powered by dual motors that help the desk adjust quickly, smoothly, and quietly. What’s more, it features an anti-collision technology that allows it to stop mid-transition if it hits something, like the arm of your chair (or your head if you happen to be fidgeting with something underneath your desk).

Meanwhile, the build is top-quality, and it’s one of the best wobble-free options on the market due to the stability braces built into the legs. The desk also features tons of mounting points for ultimate customizability with your devices, along with built-in cable management.

Price at time of publication: $1,018

^{Key Specs:
Type: Motorized standing desk | Height Range: 24.3 to 49.9 inches | Desktop Size: 80 x 30 inches | Material: Bamboo top, reinforced steel frame}

Amazon

View On Amazon

Pros

Programmable height presets
Video installation guide included
Cable tray and desk hooks

Cons

Top comes in multiple pieces
Drawer may wobble

If your computer is all you need for work, a tabletop should get you through your workday with ease. But if you require extra accessories—like notebooks, tools, remotes, and more—having storage space is essential.

The FEZIBO Electric Height Adjustable Standing Desk features an under-desk drawer with plenty of space. Rollers make the drawer easy to pull out, and wheels on the bottom of the steel frame make the desk easy to move. For a custom workspace, the desk also features an adjustable height with easy-to-use controls.

Price at time of publication: $240

^{Key Specs:
Type: Motorized standing desk | Height Range: 27.7 to 46.6 inches | Desktop Size: 48 x 24 inches | Material: Steel top, allow steel frame}

Amazon

View On Amazon

Pros

Compact design
Wheels for easy movement
Durable, rustproof frame

Cons

Difficult to assemble
Desktop may be too small for some
Difficult to adjust

Some people prefer not to work in the same room all day long, which is where this handy mobile standing desk from SDADI comes in. The entire desk sits atop carpet-friendly wheels so you can roll into any space in your home and keep chugging away through your workday. Also for flex spaces such as office/home gym, its mobility also allows you to move it out of the way so you can freely use your fitness equipment, like balance boards and weights. It features a slanted desk surface for when you’re seated and a flat desk surface for when you’re standing, giving you all the ergonomic options based on your personal comfort.

It even includes a footrest bar for when you want to take a load off after standing for a while. This desk is sturdy in design and construction—ideal for students and workers alike.

One thing to note is that this desk may be a little harder to adjust than others on this list, so it may be best for those who don't plan to adjust the height too frequently (if at all).

Price at time of publication: $70

^{Key Specs:
Type: Manual standing desk | Height Range: 27.5 to 45.3 inches | Desktop Size: 23.6 x 23.6 inches | Material: Engineered wood top, steel frame}

Amazon

View On Amazon

Pros

Compact and easy to move
Multiple shelves
Retractable keyboard shelf

Cons

May be hard to assemble
Manual height adjustment

If you're working with limited space, creating a home office may be more complicated than anticipated. Thankfully, the Safco Products Stand-Up Desk offers a compact and functional solution to your at-home work schedule. This desk is offered in three finishes—cherry, grey, and medium oak— and constructed with durable alloy steel. Additionally, it features molded side panels to hide cords and cables.

Equipped with two shelves, the desk is ideal for those who need storage space. Plus, the retractable keyboard shelf and adjustable height allow you to customize it to fit your needs.

Price at time of publication: $559

^{Key Specs:
Type: Manual standing desk | Height Range: 35 to 49 inches | Desktop Size: 29.5 x 19.75 inches | Material: Laminate top, steel frame}

Final Verdict

If you’re looking for an excellent, one-size-fits-all standing desk option, the Jarvis Bamboo Standing Desk (view at Amazon) is hard to beat. It has one of the best height ranges and stability ratings, and it holds far more weight than any other desk on this list.

With that said, the FlexiSpot EN1B Electric Height Adjustable Desk (view at Amazon) offers many of the same benefits for half the price, so money-conscious shoppers shouldn’t feel pressured to spend more than their budgets allow.

What to Look for in a Standing Desk

Customization

"Consumers should look for desks that best fit their lifestyle, number one," says Dr. Smith, a chiropractor at The Spine and Health Center of New Jersey. He adds that they should have some level of customization such as height, the ability to go from sitting to standing, and potentially a keyboard tray to help them keep their computer as close as possible to maintain proper ergonomics.

Stability

Naturally, standing desks are much taller than sitting desks, making sturdy construction even more important. The last thing you want is for your work surface to feel rickety or as though it could topple over at any moment if you lean on it. So, pay close attention to the mechanism used to adjust the desk to be sure that it feels steady even at its maximum height extension.

Materials

Desks can be made with everything from cork to wood to metal to particle board, and each material has its pros and cons. Think about what suits your work needs, your aesthetic, and your budget as you narrow in on your ideal standing desk.

Ergonomics

Maintaining the proper body alignment is just as important when working from a standing position as it is from a seated position. The desk’s orientation needs to prevent you from straining your neck, keep you from leaning into one side of your body too often for too long, and give your hands and arms a natural placement for your work.

Ease of Use

The adjustability function of your standing desk should be seamless to use. Regardless of whether you manually elevate the surface of your desk or enjoy its movement with the press of a button, be sure that it’s not disruptive to the overall flow of your workday.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you benefit from standing and working?

"Standing desks are beneficial in the fact that they allow the user to reduce strain on their neck and lower back," says Dr. Smith. "When standing, the user is required to use more muscles to maintain balance and posture which increases caloric expenditure," he adds. While research is still being conducted, some studies show that standing while working may aid in health benefits including weight loss.
While other studies note that standing for long periods of time may steady blood sugar levels and improve shoulder, back, and neck pain, Dr. Smith explains that there can also be drawbacks to standing full-time.
"The ability to vary between sitting and standing allows you to work and rest different parts of your body. Standing alone is very demanding on the body and most people are not able to stand for a full workday," he says. "I usually recommend a 2:1 or 3:1 ratio of standing to sitting depending on tolerance."
How tall should a standing desk be?

Standing desks come with a wide range of height settings, from as low as about 24 inches to as high as about 50 inches.
To determine the best level for yourself, measure the height of your elbows when holding your arms at a 90-degree angle (as though typing on a keyboard). Your standing desk should be parallel to or just below this level (to accommodate the height of your keyboard).
How often should you stand and work?

For most of us, spending all day on our feet isn’t comfortable, and it isn’t necessary for health benefits, either. Instead, a balance of sitting and standing throughout the day is ideal.
While Dr. Smith recommends a 2:1 or 3:1 ratio of standing to sitting, you should take into consideration your physical fitness and needs. Dr. Smith also says you can place one foot on an elevated surface to take pressure off one leg—alternating from side to side.
"When using a standing desk, it is best to start with short periods, perhaps 15 minutes at a time, and gradually increase your tolerance," says Erin DiGangi, physical therapist in La Grange Park, Illinois. "If you start to lean on the desk or lock your knees, it may be time to sit for a bit," she adds.
What is the appropriate form for standing and working?

Correct ergonomics are key for getting the most out of standing while working. Once you’ve adjusted a standing desk to the appropriate height, place your computer monitor at or just below eye level and keep elbows close to your sides as you type on your keyboard. Do your best not to slouch; keep your body upright with legs, torso, and head in a straight line.

Why Trust Verywell Fit

As a seasoned health writer, Alena Hall understands the importance of not just staying active but doing so in a safe and smart way. Over the years, she has reviewed dozens of products, from athletic recovery aids to condition-specific products to homeopathic essential oils, to help readers like you discover products that can help you live your best life.