The 8 Best Standing Desks of 2021

Stretch your legs and correct your posture

By
Anne Fritz
Anne Fritz
Anne Fritz is a product reviewer for The Spruce. With over 20 years of experience in publishing, Fritz's most recent roles include working as an editor at Cosmopolitan, Seventeen, and Reader's Digest.
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Updated on 10/15/21

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Standing desks are becoming increasingly popular, both in offices and home offices. If you're looking to make the switch, finding the right standing desk for your height and your habits will make the investment worth it in the long run.

Most standing desks convert between sitting and standing heights—some manually, and others with the touch of a button. Look at easily adjustable desks with multiple height options and additional features like drawers, hanging hooks, and portability.

Read on to see the best standing desks that are available online.

Our Top Picks
Best Overall:
Flexispot Adjustable Standing Desk at Amazon
With room for two computer monitors and a keyboard, this desk adjusts from a seated desk to a standing one with a button press.
Read Review
Best Budget:
Mind Reader 2 Tier Sit and Stand Desk at Staples
This versatile desk is sturdy and has wheels to allow you to move it around while giving presentations or for a change of scenery.
Read Review
Best Converter:
VIVO Black Height Adjustable Converter at Amazon
Arriving fully assembled, this converter sits on your existing desk and has a dual-tiered design and removable keyboard tray.
Read Review
Best Sit-to-Stand:
FEZIBO Electric Height Adjustable with Drawer at Amazon
This desk offers the versatility of smoothly adjusting height between sitting and standing with a memory function for storing settings.
Read Review
Best for Small Spaces:
Mr Ironstone Folding Computer Desk at Amazon
This stylish desk is great for small spaces because it can be folded down and stored and can double as a kitchen bar table.
Read Review
Best for Tall People:
Vari Electric Standing Desk at Amazon
With a top height of 50.5 inches, this desk has a beautiful reclaimed wood surface and four programmable height settings.
Read Review
Best Style:
Bush Business Furniture Height Adjustable L-Shape Desk at Wayfair
Attractive and functional, this L-shaped desk is height adjustable and can be used seated or standing.
Read Review
Best Treadmill:
Goplus 2-in-1 Folding Treadmill at Amazon
This under desk treadmill works in conjunction with your standing desk, has a quiet motor, and speed ranges from 1 to 4 kilometers an hour.
Read Review
In This Article

Best Overall: Flexispot Adjustable Standing Desk

Flexispot Standing Desk 48 x 30 Inches
View On Amazon

When selecting a standing desk for your office, you want one that keeps your elbows at a 90-degree position from the floor. The Flexispot standing desk is adjustable, converting from a seated desk or a standing one. It goes from 28 inches to 47.6 inches at the speed of 1-inch per second at the touch of a button. The desktop offers an oversize workspace of 48 inches by 30 inches—enough to accommodate two computer monitors, a keyboard, and a pad of paper. It can hold up to 154 pounds.

The 11 Best Computer Desks of 2021

Best Budget: Mind Reader 2 Tier Sit and Stand Desk

Mind Reader 2 Tier Sit and Stand Desk
View On Staples

This two-tiered standing desk has one level for your keyboard and one for your monitor. It also has wheels, which makes it easy to roll over to a corner when not in use or allows you to walk around your space while presenting. The wheels can lock into place if you need them to stay put.

It is sturdy and effective, but it is missing features like motorized lifting or lowering of the table. To change the table height, you need to manually adjust it by turning knobs. The workspace surface is 28 by 27 inches.

The 12 Best Office Chairs of 2021

Best Converter: VIVO Black Height Adjustable 32 inch Standing Desk Converter

VIVO Black Height Adjustable Converter
View On Amazon View On Walmart

If you don’t want to buy a whole new desk, you can get a desk converter. VIVO's option goes from 4.5 inches to 20 inches with the push of a lever.

It has a dual-tiered design and a keyboard tray for better ergonomic placement of the monitor at eye level. If you work on a laptop and only need the top tray, the keyboard tray is easily removable, though it does not slide in and out.

The desktop measures 31.5 by 15.7 inches, which is large enough for two computer monitors. It comes nearly fully assembled. You only need to attach the keyboard tray with the included screws and a Philips screwdriver.

The 5 Best Home Office Desks of 2021

Best Sit-to-Stand: FEZIBO Electric Height Adjustable Standing Desk with Drawer

FEZIBO Electric Height Adjustable Standing Desk with Drawer
View On Amazon

You may find that you prefer to sit for part of the day, especially when doing a lot of writing, which benefits from seated stability. An easy-to-use sit-to-stand desk smoothly adjusts from a seated height to a standing one with the push of a button. The Fezibo desk has a memory function that stores up to four of your preferred height settings. The workspace surface measures 48 x 24 inches and has a drawer and a hook.

Best for Small Spaces: Mr Ironstone 31.5” Folding Computer Desk

Mr IRONSTONE 31.5” Folding Computer Desk
View On Amazon

If space is an issue, this foldable 39.4 inch-high desk can be stored in a closet or under your bed when not in use. The 31.5-inch x 15.7-inch workspace is made of scratch-resistant P2 MDF board while the hairpin legs are made of stylish matte metal. It comes with 10 hooks where you can conveniently store headphones, a backpack, or a jacket. It comes fully assembled, only requiring that the desktop is clipped into place. It weighs 25 pounds and is easily portable. It can serve double-duty in the kitchen or as a bar table for your next party.

The 8 Best Laptop Tables of 2021

Best for Tall People: Vari Electric Standing Desk 60" x 30"

Vari Electric Standing Desk 60" x 30"
View On Amazon

Taller people need taller desks. A 5-foot, 11-inch person needs a desk that is about 44-inches high to work comfortably. The luxe Vari electric desk reaches a top height of 50.5 inches and goes down to 25.5 inches for sitting. The LED control panel holds four programmable height settings, a perfect option if you share this surface with a roommate or partner. The 60- by 30-inch work surface is made of a solid piece of beautiful reclaimed wood. Accessories sold separately include a power hub and active stand mat.

Best Style: Bush Business Furniture Series C Height Adjustable L-Shape Standing Desk

Adjustable L-Shape Standing Desk
View On Wayfair

A standing desk doesn’t have to be an eyesore—take this bow-front desk, for example, which is as attractive as it is functional. The top is made of 1" thick thermally fused laminate and the back is finished so you can use the L-shaped desk with its bow-front design in the corner or with some walking space around it.

The standing desk is height adjustable and it can be used seated or mechanically lifted to 37, 40, and 43 inches. Thoughtful extras include a wire management system for annoying electronic cords, a three-drawer filing cabinet that holds legal, letter, and A4 size folders, and a lock and key.

The 8 Best Desk Organizers of 2021

Best Treadmill: Goplus 2-in-1 Folding Treadmill

Goplus 2 in 1 Folding Treadmill
View On Amazon

One way to make your workday more active is investing in an under-desk treadmill that will work in conjunction with your standing desk (sold separately). If you're on a phone or video conference call, you might appreciate the built-in Bluetooth that pairs with wireless speakers. The motor is quiet, and in walking mode, the speed ranges from 1 to 4 kilometers per hour. It folds, but it is heavy to lift and move.

What to Look for When Buying a Standing Desk


Fixed or Adjustable

Standing desks are available in fixed or adjustable models. Fixed models are generally less expensive, but take up more room in your office if you plan to keep your traditional desk, allowing you to switch it up during the workday. Adjustable desks save space and can be modified at the touch of a button, making them suitable for smaller spaces and for people sharing desks. 


Height Adjustment Range

A height-adjustable desk is an ideal solution for a combination of sitting and standing. Ensure that the height range of the standing desk you are considering accommodates your height, especially if you are on the shorter or taller side of average. Bonus points if the desk height can be adjusted quickly and seamlessly at the touch of a button.  


Desktop Surface

Choose a standing desk with at least a four-foot-wide desktop. This is particularly important if you are using an adjustable height desk that will be moving up and down all day. You want to ensure that there is enough surface area to comfortably house your computer, screen, and desk accessories without anything falling off the sides. 

Final Verdict

A good standing desk allows you to adjust the desk from sitting height to standing height without much effort. With a touch of the button, the Flexispot Standing Desk (view at Amazon) nearly reaches 48 inches and offers ample surface space without gobbling up too much of a footprint. If space is limited, you can look at the Mr. Ironstone 31.5” Folding Computer Desk (view at Amazon), a collapsible desk that you can fold and store. It can even double as a bar table for your next party.

FAQ
  • How tall should a standing desk be?

    That depends on how tall you are. A standing desk should be tall enough so that your bent elbows are at a 90-degree angle from the floor, allowing you to type comfortably and without straining your wrists. Choose an adjustable height standing desk for the most customizable experience.

  • How do you stand at a standing desk?

    The most ergonomic way to stand at a desk is with both feet planted flat, knees unlocked and approximately shoulder-width apart. Take care that your weight is distributed equally on both legs while you are standing still, shifting often to keep your circulation moving and stay alert. Be aware of your posture, and make adjustments to desk height or the position of your keyboard or mouse so that you are not looking either up or down at the screen, which can cause neck strain. Some people also prefer to use an anti-fatigue mat to prevent joint pain when standing for long periods of time. 

  • How long should you stand at a standing desk?

    Standing desks were invented to correct the modern problem of too much sitting at our desks. But, too much standing can also cause discomfort. While there is no definitive medical recommendation on how much you should sit or stand, most experts agree that a hybrid approach that allows you to change postures between sitting and standing positions is your best bet. Choose an adjustable sit-to-stand desk to create seamless options at the touch of a button so you can switch it up according to how your body feels at any given moment on any given day. 

Why Trust The Spruce?

This article was researched and written by Anne Fritz, who has worked in the publishing industry for over 20 years, most recently as an editor at publications such as Cosmopolitan, Seventeen, and Reader's Digest.
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