The 8 Best Standing Desks of 2020

If you're looking for a premium standing desk that gives you the ultimate control and customizable options, the Uplift V2 Standing Desk is the best pick. Whether you want to sit on the floor or stand tall, two electric motors quietly and easily adjust the height from 25.5 to 51.1 inches with an astounding 355-pound lifting capacity. The inverted leg design keeps the desk sturdy at its highest point, something to pay attention to the higher your desk needs to go. 

Beyond logistics, the Uplift desk offers tons of options that cater to your style. A bamboo surface is the default style, but there are more than 20 surface types to choose from, four frame options and six desk sizes. Don’t forget add-ons like a digital memory keypad to program heights, Bluetooth dongle to control the desk using a smartphone or powered grommets, and an included balancing board to make your standing time even more active. And if anything goes wrong, the desk comes with a seven-year warranty.

Sometimes buying a whole new desk just isn’t an option. A converter desk is a great add-on to turn your workspace into one that allows you to move as you please, and it doesn’t have to break the bank. Look for styles that offer a gas spring option that allows for easy and controlled movements—they cost much less than their electric counterparts. 

The Seville Classics 36-inch Gas-Spring Height Adjustable Standing Desk Converter is a popular option available in three finishes: black, walnut, and white, all pre-assembled for easy set up. The pneumatic lift uses gas-spring technology that adjusts from 6.2 to 19.1 inches high, making this design ideal for a variety of heights, including those over six feet tall. While it doesn’t take much effort to adjust, an electrical model is also available. The work surface can support up to 33 pounds and fits two computer monitors. A tablet slot is a nice addition for extra functionality and the removable keyboard shelf is generously sized to fit a keyboard, mouse, and even a cup of coffee. 

With all the bells and whistles of our top pick, the SHW 55-Inch Large Electric Height Adjustable Computer Desk offers great value, with features like an electric lifting mechanism and memory presets. It’s available in maple and oak manufactured wood finishes with industrial steel bases. The SHW desk adjusts a range of 28 to 46 inches using telescopic height management and a lifting capacity of 110 pounds, so even users with larger set ups can use this standing desk.

The presets and electric motor easily allow you to transition from sitting to standing as you please and reviewers reported back on its stability and limited wobbling at even the highest settings.

When space is a limitation, this Safco Products Adjustable Height Counter Work Station, which can be installed at heights ranging from 35 to 49 inches, doesn’t take up much room and offers mobility for those looking to work on their feet. The size is optimized for laptop users, but someone using a single monitor and a smaller PC tower could get by. A pull out keyboard tray and two shelves provide necessary storage (that many standing desks don’t offer) for reams of paper or even a small printer. 

Whether it becomes your daily desk or for when you feel like stretching your legs, locking wheels keep it in place, but are easy to move should you need it out of the way. While this desk isn't intended to take you from a regular office chair to a standing position, it can be used with higher stools or office chairs that can be positioned at a barstool-like height.

One of the primary concerns with standing desks is the higher they go, the more likely they are to wobble when elevated. Of course, taller people require taller desks to comfortably stand without hunching over to reach their keyboard. The difference of a few inches can make a big impact and not just any desk will do. 

For people over six feet tall seeking ergonomic support and a stable work surface, the Cooper Standing Desk Converter is a great pick. The 35-inch, bamboo, height-adjustable workspace by Fully can be raised up and down up to 22 inches, one of the highest adjustables on the market. Beyond height, the Cooper emphasizes stability by using an X-frame that offers a continuous range of motion and a hydraulic system that can be operated with one hand. The desk's large usable work surface is made of eco-friendly bamboo that can fit two monitors with space to spare.  

This compact cart allows you to test the standing desk lifestyle without a pricey investment. The desk adjusts up and down from 28 to 43 inches using knobs on both sides of the cart to prevent accidental plunges and keep the desk stable. It also features a tilting panel to view your laptop from multiple angles and lockable wheels for mobility. Open storage provides easy access to files and other small items. However, its small size only fits a laptop on the top, so if you’re looking to use a mouse or leave a notepad, this might not be the desk for you.

A converter desk is already a great way to turn your work space into one that gives you the flexibility to stand and sit as desired. Flexispot standing desks sit on top of your existing desks and rise up and lower as desired in a straight up and down movement that stays securely within the initial footprint of your desk.

The 36-inch M7C model is outfitted with a U-shaped design that makes it ideal for corner cubicle workspaces and L-shaped desks. The work station can hold up to 33 pounds of weight and fits two computer monitors on its top tier with a removable keyboard tray that is deep enough to fit a laptop. A gas spring lift system creates a smooth and controlled movement that can be adjusted up to 19.88 inches with just one hand, while the X structure creates stability if you apply pressure while typing.

When aesthetics take priority, the Koret Height Adjustable Standing Desk from Trent Austin Design fits in with industrial or farmhouse chic design style and is ideal for a home office set up. The lift-top writing-style desk can be raised up to 11 inches higher and a locking mechanism will hold your desired height in place. There’s also a hidden storage area beneath the desktop that is accessible when the table is raised. If you plan to regularly raise and lower the desk, a laptop situation would be ideal to provide the most stability, since the raising mechanism can only support an additional weight of up to 30 pounds.