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12 Best Standing Desks and Converters to Improve Your Posture

Plus reduce your back, shoulder, and neck pain.

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Whether you’re working from your home “office” due to the Coronavirus pandemic — be it at your dining room table, couch, home office — or your employer’s office space, it’s no secret that sitting for long periods of time is bad for your health. Problems associated with lower back, shoulder, and neck pain, as well as low productivity, are some of the reasons that convince many people to use standing desks or standing desk converters.

But with thousands of options available for purchase, it can be tricky to find a desk that fits your needs, especially if you’re looking for a budget-friendly stand-up desk for your home office. Lucky for you, we did the digging and discovered a wide selection (starting as low as $42!) with design features we think you’ll love.

The Benefits of Using a Standing Desk

One of the biggest benefits of using a standing desk is reducing stress on certain areas of your body. We’ve all been there — overwhelming aches and pains in our backs, shoulders, and necks after a long day sitting in front of a computer. This low back pain, neck pain, poor posture, etc. can be alleviated by alternating between sitting and standing throughout the day. 

In fact, a review of multiple studies that examined the relationship between sit-stand desk areas and musculoskeletal discomfort, specifically in the lower back area, found that “changing posture may reduce the chance of developing lower back pain” in certain populations.

Standing desks can also help boost productivity at work. According to a 2016 study out of the Texas A&M Health Science Center School of Public Health, employees with “stand-capable workstations—those in which the worker could raise or lower the desk to stand or sit as they wished throughout the day” were 46 percent more productive than their colleagues with seated desk arrangements over a six month research period. So if you need leverage to convince your boss to buy you a standing desk, this should do the trick!

Another benefit of using a standing desk throughout your work day is that it can help with weight maintenance by increasing the number of calories you burn throughout the day, according to 2017 research in Occupational Medicine. The study showed that by alternating positions (sitting to standing) throughout the work day, with a goal of four hours/day or standing and four hours/day of sitting, subjects increased the amount of calories they burned versus if they primarily sat for their work day. While the difference between calories burned for those who followed the stand-sit guidelines versus those who sat were small, daily habit shifts with even the smallest benefits add up over time.

Tips To Start Using Your Standing Desk/Standing Desk Converter 

While you might be tempted to use your new standing desk or standing desk converter to its full potential on the first day you have it — don’t. Not only can this lead to back and leg pain, but it’s also not recommended to stand for a full work day either. You want to strike a balance and combine sitting and standing throughout your day. Here are a few tips to ease the transition:

  1. To begin, try standing for shorter intervals, 15 to 30 minutes at a time.
  2. Wear comfortable and supportive shoes — this is especially important when you’re first using your standing desk as your feet will most likely need a transition period as well.
  3. If possible, have a healthcare professional assess your workstation to make sure it’s properly set up and ergonomically sound for your body.
  4. Listen to your body — take breaks when you need to.

Keep scrolling for FIRST for Women’s picks for the best standing desks and standing desk converters. And once you’ve found the standing desk or converter that’s right for you, check out our selection of the best office desk chairs under $200 to pair with your new setup.

Best Standing Desk Converters

Best Overall Standing Desk Converter

Best Electric Standing Desk Converter 
Best standing desk

Buy from Amazon, $199.99

Why we like it:

  • Accommodates 2 monitors
  • Minimal assembly
  • Built-in cell phone slot
  • 8 adjustable angles

The VIVO Standing Desk Converter is our pick for the best overall standing desk converter is by VIVO. With this desk converter, you can easily go from sitting to standing in one smooth motion thanks to the dual pneumatic springs, and the eight-point height adjustment options ensure you’ll be able to find the position that works best for you. Bonus points for a built-in tablet slot to store your electronics, keeping your workspace neat and tidy.

Owner Review: “I have two large monitors on it and am really impressed by the amount of working space I have…assembly was easy (it’s really just two non-slip feet you screw in).”

Rocelco Height Adjustable Standing Desk Converter

<strong>Best Extra Large Standing Desk Converter </strong>
Best standing desk converter

Buy from Amazon, $234.27

Why we like it:

  • Extra-large workspace
  • Accommodates 2-3 monitors
  • Mountable arm available

If you need to go a step beyond a dual monitor standing desk converter, the Rocelco’s converter is a highly rated option and can accommodate up to three medium-sized monitors or two large monitors. It has plenty of workspace, and it offers a continuous height adjustment from 5″ up to 20″ to adjust to your desired height.

HUANUO Adjustable Laptop Stand for Desk

Best Affordable Standing Desk Converter 
Best standing desk converter

Buy from Amazon, $42.99

Why we like it:

  • Lowest price tag 
  • Minimal design
  • 9 adjustable angles
  • 2-minute set up

If you’re looking for an affordable standing desk converter with a minimal design for your laptop, look no further than the HUANUO Adjustable Laptop Stand. With a height-adjustable range between 3.5 to 16.5 inches and nine adjustable angles, you’ll be able to find the right position and height for your computer while reducing back and neck pain. And coming in at a low price tag of $50, you really can’t go wrong. Bonus: Set up and installation is a breeze! Just pull your new stand out of the box and attach the screws to the bottom platform and you’ll be using your new standing desk converter in under two minutes!

Owner Review: “I bought this to use at work and it is exactly what I wanted. Easily adjusted to several different heights and angles making it a very versatile product. It also is made from quality materials, very sturdy and looks professional. I have recommended it to several colleagues!”

Office Owl Laptop Desk Stand

Best portable standing desk
Best Standing Desks
Amazon

Buy from Amazon, $9.86

Why we like it:

  • Space saving
  • Affordable
  • Easy to put together

When your home is the opposite of roomy, the Office Owl Laptop Desk Stand is your best friend. The compact design has a quick setup, and is as portable as they come. Carry it to your kitchen counter when your legs need a stretch. You’ll feel more productive (and fit) as standing a few minutes. This is also a great option if you’re chair bound, and need help avoiding neck strain. Rubber on the bottom of the stand will keep your laptop steady, and it works for tablets as well. Works on devices between 10 and 17 inches.

Best Standing Desks

Flexispot EN1 Essential Electric Stand Up Desk Workstation

Best overall standing desk
Best Standing Desks
Amazon

Buy from Amazon, $299.99

Why we like it:

  • Electric adjusting system
  • Sturdy
  • Size options

Once you try this electric standing desk from Flexispot you’ll never want to answer emails anywhere. The way it lifts and lowers with a press of a button is seriously cool, and an easy way to keep your back and arms comfortable. It has a programmable memory, so you’ll always find the right “standing height,” and it comes in several different sizes, and a dozen finishes. No matter how your office looks, you’ll find one that fits and looks to your liking.

bonVIVO Sit-Stand Workstation

Best standing desk for dual screens
Best Standing Desk
Amazon

Buy from Amazon, $149.63

Why we like it:

  • Dual tables
  • Wide keyboard shelf
  • Durable

Multiple screens have your head spinning? Those days will be over with the bonVIVI Sit-Stand Workstation. It’s top table has plenty of room for two large monitors, and the bottom shelf is perfect for your keyboard, keypad, and even some notebooks. You’ll love how organized and productive you feel, and when your legs need to stretch, simply adjust the desk’s height. Nothing will wobble or shake, thanks to the heavy duty construction. If you need a chair to go with it, check out this adjustable ergonomic stool.

SHW 55-Inch Large Electric Height Adjustable L-Shaped Standing Desk

Best Standing Desk with memory
Best standing desk
21% off!

Buy from Amazon, $299.87 (was $379.99)

Why we like it:

  • Electric lift system with 4 memory preset options
  • High-grade industrial steel
  • Large workspace; accommodates multiple monitors

The convenient L-shape of this SHW height adjustable standing desk, along with its electric lift system and extra-large work surface, makes it our pick for the best overall standing desk. And reviewers on Amazon agree — this desk, which is available in black and oak, has a 4.5 out of 5 stars rating! You can easily go from sitting to standing with this desk and enjoy the memory presents to keep track of your desired heights.

Owner Review: “I’ve been researching standing desks for several months now, trying to find one that is functional (and large enough!), attractive, and not terribly expensive. This is by far the best value of anything I’ve come across! It was easy to assemble, the motor works nice and smoothly, and it looks great in my home office! Very happy with this purchase!”

Flexispot Pro Plus Standing Desk

Best customizable standing desk
Best Standing Desks
Flexispot

Buy from Flexispot, $579.99

Why we like it:

  • Thick legs
  • Height adjustable and sturdy
  • Available in different finishes

Take your workspace up a notch with the Flexispot E7 Pro. No matter if you work with two screens, a laptop and then some, you’ll still have plenty of room to get business done. The entire desk — from the top to the height and frame — are customizable, which means you can create a station that perfectly suits your style. Like Bamboo? It’s available. Prefer minimalist white or chalkboard? Flexispot has that too! What we love best of all is how smoothly the standing desk moves without disturbing your belongings. Pre-programming the height is also an option but we like adjusting as desired. Hundreds of happy customers praise the durability and straightforward assembly.

Seville Classics Height Adjustable Mobile Laptop Desk

Best Affordable Standing Desk
Best standing desk

Buy from Amazon, $47.99

Why we like it:

  • Mobile rolling desk you can move with easy
  • Locking swivel wheels
  • Easy height adjustment from 20. 5″ to 33″

This affordable and space-saving mobile rolling laptop desk is ideal for a variety of spaces including home offices, classrooms, libraries, and more. The height adjustments allow for you to go from sitting to standing with ease, and with over 4,900 reviews on Amazon, it delivers 4.5 out of 5 stars!

Owner Review:I’ve had this for over a year. My fiancee and I liked it so much, we bought another one after a year.

Mr. IRONSTONE Height Adjustable Desk

Best Affordable Large Standing Desk
Best Standing Desk
Amazon

Buy from Amazon, $89.99

Why we like it:

  • Height options
  • Different table tops
  • Accommodates dual monitors

It can be hard to find an inexpensive standing desk that accommodates more than just a laptop, but the large workspace and $150 price tag makes this one from Mr IRONSTONE a popular option. It’s available in both splatter grey and black.

Owner Review: “I purchased this as a standing table for use with small group instruction in my classroom. I love it! It was assembled within half an hour, is sturdy and can be easily moved around the room or locked in place.”

SHW Electric Height Adjustable Standing Desk

Best Electric Standing Desk
Best standing desk

Buy from Amazon, $248.87

Why we like it:

  • Electric lift system
  • Adjustable height from 28 to 46 inches
  • Grommets to organize your cords
  • High-grade industrial steel

If you’re looking for a standing desk with an electric lift system to make height adjustments easy, the SHW Electric Height Adjustable Standing Desk is a solid option. At under $300, this electric standing desk offers a sleek design and practical features like grommets to keep your cords organized.

Owner Review: “I have been using it daily for a month now, and am happy with it, it is stylish, the automatic motor makes life easy, and easily fits my work set up. I would 100% recommend to a friend based on price, looks, and quality.”

Stand Steady Tranzendesk Two-Level Height Adjustable Standing Desk

Best Two-Level Standing Desk
Best standing desk

Buy from Amazon, $169.99 ( was $249.99)

Why we like it:

  • Two-level design
  • Four full-swivels wheels & two locking casters
  • Quick, easy assembly

One benefit of a two-level standing desk design, like this one by Stand Steady Tranzendesk, is that you can keep your monitor(s) at eye level to help relieve neck and back pain while your keyboard, mouse, and other supplies are positioned on the lower desktop level.

Owner Review: “I went from sealed box to completely assembled in about 40 minutes.”

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