The best standing desk 2023on November 21, 2023 at 11:31 Tech Advisor
In 2023, many people’s jobs require them to sit and work at a computer all day.
While that’s great for convenience, allowing you to work from pretty much anywhere with an internet connection, it’s not good news for your long-term health.
According to Harvard Medical School, this constant lack of physical activity increases the risk of developing conditions such as obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease. It can also increase pain, and make you more likely to suffer injuries.
But despite that gloomy outlook, we don’t recommend ditching your job for something much more active – unless you’d like to. Instead, simply spending more time on your feet can have a profound positive effect.
And a standing desk is the easiest way to do this. As the name suggests, it allows you to work from a comfortable height while standing up, allowing you to maintain a good posture.
All the models in this list are also height-adjustable, meaning you can quickly move between sitting and standing positions at the touch of a button.
We’ve included options at a range of different price points, highlighting the pros and cons of each and linking out to an in-depth review. At the bottom of the page, you’ll also find more general buying advice and guidance on what to look out for.
Best standing desk 2023
1. FlexiSpot E7 – Best for most people
Pros
Premium, customisable design
Easy to assemble
Impressive height adjustment controls
Built-in USB-C port
Cons
Poor cable management
Expensive, with table top sold separately
The FlexiSpot E7 doesn’t come cheap, but if you can afford it, it’s a very good standing desk.
A premium, customisable design means it’ll look good in any home, while assembly is relatively straightforward.
Its height can be adjusted between 58-123cm, making it suitable for anyone who isn’t taller than around 1.9m (6ft 3in). And it’s great to be able to save up to four positions for easy access.
The E7 can also support up to 125kg in weight, which is more than enough for your laptop, two monitors and a variety of accessories.
It’s also nice to have a USB-A port built into the desk, though cable management could be better. Price is also a big sticking point, especially with the table top sold separately.
But if you’re willing to pay the premium, you won’t be disappointed with the FlexiSpot E7.
Read our full
Flexispot E7 review
2. Autonomous SmartDesk Pro – Best design
Pros
Attractive, solid design
Extensive height adjustment
Easy to customise
Cons
Frustrating setup
Expensive in the UK
You might not have heard of Chinese company Autonomous, but you shouldn’t ignore the SmartDesk Pro.
It’s a very good standing desk, combining an attractive design with premium materials and even a choice of sizes (if you’re in the US).
But it’s the height adjustment that sets this desk apart from rivals. It can go all the way from 66.5-132cm, making this a good choice for taller people. You can also set four saved positions and easily move between them.
Assembling and setting up the desk proves to be the biggest frustration, but you’ll only have to do this once. However, the starting price is much cheaper in the US than the UK, with only the middle of three sizes (135x74cm) available in the latter.
Read our full
Autonomous SmartDesk Pro review
3. Maidesite S2 Pro – Best value for money
Pros
Solid build quality
Great value
Plenty of features
Cons
Not the best cable management
Doesn’t go higher than 120cm
If you’re not looking to spend quite as much, the Maidesite S2 Pro is a great affordable alternative.
Build quality certainly hasn’t been compromised, with an attractive blend of wood and metal available in several different shades. It’s available in both 120x60cm and 140x70cm versions, and the latter offers ample room for a dual-monitor setup.
A discrete reminder to stand up and saved heights are both great features, but cable management isn’t the best. A maximum height of 120cm could be improved, too.
But if this is your first time buying a standing desk, the S2 Pro is an excellent choice that will serve you well.
Read our full
Maidesite S2 Pro review
4. FlexiSpot E7 Pro – Best extra features
Pros
Premium build
Very customisable
Extensive height adjustment
High weight capacity
Cons
Very heavy
Expensive
The E7 Pro is even more expensive than the regular E7, but there are a few upgrades that will be worth it for some people.
If you’re very tall, this is the FlexiSpot desk to get. It can be adjusted from 63.5-129cm, meaning even people well over 6ft will be able to use it while standing up.
And with an incredible weight capacity of 160kg, it’s one of the most robust and heavy duty desks you can buy. That does make assembly a bit of a challenge, but it’s still not too complicated.
Elsewhere, an advanced anti-collision system also makes it very good at avoiding obstacles, while four preset heights make moving between sitting and standing seamless.
Of course, it’s very expensive. But aside from the price and its sheer weight, there’s very little to complain about with regards to the E7 Pro.
Read our full
Flexispot E7 Pro review
5. FlexiSpot E1L – Best L-shaped
Pros
Customisable L-shaped design
Great build quality
Large surface area
Cons
Relatively limited height adjustment
Unclear setup instructions
Not available in the US
Most standing desks are a traditional rectangular shape, but what if you want to put it in the corner of the room?
That’s where Flexispot’s E1L comes in. As the name suggests, it has an L-shaped design that helps you maximise the space available. You can even switch the longer edge to the other side if you’d like.
That design also means it has a larger total area than most desks: you can choose between 160x100cm and 180x120cm. Build quality is also very good.
Height adjustment is slightly less than some rivals at 71-120cm, but it can accommodate up to 100kg of total weight.
Once you complete the confusing assembly, it’s a great option for the right room.
Read our full
Flexispot E1L review
6. Bakker Elkhuizen – Best non-electric
Pros
No electricity required
Easy to use
Sturdy design
Cons
Height adjustment is fiddly
Expensive
Not available in the US
The Bakker Elkhuizen doesn’t do enough to justify its high price tag, which is the main reason it sits at the bottom of this list.
However, this desk has one feature that most rivals can’t match: the ability to adjust height without being connected to the mains. It’s powered by gas instead, although actually moving between the 74-113cm heights can be a a challenge.
At 120x70cm, desktop is one of the smaller standing desks you can buy. The single white finish available is also rather uninspiring, and there are none of the extra features you’ll find on other standing desks here.
Ultimately, the Bakker Elkhuizen is too expensive for most people to seriously consider it. Unless you really don’t want to rely on electricity, there are better (and more affordable) options out there.
Read our full
Bakker Elkhuizen Work & Move Desk Home review
FAQ
Why are standing desks better than normal ones?
As the name suggests, standing desks allow you to continue working while standing up. This avoids prolonged periods of sitting down, which we know to be bad for our long-term health.
Even if you’re able to stand for long periods of time, there will be an adjustment period. But eventually, most people will be able to work while standing up without any negative impact to their productivity. It may even have a positive effect.
A standing desk allows you to gradually experiment over time, particularly if you choose a height-adjustable option.
Should I get a height-adjustable standing desk?
Ideally, yes. All the standing desks in this chart are height adjustable, meaning they can operate at seated and standing positions or anything in between.
For most people, that’s preferable to a cheaper sit-stand desk, which is placed on top of your existing desk at a set height. Rather than having to remove the standing desk (which can be heavy) each time you want to sit down, a height-adjustable desk can move at the touch of a button.
The only caveat is that they usually require a mains connection to work. But if you’re plugging in a laptop or desktop PC nearby anywhere, this shouldn’t be an issue.
When should I use a standing desk?
Anytime you like! Standing for the entire working day would probably be optimal for our health, but that’s not realistic.
Instead, aim to roughly split your time between sitting and standing. General advice usually recommends getting up from your desk roughly once every hour, so try switching between positions at these intervals. Some standing desks can even set a reminder to do this.
Will a standing desk help with back pain?
Most likely, although there’s no conclusive evidence to support it.
Standing at a desk is generally considered better for your back than sitting, provided it’s set to the correct height for you. It should also promote better posture, particularly if you tend to be hunched over while working in a chair.
How tall does my standing desk need to be?
You’ll need to make sure your standing desk is set to the correct height to see the benefits. Aim to have it positioned at elbow height when your elbows are 90° from the floor.
For example, if you’re 5 feet 8 inches (173cm) tall, a standing height of around 41-42 inches will be about right. But it’s worth measuring this yourself to make sure, including while wearing shoes if that’s something you ever do while working.
If you’re well over 6 feet (183cm) tall, make sure the desk you’re considering goes high enough for you to comfortably use it while standing.
How much should I spend on a standing desk?
It depends what you’re looking for. Basic versions that work with your existing desk usually cost under $200/£200, but are also often cumbersome and fixed to one position.
To get a height-adjustable desk, you’ll usually have to pay at least $300/£300. Some high-end models are two or even three times that much, and usually combine a larger surface area with premium materials with extra height adjustment. A cheaper model may offer all the features you need, though.
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