10 Best Standing Desks You Can Buy In Australia (Feb 2023)

Had enough of working from your old desk? You’ve come to the right place. This review will compare 10 of the best standing desks in Australia for 2023 and tell you which one to buy.

You’re about to discover how each desk’s costs, strengths and weaknesses stack up.

All standing desks on the Australian market are quite similar, but you need to know about a few crucial differences that set them apart.

After performing genuine and honest testing, I’ve also recorded this video review, where I compare my top 4 standing desks and reveal the winner.

After you’ve watched the video review above, read the in-depth companion article below to learn more about:

• Each standing desk’s strengths and weaknesses.
• What is my 7-factor judging criteria?
• Why did I review the best standing desks in Australia, anyway?

Now, all rise for the review. Ha 🙂

Overall best standing desk in Australia.

Shown in photo: Gorgeous hardwood desktops are just the beginning. The UpDown Pro standing desk with New Messmate desktop, plus a few accessories.

The UpDown Pro Standing Desk has taken the #1 spot in my review of Australia’s best standing desks for 2023 – because it provides the sturdiest frame in a supremely well-made and stylish package.

It’s the last electric standing desk you’ll ever buy.

Pros.

This standing desk is rich in desktop options, including Victorian Ash, Jarrah, Bamboo, Messmate and hard-wearing Melamine board.

The Australian-sourced, recycled hardwood eucalypt desktop (also known as Messmate) is my favourite option, with Victorian Ash and Acacia in a tie for second place.

Shown in photo: The UpDown Pro sit-stand desk is optioned with a metal lockable drawer (must-have accessory), standing mat and power rail from UpDown and cable management spine from Bradteck.

Important!

I love that UpDown Desk offers a risk-free, 100-day trial on all of its Pro series electric standing desks. The company will pay for the cost of returning your desk from anywhere in Australia if you choose to send it back.

But the best feature of the UpDown Pro stand-up desk is its bulletproof feel. The powder-coated steel frame feels ridiculously strong and satisfyingly chunky.

• It is well-made, and the coating layer is thick enough to protect the standing desk from bumps and scuffs.

Shown in photo: A must-have accessory, UpDown’s lockable box is stylish, solid and practical. You can stash some books or papers in the slot above it.

I’m not exaggerating when I say that you could drop this sit-stand desk from the 3rd storey window, and it would stay intact.

• It’s almost over-engineered.

At the risk of sounding older than I am, I’ll say that the UpDown Pro’s build quality reminds me of “the good old times” – before Ikea and cheap, semi-disposable furniture flooded the Australian market.

Not only is hardwood beautiful to the eye and great to touch, but at 27mm, it’s 2mm thicker than the other options, which amplifies that rock-solid, quality feel.

If something does break or get wobbly, the standing desk’s frame and electrical components are backed by a 10-year Australian warranty.

Shown above: The 150 x 75 cm desktop provides a lot of real estate for all your hardware, accessories and stationery.

Apart from rock-solid build quality, the UpDown Pro electric standing desk offers a massive range of options to personalise your workspace to your needs.

Choose castor wheels, monitor arms, handy lockable drawers and power rails to build an ergonomic, stylish and efficient home office – to your exact spec.

Cons.

There’s honestly not much to pick on. But if I were to get fussy, I’d point out the following:

• No pre-drilled holes in the desktop. While you can assemble the UpDown desk using included tools and a screwdriver, a power drill will make the experience more enjoyable. This is particularly true if you spec your desk with a hardwood desktop.
• It may not fit the smallest home office setups. Three desktop widths are available (120, 150 and 180cm), but only one depth (75cm). Make sure that you have enough space to accommodate the depth. If you don’t, the 60cm deep EverDesk (below) may be the better option.
• No advanced power management systems. UpDown sells a clamp-on power rail ($159) with 2 X 240v and 2 X USB-A plugs and an under-desk cable tray ($39). They will do a good job, but if having 4 or more power outlets with quick access is important, consider a Desky (below) – its cable management system is hard to beat.

Shown in photo: UpDown in standing position. Note the chunky frame and the dramatic hardwood desktop.

Expert Tip.

UpDown desk is heavy – especially if you spec it with a hardwood desktop. This is the flipside of its strong metal construction – and it won’t pose a problem once you set it up. But remember to have an extra pair of hands on standby during assembly to help you manoeuvre it into position.

Shown in photo: The UpDown controller is standard fare with 4 memory presets. Up. Down. Tactile buttons.

Overall.

How Does The UpDown Pro Stack Up?ScorePrice1Build Quality2Aesthetics2Cable Management1Ease of Assembly1Extra Features0Warranties & Returns2OVERALL9

The UpDown Pro Series is my #1 recommended sit-stand desk in Australia because it has every feature you need in a stylish, robust package.

This desk will add to – not detract from – your WFH environment.

I love solid wood furniture, so I upgraded to the UpDown Pro from The Artiss standing desk (see below).

If you are the same, opt for a hardwood Messmite or Victorian Ash desktop on your UpDown Pro desk – you won’t regret it.

Shown in photo: the New Messmate hardwood desktop is particularly pretty in the morning sun.

Which size should you choose? Personally, I feel that the 150 cm X 75 cm desktop offers the best balance between usability and bulk for a typical home office.

✔ 100-day, risk-free trial period
✔ Sturdy and wobble-free
✔ 100% Australian owned
✘ Hardwood options get expensive

Price.

The UpDown Pro Series stand-up desk isn’t cheap, but you get what you pay for.

As a rough guide, prices start at $899 for a desk with a Melamine desktop and top out north of $2,000 when specced with hardwood and optional extras.

Specifications.

• Load capacity: 160 kg
• Work area: 180/150/120 cm (W) x 75 cm (D)
• Extension Height: Between 64 cm and 127.5 cm

Best standing desk under $1,000. Best for small offices.

Shown above: EverDesk’s desktop is thick and satisfyingly dense, with a rear scallop for effective power cable management.

The EverDesk is both cheaper and more compact than the UpDown Pro.

It offers a generous 21-day risk-free trial, plus a huge range of surprisingly useful innovations and well-built accessories.

Pros.

EverDesk’s build quality is on point. The frame is satisfyingly robust and heavy-duty to ensure wobble-free operation.

Shown in photo: EverDesk’s Unigroove cable management system is on full display here. Also, Note the complimentary scallop at the back of the desktop.

I was worried that the desk’s budget price point would translate into cheap and nasty metal underpinnings, but I’m happy to report that this isn’t the case.

I ordered my EverDesk with the Raw Ashen Oak desktop, a hard-wearing wood laminate that feels solid to the touch and looks great in a home office environment.

• Is it as luxurious as UpDown’s premium desktop options?

No, but we’re not comparing apples to apples.

The EverDesk will set you back between $700 and $900, while a roughly equivalent bamboo-topped desk UpDown Pro starts at $1100.

I love the EverDesk’s stylish dial-style controller, which looks much more modern compared to multi-button setups used by all other desk brands.

Shown above: EverDesk has the biggest range of accessories of all standing desks in this review. The pegboard panel and desktop shelves are on display here.

Unigroove is EverDesk’s main party trick.

It’s a cable organisation system that uses a set of grommets and a cutout at the rear of the desk to help you keep your cables neatly within reach.

• Does it work? Yes and no.

It’s good for holding your Lightning-style phone and data cables under control, but it doesn’t solve the power cable problem because the cutout isn’t big enough to feed through cables with fixed power plugs.

• The EverDesk will arrive at your door with all holes drilled and pre-threaded, so you don’t have to mess around with screwdrivers or power drills.

Important!

Best-in-class adjustable height range of 60-124 cm ensures that the EverDesk will suit you regardless of how tall or short you are, while a 21-day return policy with full coverage of costs gives you peace of mind.

Shown above: Apart from having a satisfying feel and a crisp digital display, the EverDesk controller is also sturdy. I accidentally dropped it onto concrete during assembly, and it survived unscathed.

Cons.

Three colour choices are available, with Raw Ashen Oak being the best choice (in my humble opinion).

I wish there were a fourth colour option that is richer in colour.

Maybe a bamboo desktop, Northday?

By the way, be careful when speccing options on your desk. I’ve ordered them all and am happy to report that they’re all very well made.

But you’ll end up with a $2,000 bill if you get carried away ticking boxes – which kind of defeats the point of buying a budget sit-to-stand desk in the first place.

Last but not least – the assembly instructions have considerable room for improvement.

Shown above: Pre-cut Unigrooove slots are visible here. Use them to hold cables or to attach accessories.

You’ll figure them out eventually, but the text and images need to be bigger and clearer.

Expert Tip.

Tight on space? The EverDesk is more narrow than most other standup desk brands. Its 120 and 140cm desktop, for example, is only 60cm in depth. While this reduces the amount of desktop real estate, it also creates a very compact footprint, which is ideal for smaller home offices.

Overall.

How Does The EverDesk Stack Up?ScorePrice1Build Quality1Aesthetics1Cable Management1Ease of Assembly1Extra Features1Warranties & Returns1OVERALL7

The EverDesk is the best sit-stand desk on the market – if you have less than $1,000 to spend.

It rivals the UpDown Pro in many categories – despite being almost half its price.

✔ Generous 21-day risk-free trial
✔ Designed for compact spaces
✔ Abundance of optional accessories
✘ Glossy desktop
✘ Options get expensive

Price.

The EverDesk is the best choice for people with small spaces and/or people on a limited budget.

You’re eligible for $250 off the desk and 10% off accessories as part of NorthDay’s New Year sales.

Specifications.

• Load capacity: 120 kg
• Work area: 120 cm / 140 cm (W) x 60 cm (D), 160 cm (W) x 70 cm (D)

Great all-rounder with the best cable management.

Shown in photo: Desky Dual with a bamboo desktop. It’s a very handsome desk, and I love the darkened accents on the rear edge.

The Desky Dual adjustable standing desk is very similar in price, construction and design to the UpDown Pro Standing Desk, but it varies in 3 important ways:

• Optional scallop at the back of the desk.
• Advanced power management systems.
• Slightly less heavy-duty construction.

Let’s take a look at this sit-stand desk in detail.

Pros.

I love the optional carved scallop at the rear of this sit-stand desk. This feature is available on Deskys and EverDesks (above) – and is excellent for positioning your desk flush against the wall.

It allows you to run cables to the back without drilling holes in the wood or pinching the cables between the wall and the desk.

Shown in photo: Desky Dual’s Bamboo desktop surprised me. I didn’t expect to like it as much as I did.

• Desky’s range of desktop choices is excellent but not as varied as UpDown Desk’s.

Bamboo, the colour I chose for this review, is modern and inexpensive.

But if you want your home office to have an airy yet luxurious feel, opt for hardwood Red Oak or Walnut options.

Like the UpDown Pro, Desky offers a trial, but its duration is far less generous at 7 days (vs UpDown’s 100 days) and conditional on you not affixing the desktop to the frame (which would create holes).

In contrast, the UpDown Pro can be returned even if you have screwed the desktop to the desk frame.

(By the way, your WFH setup isn’t complete without an ergonomic office chair. Read my full guide to the best ergonomic office chairs here).

Shown above: Desky’s optional under-desk drawer is useful but doesn’t look as nice or feel as sleek as the UpDown Desk’s equivalent.

Desky’s generous 10-year warranty ensures peace of mind, while the option to integrate up to 8 X 240v power sockets underneath the desk will keep owners of elaborate multi-device workstations clutter-free.

Expert Tip.

This power management system makes Desky the best choice for video editors and pro photographers, who appreciate having an abundance of easy-to-access power points.

Both UpDown and Everdesk are more limiting in this regard.

I hate having to fish for an available power socket inside a cable channel, so I think this is a great design choice by Desky.

Shown in photo: The 150×75 desktop provides ample space for all your hardware.

Cons.

Let’s talk numbers. The Desky Dual’s frame weighs 36kg versus UpDown Pro’s 41kg. It’s also rated at 20kg less than the UpDown Pro standing desk.

You’re not likely to exceed its 140kg rating or break it, but the numbers suggest that Desky’s construction contains less metal in the base.

The frame’s weight is a good proxy for the standing desk’s overall ruggedness.

Desky’s maximum elevation of 125cm is slightly less than UpDown’s 127.5cm.

It’s not meaningful for most people, but tall folks like me (I’m 200cm) will value every additional centimetre.

Shown above: The Desky controller is excellent. It’s my second favourite, behind that of EverDesk.

Finally, Desky’s assembly instructions are good, but if you’re not mechanically minded, you’ll need more than the quoted 30 minutes to put it together.

Overall.

How Does The Desky Dual Stack Up?ScorePrice1Build Quality1Aesthetics1Cable Management2Ease of Assembly1Extra Features0Warranties & Returns0OVERALL6

The Desky Dual is an excellent electric standing desk.

Even though the UpDown Pro and the EverDesk edge it out in my 2023 comparison of best sit-to-stand desks in Australia, it’s a fabulous choice for video and photography professionals who will make full use of Desky’s excellent cable management system.

✔ Scalloped design allows neat placement against a wall
✔ Optional 8 power sockets
✘ Less heavy duty than the UpDown
✘ Less generous trial than EverDesk and UpDown

Price.

Prices start at $875 and top out at just above $2,000. This places the Desky Dual in almost the same price range as the UpDown Pro.

Use the coupon “arielle” to get a $100 discount.

Specifications.

• Load capacity: 140kg
• Work area: 150 cm (W) X 75 cm (D)
• Extension Height: Between 60cm and 125cm

The best cheap electric standing desk.

Shown in photo: Cute and compact, the Artiss sit-stand desk is in the lowered position.

The Artiss is my 4th best overall standing desk in Australia – because you get a lot of value for a relatively small price.

Customers agree – the desk is currently the #1 Best Seller in the Home Office Desks category on Amazon Australia, with a 4.6-star rating.

I had one of these desks in my home office for almost 2 years until I upgraded to the UpDown Pro Series (mostly because I wanted a desk made from hardwood) – and I had very few complaints about it.

Pros.

Let’s start with simplicity. When ordering your Artiss standing desk, you only have two decisions to make – desktop colour and leg colour.

Well, there’s also a choice of 120cm and 140cm desktop sizes, but I recommend that you automatically default to the larger 140cm size to maximise your desk space.

• This lack of complex options translates to a low price.

Shown in photo: Artiss’ fuss-free approach is evident here. No cable management channel, and no under-desk drawers are available. Also, note the single metal cross-member. All other desks in this review have two.

Because the Artiss standing desk isn’t expensive, I was worried that its electronics would look and feel like they belong on a children’s toy.

Cons.

While the desktop material doesn’t look and feel cheap, it’s not to be mistaken for solid hardwood from a premium manufacturer like UpDown or Desky, either.

Shown Above: The deskop is made from a laminate that imitates the look and feel of real wood. You can tell it’s not wood, but as far as imitations go, it’s a very good one.

In my opinion, the desk’s look and feel are spot-on for this price point.

• Think ‘Ikea’ rather than ‘Coco Republic’.

The standing desk looks well-designed and charismatic rather than beautiful and high-end.

Get an UpDown Pro (my #1 best standing desk in Australia) if you want the latter. You’ll get a piece that elevates your WFH space, and will last for 10+ years.

• Another thing I don’t like is Artiss‘ 70kg load capacity.

While this is enough to support a couple of monitors, a computer, and your body parts’ weight, the UpDown Pro beats this figure by over 200%, with its 160kg maximum load rating.

It confirms my observation that the UpDown Pro desk is one of Australia’s flagship, premium standing desks, while the Artiss is the best option if you want to keep your costs down.

Shown in photo: 140cm width is enough to position two laptops side-by-side comfortably, but don’t expect to fit a second person here.

Overall.

How Does The Artiss Stack Up?ScorePrice1Build Quality1Aesthetics0Cable Management1Ease of Assembly0Extra Features0Warranties & Returns0OVERALL3

As someone who has owned this standing desk for almost 2 years, I know first-hand that it deserves the #4 spot overall. It’s also the best standing desk in Australia if your budget needs to stay around $500.

If I had to summarise the Artiss stand-up desk in a single phrase, it’d be “outstanding value for money”.

✔ Stylish control panel
✔ Very sturdy
✔ Not expensive
✘ Not a statement piece
✘ 70kg load capacity is decent without being outstanding
✘ Bamboo desktop isn’t available

Price.

The Artiss stand-up desk is very well-priced. Expect to pay between $450 and $500 – and not a cent more.

Specifications.

• Load capacity: 70 kg
• Work area: 140cm (W) x 70cm (D) or 120cm (W) x 60cm (D)
• Extension Height: Between 72cm and 122cm

Best sit-stand converter for your existing desk.

Shown in photo: The Movi doesn’t eat into your desk’s usable space while allowing you to elevate your workspace.

The Movi standing desk converter snatched the #4 spot in my review of best standing desks in Australia.

It’s a standing desk for people who don’t want a standing desk but want to enjoy all of its benefits.

Pros.

The Movi electric desk converter will transform your traditional desk into an electric sit-stand desk with a button push.

The super-quiet electric motor and spacious 115cm x 70cm work area design are just a few things to love about this height-adjustable standing desk converter.

You can choose from Lite and Pro models, with the latter including nice-to-have (but not essential) features like one-button memory recall and two USB charging ports.

Shown in photo: Both stylish and practical, the Movi is an inexpensive alternative to “proper” standing desks.

Like most desk converters, the Movi arrives fully assembled at your door, and the 2-year warranty covers all parts.

Cons.

Be mindful that it’s only rated at 15 kg. A chunky monitor plus a couple of peripherals will see you nudging against that limit.

The Movi standing desk converter is not the best solution if you’re used to having multiple heavy monitors.

Expert Tip.

Due to its popularity, the Movi is frequently out of stock. Lead times can be as long as 3 months.

Overall.

The Movi desk converter is Australia’s best budget-friendly bamboo desktop that converts your existing desk into a standing table.

It’s not designed for heavy loads and can be wobbly at maximum extension. However, it’s a compelling option in this price bracket.

✔ No assembly is required
✔ Low cost (when compared with dedicated standing desks)
✔ Keep your current desk
✔ Award-winning design
✘ Moderate 15kg weight rating

Price.

The Movi standing desk converter starts at $599. Please check the current price on the manufacturer’s website.

Specifications.

• Load capacity: 15 kg
• Work area: 115cm (W) x 70cm (D)
• Footprint: 109cm (W) x 52cm (D)
• Extension Height: Elevates up to 44cm above your existing desk

Australia’s best standing desk for taller people.

The Vari stand-up desk is the Toyota Camry of height-adjustable standing desks. It won’t win any design awards or do anything other standing desks can’t.

• But – like the Artiss stand-up desk, it’s practical, user-friendly and inexpensive.

The Vari is for you if you want a good stand-up desk without blowing the budget. That being said, the Artiss does almost everything the Vari does – for about $300 less. This is why the Artiss is my #3 choice, and the Vari is in the #5 spot.

However, the Vari Desk does have a cool party trick up its sleeve.

It boasts a best-in-class extension height of 128cm, making it a perfect fit for taller people like me (I’m 2 metres tall!).

You can choose between five colour finishes, and the company claims that the desk’s T-style legs provide enhanced stability (truth be told, almost all stand-up desks that are being sold in 2023 have this type of leg design).

Overall.

✔ Tallest desk on the market
✔ Claimed assembly time of 5 minutes
✘ “Corporate-ish” design

Specifications.

• Load capacity: 99.8 kg
• Work area: 122cm (W) x 76cm (D)
• Extension Height: Between 63.5 cm and 128 cm

Best standing desk for students.

Shown in photo: The Ikea Trotten looks quite smart from a distance. When you get close and interact with it, you notice the budget construction.

The Ikea Trotten is a manual standing desk designed for people on a tight budget. I looked closely at it last time I visited Ikea, and walked away feeling more impressed than I thought I’d be.

• I expected it to feel cheap, wobbly and flimsy, but it wasn’t.

Of course, it was nowhere near as sturdy as the premium options from UpDown and Desky, but at 20-40% of their price (depending on your choice of desktop), it’s not a fair comparison.

A cheap and cheerful vibe is certainly there, but for about $350, can you complain?

I can see this desk appealing to many students and early-stage startup founders who need decent office furniture to support them during long days at work, but don’t have large budgets.

• The main problem with the Ikea Trotten is its tiny 50kg maximum load limit.

Laptop warriors won’t find this a problem, but if you have a couple of monitors and a desktop PC, you may find yourself nudging against it rather quickly.

Expert Tip.

Don’t forget that your arms rest on your desk – and count towards the weight limit.

Overall.

✔ Very affordable standing desk
✔ Touch and feel it before you buy
✘ 50 kg weight limit

Specifications.

• Load capacity: 50 kg
• Work area: 120cm (W) x 70cm (D)

Good standing desk. Newcomer to the Australian market.

Shown in photo: I love the subtle design details of the StandDesk. Note the reverse-angled wedge shape of the desktop.

StandDesk is a relative newcomer to the Australian standing desk market, but it’s already causing a stir by offering risk-free, no-cost-to-you returns.

Until now, UpDown was the only company offering to cover the cost of return shipping.

Important!

Admittedly, UpDown’s return policy is still superior because of its 100-day eligibility window (compared with StandDesk’s 10 days).

StandDesk also offers a best-in-class motor speed of 40mm/sec and an impressive height range of 620mm – 1270mm.

Soft start is also a welcome feature I haven’t seen in any other desks on the market.

• However, my favourite feature of this standing desk is its wireless, integrated 10W phone charger.

This brilliant invention allows you to place your phone on the desktop in a designated spot on the desk, and it will charge – without needing another messy cable.

The biggest downside of the StandDesk is its limited range of desktop options.

If you’re a fan of hardwood furniture, you’re out of luck. The StandDesk is only offered with bamboo wood options. You get a choice of blackwash, whitewash and natural colours, while size options are:

• 120 X 70 cm
• 150 X 80 cm
• 180 X 80 cm

Overall.

✔ A lot of potential from the new market entrant
✔ Unique, useful options
✘ No hardwood desktops

Specifications.

• Load capacity: 150 kg
• Work area: 120 cm (W) x 70 cm (D), 150 /180 cm (W) x 80 cm (D)

Standing desk with best customisability.

Shown in photo: I love the subtle design details of the StandDesk. Note the reverse angled wedge shape of the desktop.

If you live in Australia, you know about JasonL. They’re a well-established office furniture brand, with showrooms in most metropolitan centres.

The best way to describe JasonL’s standing desks is via an analogy.

Think of them as a Dell of standing desks.

Dell appeals to certain consumers because they have a huge range of options that can be tweaked to any need.

JasonL adjustable-height desks are not as beautiful as UpDown or Desky, nor are they as clever as StandDesk or EverDesk.

But they’re endlessly customisable and are backed up by the reputation of a top-tier, fonder-led Australian brand.

Overall.

✔ Endless options
✔ Established Aussie company with bricks and mortar stores
✘ Office-like aesthetic

Specifications.

• Load capacity: depends on the model
• Work area: depends on the model

A very expensive standing desk, shipped from the U.S.

Shown in photo: The X-Desk’s marketing is slick, and the desk’s features are abundant. The big question is – is it worth almost $5,000?

The XDesk Encore is a height-adjustable standing desk that markets itself as a feature piece that you will want to display as a piece de resistance of your WFH setup.

Designed and built-in good ol’ Texas, USA, this ergonomic desk offers a mind-boggling amount of optional features to remind us that ergonomic home office furniture can be beautiful.

The option to seamlessly connect Harmon Kardon speakers seems a tad excessive at first, but I’d undoubtedly be tempted to tick it.

I love XDesk’s “build your desk” website functionality, which allows you to configure and order your standing desk exactly to your spec.

Additionally, you can spec the desk with a retractable keyboard platform, a dual-level desktop and even an app that allows you to adjust the desk’s height from an iPad.

Shown in photo: The dual-level desktop is, admittedly, very cool. As someone who always runs out of space on their standing desk, I really like it.

The main downsides that I see with the XDesk Encore (or any standing desk in the XDesk range, for that matter), are:

• The need to organise shipment to Australia from the US.
• The need to pay in US dollars.
• The need to cough up a very premium price.

When those forces combine, you end up with the prospect of having to shell out about $5,000 to have this desk land here in Australia.

If you have a healthy budget and decide to go down that route, start by obtaining a shipping quote before placing your order, either by calling (00+1) 512-212-7758 or using their international shipping form.

But before you do, keep in mind that, out of the box, the X-Desk isn’t compatible with Australian electricity grids.

It’s built with North American power supplies in mind, which means you’ll need to fork out another $60-$250 on a step-down transformer to plug it into a typical Australian household power socket.

Overall.

✔ Huge range of optional features
✔ Elegant design: no exposed screws, hardware or motors
✘ Shipped from the US
✘ Requires a step-down transformer to work in Australia
✘ Costly, especially if you get carried away with options

Specifications.

• Load capacity: 160 kg
• Work area: 160cm (W) x 80cm (D)
• Extension Height: Between 60 cm and 128 cm

Comparing The Best Standing Desks In Australia.

Here’s a side-by-side comparison of how the top sit-stand desks scored across my 6 criteria.

UpDownEverDeskDeskyArtissPrice1111Build Quality2111Aesthetics2110Ease Of Assembly1111Cable Management1120Extra Features0100Warranties & Returns2100OVERALL9763

What do these criteria mean, exactly?

• Build quality. How much metal is in the frame? How many braces run from one end of the desk to the other?
• Ease of assembly. How clear are the assembly instructions? How many boxes does the desk arrive in? Do parts come together nicely and logically?
• Cable management. Is the cable tray included? How big is it? How useful is it? Can you plug peripherals into it?
• Aesthetics. What wood choices are on offer? How cheap do the entry-level wood choices feel?
• Extra features. Does the desk have any unexpected “nice to have” features? (For example, wireless charging pads and advanced controllers).
• Price. Value for money in relative – not absolute – terms. How well does the desk perform in the context of its price segment?
• Warranties & Returns. What do you get, above and beyond the standard Australian consumer protections?

Standing Desk Comparisons.

Like UpDown Desk, OmniDesk started offering a 100-day trial in 2023. Unlike UpDown, OmniDesk will only cover the cost of return postage for Sydney and Melbourne residents.

If you live outside of these areas, you’ll have to pick up the courier’s fee.

• I omitted the OmniDesk from this list because I got the impression that OmniDesk focuses more on the gamer market than on people who work from home.

The desks are quite handsome and have a decent 130kg weight rating, but the selection of desktop colours is limited to only four. OmniDesk’s frame is also 5.5kg lighter, which suggests it’s not as strong.

I didn’t include Adjustable Desks Australia on this list because I don’t like anonymous brands with websites full of stock images.

• I think this is a dropshipping brand run by online marketers rather than furniture retailers.

While their desks appear quite good, I don’t see much value in ordering a standing desk from a website with no visible owners, physical address or phone number.

If something goes wrong during ordering or I need to submit a warranty claim, I’d rather deal with an established company.

ZenDesk does have a physical address and phone number (whew) and, like UpDown, offers a 100-day free trial on all their standing desks.

• Unfortunately, they’ll refund only the desk portion of the purchase price. The delivery cost is non-refundable, and you’ll have to cover the return of shipping, too.

ZenDesk frames are 5kg lighter than UpDown, which suggests that they’re manufactured with less strength in mind. This point aside, the ZenDesk is quite similar to the UpDown.

A brand with a distinct ergonomic tilt, ErgoMotion offers sit-stand desks, ergonomic chairs and even TV lifts.

They differ from UpDown Pro (and every other standing desk manufacturer on this list) in one important way: they offer custom-built standing desks.

If you have a specific desk design in mind, they can build a one-off bespoke model, just for you. This will appeal to you if, for example:

• You own a home with uniquely curved walls, or
• Your home office setup is jammed into a nook, like the space underneath a stairwell or inside a closet.

Expert Tip.

ErgoMotion is also the only sit-stand desk manufacturer on this list that claims to build some desks in its range in Australia. For example, its bespoke DL14 standing desk is locally made, while the more mass-consumer-oriented Edesk is built overseas.

Elite vs JasonL vs Officeworks vs Kogan vs Ikea.

Ah, mass consumer-grade standing desks. Cheap, cheerful, unexciting.

In addition to Artiss, which I featured in this review, you’re also spoilt for choice with desk options from giants Kogan, JasonL, Elite Office Furniture and, of course, Ikea.

Do they present a valid alternative to a specialised stand-up desk brand like the UpDown Pro or Desky?

Not really.

• If you want a cheap and cheerful electric standing desk, the Artiss is your best choice – for the above reasons.

But if you’re looking for a more premium option that will last you for up to a decade and you’ll be proud to show off in your home office, increase your budget by a few hundred dollars and invest in an UpDown or a Desky.

• But JasonL, Officeworks and Ikea have showrooms, I hear you say.

You can see, touch and feel your standing desk before you buy it. This prevents nasty surprises, right?

Again, not really.

UpDown Desk, Zen Space Desks and OmniDesk all offer risk-free trials of their desks. If you don’t like the desk that arrives at your door, email them, and they’ll take care of the rest.

Frequently Asked Questions About Standing Desks.

I receive a lot of emails from people who are about to purchase their first stand-up desk. Because I’m busy and don’t want to make you wait, I’ve answered the most common queries below. Take a look!

Manual vs Electric Standing Desks: Which Are Best?

Some people prefer manual standing desks because of their apparent reliability. The fewer electronics, the fewer chances of something going wrong, right?

• I don’t buy into this argument.

Manual lifting mechanisms are not immune from failure, while modern electronics are extremely reliable.

You will not likely experience issues with the lifting motors of your electric standing desk – unless you opt for a cheap one.

Expert Tip.

Don’t buy a manual standing desk – unless your office doesn’t have a reliable power supply.

How Was This Review Of The Best Standing Desks In Australia Born?

Two years ago, I decided to upgrade my home office with an electrically adjustable standing desk, to have the option of working from a standing position with the push of a button.

The issue?

• The Australian market is flooded with standing desks from local and international brands.

Some electric standing desks are cheap and flimsy, while others are unnecessarily overpriced.

My first port of call was Ikea, home of the Bekant sit-stand desk and the Idasen sit-stand desk. To cut a long story short, I disqualified them within five minutes.

• Back on the Internet, I found reviews of standing desks lacking in necessary context and detail.

Most of them simply rehashed the specs I could easily find on manufacturers’ websites and padded them with meaningless superlatives.

I decided to invest a lot of time in research to buy the best sit-stand desk for my needs.

• The research took me over 40 hours, and I hope to save you time by sharing my discoveries below.

I ended up buying the Artiss standing desk because, at the time, I had a limited budget and didn’t want to spend more than $600. I needed a sit-stand that would work well, look good, and wouldn’t cost me an arm and a leg.

Two years later, I moved into a different home and decided to use this as an opportunity to upgrade my WFH environment.

• The Artiss height-adjustable standing desk went on Gumtree, and I bought the UpDown Desk instead.

Is This How You Became A Standing Desk “Expert”?

I never set out to be an expert.

But like I mentioned earlier, people on the cusp of purchasing a standing desk swamped my inbox with questions like:

“UpDown Pro vs Omnidesk: which one should I get?”

“Expensive hardwood standing desks vs cheaper bamboo standing desks: what are the differences, really?”

“ZenDesk vs Ikea Trotten: why is the first so much more expensive?”

“Which standing desk features matter, and which are marketing hyperbole that I can ignore?”

“Dedicated stand-up desk manufacturers (e.g., Desky, UpDown) vs mass retailers (Officeworks, Elite Furniture, JasonL: what are the pros and cons?”

I decided to go deep down the WFH rabbithole, learning everything there was to learn about posture, workplace ergonomics and Australian standing desk manufacturers.

• The results of my research are in this comparison.

I’m always expanding it with my latest insights and knowledge, and I hope it helps you pick the best standing desk for your needs.

Important!

I may get paid a small affiliate commission if you buy a desk I recommend.

Are Standing Desks Good For Your Health?

Yes and no. According to Australian musculoskeletal physiotherapist Antony Lo, the most important thing you can do to preserve your health is to move throughout your workday.

“Standing gives you opportunities to move more – that’s it”, says Antony.

In other words, your body is happiest if it adopts various positions throughout the day. Alternating between sitting and standing and having your desk at different levels throughout the day is the best option.

Kelly Starrett, often credited as the godfather of the standing desk movement, has a few more tips to help you enjoy your time at work.

See the video below:

When you first start working from home, you roll with the punches. You work hunched over your kitchen table. You work lounging on your living room couch. You work while reclining on the back deck.

You quickly realise that these short-term adaptations come with a long-term cost:

• You start to get aches and pains in your neck.
• Your posture suffers.
• Your productivity declines.

A dedicated standing desk helps you dodge those issues.

By choosing an UpDown Desk, a Desky, an Artiss Desk, the Vari, the Movi Standing Desk Converter or another high-quality standing desk, you invest in your well-being while upgrading your home office space.

Are Standing Desks Worth It?

Studies have shown that standing desks increase productivity by as much as 45%. Moreover, users report improved energy levels and a better overall mood than those who only use sit-down desks.

Important!

Standing for too long can lead to a drop in productivity and comfort. If you’re new to standing at work, my blog post, How Long Should You Stand At A Standing Desk, will help you optimise your standing and sitting intervals.

Shown in photo: the Desky Dual with a cutaway front edge that Desky calls “Ergo Edge” to improve ergonomics and reduce fatigue.

What Types Of Standing Desks Are Out There?

There are three types of desks available to the Aussie consumer:

• Dedicated Standing Desks
• Desk Converters
• Fixed Height Standing Desks

Terms “standing desk”, “sit-stand desk”, and “stand-up desk” are ofen used interchangeably to refer to one of these types.

For this review, I only considered electric standing desks in the first two categories – products that either transform your existing desk or replace it with an adjustable one.

I eliminated fixed-height standing desks because of their limited utility in WFH. Most home offices don’t have the space – or the need – for a dedicated standing-only desk.

Can You Recommend Accessories For My Stand-Up Desk?

Of course.

While your electrically adjustable stand-up desk is the ergonomic centre of your WFH activity, it’s useful to remember that your home office upgrade is not complete until you consider at least some of the following:

• Chairs / Stools
• Accessories
• Storage
• Power & Data Cable Management
• Acoustics

Check for these with each manufacturer. Some standing desk manufacturers offer these as options; others as inclusions.

Bottom Line About The Best Standing Desks In Australia.

After studying the market and testing several desks, here’s my list of finalists:

• UpDown Desk – Best overall standing desk in Australia.
• NorthDay EverDesk – best for small spaces.
• Desky Dual – Best if you need scallops or unique colour options.
• Artiss Desk – Best cheap standup desk.
• Movi Pro – Best sit-stand desk converter.
• Vari Desk – Best for taller people.
• Ikea Trotten – Best for students.
• StandDesk – Best new standing desk on the Australian market.
• JasonL – best for customisation.

Enjoy your new home office!

Steven