5 Best Standing Desks 2023 – Adjustable Standing Desks for Home

Before buying a standing desk, you should first ask yourself a few questions: Is a standing desk really what I’m looking for? Will I find it comfortable to stand for several hours, or will I be inclined to sit down frequently? If you already own a home office desk, experts suggest considering a standing desk converter first. “You can buy laptop stands that retrofit your existing desk to standing height and allow you to trial standing while working,” Dr. Eni Kadar, PT, DPT, CHN and founder of HolisticDPT says.

But if you’re ready to invest in a standing desk, these are some key factors to consider:

✔️ Height range: First things first, the standing desk you choose should not only fit your home office space but the desk model itself should be suited to your height. Be sure to check the desk’s maximum height if you are considered tall, since some desktops may not be high enough to comfortably use while standing flat-footed in your office. “You really want to consider your height while standing, and where your hands fall on the desk when your elbows are bent to 90 degrees. You want to be sure that the standing desk is not too high so you’re not shrugging your shoulders up to work. Conversely, you want to make sure it’s not too low so that you are leaning over and slouching to reach the computer below you,” Theresa Marko, PT, DPT, MS BS and CEO & Owner of Marko Physical Therapy PLLC says.

✔️ Desktop size: Is the desk deep enough for me, and what shape do I need? We saw a range of models in our research — some desks are narrower than others, and some are L-shaped. Consider the surface dimensions you’ll need to fit all of your office essentials, such as a monitor (or two), laptop, mouse, keyboard, coffee mug, notepad, etc. Ensure your standing desktop has enough space for everything without feeling cluttered, while also not exceeding any weight limits on the desk itself. “Since your desk is going to be raised, you really want to also be careful about what is above it such as corkboards, dry erase boards, shelving, artwork, etc.” Marko adds.

✔️ Electronic vs. manual: Ease of adjustability is key, and for the most part, our experts found electronic operation easier than manual. Though you can find some manually operated standing desks at a great value, we believe that being able to adjust your desk height with the press of a button makes you more likely to alternate between sitting and standing. “If you’re looking to make a long-term investment in a standing desk, I’d suggest choosing one that is easily adjustable in height and within your budget. This allows you more flexibility with how you use it,” Kadar says. “The amount of time we spend in certain postures can create wear and tear on our joints and lead to pain and tension down the road.” That’s why it’s important to be able to easily adjust your desk as well as your posture.

In addition, you should also consider motor output and noise. Not all standing desks use the same motor, so we recommend choosing one that works for you. If you plan on frequently adjusting, choose a motor that is quieter and capable of quickly lowering or raising the desk.

✔️ Ease of assembly: Standing desks typically aren’t light, so pay careful attention to delivery style and any installation instructions. Some desks are more cumbersome to put together and may require two people.

✔️ Customization and features: Though you can buy a standing desk as is, some offer more room for customization than others. Does the desk have a range of desktop sizes to choose from? Various finishes to match your furniture? Are there any accessories included or possible add-ons? “Do you need drawers or shelving under the desktop to hold things like a keyboard or mouse or anything else you need readily available?” Marko asks. “Another thing I would consider with a standing desk is buying an anti-fatigue mat so that you have something to absorb the compressive forces of your body while you are standing, as this can start to hurt your back or knees.”

✔️ Durability and stability: A well-made standing desk should be durable and is expected to last several years, but it’s always wise to check the manufacturer’s warranty. Your desk should also be stable, meaning that it doesn’t sway if you lean your elbows against it and there’s not much shaking or moving when the height is adjusted.