The 8 Best Standing Desks You Can Buy Today

As someone who spends hours each day working on a computer, investing in a high-quality standing desk has been a game-changer for my health, comfort and productivity. While it may seem like a significant expense upfront, a well-built standing desk is a worthwhile investment that can provide benefits for years to come.

In this comprehensive guide, I‘ll share my top picks for the best standing desks on the market today. Whether you‘re looking for the most stable frame, the easiest assembly process, or the best bang for your buck, there‘s a perfect standing desk out there for you. I‘ll also provide an in-depth comparison of three of the most popular models – the Fully Jarvis, Uplift V2 and Vari Electric – to help you choose between them.

The Benefits of Using a Standing Desk

Before we dive into the top standing desks to buy, let‘s review some of the key benefits of using one:

1. Improved posture and reduced back pain: Sitting for prolonged periods, especially with poor posture, places significant strain on your spine, neck and shoulders. This can lead to chronic pain, stiffness, and even long-term musculoskeletal damage. A standing desk allows you to alternate between sitting and standing throughout the day, reducing pressure on your spine and keeping your body properly aligned.

2. Increased calorie burn and energy levels: Studies have shown that standing burns more calories than sitting. While the difference may seem small, it can add up over time. Standing also promotes better circulation and can help combat the afternoon slump in energy levels that many people experience.

3. Enhanced focus and productivity: Shifting between sitting and standing can help break up the monotony of the workday and keep you more engaged and focused on your tasks. Many people report feeling more alert, energized and productive when using a standing desk.

4. Greater flexibility and comfort: With an adjustable standing desk, you have the freedom to change positions whenever you feel the need. You can easily switch from sitting to standing, or find that perfect ergonomic position for your height and body type.

What to Look for in a Standing Desk

Not all standing desks are created equal. Here are some of the key factors to consider when evaluating your options:

1. Sturdy and stable construction: Wobbling, shaking or sagging are the last things you want from a standing desk. Look for a desk with a solid, well-engineered frame and a thick, high-quality desktop that can support the weight of your equipment without bowing or warping over time.

2. Smooth and reliable height adjustment: If you opt for an electric standing desk, pay attention to the quality of the motor and the ease of adjusting the height. The best desks have powerful, quiet motors and responsive controls that allow you to quickly and precisely set your desired height. For manual desks, look for a smooth crank mechanism that‘s easy to operate.

3. Ample desktop space: Consider the size of your workspace and the equipment you need to accommodate. Look for a desktop that‘s spacious enough for your monitor(s), keyboard, mouse, and any other essentials, with room to spare for tasks like writing or spreading out documents.

4. Customizable options: Many standing desk manufacturers offer a range of desktop sizes, colors and materials to choose from, as well as optional accessories like monitor arms, keyboard trays and cable management kits. Consider which options are most important to you and look for a desk that can be tailored to your specific needs and preferences.

5. Easy assembly and good customer support: Setting up a standing desk can be a daunting task, so look for a model with clear instructions and minimal assembly required. It‘s also worth checking the manufacturer‘s reputation for customer service and support, in case you have any issues or questions down the line.

The 8 Best Standing Desks You Can Buy Today

1. Best Overall: Fully Jarvis Bamboo Standing Desk

   The Fully Jarvis is widely regarded as one of the best standing desks on the market, and for good reason. With a sleek, modern design and rock-solid stability, this desk is a top choice for both home offices and professional workspaces.

   The Jarvis features a sturdy steel frame and a beautiful bamboo desktop that‘s both durable and environmentally friendly. The desk can support up to 350 lbs and is available in a range of sizes to fit any space. The powerful dual-motor lifting system is quiet, fast and responsive, with a height range of 24.5" to 50" to accommodate users of all heights.

   Other notable features of the Jarvis include programmable height presets, optional powered grommets for cable management, and a sleek, minimalist control panel. Fully also offers a range of optional accessories, such as monitor arms and powered drawers, to help you customize your setup.

2. Best Stability: Uplift V2 Standing Desk

   If stability is your top priority, the Uplift V2 is hard to beat. This desk boasts a heavy-duty steel frame and a 1" thick laminate or solid wood desktop that can support up to 355 lbs. The V2‘s lifting columns are wider and more stable than those on the original Uplift desk, and the frame features stability braces and a reinforced crossbar for added rigidity.

   Like the Fully Jarvis, the Uplift V2 has a dual-motor lifting system with a height range of 25.5" to 51.1". It also offers programmable height presets, a choice of desktop sizes and materials, and a range of optional accessories. One unique feature of the Uplift V2 is the optional "hammered" textured powder coat finish on the frame, which adds a distinctive industrial look.

3. Best Assembly: Vari Electric Standing Desk

   If you‘re intimidated by the thought of assembling a standing desk, the Vari Electric desk is the way to go. This desk is designed for quick and easy setup, with most users reporting assembly times of 15 minutes or less.

   The Vari Electric features a sturdy steel frame and a laminate desktop in a choice of sizes and finishes. The lifting mechanism is smooth and quiet, with a height range of 25" to 50.5". While the Vari doesn‘t offer as many customization options as some other desks on this list, it does include a few handy features like a built-in cable management tray and four memory height presets.

4. Best Converter: Vari Essential Standing Desk Converter

   If you already have a desk you love but want the option to stand, a desktop converter is a great solution. The Vari Essential is a sleek, two-tier converter that sits on top of your existing desk and allows you to quickly switch between sitting and standing.

   The Vari Essential has a spacious upper tier for your monitor(s) and a lower tier for your keyboard and mouse. It has 11 height settings and can accommodate users up to 6‘6" tall. The weighted base keeps the converter stable, and the spring-assisted lifting mechanism makes it easy to adjust the height with one hand.

5. Best Budget: Flexispot EC1 Electric Standing Desk

   If you‘re looking for an affordable electric standing desk that doesn‘t skimp on quality, the Flexispot EC1 is a great choice. This desk features a steel frame and a laminate desktop in a range of sizes and colors, with a weight capacity of 154 lbs.

   The EC1 has a single-motor lifting system with a height range of 28" to 47.6". While it doesn‘t have programmable height presets, it does include a simple up/down control panel and a built-in anti-collision system for safety. Flexispot also offers a 5-year warranty on the frame and a 2-year warranty on the motor and electronics, which is impressive for a budget-friendly desk.

6. Best Storage: FEZIBO Electric Standing Desk with Drawers

   If you need extra storage space in your workspace, the FEZIBO electric standing desk has you covered. This desk features a spacious desktop with a built-in storage drawer and a handy pull-out tray for your keyboard and mouse.

   The FEZIBO desk has a sturdy steel frame and a laminate desktop in a choice of colors. The dual-motor lifting system has a height range of 27.6" to 46.6" and includes four programmable height presets. The desk also has a USB charging port and a cable management tray to help keep your workspace tidy.

7. Best Manual: VIVO Manual Height Adjustable Standing Desk

   If you prefer a manual standing desk or are looking for a more affordable option, the VIVO manual desk is a solid choice. This desk features a sturdy steel frame and a laminate desktop in a choice of sizes and colors.

   To adjust the height of the VIVO desk, simply turn the hand crank located on the front of the frame. The height range is 29" to 48.6", and the desk can support up to 132 lbs. While a manual desk does require a bit more effort to adjust than an electric model, many users find the simplicity and reliability of a manual crank system appealing.

8. Best L-Shaped: UPLIFT V2 L-Shaped Standing Desk

   If you need a larger workspace or prefer an L-shaped desk, the Uplift V2 L-Shaped standing desk is a top pick. This desk features the same sturdy construction and customizable options as the standard Uplift V2, with the added benefit of an L-shaped desktop that can accommodate multiple monitors and provide ample room to spread out.

   The Uplift V2 L-Shaped desk has a three-leg design with a dual-motor lifting system in each leg. The height range is 25.5" to 51.1", and the desk can support up to 530 lbs. The L-shaped desktop is available in a choice of sizes and materials, and the desk comes with a 15-year warranty for added peace of mind.

Vari vs Uplift vs Jarvis: A Detailed Comparison

Now that we‘ve covered some of the best standing desks on the market, let‘s take a closer look at three of the most popular models: the Vari Electric, the Uplift V2, and the Fully Jarvis.

Price and Value

In terms of price, the Vari Electric is the most affordable of the three, with a starting price of around $600 for the 48" x 30" model. The Uplift V2 and Fully Jarvis are pricier, with starting prices of around $800-$900 for a similar size.

However, it‘s important to consider the long-term value of your investment. Both the Uplift V2 and Jarvis offer more customization options and higher weight capacities than the Vari, which may be worth the extra cost if you have specific needs or plan to use your desk heavily.

Stability and Build Quality

All three desks have sturdy steel frames and high-quality desktops, but there are some differences in stability and construction.

The Uplift V2 is known for its exceptional stability, thanks to its heavy-duty frame and stability braces. The Jarvis is also very stable, with a sturdy frame and a thick bamboo desktop that resists warping and sagging.

The Vari Electric is a bit lighter and less stable than the Uplift and Jarvis, particularly at higher heights. However, it‘s still a solid desk overall, and the lighter weight may be a plus if you need to move your desk frequently.

Customization Options

The Uplift V2 and Jarvis offer the most customization options, with a range of desktop sizes, materials, and finishes to choose from. Both desks also offer optional accessories like monitor arms, keyboard trays, and powered grommets.

The Vari Electric has fewer customization options, with a choice of desktop size and color but no option for solid wood or other premium materials. However, the Vari does include a few handy built-in features like a cable management tray and four memory height presets.

Assembly and Customer Support

The Vari Electric is the clear winner in terms of assembly, with most users reporting setup times of 15 minutes or less. The Uplift V2 and Jarvis are more involved to assemble, but both desks come with clear instructions and have a reputation for good customer support if you run into any issues.

All three desks come with a warranty, but the length and coverage vary. The Vari Electric has a 5-year warranty on the frame and desktop and a 3-year warranty on the motor and electronics. The Uplift V2 has an impressive 15-year all-inclusive warranty, while the Jarvis has a 10-year warranty on the frame and mechanical parts and a 5-year warranty on the desktop and electronics.

Tips for Choosing the Best Standing Desk for You

With so many options on the market, choosing the right standing desk can feel overwhelming. Here are a few tips to help you narrow down your choices:

1. Determine your budget: Standing desks can range in price from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars. Determine how much you‘re willing to invest upfront, but also consider the long-term value of a high-quality desk that will last for years.

2. Consider your space and equipment: Measure your workspace and make a list of the equipment you need to accommodate, including your monitor(s), keyboard, mouse, and any other accessories. Look for a desk with a desktop size and shape that will fit comfortably in your space and provide ample room for your setup.

3. Prioritize stability and build quality: A wobbly or sagging desk can be frustrating and even dangerous, so look for a desk with a sturdy frame and high-quality materials that can support the weight of your equipment.

4. Think about your height and ergonomic needs: Consider your height and the ideal ergonomic position for your body type. Look for a desk with a height range that will accommodate you comfortably, and consider optional accessories like monitor arms or keyboard trays to help you maintain proper posture.

5. Read reviews and compare warranties: Before making a purchase, read reviews from other users to get a sense of the desk‘s real-world performance and durability. Also, compare the warranties offered by different manufacturers and consider the length, coverage, and customer support available.

My Experience and Recommendations

As someone who has owned and used several standing desks over the years, I can say that investing in a high-quality model is well worth the cost. My personal favorite is the Fully Jarvis, which I‘ve been using for the past year.

I love the Jarvis for its sleek, minimalist design and rock-solid stability. The bamboo desktop is both beautiful and durable, and the dual-motor lifting system is fast, quiet, and responsive. I also appreciate the customization options available, such as the powered grommets and monitor arm that I‘ve added to my setup.

That said, I also have experience with the Uplift V2 and can attest to its exceptional stability and build quality. If I were buying a new desk today and had a slightly higher budget, I might opt for the Uplift for its wider height range and longer warranty.

For those on a tighter budget or who prefer a simpler setup process, I recommend the Vari Electric or the Flexispot EC1. Both desks offer good value for the price and have a reputation for reliability and ease of use.

Conclusion

Investing in a standing desk is one of the best things you can do for your health, comfort, and productivity as a computer user. Whether you‘re looking for the most stable frame, the easiest assembly process, or the best overall value, there‘s a perfect standing desk out there for you.

By considering your budget, workspace, equipment, and ergonomic needs, and comparing the options on the market, you can find a standing desk that will help you feel better, work smarter, and enjoy all the benefits of a more active and dynamic workday.