In 2026, there are so many options for standing desks that there is something for everyone. Whether you’re making progress on your next hobby project, gaming, or attending meetings, we’ve tested more than a dozen desks to find the standing desk that’s right for you. Using a standing desk means you can move your body and change positions without interrupting your progress and it’s a simple and healthy habit to incorporate into your day. After reviewing a variety of shapes, sizes, and features offered by standing desks, we know how to choose one that will improve your quality of life.
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The best desk for each person will largely depend on the desk’s intended use and its other features. To identify the most reliable standing desks, we looked at the desk’s material quality, height range, and lift column strength.
If you know someone who works from home or has office space for other uses, you can help set up the perfect office gift with one of these desks this holiday season.
What is the best standing desk?
During my testing, I found one desktop that stood out from the rest: the permanent office of the branch. With a mid-range price and premium build quality, the Branch perfectly meets most people’s standing desk needs. It has four programmable heights and the base is so sturdy that the desk feels sturdy even when fully extended.
What we updated: December 2024
We added the four-legged Branch Standing Desk.
February 2025
We added the Autonomous SmartDesk 5 standing desk.
April 2025
We added the Branch Desk Riser.
November 2025
Developed on the Grovemade desktop.
Standing Desk Buying Tips for the Holidays
Getting a standing desk during the holidays can save you a lot of money, as many retailers offer deals during these months. Sometimes you can even get bundle deals when you buy other office furniture along with a desk. If you’re buying one as a gift, make sure you know which features the recipient needs most. For example, the Raised Standing Desk has improved the design fundamentals and expanded customization beyond aesthetics to focus more on usability, with better power options and custom cable management systems.
Best Standing Desks of 2026
Benefits
- Lightweight, high-quality materials
- Simple and quick assembly
- Can be assembled alone if necessary
- Memory of four heights
- Cable storage
- Color Options
Disadvantages
- Generic appearance
- Very business feeling
Why I like it:
At first glance, the Branch Standing Desk seems quite generic, but the level of craftsmanship is evident upon closer inspection. All the materials feel premium with a weight that only comes from good engineering. Assembly was simple and only took me about 30 minutes, although I think having two people would cut this down considerably. It was also packaged extremely well – something Branch does with all of their products – so it was in perfect condition once I put everything together. The Branch desk can store four distinct heights and has a convenient cable door on the back to keep your desk clear and tidy.
Who is it for:
Those looking to replace their desk in an office or who regularly work from home will find this to be a great work desk. It’s neat, professional and very easy to use. Even if you don’t like the look of the desk, warmer wood and gray leg options can also give it a little more personality. If you’re furnishing an office, the Branch desk and the Verve office chair from our best office chairs make a great combination.
Who should not buy it:
While the desk is well-built with quality materials and is a good fit for most people, if you’re looking for more features on your desk aside from lifting capacity or something more budget-friendly, this may not be the choice for you. Additionally, while there are options to make the desk look a little more unique, it tends to lean more toward a professional-looking desk, so if you want personality, there may be a better choice for you.
-James Bricknell
Benefits
- Balance between cost and quality
- Cranking is fun
Disadvantages
- Some assembly issues
Why I like it:
This simple sit-stand desk covers the basics. The Trotten measures 47.25 by 27.5 inches. It has a sturdy, easy-to-clean particle and fiberboard work surface, as well as a steel base for a stable desk. This adjustable standing desk model does not have electric controls to raise or lower the height of the desk, but the manual crank (which can be mounted on the right or left side) was easy to turn for adjustments. When you’re finished using it, you can slide it under the desk.
Who is it for:
The Ikea Trotten is a great option when you need a larger standing desk but don’t want to spend a lot of money. If you just want the basics of a standing desk and aren’t looking for fancy features to soak your feet or add more power to your office space, this may be for you.
Who should not buy it:
If you’ve ever tried to assemble Ikea furniture, you’d be surprised to find that this standing desk option is relatively easy to install, but I did need help screwing in some stubborn hardware. I ended up having to return the completed desk after I finished the installation, so if you think you might have trouble putting it together alone and you don’t have help, you might struggle. Additionally, this desk does not have electrical raise or lower capability as it is operated by a crank. You will need to be able to roll it up and down to the desired height.
Benefits
- Quality look and feel
- Convenient USB hub for charging
- Lots of storage
Disadvantages
- It took an age to build
Why I like it:
I haven’t had much luck finding offices that could be called executive. To be an executive desk, a product has to be expensive and add a certain class to the room it’s in. Other desks I’ve tested for this category lag behind this mark, with some of them lacking parts or feeling cheap despite the price. Not Eureka’s Ark ES, though. The desk looks great and is incredibly sturdy.
The standing portion of the desk works well, with sensors to keep the desk from going too low, and it even has a nice pop-up USB hub for charging your phone and tablet.
Who is it for:
Overall, the Ark ES is one of the nicest-looking desks I’ve used and is a great option for anyone looking to get an L-shaped standing desk. If you’re looking for something to add some seriousness to your home office, this is the desk for you. It’s also ideal for someone looking for an option that will last more than a few years.
Who should not buy it:
Although the desk looks beautiful when assembled, it takes a lot of time to assemble. Anyone wanting a quick build or just a quick look at their desk should look elsewhere.
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$1,570 at Eureka
Why I like it:
I’ve used a lot of desks throughout my career, but I can honestly say I’ve never used a desk like the Magnus Pro XL. It’s both the most industrial table, while still exuding enormous player energy. It has a five-setting standing system and the motors are some of the quietest I’ve heard in testing. The movement is smooth and even though the desk weighs a lot, it stands up quickly and without problems. I’ve never thought about using a standing desk for gaming before, but it really helps break up hours of sitting.
If gaming is your job and you need a large desk to help you out, I can’t recommend the Magnus Pro XL enough.
Who is it for:
When gaming you tend to have a lot of extra cables and monitors, so you need a few extra features. If you can manage the cost of extras, I would recommend it. Cable management is already excellent with the integrated power supply, as well as the large trench in the back, but the optional magnetic conduit allows you to hide all your wiring. I particularly liked the PC stand that connects your gaming tower to the stand, bringing it up with the table so your cables aren’t stretched when the desk moves.
Who should not buy it:
Measuring 70 inches long and made almost exclusively of metal parts, this desk is not meant to be assembled by one person. Assembling this desk with just one person took two hours. If you don’t have a way for someone to help you, you may want to consider another office. Other than that, the cost of this desk is my only sticking point. Fully loaded, it’ll cost you $1,700, although you can reduce that with fewer optional extras.
Benefits
- Perfect for a smaller space
- Easy to build
- Booth notifications
- Quality material
- Simple controls
Disadvantages
- Doesn’t work for multiple large monitors
Why I like it:
The Branch Duo is the company’s latest standing desk range and uses a very simple control mechanism to adjust the heights. The display is simple and clean, and all the accessories exude quality. Building it was simple, took me less than 30 minutes, and the size is perfect for small spaces.
Who is it for:
The Branch Duo is large enough for a few monitors read small or a large one, with enough space on top for a laptop. So if you have a smaller setup, it will fit your equipment perfectly. I especially like the notifications you can set to remind you to get up or sit down throughout the day. Standing desks are designed to improve your health, but they only work if you remember to do it, so if you’re looking for that boost but tend to forget about it all on your own, this one is designed to help.
Who should not buy it:
Some setups have multiple large monitors or require a lot of desk space for other reasons. When you’re looking to really fill out a room and have space for a larger setup, you’ll want to look at another desk.
Benefits
- Lots of accessories
- Lots of color choices
Disadvantages
- Legs are thinner than I like
Why I like it:
Not only was this model easier to install than I expected (I only needed a few tools, and Uplift includes accessories at no extra cost to organize all those pesky device cables), but it was easily the most customizable standing desk of the bunch. It also included a wireless foot pedal accessory if I wanted to raise and lower the desk via a foot pedal (in addition to the keyboard).
I tested the 48 x 30-inch Uplift Desk with a white frame and rubberwood desk, complete with a cup holder grommet and power grommet (the power grommet brings two outlets up to the desk so you can more easily charge your phone or other portable devices) and a paddle keyboard that can be pushed up or down to raise/lower your desk. Overall, this is a great sturdy desk that seems durable enough to withstand years of use.
Who is it for:
Desks can be a personal piece of furniture, created according to your own vision. Those who like to add accessories and choose colors will appreciate the many options you have with the Uplift Standing Desk. It gave me the basic options, including five desk sizes, a handful of frame colors (gray, dark gray, white, or black), and more than two dozen desks, ranging from laminate (the most affordable) to solid wood. From there, several additional accessories could be added, such as grommet covers that screw into either side of the desk for additional storage, outlets and more. You also have the choice of five different keyboards in a black finish and three different keyboard options in gray and white.
Who should not buy it:
The only downside to this desk is its high price. While it’s not the most expensive desk on the list, it’s not exactly a budget-friendly choice. If none of the extras interest you, this desk may not be useful for you.
Note: V2 is no longer available and Uplift has released a V3 which we have not yet tested.
Benefits
- Quality materials
- Elegant appearance
- Easy assembly
- Smooth and quiet movement
What I like:
The Branch Four-Legged Standing Desk is an excellent motorized standing desk that is lightweight and made with quality materials. From the moment I took it out of the box and started putting it together, I could tell these parts would last. The touchscreen responds very quickly, making small height adjustments easy, and it displays the height it’s currently at, so it’s easy to see how many adjustments may be needed. The memory can be adjusted to three different heights.
Many standing desks have only two legs, which allows for a smoother transition from sitting to standing since there are fewer moving parts. However, this four-legged desk has no problem with sturdy and stable movement.
Putting this together was a pretty quick job, only taking me an hour to do alone, and it came with all the tools I needed.
Who is it for:
This four-legged standing desk is a perfect fit for any home office and meets many needs. One of the main things I noticed is that if you’re looking for a desk for a more mobile setup for working from a laptop or desk, it can easily camouflage as a side table while you’re not working. An added benefit of the desk is its very sleek and customizable appearance with two leg colors and four desk options.
Who should not buy it:
I would recommend asking someone for help, as it would probably cut the time in half and make it a little easier with the weight on the legs. I will note that you need to be sure to pay close attention to the instructions, as I easily got too far ahead of myself and did some pieces backwards. It’s not a simple build, so if that’s what you’re looking for, you’ll need a different desk.
Benefits
- Office space
- Cable management
- Rounded front edge
- Power strip included
Disadvantages
- Anti-collision sensitivity
- The included hooks are just a little too small
- Height trigger is slow to respond
What I like:
When cable organization is the goal, the Autonomous SmartDesk 5 Pro is the desk. All cable management items, such as a 3M cable organizer, cable management tray, and magnetic cable tray, are included with the desk. With all the cables managed and out of the way, you have plenty of desktop space to play.
The SmartDesk 5 Pro is a quiet, fast and very easy to use electric motor desk with three memory options. When choosing your heights and freely adjusting the desk, it is important to look at where the cable tray organizer sits in relation to your PC if you keep it underneath, as a full size tower will not fit underneath with the height of the tabletop. However, this is generally shorter than most people will need. For reference, I’m 5′ 1″ and don’t need it on the lowest setting to sit.
Building it took me about 1.5 hours on my own (this includes cable management time) and it was a bit cumbersome to do alone, but it’s possible. You’ll just have to be careful.
Who is it for:
I like to have all my cords organized and largely out of sight, and if you’re looking for good standing desk cable tray organizers, the Autonomous SmartDesk 5 Pro may be for you. The SmartDesk 5 Cable Tray Organizer hides any unsightly cords you might get when wiring an electrical desk and general PC setup and is easy to access with manual buttons and a hinge to open it. Inside the tray, you’ll also find a built-in power strip with three output plugs.
In addition to the cable tray for organization, you also receive a 3M cable organizer to stick to the back of the desk to keep speaker, monitor, keyboard and mouse cables neat, as well as a magnetic cable tray that you attach to the back of the desk leg. The magnet is very strong and easy to stick. It is large enough to hold both the desk cable and the power strip cord with room to spare.
The rounded front edge is so comfortable for those like me who tend to lean a lot on the front of the desk.
Who should not buy it:
The sensitivity of the anti-collision when adjusting the height is a bit stronger than most when it comes to preventing damage from lowering onto the armrests of an office chair or other objects, but this could be considered a plus, as the desk protects the motor from damage when trying to push through anything. However, if you plan to have a lot of things around the office that could end up triggering this problem, this might bother you. I found myself having to figure out what item was triggering it from time to time and I don’t have much under my desk. If you’re looking for the most responsive desktop when it comes to releasing touchscreen buttons, I’d say this desktop has a little lag compared to the others on this list, but not an annoying lag.
One item included is a pair of bag hooks that allow you to hang items under the desk, using otherwise empty space. I was hoping to use them for my headphones, but they weren’t wide enough and I found myself dropping the hooks regularly due to the short back end of the hook. If you saw this and were hoping for the same thing, you might want a desk or accessory more designed for this. When used for their intended purpose, i.e. hanging bags, they have a large hook size, but could still use a little more length on the back to keep them hanging on the desk.
Benefits
- Rounded desk edge
- Office space
- Mobility
- Easy to adjust
- Slim for easy storage
Disadvantages
- A little too heavy to carry back and forth
- Stiff at first
What I like:
In case you don’t have a way to get a complete standing desk, standing desk converters can sometimes be a great substitute. With the Branch Desk Riser, you get plenty of space and a comfortable edge to use while standing. It’s lightweight but feels very sturdy and could easily be an option that is regularly moved on and off the desk.
Initially I was concerned about how easy it would be to lower the riser once it was raised. However, after a few uses it loosened up and it was much easier to move it back and forth. The height adjustment is intuitive, and the riser is very responsive as soon as you release the handle. It can stop anywhere between the maximum and minimum heights, so it will be perfect for you. Best of all, no assembly required!
Who is it for:
Although the size of the desktop stand makes it more difficult to transport, it would be a great option for something to use at home or if you have a way to keep it somewhere in your office. It may not be a choice for something to carry to and from work, but it can be easily moved on and off the desk and into storage, thanks to its slim body. It’s also a great choice if you’re looking for something at a lower price.
Who should not buy it:
This riser is just big enough to hold a laptop with a little extra space around it, so it’s not going to add space or accommodate a large setup. If you really want a complete desk, the riser may not be a sufficient solution to this problem.
| Desk | Type | Height Range | Lifting capacity | Desktop size | Guarantee |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standing desk in branch | Electric | 26″-52″ | 275 pounds | 48″x30″ or 60″x30″ | 10 years |
| Ikea Trotten standing desk | Manual | 28.375″-48″ | 110 pounds | 47.25″x27.5″ | 10 years |
| Eureka Arke ES Executive Desk | Electric | 29.5″-47.25″ | 220 pounds | 60″x26.375″ | 1 year electrical modules – 5 years others (excluding desktop computer) |
| SecretLab Magnus Pro XL | Electric | 25.6″-49.2″ | 265 pounds | 70″-31.5″ | 5 years |
| Branch Duo Standing Desk | Electric | 28″-47.5″ | 275 pounds | 36″x24″ or 48″x24″ or 58″x27″ | 10 years |
| Uplift V2 Standing Desk | Electric | 25.3″-50.9″ | 355 pounds | 42″x30″ or 48″x30″ or 60″x30″ or 72″x30″ or 80″x30″ | 15 years |
| Branch Four-Legged Standing Desk | Electric | 27.3″-44.6″ | 225 pounds | 48″x27″ or 59″x27″ | 10 years |
| Standalone SmartDesk 5 | Electric | 29.5″-48.5″ or 26″-51.5″ | 330 pounds | 53″x29″ | Frame 10 years – 2 years high |
| Branch Desk Stand | Manual – Riser | 2.5″-15.8″ | 26 pounds | 30.7″x24.3″ | 3 years |
Many people do not get enough exercise or physical activity on a daily basis. We spend more and more time working at our desk, whether at home or in the office, and this type of sedentary lifestyle can be detrimental. Sitting for prolonged periods is linked to cardiovascular disease, obesity and other potential health risks. Scientists are still studying the exact difference between standing and sitting on health, but standing desks can be a very worthwhile investment, even if you don’t stand for eight hours a day.
It’s not always possible to avoid working from your desk all day, but standing desks can help avoid the ill effects. Most standing desks have a stable desk frame that allows you to adjust the height of your desk so you can choose to sit down from time to time. If you have an office lifestyle and want to reduce the time you spend sitting, a standing desk may benefit you.
To test each standing desk, I started by building each one and noting how easy or difficult it was, including if I needed help with any of the steps. Making the desktop stand alone can be a deal-breaker feature for some buyers. I selected desks of different sizes and styles to see if some had a better feel than others and to make sure we tested a variety of needs, like lots of desk space or a desk that would fit well in small spaces. Some are manually controlled, while others have electric motors for height adjustment. Regardless, the ease of the elevator was an important note since that’s the appeal of a standing desk. I spent a full day working on each one, alternating between sitting and standing, taking notes when something worked particularly well or caused a problem.
I tested the Seville Classics Airlift height-adjustable desk with glass top, the Seville Classics Airlift Pro S3 electric height-adjustable standing desk (no longer available), the Steelcase Solo Sit-Stand DeskTHE Fezibo Height Adjustable Electric Standing Desk with Double Drawer And The Grovemade office but they were not accepted. The Airlift with Glass Top almost moved up one place. It’s a nice, sturdy desk at a mid-range price. It also features a small central drawer for storing essentials. Unfortunately, its built-in touchscreen wasn’t very responsive, and the two USB-A ports, while theoretically a nice tech feature, are obsolete for most phones and tablets today.
The Airlift Pro S3 was a decent desk, but it was a little harder to set up than others in its size range, and it had a cheaper finish than the overall winner for best standing desk (the Vari desk).
The Steelcase Solo desk was surprisingly easy to set up for its size (the same as the Vari desk). Instead of using screws to install the legs, these simply lock into place. The desk is sturdy, pretty, and quiet when getting in and out. The Vari has a fancier control panel and nicer finish and comes with desk accessories.
The Fezibo model intrigued me because of its built-in storage, but I found this model more difficult to assemble than many others. Still, it’s a reasonable option if you want storage compartments built into your desk and two levels: one to hold your monitor and the other for your keyboard and associated accessories.
The Grovemade desk I received had some mechanical errors. Although the team was great in solving this problem and working with me on it, it meant having to take the desk apart halfway and put it back together. After replacing the legs, the lift function was noisier and a bit more cumbersome than others we tested. The cable management and craftsmanship is fantastic and the drawer allows you to keep your desk clean while many standing desks don’t offer this. While the price of the Grovemade desk likely reflects the great care that went into making the desks, compared to other desks on this list, you can get great quality options for a lot less money.
As always, consider your specific needs before purchasing a sit-stand desk. Do you have a lot of space and a higher budget? Consider the Vari or Uplift models. The Ikea model is a fantastic mid-sized manual desk at a great price. Whatever the configuration of your home, one of these models is sure to meet your needs. If you’re not sold on a standing desk, consider a standing desk converter for your existing desk instead.
As with any new piece of furniture, you’ll want to take some time to balance your needs with the space and budget you have.
What is your budget?
Prices vary widely for standing desks, but you can find one that will meet your needs, whatever your budget. As noted above, the Ikea Trotten Standing Desk was my favorite option under $350.
How much space do you have?
Make sure you have enough space for your standing desk before making your purchase. Don’t just consider the room he walks into. Also consider doors, stairwells and other places the box must pass through. It might fit in your planned office space, but if you can’t fit it on the third floor without an elevator, you’ll be in trouble.
How far do you want to go?
All height adjustable desks have a low and high range for sitting and standing, but height adjustment ranges are not universal across styles and brands. If you’re on the short or tall side, some models might not be comfortable for you, so check the specifications beforehand to determine if you’ll be comfortable with the desk, sitting or standing.
Electric or manual?
An electric standing desk will cost more than a manual standing desk, so your budget will absolutely come into play here, but there’s more to consider. Manual desks, with air pedals, cranks, or other manual controls, are lighter and quieter because no heavy, noisy motors are mounted under your desk. Manual offices also do not require proximity to a point of sale to work. Electric standing desks make it easy to raise and lower with just the press of a button. Some even feature a digital height display so you can always return your desk to the exact same height settings when sitting or standing.
The specific height of your standing desk depends largely on your own height. If you’re a shorter person, you’ll want to make sure it can adjust to a low height, and for taller people, you’ll want it to be able to go higher. One of the most important things we learned from moving to a standing desk is that ideally the desk will sit where your elbows can rest comfortably at a 90-degree angle and your monitor is directly in front of your face so you don’t strain your neck. This will have the least wear and tear on your body while standing.
Our best list focuses on two main types of standing desks, electric and manual sit-stand desks, there are also standing desk converters and stationary desks. The desks on our list are raised by electric or manual means and can change height to accommodate a sitting or standing position. A standing desk converter is a stand that you place on a sitting desk to raise your monitors or laptop higher, adding height to your mouse and screen without actually moving your desk. Fixed desks do not have the option of lowering them to a sitting height.
If you’re looking to lose weight, a standing desk alone may not help you. Where the benefits come into play is by reducing the amount of time your body is sedentary and improving your productivity. This is especially helpful for those who feel like sitting at their desk all day is giving them neck and/or back pain. When you face these issues, you may find that a standing desk is definitely worth it.
The thing to keep in mind with a standing desk is that standing for long periods of time can take a toll on your feet and legs as you get used to it. You need to make sure you transition to sitting every now and then to avoid this fatigue and be careful about the shoes you choose to wear for the day.
How long you can expect to be out of an office depends on several things: quality, warranty, and usage. A desk made from a higher quality material will last much longer. When you have a desk with a longer warranty, you know you’ll be able to enjoy more years with that desk. As with anything, the more the desk is moved up and down, the more wear and tear it will get, which can reduce the amount of time you spend on it. On average, a desk in good condition generally lasts between five and ten years.
A 2021 study showed that people who worked while standing were more productive, healthier, and less sedentary. This included reduced neck, shoulder and back pain as well as improved mood.
How close you need to a power outlet for your standing desk depends on your electronics setup as well as whether your desk is electric or has technical components like wireless chargers. If you have an electric desk lift, you’ll want it close enough to plug in so you can move it from sitting to standing, as the motors won’t work without power. Those with a desktop computer will also want to be near an outlet so you can power your computer without cords lying around the office.
If you have a busy laptop or don’t plan to use a computer at your desk and choose a manual desk without s electronics on top, you won’t necessarily need to place your desk near a power outlet.
There are fixed standing desks that have a certain height and don’t go up or down, but the standing desks I recommend are all adjustable. Electric models lower and raise with the press of a button, some even having memory settings for several different heights, while manuals have a crank or other mechanism that you move to raise or lower the desk. You’ll want to check the minimum and maximum height of each desk, as they will all be different, to make sure it will be comfortable for your sitting and standing height.
The weight capacity of a standing desk will increase with stronger materials for the desk and frame, as well as motors for electric desks. Typically, dual motor or single motor desks will have a higher weight capacity, as will desks made of steel rather than aluminum. The Uplift V2 standing desk on my list supports the most, at 355 lbs, with its steel frame and two motors, one for each leg of the frame.
As with any desk, some are easier to assemble than others. Those with storage space tend to have a few more pieces and would be easier to assemble with several people. Some are simpler and lighter in design, easy to assemble yourself. My top pick, the Branch Standing Desk, only took about 30 minutes to put together on my own.
If you switch to a standing desk, once you get over the initial discomfort and start spending more time standing, you will burn more calories than before. The difference isn’t huge — about 54 calories more than sitting — but it adds up, keeping you more active and helping to counteract the risks associated with prolonged sitting, which has been linked to obesity.
