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Most of us have the best intentions when it comes to our health. We are always looking for ways to improve it.
However, time often becomes a huge factor that we have to overcome on this quest to better ourselves.
We may want to do healthier things, but we may also need time to accomplish great things with our career and our lives.
Sometimes the answer the these opposing forces of healthy living and workplace success is multi-tasking. Finding a healthier way to live, while also accomplishing all the work we need to achieve our dreams.
This is where the adjustable height desk comes into play. Imagine being able to do your work standing rather than sitting, all the while improving your health at the same time.
Choosing to work at an adjustable height workstation can be a great tool on your path toward improved work performance and overall health and well-being.
Here, we will go over the details of the five best standing desks (another popular name for adjustable height desks) and converters that are on the market right now.
Don’t have time to read the entire adjustable height desks review?
Here’s a quick look at our top picks for best adjustable height desk:
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Best Overall: Stand Up Desk Store 60" Crank Steel Adjustable Height Sit to Stand Up Desk | CLICK HERE FOR PRICE |
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Most Affordable Standing Desk: 40" Black Shelves adjustable Height Ergonomic Stand Up Desk Computer Workstation | CLICK HERE FOR PRICE |
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Dual Monitor Support: DeskRiser by The House of Trade | CLICK HERE FOR PRICE |
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Most Durable: VARIDESK adjustable height desk -Pro Plus 36 | CLICK HERE FOR PRICE |
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Most Affordable Standing Desk Riser: X-Elite Pro Height Adjustable Desks Converter | CLICK HERE FOR PRICE |
How to Choose Adjustable Height Desks
Once you decide that an adjustable height desk is a good option for you, you will be faced with a lot of choices.
First, you need to decide if you want a standing desk converter or an adjustable height desk.
The standing desk converter is essentially a smaller table that you can place on top of your existing desk to turn it into a standing desk.
Getting this converter is great if you don't want to commit to a full standing desk. it can do the job.. but let's face it, it is a halfway measure,
Alternatively, an actual standing desk is basically a tall table.
Sometimes it can be adjusted downward to also serve as a normal sitting desk, other times the adjustments will simply fine tune the desk into the most comfortable position for standing.
This is a matter of preference, but you must consider your available space, and how much surface space you need to be able to get your work done.
If you like to spread things out and you feel like you need a lot of space, a full desk might be a better choice for you. If you do not need too much desk surface space, then just having a desktop sit-stand unit might be an easier option.
Consider the Aesthetics of Adjustable Height Desks
Don't forget to consider your other office furniture as well, in terms of function and aesthetics.
For instance, some cubicles are not conducive to adjustable height desks, so your only practical option may bethe converter desktop version.
Either way, you will likely want one that can be adjusted to several different heights.
Having a flexible workstation to accommodate all of your work, including when you want to read or write, type on the computer, or talk on the phone, is important for your long-term productivity.
Also, if more than one person is likely to use the desk, adjustability will be a necessity.
There are also some features that you may want to consider when looking at various options.
For example, do you want an adjustable monitor arm? Do you think you need a keyboard tray or a footrest? Think about what features would make it easier for you to stand throughout the work day.
You may also want to consider if the desk comes in one piece or if assembly is required. While instructions for putting the desk together are probably well laid out in the instructions, it may not be something you want to deal with.
How to Use Adjustable Height Desks
While there are no clear guidelines on the best ways to use your standing desk, there are a few tips that can help you maximize the benefits of your desk.
First, it is important to alternate between sitting and standing throughout the day.
While sitting too much is clearly bad for your health, standing all day can also have a few adverse health consequences, such as the development of varicose veins.
If you are trying to find a good middle ground, research shows that a ratio of 1:1 or 1:2 standing to sitting is best.
Make sure that your desk and screen are adjusted properly throughout the day. You will want the top of your screen to be at eye level, with a slight upwards tilt of about 15 degrees.
You should never feel like you need to tilt your neck up or down in order to comfortably view your screen.
In addition to your screen, your keyboard and mouse position should be considered when you're sitting versus when you're standing.
The ideal angle of your wrist when standing is tilted slightly upwards compared to when you're sitting.
Here is a video on proper workplace ergonomics.
Another way to keep your wrists comfortable is to use arm supports. Arm supports are designed to reduce the pressure that is put on your wrists while you are typing, and they significantly reduce your risk of developing neck and shoulder pain.
Common Questions About Adjustable Height Desks
Do I have to stand the whole time?
The term “adjustable height desk” is the generic term, but these desks are made to adjust to your needs. Neither sitting nor standing all day is good for your body.
You need variation and a reasonable amount of movement to be healthy. Standing desks will allow you to move as you please.
What else will I need to buy?
It is best to have comfortable shoes to wear while you're standing. You might also want to consider buying an anti-fatigue mat to stand on.
Will having a standing desk make me more productive?
Chances are, you spend a lot of time sitting. Between work, home, and driving, people spend an average of about nine hours a day sitting. After adding in sleeping, people spend about 70% of the day pretty much motionless.
There is a reasonable amount of evidence that being sedentary contributes to decreased energy, creativity, and focus. This suggests that sitting down all day at work deeply limits productivity.
Five Best Adjustable Height Desks and Converters (2024 Review)
In order to improve your health, productivity, and energy at work, you need to get up and move around as much as you can. Having a sit-to-stand desk allows you to do this while still getting work done, killing two birds with one stone.
There are a lot of standing desks and converters on the market, but we feel that five of them in particular provide the user with the best value for the price.
1. Best Overall: Stand Up Desk Store 60″ Crank Steel Adjustable Sit to Stand Up Desk
The innovative crank on this item allows the user to make an effortless adjustment from sitting to standing.
It comes with a two-tiered system that puts your computer monitor and keyboard at the correctly separated viewing heights. The overall dimensions of this product are 59″W x 28-1/2″D x 33-1/2 – 47-5/8″H.
Stand Up Desk Store 60″ Crank Steel Adjustable Sit to Stand Up Desk uses wheels to be easily transportable from one room to another. This allows users to share this desk with coworkers, or even move it around their houses to work in different areas throughout the day.
PROS
CONS
2. Most Affordable Standing Desk Riser: X-Elite Pro Height Adjustable Desk Converter
The X-Elite PRO is the most affordable adjustable standing desk converter. This sit-stand workstation arrives pre-assembled and fits on top of your existing desk, creating an easy transition from sitting to standing.
The desktop is made of laminated particle board offered in black, cherry, white, and maple, and the legs and base are made of steel.
With a footprint of 24.5 inches x 16.8 inches and a desktop surface of 28 inches x 20 inches, it is designed to fit most cubicles and desks.
The height of this workstation adjusts from 7 to 16 inches, and is 2.5 inches high when the user is in the “sitting” position.
PROS
CONS
3. Dual Monitor Support: DeskRiser by The House of Trade
The DeskRiser is a durable sit-to-stand adjustable height standing desk that helps increase health and productivity.
This product is available in black and white and in black, plus with a standing mat combination.
This might be the right product for you if you are looking for a dual monitor support system without buying something that will take up any floor space.
This product easily fits onto your existing desk so you can transition it to a sit-to-stand work area.
The laminate covering on this desk allows you to place hot or cold beverages on top of it without leaving a mark. Its durability is great for long-term use.
PROS
CONS
4. Most Durable: VARIDESK Pro Plus 36
This VARIDESK Pro Plus 36 sits on top of your existing desk so you can work comfortably while either sitting or standing. The Pro Plus 36 is designed for people who need a larger office setup or who use dual monitors.
This is the most durable option out of the standing desks and converters, so this might be right for you if you plan to use it often and for a long time.
It might also be ideal if you work in an office and multiple people will be using it.
This is a great product for people who have a little more space to offer to their sit-to-stand desks. However, it is also helpful in that it provides a lot of storage space for office tools.
This desk comes in three different colors so you can match it to your current office decor. With black, white, and dark wood, you can match any existing office furniture.
PROS
CONS
5. Most Affordable Standing Desk: 40″ Black Shelves Mobile Ergonomic Stand Up Desk Computer Workstation
This affordable 40″ Black Shelves Mobile Ergonomic Stand Up Desk Computer Workstation can be positioned at multiple heights ranging from sitting to standing.
With ample shelf space, the two-tiered system puts your monitor and keyboard at the correct separated viewing height.
Its overall dimensions are 39.4″W x 28.8″D x 34.1-46.1″H, and this desk meets the minimum requirements of ANSI/BIFMA standards.
This desk can easily roll from one office to another, which is great for offices that want to buy one of these desks for coworkers to share throughout the day.
PROS
CONS
Final Thoughts on Adjustable Height Desks
In conclusion, the clear winner for this roundup is the Stand Up Desk Store 60″ Crank Steel Adjustable Height – Sit to Stand Up Desk. This product can easily match other office decor and offers features that are likely beneficial to the user.
With great customer service, people who own this product are able to get help if they need it, whether it be with assembly or after it has been in use for quite some time.
Its high-quality materials ensure that the product has great value and will last a long time.
This product offers more shelf space than the others, which is great for anyone, regardless of their professional field. It is also easy to transport between offices if several people want to share it.
This also means that companies can purchase this product with the intention of their employees sharing it, saving money on multiple products.
This is the best value adjustable height desk, for the money, and it is also the desk that is likely to suit the most people.
Don't fall into the trap of living a sedentary life and sitting all day. Boost your productivity and energy by getting a sit-to-stand desk, allowing you to get up throughout the day.
Look into the Stand Up Desk Store 60″ Crank Steel Adjustable Sit to Stand Up Desk to see if it might be the right fit for you.
And if your looking for more articles on productivity, be sure to check out these blog posts:
- 15 Best Desk Exercise Equipment
- 7 Best Treadmill Desks for Your Home Office
- 79 Productivity Quotes for Getting Things Done at Work
- 77 Time Management Quotes to Maximize Your Productivity
- 11 SMART Goals Examples for Time Management & Productivity
