If You Find Sitting for Long Hours Uncomfortable, a Standing Desk May Be the Answer (2024)

This full-sized standalone standing desk is a great choice for most home offices thanks to its high-quality, attractive design and easy adjustability. Rothman notes that like other Vari products, it's easy to assemble out of the box and offers handy cable management for your monitor's cords and any other chargers on your desk.

Rothman's tests reveal that Vari's desk isn't as speedy in changing its height as other models on this list, but she loves the fact that it's available in five different finishes — including a lovely reclaimed wood — and two different sizes. Testers applauded Vari's desks for being of solid construction, very easy to use and comfortable throughout the day, though some warned that this desk is heavy, making it harder to set up and difficult to move around.

If you're on a tighter budget, FlexiSpot's EN1 Model is a solid option. Sassos notes that unboxing and assembly were straightforward and that the desktop's 48-inch width is substantial without overtaking too much space in your home. Its width might also allow you to add some freestanding storage beneath it. Equipped with three different height presets, this desk can hold up to 154 pounds and is fully extendable to 48 inches in height.

Our testers liked its size, good value and great height range. "It's nice to have the option of either standing or sitting at comfortable heights, and I like the electric height adjustment. It makes it very easy to use and change up as needed," one tester says. If you're looking for an even greater height range (especially for more petite users) and don't mind spending more, our pros also recommend the Flexispot E7 standing desk. Not only is this model super stable, but it offers double the weight capacity.

It’s not always easy to squeeze a standalone desktop into a tiny space, which is why the team at Branch recently launched this streamlined space-conscious design. Branch’s Duo model can be adjusted with an ergonomic handset between heights that span about 20” in length, making it great for both teens and adults. Two handy presets make it easy to transition from sitting mode to standing mode throughout the day. Available in four different desk finishes, and two base options, reviews of this newer offering indicate it seamlessly fits into apartment nooks and otherwise tight corners; its 36” width is one of the most compact options available on the market.

This desk is equipped with a barely audible operating speed that clocks in below 50db, and can withstand up to 275 lbs of weight, making it more than ready for desktop monitors, books, printers and other heavy tech must-haves for a WFH setup. You can opt to add on a matching drawer as well as other accessories to maximize your desk organization. The standing desk only has two height options, though, and shorter individuals should note that the shortest preset isn't as low compared to other models we included in this list.

Seville Classics' adjustable model (which lifted up to 47 inches tall in our testing) is as smooth as it looks, easily transforming from a spacious sitting desk to standing height with a touchscreen controller equipped with three different programmable settings. Its sleek rounded design is one of the more compact options on this list, perfect for those who might be short on space but still require a standalone desk.

In our tests, our experts found it small enough to be a great option for tight apartment corners or tricky layouts. We also like that this model comes with a drawer for storage, dual built-in USB ports and a controller that sits flush with the tabletop so it's never in your way. We particularly love the tempered glass surface which is useful for jotting down meeting notes or important logins with a dry erase marker.

Among the sleekiest of the bunch, Branch's standing desk can be tweaked by each customer for the perfect work-from-home desk of your dreams. In addition to four finishes and two base options, you can pick among multiple add-ons such as desk panels, desk mats and more. You can add a monitor arm to keep your desk space free or a built-in power strip to avoid trip-prone wires in your workspace.

Our experts loved the incredible range in height settings spanning from 2 feet when sitting to a full 4 feet, 4 inches for users who are nearly seven feet tall. The height panel enables four different presets, and what the brand calls "EasyGlide" promises an eerily quiet motor. There really wasn't much of a purr of the motor to be heard in our testing, and the leg stability means your items won't shift while the desk is in motion. Just keep in mind that installation took us a bit longer than other desks due to extra steps, some heavy pieces and the need for additional tools.

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,” Kadar says.

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

✔️ Height range: 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," Marko says. "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.”

✔️ Desktop size: Is the desk deep enough for me, and what shape do I need? We saw a range of models in our research — for example, some desks are narrower than others. 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 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, 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.

To make the most of a standing desk, consumers often mistakenly think they'll need to be standing all day long. You do not need to be standing continuously from 9 to 5 — in fact, the best strategy for optimal results might be frequently transitioning between standing and sitting throughout your day, says Chad Henriksen, D.C., director of WorkSiteRight at Northwestern Health Sciences University. "I recommend sitting for no longer than 20 to 30 minutes," he says, adding that those with serious injuries or health concerns should discuss a standing desk with their doctor first.

In fact, most industry professionals suggest getting up frequently throughout the day, whether or not you own a standing desk. “We recommend getting up and standing or walking around once an hour for our clients that work eight-plus hours sitting at a desk, which helps their outcomes immensely,” Kadar says. "When they switch to standing desks or do a combination of sitting and standing, the outcomes are even better.” You should also be implementing "micro-break" stretching and movement while at home. Experts have known for some time that increasing low-level activity provides health benefits compared to sitting for a prolonged time in a fixed position, Dr. Henriksen explains. "Alternating between [sitting and standing] balances the negative effects of either standing or sitting throughout the entire workday."

Sassos suggests easing into standing for small periods of time and then gradually increasing over time. Once you get acclimated, you may want to step things up and try standing on a balance board, which allows you to further work on your posture and core strength. If you prefer to sit, you can also consider investing in equipment such as an under-desk elliptical or under-desk treadmill to keep your legs moving. “The nice thing about standing desks is that you can also add a walking pad [or foldable treadmill] under them which helps to improve blood flow and lymphatic drainage and increases your NEAT (non-exercise-activity thermogenesis) if you're someone who wants to get more active but does a lot of desk work,” Kadar adds.

Do you start to feel fidgety after a few hours in front of your screen? We can’t blame you. “Overall, it feels good on our bodies to be able to change positions and not be stuck in one position for a prolonged period of time,” Marko says. In addition to feeling good, there are several other benefits you can get from switching things up and standing during your Zoom meetings for a change. “Standing desks provide the physical benefit of more movement throughout the day versus sitting. This is beneficial for joint health, core strength, posture and digestion,” Kadar says. He cites a 2017 national cohort study that linked sedentary behaviors like prolonged sitting for extended periods of time with higher all-cause mortality, as well as the WHO guidelines, which recommend reducing and/or breaking up sedentary time. “Anecdotally, people report less lower back, neck and leg pain, better focus and better productivity when they use a standing desk or mix standing with sitting,” Kadar adds.

While published research is conflicted on how standing desks improve your focus and productivity throughout the day, and how often you need to stand to reap any benefits, a 2016 case study discovered some immediate reported benefits from those at a desk during the workday. The best productivity boost was enjoyed by those who frequently alternated sitting and standing throughout the day, with a reported 50% boost in productivity in six months.

Board Certified Orthopedic Surgeon & Sports Psychologist Daniel Fulham O’Neill, M.D., EdD, FAAOS, ABOS and author of Survival of the Fit believes that when it comes to "standing instead of sitting, there is no competition." The benefits of standing desks are vast, and include "subtle positive stresses shown to your bones, muscles, ligaments, joints and even brain," he says. He believes that humans were not designed to sit in a chair all day, though if you have no choice it's important to have correct posture. “Loading bones by standing can [also] be part of the guard against osteoporosis — a real issue, particularly for older women. Additionally, the micro-stresses on your other tissues while standing help with their strength and flexibility in the long run. Besides the general health benefits to your organs and tissues, the balancing you have to do to stand upright can be good for the brain."

Joining the Good Housekeeping Institute in 2021, Media & Tech Reviews Analyst Olivia Lipski oversees testing of everything from consumer electronics to home, fitness and health products. She's a fitness and outdoors enthusiast who regularly collaborates with GH’s Wellness Lab and Home Improvement Lab to test and review the best home essentials.

In his role as Health Editor, Zee Krstic works hand in hand with analysts in the Good Housekeeping Institute to highlight consumer-facing input from leading health experts; he interweaves doctors' and healthcare providers' expertise into shopping guides to better educate readers.

For this story, Olivia and Zee worked closely with GH's Chief Technologist Rachel Rothman — who has tested just about every consumer tech gadget on the market, ranging from computers, TVs, smartphones, smart home products and more — and Nutrition Lab Director Stefani Sassos, who has been working in the fitness industry for the past 10 years, specializing in indoor cycling and strength training, and is a NASM-Certified Personal Trainer.