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Adjusting your desk has never been easier.

We updated this article in May 2022 to ensure top-rated products selected in part by the Good Housekeeping Institute were in stock and reflect current pricing.

If you tend to feel less productive while working from home and think your current work set-up has something to do with it, a standing desk — or a standing desk converter — may help you. Standing desks can be key to improving poor desk posture and mitigating chronic body pain associated with sitting during the day. But you may not be aware that standing desks may also help add to your fitness abilities over time, and more importantly, keep you energized and focused throughout the entire workday.

With the help and expertise of Rachel Rothman, Chief Technologist and Director of Engineering in Good Housekeeping Institute, and Stefani Sassos, MS, RDN, CSO, CDN, NASM-CPT, the Good Housekeeping Institute Nutrition Lab's Deputy Director and certified personal trainer, we're sharing the best standing desks on the market today. These are our top tested, and expert-approved standing desks, which we evaluated in our own home offices for criteria such as adjustability, ease of assembly, customization, price, size and appearance.

Seville Classics' adjustable model (which lifted up to 47 inches tall easily 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 also one of the more compact options on this list, for those who might be short on ample space but still require a standalone desk. We also like that this model comes with a drawer for storage, dual USB ports built-in and a tempered glass surface you can write on with erasable marker.

• Type: Electric • Height range: 26.55" – 47.55" • Surface dimensions: 47.5" x 24" • Weight capacity: 176 lbs

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" width is substantial without overtaking too much space in your home. Its width might also allow you to work in some freestanding storage beneath it. Equipped with three different height presets, this desk can hold up to 154 pounds of weight and is fully extendable to 48" in height. • Type: Electric • Height range: 28” – 47.6” • Surface dimensions: 48" x 24" • Weight capacity: 154 lbs

Among the sleekiest of the bunch, Branch's standing desk can be tweaked by each customer for the perfect work-from-home desk of their dreams; 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. It has an incredible range in height settings spanning from 2 feet when sitting to a full 4 feet, 4 inches for those users who are nearly 7 feet tall. The height panel enables four different presets, and what the brand calls "EasyGlide" promises an eerily quiet motor. There wasn't much of even a purr of the motor to be heard in our testing, and the leg stability means your items won't shift while in motion.

• Type: Electric • Height range: 25" – 52" • Surface dimensions: 48" x 30" • Weight capacity: 275 lbs

This desk is very lightweight and our experts found it easy to assemble (minus the control box, which was trickier than some others we've tried). It's a great pick for anyone who welcomes clients or others into their home office for business thanks to the laminate modesty panel. The desk itself feels more professional as it's capable of hiding electronic cords or any mess behind your desk. Our experts loved how the melamine desktop is easy to maintain and, in terms of daily use, found that it cleans any spills or crumbs without issue. But while the motor moves this desktop seamlessly, it isn't as quiet as others we tested.

• Type: Motorized • Height range: 28"– 45.5" • Surface dimensions: 48"-72" x 24"-30" • Weight capacity: 220 lbs

This model was one of the fastest installs in our tests — painless and ready to use soon after it was unboxed. The tempered glass top has rounded edges to avoid painful bumps in tight spaces, but the compact nature of the desk makes it a great option for small spaces and can easily fit an unused corner of an apartment's living room. The expanded keypad controls are handy, as is the desk's anti-collision feature, which saves you from accidentally crushing a chair or box beneath it as you're adjusting the height.

• Type: Electric • Height range: 28.3" – 47.6" • Surface dimensions: 48” x 24” • Weight capacity: 110 lbs

Rothman notes that like other Vari products, its full-sized standalone desk is easy to assemble out of the box, and offers easy 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, as well as the fact that it's available in five different finishes — including a lovely reclaimed wood one — and two different sizes.

• Type: Electric • Height range: 25" - 50.5" • Surface dimensions: 48” x 30” • Weight capacity: 220 lbs

Available in four different sizes for any room you may have in mind, ApexDesk's easy lift-lower desk may be a solution to those who can't plug into an outlet. The desk can be pulled up to 48" tall using a hand lever, gliding the desktop up and down at your touch. It may be truly designed for those who have a dynamic workspace and need to move about, including those in art studios or a manufacturers' space. The installation only calls for a screwdriver and can be completed in less than 20 minutes. We do wish, though, that more finishes were offered.

• Type: Manual • Height range: 29" - 48" • Surface dimensions: 55" x 27" • Weight capacity: 180 lbs

Uplift's standing desk is very stable when adjusted via electronic keypads. Rothman notes that this may be the best fit for a couple or for shared office spaces due to its versatility in adjustment ranges. While a bamboo-finished desk is standard here, Uplift offers 19 different finishes on its website, and four different frames, plus several add-ons you can select if need be. The desk itself won't move even if you're a heavy typer or are constantly switching modes during the day, as there's a steel crossbar between the desk's legs to reduce any sway. It even comes with an impressive 15-year warranty should anything go wrong.

• Type: Electric • Height range: 25.5" – 51.1" • Surface dimensions: 42" x 30" or larger sizes for upgrade fee • Weight capacity: 355 lbs

If you have more room in your office space, you don't have to stick to a traditional rectangular desktop. Jarvis' standing desk models have a bit more flexibility in height settings (between 25" and 50.75" in total), and the L-shaped configuration also comes in a multitude of dimensions for various office sizes. While the base model doesn't have storage, Jarvis' desks are fully customizable, and you can add storage solutions, power outlets, sleek cable managers, and even a mechanical arm to support mounted monitors.

• Type: Electric • Height range: 24.5”-50” • Surface dimensions: 60" x 60", 72" x 60", 72" x 72" • Weight capacity: 535 lbs

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 desk, is a comfortable desk chair or a standing desk converter a better investment?

If you’re ready to buy a standing desk, these are some key factors to consider:

✔️Size and appearance: 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.

Also ask yourself: 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, a 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.

✔️Adjustability: 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.

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: 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? Can the legs be customized? Are there any accessories included or possible add-ons?

✔️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., the director of WorkSiteRight at Northwestern Health Sciences University. "I recommend sitting for no longer than 20-30 minutes," Dr. Henriksen says, adding that those with serious injuries or health concerns should discuss a standing desk with their doctor first.

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."

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 — but 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. “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."

The Good Housekeeping Institute Nutrition Lab's deputy director and certified personal trainer, Stefani Sassos, MS, RD, CDN, agrees that "standing does provide a modest increase in energy expenditure than sitting, which can accumulate to quite the benefit over time." But instead of drastically changing your habits, she recommends gradually increasing your standing time at your desk. "If you're used to sitting all day and suddenly start standing all day, you may develop some pain and tightness. Ease in by standing for small periods of time to start and then gradually increase the time each week," she advises.

At the Good Housekeeping Institute, health experts and engineers tested the best standing desk in their home offices. Rachel Rothman, chief technologist and executive technical director, coordinated tests of a majority of the units on this list, scoring desks based on design, comprehensive height range and ease of assembly from a consumer's standpoint. Reviews of the best standing desks hinged on desk stability throughout multiple hours of standard use, as well as ease of adjustability through electronic or manual operation. Assisted by Stefani Sassos, MS, RD, CDN, the Good Housekeeping Institute Nutrition Lab's deputy director and certified personal trainer, as well as Health Editor Zee Krstic, Good Housekeeping reviews occurred in real home office environments to best gather consumer feedback, which influenced our rankings.

Rachel Rothman was born into a family that owned and operated a consumer electronics distribution business for over seven decades (her first Consumer Electronics Show was in the womb)! She has since tested just about any consumer tech gadget, ranging from computers, TVs, smartphones, smart home products, and more.

Stefani Sassos has been working in the fitness industry for the past 10 years, specializing in indoor cycling and strength training. As a NASM-Certified Personal Trainer, she uses her expertise and fitness background to create informed fitness content for the Good Housekeeping Institute. From vigorously testing exercise equipment to curating workout plans for GH readers, Stefani is passionate about leading an active lifestyle and inspiring others to do the same.

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. He also independently reviews new products in the wellness space for Good Housekeeping, which he has done previously for Martha Stewart Living and Cooking Light.