Best Standing Desks of 2024

The Branch Duo is the company's latest line of standing desks and uses a very simple control mechanism to set heights. The display is simple and clean, and all of the accessories just ooze quality. Building it was simple, taking less than 30 minutes, and the size is perfect for smaller spaces. It's big enough for a couple of smaller monitors or one big one, with plenty of room on the top for a laptop.
I especially like the notifications that you can set to remind you to stand or sit throughout the day. Standing desks are designed to help with your health, but they only work if you remember to do it! The Branch Duo removes that problem.

The Ikea Trotten is an excellent option when you need a larger standing desk, but don't want to spend too much money. This simple sit-stand desk nails the basics. 

This standing desk option is relatively easy to install, but I did need help screwing in some stubborn hardware -- and flipping over the completed desk after finishing the setup. The Trotten measures 47.25 by 27.5 inches. It has a sturdy, easy-to-clean work surface made of particleboard and fiberboard, as well as a steel base for a stable standing desk.

While this adjustable standing desk model doesn't have electric controls to raise or lower the desk height, the manual hand crank (which can be mounted on the right or the left side), was easy to turn for adjustments. And when you're done using it, you can slide it back under the desk. 

Not only was this model easier to install than expected (you only need a few tools, and Uplift includes accessories for no extra cost to organize all those pesky device cables), it was by far the most customizable standing desk of the bunch.

You have the basic options, including five desk sizes, a handful of frame colors (gray, dark gray, white or black) and over two dozen desktops, ranging from laminate (most affordable) to solid wood. From there, you have the ability to add multiple additional accessories, such as grommet covers that screw into either size of the desk for additional storage, outlets and more. There are also five different keypads to choose from in a black finish and three different keypad options in gray and white -- and a wireless foot switch accessory if you'd like to raise and lower your desk via a pedal at your feet (in addition to the keypad). 

I tested the 48 by 30-inch model with a white frame and rubberwood desktop, complete with one cupholder grommet and one power grommet (the power grommet brings two outlets up your desktop so you can more easily charge your phone or other handheld devices) and a paddle keypad you can press up or down to raise/lower your desk.

Overall it's an excellent, sturdy desk that seems durable enough to stand up to years of use. Again, if the $599 price doesn't scare you away, consider adding the Uplift Standing Desk V2 to your shortlist. 

I have used a lot of desks over the course of my career, but I can honestly say I've never used a desk quite like the Magnus Pro XL. It is at once the most industrial-looking table, while also giving off huge gamer energy. Measuring 70 inches long and made almost exclusively of metal parts, this desk is not meant for one-person assembly. It took nearly two hours to put it all together, but once it is finished, it's a work of art.
It has a five-setting standing system and the motors are some of the quietest I've heard while testing. The motion is smooth, and even though the desk weighs quite a lot, it rises quickly and without hassle. I never thought of using a standing desk for gaming before, but it really helps to break up the hours of sitting.

If you can manage the cost of getting the extras I would recommend it. The cable management is already excellent with the built-in power supply unit, as well as the large trench down the back, but the optional magnetic conduit lets you hide all of your wiring sins. I especially liked the PC mount that connects your gaming tower to the leg, making it rise with the table so your cables don't get stretched as the desk moves.

The cost of this desk is my only sticking point. Fully loaded, it will set you back $1,500, though you could reduce that with fewer optional extras. But if gaming is your job and you need a large desk to help you, I cannot recommend the Magnus Pro XL enough.

Prices range widely for standing desks, but you can find a great one to suit your needs at almost any budget. As noted above, the Latitude Run Amilcar and Ikea Trotten Standing Desk were my favorite options under $300.

Make sure you have enough space for your standing desk before you make your purchase. Don't just consider the room it's going in, either. Also think about the doors, stairwells and other places the box must pass through. It might fit in your planned office space, but if you can't get it up your third-floor walk-up, you'll be in trouble.

All adjustable-height desks have a low and a high range for sitting and standing, but the height adjustment ranges aren't universal across different styles and brands. If you're on the shorter or taller end, certain models might not be comfortable for you, so check the specs beforehand to determine if you'll be comfortable using the desk, both sitting and standing. 

Electric standing desks cost more than manual desks, so your budget will absolutely come into play here, but there's more to consider. Manual desks, which have pneumatic pedals, hand cranks or other manual controls, are lighter and quieter (because there's no heavy, noise-making motor mounted under your desk). Manual desks also don't require proximity to an outlet to work. Electric desks allow for easy raising and lowering with the press of a button; some even have digital height readouts so you can always return your desk to the exact same sitting or standing height settings. 

Some standing desks (typically the smaller ones) come with wheel attachments for better mobility. Others allow you to mount the electric or manual height control to the left or right side, to favor your dominant hand. Some even have two levels so you can put a monitor on the higher level and your keyboard and mouse on the lower one. If any of these sound appealing, factor those into your purchase decisions.