RS Recommends: These Adjustable Standing Desks Help Make Work More Comfortable
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The medical community is largely in agreement that sitting all day is very bad for our health. Increased blood pressure, weight gain, high blood sugar and high cholesterol levels are just a few of the health risks that research has linked to sitting. But, for most of us, sitting is hard to avoid. Here’s where the best adjustable standing desks come in.
What Are the Benefits of an Adjustable Standing Desk?
Reduce shoulder and back pain: According to a Harvard study, using a standing desk can help reduce shoulder and back pain associated with sitting for prolonged periods of time.
Reduce the risk of obesity: While a standing desk can help you burn more calories, the number isn’t more significant than, say, taking a 30-minute walk at lunchtime. That being said, it’s still a better alternative than sitting for eight straight hours.
Lower blood sugar levels: Ever sit down at your desk, scarf down your entire take-out lunch, and keep working? If you’re prone to type 2 diabetes or insulin resistance, then a standing desk can help you lower your blood sugar levels, which tend to spike after eating.
Increase productivity: As British Medical Journal researchers discovered, people who used standing desks also improved in their job performance compared to the previous year. They’re generally more alert, focused and comfortable too.
How Do You Choose a Good Adjustable Standing Desk?
You’re likely to use your standing desk for hours a day, so it’s worthwhile to shop around a bit. Here are a few key specs to consider while browsing the best adjustable standing desks to buy online.
Type of desk: Standing desks come in two varieties: converters (a.k.a risers) and replacement desks. Replacement desks require that you get rid of your current desk (assuming you don’t have room for both), but they’re typically more streamlined than converter desks. Converter desks, on the other hand, can be set up on top of your current desk. If you’re unsure whether a standing desk is for you, start off with a converter; you can always return it and still have your original workspace intact.
Size: Be sure to check the dimensions of any standing desk. First, measure the desk’s intended space in your office. Then, find out the height(s), width and depth of each desk you’re considering. Larger workspaces are usually better, but you don’t want an overly-bulky desk taking up your whole office. Also, if you’re tall or short, be sure that the desk can accommodate your height.
Adjustability: Check out how easy it is to adjust a standing desk, as well as how many different height options are available.
Keyboard tray: Some of the best adjustable standing desk converters feature a keyboard tray, which can be nice (especially with converter standing desks). These are great because, when standing, you want your monitor to be considerably higher than your hands and keyboard, although they do create some clutter.
What Are the Best Adjustable Standing Desks?
Whether you’re upgrading your home office or corporate setup, read on for our reviews of the best adjustable standing desk converters.
(Note: Before you jump into the standing desk life, experts recommend that you ease into your new workspace; start with 30 to 60 minutes per day and then gradually increase your standing time).
1. Uplift V2 Standing Desk
Lauded by many as the best adjustable standing desk around, the Uplift V2 is worth its price tag. The desk’s height is adjusted using electronic motors and ranges from 24.3 to 49.9 inches tall. Controlled using a keypad on one side, the motor is smooth and quiet.
The Uplift V2 is medium-sized for a standing desk with a width of 42 inches and a depth of 30 inches, but they also offer an 80-inch wide version if you need more room. One of the desk’s best features, though, is its rock-solid build. The frame is made of industrial metal and the top is an inch-thick slab of bamboo. This build quality translates to a solid feel (i.e. almost no wobble) and a handsome design that looks great in most offices.
2. VariDesk Pro Plus Adjustable Height Standing Desk Riser
Designed to sit on a standard desk, this sturdy setup features two tiers: An upper 12.25-inch by 36-inch surface that’s large enough to fit two computer monitors, a laptop, and a notebook; and a lower section for your keyboard, mouse, and other desk accessories.
We like that the ergonomic desk riser has a smooth spring-loaded mechanism, which allows you to safely and easily move it up and down without straining your back. It also has 11 height settings, so it’s great for people of all heights.
3. Vari Electric Standing Desk
Another one of the best adjustable standing desks is the Vari. The complete setup uses dual motors to raise and lower the height, which can be adjusted from 25 to 50.5 inches. Vari offers three different size options, including 60 by 25 inches, 60 by 30 inches, and 72 by 30 inches, which are all on the large side. There are also four color options to choose from, but we’re partial to the “reclaimed wood” look below.
At 110 pounds, the Vari is on the heavy side (about the same as the Uplift), but most users have a very easy time assembling the desk. Overall, it’s an ergonomic, good-looking desk that we’d be happy to use for a long time.
4. TechOrbits Standing Desk Converter
This standing desk is available in both 32-inch and 37-inch options and three colorways, depending on your home office style.
It’s fully adjustable, meaning it can go from sitting to standing within seconds. The brand also says that it’s extremely easy to set up. It’s got two tiers as well, so you can place your keyboard on one and your laptop or monitor on the other. The brand says the top tier can hold up to 35 pounds, while the bottom tier can hold up to five pounds.
Since its largest option is 37-inches wide, you should be able to place multiple screens if you wish. Choose between a white, black or wood-toned finish and add this standing desk converter to your home office today.