If you’ve visited ISITRATED.com much, you’ll know that we’ve bought into the hype of standing desks. Not only can they provide you with an opportunity to get you off your feet at the office, but they’re also shown to offer health benefits and increased productivity. But they aren’t going to be for everyone, and buying a whole new standing desk constitutes a pretty huge (and expensive) decision for a lot of people.
But you can still get the advantages of a standing desk without having to replace your furniture with a standing desk converter. As is usually the case, models range from shoddy and rushed products to phenomenal pieces of equipment, and we’ve pinned down 10 of the best standing desk converter models for your perusal.
- The 10 Best Standing Desk Converters
- FlexiSpot Stand up Desk Converter
- Humanscale Height Adjustable Quickstand Desk
- WorkEZ Standing Desk Converter
- VARI DESK Standing Desk Converter
- Ergotron – WorkFit-TL Standing Desk Converter
- VIVO Height Adjustable Standing Desk Sit to Stand Converter
- Stand Steady X-Elite Standing Desk Converter
- iMovR ZipLift+ HD 42″ Wide Standing Desk Converter
- UPERGO Standing Desk Converter
- VERSADESK Pro-30 Electric Height Adjustable Desk Riser
- Standing Desk Converter Buying Guide
- Stand Desk Top Style
- Height Adjustment
- Weight Capacity
- Table Area
- Ergonomics
- Warranty
- Frequently Asked Questions
- How Can I Raise My Standing Desk?
- What is a Standing Desk Converter?
- Are Standing Desks Better?
- What is the Best VariDesk?
The 10 Best Standing Desk Converters
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FlexiSpot Stand up Desk Converter
The FlexiSpot is another standing desk converter that gives you a whole lot of space, but it does so through the implementation of two separate levels. Whether or not that’s preferable or worse than the alternative is going to come down to your personal ergonomic preferences. And the fact that this standing desk converter raises and lowers in a purely vertical fashion, you don’t need to worry about the footprint that it’s going to have on your existing desk surface.
It also makes use of integrated air technology that combines an X structure and a gas spring hover system for a quiet, basic, and low energy transition between the different available height modes.
| Height Range | 5.9 to 19.7 inches |
| Monitor Capacity | 2 |
| Weight Capacity | 35 pounds |
| Dimensions | 37.2 x 20.8 x 8 inches |
| Weight | 40 pounds |
Pros
- Makes use of integrated air tech
- Keyboard is fully removable
- Utilizes straight up and down movement
- Includes 35 inches of desk space
Cons
Humanscale Height Adjustable Quickstand Desk
The Humanscale Quickstand may be one of the most expensive standing desk converters we’ve highlighted in our review guide, but it’s also one of the best without a doubt. The stand itself can move independently of a screen, so you can adjust it to match your needs on the fly, but it’s also incredibly lightweight.
The keyboard stand will also remain stable regardless of the situation. And you’ll be available to make use of your desk’s standard surface too thanks to the incredibly petite profile of the standing desk converter base. The result is a highly adaptable workplace that you can rearrange without having to take everything off you desk, and it makes use of a counterbalance mechanism that results in a far higher sense of stability.
| Height Range | max 23 inches |
| Monitor Capacity | 1 |
| Weight Capacity | 25 pounds |
| Dimensions | 29 x 28 x 35 inches |
| Weight | 57.1 pounds |
Pros
- Available in both black and white
- Keyboard and monitor remain stable
- Moves with or independent of screen
- Sports a lean, minimalist aesthetic
Cons
WorkEZ Standing Desk Converter
The WorkEZ standing desk converter is significantly more inexpensive than plenty of the other standing desk models on our list, but it can still holds its own in terms of quality. This converter is split up into two pieces, with one devoted to holding a keyboard and the other raised higher to support your monitor. While this isn’t a model designed for serious hefty machines, it’s a svelte and lightweight choice that’s ideal for either laptops or more small scale tower computers.
It even comes with an ergonomic keyboard tray that can be adjusted entirely independent of the screen itself. It may be minimalist in design, but we think it’s the best choice for people who prefer leaner work place setups.
| Height Range | 2 to 21 inches |
| Monitor Capacity | 1 |
| Weight Capacity | 13 pounds |
| Dimensions | 24 x 6 x 14 inches |
| Weight | 7.5 pounds |
Pros
Cons
VARI DESK Standing Desk Converter
If you want to have a standing desk that can adjust to practically any situation you can imagine, the Varidesk standing desk converter can help you adjust to your changing lifestyle. This standing desk converter provides you with access to two separate tiers, so you can create very specialized office setups that are accommodating to different lifestyles.
If you want to have a desk that can work effectively as both a dedicated workspace and a crafts desk, this is the model for you. And it offers 11 different height settings, so you have a lot of different tools at your disposal. And if you do decide that you want to raise it to the highest level possible, the heavily weighted base will make sure that everything remains stable.
| Height Range | max 18 inches |
| Monitor Capacity | 1 to 2 |
| Weight Capacity | 35 – 45 pounds |
| Dimensions | 36 x 26 x 4.2 inches |
| Weight | 64.8 pounds |
Pros
- Two tiers for two separate monitors
- Supports 11 different height settings
- Backed by a full lifetime warranty
- Completely easy to use design
Cons
Ergotron – WorkFit-TL Standing Desk Converter
If the WorkEZ is all about taking the fundamental necessities of a converter and shrinking it down to only the fundamentals, the Workfit-TL by Ergotron is quite the opposite. This is a hefty desk converter through and through. And while that makes it heavier and more unwieldy, it’s also incredibly sturdy even if you intend to use it in a seriously professional capacity.
That also means that you have a whole lot of space to work with. The top shelf is large enough to hold two monitors comfortably, the keyboard tray can comfortably hold (and lets you navigate) both a large keyboard and mouse, and most of the space on your existing desktop will still be available to you.
| Height Range | up to 15 inches |
| Monitor Capacity | 2 |
| Weight Capacity | 40 pounds |
| Dimensions | 23 x 37.5 x 8.1 inches |
| Weight | 56 pounds |
Pros
- Lots of available work space
- Comes out pre-assembled
- Available in both black and white
- Sturdy design with 5 year warranty
Cons
VIVO Height Adjustable Standing Desk Sit to Stand Converter
VIVO has created a serious weight height adjustable converter. The top shelf gives you a spacious 36 inches to work with, and the lower platform devoted to your keyboard and mouse offer a pretty decent amount of space as well. It’s a top choice if you want a dual monitor desk or the capacity to use your laptop in addition to a more devoted office monitor.
And the process of adjusting the height is simple and won’t run any risk of knocking over any of your sensitive equipment. That’s thanks to the dual pneumatic spring lock built right in. And while there’s a minimal amount of assembly required, it’s mostly put together for you.
| Height Range | 6.5 to 16 inches |
| Monitor Capacity | 2 |
| Weight Capacity | 37.5 pounds |
| Dimensions | 28 x 9 x 36 inches |
| Weight | 52 pounds |
Pros
- Plenty of space to work with
- Can be assembled in a few minutes
- Backed by a 3 year warranty
- Available in black and white versions
Cons
Stand Steady X-Elite Standing Desk Converter
Less than $200 can get your hands on the Stand Steady X-Elite, and you would have to look far and wide for a converter that gives you as much space as this one. While you don’t get a dedicated shelf for your mouse and keyboard, there’s plenty of room available on the primary shelf so you won’t miss it.
The height range covers a significant range so you can find the height level for a variety of situations, and it comes fully assembled so you can just mount it on your desk and count on it to work the way you need. This will do more than convert your desk into a standing model. It will serve as a complete workstation.
| Height Range | 2.5 to 16 inches |
| Monitor Capacity | 2 |
| Weight Capacity | 20 pounds |
| Dimensions | 28 x 20 x 16 inches |
| Weight | 27 pounds |
Pros
- Can be set up in a few seconds
- Tons of available work space
- Lowers to full sitting position
- Made of laminated particleboard
Cons
iMovR ZipLift+ HD 42″ Wide Standing Desk Converter
On its surface, the iMovRZipLift+ doesn’t look that different from any of the other converter models we’ve included on our list. The inclusion of a second keyboard tray isn’t all that out of the ordinary, but there are no other converters on the market that offer a 15 degree range of lean available for the keyboard tray.
That gives it more ergonomics options than those are available in even the best ergonomic desk converters. And the availability of a 42 inch desk space means you’ll have plenty of room to work with. The inclusion of a Z-lift mechanism results in an incredibly sturdy frame that can also transition smoothly from flat to elevated desk modes.
| Height Range | up to 20 inches |
| Monitor Capacity | 2 |
| Weight Capacity | 45 pounds |
| Dimensions | 45.5 x 27 x 8.8 inches |
| Weight | 45 pounds |
Pros
- 15 degree keyboard lift range
- Uses a sophisticated Z-lift design
- Can hold a whole lot of weight
- Transitions smoothly and quietly
Cons
UPERGO Standing Desk Converter
The aluminum frame utilized by the UPERGO desk converter makes all the difference in the world. It’s lightweight while still being durable, and that means that it can function as a gadget that you take with you when you travel while still being able to hold all of your most important gadgets and gear for work. And that aluminum also makes it look great.
The smooth chrome surface and slimmed down design means that it won’t stick out like a sore thumb on the desk of a more modernist desk. And switching between your different heights is a pretty simple and seamless affairs. You can go from max to minimum height in just a blink of the eye.
| Height Range | 5.5 to 16.7 inches |
| Monitor Capacity | 2 |
| Weight Capacity | 44 pounds |
| Dimensions | 38.5 x 29.7 x 7.7 inches |
| Weight | 52 pounds |
Pros
- Offers you plenty of surface space
- Great range of height adjustment
- Cool looking chrome design
- Made from sturdy but lightweight aluminum
Cons
VERSADESK Pro-30 Electric Height Adjustable Desk Riser
There’s no bigger name in the specialty desk market than Versadesk, and they’ve worked very hard to make sure that their reputation is earned. There’s no doubt that the Pro-30 is expensive, but it’s also one of the best and most convenient standing desk converters on the market. The biggest advantage that comes from this stand desk model is the fact that it’s completely electronic so you don’t need to handle the height manually, and the frame itself is made from carbon steel, so it’s both lightweight and very sturdy.
And it ensures that no matter what height you’re setting this standing desk converter to, you can count on it to remain stable. The presence of multiple grommet holes lets you create a number of different configurations for your monitors.
| Height Range | up to 20 inches |
| Monitor Capacity | 2 |
| Weight Capacity | Not listed |
| Dimensions | 24 x 30 x 5 inches |
| Weight | 33 pounds |
Pros
- Adjust with the single press of a button
- Made from a solid carbon steel frame
- Works right out of the box
- Three grommet holes for adjustable positioning
Cons
Standing Desk Converter Buying Guide
Do you want the advantages that come from a standing desk without having to commit freely? A standing desk converter can provide you with the health advantages of a standing desk without having to shell out the money for a new desk that you might have to replace months down the line. But when looking for the best standing desk converters, there are quite a few things you should keep in mind.
Some of these qualities are pretty easy to quantify. There’s better and worst, and whether or not you’re willing to pay for better specs is really going to just come down to how much you’re willing to pay. Other features and qualities will vary according to your own particular needs. If you read on, you can find a better riser and improve your shopping search in a significant manner. Combine this guide with the reviews from experts above to improve your Amazon shopping and find a product you’ll be happy with.
Stand Desk Top Style
Using standing desk converters means putting a little faith in the quality of the product. You’re trusting your stand up desk to hold the full weight of sensitive monitors and other expensive equipment, so you want to make sure that the legs holding up the keyboard tray and keyboard mouse pad are going to stand the test. Z-lift and X-lift riser models are two of the most popular among experts.
- A Z-lift employs a simpler is better approach to a stand lift, and it produces results. These standing desk converters connect the top and bottom component with a single bar, and that allows them to lower effectively from sitting height to standing height adjustment, and that makes them one of the best choices if you want to shift regularly between sitting and standing height (as is generally suggested by medical experts). That relative simplicity but top shelf sturdiness puts this type of riser clearly into the middle price rating.
- Comparing an X-lift to a Z-lift, we’d generally give the former a higher rating due to their reliability, but there are plenty of reasons to invest in an X-lift too. The fact that they expand the design with two bars rather than just one means that they can lift straight up. That lets you make more use of the space available to yo,u, and it gives this riser the best rating if you’re working with more limited desk area. But X-lifts often offer a more limited amount of height adjustment options, so be sure to look for riser models with a higher rating and the ability to raise or lower to a monitor height that well suits both sitting and standing positions.
- An electric standing desk is one of the most expensive riser models available, but while the bear the highest rating we can afford them, they’re also the most expensive options by a long shot. In terms of price and features, comparing an electric standing desk to more traditional standing desk converters is like comparing a sports car to a minivan. You’ll love them, but you may have to spend extra for that privilege.
- While the term desktop riser is often used to apply to any number of standing desk converters, but it most commonly refers to a more simple table device. These models tend to use a single lift level, so you can’t adjust them on the fly. But their stripped down design usually means they’re easy to remove and don’t need to be mounted. If all you want is something to hold your laptop at various heights, they can be the best option, but we wouldn’t give them a top rating for people with a more complicated workplace setup.
Height Adjustment
How tall and how short will a particular model go? Comparing the height is going to be essential no matter what reason you have for getting a new desk converter. We suggest that you actually take the time to measure your desk. Readers don’t need to be experts to determine this. You can easily figure out how tall and short your converter needs to go by measuring the height from your desktop to eye level while standing and sitting.Then just subtract the distance from the bottom of your monitor’s feet to the middle of its screen, and look for a model that falls comfortably within that range.
Also pay attention to the distance from the keyboard tray to the monitor height. You want a distance that allows you to easily type on the keyboard tray without having to strain yourself to reach the keyboard. You’ll also want to consider the process of height adjustment. If you’re using a hydraulic or electric desk converter, this shouldn’t be a big deal. They operate essentially with the press of a button and tend to offer a pretty extensive range of adjustment settings.
For a manual converter, you may want to pay closer attention to what the experts have to say. While most converters follow a pretty easy process for adjusting how tall the tray is, not every model reaches the standards that you deserve. A smooth and low muscle adjustment mode will make it much easier to shift back and forth between sitting and standing modes, especially if the tray is carrying a larger and heavier amount of gear.
Weight Capacity
You can easily determine the ideal weight capacity for your converter, but you can stand to be a little conservative with your estimate. Don’t just measure the weight of your monitor (or monitors) but also the keyboard and mouse and anything else that you might try attaching to the desk. It’s always better to overestimate than to underestimate, and you should only be comparing models that easily fulfill the weight capacity of any equipment you’ll be using.
Table Area
When shopping for a converter, the table area is one of the things you should pay the biggest amount of attention to. Much like weight capacity, you can figure out what you need by stepping into your home or office and evaluating your base essentials. Most users will need to take the base size of whatever monitors they’re going to use into consideration, and if there’s only one platform to work with, be sure that there’s enough space for your keyboard and mouse. If there is a dedicated keyboard tray, you’ll still want to make sure that there’s plenty of room. You want to be absolutely sure that there’s enough space for you to properly maneuver your mouse.
Ergonomics
A standing desk at its base is an ergonomic device. They can help you improve your posture, maintain your positive metabolism, and provide you with a range of general health benefits as long as you periodically shift between different positions. But there can be other features that can help you follow a more ergonomic lifestyle with your desk. These include freestanding monitor arms that allow you to adjust the tilt of your monitor and the ability to tilt or change how tall your keyboard is like the tray offered in the iMovR ZipLift+.
Warranty
The big concern with standing desk converters is that they have to hold a relatively large amount of heavy equipment. A model that’s going to turn defective can quickly cost you a whole lot of money. That means that the value of these products in the eyes of the consumer can quickly add up when they’re backed by a warranty. Obviously, a warranty isn’t a total assurance that nothing will go wrong, but a good warranty from a respectable manufacturer and a decent length can provide you with a level of assurance that many other features do.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Can I Raise My Standing Desk?
That really depends on the model of your desk. If you’re working with a hydraulic or electric lift, there should be buttons you can use to automatically change the height. If you’re working with a manual model, there should be some sort of crank or knob. In either case, we suggest that you check the users manual for your particular rise so you can safely change the height without worrying about knocking over your monitor.
What is a Standing Desk Converter?
Standing desk converters can take a number of different forms, but they all have one thing in common: their ability to seamlessly change your desk from a sitting model to a standing model on the fly. They accomplish this by making use of a separate platform (or two) which are attached to a lift.
Are Standing Desks Better?
There’s still some debate about the specifics, but there seem to be a number of different advantages that come from standing at work. That includes better circulation, a lower amount of stress overall, and higher levels of productivity and engagement. But it’s generally recommended that you don’t spend all your time standing. That’s what makes a converter such a great idea. They can transition from a standard desk to a standing model on the fly, and they’re designed to make the process of transitioning as simple as possible.
What is the Best VariDesk?
There’s a reason why the Varidesk Pro Plus 36 made the cut for our list. The Varidesk Pro Plus is seriously weighty and offers an incredibly expansive surface area to work with, and it’s split among two separate shelves so you have a lot more flexibility for a layout that works for you. The Varidesk Pro Plus’ design is highly ergonomic, and we love the wood grain surface which provides a more naturalistic design than the more typical aluminum frames that are so popular.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re looking to improve your existing standing desk or you’re just curious about what these ergonomic desks can offer, the process doesn’t have to be difficult. There are ten different models here which should cover enough variety to suit just about anyone, and our guide should cover all the essentials you need to know when shopping. If you’re still on the fence about whether or not a lifting desk is the right choice for you, we’ve already covered the seven benefits of a standing desk. And we’d love if you follow us whenever you need advice shopping for gadgets.
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