Standing Desks: A Solution for Sedentary Lifestyle & Their Best Models
With a majority of professionals spending most of their day behind a desk, the dangers of a sedentary lifestyle have become more apparent. Rising concerns over health issues like increased disease susceptibility and depression have led to the popularity of standing desks. These desks are designed to mitigate some of the negative impacts of sitting for extended periods, such as back and neck pain, by offering the option to alternate between sitting and standing. While they are not a magic cure-all for work-related discomforts, research indicates that they can be beneficial if used correctly.
As remote work continues to rise, the standing desk market has seen a significant surge in demand, leading to a diverse range of products with various add-ons, colors, and automation options. We put seven of the most popular standing desks to the test and found the Vari Electric Standing Desk to be the top choice. Other noteworthy mentions include the affordable FlexiSpot EC1, the compact Branch Duo for smaller spaces, and the highly customizable Uplift V2 Standing Desk to match your home decor.
The Vari Electric Standing Desk emerged as the best standing desk we tested. It tied with the Branch Duo for the title of “easiest to assemble.” It offers a wide range of height adjustments that meet expert recommendations and can be programmed for up to four different settings. The desk remained stable even when being adjusted with two monitors on it. It boasts an attractive design and comes with a solid five-year warranty.
The assembly process for the Vari desk is straightforward, thanks to clear instructions and helpful images. The desk requires fewer individual parts than many other standing desks, which simplifies assembly. It took us just 15 minutes to put it together. Once assembled, the Vari desk offers height settings that range from 25 inches to 50.5 inches, accommodating workers of varying heights comfortably.
The 60-by-30-inch surface is spacious enough to accommodate two monitors comfortably. The laminate surface we chose resembled a wooden slab, adding to its aesthetic appeal. The desk also features a panel on the right side for easy setting of four different height options. The smooth functioning motor ensures that objects on the desk remain stable during height adjustments.
The Vari desk also includes useful add-ons like desk hooks for hanging bags and cable wraps. However, it lacks a built-in cord management system, which can be bought separately. The only real drawback of the Vari desk is its higher price point, but its durability and stability justify the cost.
For those looking for a budget-friendly standing desk, the FlexiSpot EC1 is a great option. Despite its lower price point, it meets most of our criteria, offering sturdiness and basic features like a motor for height adjustments. However, it falls short in areas such as setup complexity, slower motor speed, lack of preset memory feature, shorter warranty on controller and switch, and time-consuming assembly.
Unlike the Vari, the FlexiSpot requires separate assembly of the frame and surface, which can be confusing due to the variety of screws involved. It took us about 45 minutes to assemble this desk, three times longer than the Vari. Once assembled, the FlexiSpot is quite basic in its functionality and aesthetics. It also has a shallower depth than the Vari desk, limiting workspace and causing monitor shaking due to the slower motor.
The Branch Duo is an excellent choice for those working in smaller spaces. This new offering from a reputable brand comes in two sizes: 36 by 24 inches for compact spaces and 48 by 24 inches for slightly larger areas. Its sleek design makes it an attractive addition to any home office.
Ultimately, how to choose the best standing desk will depend on your individual needs and budget. Whether you’re looking for an electric height adjustable standing desk like the Vari or a best sit stand desk like the FlexiSpot EC1, there are plenty of options available that offer health benefits of an electric stand up desk.
