The 6 Best Standing Desk Converters in 2024

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If you’re not a standing desk convert, trust us, it’s time to level up. Consider this: Studies link prolonged sitting to an array of adverse health effects, including increased risk of cardiovascular disease and cancer. But we get it. Not everyone can afford a brand-new, modern standing desk. Enter: standing desk converters.

The best standing desk converter will provide all the health benefits of sitting and standing at your desk, but at a fraction of the cost of a fully elevating desk model. An added bonus: According to a 2018 study published in the ​​International Journal of Workplace Health Management, a standing desk can boost productivity.

But back to the health benefits, which make intuitive sense: When we stand, our body engages more muscles to maintain balance and posture—it's like doing a micro-workout that keeps the muscles humming throughout the day. Nifty fitness apps can also remind you when to switch positions, so you aren’t alternatively standing or sitting for too long.

Read on if you’re ready to embrace a healthier work environment as we explore the best standing desk converters of 2024.

Our Picks for the Best Standing Desk Converters in 2024:

• Best Sit-to-Stand Desk Converter: FlexiSpot Motorized AlcoveRiser EM7
• Best Standing Desk Converter for Two Monitors: VariDesk Pro Plus 36 - Dual Monitor Standing Desk Converter
• Best Corner Standing Desk Converter: FlexiSpot M4 ClassicRiser Standing Desk Converters M4
• Best Budget Standing Desk Converter: ZINUS Molly 28 Inch Standing Desk with Adjustable Height
• Best Compact Standing Desk Converter: VIVO Black Ultra-Slim Single Top Height Adjustable 31-inch Standing Desk Converter
• Best Height Adjustable Standing Desk Converter: Luxor 2-Tier Height-Adjustable Pneumatic Lift Standing Desk Converter

Best Sit-to-Stand Desk Converter: FlexiSpot Motorized AlcoveRiser EM7

Key Features:

• Weight capacity: 44 pounds
• Work surface dimensions: 16.3 x 36 inches (upper shelf)
• Height range: 5.7 to 19.7 inches
• Lifting mechanism: Motorized
• Price: $299.99

If you want the Cadillac of standing desk converters, look no further than the FlexiSpot Motorized AlcoveRiser EM7. The AlcoveRiser can handle 44 pounds of equipment, so if you have a streaming, video editing or any other kind of set-up that requires two or more monitors, you’re all set. A well-designed cutout ensures you can use your laptop on the keyboard tray, although I also like that the keyboard tray is interlocking, allowing you to forgo the shelf altogether if it’s not needed. However, this device is made for the more substantial desk setup, given its fully motorized converter. The machine is a little pricier at $299.99 but still far less than you’d pay for a motorized standing desk of similar caliber. Plus, with 97 percent of reviews on the FlexiSpot website giving the device 5 out of 5 stars, the EM7 appears to be well worth the investment.

Pros:

• Fully motorized lifting mechanism
• Limited warranty coverage from the manufacturer
• Excellent price for value

Cons:

• Black laminate is the only color available

Best Standing Desk Converter for Two Monitors: VariDesk Pro Plus 36 Dual Monitor Standing Desk Converter

Key Features:

• Weight capacity: 35 pounds
• Work surface dimensions: 36 x 12.25 inches (upper shelf)
• Height range: 5.75 to 15.75 inches
• Lifting mechanism: Spring-assisted
• Price: $425

The VariDesk Pro is another pricey but exceedingly well-received standing desk converter, according to users (more than 3,000 five-star reviews on Amazon), one of whom called it an “absolute game changer.” Another verified purchaser says the desk is “built really sturdy, not made of cheap plastic or wood,” noting that it’s easy to change the levels. That’s thanks to a spring-loaded lifting mechanism. VariDesk will also sell you cable management wraps to complete your set-up. One note: Because Vari’s set-up arrives fully assembled, you may need to recruit help to lift the heavy converter (52 pounds) atop your desk. But that effort will be worthwhile when you have a top shelf that stretches 32 inches, easily accommodating two monitors.

Pros:

• Excellent durability
• Intuitive design to fit several monitors and laptop
• Black and white color options available

Cons:

• One of the priciest standing desk converters

Best Corner Standing Desk Converter: FlexiSpot M4 ClassicRiser Standing Desk Converters M4 - 41" Corner

Key Features:

• Weight capacity: 35 pounds
• Work surface dimensions: 41.3 x 23.1 inches (upper shelf)
• Height range: 5.9 to 19.7 inches
• Lifting mechanism: Manual
• Price: $289.99

Put away your miter saw—you can buy a standing desk converter with angled cuts already ideal for a corner desk set-up. The M4 ClassicRiser is another model from FlexiSpot, and like the AlcoveRiver, the riser also gets excellent user feedback. The model has a five-star average among over 130 reviews on the FlexiSpot website, with users citing its ideal dimensions for a corner table and praising its sturdiness and ease of height adjustment. To change heights, you grasp a handlebar lift and pull upwards. It does require a little force to raise the desk, but not a considerable amount, and lowering the desktop is even easier. Customers can buy the corner stand in black or white to match their office decor.

Pros:

• Angled corners allow the converter to fit in corners more seamlessly
• Black and white color options
• Excellent weight capacity and spacious two-tier build

Cons:

• One of the pricier models

Best Budget Standing Desk Converter: ZINUS Molly 28-Inch Standing Desk with Adjustable Height

Key Features:

• Weight capacity: 35 pounds
• Work surface dimensions: 28 x 21 inches
• Height range: 3.35 to 15 inches
• Lifting mechanism: Gas spring
• Price: $103.61

ZINUS is a brand I know best for its mattresses, so I was surprised to see the name associated with standing desk converters. As it happens though, the ZINUS desk converter has a similar selling point to its beds: Solid quality on a budget. Reviewers on Amazon praised the desk’s sturdiness and resilience—no wobbles. The riser is another single-tier model with plenty of space for a laptop and some accessories, albeit likely insufficient for a laptop, monitor and keyboard. One reviewer said the spring hydraulic lift system is also occasionally wonky, but not enough to be a deal-breaker for the price point (just over $100). All in all, it’s a great budget pick for anyone looking to add the option of standing while working to their routine.

Pros:

• Black and wood laminate color options
• Manufacturer furnishes a one-year “worry free” limited warranty
• Solid weight capacity for the size

Cons:

• Some found the lift system to be unsteady

Best Compact Standing Desk Converter: VIVO Black Ultra-Slim Single Top Height Adjustable 31-Inch Standing Desk Converter

Key Features:

• Weight capacity: 17.6 pounds
• Work surface dimensions: 31.1 x 21.3 inches
• Height range: 10.5 to 15 inches
• Lifting mechanism: Pneumatic spring
• Price: $99.99

If you want a more compact (affordable) standing desk converter, your best bet is a single-tier riser like the VIVO. You will have to sacrifice some features, such as infinite height adjustment—instead, the converter locks in 1.5-inch increments. However, that could be worthwhile for the ability to seamlessly slink the converter to a near-flush level with your desk. And at 20 pounds, this is still a sturdy converter with some serious heft. The simplicity of the design also has the benefit of no assembly required. Side note: Try an even simpler converter like a five-pound monitor arm if you need the tool to be compact and travel-friendly. After all, who wants to be stuck sitting all day just because they ditched the home office in favor of a library or co-working space?

Pros:

• Slim profile
• More budget-friendly than most converters
• Spacious work area

Cons:

• Lower weight capacity than more expensive models
• Some users struggled with the lock mechanism

Best Height Adjustable Standing Desk Converter: Luxor 2-Tier Height-Adjustable Pneumatic Lift Standing Desk Converter

Key Features:

• Weight capacity: 35 pounds
• Work surface dimensions: 32 x 13.25 inches (upper shelf)
• Height range: 5.75 to 15.75 inches
• Lifting mechanism: Pneumatic air cylinder lift assist
• Price: $191.38

The Luxor has an attractive wood and metal look, but what really makes the standing desk converter appealing is that the tool can lock in place at any height despite having a manually adjusting height mechanism. The top shelf of the two-tiered converter can stoop to six inches, stretch to 15.75 inches or sit at any height in between. And Luxor constructed the durable, 47-pound steel frame to last.

I was concerned that there was only one review for the model on Amazon, which I preferred for the price and wood veneer. However, I got some buyer’s reassurance from the Luxor’s Walmart page (in an all-black color scheme), where the converter boasts 100 percent five-star reviews. Wrote one reviewer, “Works perfectly. Goes up and down easily. Love it.”

Pros:

• Zero assembly required
• Smooth adjustment
• Two-level design
• Built-in cable management

Cons:

• Fewer online reviews available

How To Choose The Best Standing Desk Converter For You

One of the most significant divergences among standing desk converters is whether they have one or two tiers or levels. A two-tier converter has a “balcony” where the monitors sit, with a lower “mezzanine” is for the keyboard, if the visual helps. I don’t use a free-standing keyboard, so a one-tier desktop converter more than suffices. I do, however, like how FlexiSpot puts a notch in some of the upper portions of its two-tiered system. That way, you can flip your laptop open on the lower riser.

Another big factor in choosing the best standing desk converter for you is assessing the different heights furnished by the device. If you’re on either extreme of the height spectrum, make sure the minimum and maximum height adjustment range will suit your stature.

How We Chose The Best Standing Desk Converter

Sturdiness was one of the key factors in selecting the best standing desk converters. After all, there’s nothing more distracting than a wobbly monitor. We also favored infinitely adjusting monitors in favor of those with pre-set, notched height settings, since it’s crucial to get a perfect fit when upgrading your existing desk.

Are Desk Risers Worth It?

What makes a desk riser “worth it” is the money you save by not buying a standing desk instead. A motorized standing desk can be pretty pricey while the more cost-friendly, manually adjustable standing desks can be tricky to adjust. Instead, pairing a high-quality desk riser with an existing desk is an excellent compromise. Plus, the design styles of standing desks are quite limited. Using a desk riser instead allows you to choose a desk more aligned with your tastes without adding strain to your body.

Standing Desk Converter FAQs

What is the weight limit for a standing desk converter?

The specs for each standing desk converter will differ, but the weight limit is typically up to 45 pounds on the higher end. Even on the lower side, the weight limit should be more than enough for a laptop and single monitor setup, for instance.

Is it hard to get used to a standing desk?

Getting used to your new desk setup may take some time, so you can ease yourself in by gradually alternating between sitting and standing until you've become accustomed to the change.

Should I get a sit-standing desk or a converter?

Whether to get a standing desk or converter comes down to budget and taste: A standing desk is generally going to be a pricier investment, with more limited selections of finishes and laminate to choose from, while a converter will be more affordable and can be paired with centuries of styles of desks.

Is a standing desk better for posture?

Studies show that a standing workstation helps with posture, which can ease lower back pain. Ultimately, the key is a balance of sitting and standing, and not being static in either position for too long.

What can you do with your feet at a standing desk?

Standing desk mats are an excellent way to relieve fatigue and stay active while you’re upright. You can also pair your standing desk setup with an under desk treadmill (or an under desk elliptical when you’re bound to the office chair).

Final Thoughts

Standing increases blood flow and circulation, which helps reduce fatigue and keeps you alert, making a standing desk converter a home office essential if your current desk is sitting in the past. Plus, the extra movement from standing burns more calories than sitting alone, which means you can work toward your fitness goals during an otherwise uneventful workday. Just be sure the model has adequate surface area for your equipment, especially if you have a multi-monitor setup requiring a lot of space.

Prices are accurate and items in stock as of publish time.