For those of us living the 9-5 life, back and shoulder aches and the occasional attack of pins and needles might have become part and parcel of our sedentary life. But to keep you from spending hours on end perched on a chair, these best standing desks and converters will add that much-needed movement to your day-to-day for better well-being.
Table of Contents
Before you start buying one, let’s navigate through what features you might want to look for in your new standing desk.
| Feature | What to look out for |
| Adjustability | – Electric or manual height adjustment – Wide range of height options – Ease of use in adjustments |
| Ergonomics | – Comfortable work surface – Adjustable angles for desks – Contoured edges |
| Stability | – Robust construction – No wobble at any height – Weight capacity appropriate for your setup |
| Size and Space | – Appropriate desk size for your space – Compact designs for small areas – Spacious enough for your equipment |
| Technology Features | – Programmable height presets – Health reminders (e.g., to stand) – Integration with smart home systems |
| Storage Options | – Built-in drawers or shelves – Accessory holders – Cable management systems |
| Design and Aesthetics | – Style and finish that matches your space – Customizable color options – Sleek and modern designs |
| Durability | – High-quality materials – Warranty duration – Resistance to scratches and wear |
| Price | – Competitive pricing – Value for money considering features – Budget-friendly options available |
| Extra Features | – USB charging ports – Integrated lighting – Environmental-friendly materials used |
Seeing as the whole point of standing desks is to give you the flexibility to adjust its height whenever you’re sick of sitting, you’ll want to consider the range of the desk’s height adjustment.
For instance, you wouldn’t want the maximum height to be at a level where you find yourself still crouched over, nor would you want to have your arms and shoulders raised higher than what is comfortable when you’re seated. Ideally, the desk should be capable of adjusting to the height of your elbow when you’re both sitting and standing for optimal comfort.
Make sure that the dimensions of your standing desk meets your workstation preferences. Do you prefer having everything within arm’s reach or would you like it if things were more spread out? Once you’ve determined what your ideal table surface size is, you can pick a desk that meets your needs.
There are 3 types of standing desks: electric, pneumatic, and manual. Electric desks are heavier, so changing their location in your room might prove tough, but it’s easier to adjust their heights smoothly at just a touch of a button.
Pneumatic desks, on the other hand, need you to press a lever to raise the desk, but this is rarely a smooth process. Lastly, manual desks utilise a crank lever system that needs to be wound up or down to achieve the desired height.
For those who are particularly sensitive to sound, you might want to consider the noise your standing desk’s adjustment motors might make. Most are around 50-60dB, with electrical desks’ being louder. That said, there are now models that can function at much softer levels.
Every standing desk for work should possess an adequate weight capacity to support your office essentials, especially your computer.
You don’t just have to look at standing desks for similar benefits. Standing desk converters can also be used to allow you to stand up and work without having to change your entire work set up. Standing desk converters are usually on the more affordable side too, if you don’t wish to invest a lot on a desk.
| Standing Desk | Good for | Price |
| EverDesk | Extra storage, customisable, heavy-duty | From $469 |
| Omnidesk Ascent | Premium finishes, cable management | From $870 |
| Hinomi Smart Standing Desk S1 | Voice control, preset adjustments | $599 |
| Flight Mobile Laptop Adjustable Desk | Mobility, laptop users | From $239 |
| IKEA TROTTEN | Manual adjustment, bright design | From $329 |
| Comfort Design Elevate | Tiny spaces, multi-purpose | $399 |
| TakeAseat Electric Standing Desk | Design variety, eco-friendly materials | $499 |
| Squirrey Electric Height Adjustable | Built-in storage, built-in USB ports | $369 |
| TTRacing Titus Ergonomic Desk | Gamers, movable | From $349 |
| Standing Desk Converters | Good For | Price |
| Ergonomic Standing Desk Converter | Desktop & keyboard separate heights | From $249 |
| Fitfit Standing Desk Converter | Dual monitor setup, USB charging | $1,088 |
| ULTi Atlas Standing Laptop Stand | Portable, minimal desk space | $79 |
| ULTi Teak Wood & Steel Monitor Riser | Dual monitors, solid build | From $69.90 |
Image credit: EverDesk
Standing desks are perfect for those looking to avoid spending hours slouched and hunched, but most options don’t provide much storage – especially for those with heaps of barang on hand.
Most standing desks don’t provide much storage space, especially for those with heaps of barang on hand.
To house all your peripherals and gadgets, EverDesk has a system that accommodates add-ons such as monitor arms, pegboards, and shelves, while also hiding cables and holding devices like tablets.
Depending on your tabletop’s dimensions and material, an EverDesk starts from $469 for the single-motor Lite model, though you can get the faster and quieter dual-motor Max from $519. This upgraded model also features the Health Coach Controller, which prompts users to stand up at set intervals, while also holding up to 120kg compared to the Lite’s 70kg.
There’s also a greater height range with the Max, so if you’re under 160cm, you might feel more comfortable with the Max model instead of the Lite.
In addition to their range of classic finishes, EverDesk is also available in a range of natural wood finishes like Aged Darkened Walnut and Raw Ashen Oak.
Image credit: EverDesk
With thousands of dollars worth of tech on and around your setup, these movable desks feature a smart GyroAxis anti-collision system to halt movement when obstacles are detected.
When modifying the height, the last thing you’d want is for your standing desk to accidentally knock into your printer or any other nearby object as the table lowers or raises itself to its new set height.
The GyroAxis anti-collision system halts movement upon detecting obstacles, ensuring that your standing desk avoids causing unintended damage and, at the same time, safeguards itself from harm.
For better utility, opt for Natural Wood Series table tops which sport the innovative UniGroove cutout. This features a series of little notches, which lets you add extra accessories to your desk while propping up tablets and managing charging cables.
Get the EverDesk.
The table can support up to 130kg, great for those with multiple monitors or elaborate setups.
Image adapted from: Designed By Kirk via Youtube
If you’re looking for that desk that can be the centerpiece of your workspace, Omnidesk offers a range of solid wood tabletops that can match any vibe and aesthetic.
The brand offers extensive cable management options depending on how busy your desk is. For example, the Omnidesk Ascent (from $870) comes with a built-in cable management system consisting of an extra long cable management bar and grommet hole to keep your desk neat.
It’s also designed to keep you active while you work. Set sit/stand reminders and save up to 4 presets – good for 2 people – so you don’t have to manually readjust to your desired height before every work or gaming session. See it in action in this fresh and modern desk setup.
The Kawa model from the Ichi collection sports a hand-poured resin countertop.
Image adapted from: @theomnidesk via Instagram
If you want a one-of-a-kind statement piece, opt for the Ichi Collection which is crafted from the likes of teak and raintree wood. Each piece has its own distinct look and character, and is only available for selection at Omnidesk’s Suntec City showroom.
Get the Omnidesk Ascent.
We live in a smart age where you barely have to lift a finger to get things done. Just a quick voice command to Alexa, Google, or Siri can switch on or off lights, set room temperatures, and even operate digital locks. So it only makes sense that your WFH desk should be able to do the same.
Image credit: @hinomi_official via Instagram
Enter the Hinomi Smart Standing Desk S1. Say “hi desk, lift table” or “hi desk, lower table” and your wish is the desk’s command. The table can be adjusted from 64cm-128cm, so it’ll fit just about any user – big or small.
Once you’ve configured the desk’s settings just right, you can even programme one of the desk’s 4 preset buttons to turn on your set of preferred settings. That doesn’t mean less time fussing about height adjustments when you want to shift from sitting to standing mode in a jiffy.
Plus, having 4 preset buttons also means this table can be shared comfortably with 3 other individuals – ideal for sharing with other WFH members in the family.
The table comes in at $899 but you can now get it at $599 with free shipping in Singapore.
Get the Hinomi Smart Standing Desk S1.
Image credit: Flight Ergo Official Store from Shopee
For a minimalist desk that fits into your modern home, check out the Flight Mobile Laptop Adjustable Desk (from $239). The desk isn’t just adjustable in height, but its surface can also be tilted to be more comfortable to type and write on.
With its compact size and wheels at the base to keep it mobile, this design is great for laptop users who can’t sit still. Need a change of scenery? Simply glide the desk to another workspace.
Get the Flight Mobile Laptop Adjustable Desk.
Image credit: IKEA
IKEA is known for its simple and reasonably priced furniture and their TROTTEN (from $329) table is no different. Completely decked in white, this desk instantly brightens up any room and will easily fit in with the rest of your IKEA furnishings at home.
In true IKEA style, this one comes with plenty of desk space that 2 can share comfortably. Whenever you’re feeling a little sore, turn the easy-to-use crank under the table to adjust the table’s height between 70cm-122cm.
Get the IKEA TROTTEN.
The Comfort Design Elevate Height Adjustable Table ($399) is as small as standing desks get, and can easily fit into any nook and cranny of a room.
Image adapted from: Comfort Design
If you’re a fan of tiny home living, this is one to consider. Other than being a study desk, this petite piece of furniture can also be repurposed for your lounging or leisure needs. Lower it all the way down to turn it into a coffee table, or raise it to its maximum height to turn it into a standing bar table for home parties.
Get the Comfort Design Elevate Height Adjustable Table.
Image credit: TakeASeat
The TakeASeat Electric Standing Desk ($499) invites you to take a seat, by all means. But if you’re the sort that gets engrossed with work, it also has a sedentary alert system you can use to remind yourself to stand up every once in a while.
With more than 100 tabletop designs ranging from their sleek marble series to fun Hello Kitty prints, it won’t be hard to find a variation of this desk that suits your space to a T. Moreover, their laminates are crafted using environmentally friendly materials.
Get the TakeASeat Electric Standing Desk.
Image credit: Lazada
If there never seems to be enough space on your desk for all your stuff, then the Squirrey Electric Height Adjustable Desk ($369, U.P. $424.60) might be just what you need. It’s already quite large to begin with, with its 120cm x 60cm surface area. But for loose items like stationery and notebooks, you can squirrel them away in the table’s built-in storage drawer.
This clears up space on the table to comfortably fit a monitor, keyboard, and laptop at the very least. Then the table can be adjusted between 72cm-121cm. As an added convenience, the control panel also includes 2 USB-A ports and 1 USB-C port to charge your electronic devices. They also have a child-lock mechanism to ensure the safety of your child and an anti-collision system designed to safeguard your desk from potential damage.
Get the Squirrey Electric Height Adjustable Desk.
Image credit: TTRacing Official Store SG on Shopee
Built with a retractable mug holder and headphone hanger, the Titus ergonomic standing desk is best suited for anyone who loves a clutter-free space. Its robust steel frame supports up to 80kg, and the scratch-resistant matte surface ensures exceptional durability.
For better organisation, you can consider their cable tray management to tidy up any messy wires in their optional add-ons. Or if you’re the type who constantly likes to switch up their workstation, you can opt for their 360-degree rotating wheels to easily move your table around whenever you feel like a change in environment.
Get the TTRacing Titus Ergonomic Standing Desk.
Serial multitaskers can upgrade their existing table easily by adding on a converter such as the Ergonomic Standing Desk (from $249). On top of having separate heights for your desktop screen and keyboard, this also comes with an extra slotting compartment for your tablet or phones, so you’ll be able to see all your devices at a glance.
Image credit: HOMIE
If you’ve got several screens in your office, consider upgrading the desk to its XL-sized cousin – the ErGo X1 – which can fit 2 desktop screens, with room to spare for a coffee mug and decorative items like potted plants and photo frames.
To top that off, since the table is a converter, rather than a full-sized standing desk, it can be stowed away under the table whenever you prefer to use your original desk for something else.
Get the Ergonomic Standing Desk.
Image credit: Fitfit
A Kickstarter-born product, Fitfit is a sturdy standing desk converter wide enough to fit 2 25-inch monitor screens, perfect for people who can’t get any work done on a single screen.
Priced at $1,088 on Lazada, the table can be raised and lowered by pressing a button, and holds up to 17kg, so it’ll support a gaming PC setup. Many of us like to have our phones close to us at all times, so this desk comes with a USB port for convenient charging and less clutter. If you’re using an external keyboard, you also have the option of a removable tray that you can attach or detach whenever you’d like.
To match the aesthetic of your setup, this desk also comes with a dual-coloured surface that’s creamy light brown on one side, and dark chocolate brown on the other. Flip the board around to switch up the look of your workspace.
Get the Fitfit Standing Desk Converter.
Image credit: ULTi Official Store on Shopee
For those who want a simple and sleek setup, the ULTi Atlas Standing Laptop Stand gives you the height you need without taking up a lot of desk space. It has a sturdy build made of aluminum alloy that can support a weight as heavy as 10kg and comfortably fits a 10-17-inch laptop or tablet.
Meanwhile, the height can be adjusted up to 54cm so you can easily shift between sitting and standing as you work. It’s also got 360° rotation, allowing you to share your screen with your desk buddy or even a colleague sitting opposite you from you.
Get the ULTi Atlas Standing Laptop Stand.
Image credit: ULTi Official Store on Shopee
With its long base, ULTi’s monitor stand offers the ideal setup if you need a desk converter to withstand multiple monitors alongside your laptop. Supported by solid steel footing, it can hold up to 20kg in weight so you won’t need to worry about the stand giving way and damaging your equipment. It also has an anti-slip padding to provide further protection and prevent scratches.
You also have plenty of space to organise your extended keyboard, mouse, files, or any other miscellaneous items underneath the monitor stand to keep your desk neat and tidy.
Get the ULTi Teak Wood & Steel Monitor Riser Stand.
Apart from improved posture and reduced muscle tension, there are several benefits of using a standing desk for work. For one, standing for prolonged periods helps to reduce the risks of obesity and weight gain in the long run.
Sure, it’s generally preferable that you get your steps or exercise in but, hey, lazy days exist. With a standing desk, you can burn off those calories that you wouldn’t otherwise be able to do from sitting down all day. Other benefits include better blood circulation, increased productivity and mood, and possibly lowering blood sugar levels.
Lest you suffer from leg cramps from standing too long, make sure to alternate between sitting and standing. A good ratio would be an hour of standing to 2 hours of sitting. Alternatively, try standing 5-15 minutes every hour if a full 60 minutes is challenging.
You don’t necessarily need to set unrealistic fitness goals to improve your health. Sometimes, a small adjustment, such as altering your work habits, can make a significant difference.
If body aches and sluggishness have been getting the better of you, don’t take these problems sitting down. It’s time to take a stand – literally – to improve both your physical and mental health with these standing desks.
For more appliances to make life easier, check out:
This article contains partial partnership content. However, all opinions are ours.
Cover image adapted from: hinomi_official via Instagram, IKEA
Originally published on 30th Apr 2020. Last updated by Mae-Z Fam on 14th April 2024.
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