Breathe new life into your existing desk with one of the best standing desk converters
(Image credit: Vari)
Getting rid of your old office desk can be a hassle, so why not breathe new life into it with one of the best standing desk converters? These ingenious devices allow you to continue using your existing desk in a new way. You can now work from a sitting or standing position without having to buy and assemble a whole new desk.
That’s important as sitting at a desk all day has been proven to affect your health negatively. So why not upgrade your home workspace and become more active, alternating between sitting and standing throughout the day?
Many standing desk converters have unique features that help you organize your workspace and be more productive. For instance, some come with containers to hold pens, notepads, and other business accessories, while most feature a keyboard tray for improved ergonomics. We look at all of these areas and more in our reviews.
So, whether you’re looking to improve your home office setup or want a gadget to improve your productivity, keep reading to discover six of the best standing desk converters available today. With budget-friendly options and some more premium ones with additional features, you’re sure to find the one that’s perfect for you.
We’ve also featured the best office desks.
The best standing desk converters of 2023 in full
Why you can trust TechRadar Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.
(Image credit: UPLIFT Desk)
1. UPLIFT Desk ATX Standing Desk Converter
Best overall – supports a wide variety of heights
Specifications
Height adjustment range: 6.3” to 24.6”
Size (W x D x H): 34.5” x 20.8’ x 6.3″ – 24.6”
Weight limit: 39.6lb (17.9 kg)
Reasons to buy
+
Ships fully assembled
+
Built-in cable management
+
Monitor arm compatible
Reasons to avoid
–
Keyboard tray does not adjust below desk surface
The ATX Standing Desk Converter (opens in new tab) from UPLIFT Desk arrives fully assembled, ready to use, and available in black or white to match your existing desk. The laminate work surface prevents scratches from everyday wear and tear, and the edges of both the desktop and the keyboard tray are chamfered.
This standing desk converter can be adjusted with just one hand, and there are no predetermined height settings. Instead, you just stop at any height within its 18.3” range, with 6.3” being the lowest possible setting and 24.6” being the highest. UPLIFT Desk also allows you to add a laptop or multiple monitors, as the ATX Standing Desk Converter can safely hold up to 38.6lb (17.96kg). The built-in cable management, as well as the three included clips under the desk to hold all of your wires, are a nice touch as well.
(Image credit: Vari)
2. VariDesk Pro Plus 36
Best for the office – wide enough for multiple monitors with a weighted base for stability
Specifications
Height adjustment range: 4.5” to 17.5”
Size (W x D x H): 36” x 29.75” x 4.5″ – 17.5”
Weight limit: 35lb (15.8kg)
Reasons to buy
+
Laptop cutout
+
Ships fully assembled
+
Spring-assisted rowing lift
+
11 height settings
+
Weighted base for added stability
Reasons to avoid
–
Expensive
Although Vari is now known for its standing desks, the company started making standing desk converters. The VariDesk Pro Plus 36 (opens in new tab) is its best-selling model, and like the previous offering from UPLIFT Desk, it also arrives fully assembled. However, what sets this standing desk converter apart from the competition is that it features a weighted base for extra stability, thicker gauge steel, and a durable 3D laminate finish.
The VariDesk Pro Plus 36’s desktop has a cutout for a laptop, and the keyboard tray is curved in the middle to allow you to get closer when typing. At its lowest point, this standing desk converter rests at 4.5,” but it can be raised up to 17.5”. There are 11 height settings available to help you find the one that works for you, and the spring-assisted lift makes it easy to adjust the desktop using its dual-handle design. The VariDesk Pro Plus 36 is available in black or white to match your existing desk or table.
(Image credit: Flexispot)
3. Flexispot Aesthetic Sit Stand Workstation M6 30″
Best for organization – integrated storage boxes make it easy to keep your workspace tidy
Specifications
Height adjustment range: 5.9” to 18.5”
Size (W x D x H): 30” x 25.8” x 5.9″ – 18.5”
Weight limit: 33lb (14.9kg)
Reasons to buy
+
Sleek design
+
Integrated storage boxes
+
Single-handle to adjust height
+
Magnetic board above keyboard tray
+
Quick-install for Flexispot monitor arms
Reasons to avoid
–
No black color option available
If one of the reasons you’re considering a standing desk converter in the first place is to organize your workspace, then Flexispot has you covered. The company’s Aesthetic Sit Stand Workstation M6 30” (opens in new tab) is available in white or gray and features integrated storage boxes on either side for storing pencils, notecards, and other office essentials. However, the back of the keyboard tray is also magnetic, so you can pin up reminders.
The Flexispot Aesthetic Sit Stand Workstation M6 30″ can be adjusted with just one hand, and at its lowest setting, this standing desk converter is 5.9” though it can be raised up to 18.5”. A gas spring system makes it easy to adjust, and its smaller size means it won’t take up too much space on your desk. If you want to add a monitor to this desk, you’re lucky, as Flexispot’s monitor arms can be set up quite easily with a quick-click installation feature. There’s also a cable management hole so you can neatly run the cables from your keyboard or mouse.
(Image credit: Ergotron)
4. Ergotron WorkFit-Z Mini
Best for small workspaces – Z-shaped vertical lift takes up less space
Specifications
Height adjustment range: 5.4” to 17.9”
Size (W x D x H): 31” x 16.3” x 5.4″ – 17.9”
Weight limit: 25lb (11.4kg)
Reasons to buy
+
Built-in smartphone/tablet holder
+
Compact, space-saving design
+
Easy out-of-the-box set-up
+
Infinite, click-free adjustments
Reasons to avoid
–
Only available in gray woodgrain
Established in 1982, Ergotron has been making (as the name suggests) ergonomic tilt stands and mounting arms for the past 40 years. The company’s WorkFit-Z Mini, Standing Desk Workstation (opens in new tab) is a compact standing desk converter ideal for smaller workspaces. Its out-of-the-box design also allows you to get to work in no time at all.
Due to its smaller nature, the WorkFit-Z Mini can only support up to 25lb (11.4kg), but it can be raised up to 17.9” at its maximum height. This standing desk converter provides infinite, click-free adjustments, while a cutout at the front of its desktop can hold both a smartphone and a smaller tablet like the iPad Mini. Meanwhile, the keyboard tray has holes at either end so that you can neatly run the cables from your mouse and keyboard.
(Image credit: VIVO)
5. VIVO 32 inch Desk Converter
Best budget option – work while standing without breaking the bank
Specifications
Height adjustment range: 4.4” to 19.6”
Size (W x D x H): 31.5″ x 15.8″ x 4.4″ – 19.6″
Weight limit: 33lb (14.9kg)
Reasons to buy
+
Unlimited points of adjustment
+
Low profile at minimum height
+
Removable keyboard tray
+
Multiple color options available
Reasons to avoid
–
Shallow keyboard tray
The VIVO Height Adjustable 32in Desk Converter (opens in new tab) is our budget pick, as the black model can be had for less than $100 at the time of writing. It’s also available in dark walnut and white, but those other color options cost slightly more. Its patented X-Frame design allows you to raise this standing desk converter from a base height of 4.4” up to 19.6”. Despite its affordable price, its desktop can hold a maximum of 33lb (14.9kg), while the keyboard tray can hold up to 4.4lb (1.99kg).
Like several other options on this list, the VIVO Height Adjustable 32in Desk Converter features unlimited points of adjustment, and raising or lowering is done using a pneumatic lift assist system. VIVO says that you can use this standing desk converter with either C-clamp style or freestanding monitor arms, and it can accommodate dual monitors or a monitor and laptop. Another nice feature for laptop users is that the keyboard tray is removable.
(Image credit: Mount-It!)
6. Mount-It! Standing Desk Converter
Best for dual monitor setups – this standing desk converter ships with a free dual monitor mount
Specifications
Height adjustment range: 6.25” to 16.5”
Size (W x D x H): 36” x 22.5” x 6.25″ – 16.5”
Weight limit: 33lb (14.9kg)
Reasons to buy
+
Eight height settings
+
Integrated phone/tablet stand
+
Storage slot for office supplies
+
Accommodates screens up to 27”
+
Ships with dual monitor stand included
Reasons to avoid
–
Only black color option available
The Mount-It! Standing Desk Converter (opens in new tab) is another relatively inexpensive option with a fantastic freebie thrown in. If you use multiple monitors, you’re good to go as Mount-It! decided to ship this standing desk converter with a free dual monitor mount that fits screens up to 27” included. However, it’s also detachable if you want to use it with a single monitor or laptop.
A gas spring lever allows you to adjust this standing desk converter to your preferred height and features eight different height settings. The Mount-It! Standing Desk Converter has a minimum height of 6.25” and a maximum height of 16.5” and can support up to 33lb (14.9kg). Like the Ergotron WorkFit Z Mini, there is also a phone/tablet holder on its desktop, but unlike the best standing desk converter candidates on this list, its keyboard tray is raised at the back, so your devices don’t slide off while in use.
Why choose a standing desk converter over a standing desk?
If you’re considering spending a significant sum (although there are great budget options out there) on a standing desk converter, you may be wondering if you should just upgrade to a standing desk instead, and for a good reason. However, not everyone is in the position to do so for several reasons.
Standing desks are significantly more expensive than standing desk converters, as some can be had for just over a hundred dollars. At the same time, standing desks can take up a lot of space, especially if you’re currently in a small apartment or a cramped dorm room. University students are also in a unique position since most colleges don’t allow you to change the furniture in your dorm room. The same concept applies to employees who work in offices that want to give work while standing a chance but can’t swap out their existing desk for a new one without first getting the necessary approval from HR. With a standing desk converter, you can upgrade your existing desk with little to no fuss. They’re also compact enough that you could even throw a standing desk converter in your car and bring it with you wherever you go.
The recent transition to remote work left many people without a dedicated home office, using their kitchen tables or other places around their homes to work. Even if you’re still using your kitchen table, a standing desk converter will make it feel like an actual desk with the added bonus of extra space for your files, coffee, and anything else you may need while working.
If you do decide to upgrade to a full-standing desk, later on, you can always sell your standing desk converter online or even give it to a friend or colleague that’s also interested in being more active throughout their workday.
How to choose the best standing desk converter for you
Here are a few key areas you should consider when deciding on the best standing desk converter for you:
How much space do you have? Desks come in all shapes and sizes, so you’ll need to find a standing desk converter that fits on your current desk.
Do you have a dual monitor setup? If so, you’ll need to find a standing desk converter that can support the weight of two monitors and provide a suitable mounting option.
Manual or electric? Do you want an electric motor to help you raise and lower your standing desk converter, or are you happy to save money and do the heavy lifting yourself?
How we tested the best standing desk converters
When rounding up our picks for the best standing desk converter, we first looked at brands like Vari, UPLIFT Desk, Flexispot, and Ergotron because we reviewed standing desks from each company in the past.
From here, we included budget options from Mount-It and VIVO for those looking to try a standing desk converter without breaking the bank. We also considered users who want to have dual monitor setups and those who want to use a standing desk converter to help organize their office or home workspace.
We compared the specifications listed for each model and looked at user reviews to get an insight into how easy the desk converters are to use daily.
There’s something for everyone here, but we also plan to update this guide with new models for additional use cases going forward.
We’ve also featured the best laptop stand and the best standing desk
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Collin Probst
B2B Hardware Editor, TechRadar Pro
Collin is the B2B Hardware Editor for TechRadar Pro. He has been in journalism for years with experience in both small and large markets including Gearadical, DailyBeast, FutureNet and more.
With contributions from