The 12 Best Budget-Friendly Standing Desks That Help Support Your Posture and Prevent Backache
If you’re sitting down as you read this, reconsider. Perhaps it’s time to look into a standing desk and upgrade your work-from-home station. (WFH) continues to transform how people juggle the seemingly elusive work-life balance. With hybrid and remote work, many are finding themselves sitting all day long. Standing desks, on the other hand, can keep you from being stuck in the same position all day long, which can lead to back and neck pain caused by sedentary behavior. (Don’t even get us started working from your couch.)
Luckily, ergonomic furniture like standing desks exist—and they’re here to support your posture. Desk models range from basic versions (think $100 or less) to fancy designs that can go for as much as $9,000. The good news is that we found great—and affordable—standing desk options that help with posture but won’t break the bank. Read on for the best standing desks (all under $500) and how to choose the best one for you and your work habits.
- 01What to look for in a budget-friendly standing desk
- 02Is it OK to use a standing desk all day?
- 03Is an expensive standing desk worth it?
- 04Best overall
- 05Best style
- 06Best portable
- 07Best spacious
- 08Best L-shaped
- 09Best storage
- 10Best ergonomic
- 11Best for living room use
- 12Best converter
- 13Best price
- 14Best multi-function
- 15Best multiple Desktops
- 16Best Manual
Best budget-friendly standing desks, at a glance
- Best overall: FlexiSpot E7 Premium Standing Desk, $300
- Best style: Shw Electric Height Adjustable Standing Desk, $157
- Best portable: Smug Mobile Laptop Desk, $63
- Best spacious: Yeshomy Adjustable Standing Desk, $120
- Best L-shaped: Fezibo L-Shaped Standing Desk, $200
- Best storage: FlexiSpot Comhar Standing Desk, $230
- Best ergonomic: Farexon Electric Adjustable Desk, $160
- Best for living room use: SS Line Rolling Adjustable Desk, $40
- Best converter: Vivo Desk Converter, $117
- Best multi-function: Tresanti Geller Adjustable Height Desk, $280
- Best for multiple desktops: Rocelco Adjustable Height Converter, $298
- Best manual: Mount-It! Adjustable Hand Crank Sit-Stand Desk, $430
What to look for in a budget-friendly standing desk
There are three main types of standing desks: electric, converters, and manual height adjustable desks. Electric standing ones utilize motors that raise, stop, and lower the desks to your desired height and usually come with a built-in control pad. For people who already own a desk but want the functionality of a standing desk, converters—a platform that transforms your existing desk into a standing desk—are a solid choice. Manual height adjustable desks, as the name implies, require manual adjustment (using a lever or some other system). This type of desk is typically a portable or a space-saving desk. Since manual height adjustable desks require no electrical work, they tend to be a more budget-friendly option in the standing desks category.
The type of desk you choose will depend on your lifestyle needs. For an easy and ready-to-use experience, go with electric models. Already have a desk you love? Opt for a converter. Want a no-frills desk and portability? We’d recommend a manual adjustment desk.
Beyond types of desks, you’ll also want to consider the shape and size. In terms of shape, most standing desks are rectangular, but there are ergonomic desks that have a slight curvature. Desk sizes change but for electric desks, they can measure up to 60 by 30 inches.
Is it OK to use a standing desk all day?
While standing desks have become increasingly popular because people are aware of the risks associated with a sedentary lifestyle, too much of one thing is not ideal–even with all their merits. Standing all day has its own set of problems. “Prolonged standing can lead to pain and discomfort just like prolonged sitting,” says Matthew Cavanaugh, DC, a chiropractor in Lafayette, Louisiana. “Symptoms of prolonged standing include leg and foot pain, swelling, back and neck pain, and varicose veins.” The secret is to find an ergonomic setup that allows you to sit and stand, invest in good quality supportive shoes, and take regular breaks to move, sit, and stretch.
Is an expensive standing desk worth it?
“From a health standpoint, it does not matter how much you spend on a standing desk,” Dr. Cavanaugh says. “What does matter when it comes to standing desks, is your height.” A person who is six feet tall would have trouble using a standing desk that is 33 inches high as it could cause bad posture and terrible ergonomics. By the end of the day, a person using too short of a desk will likely have pain spreading from their neck to their feet. Similar issues will present for someone using a desk that is too tall for them. A more expensive standing desk may be made of higher quality materials and offer a wider range of height adjustments but budget-friendly desks can offer the same benefit.
If you mean business, check out these best budget-friendly standing desks that will advance posture, minimize hunching, and keep you on your toes (pun intended).
The best budget-friendly standing desks
Best overall:
Normally $500
As far as electric desks go, FlexiSpot’s E7 Premium standing desk reigns supreme. You can use it as a traditional desk or move it up to 48.4 inches in one smooth motion. (Fear not, your coffee is not going to spill). The E7 Premium standing desk is exceptionally priced given the high-quality materials and all the customizable features. The legs of the desk, for example, are built from solid carbon steel–which comes in three colors: white, black, and gray–that wards off wobbling, no matter how many things you place on it (it can hold a load up to 355 pounds). You can select a desktop that will suit your decor and color scheme–no-chip wood, natural bamboo, or solid wood–and even add a curved front. To adjust, simply use the keypad, which comes with a built-in height adjuster and programmable memory sets, so the desk can automatically adjust to your desired height at the push of a button. There is even a child lock. This desk is where the office meets innovation.
Sizes available: 48″ x 24″ to 78″x 30″
Desktop finishes: 6 (in various colors)
Weight: 26 to 50.4 lbs
Pros:
- 4 memory presets
- Carbon steel frame
- Made of durable desktop materials
- Quiet motor
- Completely custimizable
Cons:
- Heavy
Best style:
The maple-colored desktop and white frame puts the Shw’s Electric Adjustable Standing Desk at the tippy top of the style category. There are six other desktop and frame colors to choose from, if maple is not your go-to. Beyond the design, this desk has some notable specs like four memory preset options (ideal for you and anyone else who plans to use the desk), a stainless steel frame, and a motorized lift that rises up to 45 inches. All these specs combined make it worth the money.
Sizes available:24″D x 47.25″W x 28″H
Desktop finishes: 7
Weight: 68.8 lbs.
Pros:
- 4 memory presets
- Stainless steel frame
- Stylish
Cons:
- Motor may be loud for some
- Heavy
Best portable:
Normally $69
This portable and lightweight desk is ideal for people who don’t like to sit in one spot. Work from the couch? No problem. Office chair? No biggie. The desk is equipped with four lockable, 360-degree wheels that maneuver easily and a waterproof and easy-to-clean top. Using a built-in lever, you can manually adjust the desktop between 28.5 inches to 42.5 inches. Now, you can meet deadlines and Zoom from anywhere (sofa included).
Sizes available:25.7″D x 19″W x 42.5″H
Desktop finishes: 2
Weight: 18.73 lbs.
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Easy to adjust
- Portable
Cons:
- Small desktop
Best spacious:
Need to fit two monitors and some desk accessories? This one’s for you. Yeshomy’s desktop clocks in at 55 by 24 inches. The extra desk space makes room for a desk lamp, multiple monitors, a mouse, books, and more. This motorized standing desk allows you to adjust it to a desired height, anywhere between 28.75 and 48 inches. In terms of assembly, you don’t need to be Bob the Builder to put this thing together. Packaged in two parts, this desk offers easy assembly.
Sizes available: 23.62″D x 55.11″W x 48″H
Desktop finishes: 3
Weight: 49 lbs.
Pros:
- Easy to assemble
- Stainless steel frame
- 2 memory presets
Cons:
- Heavy
Best L-shaped:
Normally $241
For the organizers, Fezibo’s Standing Desk offers an L shape to make your work-from-home setup feel like a legit office. The space grants you more wiggle room to place multiple monitors (no more cranking your neck. Built out of heavy-duty stainless steel and a strong motor, this desk can lift a load of up to 176 pounds and adjust between 27.6 inches to 47.3 inches, making it durable, functional, and spacious. Plus, it’s equipped with lockable wheels that make it easy to navigate your office.
Sizes available: 19.7″D x 41.3″W x 27.6″H
Desktop finishes: 2
Weight: 83 lbs.
Pros:
- L-shaped
- 3 memory presets
- 176-pound load capacity
Cons:
- Heavy
Best storage:
Normally $400
FlexiSpot’s Comhar Standing Desk proves that you don’t need a bigger desk to have more space. Boasting a spacious, built-in drawer, the Comhar provides hidden storage for all of your bits and bobs, whether you have sticky notes, pens, or books. Whenever your posture needs attention, use the command center to adjust the height up to 47.6 inches and preset your desired height using the four memory presets for easy lifting. The anti-collision technology that prevents your items from getting smooshed is pretty impressive. Non-distracting, minimal, and spacious—the Comhar will blend in and jazz up any room.
Sizes available: 47.3″ x 23.7″
Desktop finishes: 4
Weight: 83 lbs.
Pros:
- Anti-collision technology
- 4 memory presets
- Comes with built-in drawer
Cons:
- May be small for some
Best ergonomic:
If you’re looking for a desk that’s ergonomic and fits your chair, we recommend Farexon’s Adjustable Desk. It has a curved desktop that makes maneuvering and adjusting seamless. Other notable features of this desk that put it as a top budget-friendly option are the height adjustments between 27 and 45 inches, four memory presets, and anti-collision technology that hinders your belongings from getting smashed. Even more, water is no match for this desk thanks to the liquid-resistant tabletop.
Sizes available: 24″D x 59″W x 45″H
Desktop finishes: 4
Weight: not specified
Pros:
- 4 memory presets
- Ergonomic
- Anti-collision technology
Cons:
- May be shaky for some
Best for living room use:
Normally $49
Working from home doesn’t necessarily mean you’re working from a chair. For a comfy, feel-good work spot, a couch or reading chair might do the trick. It’s all possible with SS Line’s Rolling Adjustable Desk, which can transform your living room into a workspace, if that’s what you fancy. It can be adjusted up to 38.58 inches, rolls smoothy under a couch or bed, and is easy to assemble—what’s not to love? Once work is done, it doubles as a side table for placing snacks, magazines, and beverages.
Sizes available: 33.5″ x 25.5″ x 24.5″
Desktop finishes: 2
Weight: not specified
Pros:
- Portable
- Easy to assemble
- Suitable for bed and couch
Cons:
- Extends only to 38.58 inches
Best converter:
Normally $130
If you’ve got a desk at home, don’t fret because this converter will transform it into a standing machine. This adjustable platform positions you to sit and stand in a matter of seconds, and the converter holds up to 33 pounds. While small, the converter is mighty, fitting two whole monitors. Also nice: It comes with a keyboard tray, so you’ll have a designated spot for typing. Out of the box, the converter comes assembled. All that’s required is the keyboard attachment, and you’re ready for business.
Sizes available: 15.9″D x 31.5″W x 4.4″H
Desktop finishes: 3
Weight: 25.2 pounds
Pros:
- Easy assembly
- Stainless steel frame
- Lightweight
Cons:
- Limited space
- Holds less weight
Best multi-function:
Dr. Cavanagh likes the Tresanti Geller adjustable desk with a glass desktop so much, he purchased a few for his office treatment rooms. “It has an intelligent cable management system to hide unwanted cords and even offers a dry-erase compatible top,” he notes. Think of this standing desk as a workstation for those who have a lot going on, or like organization. It comes with charging ports and can change position from sitting, at about 30 inches to standing as high as 47 inches. The control comes with a lock button, so you don’t have to worry about moving it accidentally. Bonus: The partitioned drawer will keep all your office supplies in one place.
Sizes available: 47.3″W x 25.5″L x 29.3″
Desktop finishes: 1
Weight: not specified
Pros:
- Dry erase top
- Adjustable
- Height locks
- 3 charging ports
Cons:
- Not ideal for very tall users
Best for multiple desktops:
For those who may not want to fully commit to a standing desk, the adjustable Rocelco converter is the way to go. It provides a spacious desk surface that can hold a large monitor. In fact, it can hold up to three medium-sized monitors at once (if that’s what your gig requires.) The retractable ergonomic keyboard tray can hold a laptop, to boot. Dr. Cavanaugh likes this converter desk since it has a power supply on the desk–there are also four outlets and two USB charging ports. “I am a fan of the grommet hole for cable management,” he adds. And if you love it on a daily basis, you can purchase the floor stand for a more permanent fixture.
Sizes available: 45.75″W x 23.25″D x 5″H
Desktop finishes: 1
Weight: 42 lbs.
Pros:
- Hold multiple monitors
- 2 USB ports and 4
- Ergonomic keyboard tray
Cons:
- Pricey
- Heavy
Best manual:
For those who don’t need frills of fancy gadgets. The Mount-It! Hand Crank adjustable desk is ideal for anyone who appreciates the basics. The easy-to-maneuver lever can move your desk from almost 30 inches high to almost 50 inches. Sure, it may seem old school to have to get up and actually adjust the height, but it will last you years. “One of my concerns with standing desks is that the motor may go out on them one day and you’ll be stuck at whatever height it decides to break it,” Dr. Cavanaugh notes. “This hand crank takes care of that concern and ensures the perfect height for its user every time.” Plus, the spacious 55-inch tabletop won’t make you feel claustrophobic while you work.
Sizes available: 55″W x 29″D x 29.8″
Desktop finishes: 1
Weight: 97 lbs.
Pros:
- Spacious
- No power source required
Cons:
- Must move to adjust
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