A standing desk converter lets you have the best of both worlds by turning your ordinary desk into a standing desk - at a fraction of the cost. They come in countless styles and sizes - here at the top 9 we’ve found.
We’ve done the digging and uncovered the Ergotron WorkFit-T as the overall best standing desk converter for most people! However – it’s certainly not the only great option.
Different work needs, body types and tastes all factor into finding the right option for you. Our Bitcatcha team have been masters of working remotely for the past 8 years and we’re always looking out for the best options.
Let’s face it, by now we all know the dangers of sitting all day at our desk. Whether for heart health or weight loss – there are many reasons to spend more time on our feet.
A standing desk converter (also called a ‘desk riser’) is a device that sits on top of your normal desk, and lets you elevate your workstation whenever you feel like it. The point is to let you alternate between sitting and standing at work. If you don’t have the budget or space for a full standing desk, then a standing desk converter can be a great workaround solution.
Note
Prices shown in this article were based on the time of writing. To view current prices, click on the various product links.
This outstanding desk riser comes from Ergotron, a company based out of Minnesota, and uses a double Z, two-tiered design. It sits on top of your usual desk as a shining example of a premium desk riser. Though it doesn’t come cheap, we’re putting it top of our list because it does so many things right.
Stability is a key element of any desk, and this one is rock-solid. Even at its highest standing height, there’s little bounce or wobbling, thanks to its high-quality build. Alternating between sitting and standing is as simple as squeezing the handles, and lifting/lowering the platform.
The desk offers 20 pre-set heights which should be plenty enough to find the most ergonomic angle for most people. And whilst some desk risers lurch forward in an arc when lifted to standing height, the Workfit-T rises in a space-saving vertical motion. This makes it ideal for shallow desks and small workspaces.
Premium design and superior construction make the Ergotron our first choice. It looks extremely professional and comes in a few different sizes, each providing roomy desk space to work with. Whilst pricey, if you’ve got the budget to invest in a premium solution, the Ergotron Workfit-T won’t disappoint you. It’s gotten rave reviews!
[On the 37.5”] Solid as a rock. I’m a big person and I can lean on it heavily and it doesn’t move. Yes you can make it rock a tiny bit, but it doesn’t move a millimetre when I hammer away on my keyboard.”
| Specifications | Descriptions |
|---|---|
| Height | 15” of vertical lift |
| Size variations | 35”, 37.5” |
| Materials | Metal |
| Item weight | 56 lbs |
| Mounting type | Tabletop |
| Work surface | 35″(W) x 23″(D) |
| Weight limit | 10-35 lbs |
| Price | $489.00 (see on Amazon) |
Next is FlexiSpot’s AlcoveRiser. We’re putting it second because it strikes the perfect balance between affordability and functionality. It arrives ready-to-use. In the words of my colleague who unboxed it, “installation is brain-dead easy”, you just slide in the keyboard tray.
This desk converter uses a simple 2-tier design and is very robust and reliable. The powerful gas spring system and double-X frame keeps the weight distribution even, so it feels sturdy to type on, and when you’re moving it up and down. If you like alternating between sitting and standing frequently, this desk won’t hold you back.
Since it moves straight up when lifted, this converter takes up a small footprint and is ideal for shallow spaces and smaller desks – letting you set up a healthy workspace wherever and wherever your heart desires! Because the frame comes with rubber to protect your base desk, you can plonk it on any desk or kitchen counter without worrying about scratches. The keyboard tray fits a keyboard and mouse, but it also works well for seating laptops, thanks to the wide U-shaped desktop cutout.
Lastly – we love that this comes in wooden variations. We couldn’t get one near us, but we’d probably opt for this one.
It is super easy, barely an inconvenience to go from sitting to standing to sitting again. One lever on the right side of the riser to go up or down. When down, the keyboard tray sits flush against the desk, almost like it was designed that way. There is no wobble in the unit at all. Everything feels quite sturdy.”
| Specifications | Descriptions |
|---|---|
| Height | Goes from 4.7” – 19.7” |
| Size variations | 28″, 35″, 30″, 32″, 42″ |
| Materials | Engineered wood, alloy steel |
| Item weight | 34.9 lbs |
| Mounting type | Tabletop |
| Work surface | 28.4”(W) x 16.3”(D) |
| Weight limit | 33lbs (desktop), 5lbs (keyboard tray) |
| Price | $109.99 (see on Amazon) |
This VIVO comes very highly recommended, with a dazzling 4.7/5 stars on Amazon. It uses a 2-tier design that gives users a great ergonomic typing experience.
One of the best things about this desk is that it offers unlimited points of adjustment. Most desk converters make you choose between a limited number of fixed heights – but the VIVO Adjustable lets you raise your work platform and set it at the exact right height for your maximum comfort.
Another stand out feature is the size of the tiers. Both are very roomy and the keyboard tray is very ample – enough to comfortably fit a normal keyboard, mouse, and more. It also has a fairly low profile of 4.5” when it’s in its lowest position, which means you’ll probably only need to raise your chair a little higher when sitting. Since the keyboard tray is removable, you can also just remove it and place your keyboard/mouse on your original tabletop.
Thanks to the pneumatic lift assist technology, it’s easy to shift between positions and can even be adjusted with one hand without straining your back.
In all this desk riser is well-priced, easy to use and flexible enough to suit different setups and body types. They specify that users should be 6’0” and below (when used on a 30” high table), but we also read some reviews from users around 6’2 who said they loved it.
Highly recommended. Great design, features and overall look at a fantastic price. After only one week with this setup my hip and leg pain are gone. If you have been on the fence, get off and get yourself a standing desk. If your space is limited, get this VIVO.”
| Specifications | Descriptions |
|---|---|
| Height | Goes from 4.5” to 20” |
| Size variations | 32″ |
| Materials | Steel, wood |
| Item weight | 28.2 lbs |
| Mounting type | Tabletop |
| Work surface | 31.5”(W) x 15.7”(D) |
| Weight limit | 33 lbs (Desktop), 4 lbs (Keyboard Tray) |
| Price | $109.99 (see on Amazon) |
This wooden beauty from Jumbo is a breath of fresh air. It’s made from strong high quality Baltic Birch laminate that is easy to assemble.
We love the Jumbo DeskStand mostly for how it looks. Whilst some standing desk converters can look bulky, the light wooden construction for this one gives it a light and airy feel. It doesn’t have that ‘depressing office corporate’ feel, and won’t look out of place in a home.
There are no fancy features here – it uses a 10 slot ladder and two wooden platforms. It’s very manual, but it does give you the ability to change the distance of the lower and upper platform relative to each other. This is ‘dual ergonomics’ in action – and lets you make sure you can get the optimum typing position.
Note that this desk does ‘standing’ a lot better than ‘sitting’. There are no moving parts to transition you between sitting and standing, and you’ll need to remove anything on the platform everytime you want to change the heights. On the bright side – it’s exceptionally easy to pack and store somewhere else when you want your normal deskspace back!
I like the flexibility to adjust the vertical distance between my keyboard and my screen. I didn’t want a heavy black metal contraption that would permanently take over my desk”. And, “My favorite part of this desk is that it can be easily broken down and stored cleanly under a desk or in a closet.”
| Specifications | Descriptions |
|---|---|
| Height | Top shelf sits at 25” |
| Size variations | Original and Jumbo |
| Materials | Wood |
| Item weight | 21.9 lbs |
| Mounting type | Tabletop |
| Work surface | 30″(W) x 20.86″(D) |
| Weight limit | 35 lbs for the top stand |
| Price | $129.00 (see on Amazon) |
Want a desk riser that takes minimal physical effort? Consider an electric option. We love this one from FlexiSpot that takes you from sitting and standing in seconds – all by holding a button.
It’s powered by a motor, which means you can change its height without any physical strain. Wow-factor aside – it’s ideal for anyone with injuries or back pain! Even better – there are no ‘predetermined’ heights, so you can stop the desk at any height that feels right.
As well as being well-priced for an electric option – this model has some nifty features. For example, it uses a patented bracing system to keep motion smooth, even when loaded up with your heavy monitor. You also get a nice spacious U-shaped surface and a cutout over the keyboard tray for laptops. It’s not ready out of the box, but setting up this bad boy should only take around 15 minutes.
When I was looking at the different desk risers available, the fact that this one is motorized made me choose it over the other options. It’s really easy to adjust the height by pushing the button. My Mac monitor is really big but I have plenty of space left for a small lamp and my mac mini to fit on the top part of the stand.”
| Specifications | Descriptions |
|---|---|
| Height | 17” of vertical lift |
| Size variations | 36″, 40″ |
| Materials | Engineered wood, alloy steel |
| Item weight | 36.9 lbs |
| Mounting type | Tabletop |
| Work surface | 40″(W) x 16.3″(D) |
| Weight limit | 44 lbs for desktop, 11 lbs for keyboard tray |
| Price | $229.99 (see on Amazon) |
Not everyone wants to sell their kidney for a standing desk, and the VIVO Ultra-Slim Single Top converter is a great affordable option. This single-tiered riser retails for under $100, making it perfect for lower budgets, or anyone new to standing desks.
True to its ‘ultra-slim’ name, this sits on your desk at an impressively low profile of 1.5”. This keeps everything on your desk at a comfortable height even when you’re sitting. The large platform surface accommodates many different types of desk layouts – including a full-sized keyboard!
Design-wise, it uses a powerful pneumatic spring to help you change position quickly. However, you don’t get many height options. This desk only locks at the lowest position and maximum height settings, which means that if you’re exceptionally tall or short – this may not be the best ergonomic fit for you. However, if you want a simple converter that doesn’t overpower your desk, or your wallet, it’s ideal.
Loving this product. The price wasn’t as high as other products and it gets the job done. Big enough for essential items that need to go up and down with me. Fit the monitor, laptop, keyboard and mouse with room to still write on a notebook if I need to take notes. I still had room on the other parts of my desk to put other essentials. Great buy!”
| Specifications | Descriptions |
|---|---|
| Height | 1.5” (resting position) to (10.5″ – 15”)* |
| Size variations | 31” |
| Materials | Alloy steel and MDF particle board |
| Item weight | 19.36 lbs |
| Mounting type | Tabletop |
| Work surface | 31.1”(W) x 21.3”(D) |
| Weight limit | 17.6 lbs. |
| Price | $94.99 (see on Amazon) |
Functionality meets Scandinavian design in the Opløft. Initially a Kickstarter success story, it’s now a popular product on Amazon with a sweet 4.3/5 star rating.
The Opløft is another super-slim desk converter. It consists of a single platform which becomes unbelievably flat when compressed! This helps the Opløft integrate seamlessly with your usual workstation since it’s almost invisible at its 1.2” profile . You can keep it permanently on your desk and lift it up whenever you feel the urge to stand. The surface itself is also very spacious.
It uses a sleek cross-structure design and gas lift technology to raise up to 14 different height levels. The result looks stylish and minimalist, and it also saves space since it collapses into its own footprint. Users report it as being very stable.
It’s also surprisingly lightweight, which makes it portable and easy to store. Perfect for moving your workspace around and being productive anywhere – be it meeting rooms hot-desks, or your kitchen table.
Oploft also fits the décor of our office nicely. The sleek white color of the platform paired with its slim, low-profile makes for an extremely eye-catching piece of furniture. It may just be me, but seeing these throughout the building really makes the office aesthetic “pop” and gives a feeling of progress and productivity…”
| Specifications | Descriptions |
|---|---|
| Height | 1.2” – 16.5″ of vertical lift. |
| Size variations | N/A |
| Materials | Aluminium |
| Item weight | 26.5 lbs |
| Mounting type | Tabletop |
| Work surface | 30.7”(W) x 23.62”(D) |
| Weight limit | 26 lbs |
| Price | $349.00 (see on Amazon) |
The Fully Cooper Standing Desk Converter is another example of how ergonomic options don’t need to look clunky or gross. This beautiful steel frame is blended with bamboo to create a stylish alternative to many desk risers on the market. It also has some nice ergonomic touches, such as a bevelled edge on the keyboard tray which is comfortable for resting your wrists.
This standing desk also performs fantastically. It’s frame is made out of sturdy steel, rather than aluminium, and its double-X formation distributes weight evenly at any height, which keeps it stable. It rises up in a straight vertical motion, rather than arcing outwards.
It provides infinite adjustable height positions and you can simply operate the hydraulic lift to get it to the perfect position for sitting or standing. This model also has rave reviews on Amazon!
This adjustable desk came quickly, required NO assembly and now makes my work days much more pleasant! It’s attractive and has no “chemical” smell which is great. I am 100% pleased and satisfied with it. Only note: it’s not light.”
| Specifications | Descriptions |
|---|---|
| Height | 35” of vertical lift |
| Size variations | N/A |
| Materials | Bamboo desktop and strong power coated steel frame |
| Item weight | 57.1 lbs |
| Mounting type | Tabletop |
| Work surface | 35.4″(W) x 20.7″(D) |
| Weight limit | 35 lbs |
| Price | $299.00 (see on Amazon) |
If you have multiple monitors, or a lot of extra hardware, the VariDesk Pro Plus 48” is a great option. It can hold up to a whopping 45 lbs in total, and stays stable at any height. It uses a two-tier design and takes up quite a lot of space on your desk, but this does give it the benefit of stability.
Another pro is that it adjusts more easily than many desks on the market. Its rowing-lift raising mechanism means you don’t need to use much force to move it, and you can keep your back in a neutral state. That said, if you’re suffering from injury, an electric desk may be a better option.
It gives you a decent amount of adjustment with 11 pre-set height options. We kind of wish there were more though, for the price-tag (the Ergotron Workfit-T retails around the same, but offers 20 height options).
If your set-up isn’t so heavy but you like the VariPro Plus’s design – this comes in 2 smaller sizes at (30”, 36”) which are considerably cheaper.
Setting it up was cake. There’s no assembly. I got everything setup in 15 mins, and it was back to work. I love the desk.”
| Specifications | Descriptions |
|---|---|
| Height | 17.5” |
| Size variations | 30” (single monitor), 36” (dual monitor), 48” (for people up to 6’1) |
| Materials | N/A |
| Item weight | 52.5 lbs |
| Mounting type | Tabletop |
| Work surface | 36″(W) x 29.75″(D) |
| Weight limit | 45 lbs (for the 48” model) |
| Price | $495.00 (see on Amazon) |
So which model is best for you? It depends! Here are the things to consider when picking a standing desk converter:
A standing desk should be easy to shift to standing mode, and provide enough adjustability for you to find your perfect ergonomic height.
Standing desks come in many different designs and materials – from your Z-shaped, to your X-frames. You want to make sure it can strike a balance between functionality and looks – so that it’s sturdy enough to stand your items, and that it can complement the office or home you’re in.
It’s important to check how much height you need to work whilst standing at your desk comfortably – especially if you’re a particularly tall or short person. Remember to take into account the height of your ordinary desk when calculating this. You’ll also want to check that the desk can fit comfortably onto your desk space.
Standing desk converters typically have a recommended limit for the amount of weight they can support. If you have large monitors or dual monitors, you’ll need to double check that this is supported.
When you first get your standing desk, it’s normal that you’ll need to make a few adjustments to your normal sitting height. Even the thinnest converters will raise your keyboard tray up by about 1” higher than it was before (unless the tray can be removed). This will require you to raise your chair slightly, and you’ll probably need to tilt your monitors down.
Since most desk converters are moving items, you’ll need to make sure that the cables going into your monitor and keyboards have enough slack to go from sit to standing position! Make sure you’re also able to route them away from any moving parts that can pinch and damage them.
Experts suggest a balance of sitting and standing. Try alternating every hour to see what works best for you. If you get fatigued – you can try stretching or shifting your weight.
Standing all day is tiring, so make sure you have a good chair with solid lumbar support, and that lets you make height adjustments. Alternatively, look into a leaning chair, which gives you the option to lean, sit or stand.
A standing mat is a cheap addition that can help take some of the pressure off your feet, and prevent fatigue. Alternatively, make sure you’re wearing some supportive shoes.
With the rise of remote work and freelancing, more people are catching on to the benefits of standing at work. Here are just a few of them, and how a standing desk converter can bring value:
So there you have it – the best standing desk converters that we’ve found. These devices can transform your work space and make it truly comfortable for long hours of use.
Let’s compare our top standing desk converters:
Overall, our favorite standing desk converter is Ergotron WorkFit-T. In second place is FlexiSpot’s AlcoveRiser Standing Desk Converter, but we’d also highly recommend the VIVO Adjustable Desk Riser as it is a top-rated pick on Amazon.
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