Tapping away at a standing desk at home or in the office was once thought to be a wacky work practice, but the best standing desks are now believed to offer real benefits. They can help us live less sedentary lives, reduce back and neck strain, and feel more focused throughout the day.
There’s growing research to back the switch. Regular movement throughout the workday has been linked to improved posture, reduced fatigue and even lower blood sugar levels. A recent study from the University of Waterloo in Canada recommends alternating between sitting and standing every 30 to 60 minutes, aiming for a 1:1 ratio across the day to reduce the strain and stiffness that comes from staying in one position too long.
So, what should you look out for? Firstly, a good height range, especially if more than one person is using the desk. Some models go low enough for children or shorter users, while others extend to suit taller adults. Stability is key. Cheaper desks tend to wobble at full height, particularly when you start typing, which can be distracting and bad for your posture. You also need Whether you’re using a crank or a motor, you want to be able to transition between sitting and standing quickly.
Desk space matters, too. You’ll need room for your laptop, monitor, maybe a second screen, a notebook, possibly a nice plant, and all the usual clutter, without feeling like you’re balancing it all on a tray table. Bonus points if it has cable tidies or a built-in power tray to stop things getting yanked every time you change position.
Whether you’re reworking your home setup or just trying to stop yourself from slumping into the sofa by 4pm, there’s a standing desk to suit everyone. In this guide, I’ve tested a wide range of standing desks, from compact risers that sit on top of your existing desk to full motorised models with programmable presets and generous desktop space. Some are sleek and stylish enough for your living room, while others are better suited to an actual home office.
What are the benefits of standing to work compared with sitting?
Research in Physiological Reviews suggests sitting at a desk for too long may contribute to a wide range of chronic issues, including heart disease, type two diabetes, certain types of cancers and an overall shorter life expectancy.
In addition, the Orthopaedic Hospital of Wisconsin states there are seven main health benefits associated with using a standing desk, including burning calories, energy bursts, improved posture, reduced back pain, improved wrist circulation and body circulation, as well as a general mood and focus boost. Lowering blood sugar spikes is also a potential benefit.
How I tested
I worked at all these desks for weeks to get an idea of how functional they were throughout the working day. I stood at this desk for most of my working day, occasionally sitting down to take a break.
I needed a desk that quickly moved from sitting to standing, so I wasn’t struggling to alter the height while also fielding a call. I was also mindful of whether the sit-stand mechanism would start to lag or whether any other problems would be thrown up with extended use.
To find the right desk, I assessed each by several key criteria:
- Adjustability: I ensured the desks had a good range of height adjustment to accommodate both sitting and standing positions comfortably. I wanted desks with smooth, fast, and quiet adjustments, so I could easily switch between positions throughout the day.
- Cable management: I wanted desks with good cable management. Raising and lowering the desk shouldn’t cause your laptop or PC to go flying, and proper cable management allows the desk to move freely without yanking on wires or causing jams.
- Stability: A wobbly desk isn’t just annoying to work at, but it can be dangerous, especially when you’re using it in a standing position. I wanted a desk with a sturdy frame and base that can support the weight of your equipment without any shaking or swaying.
- Size and surface area: I also considered if the desk was wide and deep enough to fit a monitor, keyboard, mouse and any other peripherals comfortably. I applied the cup of coffee test, which looked at whether I was likely to spill my morning brew because the desk was too cramped.
The best standing desks for 2025 are:
- Best overall – FlexiSpot E8 standing desk: £279.99, Flexispot.co.uk
- Best budget buy – Ikea skarsta trotten standing desk: £199, Ikea.com
- Best for cable management – Secretlab magnus pro standing desk: £729, Secretlab.co.uk
- Best sit-to-stand desk – Yo-Yo standing desk 90: £242.95, Amazon.co.uk
- Best for kids – FlexiSpot children’s standing desk: £169.99, Flexispot.co.uk
