The verdict is still out on whether standing desks, as a verified thing, are actually better for you in the long run. As someone with some pretty severe back problems myself, I swear by them, and I’ve done a lot of research into the best options, both ergonomically and in terms of budget.
Let’s have a look, shall we?Sit-To-Stand Adapters
These gadgets are basically mini-desks that sit on the surface of your conventional seated desk, and rise up when you want to stand. They range from extremely simple, with wooden or metal risers and grooves that you need to operate manually, to lever or gas-operated lifting mechanisms, like the one in your office chair. Most of them include a separate keyboard tray, to keep an ideally ergonomic space between the computer screen and the typing surface. Popular models include the Varidesk in various sizes and features ($175-400) and the Vivo adjustable converter ($197-210).
Adapters are a good place to start if you’d like to try out the standing desk craze without investing a lot of money into a totally new setup. They’re relatively inexpensive, they’ll work on almost any standard desk, and they’re easy to move from place to place (especially if you use a laptop). On the other hand, they have a small surface area and weight limits, so more complex multi-monitor setups aren’t compatible.
Fixed Standing Desks
Unlike more elaborate solutions, a fixed standing desk sits at a single height for standing adults, and does not lower to a seated height.
While these fixed desks may have a small amount of adjustability for the sake of varying user heights and ergonomics (usually with some kind of locking bolt system), they’re too tall even at the lowest setting to be effectively used while sitting. Safco ($180) and Buddy ($187 and higher) are popular vendors with inexpensive options.Fixed desks are often combined with exercise equipment like treadmills or stationary bikes, creating a dedicated work/exercise station usually meant for short bursts with a laptop. They can be cheaper than sit-to-stand desks, but they generally require either a secondary computer or a laptop to use effectively, not to mention a second work area for sitting.
Hand-Cranked Sit-To-Stand Desks
A sit-to-stand desk is ideal for someone who wants a single work area that can accommodate both sitting and standing. The cheapest option is a hand-cranked model, which uses a rotary crank to raise and lower the surface of the desk while the feet stay in place. It’s the same sort of mechanism as a rotary jack on a big cargo trailer. Forgiving gearing and locking systems keep users from tiring out and the desk from “falling” on its riser system.
The Stand-Up Desk Store has well-reviewed crank models starting at just $200, and full-sized options are surprisingly economical if you can supply your own desktop surface. (If you have a current office desk you want to convert, it’s easy to screw an adjustable standing frame onto a desktop from a flat-pack assembled desk.) Without the specialized motors and control system of the powered variants, hand-cranked desks can stay cheap and relatively accessible. They’re also much lighter and easier to move around, and compatible with most or all of the add-ons in the accessory section below. If you want a complete system for a standing desk setup for the best price, this is it right here.
Powered Sit-To-Stand Desks
The new standard for standing desks (sorry) is the powered model, which hides small electric motors in the rising columns underneath the desktop. These start at around $500 (or less, if you…
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