Standing desk converters began pouring onto the market several years ago when the health benefits of alternating between sitting, and standing positions at work became known. Some cheap alternatives may look fine, but once you try adjusting them and you'll soon change your mind - make sure you do your research to buy the right desk the first time.
We’ve completed the research and test drives for you and only stock quality standing desks that are good enough for you to use every day. This buyers guide compares the options to help you make the right decision and choose an adjustable desk that suits your specific needs.
In part 1 of our standing desk buyers guide we looked at all the alternatives available for standing desks. Part 2 of the standing desk buyers guide compares electric height adjustable desks and includes recommendations for specific desks.
Ergotron Workfit-TL Sit Stand Desk Converter
The premium standing desk converter on the market in terms of action, quality and reliability. Able to support either single or dual monitors out of the box it also has the option of adding monitor arms. Smooth vertical travel action when adjusting the height makes it one of the better units ergonomically. A balanced design maintains the centre of gravity over the middle of the desk for stability.
Features Include:
- 15 different height adjustments
- Vertical action (straight up and down)
- 18 kg weight capacity
- Suitable for both single or dual monitors
- Large work platform
- Optional monitor arm (add on)
Strengths:
- Quality
- Smoothness
- Reliability
Weaknesses:
Best for: Ergonomic setups, tall users, where reliability is required
To find out more, take a look at the Ergotron Workfit-TL Sit Stand Desk Converter page.
Ergotron Workfit-Z Mini Sit Stand Desk Converter
The smaller sister of the Workfit-TL, the Workfit-Z is ideal for home offices, single monitor or laptop users. Its narrower work surface and sideways mechanism make it perfect for narrow desks such as reception desks.
Features Include:
- Infinite click-free height adjustments to 32 cm
- Vertical action (straight up and down)
- Narrow profile
- 11.4 kg weight capacity
- Suitable for single monitors or laptop
Strengths:
Weaknesses:
- Lighter weight construction
- Smaller size
Best for: Narrow desks, single monitors or laptops, home offices
For more information about the Ergotron, visit the Ergotron Workfit-Z Mini Sit Stand Desk Converter page.
Ergotron Workfit-LX Sit Stand Desk Mount System
The Workfit-LX Sit Stand Desk Mount uses an arm that attaches to any desk in small or large work spaces. We recommend it for situations with multiple users who enter small amounts or information such as libraries, dispatch offices etc. The mounting system has a full 360-degree rotation and is capable of holding up to an 11 kg monitor at a tilt of 75 degrees and a separate arm for the keyboard. This model provides complete control over the height of the monitor and keyboard.
Features include:
- Separate monitor and keyboard platform arm
- Highly adjustable
- Suitable for tall users
- Perfect for awkward spaces
Strengths:
Weaknesses:
- Stability (bounce) of keyboard platform
Best for: Limited space on workstation, tall users, situations of a shared workspace where users enter small amounts of information (eg libraries).
For more information about the Ergotron, visit the Ergotron Workfit-LX Sit Stand Desk Mount System page.
Humanscale Quickstand Eco Sit Stand
Humanscale has thought of everything with this stylish standing desk converter. Just slide the monitor and keyboard up and down the chassis (which also cleverly hides your cables) - no buttons, levers or other controls to worry about. The unit is suitable for laptop, single and dual monitor configurations. A beautiful, minimal design that will make any workspace look more sleek and modern.
Features include:
- Patented continuous self-locking mechanism
- Minimal aesthetic design
- 5-year warranty
- Instant variation from sitting to standing position and back
- Available in white or black
- Holds up to 16 kg of weight
- Portability - move the unit to another desk with ease
Strengths:
- High quality design and top build quality
- No levers - easy to adjust the height
- Good monitor adjustment
- Aesthetics
- Overall stability of unit
- Better price point than the Quickstand
Weaknesses:
- Monitor height must be adjusted at setup
- Slight bounce on keyboard platform
Best for: Anyone wanting a modern, easy to use converter, tall users, large monitor screens.
See our Humanscale Quickstand Eco Sit Stand page for more information.
Humanscale Quickstand Sit Stand
Interior Design Magazine named this sit stand desk converter “The Best Office Accessory of the Decade” in 2015.
Secured with a clamp at the back of the work area, both the screen and keyboard can be adjusted to the preferred height. A counterbalanced design eliminates any shaking of the desk while typing.
Features include:
- Dual monitor capability
- Separate height adjustable keyboard platform
- Plug and play cable operation
- Height 460 mm
- Available in white or black
- 5-year warranty
Strengths:
- Quality
- No levers - ease of adjustment
- Monitor adjustment
- Aesthetics
- Overall stability of unit
Weaknesses:
Best for: A user that wants the ability to adjust the height of screen and keyboard independently. Large monitor screens. People who value quality design and minimal aesthetics.
For more information see the Humanscale Quickstand Sit Stand page.
Ovation Sit Stand Unit
This standing desk converter unit can be adjusted to 15 different heights. A gas assisted lever make it simple to adjust the height and find the right position for your comfort. No assembly or installation is needed, just take it out of the box and place it on your desk. One of the best value for money options. There are two size options - the medium is suitable for dual monitors while the small is best for single monitor or laptop-only users.
Features include:
- Available in black or white
- Handy tablet or phone holder built in
- Vertical action (straight up and down)
- Adjustment levers on each side
- Height 380 mm
- Weight capacity 15 kg
- 10-year warranty
Strengths:
- Value for money
- Ergonomic action (vertical)
- Large work surface
- Smooth action
Weaknesses:
- Position of tablet cutout at front of work platform
Best for: Users looking for the best value for money
For more information see the Ovation Sit Stand Desktop Unit – Small or the Ovation Sit Stand Desktop Unit – Medium which has a larger footprint and weight capacity.
Varidesk Pro
A weighted base unit, the Varidesk also doesn’t need mounting to the desk. With a flat working surface, this unit is suitable for laptops and single monitors. The spring-loaded lift allows you to adjust the height to 11 different settings. With no clamps, the unit can be easily moved around to other desks.
Features include:
- Available in black
- Action movement is up and forward
- Height 390 mm
- Weight capacity 15 kg
- 1 year warranty
Strengths:
- Available in various platform sizes
Weaknesses:
- Not the most suitable ergonomically (because of the action/movement when adjusting the height)
- Platform sits 10 cm above the desk
- Stability when raised - center of gravity is weighted towards the front of the desk (tipping risk)
- Heavier weight of larger models
Best for: Built-in desks, laptop users
For more information, see our Varidesk Pro page.
Varidesk Pro Plus
Similar to the “Pro” series but with separate keyboard and work surface platforms. A weighted base unit, the Varidesk also doesn’t need mounting to the desk. Suitable for both single and dual monitor setup. The spring-loaded lift allows you to adjust the height to 11 different settings. With no clamps, the unit can be easily moved around to other desks.
Features include:
- Available in black
- Choice of two sizes - the Pro Plus 36 & Pro Plus 48
- Action movement (up and forward)
- Height 390 mm
- Weight capacity 15 kg
- 1 year warranty
Strengths:
- Available in various platform sizes
- Separate keyboard platform
Weaknesses:
- Not the most suitable ergonomically (because of the action/movement when adjusting the height)
- Low keyboard platform height
- Stability when raised - weight toward front of desk (tipping risk)
- Heavy weight of larger models
Best for: Built-in desks
For more information, see the Varidesk Pro Plus 36 & 48 page.
If you still aren’t sure which standing desk converter is best for you, come in and take a look at the complete range in our Perth showroom, call one of our experts on (08) 9240 7066 or contact us online for more personalised advice.