The Best Standing Desk Converters for 2022
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Best Standing Desk Converter
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These versatile accessories provide height flexibility and add functionality when using a desk with a laptop or monitor. To help you select which one is best for you, I have outlined the various features below along with a list of the best standing desk converters currently available.
UPDATED: March 8, 2022.
MY TOP PICK:
If you are looking for the best overall, I recommend the FlexiSport M7B because it features a two-tier adjustable height design that moves within its own footprint, a separate keyboard and mouse tray, and is available in several colors.
Many of us spend a large percentage of our day at a computer desk, therefore it is important to maximize our health when working. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), working in the same posture or sitting still for prolonged periods is not healthy. They recommend that you should change your working position frequently when working:
Make small adjustments to your chair or backrest.
Stretch your fingers, hands, arms, and torso.
Periodically stand up and walk around for a few minutes.
Perform some of your tasks standing: computing, reading, phone, meetings.
Proper Posture
In addition to regularly moving while working, OSHA has several recommendations for maintaining proper posture. For example, when sitting upright at a desk, your neck and torso should be vertical, with your upper legs being horizontal, and your lower legs vertical. When at a standing desk your head and neck to your legs should all be vertical and in-line with your feet slightly apart.
The top of the monitor should be located at or just below eye level to help maintain the correct posture while sitting or standing.
What is a standing desk converter?
As the name implies a standing desk converter transforms your standard sitting desk into a standing desk and back again. Standing desks can be quite expensive and if they are the fixed-in-place version, they only offer the ability to stand.
These converters provide all of the benefits of a traditional sitting desk with the added flexibility of standing. They are a great option for use at your place of work or if you have a home office desk setup.
Types of Desk Converters
There is a range of different options when it comes to standing desk converters. The most common is the two-tier option which has a large upper surface for the monitor and a lower surface for the keyboard and mouse or even a laptop. This has the benefit of allowing your hands to rest at a lower position than the base of the monitor stand which provides a more ergonomic setup.
Other models offer just a single tier that rises up and down and everything is placed on that one tabletop. These typically have the advantage of a lower minimum height from the desktop when it is fully retracted.
There are also models just for laptops that offer the ability to raise it off of the desk. This makes it great for using as a second monitor on a desk since it places it at eye level.
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Here of some features and components to be aware of when selecting a specific model:
Height Adjustment
A key feature is the ability to adjust the height of the table which allows you to customize the configuration to your height and the elevation of the desk or table. The table height is typically controlled via a lever that activates a pneumatic piston within the table structure support. This helps to offset the weight of the table and make it easier to lift.
There are also versions that are spring-operated to perform the same function. Simpler models do not have any lift support and must be manually lifted into place.
The exact procedure will vary by model but most pneumatic lifts operate using a similar system. To raise the table simply pull up on the lever and the tabletop will raise. To lower the tabletop, lift up on the lever and carefully lower it while keeping hands and any obstructions clear.
Take note of the highest and lowest possible positions that the particular model is capable of achieving. In the lowest possible setting, some of these units are still 5"+ off of the surface of the desk. Your height and the table you are using will help you to determine if it will work for your particular setup.
Table Size
There are several dimensions to consider when selecting a converter model. The first is if you intend to use this with one or two monitors. A two-monitor setup will obviously require a wider upper-tier tabletop and result in a much larger unit. You may want to go with a wider table even if you have a single monitor as it allows for future expansion and using it for other accessories.
The overall width and depth of the converter must be compared to the desk you are placing it on. There needs to be adequate area for the supporting structure and feet to be placed without overhanging at the front or back.
Materials
Most of these units are constructed from a variety of materials that provide both the structure and the table surfaces. The tabletops are often made from engineered wood that provides a smooth and level surface that is easy to clean.
The primary structure and moveable components are usually constructed from steel to provide rigidity and to reduce movement. This also adds significant weight, which as long as you are not constantly moving it around, can be a benefit since it reduces the incidence of a shaky monitor.
Supporting Weight
A key feature to look out for is the rating for how much weight the table can support. These converters should be fine carrying the weight of most standard monitors but if you have an unusually heavy screen it is worth checking if it can be supported.
Also, keep in mind if you plan on putting two monitors on it that will obviously double the weight. Placing other things on the table can quickly add up such as plants and books, so try to keep these things off of the moveable tabletop to avoid potentially causing damage. If it is equipped with a keyboard tray, this will have a significantly lower weight capacity so only use it for recommended items.
Note that the supporting table needs to be sturdy and strong enough to not only support the weight of the desk converter setup but also the monitor(s) and other accessories.
Now, on to the individual products. Each unit included below has been assigned a key feature that makes it particularly noteworthy and has been broken down according to its essential functions to help you make an informed selection.
So here is my list of The Best Standing Desk Converters for 2022.
Enjoy!
Best Overall: FlexiSport M7B Standing Desk Converter
The FlexiSport M7B desk converter features a range of available sizes from a 28" desktop width up to 42".
Equipped with a full-sized keyboard tray to support a keyboard and mouse without moving any accessories.
Features a movement that rises and lowers vertically within its own footprint, reducing the space it requires.
Equipped with a single handle to easily raise or lower the surfaces from 4.7" up to 19.7".
Features a quick-release on the keyboard tray to remove it when not needed.
Features a desktop that supports up to 33 pounds and a keyboard tray that can hold up to 4.4 pounds.
Available in a range of color options to suit your aesthetic needs.
Runner-up: Fezibo Standing Desk Converter
The Fezibo desk converter offers the ability to keep a keyboard and mouse on a separate 28” x 9” surface.
Features a top surface with dimensions of 36” x 22”.
Equipped with a surface large enough to support two side by side monitors.
Features a two-tiered design with a separate keyboard and mouse tray.
Does not require moving accessories when raising or lowering.
Equipped with a spring-loaded boost mechanism.
Features eight points of height adjustment for custom comfort.
Includes a small storage tray on the front top surface for accessories.
Best for Large Monitors: Flexispot Standing Desk Converter
The FlexiSport M3B desk converter features a large 47” width that can support up to two 27” screens.
Equipped with a single handle to easily raise or lower the surfaces.
Features a movement that rises and lowers vertically within its own footprint, reducing the space it requires.
Equipped with a full-sized keyboard tray to support a keyboard and mouse without moving any accessories.
Features a quick-release on the keyboard tray to remove it when not needed.
Offers the ability to switch from sitting to standing using 12 different height levels.
Best Value: VIVO Standing Desk Converter
The VIVO standing desk features a height-adjustable dual tiered platform sits on top of a desk and provides the benefit of standing or sitting on demand.
Constructed with a steel frame combined with innovative gas spring power holds up to 37.5 pounds.
Features eight points of height adjustment allowing you to adjust to your desired comfort level.
Equipped with a counterbalance tension that adjusts to the desk weight and everything on it for easy upwards movement.
Includes a small storage tray on the front top surface that provides extra space for accessories.
Features an adhesive cable clip that attaches to the steel frame under the desk surface to organize AV and power chords.
Best Lowest Height Setting: X-Elite Standing Desk Converter
The X-Elite Pro features an innovative air pump system that offers the ability to switch between sitting and standing in three seconds.
Features a standing height can be set anywhere from 7 to 16 inches.
Offers a sitting height of only 2.5 inches.
Designed for ergonomic comfort.
Features a desktop that accommodates a laptop, monitor, keyboard, mouse, and more.
No assembly is required.
Offered in four color options: black, cherry, maple, or white.
Best for Laptops: Executive Office Solutions Standing Desk Converter
The Executive Office Solutions converter features a lightweight aluminum tray that makes carrying easy and holds a computer at virtually any position or angle.
Fully adjustable legs rotate 360 degrees and lock in place at various angles.
Quickly collapse the stand to make it portable.
Multi-use table can also be used for a tv dinner tray, sound equipment, projector, standing desk, book tray, writing desk, and tablet holder.
Includes non-slip feet for use on tabletops and desktops.
Must-have Accessory
Don’t forget the standing mat.
Best Maximum Height Setting: Rocelco Standing Desk Converter
The Rocelco stand features a retractable keyboard tray that is large enough to accommodate a laptop if needed, for multi-screen use.
Includes a side paddle to quickly adjust the height of the desktop.
Offers five height level increments from 5" to 16.3" above the desk surface it sits on.
Offers a large 37” x 20.5” desk area that can fit up to two 32” monitors.
Includes a grommet at the back of the top for keeping cables organized.
No assembly is required.
Best Compact Design: Mount-It Standing Desk Converter
The Mount-It! converter features a spring-assisted lift mechanism that allows the surface to quickly raise and lower with minimal effort.
Features a desktop platform and keyboard tray that are sized to support laptops with keyboard and mouse side by side.
Equipped with a soft cushioning pad that provides ergonomic comfort.
Features a large freestanding base that requires no modification to an existing desk and provides stable support.
Offers a quick and easy way to switch from sitting to standing.
Best Lightweight Design: DeskDoc Standing Desk Converter
The DeskDoc Strong features a lightweight and compact design.
Features a height-adjustable system that sits on an existing desktop.
Equipped with a 32” x 20” table surface.
Offers the ability to support a laptop or screen and keyboard for a range of options.
Features a spring-assisted lift mechanism to easily raise and lower the top.
I hope this list of the best standing desk converters was helpful.
If you think I left out one that is important or have a suggestion for a future article, let me know in the comments below.
Brandon Hubbard, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP BD+C
