Since early 2017, I have had the opportunity to review over 40 electric standing desks. These desks are what I would consider to be the most popular options available during this time period. While I have been involved in the standing desk industry for over a decade, my understanding of the products offered has grown tremendously over the most recent years. The opportunity to bring in competing products, put them together, test how they function and then completely tear them apart, has been amazing.
While standing desks might look the same from the pictures presented online, I can assure you, once you open them up, they are anything but the same. There are big differences in a lot of the brands offered and this was unknown to most buyers until I started to complete the reviews. My goal with these in-depth reviews has always been to help those who treat this purchase as an investment. Armed with this knowledge I hope you are able to make a smart buying decision. With that let’s take a closer look at the best standing desks for 2023.
Full Disclaimer: We are an office furniture dealer and sell some of the products we review. To learn more about the products we sell, our review process and why you can trust us, please visit: Why we’re different. Who is BTOD.com and The Breakroom Blog?
Monoprice – See at amazon.com. Monoprice offers the easiest-to-assemble standing desk in the entry-level category that I have tested. It is also the best-looking frame option in the $200+ category, featuring a clean programmable switch desk. Each frame comes standard with collision avoidance. Full Monoprice Review…
VIVO – See at amazon.com. VIVO’s standing desk frame feels sturdier compared to the Monoprice frame that I tested. Each desk comes standard with a three-button programmable switch featuring one-touch functionality. This frame doesn’t include collision avoidance. Full VIVO Review…
Flexispot EC1 – See at flexispot.com. The Flexispot EC1 is likely the most popular entry-level standing desk in its category. It is currently the least expensive option among the three standing desks I would recommend at this price point. The frame is an exact match to the VIVO frame. Full Flexispot EC1 Review…
Envy – See at btod.com. The Envy is the least expensive option in the mid-range category and comes standard with a 3-button programmable switch. Envy Desk is designed to go as low as 23.1″ to a max height of 49.1″, with a max weight capacity of 350 lbs. Each Envy comes with 30-day free returns and a 15 year warranty on the complete desk. Envy Review…
VertDesk v3 – See at btod.com. The VertDesk v3 features premium electronics and components that are typically offered on desks twice the price. Each desk is currently built in the USA and provides the best all-around stability for the mid-range segment. VertDesk offers 30-day free returns and a lifetime warranty on the complete desk. VertDesk v3 Review…
Uplift Commercial – See at amazon.com. Similar to the Steelcase Ology, the Uplift Commercial can go as low as 22.6″ tall at its lowest point. It is one of the most laterally stable desks we have tested. Uplift Desks offers free 30-day returns and a 15-year warranty on the complete desk. Full Uplift Review…
Fully Jarvis Extended – See at amazon.com. The Jarvis Extended standing desk has the tallest maximum height among mid-range desks, reaching up to 51.1″. Each Jarvis desk also comes with a 15-year warranty on the frame and a 5-year warranty for the surface. Full Jarvis Review…
NewHeights Elegante – See at btod.com. NewHeights Elegante features a lifetime warranty on the frame and surface. Each desk includes a 30-day free returns policy and is made in the USA. Enjoy Bluetooth connectivity with voice control. The sleek and durable aluminum columns are built to last. Full Elegante Review…
Steelcase Ology – See at steelcase.com. Steelcase Ology features one of the lowest ranges in the group, with a minimum height of only 22″. Each desk includes a 12-year warranty on the frame and surface, along with an advanced Linak Frame technology package. Full Ology Review…
Herman Miller Renew – See at hermanmiller.com. The Herman Miller Renew is the second desk on the list to feature a “done for you” warranty service. It is also the only option on the list that offers a wood veneer surface option, which helps keep costs lower compared to ultra-premium options. Full Renew Review…
NewHeights S Series – See at btod.com. The NewHeights S series offers worry-free shopping with 365-day free returns. Each desk includes hassle-free white glove delivery and a lifetime “Done For You” warranty. Proudly made in the USA, it features stylish and durable aluminum columns. Full S Series Review…
Ergonofis Alive – See at ergonofis.com. Ergonofis offers a beautiful live edge top option, adding a natural and rustic look to your workspace. It boasts the sleekest design among the Linak frames on the list. Each Alive standing desk is proudly made in the USA/Canada, ensuring superior quality. Full Alive Review…
As the name implies, my picks for entry level desk are the best of this group, but still entry level for the category as a whole. These desks will get you standing for prices that are honestly hard to believe. For about $250, you can get a complete standing desk frame and surface that will allow you to stand at your desk without fear of falling over.
When shopping in the entry level category of standing desks, you can expect to see shorter warranties, slower adjustment speeds and limited technology with each frame. Stability tends to be a problem for many of the desks we’ve tested. This is also the only category to use a unique two-piece surface design to keep shipping costs down on products like Fezibo and SHW.
Lower quality finishes are to be expected with paint on frames, surface edge banding and components throughout the frame. While these shortcomings of the entry level exist, the three standing desks selected are the most complete options in the entry level price point.
I would consider the entry level desks if you want low-end frame quality and home office to light commercial surface options. All frames and surfaces in this range will be made in Asia.
VIVO 2023 Starting Price: $279.00 + Free Shipping! Buy Here: Amazon.com
Sturdier Frame Than Monoprice
Standard with Programmable Button
One Touch Height Adjustment
Low End Electronics & Components
Slow Adjustments of .9”/sec
No Collision Avoidance
Stability at Mid to Tall Heights
Made in China
The Vivo desk starts around the $279 price point, which is the most expensive option featured in the entry level category. It is also available in a larger size, at just over the $300 mark. Compared to the other desks we’ve tested like Fezibo and SHW, the VIVO feels more like a light commercial product, than the home use you’d find from those brands.
The configuration that we tested with the VIVO is the 30” x 48”, with black frame and light laminate. The VIVO frame is currently available in black and white, with 7 different laminate color options.
The frame on the Vivo is heavy, with a 1” thick laminate surface that is nice, but not as nice as the 1” laminate on the Uplift v2 Commercial. I would say this is better than what you get from Fully’s Extended frame when paired with their laminate, so it is a good value.
There is a three button programmable switch on the VIVO, which is a nice feature to have on a desk under $300. It looks and feels as you’d expect at this price point though. The Monoprice, which we also recommend under $300, has a nicer look and feels better. VIVO does include one touch functionality with their frame, which can be a nice feature to have. My only concern here is the lack of safety features built in for collision avoidance.
The VIVO is the slowest of all the desks I’d recommend considering, at only .9” per second adjustment speed. The other desks in the category move about 10% quicker, at just around 1” per second. This is compared to the mid range, premium and ultra premium options that move at 1.5” per second and faster.
VIVO currently comes with a three year warranty that covers the entire desk. They do offer returns for up to 30 days, but it is the customer’s responsibility to cover shipping. This can be quite expensive if you do not have an account with FedEx or UPS. Typically costing anywhere from $150 – $250, depending on your location
WobbleMeter tests coming soon for stability on VIVO standing desk.
< back to top
Flexispot EC1 2023 Starting Price: $199.00 + Free Shipping! Buy Here: Flexispot.com or Amazon.com
Most Affordable Option
5 Year Warranty on Frame
OEM of All Entry Level Desks
Sturdier Frame Than Monoprice
Low End Electronics & Components
Stability at Mid to Tall Heights
2 year Warranty on Electronics
Basic Up/Down Switch
No Collision Avoidance
Made in China
Flexispot EC1 is the least expensive option of the entry level products, with a price starting around $199.00. There are larger sizes available for an additional cost. As it stands right now, this is the best value from the entry level price point.
The fact that Flexispot has the best price isn’t surprising, since their parent company Loctek is the OEM manufacturer of all three standing desks featured in the entry level price point.
The configuration I tested for the EC1 is the 30” x 48” black laminate, with black frame and standard button. The lifting capacity advertised by Flexispot is 154 lbs.
Delivery options for the Flexispot EC1 are straight forward, with all EC1 deliveries via FedEx Ground.
The EC1 is very similar to the VIVO, and like the VIVO, the surface and frame feel more like a light duty commercial product than the home office version of the Monoprice desk. While not as nice as the laminate options on the Uplift or VertDesk in the midrange, it is still significantly better than other popular desks we’ve tested in the entry level from SHW and Fezibo.
Flexispot has the best warranty coverage of the three desks featured in the entry level, with 5 year coverage on the frame, motor and other mechanisms; with 2 year coverage on the controller, switch and electronics.
I purchased the Flexispot EC1 on Amazon, but the return policies from Amazon versus the Flexispot website are different. On Amazon, you would be required to pay return shipping costs. This can be as high as $150-$200, but on their website they offer free returns.
My only real concern with Flexispot is their customer service. We have worked with them in the past and they have questionable service at best. Looking at their Trustpilot reviews, it seems this hasn’t changed. For that reason it might be worth spending a bit more and going with a VIVO or Workstream if you want to stay in the entry level category.
WobbleMeter tests coming soon for stability on the Flexispot standing desk.
< back to top
Monoprice Workstream 2023 Starting Price: $279.00 + Free Shipping! Buy Here: Amazon.com
Easiest To Assemble in Entry Level
Nicest Looking Entry Level Desk
Includes Collision Avoidance
Nice programmable switch
Low End Electronics & Components
Short 1 Year Warranty
Lifting Capacity of Only 110 lbs.
Stability at Mid to Tall Heights
Made in China
The Workprice by Monostream currently retails for around the $279 mark. Of the desks I’ve tested around this $300 price point, it is about as close to a home use standing desk product I would recommend. While it feels more substantial than something like SHW or Fezibo, it is still closer to home office than the $300 VIVO and Flexispot alternatives.
This is by far the easiest desk I’ve assembled in the entry level, with the top frame already pre assembled to the desk surface. You only need to attach the vertical columns and feet, to complete the rest of the assembly process.
While this desk frame feels more light duty than the others recommend here, oddly it is also the most complete looking. With a frame that is well put together and a programmable switch that is nicer than the VIVO, the Monoprice just feels more complete. I really do like the programmable switch that comes standard for a $279 price point.
This might also be a better option for you if you do plan to use it in a home with small children or animals. It is the only desk in the entry level that does include collision avoidance, which is a safety feature that will back drive the desk if it runs into something while moving up or down. I found the collision avoidance to be pretty sensitive, which can pose issues, but the sensitivity is able to be adjusted by the end user.
One of my biggest issues though, with the Monoprice is the short one year warranty that is included. Now I understand this is inexpensive, but the other two desks at the same price point include a warranty of at least three years.
Another issue for some will be the fact that it only offers a 110 lbs lifting capacity. This is to be expected, considering this feels more like a home use frame than a light duty commercial product. This too is about 40% less than the VIVO and Flexispot.
< back to top
The mid-range of standing desks arguably provides the most value out of the entire category, which is similar to the best office chairs. These desks are more typically a commercial grade product that can be used within a home office setting. For $500 and up, you’ll find complete standing desk frames and surfaces that come in a wide variety of colors and size options.
When shopping in the mid-range, you can expect to see longer warranties, better return policies and improved technology for each frame. Most desks in this category will include advanced control box technology with collision avoidance and overload protection systems. We also tend to see improved stability from brands focusing on this aspect of the standing desk experience.
The mid-range can include middle range to premium range electronics and components within their frames. Surface thickness for desk tops can also range from home use to commercial grade quality. At this price point, you will find that all desks require assembly and services are DIY.
I would consider the mid range desks if you want mid range frame quality and home office to commercial surface options. The frame and/or surface in this range will be made in Asia or North America.
Envy 2023 Starting Price: $599.00 + Free Shipping! Buy Here: BTOD.com
Least Expensive in Mid-Range
350 lbs. Lifting Capacity
Quick Assembly System
15 Year Warranty on Frame & Surface
Middle of the Road Components
Limited Surface Options
DIY Warranty Service
Lateral Stability at Tall Heights
Made in China
The Envy Standing Desk offers a wide range of height adjustments, accommodating users from 5’0” to 6’3”. At its lowest height, the Envy stands at 23.1”, which is about 0.5” taller than the Uplift Commercial desk, another featured item on this list. The Envy boasts a maximum lifting capacity of 350 lbs, ensuring its capability to lift nearly any load placed on the desk. The configuration we’ve been testing is 30×48 with 1 ⅛” commercial-grade merapi laminate.
Delivery options for the Envy are straightforward, with all sizes shipped via FedEx Express to your door. Customers are responsible for bringing the items inside. Additional assembly services are available, but quotes are provided on an as-needed basis.
The Envy’s frame features a square tube design, which provides additional stability benefits compared to the more commonly used rectangular tubes. The most noticeable improvement is in the front-to-back stability at medium to tall heights.
The front-to-back stability of the Envy desk, with its square tube design, ensures good stability up to the maximum height. Without the need for a traditional cross support or wedges, lateral stability is maintained up to a height of 42-43”. Beyond 43”, lateral stability is considered fair to good up to the maximum height.
Currently, the Envy utilizes Kaidi frame technology manufactured in China. This places it in the mid-range for component quality, with slightly higher quality for its control box electronics. The adoption of a single-board control box represents a positive step from a Chinese manufacturer, moving closer to the standards expected from premium brands.
The Envy comes standard with a 15-year warranty covering both the frame components and the surface. This warranty is designed as a DIY service, with Envy parts shipped to customers for self-replacement.
Envy offers a risk-free 30-day return program for all Envy configurations.
< back to top
Uplift v2 Commercial 2023 Starting Price: $649.00 + Free Shipping! Buy Here: Amazon.com
Read Full Uplift v2 Commercial Standing Desk Review >>
Low End Height Range
Surface Options
Lateral Stability
15 Year Warranty on Frame & Surface
Middle of the Road Electronics & Components
Assembly Required
DIY Warranty Service
Front to Back Stability at Tall Heights
Made in China
The Uplift v2 Commercial offers one of the lowest starting heights of the standing desks I’ve tested to date. At just 22.6” tall, it is great for users that are as short as 4’9” tall. The V2’s max height is 48” tall, which will fit users as tall as 6’6”. Its large lifting capacity of 355 lbs ensures it can lift any load. The configuration we have been testing is the 30×60” 1” thick walnut laminate.
The delivery option offered by Uplift is straight forward. Most items small enough will be able to ship via FedEx Express to your door. Larger items that require a pallet to ship on a semi will deliver to your loading dock or curbside. Customers are responsible to bring the items inside. They do offer additional inside delivery and assembly services, but these are quoted on an as is needed basis.
The frame is heavy duty and available in four different color options, including black, white, silver and industrial. Paired with a wide assortment of 1” thick laminate, bamboo and natural wood surfaces. Most of these natural surfaces are imported to help keep costs down on this wide assortment of options.
Stability on the Uplift with the use of a traditional cross support, the V2 is able to maximize its lateral stability through all standing heights. Front to back stability on the Uplift Commercial is still good, but when raised to heights beyond 44-45” you start to notice more rocking. Beyond 46” it is considered to be fair to bad stability on the WobbleMeter.
Uplift is currently using JieCang frame technology that is manufactured in China. This is the middle of the road for electronics and component quality. Better than the entry level desks, but not to the same level as the desks from the premium and ultra premium categories.
Uplift comes standard with a 15 year warranty on both the frame components and surface. This warranty is a DIY service, with Uplift parts being shipped to customers to replace on their own.
Uplift offers a risk free 30 day free returns program for all Uplift Desks.
< back to top
Jarvis Desk 2023 Starting Price: $709.00 + Free Shipping! Buy Here: Amazon.com
Read Full Jarvis Desk by Fully Standing Desk Review >>
Tall Range for Users
15 Year Warranty on Frame
Plenty of Surface Options
Improved Lateral Stability
Thickness Surface Options
Front to Back Stability at Tall Heights
Middle of the Road Electronics & Components
5 Year Warranty on Surface
Assembly Required
The Fully Jarvis comes in a handful of different frame options to cover a wide variety of users. Our preference is their extended option, which I also believe is their most popular. This is a good option for tall users, since the range of adjustment is from 25.6” at its lowest setting, to 51.1” at max height. The configuration we’ve been testing is the extended frame, with ¾” thick 30” x 48” cherry laminate surface.
Fully offers a straightforward shipping program that is similar to UpliftDesk. Most items small enough will be able to ship via FedEx Express to your door. Larger items that require a pallet to ship on a semi will deliver to your loading dock or curbside. Customers are responsible to bring the items inside. Fully does not offer white glove or inside delivery service and recommends having a second set of hands if you need help.
The updated Fully Jarvis extended frame has made improvements on lateral stability issues that existed in previous versions of their frame. The addition of wedges to the design is where most of the improvement has come from, which is similar to how the standard Uplift v2 frame works. The major difference is that Fully has decided to keep a traditional column design, big on bottom and small on top. This has reduced their low end range, compared to the Uplift v2.
The frame on the Jarvis is good through almost all low to mid range heights. The added wedges improved lateral stability up to the 45”-46” height range. Beyond 46” the rocking motion is noticeably worse than desks with the traditional cross support. The front to back rocking motion experience is similar to the wobble motions. Solid through mid ranges, beyond 45-46” it was the worst of the group, with fair to bad stability based on WobbleMeter results.
There are quite a few surface options available from Fully, ranging from the home office laminate we have on the desk we’ve been testing, as well as bamboo, wood veneer, powder coated (EcoTop) and hardwood.
Javris is currently using JieCang frame technology that is manufactured in China. Like Uplift, this is the middle of the road for electronics and component quality. Definitely better than the entry level desks, but not to the same level as the desks from the premium and ultra premium categories.
Fully Jarvis comes standard with a 15 year warranty on all frame components and a shorter 5 year warranty on their surfaces. This warranty is a DIY service, with Jarvis parts being shipped to customers to replace on their own.
< back to top
VertDesk v3 2023 Starting Price: $832.99 + Free Shipping! Buy Here: BTOD.com
Read Full VertDesk v3 Standing Desk Review >>
Premium Electronics and Components
Bluetooth Connectivity and Voice Control
Built in the USA
Customizable Surface Options
Stability Thru Full Range
Lifetime Warranty
Limited Range
Stability Bar Required
Most Expensive in Range
Assembly Required
DIY Warranty Service
The VertDesk v3 is the only option featured in the mid range to offer premium components in the frame and a commercial grade 1/ 18” thick laminate surface to match. The range of the frame is somewhat limited compared to the Uplift and Jarvis, moving from 27” at the lowest height to 47” at max height.
The configuration we’ve been using for this list is a 30” x 48” with black frame. The max capacity for this frame is 275 lbs, but does have an option to upgrade to the VertDesk v3 Plus with a capacity of 450 lbs.
The delivery options for the VertDesk v3 are straightforward and similar to Uplift and Fully, with FedEx ground being the option for all sizes of laminate desks up to 72” wide, but the 84” option would ship freight. Other wood surface options will also ship freight. Freight deliveries include a liftgate service and inside delivery to the first dry threshold. Examples of this would be inside a first floor lobby of an office or a garage of a home.
The frame on the VertDesk v3 is heavy duty and designed to provide good stability through almost all heights. The stability cross bar ensures excellent lateral stability through most height ranges, with very good stability at max height. Front to back rocking stability is very good until about 44”-45” and good through max height of 47” based on results from the WobbleMeter.
The frame is available in three color options; including black, white and silver. The VertDesk doesn’t come in as many surface types as both Jarvis and Uplift. While there are some wood options, like butcher block and hardwood maple, the more diverse options come from the laminate offering. VertDesk is currently available in 12 laminate colors, with custom sizes available in full inch increments for both depth and width. Depth available is 23” to 30” and width from 36” to 72” wide, with the final jump from 72” to 84” max.
The VertDesk frame structure is currently manufactured in Taiwan, with German gears and motors from Ketterer. The electronics package is from European manufacturer, Laing Innotech. These components are similar in quality to premium and ultra premium desks in this list.
VertDesk v3 comes standard with a lifetime warranty on both the frame and surfaces. This warranty is a DIY service, with VertDesk parts being shipped to customers to replace on their own.
< back to top
The Premium standing desk category ranks second to the top of line option, Ultra Premium. All of the desks in this category include premium frames with high end components. All frames are currently manufactured in the USA. Here you will find the latest in frame technology from high end standing desk manufacturers.
Unlike the Ultra Premium, surface options in the Premium category are commercial grade, but won’t include natural hardwood options. Here you will find one tier down in surface quality, with wood veneer or commercial grade laminate options.While they might not be as beautiful, we do find that the laminate options will hold up to everyday abuse better than the natural hardwood options.
While premium standing desks are less expensive than ultra premium, the warranties included with these desks will be similar in length and coverage. These warranties can include on site service, but this is not a guaranteed service in this tier. Some fees can still be associated with returns like return shipping and restocking fees.
I would consider premium desks if you want top of the line frame quality, but prefer a commercial grade surface over the premium hardwood options in the ultra premium category. The frame and surface in this range will be made in North America.
Steelcase Ology 2023 Starting Price: $1,892.00 + $300-$400 Shipping Buy Here: Steelcase.com
Low End Height Range
12 Year Warranty on Frame and Surface
Advanced Linak Frame Tech Package
Inside Delivery with Setup
Unique Frame Look
Stability at Mid to Tall Heights
Limited Surface Options
DIY Warranty
Expensive Returns
Steelcase Ology is the first desk in the premium list and the least expensive of the group. This is also the only standing desk in the premium offering that isn’t available with a wood veneer, or hardwood option. This is Steelcase’s nicest standing desk option available in their store.
The configuration I’ve been testing is the 29” x 58”, extended height 22.6” to 48.7”, with a natural cherry high pressure laminate top, square corners with the arctic white frame. I also upgraded to the active touch button and professional installation. In total, this came to around $2,200.
Steelcase only has a couple options for delivery, which is either standard where they bring it inside the door or professional installation where they bring it inside and assemble. It’s only $50-$100 more to get it assembled and it’s worth it. Both options are non refundable if you decide to return the desk.
The Arctic White frame on the Ology frame is nice. Steelcase has invested some extra money into plastic molds that connect to the bottom of the foot, and also to the motor box just beneath the desk surface. While these feel less solid than the rest of the desk, they do tie the rest of the frame together and create a unique look.
The surface on the Ology is a 1” thick commercial grade high pressure laminate. There isn’t any texture, which can be a good thing if you like a consistent writing surface. It does have a fake wood feel and look though, with a solid color paper backing underneath.
Stability wise, the Ology is rock solid at all sitting height positions. This frame starts super low, which is great for those who need something under 23”. Once the desk is raised to mid and upper heights, it is one of the least stable in the premium category. This is a bit surprising, but stems from column fit, which you can see as I move the desk back and forth. There is also flexing that occurs in the foot. WobbleMeter tests coming soon.
The Ology frame is manufactured by Linak, and features the Linak CBD6 control box and XXX columns with Piezo collision avoidance. The frame is rated to lift 360 lbs and there isn’tany issues lifting this capacity. The Ology was able to consistently adjust at around 1.5” per second, with normal loads under 200 lbs.
Steelcase offers a 30 day return policy on their Ology desks, but it is quite a bit different than their high performance seating line. There is a 15% restocking fee and the original shipping costs are not refundable. They cover the return shipping costs and will send replacement boxes at no charge if you have disposed of the originals. In total, this can amount to $500-$700, depending how you’ve configured the desk.
The Ology warranty is straight forward. They cover the entire desk for a period of 12 years, which includes the surface, frame and all electric components. All replacements are DIY, with parts being shipped to the customer and replaced by the customer.
< back to top
Herman Miller Renew 2023 Starting Price: $2,695.00 + $499-$599 Shipping
12 Year Done For You Warranty Service
Inside Delivery with Setup
Wood Veneer Surface
Unique Illuminated Switch
Expensive Returns
Cable Tray Option Not Worth It
Stability at Tall Heights
Only Basic Button Available
The Herman Miller Renew was their highest end option available, until they recently released the Leather Wrap Sit-to-Stand Desk from their Geiger brand. We plan to bring this in for testing in the future, but it currently comes with an 11 week lead time.
The configuration of the Renew that I’ve been testing is the 30” x 60”, extended height 22” to 48”, with Walnut veneer over MDF top. The wood veneer surface features a knife edge, with solid paper backing. I also chose the graphite satin/polished aluminum frame and upgraded the integrated cord management system. This configuration came to $2695.
Herman MIller offers two in-home or in office delivery options. The first is $499, which is the option I chose. This includes inside delivery to the room of choice with full setup. There is a four hour delivery window. The second option for $599, includes all of the above, plus a shorter 2-hour window with more of a specific delivery time. Both options are non refundable.
The Graphite Satin and Polished aluminum frame combination is nice. This is a unique look that isn’t available on any of the other desks in the list. Both the foot and motor box for this color combination are in polished aluminum, with the vertical portion of the frame and integrated cable management in the Graphite Satin. The cable management system is okay, but isn’t super intuitive or solid feeling for the extra $250.
The surface on the Renew comes in five different surface color options and three different finishes. I chose the walnut wood veneer with knife edge, but there is also a less expensive laminate option and ash veneer alternative. One thing I noticed right away about the Walnut we received is that it is more washed out in real life and not as rich appearing as it is on the HM website. The wood veneer surface is the roughest feeling of all the desks tested, but unlikely to be an issue when writing on paper on the surface.
Stability wise, the Renew frame was solid at all sitting heights. I did notice a slight wobble around 38” high and some additional front to back rocking around 43” and above. Both motions were present beyond that point, but overall it was pretty good. WobbleMeter tests coming soon.
The Renew steel frame is currently manufactured by OMT. It features the older LogicData compact control box, with Ketterer gears and motors. It has a 200 lbs lifting capacity and had no issues adjusting at 1.5” per second at this load. The Renew comes with a unique paddle height adjustment system. When activated, it illuminates blue and has a flexible rubber feel to you. This system is fairly basic, with no preset height adjustments, one touch functionality or bluetooth connectivity. There is a container and shelf range feature that limits the min and max heights to prevent collisions with your furniture.
Herman Miller offers a 30 day return policy for their Renew desks, but it is different from their return policy for the ergonomic seating line. There is a 10% restocking fee, which maxes out at $500. Herman Miller covers the return shipping, but the original shipping and installation fees are not refundable. Herman Miller also asks that you hold onto your original packaging to ensure the return arrives in like new condition. Return shipping costs are covered, but in total a return can cost anywhere from $650 to $900 depending on the configuration.
The Renew warranty is straight forward, with 12 years of coverage on the surface, frame and all electric components. All replacements are DFY, with a service technician in your area arriving on site at no charge.
< back to top
NewHeights XT 2023 Starting Price: $1,958.99 + Free Shipping! Buy Here: BTOD.com
Read Full NewHeights XT Standing Desk Review >>
Lifetime Warranty on Frame and Surface
30 Day Free Returns
Made in the USA
Bluetooth Connectivity with Voice Control
Aluminum Columns
Assembly Required
Warranty Service is DIY
Stability Bar Required
The NewHeights XT Laminate is the scaled back alternative to the Ultra Premium S series. If you like the NewHeights frame design, with premium components and electronics, plus anodized aluminum columns, this could be a good option. Most of the services for the NewHeights are do it yourself, versus being done for you, like S series. The XT is made in the USA.
The configuration of the NewHeights XT we have for testing is 30×60, extended height range of 24” to 51”, with a 1 1/8″ thick laminate surface. The frame color is black, with a 60” stability cross bar option. The programmable switch comes standard with all XT frames.
The NewHeights XT in laminate, like tested here, is shipped via FedEx Express and will be brought to your door at no additional charge. The frame is ready to assemble, but assembly is required to be done by the purchaser. There are no additional assembly services available for the NewHeights XT Laminate.
The vertical anodized aluminum frame for the NewHeights series is unique to itself. Most alternative frames are made from painted steel, which are prone to show rub and wear marks on the paint over time as the desk moves up and down. Anodized aluminum creates a protective surface for the columns, ensuring they look like new for the life of the frame. The only drawback to this type of frame is the color options are currently limited to silver or black.
NewHeights XT is available with or without the lateral stability bar option. We wouldn’t recommend going without, since adding this creates excellent left to right stability through all heights. But if you don’t like the look, you can choose to go without. The stability bar can be raised or lowered on the lowest portion of the column, giving additional flexibility and creating a footrest when lowered all the way down.
The XT laminate comes in 12 different surface color options and a ton of different sizes. Since each top is cut per order, you are able to customize the depth in full 1” increments from 23” deep to 30” deep. Similarly, you can select width options in 1” increments from 36” up to as wide as 72”. This gives a lot of customizability for your exact size requirements.
Stability for the XT is excellent through all heights with regards to lateral motion. In fact, this is the most laterally stable standing desk we have tested. Front to back stability is also excellent up to about 45-46”” tall, but beyond that point it becomes good to fair by max height based on WobbleMeter results.
Premium components are used to power the NewHeights XT frame. It features a Laing Innotech control box, with Ketterer gears and motors. The standard capacity of the XT is 325 lbs and has no issues lifting this load at the normal speed of 1.5” per second.
The NewHeights XT comes standard with a programmable switch that offers four preset options and bluetooth connectivity, for use with its app. Through this app you are able to adjust the height of your desk, change presets and use the activity tracking to promote more or less standing throughout the day. There is also an option for voice control that can be used to move the desk up and down. The voice control features work best with the iOS operating system.
The XT currently comes with a lifetime guarantee on the surface, frame and all electric components. All replacements are DIY, with parts being shipped to the customer at no charge and then replaced by the customer.
NewHeights XT comes with a 30 day free returns program. There are no hidden fees associated with a return.
< back to top
The Ultra Premium range of standing desks is the top of the category. These desks come with the highest price tags, but also include premium frames and natural wood desk surfaces to match. Here you will find the latest in frame technology, from high end standing desk manufacturers and natural wood surface options sourced from local US and Canadian forests.
All desks offered in the Ultra premium category include shipping to the inside of your first floor threshold. This includes the front door of your home or office building. Room of choice delivery is not guaranteed with all desks. Assembly services are either included or available for an extra charge on most of these desks as well.
Ultra Premium desks include long warranties, but they aren’t guaranteed to be longer than desks in the premium category. These warranties can include on site service, but this is not a guaranteed service in this tier. Some fees can still be associated with returns like return shipping and restocking fees.
I would consider ultra premium desks if you want top of the line frame quality and a premium hardwood surface. The frame and surface in this range will be made in North America.
Ergonofis Alive – Best Live Edge Standing DeskErgonofis 2023 Starting Price: $2,595.00 + $100-$200 Shipping Buy Here: Ergonofis.com
Live Edge Top Option
Flush Mounted Switch
Cleanest Linak Column Design
Made in USA/Canada
Preset Limitations
No Bluetooth Connectivity
Stability at Tall Heights
Shortest Warranty in Ultra Premium Class
DIY Warranty
The Ergonofis Alive is the only option in the list to feature a live edge surface, which gives a unique look for the real wood desks featured in the list.
The configuration I’ve been testing is the 24” x 48”, with a range of 22” to 48” with a 2” thick live edge surface in the walnut color and black frame. This includes the new surface mounted programmable button. This configuration comes to $2595.
The delivery options offered by Ergonofis are fairly limited on their website, but you can reach out to request inside delivery to the room of choice. The standard service is inside the threshold of the front door and varies for US customers from about $113 for the smallest size, up to $191 for the largest. We did ask for assembly services and they said this option can be quoted, but isn’t available for all areas.
The surface for the Ergonofis Alive comes in three different size options and two different wood species. Because of the clear matte lacquer catalyzed finish they use on the surface, the walnut surface I’ve been testing has a lot of depth. This resin-like helps protect the softer walnut wood species for daily use.
Stability on the Ergonofis Alive is solid at all sitting heights, up to about 38”-40”, where the left to right wobble starts to show up. The fit on Linak’s DL6 column is well done and helps the front to back stability up to about 44” to 45”. Beyond this point you’ll notice more front to back and left to right motion in the frame. WobbleMeter tests coming soon.
As mentioned, the Ergonofis’s new Alive setup is built on Linak’s new DL PLUS column, with an update to the column, hiding the glides. The difference between the two looks is likely more noticeable to someone like myself in the industry, but when compared to IMOVR’s standard DL6 column, it is a bit cleaner looking. Ergonofis is using the CBD6 control box from Linak, with collision avoidance added through the use of the dongle system.
Ergonofis has engineered their own integrated switch system that mounts directly into the surface. There are a lot of different configurations with this switch. These include programmable height adjustment, container and shelf stop, and a safety feature for locking the desk adjustment when not in use. There unfortunately isn’t any bluetooth connectivity with this setup.
Ergonofis offers a 30 day return policy with their Alive desks. This includes a flat fee for customers in Canada of $95 and those in the USA would match the original outbound cost ranging from $113 to $191. The original outbound shipping and any additional assembly services are not refundable. In total a return would cost about $225 to $380 depending on your configuration.
The Ergonofis warranty is straight forward. They will cover the surface for a period of 3 years. The structure of the frame is covered for 10 years and the motors and electric components are covered for 5 years
< back to top
NewHeights S Series 2023 Starting Price: $6,999.00 + Free Shipping! Buy Here: BTOD.com
365 Day Free Returns
Inside Delivery
Lifetime Done For You Warranty
Made in the USA
Aluminum Columns
Most Expensive
Limited Customization
48” Max Height
Stability Bar Required
The Newheights S Series is the most expensive option on the list, but features Done For You services for the life of the desk. This is an exclusive product for BTOD.
The configuration I tested is the 30” x 60”, 24” to 48” height range, with 1.5” thick hardwood maple top in granite color and a black aluminum frame. This includes the programmable button and inside delivery to room of choice, with the desk fully assembled prior to entering the home or office. This configuration comes to $6999.
There is only one option for delivery with the S Series and that is white glove service to your room of choice. The desk is assembled at the factory and shipped fully assembled. There are no shipping charges if you decide to return the desk.
The Newheights S series vertical portion of the frame is made from anodized aluminum, and the only desk in the list to feature this material. Because of the anodization process, the frame is not susceptible to scratching or wear marks that naturally occur with all steel frames as they move up and down over their years of use. The s Series feet, upper surface supports and motor boxes are made from steel.
The surface on the S series is made from 1.5” thick wide plank hardwood maple with a smooth finish. While this is typically good for writing, because of the nature of wood, we wouldn’t recommend writing on paper that is directly on the surface.
The stability on the S series is solid at all sitting heights. There is no left to right wobble issues through all heights, mostly due to the aluminum stability bar included with the S series frame. Similarly, the front to back stability is good at all sitting to mid heights, with only a slight amount of movement when fully extended. WobbleMeter tests coming soon.
The S Series frame is manufactured by RA Products, and features the Laing Innotech control box and Ketterer Gears and Motors. It has a 300 lbs lifting capacity, with no issues lifting at 1.5” through max capacity. It comes standard with a four button programmable switch, bluetooth connectivity to adjust with the app and also a voice controlled height adjustment feature. Within the app you can also set container/shelf settings, create a customized activity reminder for sitting and standing, and also adjust your programmed heights for each of the four presets.
There is a 365 day return policy on the S series, with zero restocking fees or shipping charges should you decide to return it. The return process includes a pick up service, similar to the white glove delivery. The delivery agent will bring the packaging materials required to return the desk and remove it from your home or office at no charge.
The S series warranty is straight forward. Coverage of the entire desk for the lifetime of the original owner. This includes the surface, frame and all electric components. All service work is Done For You by a technician, on site at no charge, for the life of the desk.
< back to top
Simply put, we are experts. We have been selling office furniture for 12 years and have seen the sit to stand desk market grow from the beginning. We are not a company that is simply dedicated to writing reviews on emerging markets in hopes of making a quick buck. Office furniture is our life and we have gained extensive knowledge about the products within our space. We know what to look for and what to avoid. Our goal is to share this knowledge so that customers are better informed when making their buying decision.
One thing that really separates The Learning Center from almost every other review site is that we bring in all of the products that we review. We do not do forensic reviews or reviews based on what other customers have said about the product. We order the product for ourselves so that we know how it performs. Some of the products we sell on BTOD.com, but many of them we do not. Regardless, we have tested every product we have reviewed.
The testing process we use for the best standing desks is straightforward, but also very thorough. Since we purchase all of the desks we are able to get an idea of what the experience will be from placing the order to receiving the furniture. Having the opportunity to fully assemble each desk is important. If there are any pain points we want to know about them. Once the desk has been assembled we are able to start using the desk.
All desks go through the same testing process. We first test the specs that are common across all sit-stand desks. This includes weight capacity, adjustment speed, sound rating, anti-collision function, overload protection, stability at various heights, etc. Once these specs have been tested we completely tear down each desk. We then take a closer look at the internal components; the glide systems, gears, motors and internal control box circuit boards. Opening each of these components allows us to find anything that might be hiding behind a pretty cover. While a lot of the full standing desks we have tested look similar on the outside, the second you open them up it becomes a completely different story. Inside you are able to learn a lot more about the level of quality for each component. If a high level of quality control exists it will become obvious the moment you open each part.
An electric sit to stand desk is a complete desk that moves from sitting to standing heights. While there are various types of sit to stand desks, including crank, pneumatic and electric, we have focused on the electric models only. Operated with the push of a button, electric sit to standing desks are the most popular option when looking at a complete standing desk.
Alternatives such as standing desk converters are also popular, but they fail to provide the best all-around solution a full standing desk can. If you’d like to check out standing desk converters, please see our top standing desk converters for 2023 post.
All of the sit stand desks we have reviewed have been given an overall numbered score ranging from 1-100. The score is based on several categories that we chose. The categories below are what we feel to be the most important things to consider when shopping for a sit or stand desk. Each category has its own 1-100 rating and each category has the same weight when calculating the overall score. One thing that you will notice with our scoring is that we are very realistic. There is no such thing as a perfect standing desk and our scores reflect that. You will not find products with 100/100 ratings here because such a product doesn’t exist. We have yet to find an electric sit-stand desk that has scored over 85/100.
All of the full standing desks that we have tested required some assembly. Because of this, we felt it was important to include this in our overall score. Depending on your ability, some products will require a lot more work to complete assembly. If you don’t feel comfortable assembling many parts, these products are likely best to avoid. The amount of time required for the desks we reviewed varied from 30 minutes up to a few hours. It’s important to note that how long it will take you is solely dependent on your abilities and the tools used. We recommend using a cordless drill to speed up the assembly process. If you rely on the tools that are provided by each brand you will be left assembling your desk with small allen wrenches that can oftentimes be very time consuming to use.
One of the most important aspects of any full standing desk is the overall stability of the desk when raised to standing position. I always go back to the experience that most can relate with, which involves the wobbly table at your favorite restaurant or pub. When you encounter this table it becomes your number one goal to fix the wobble. While these types of restaurant tables can be easily fixed with coasters or napkins, full standing desks are not that simple to fix. In fact, many of the top reasons that standing desks wobble cannot be fixed in the field. Its stability is important than purchasing a standing desk that is stable out of the box is the only way to avoid an unstable desk.
While our process for this test isn’t scientific, each stability test we perform gives you a good idea on how the stability of the desk will impact your work. With all of the desks that we have tested, we always check the same two motions. The first motion is a front to back rocking motion and the second is a left to right wobble motion. While the amount of force applied to each desk might vary slightly, desks that have stability issues are obvious. With the use of only a couple of fingers, desks with poor stability will clearly wobble and rock. These desks also tend to continue in motion once you quit applying pressure to the desk.
Learn what makes a stable standing desk here >>
When we look at the electronics of the desk, we are focused mainly on the control box itself. The control box is the central computer system that acts as the brain of the desk. While most control boxes will look similar from the outside, with the most obvious difference being size, the quality of each will vary significantly. Opening up the control box, you will find out if something is low or high quality fairly quickly.
One of the first things we look for is if the circuit board system is designed with a single or multiple board setup. Premium manufacturers engineer their boards specifically for use with their own system, which means it is always on a single board system. Lower quality products tend to come with dual board systems, mass-produced for many other applications. These lower quality boards will oftentimes have wires connecting the two boards to each other with poor connections. A closer look at these boards and you will find large components used with poor connections to the circuit board. This poor connection requires the use of large amounts of caulk to hold each of the components in place. The inconsistency with this process is likely due to a low level of quality control and is a major concern for the life cycle of the electronics.
The weight capacity testing seems like it should be a fairly straightforward process. The only problem is that just because a manufacturer labels a product with a capacity, doesn’t mean it can actually lift that much or can do it with any consistency. Our testing will verify first that a product is able to lift the advertised load. Next, we check to see how different weights impact the desks overall adjustment speed. Some products we have tested advertise weights that are significantly more than the actual OEM recommends. While the desks may lift that amount of weight, the actual manufacturer who has done extensive testing would not recommend the same max load. When considering the efficiency of your desk, using it beyond a manufacturer’s recommended capacity can shorten the desks life cycle.
It’s also important to note that just because a brand may advertise a high weight capacity doesn’t mean they are more stable. Through testing 20 adjustable standing desks I can tell you there is zero links between capacity and stability. The truth is that a lot of the desks we tested that have some of the highest weight capacities were the least stable when raised into standing position.
Understanding the adjustment range and how it can impact you is an important part of the buying process. The typical range of motion for adjustable standing desks that we have tested varies from 17” up to 27”. While a 10” difference might not seem like a lot, it can make or break the ergonomics of your set up. If you are below 5’5” you will likely need to incorporate an adjustable keyboard tray to your set up to get the desk low enough to sit comfortably. Users that are taller than 6’5” will need to look at desks that rise beyond 47” for proper standing ergonomics. Using our standing desk height calculator is a good place to start. If a desk will not go high enough for your specific needs it could likely be a deal-breaker.
The range of the coverage for warranties in the group of standing desks tested varied significantly. There are two specific things to consider when looking at a brand’s warranty. The first is the warranty for the structure of the desk. This includes things like the desk surface, frame, feet, etc. The second and more important is for electronics. This includes the control box, switch and motors. The electronics of the standing desk are the biggest concern and the most likely to fail during ownership. While some brands might advertise a limited lifetime warranty, a closer look at the fine details show a much shorter period for the electronics. From what we have seen, the better warranties will start at five years and go up from there. Some warranties we have found go as long as ten years. While these long warranties are good, it’s important to recognize that just because a warranty is ten years doesn’t necessarily mean the product is high quality. Some of our lowest-rated desks have included warranties that were ten years on the electronics and are known to fail well before that period has expired. If you have a good warranty in your back pocket you have something to fall back on.
For more information Quick Installation Electric Standing Desk, Electric Height-Adjustable Desk Frame, please get in touch with us!