Long-term function: Most fully adjustable and height-programmable desks cost at least $500.Some desk makers charge more for legs that extend their height range, and we noted such surcharges in our comparisons. We selected desks to test and recommend based on the two main frame types: those that best fit people under 5-foot-4, which is the average female height according to survey data (PDF), and those that best fit people who are over 5-foot-4. Height range: Standing desks usually come with two different frame height options, to accommodate different height ranges.We do understand, however, that a manually adjustable standing desk is a more affordable option that many people are interested in, so we’re considering testing those for a separate guide (once we have the bandwidth, space, and testing panel to do so). They made us less likely to want to switch positions, which, you know, is the whole point. Generally we don’t recommend manually adjustable standing desks-the kind you have to hand crank to raise or lower-because our testing has shown that they are more difficult to work with and can suffer from load-balancing issues. Electronic control: Electronic desks, which use motors to move between heights at the touch of a button, are the most convenient, reliable, and cost-effective adjustable standing desks available.The company also has four frame colors, three grommet colors, and three keypad colors to choose from, as well as multiple add-on accessories, so you can truly make this desk your own. But if you’d prefer a different style, Uplift offers nearly 30 desktop options, including several unusual but expensive wood tops such as acacia and pheasantwood. We found the walnut laminate on the Uplift we tested to be attractive and realistic, and in previous tests, panelists loved the look of the 1-inch-thick curved bamboo desktop. In that case, we recommend the Fully Jarvis Bamboo Standing Desk or the Fully Jarvis Laminate Standing Desk with a three-stage low-range frame. It should accommodate people of the average female and average male seated and standing heights, but if you’re shorter than 5-foot-4-something that applies to a wide swath of the population-the desk likely wouldn’t work for you without a footrest. It responds quickly to control-pad input (from your choice of four keypad designs) and produces minimal wobble even at tall heights. The Uplift V2 Standing Desk offers the best mix of performance and features of the desks we tested.

Desk that moves up and down