The Best Desk Converters
Standing desks are a great way to improve posture and remain alert while we work. But for those that already have a nice standard desk, making the switch is kind of daunting. For one, an entirely new standing desk is expensive. Plus, what if you want to sit down occasionally? It turns out you can have the best of both worlds. Desk converters are adjustable desktops that can upgrade a regular desk into a standing desk with the pull of a lever. Easy to operate and easy on the wallet, desk converters are a must-have for those that spend a lot of time click-clacking away at their desk. Read on to discover our absolute favorites, from the best budget option to the premium pick.
Seville Classics airLIFT
An Instant Classic
Seville Classics has developed a sterling reputation for creating high-quality office furniture, and its desk converter keeps the legacy alive. This pick lifts quietly and quickly with the simple squeeze of the airLIFT levers on either side of the desktop. The entire thing glides up smoothly and easily and locks into place at whatever height you desire. The secret to the simplicity is the pneumatic tension of the stand, which can hold up to 33 pounds of weight without straining. Sturdy and strong, the airLIFT features a keyboard tray and tablet slot for organizing your tech. When a desk converter of this caliber comes along at this price point, we say grab one while you can.
Pros
- Reputable manufacturer offers a limited 3-year warranty.
- Ready to go right out of the box, so setup is a breeze.
- The height adjustment is buttery smooth and silent.
- Available in ranges of sizes and designs, including an electric option.
Cons
- Keyboard tray doesn’t slide in, but you can remove it easily if it gets in your way.
VariDesk Pro Plus 36
Two is Better Than One
If you’ve got a dual monitor setup, you’ll have to find a desk converter that can accommodate your extra-large battle station. That’s why we recommend the VariDesk Pro Plus 36, since it offers extra desk space for big rigs. It’s a quality, heavy-duty converter, so the price is quite a bit higher than most of the other options on our list. That being said, its premium price reflects its premium construction. Featuring a hefty, weighted base and two spacious desktop tiers, the VariDesk Pro is as sturdy as they come. And even when it’s loaded with heavy monitors and hardware, this pick lifts easily, with next to no effort required.
Pros
- Wide upper tier is designed to accommodate two monitors, while the lower tier is spacious enough for a keyboard, mouse, and numerous other accessories.
- Adjusting the height requires barely any effort thanks to the spring-assisted design.
- Strong, weighted construction is sturdy and safe.
Cons
- Kind of pricey, but that’s to be expected considering the strength and quality.
Rocelco Gas-Spring 32″
Keepin' it Light
A tidy desk is a tidy mind. For those that want an alternative to the dark black options, Rocelco designed a bright white desk converter that can really help light up your workstation. Another fantastic overall option, this pick features a super large desktop and extra deep keyboard tray for supporting all the inevitable odds and ends that we keep on our desks. And not only is this one of the most spacious options on our list, but it’s also one of the strongest. Able to hold up to 32 pounds in weight, the Rocelco desk converter is our favorite bright and beautiful desk converter.
Pros
- All-white color is bright, stylish, and modern.
- Wide upper desktop is 32 inches long and 20 inches deep, while the large keyboard tray is about 2 feet long and 1 foot deep, meaning you’ll have plenty of space for all your work stuff.
- Inexpensive price fits most budgets.
Cons
- When placed on a standard desk, the max height of this converter (16.3″) might not be enough for folks over 6 feet in stature.
Flexispot M7B
Easy on the Back, Easy on the Wallet
Those strapped for cash can still get a quality desk converter without breaking the bank. This option from Flexispot might not have a fancy look or special ergonomic contours, but it still checks all the boxes. The height adjustment is easy, the tabletop space is roomy, and the setup is simple. Better yet, while many converters can only adjust in increments, this option allows you to finetune the desk to any height you desire.
Pros
- A single easy-squeeze handle for adjusting the height.
- Super low price fits nicely into just about any budget.
- Comes with some extra goodies like velcro and wire wraps for cable management.
Cons
- If you don’t apply a little upward support while lowering it, it can move pretty fast. Thus, you’ll still have to place your hands on both sides of the desk while lowering it.
ApexDesk EDR-3612 ZT Series
No More Heavy Lifting
With the push of a button, this converter adjusts up or down to the precise height you desire. And although most electric adjustable desks are wildly expensive, this pick from ApexDesk costs only a bit more than the manual options. Ideal for those that frequently switch between sitting and standing, the motorized action is quiet, precise, and easy. And for some added convenience, the ApexDesk includes a USB charging port built into the side of the desk. Best of all, this converter comes ready to go right out of the box, so you can plug and play right away.
Pros
- Responsive electric motor adjusts the height with precision and ease.
- Massive weight capacity of 90 pounds means this desk won’t fail.
- Spacious upper tier is 2 feet deep and 3 feet wide, so you’ll have plenty of space for all your papers and coffee mugs.
- Considerably cheaper than most other electric options while offering the same high-quality construction and stability.
Cons
- Keyboard tray is kind of slim at only 9.5 inches deep and 25 inches wide.
- At 50 pounds in weight, it’s certainly stable, but more petite folks may need some help getting it up onto on their desk.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are standing desks really all they’re cracked up to be?
The short answer? Yes. The long answer? Numerous studies have shown that sitting down for long periods of time (such as an 8-hour workday) can increase the risk of numerous health problems. These include obesity, cardiovascular disease, cancer, and premature death. Obviously, standing is an alternative to sitting, so the general consensus is that it’s better to stand all day than it is to sit. That being said, standing doesn’t completely eliminate those risks. In other words, standing all day is better than sitting all day, but you’ll still need to exercise to reduce the risks associated with a sedentary lifestyle.
Will my converter of choice fit my desk?
Any one of the converters on our list will likely fit your desk. If you’re unsure, check the product description to see if they include the dimensions of the converter’s footprint. If you can’t find it, just refer to the dimensions of the converter’s tabletop surface. The footprint of these things is almost always smaller than the tabletop surface. So, as long as the surface of your desk is larger than the surface of the converter’s surface, the footprint will probably fit.
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With the constantly shifting landscape in the world of technology, GameRevolution seeks to provide gamers and tech-enthusiasts with the information they need to select the right products for their needs. Since 1996, our experts have used their knowledge on all the latest gadgets – everything from headphones to standing desks – to help millions of people navigate specs and answer common questions.