Best Standing Desks In Australia For 2024 (Tested Myself)
Are you considering a standing desk for your home office? In the following sections, I’ll explain which are the best electric height-adjustable desks in Australia and discuss close competitors.
My Top Picks
If you’re short on time and don’t want to read through my analysis below, here are my top picks with the shopping links:
- UpDown Pro — Best standing desk in Australia
- Desky Dual — Best sit-stand desk in Australia for cable management
- Artiss — Best budget standing desk in Australia
- Stand Desk Pro — Best standing desk for fast-lifting
- Magnus Pro/Pro XL — Best height-adjustable desk for Aussie gamers
- FlexiSpot E7: Best budget-alternative sit-stand desk
I’ve pointed out the main reason to pick each of the sit-stand desks above so you can make a quick choice. However, I suggest you take some time to read on for a clearer picture of which option is best for your specific needs.
Best Electric Standing Desks
I have physically inspected and reviewed all of my top six desks above, and three have been in my home for a minimum of eight months, as I always keep two side by side in the office area.
The one I have only tried briefly at a friend's house is the Magnus Pro gaming desk, but I’ve assessed it thoroughly against many other height-adjustable gaming desks.
I have assessed how well each desk is made and am certain that each one here will last a long time. I have considered the cost of each and any extra charges like delivery. Some other factors I consider are what desktop options you can get and the range and speed of motion. I detail the factors I consider when reviewing standing desks further on my website here.
Reading this article should give you enough information to make an informed choice. However, if you want to read the most detailed analysis on the internet of the best electric standing desks you can buy in Australia, check out my research published on ExpertEasy.
#1 — UpDown Pro Desk
Best Overall Standing Desk
One of the significant advantages of the UpDown Pro is its 100-day money-back guarantee, which allows you to use the desk, and if you don’t like it, return it with UpDown, covering the shipping cost. The desk is also really strong and doesn’t wobble, even when it’s at its tallest. The frame is a solid 41kg with a thick layer of powder coating, enhancing its durability.
The UpDown Pro Desk has many desktop choices, and that’s another reason why it’s my top pick. You get hardwood desktop options, like Messmate, Oak, Victorian Ash, and Rubberwood. Messmate and Pheasantwood are especially nice because of their natural colours and patterns. There are also hardwearing melamine board and bamboo options if you want a cheaper option.
The desk has a high lifting capacity (150 kg) from its two motors and four memory presets to save your favourite heights. It also has a built-in anti-collision mechanism that stops it from hitting anything and getting damaged when moving.
But there are some things to consider before purchase; the desk’s extensive customisation options can lead to additional costs, especially if you choose high-quality materials and add-ons.
Similarly, while its cable management options suit most people, if you have a lot of cables, you’ll need a larger cable tray. Likewise, the grommets for the cable holes cost extra; I recommend letting UpDown make the holes so you don’t void your trial period.
Finally, if your home office is very small, the desk’s depth of 75 cm might be too much.
My Verdict (Rating: 4.6/5)
I recommend the UpDown Pro Desk in a heartbeat if you’re looking for a stand-up desk made of top-notch materials, with lots of ways to make it your own and excellent customer service. You can read my detailed UpDown Pro Desk review to learn more.
It’s more expensive, but the quality, features, 10-year warranty, and 100-day money-back guarantee make it worth the money. The price begins at about A$900 for a Melamine desktop but can go well over A$2,000 if you choose hardwood and additional accessories.
#2 — Desky Dual Stand-Up Desk
Best Cable Management Standing Desk
When I tried the Desky Dual Stand-Up Desk, it was great for my workspace. It can carry up to 140 kg and holds all my things easily. I chose the medium size of 150 x 75 cm, which also fits my space well. Compared to the other Desky, UpDown can hold more weight. But Desky’s unique design for managing cables and accessories can be better if your setup has many computers and monitors.
While Desky’s basic package doesn’t come with cable and power channels, you can buy the Desky Integrated Cable & Power Channel, which costs $49 and can fit up to ten 240v power sockets under the desk. Plus, you can choose to have a curve at the back (scalloped design) of the desk for cables to go down, which helps if you want to put it against a wall.
Desky’s Dual sit-stand desk has many options for colours and finishes for the wood. I picked the Melamine top in a burnished wood colour with a black frame, but you can choose other types of wood like Hardwood, Softwood, Bamboo, Rubberwood, and more. However, the desk’s trial period is shorter than UpDown’s, offering only 7 days, during which you can’t even attach the desktop to the frame.
My Verdict (Rating: 4.3/5)
Desky comes with a 10-year warranty. It has four programmable height presets, and the updated controller has Bluetooth and a USB port for charging devices, which is nice. But it’s important to remember that it can’t hold as much weight or go as high as the UpDown Pro.
Even then, it’s still a great choice for most people. I was happy with what I bought, and I have a comprehensive review of the Desk Dual Desk that details everything you can expect. It costs about the same as the UpDown Pro, so it’s a good idea to look at prices from both the manufacturer and Amazon to get the best deal.
#3 — Artiss Standing Desk
Best Budget Sit-Stand Desk
Are you shopping on a much lower budget than the options previously discussed? Don’t worry; there’s a desk option for you — meet the Artiss Stand Desk! With key specifications that include a weight capacity of 100 kg, a height adjustment range of 69–118 cm, and a lifting speed of 3.2 cm/s, it’s an affordable solution for anyone seeking an adjustable desk.
This desk has two variations, labelled as type A and type B. The difference is Type A has a higher weight capacity, a wider adjustable height range, and three height presets for convenient adjustment. Type B, on the other hand, is a more basic option with a lower weight capacity and a slightly more limited adjustable range. It also does not include height presets for quick adjustments.
The Artiss Sit-Stand Desk arrives with the frame, desktop, clips, and ties for simple cable management. But don’t mistake this for a special tray for managing cables. If keeping your cables tidy is important to you, you can use accessories from other brands, like the cable tray from UpDown or the mini cable tray from Desky. The control panel, however, features a sleek design with tactile height adjustment buttons, similar to the high-end options.
The Artiss Sit-Stand Desk doesn’t look cheap, but it doesn’t have the fancy, high-quality feel of desks like the UpDown Pro Series. So, it might not be the best pick for a fancy home office. And regarding build quality, the desk aligns with its budget pricing. It’s more like an IKEA product with a thinner desktop based on particleboard and a single cross-beam for support.
My Verdict (Rating: 3.2/5)
The Artiss Sit-Stand Desk, type A, is a great pick if you don’t want to spend much money. But if you’re looking for a feature-rich sit-stand desk to improve your home workspace, the UpDown Pro Series is the better option. Artiss offers good functionality while being affordable and gives you good value for your money, but it has limits.
I should add that the pricing for the Artiss Sit-Stand Desk varies between the manufacturer and reseller sites. Deals also fluctuate, so I explore different options to find the most attractive offer for this budget-friendly standing desk. But if you’re keen on it, then read my dedicated Artiss Standing Desk review to learn more.
#4 — Stand Desk Pro Bamboo Standing Desk
Best Standing Desk for Fast-Lifting
Stand Desk Pro has two unique offerings:
- It has a dynamic lifting capacity of 8 cm/s. This is almost twice the industry average, which is around 3.6 cm/s. The tradeoff for this is that the sit-stand desk can only hold a weight capacity of 100 kg.
- The other is its integrated smart technology. The Stand Desk Pro has a built-in 10W wireless charger. This means you can put your wireless chargeable device on the designated spot on the desktop to charge it.
I discuss both of these features in my Stand Desk Pro in-depth review. Besides those, you also get a desk app that connects with Bluetooth. This is useful for setting up my sit/stand times and changing the desk’s height. There’s a regular tray for managing cables and a grommet hole at the back of the desktop to keep your cables tidy.
If you appreciate sustainable and environmentally friendly practices, Stand Desk Pro is made from bamboo harvested in a way that doesn’t harm the environment. It’s also packed in materials that can break down naturally. The manufacturer recently added two more finishes for the desktop besides Bamboo: Birch Plywood and Hardwood. But these cost more than the Bamboo desktops.
The stand desk comes with a wireless charger, it works, but it could be better, and it takes more time than I would expect to charge devices. I didn’t have any other issues with it, but I have seen reviews online where people said it sometimes doesn’t connect.
My Verdict (Rating: 4.5/5)
The ten-year warranty assures me that the Stand Desk Pro is a lasting investment. Thus, I recommend it to anyone seeking a modern, tech-friendly standing desk solution. Although it has a few minor limitations, the Stand Desk Pro desk has a lot of great things about it.
#5 — Secretlab Magnus Pro/Pro XL
Best Sit-Stand Desk for Gamers
There aren’t many dedicated sit-stand gaming desks on the Australian market. But that hasn’t stopped Secretlab from setting the standard of what a height-adjustable gaming desk should look like. Even though I don’t think of myself as a serious gamer, my experience with the Secretlab Magnus Pro/Pro XL Stand-Up Gaming Desk has shown me that these desks are a gamer’s dream come true.
If you’re buying the gaming desk, it comes in two sizes: Magnus Pro and Magnus Pro XL. The Magnus Pro XL is 18% bigger than the Magnus Pro, so you have more room for your gaming gear. The height adjustments are the same, with a height range of 65–125 cm.
Being a gaming desk, Secretlab offers many accessories to enhance your setup, like monitor arms, a magnetic hanger for headphones, and an extension for a Secretlab LAN cable, among other things. You can also pick from many desktop options, including 11 types of MAGPAD desk mats. The desks have a colourful magnetic LED light system, making your gaming area more exciting and attractive.
The Magnus Pro does even more with the Secretlab MAGRGB smart light version, which works well with your smart home through the Nanoleaf system. You can use voice commands with Google Home or Apple HomeKit to control the lights.
On the downside, the Magnus Pro and Pro XL are pretty heavy, making it hard to set them up or move them around. They are also not cheap, so they’re more like an investment for really serious gamers. The many accessories can make your gaming even better, but these add up to the total cost. If you’re watching your budget, this is something to think about.
My Verdict (Rating: 4.2/5)
In short, Secretlab’s Magnus Pro/Pro XL gaming desks offer a top-notch gaming experience with incredible features, great quality, and good looks. If you want to learn more, I have a comprehensive Secretlab Magnus Pro Desk review that discusses everything you must know before investing in the gaming chair.
And even though they cost more and you might need help to put them together, their benefit and overall gaming experience far outweigh any downsides. So, I’d recommend them for serious gamers who want an amazing gaming setup.
#6–FlexiSpot E7
Best Budget Sit-Stand Desk Alternative
The FlexiSpot E7 has a similar base size as most standing desks. It comes with a height range of 58–123 cm, a lifting speed of 3.8 cm/s, and a control panel with a built-in charger, an embedded USB charging port, and four custom height presets. You also get a dual motor lifting system, anti-collision and child-lock safety functions.
The E7 is similar to many other sit-stand desks in Australia, but I’ve included it for two reasons: it has a static weight capacity of 161 kg (the highest on the list) and a similar price range as the Artiss Desk. If you’re shopping on a small budget, consider either desk option.
FlexiSpot’s lifting weight capacity is 150 kg — 11 kg less than its static weight limit. For comparison, the EverDesk can lift 120 kg at a faster speed of 4.5 cm per second, Desky can lift 140 kg at the same speed as the E7, and UpDown can lift 150 kg at 3.2 cm per second.
The product warranty is for 10 years and 30-day return policy, but you can’t return it if you’ve already put it together. You also only get two desktop finishes: chipboard and bamboo. If you’re considering the sit-stand desk, here are the pros and cons:
Pros
- 161 kg static weight capacity
- Competitive lifting speed of 3.8 cm/s
- Many high-end useful features
Cons
- Limited desktop options
My Verdict (Rating: 4.3/5)
The Flexispot E7 balances functionality, aesthetics, and affordability. I recommend it for remote workers or anyone who values good ergonomic design. The sit-stand desk offers a near-premium experience at a competitive price.
Benefits of Using a Standing Desk
Using a standing desk offers several potential benefits for your health and productivity. Here are 7 of the advantages from my personal experience:
- Standing desks promote better posture by encouraging you to maintain a more upright position.
- Using a standing desk can help mitigate these risks from sedentary behaviours by reducing the time you spend sitting.
- Standing while working boosts energy levels and keeps you more alert — you feel more awake and engaged when standing.
- Standing desks allow you to tailor the desk to your height for comfort.
- Standing burns more calories than sitting, albeit not a significant amount. Over time, these extra calories burned can contribute to weight management.
- While not everyone may experience this, I find that standing makes me more productive.
- Standing also positively impact your mood and reduce stress.
It’s worth noting that while standing desks offer numerous advantages, they are not a one-size-fits-all solution. You may find that standing for long periods can lead to its own set of issues, such as leg fatigue. So, find the right balance and make ergonomic adjustments to fit your needs and preferences.
What to Look for When Choosing a Standing Desk
A standing desk is a valuable addition to your workspace, promoting better posture and reducing the health risks associated with prolonged sitting. To get the most out of them, picking the right one for your needs is essential. Below, I’ll provide a 5-step evaluation strategy to ensure you make an informed decision:
Step 1: Desk Type and Features
Let’s start with the desk type. There are two main types of standing desks to choose from: manual and electric. I recommend electrically height-adjustable desks. Consider the range of height adjustments and preset options, and be sure they meet your needs.
The desktop size should also be sufficient for your work setup. If you have a small workspace, choose a small desk; otherwise, the UpDown or Desky would do. Still, on the size, it’s also crucial to check if the desk can support the weight of your equipment.
Most standing desks have a weight limit of at least 100 kg, which is plenty for most use cases, but accounts for the extra weight of a hardwood desktop if you choose one.
Step 2: Weight Capacity and Lifting Speed
I’ve separated these two features for their significance. They are essential to having the best standing desk experience. Let’s go over them.
- Lifting Speed: This is the speed at which your desk goes up and down. Desks with two motors are the fastest, but it’s not always straightforward. Sometimes, manufacturers sacrifice weight capacity for excellent lifting speeds — an example is the Stand Desk Pro above. Generally, you can expect a lifting speed between 3.0 and 4.0 cm per second.
- Weight Capacity: Weight capacity is in two folds: the dynamic (lifting) weight capacity and the static weight capacity. This number shows the maximum weight your desk frame can handle when in position (static) or when in motion (dynamic). Always choose a higher dynamic capacity and aim for the highest weight limit possible.
Note: A weight capacity between 120 kg and 150 kg is often the best. Your desk can support the weight of multiple displays without wearing out the electric motors or causing the desktop to sag. This translates to increased reliability and a long lifespan over the years.
Step 3: Desk Ergonomics and Functions
Now that you’ve decided on the right desk type for your home or office use, it’s time to choose the functions, desktop, and ergonomic features that are important to you. Here are three of the most important to consider:
- Desk Materials: Most standing desk brands offer various materials like melamine, bamboo, and oak. Melamine and bamboo are modern and affordable. If you want a luxury feel and can spend more, hardwood is best — it’s elegant on the eye.
- Motors: Electric standing desks have motors that propel them up and down. They can be single, dual, or triple, with dual being the most common. Standing desks with a single motor are often budget picks and are not-so-good, i.e., they won’t move smoothly.
- Digital Controllers: Top-quality adjustable standing desks have digital displays with buttons to change the height easily. Some electric standing desks have presets that let you save up to four heights. Once you set a height, you can press a button later to move the desk to that height automatically.
Step 4: Quality and Accessories
For build quality, assess the build materials and construction. Naturally, a higher warranty indicates the manufacturer’s trust in the durability of their product. I also recommend a standing desk with a trial period or a flexible return policy, allowing you to test its suitability for your needs.
How about aesthetics and accessories? Both should be easy to decide. For aesthetics, choose a design that seamlessly blends with your workspace and resonates with your style. And for accessories, select those that improve your office usability, comfort, and productivity.
Consider getting an ergonomic chair, monitor arms, and a tray for managing cables. I discuss essential standing desk accessories that can significantly boost your standing desk experience below.
Step 5: Research and Decision
It’s time to delve into the last and crucial steps of your standing desk purchase. Begin by delving into user reviews and investing some time in researching various brands and models.
There’s also the budget and cost part. Sit-stand desks are often more expensive than regular desks. So, budget properly. You can get a simple but useful sit-stand desk for about $500 if you're a student. But if you can spend a bit more, get a better desk made of melamine or hardwood, with essential features like digital controllers.
Fortunately, I have taken care of the groundwork for you here and handpicked the top 6 standing desks in Australia, having considered all these. So, review them again, perform detailed comparisons based on all the discussed factors, and make your final decision, ensuring it aligns with your needs and preferences.
Types of Standing Desks
Standing desks come in various types and designs. Here are the most common options in Australia:
- Adjustable Height Desks: These desks are the most popular type of standing desk. They can be adjusted in height to accommodate both sitting and standing positions. They often come in two main categories:
- Manual adjustable desks that require manual adjustment using a crank or hand-crank mechanism.
- Electric adjustable desks powered by electric motors and adjusted with the push of a button.
- Fixed Standing Desks: Fixed standing desks are set at a fixed height, typically at standing height. They are a more affordable option but do not provide the flexibility of adjustable desks.
- Standing Desks Converters: They sit on top of a regular desk and can be raised or lowered as needed to use your fixed sitting desk as a sit-stand desk.
Essential Standing Desk Accessories
I recommend enhancing your standing desk with accessories to make your workspace more comfortable, efficient, and ergonomic. Here are some of the accessories I use:
- Cable Management: Consider investing in cable management solutions to avoid messy cables and potential tripping hazards.
- Monitor Stands: Monitor stands or mounts can help position your screen at eye level, improving ergonomics and reducing strain on your neck.
- Standing desk stool: A standing desk stool allows you to use your standing desk for prolonged hours without fatigue. This is because they allow you to adopt a leaning posture.
- Ergonomic Office Chair: Even with a standing desk, it’s essential to have the option to sit. An ergonomic office chair can provide support and comfort when you need to sit.
- Anti-Fatigue Mat: Standing for long periods can be hard on your feet. An anti-fatigue mat provides cushioning and promotes subtle movements to reduce fatigue.
- Balance Board: A balance board can add an element of physical activity while you work, improving balance and strengthening core muscles.
- Walking Pad: Like balance boards, a walking pad or under-desk treadmill adds physical activity to reduce sedentary behaviour with your sit-stand desk.
Remember, the right accessories can greatly enhance your standing desk experience, making it more comfortable and productive.
FAQs
- What is the best stand-up desk in Australia? The UpDown Pro Desk is rated the best overall standing desk in Australia. It has a solid frame and many gorgeous hardwood desktops.
- Is a standing desk worth it? Research suggests that standing burns only slightly more calories per hour than sitting — about 88 calories per hour vs. 80 calories per hour. But while a standing desk may not significantly help with weight loss or avoiding weight gain, there may be other benefits to consider. For instance, after a meal, blood sugar levels return to normal faster when a person spends more time standing. It also improves overall work experience.
- Is it OK to use a standing desk all day? It’s not recommended to stand all day. Standing for extended periods can lead to health issues like back, leg, or foot pain. Prolonged standing can also lead to health problems like varicose veins, thrombosis, or blockages in the carotid arteries. It’s essential to strike a balance between sitting and standing. We recommend limiting standing to about 40 minutes at a time without a break.
- Is it better to stand or walk at a desk? Standing and walking at a desk have their benefits and can be better than sitting for prolonged periods. Standing burns more calories per hour than sitting and can help reduce sitting time. However, walking burns significantly more calories per hour than sitting and standing. But whether it’s better to stand or walk at a desk depends on your comfort, the nature of your work, and your health goals.
Final Verdict
No matter what you’re looking for in a standing desk, there’s one out there for you. After testing and evaluating so many products, my top picks are:
- UpDown Pro — Best standing desk in Australia
- Desky Dual — Best sit-stand desk in Australia for cable management
- Artiss — Best budget standing desk in Australia
- Stand Desk Pro — Best standing desk for fast-lifting
- Magnus Pro/Pro XL — Best height-adjustable desk for Aussie gamers
- FlexiSpot E7: Best budget-alternative sit-stand desk
Let’s face it we’re just not evolved to sit still all day. Being active boosts blood flow and productivity. And the ability to change position helps prevent back pain. Working from home is the new normal, and you need a good workspace setup that preserves your health and improves your productivity.
If you want to get in touch, I am a real person! 😃, unlike some fake AI characters by publishers who have largely reworded my research and probably haven’t even touched most of the desks but claim they have (yes, a slightly touchy subject!).
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