Electric vs. Manual Standing Desks: An Easy Decision
The modern workplace is fast evolving, with a focus on health and productivity. Since the early 2010s, the risks from prolonged sitting have become increasingly apparent. And among the solutions is the sit-stand desk, a piece of furniture that encourages frequent movement.
But when choosing a standing desk, one major decision stands out: electric or manual? In this article, I will guide you through the pros and cons of each type, making the decision easy and ensuring you select the best option for your work needs.
What are Standing Desks?
Standing desks allow you to stand up while working. Instead of sitting in a chair, you can adjust the desk height so that you can comfortably stand and use your computer or do other tasks.
Many people use standing desks to help reduce back pain and improve their posture. They can also help you stay more active during the day. Some standing desks are adjustable, so you can switch between sitting and standing whenever you want.
For adjustable desks, there are two types: manual and electric sit-stand desks. Manual desks require physical effort to adjust the height, usually through a crank or lever. In contrast, electric sit-stand desks use motors to adjust the desk height with a button.
🔍 Tip: To improve your workspace ergonomics for comfort and productivity, read my comprehensive guide on programming your sit-stand desk.
How to Decide Between Electric and Manual Sit-Stand Desks?
To choose between an electric and manual desk, it’s essential to understand the key differences and benefits. Here are five core factors that will help you determine which best suits your lifestyle.
#1 — Ease of adjustment
Ease of adjustment is crucial as it directly reflects the desk’s convenience and user-friendliness. For example, if you plan to switch between sitting and standing multiple times throughout the day, an electric desk is ideal for quick, effortless, and precise adjustments.
Similarly, if you intend to share your desk with a partner or colleague, an electric desk makes it easy for each person to easily adjust it to their preferred height. The feature programmable height presets that further enhance your convenience.
📑 Side note: If you have physical limitations or any condition that makes manual adjustments difficult, an electric desk provides is an accessible option.
#2 — Ergonomics and customisation
As explained in the first deciding factor, electric desks offer precise adjustments so you can set the desk to the perfect height for your body. This helps you maintain good posture and reduces the risk of back, neck, and shoulder pain. Its simplicity in switching between sitting and standing enables you to stay comfortable when working.
Electric desks also have many other features for customisation, safety, and efficiency, including memory settings, sit-stand reminders, anti-collision technology, programmable controls, child-lock functionality, USB ports, and even wireless charging features.
The ergonomics and customisation features of electric sit-stand desks keep you comfortable and healthy. If you’re choosing a standing desk for its health benefits, electric is the correct answer.
#3— Durability and maintenance
Durability and maintenance refer to how long your standing desk will last and how much effort you’ll need to put into keeping it in good working condition. Between an electric and manual desk, the most durable option is the manual desk. Here’s why:
- Manual desks usually have fewer moving parts, which means there’s less that can break or wear out over time. This can make them more durable and longer-lasting.
- Manual desks require less maintenance because they have simpler mechanisms. You only need to check for loose screws and fasteners or parts occasionally.
Over time, electric desks encounter issues like motor wear, electrical problems, or software updates. That’s not to say they aren’t sturdy—a well-built desk, whether manual or electric, will stay stable and support your equipment without wobbling.
In simple terms, a manual desk is better if you want something that’s easy to maintain and likely to last a long time without much hassle.
#4 — Power
Power is an important deciding factor between a manual and an electric standing desk. It affects how the desk operates and where you can use it. Electric desks need to be plugged into an electrical outlet to work. This means you must have a power source nearby, which can limit where you can place the desk in your home or office.
📝 Note: Some electric desks use batteries, providing flexibility in placement and reducing dependence on constant power sources.
This also means that if there’s a power outage or if the desk gets unplugged, you won’t be able to adjust the height until power is restored. This can be inconvenient if you need to change positions. They consume electricity every time you adjust the height.
Manual desks don’t need electricity, so you can use them anywhere, adjust them, even during a power outage, won’t impact your energy consumption, offering more flexibility.
#5 — Cost
I’ve broken down the cost of manual and electric desks into three parts to help you properly evaluate the price of either standing desk.
- Price difference: Electric desks are more expensive because they have motors, electronic controls, and additional features, whereas manual desks are cheaper because they have simpler mechanisms.
- Value for money: While electric desks cost more upfront, they offer essential features like easy height adjustment, memory settings, and sit-stand reminders. Manual desks offer the primary function of adjustable height without the extra features.
- Long-term costs: Manual desks have fewer parts that can break, so they cost less to maintain. Electric desks, however, have high maintenance costs for the motors and electronics over time.
If you have more money to spend and want the convenience of easy adjustments and extra features, choose an electric desk. But a manual desk is a great, budget-friendly option if you’re looking to save money and don’t need all the bells and whistles.
Electric vs. Manual Sit-Stand Desks: Summary
Here’s a summary card based on the discussions above:
Final Thoughts
It’s evident that manual standing desks offer good value for money. However, if you can invest a little more, electric desks have more functionality for your day-to-day activities.
Regardless of which desk type you decide, there are numerous health benefits to gain. I hope this guide helps you easily determine what desk type suits you. If you have any questions, you can leave them in the comment section below.
