If you’re here looking for a budget-friendly standing desk for your WFH station, you’re certainly not the only one who wants to upgrade their space (and save their back). Work from home (WFH) has literally transformed work-life balance for millions of Americans (27.6 million people and counting) for the better. In lieu of hour-long commutes, unnecessarily lengthy in-person meetings, and ongoing office banter that sometimes warrants a paper “do not disturb” sign taped to your back, WFH has allowed people to improve productivity, reduce unnecessary spending, and focus on their mental health.
But with remote work, experts have seen a surge in back and neck pain as a result of sedentary behaviors like couch work. Luckily, ergonomic furniture like standing desks exist—and it’s here to support your posture. As you likely already know, though, standing desks aren’t cheap, retailing between $200 and $7,800.
The good news is that we found great budget-friendly standing desk options that advance posture but won’t break the bank. Keep on scrolling on the best standing desks (all under $500) and what to look for in a standing desk before you buy one.
Best budget-friendly standing desks, at a glance:
What to look for in a budget-friendly standing desk
There are three main types of standing desks: electric, converters, and manual height adjustable desks. Electric standing ones utilize motors that raise, stop, and lower the desks to your desired height and usually come with a built-in control pad. For people who already own a desk but want the functionality of a standing desk, converters—a platform that transforms your existing desk into a standing desk—are a solid choice. Last but not least, there are manual height adjustable desks. As the name implies, this type of desk requires manual adjustment (using a lever or some other system), and it’s typically equipped on portable or more space-friendly desks. Since manual height adjustable desks require no electrical work, they tend to run on the cheaper end of standing desks.
The type of desk you choose will depend on your lifestyle needs. For an easy and ready-to-use experience, go with electric. Have a desk? Opt for a converter. Want a no-frills desk and portability? We’d recommend a manual adjustment desk. Beyond types of desks, you’ll also want to consider the shape and size. For shape, most standing desks are rectangular, but there are ergonomic desks that have a slight curvature that better fit your chair. Desk sizes change but for electric desks, they can measure up to 60 by 30 inches.
If you mean business, check out these best budget-friendly standing desks that will advance posture, minimize hunching, and keep you on your toes (pun intended).
The best budget-friendly standing desks
Best overall
Flexispot, E1 Pro Standing Desk — $250.00
Originally $390, now $250
As far as electric desks go, Flexispot’s E1 Pro reigns supreme. Not only is it reasonably priced, but the E1 Pro is built using high-quality materials, too. The legs of the desk, for example, are built from durable stainless steel that wards off wobbling, no matter how many things you place on it (it can hold a load up to 154 pounds), and the desktop is constructed out of no-chip wood or natural bamboo. To adjust, simply use the keypad, which comes with a built-in height adjuster and programmable memory sets, so the desk can automatically adjust to your desired height at the push of a button. This desk is where office meets innovation. Farewell, back pain!
Sizes available: 42″x24″ to 60″x30″
Desktop finishes: 5
Weight: 22 to 49.1 pounds
- 3 memory presets
- Stainless steel frame
- Made of durable desktop materials
- Quiet motor
Best style
Shw, Electric Height Adjustable Standing Desk — $189.00
Originally $300, now $189
The maple-colored desktop and white frame puts the Shw’s Electric Adjustable Standing Desk at the tippy top of the style category. If you don’t fancy any of the colors, don’t worry, because there are six other desktop and frame colors to choose from. Beyond the design, this desk has some notable specs like four memory preset options (ideal for you and a significant other), a stainless steel frame, and a motorized lift that rises up to 45 inches. All these specs combined make it worth the money.
Sizes available:24″D x 47.25″W x 28″H
Desktop finishes: 7
Weight: 68.8 pounds
- 4 memory presets
- Stainless steel frame
- Stylish
- Motor may be loud for some
- Heavy
Best portable
Smug, Mobile Laptop Desk — $76.00
Originally $98, now $76
This portable and lightweight desk is ideal for people who don’t like to sit in one spot. Work from the couch? No problem. Office chair? No biggie. The desk is equipped with four lockable, 360-degree wheels that maneuver easily and a waterproof and easy-to-clean top. Using a built-in lever, you can manually adjust the desktop between 28.5 inches to 42.5 inches. Now, you can meet deadlines and Zoom from anywhere (sofa included).
Sizes available: 25.7″D x 19″W x 42.5″H
Desktop finishes: 2
Weight: 18.73 pounds
- Lightweight
- Easy to adjust
- Portable
Best spacious
Yeshomy, Adjustable Standing Desk — $170.00
Originally $180, now $170
Need to fit two monitors and some desk accessories? You’ve come to the right spot, because Yeshomy’s desktop clocks in at 55 by 24 inches. The extra desk space makes room for a desk lamp, multiple monitors, a mouse, books, and more. Using a motorized height adjustor, you can adjust to your desired height between 28.75 and 48 inches. In terms of assembly, you don’t need to be Bob the Builder to put this thing together. Packaged in two parts, this desk offers easy assembly.
Sizes available: 23.62″D x 55.11″W x 48″H
Desktop finishes: 5
Weight: 49 pounds
- Easy to assemble
- Stainless steel frame
- 2 memory presets
Best L-shaped
Fezibo, L-Shaped Standing Desk — $280.00
Originally $460, now $280
For the organizers, Fezibo’s Standing Desk offers an L shape to make your work-from-home setup feel like a legit office. The space grants you more wiggle room to place multiple monitors (bye head twisting), stationary, and more. Built out of heavy duty stainless steel and a strong motor, this desk can lift a load of up to 176 pounds and adjust between 27.6 inches to 47.3 inches, making it durable, functional, and spacious. Plus, it’s equipped with lockable wheels that make it easy to navigate your office.
Sizes available: 19.7″D x 41.3″W x 27.6″H
Desktop finishes: 4
Weight: 83 pounds
- L-shaped
- 3 memory presets
- 176-pound load capacity
Best storage
Flexispot, Comhar Standing Desk — $400.00
Flexispot’s Comhar Standing Desk proves that you don’t need a bigger desk to have more space. Boasting a spacious, built-in drawer, the Comhar provides hidden storage for all of your bits and bobs, whether you have sticky notes, pens, or books. Whenever your posture needs attention, use the command center to adjust the height up to 47.6 inches and preset your desired height using the four memory presets for easy lifting. What’s impressive, is that it has anti-collision technology that prevents your items from getting smooshed. Non-distracting, minimal, and spacious—the Comhar will blend in and jazz up any room.
Sizes available: 47.3” x 23.7”
Desktop finishes: bamboo
Weight: 83 pounds
- Anti-collision technology
- 4 memory presets
- Comes with built-in drawer
Best ergonomic
Farexon, Electric Adjustable Desk — $190.00
If you’re looking for a desk that’s ergonomic and fits your chair, we recommend Farexon’s Adjustable Desk. It has a curved desktop that makes maneuvering and adjusting seamless. Other notable features of this desk that put it as a top budget-friendly option are the height adjustments between 27 and 45 inches, four memory presets, and anti-collision technology that hinders your belongings from getting smashed. Even more, water is no match for this desk thanks to the liquid-resistant tabletop.
Sizes available: 24″D x 59″W x 45″H
Desktop finishes: 3
Weight: n/a
- 4 memory presets
- Ergonomic
- Anti-collision technology
Best for living room use
SS Line, Rolling Adjustable Desk — $49.00
Working from home doesn’t necessarily mean you’re working from a chair. For a comfy, feel-good work spot, a couch or reading chair might do the trick. It’s all possible with SS Line’s Rolling Adjustable Desk, which can transform your living room into a workspace, if that’s what you fancy. It can be adjusted up to 38.58 inches, rolls smoothy under a couch or bed, and is easy to assemble—what’s not to love? Once work is done, it doubles as a side table for placing snacks, magazines, and beverages.
Sizes available: 33.5 x 25.5 x 24.5 inches
Desktop finishes: 4
Weight: n/a
- Portable
- Easy to assemble
- Suitable for bed and couch
- Extends only to 38.58 inches
Best converter
Vivo, Desk Converter — $120.00
If you’ve got a desk at home, don’t fret because this converter will transform it into a standing machine. This adjustable platform positions you to sit and stand in a matter of seconds, and the converter holds up to 33 pounds. While small, the converter is mighty, fitting two whole monitors. Also nice: It comes with a keyboard tray, so you’ll have a designated spot for typing. Out of the box, the converter comes assembled. All that’s required is the keyboard attachment, and you’re ready for business.
Sizes available: 15.9″D x 31.5″W x 4.4″H
Desktop finishes: 3
Weight: 25.2 pounds
- Easy assembly
- Stainless steel frame
- Lightweight
- Limited space
- Holds less weight
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