The 4 Best Standing Desk Converters of 2026

I start most workdays with a trip to the gym. But then I sit, writing stories, and forget to get up for hours. I know that all that sitting isn’t great for my health, and I can feel my hips and shoulders tighten after being at my desk all day. I needed a change. Not quite ready to part with my antique writing desk for the best standing desks, I began looking for the best standing desk converter I could find.

I tested 10 standing desk converters and evaluated their stability, how much space they took up, and the variety of height adjustment options. I also considered factors such as how easy they were to set up and use, the value for their price, and portability. The best option I tried is the Vivo K Series. It’s available in a wide range of sizes and finishes to accommodate desks of all sizes, stable, and well-priced. For larger desks, I liked the VariDesk Corner Cube, which comes pre-assembled, can fit two monitors, and smoothly lifts up and down.

Our picks of the best standing desk converters

Best overall: Vivo K Series – See at Amazon

Best for small desks: Mount-It Compact Standing Desk – See at Amazon

Best for large desks: VariDesk Corner Cube 36 – See at Amazon

Best adjustable: Btod VertDesk – See at Btod

Best overall

The best option to add to your work set up. The Vivo K series uses an x-shaped frame (like an ironing board), so it only moves vertically when you adjust the height, as opposed to some converters that move forward or backward as you raise or lower them. That makes it an excellent choice for work desks of all sizes, including smaller workspaces. I like that it fits on my slim main desk (the base width is only 16 inches), and that it’s not too heavy to tuck away when I want a more traditional workspace. The pneumatic lift mechanism also adjusts smoothly, requiring minimal force.

The Vivo K Series is all about options. The series offers converters in six different widths, ranging from 26 to 48 inches. I tested the 32-inch model, which had plenty of space for working with a laptop and an additional monitor. The desks also come in nine color options, which you can match to your workstation. With rounded edges and a curved keyboard level, the Vivo K Series was comfortable and visually appealing. 

Some minor assembly required. The only minor downside is that it required some assembly, which took about 15 minutes to set it up, including the time it took to find a screwdriver. The assembly directions weren’t very clear, but the process was intuitive. 

Best for small desks

Ideal for folks who have a small workspace. The Mount-It Compact Standing Desk has a lot going for it. First of all, it’s aesthetically pleasing with a quality finish. The surface area is small by design, but it does not feel crowded. In addition to a keyboard ledge, it also has a 13-inch slot to prop up a smartphone or tablet. The Mount-It also had the smoothest adjustment of any of the desks I tested. Thanks to the gas spring adjustment, I felt like I could move this converter up or down with the touch of a finger. It was easy to assemble and move on or off my desk, while still providing plenty of space to work while standing.

May not extend enough for tall people. It has a maximum height extension of only 16 inches above the host desk, which won’t work for tall people. The highest setting worked for me, and I’m 5’7″, so I can’t recommend this desk for people taller than that. In addition, the Mount-It vibrated slightly at that height when I typed. Although it never felt unstable, the slight movement was annoying. 

Best for large desks

Beautifully built but undeniably bulky. VariDesks are sturdy, polished, and commercial-grade in quality, arriving fully assembled with a smooth hydraulic lift and 11 height settings. They feel extremely stable thanks to a weighted base — but at over 50 pounds, they’re heavy and not easy to move. They’re also expensive, almost the price of a new standing desk.

Spacious designs with thoughtful ergonomics. I tested three 36-inch models. The VariDesk Corner Cube 36 was my favorite for its curved design and generous workspace for dual monitors. It’s designed for L-shaped desks and fits two monitors. The VariDesk Pro Plus 36 was solid but the U-shaped work surface wasn’t my preference, while the VariDesk Essential 36 lost comfort points for its straight keyboard edge, which felt less forgiving than the curved versions.

Great for large desks, not small spaces. VariDesks extend outward toward you as they rise, and the Corner Cube reaches nearly 42 inches deep at full height from the base to the keyboard tray, which overwhelmed my narrow workspace. Vari recommends a desk depth of at least 25.75 inches, so these converters are best suited for roomy setups.

Best adjustable

The VertDesk allows for infinite adjustments. You can really dial in your ideal height between 6.25 and 20.25 inches above your host desk. It was also the only converter I tested with an adjustable keyboard angle, a helpful feature for those with sensitive wrists, even though I preferred keeping it flat.

Spacious top platform, but a tighter keyboard tray. The 35.5-inch-wide upper surface provides plenty of room to fit two monitors, though the 26.25-inch keyboard tray felt cramped for a keyboard and mouse. The lack of a curved cutout may also make it less comfortable for larger-bodied users. Build quality is solid, though not quite on par with similarly priced VariDesk models. Like VariDesk, it extends outward as you raise it, reaching 32 inches deep at full height — still compact enough for smaller workspaces, but worth noting.

What to look for in a standing desk converter

Adjustments and portability: Above all else, a standing desk converter should be easy to use and adjust. If not, it will just become another piece of office furniture collecting dust. Since most people don’t want to stand all the time, the desk converter should either be comfortable to work at in a seated position or be portable enough that you can move it off your existing desk when you want to sit. 

Stability: The desk should be able to safely lift and lower your gear. Pay attention to the intended weight limit. Our top picks can handle up to 35 pounds. If you lean on it though while you’re standing, you don’t want it to buckle or sway.

Ergonomics: Next, look for a desk that is comfortable for your body. If you’re particularly short or tall, check the minimum and maximum adjustment heights. If, like me, you have a bit of a belly, look for a desk with a curved cutout that keeps your front from rubbing against the converter while you work. Choose a desk that is wide enough to accommodate your shoulders without cramping your arms, particularly if you are built broad. 

Desk size: Finally, the converter needs to fit the dimensions of your existing desk. If your desk is narrow, you’ll need a standing desk converter with a slimmer base. Most companies publish their standing desk converter base measurements, so pull out the tape measure before you purchase to make sure the standing desk converter has enough space. 

How we tested standing desk converters

We tested 10 standing desk converters in real-life conditions according to the following criteria:

• Assembly: We timed how long it took to set up the desk, from unboxing to ready for work. 
• Size and portability: We evaluated how well the converter fit on our testing desk, whether it was light enough to move around if needed, and whether it provided an adequate workspace. 
• Adjustments: We tested the minimum and maximum heights and noted how many options were in between. We made sure that the desk was stable at each height and easy to adjust. 
• Value: We compared the price of the desk to its build quality to determine whether it was good value for money. 

Standing Desk Converter FAQ

What are the benefits of standing desks?

Standing to work, rather than sitting, may have some health benefits. Some research has found that standing can reduce your insulin resistance (help your body better process blood sugar), improve blood flow, and help cholesterol levels. You might also find it more comfortable: one study found that people who stood for work reported having less shoulder and neck pain than when they were sitting. 

Incorporating a standing workstation is associated with health benefits ranging from better blood flow and blood sugar to reduced shoulder pain.

What is a standing desk converter?

A standing desk converter transforms a normal desk into a standing desk. These converters sit on top of your existing workspace, providing a new surface to put your monitor, keyboard, and mouse on. They have a mechanism that can raise or lower them, usually either a pneumatic lift or electric, allowing you to work while sitting or standing. 

How tall should my standing desk converter be?

If you’re working at a standing desk converter, your monitor should be right in front of your eyes. Your keyboard should be at a height where you can type without holding your arms up or down — essentially, 90 degrees out from your elbows. The height you need from your standing desk converter will depend on how tall you are and how tall your existing desk is, so you may need to pull out the measuring tape before ordering. BTOD has a handy guide to figuring work surface heights.