Best Adjustable Desk Risers 2021: Level Up Your Office

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As we continue to spend long hours working from home, we also find more ways how to make the experience comfortable. One particular method that stands out is standing while working. So let me introduce to you, the best adjustable desk risers of 2021.

If you’re unaware, sitting for extended periods of time impacts our health negatively in a lot of ways. It doesn’t only affect our physical health, but also our mental health and our body’s overall well-being.

Multiple studies have shown that standing while working greatly improves one’s health and productivity. That’s why you’ll find adjustable desk risers are getting lots of recognition right now. Take note, I said desk risers and not a complete standing desk.

While they both offer almost the same functions, a standing desk provides a whole desk for your office, while a desk riser can be placed on top of your already existing desk. It’s a lot more convenient and doesn’t take up so much space. Not to mention, cheaper in comparison too.

Now who doesn’t want to give their health a boost, right? Pun intended.

But with so many products in the market being similar to each other, it can be difficult to separate the good from the bad. Especially if you’re not sure what to look for in the first place.

After spending hours of extensive research over specifications and actual customer reviews, I was able to come up with a list of my top recommendations for the best adjustable desk risers of 2021.

So whether you’re going back to the officer, still working from home, or anywhere in between, this list is surely for you.

Check Out Our Top 10 Best Standing Desks 2021 Here Too!

My Top Recommendations

1. VersaDesk Power Pro Electric Height-Adjustable Desk Riser

Overview

If you’re wanting to get the best of the best, the VersaDesk Power Pro should easily be your first choice.

Understandably, it is quite the splurge and not the cheapest adjustable desk riser in this list. But if money is no object, you’ll find this worth your every penny.

Unlike other desk risers that would take an effort in lowering and adjusting their heights, you won’t get the same experience with the VersaDesk Power Pro. With an effortless and intuitive design, you can quickly lower and raise your adjustable desk riser with a push of a button. No predetermined stopping points at all!

Aside from its ergonomic design, you’ll find setting up this desk fairly easy. Installation and removal don’t need a lot of work as you only need four thumbscrews to attach the keyboard tray.

Built with a high carbon steel frame, your VersaDesk Power Pro is sure to be stable and sturdy at any height preference and will last for the years to come. This also makes the desk work well with a dual monitor setup along with three ports to install your monitors.

Specifications

• Product Weight: 21 lbs.
• Dimensions: 25 x 32 x 20 inches
• Surface Dimensions: 36″ W x 16 1/4″ D.
• Keyboard Tray Dimensions: 36″ L x 10″ D
• Height Range: Up to 20 inches.
• Weight Capacity: 80 lbs.
• Desk Size Options: 36″, 40″, 48″
• Material: Steel
• Type: Electric
• Colors: Black, White, Maple, and Cherry

Rating: 9.5 out of 10.

Where Can I Buy The VersaDesk Power Pro?

2. VariDesk Pro Plus 36 Dual Monitor Standing Desk Converter

Overview

Another worthy buy is the VariDesk Pro Plus 36 Dual Monitor Standing Desk Converter.

When it comes to functionality, the VariDesk Pro Plus certainly ticks every box in my criteria required for the best adjustable desk riser this 2021. It’s one of the best sit-to-stand desks in the market for under $500. And you might find a lot of buyer reviews this certain workstation agrees with me.

It’s a popular choice from VariDesk’s wide catalog of products. And for a number of good reasons too. It’s a well-designed desk with a sturdy and stable build. Did I mention that it’s quiet, too? So if you’d like a desk that won’t disrupt other people around you, this is the perfect workstation for you.

While it’s not the most ergonomically designed in comparison to other desk risers in its range and you might take a bit of time getting used to this desk’s particular quirks, it still performs solidly and doesn’t take much away from its overall quality.

Not to mention, you get 11 fixed height settings that go up to 17.5 inches of height adjustment settings without experiencing any wobbling problems.

Here’s a helpful video on the VariDesk Pro Plus and how it works.

You also get the VariDesk Power Hub included in your purchase when you get the VariDesk Pro Plus. This helps you in cable management and device charging.

Additionally, the workstation also gets delivered to your home pre-assembled. So if you’re someone like me who’s not very handy with setting up such devices, you will love this product.

Specifications

• Product Weight: 64.8 lbs.
• Dimensions: 36 x 26.8 x 4.2 LxWxH inches
• Surface Dimensions: 36 x 12.25 inches.
• Height Range: 11 inches to 17.5 inches of height adjustability.
• Weight Capacity: 35 lbs.
• Desk Size Options: 30 inches, 36 inches, 40 inches
• Type: Gas spring
• Colors: Black, White, Butcher Block, and Dark Wood.

Rating: 9 out of 10.

Where Can I Buy The VariDesk Pro Plus 36 Dual Monitor Standing Desk Converter?

3. FEZIBO Standing Desk Converter, Stand Up Desk Riser 34

Overview

When making a list of the best adjustable desk risers for 2021, it’s hard to leave out the no-frills and popular FEZIBO Standing Desk. It’s such a great value for its price.

Like the previous product in this list, the FEZIBO Standing Desk is one of the more popular choices in the adjustable desk riser market. Most likely due to its affordable price yet high quality design. It’s no wonder it became Amazon’s Choice!

The FEZIBO’s design has a sliding x-style spring that rises and lowers without springing forward. The gas spring is also well-tuned enough to offer a smooth and almost effortless height adjustment. Though it does take some effort to lower.

Another noteworthy feature of the FEZIBO that we appreciate is its large adjustment range, which makes this desk versatile enough and ideal for people who are taller. As for installation, you might find yourself spending some extra time and paying more attention to detail when installing this device.

Just make sure to follow the installation instructions carefully and you should be ready to go!

Check Out Our Dedicated Review Of The FEZIBO Stand Up Desk Converter Here.

Specifications

• Product Weight: 37.48 lbs
• Dimensions: 32.6 x 17.8 x 33 inches LxWxH
• Surface Dimensions: 33.5″ W x 17.8″ D
• Keyboard Tray Dimensions: 32.3″W x 12.4″ D
• Height Range: 4.5 inches – 19.3 inches
• Weight Capacity: 28.6 lbs
• Desk Size Options: 30 inches, 34 inches, 37 inches, 42 inches
• Material: Engineered Wood
• Type: Gas Spring
• Colors: Black, White, Dark Wood, and Rustic Brown

Rating: 9 out of 10.

Where Can I Buy The FEZIBO Standing Desk Converter, Stand Up Desk Riser?

4. VIVO Standing 32 inch Desk Converter, Height Adjustable Riser

Overview

The VIVO Standing 32 -inch Desk Converter is another fairly affordable adjustable desk riser. It’s popular due to its user-friendly lever system that allows you to manually lift up your workstation for up to 20 inches.

Despite its budget-friendly price tag, this type of desk might not be for everyone. I say this because some of you might prefer a desk riser that juts or springs forward when being raised. Meanwhile, the slower lift action of this desk can be a great thing compared to desks that swing forward quite quickly. Fewer accidents that way!

On a more positive note, the assembly of the VIVO Standing 32-Inch Desk Converter is pretty easy. Out of the box, you get the product almost ready for use. All you have to do is set it up on your desk then attach the keyboard tray as per instruction.

Built with a sturdy, high-grade steel design, this adjustable desk riser is backed with a 3-Year Manufacturer Warranty along with friendly tech support to help you with every inquiry and concern!

Specifications

• Product Weight: 28.2 pounds
• Dimensions: 31.5 x 15.5 x 0.01 inches LxWxH
• Surface Dimensions: 31.5 inches x 15.5 inches
• Keyboard Tray Dimensions: 31.3 inches x 11.8 inches
• Height Range: 4.5 inches to 20 inches
• Weight Capacity: 33 lbs.
• Desk Size Options: 32 inches, 38 inches
• Material: Steel
• Type: X-Lift
• Colors: Black, White, Dark Wood, and Light Wood

Rating: 8.5 out of 10.

Where Can I Buy The VIVO Standing 32 Inch Desk Converter, Height Adjustable Riser?

5. TechOrbits Standing Desk Converter – 32″ Height Adjustable Stand Up Desk Riser

Overview

Another one of Amazon’s Choice in our list is the TechOrbits Standing Desk Converter.

This particular unit is best for people who love to maximize their workstations. Aside from having an incredibly durable and stable build, it’s also very spacious and accommodating to your peripherals for work such as a dual-monitor system, keyboard, speakers, and more.

The cord management system built into this model is also a nice feature to keep your desk tidy. If that’s not enough, a pre-set grommet hole on this model allows you to install an external monitor mount for heightened capabilities.

The TechOrbits Standing Desk Converter can also easily accommodate up to 33 lbs. of weight and raises from 4.2 inches up to 19.7 inches. Which makes this suitable for people who might be taller than average. In addition, you can conveniently remove the keyboard tray in case you don’t have the need for it.

Height adjustments are made manually with the handles on each side of the desk with minimum effort. Thankfully, it doesn’t need a lot of muscle or strength to do so due to the gas spring mechanisms.

To prevent your workstation from falling off your desk, non-slip silicone pads are attached to the bottom of the TechOrbits Standing Desk Converter. This also helps to keep your desk riser stable.

Specifications

• Product Weight: 9 lbs.
• Dimensions: 25 x 32 x 20 inches LxWxH
• Surface Dimensions: 15.7 x 31.5 inches
• Keyboard Tray Dimensions: 11.8 x 31.3 inches
• Height Range: 4.2 inches up to 19.7 inches
• Weight Capacity: 33 lbs.
• Desk Size Options: 32 inches, 37 inches
• Material: The frame is made of steel while the keyboard tray and desktop surface are made of medium-density wood.
• Type: X-lift
• Colors: Black, White, and Wood Brown

Rating: 8.5 out of 10

Where Can I Buy The TechOrbits Standing Desk Converter?

6. Flexpro Power 36 Inch Electric Standing Desk 

Overview

An underrated adjustable desk riser I found on Amazon that no one seems to be talking about is the Flexpro Power 36 Inch Electric Standing Desk from Stand Steady.

If you’re unfamiliar, Stand Steady is a very reliable brand that produces and manufactures modern ergonomic office equipment to promote a safer and healthier workspace for you.

Now moving on to the actual product, the Flexpro Power Electric Standing Desk is a pretty solid and neat unit in its own right. It’s fuss-free and with a simple push of a button, your desk riser will convert and raise (or lower) from sitting to standing in just a matter of seconds without making too much noise.

This is possible due to its reliable lift technology that makes transitioning from sitting to standing effortless and quiet.

If you’re on the taller end, you won’t have to worry about straining your neck or your back here as this unit raises up 19.5 inches tall.

This model also has a generous work surface that can hold up to 45 lbs. of weight and a spacious keyboard tray. You’ll easily fit your dual monitor systems here, your keyboard, mouse, tablets, snacks, collection of bobbleheads, and anything else you need for work or leisure time.

But my favorite thing about the Flexpro Power Electric Standing Desk is that it comes pre-assembled the moment it arrives at my house. No need to stress about following instructions or assembling parts here!

Specifications

• Product Weight: 53.5 lbs
• Dimensions: 28 x 40 x 7 inches LxWxH
• Surface Dimensions: 36 x 16 inches.
• Keyboard Tray Dimensions: 36 x 9.5 inches.
• Height Range: 5.5 to 19 inches.
• Weight Capacity: up to 45 lbs.
• Desk Size Options: 32 inches, 26 inches, 40 inches.
• Material: Steel
• Type: Electric
• Colors: Black only.

Rating: 8.5 out of 10.

Where Can I Buy The Flexpro Power 36 Inch Electric Standing Desk?

7. Seville Classics airLIFT Workstation Ergonomic Dual Monitor Riser with Keyboard Tray and Phone/Tablet Holder – 36″

Overview

One of the main things that make the Seville Classics Height Adjustable Stand Up Desk airLIFT Workstation stand out from other standing desk converters is its airlift system. which makes it so much easier to adjust the height settings.

Normally, it’s more often than not that I found myself putting more muscle and work into adjusting desk converters. Aside from that, they also usually have preset height adjustments so you are left to deal with those adjustments instead of being able to put it in a height setting that exactly matches your comfort level.

But with the Seville Classics Height Adjustable Stand Up Desk, it allows you to lock it in any height setting according to your preference or comfortable for you. In turn, this also does wonders for your posture and overall physical health.

For a mid-ranged price tag, it can easily accommodate two monitors, your keyboard, your tablet, phone, and other work essentials or equipment without a fuss.

Specifications

• Product Weight: 52 lbs.
• Dimensions: 31 x 36 x 19.7 inches
• Surface Dimensions: 35.43 inches x 23.23 inches
• Keyboard Tray Dimensions: 35.43 inches x 12.60 inches
• Height Range: 5.9 inches to 19.7 inches
• Weight Capacity: 33 lbs.
• Desk Size Options: 30 inches, 36 inches, 40 inches, 47 inches.
• Material: Wood, Plastic, and Metal
• Type: Z-lift, gas spring
• Colors: Walnut, White, and Black

Rating: 9 out of 10.

Where Can I Buy The Seville Classics airLIFT Workstation Ergonomic Dual Monitor Riser with Keyboard Tray and Phone/Tablet Holder?

Things To Consider Before Buying

Now that I’ve covered my top recommendations, here are a few things to you might want to consider in an adjustable desk riser before making a purchase.

Type of Adjustable Desk Risers

One of the first things you need to keep in mind when buying an adjustable desk riser is the type of workstation you’d prefer or that will meet your needs. So here’s a small list of different types of desk risers along with brief descriptions of how they operate.

Electric

An electric desk converter uses an electric lift mechanism that automatically raises your workstation to give you an effortless transition between sitting and standing as you work. All you have to do is press a button and voila! You can now work at a standing height.

Some desks have customizable options for height adjustments while some have built-in or fixed height presets you can choose from depending on your comfort level. People with more budget can opt for these kinds of desks as they tend to provide less effort or muscle when adjusting your workstation.

Z-Lift and X-Lift

Z-lifts and X-lifts are fairly similar to each other. You can even say they’re relatives in the adjustable desk riser community. Their main differences are their architecture or structure. One desk rising to a Z shape while the latter rises to an X shape.

The Z-lifts are actually the most popular type of desk risers. They offer some of the best work surface stability while standing, ease of use when lifting and lowering your workstation, and a generally budget-friendly price tag.

X-lifts are almost the same as previously mentioned, but they only tend to lift up and down in one straight motion. No forward springs here. Usually that’s an advantage as it saves up on space. They are also a little bit cheaper than the Z-lifts.

Post & Base

Post & Base desk converters offer a sturdy post that holds your monitor and a keyboard platform. They sit freestanding on your desk without the need of desk clamps and take up even way less space than your standard Z-lifts and X-lifts.

A lot of manufacturers have also been putting out standing desk converters that have built-in monitor adjustability so you can freely adjust your monitors at any ideal height and angle.

Hover

Hover types are kind of like monitor mounts attached with a work surface to put your other work essentials on. They “hover” over your desk as the name suggests.

This kind of design tends to save up the most amount of space in your office than any other type on this list. Though keep in mind, they don’t have the most stable or spacious work surfaces.

Corner

Last but not the least, a corner type of standing desk converter offers almost the same structure designs from several of the types above such as Z-lift, X-lift, and Electric desk risers. The only difference is that corner desk risers tend to sport a “curved” work surface to give you a more spacious and versatile space to work on.

Size

Understandably, not everyone can afford a spacious office space either at your home or your actual office. So size is an important aspect to consider when investing in an adjustable desk riser.

If space is an issue, it’s best to go for desk risers that don’t spring or jut forward when raised. X-lift standing desk converters usually don’t have this type of mechanism so that’s something worth looking at. They also go for a lot cheaper too! So that’s two birds in one stone, eh?

Height Adjustment Settings

When it comes to height settings of an adjustable desk riser, you should always put into account your own height. This will give you an idea what level or which particular height setting you will be comfortable with.

Usually, shorter people don’t much have problems with the standard desk risers since these accommodate them easily more often than not. But if you’re on the taller side of the spectrum, it’s best that you look for desk risers that go up to 19 or more inches.

Don’t also forget to take into account how stable the work surface is when used in its maximum height settings.

Apart from your height, you’ll also notice that almost every adjustable desk riser in the market has a pneumatic, gas-powered lift system. Sometimes units are motorized, some are not. Either way, the lift system in these desk risers allows for easier extension and height adjustment.

There’s also a gas spring system that helps with stability in your workstation by locking the desk riser in place. So if you find standing desk converters without these mechanisms, it’s best to steer clear and save your money for something more worth it.

Weight Capacity

Speaking of stability, weight capacity is another important feature to keep in mind when choosing an adjustable desk riser.

It’s best to choose a standing desk converter that won’t break or wobble when placed under heavy loads of work equipment. It’s now a standard for these desk risers to support dual monitor systems and other office equipment with ease.

Of course, every workstation has its limits to keep in mind, but it should easily hold up to its weight capacity claims or else, better skip the unit and find something else more suitable.

Aside from stability, your safety is also a factor when it comes to a desk riser’s weight capacity. If it breaks even when it hasn’t reached the maximum weight capacity, you’d be at risk for accidents such as spills or equipment falling to the floor and that’s a huge red flag.

Build Quality

Moving on, your standing desk converter’s build quality can either make or break your workstation. And I meant that literally.

Let’s face it, standing desk converters don’t come in cheap. And the best options that cater to budget-friendly prices are almost over a hundred dollars.

To some, it might already seem like a small amount but every penny counts! And I’m sure everyone agrees that no one likes to waste money on a subpar product. Plus! Returning and exchanging items can be quite a hassle too. So I’d rather not deal with that additional stress.

So to prevent that, make sure you get your money’s worth by choosing an adjustable desk riser that’s built to last you for many years to come.

Most standing desk converters nowadays are usually made of metal and wood, but the build quality will determine the stability of your workstation. So avoid desk risers that are made of flimsy materials.

Assembly

One great quality to have in the best adjustable desk riser is easy assembly. Or even better, no assembly needed at all!

If you’re unlike me, and you’re actually quite skilled when it comes to setting up units like these, then I’m sure you’ll have no problem with setting up your own workstations.

But if you’re like me who face a bit of stress when having to assemble our own desk risers, then we can opt for standing desk converters that have minimal to no assembly requirement at all.

Conclusion

Taking good care of one’s health this 2021 is more important than ever. With COVID not going anywhere anytime soon, the last thing we need is to worry about other factors that might affect our health negatively.

Various studies have already shown the benefits of standing desks and adjustable desk risers as well as the health risks of sitting for long hours throughout the day.

That’s why when you finally make the decision of investing in these devices, you’re not only investing to achieve an ergonomic office, you’re also investing in your overall health and wellness.

So if improving your health and boosting your work morale altogether are included in your list of priorities, I think finding the best adjustable desk riser for you is a great way to do that.

Do you already own a desk riser? Did your favorite make it in our list? Let me know in the comments section below as well as your insights and experiences!

Recommended reading for you:

The Top 10 Best Standing Desks 2021: Working From Home Has Never Been This Comfortable!

Your Helpful Buyer’s Guide To The Best Standing Desk Converter For 2021

The FEZIBO Standing Desk Converter Review: Ergo-Friendly & Affordable!

The Seville Classics AirLIFT Workstation Review: An Effortless Way To Take Your Office To New Heights!

Flexispot 35 Black Stand Up Desks Workstation: Why You Need One

Get Fitter With VariDesk Pro Plus 36 Standing Desk

Halter ED 258 Height Adjustable Sit Stand Desk – A Healthier Lifestyle