14 Best Standing Desks In Australia For 2024 [Tested]

Are you ready to switch from your wobbly home office desk to a premium standing desk with rock-solid stability? I made the change a few years ago – and learned a lot along the way. In this review of the best standing desks in Australia, I’ll share everything I know to prevent you from making a wrong decision.

While electric standing desks look similar, a few crucial differences set them apart. For example, some have generous risk-free trials while others don’t.

A few brands offer over-engineered desk frames to ensure rock-solid stability, while others prioritise cable management.

1. UpDown Pro.

Overall best standing desk in Australia.

Above: Gorgeous hardwood desktops are just the beginning. The UpDown Pro standing desk with New Messmate desktop, plus a few accessories.

The UpDown Pro Standing Desk continues to hold the title of Australia’s best standing desk in my books – because it provides the most solid frame in a supremely well-made and stylish package.

It’s the last electric standing desk you’ll ever need to buy.

(Related: UpDown Pro Tested: Still The Best Standing Desk?)

Pros.

This standing desk is available in 10 beautifully crafted desktop options, including Acacia, Bamboo, Rubberwood and hard-wearing Melamine board.

Sourced in southeast Australia, it has lovely grain and is available in recycled or freshly cut options.

Not only is a hardwood desktop beautiful to the eye and feels nice to touch, but at 27mm, it’s 2mm thicker than the competition, which amplifies that rock-solid, quality feel.

Above: The UpDown Pro sit-stand desk is optioned with a lockable metal drawer (must-have accessory), standing mat and a power rail. The cable management spine is from Bradteck.

While hardwood is excellent for creating stunning home offices, office fitouts require a more pragmatic approach.

This is where UpDown’s Bamboo and Melamine desktop options become your best friend. Inexpensive and hard-wearing, they’re excellent for creating rows of desks that will accommodate larger teams.

But the best feature of the UpDown Pro stand-up desk is its bulletproof feel. The steel frame feels ridiculously strong and looks satisfyingly chunky.

The powder coating layer is thicker than competitors’, protecting the desk from bumps and scuffs.

Above: A must-have accessory, UpDown’s lockable box is stylish, solid and practical. You can stash some books or papers in the slot above it.

I’m not exaggerating when I say that you could drop this sit-stand desk from the 3rd storey window, and it would stay intact.

At the risk of sounding older than I am, I’ll say that the UpDown Pro’s build quality reminds me of “the good old times” – before cheap, semi-disposable furniture flooded the Australian market.

In addition to its rock-solid build quality, the UpDown Pro electric standing desk offers a dual motor system for smooth, vibration-free adjustments.

Thanks to its dual motors, the desk rises and lowers at a rapid clip of 32 mm/sec.

The company appears to be responsive and accommodating, as websites like ProductReview are full of feedback like this:

Planning to share your UpDown Pro with your husband, wife or business partner?

Avoid office squabbles by saving your preferred desk height into one of four memory presets.

Above: The 150 x 75 cm desktop provides a lot of real estate for all your hardware, accessories and stationery.

If you’re like me, you’ll want to personalise your workspace. UpDown doesn’t let you down with a comprehensive range of standing desk accessories.

Grab castor wheels, monitor arms, handy lockable drawers and power rails to build an ergonomic, stylish home office to your exact spec.

Cons.

The UpDown doesn’t feature pre-drilled holes in the desktop. While you can easily assemble the UpDown desk using the included tools and a screwdriver, a power drill will make the process faster.

Three desktop widths (120, 150, and 180cm) are available, but only one depth (75cm).

This may not fit smaller home offices, so ensure you have enough space to accommodate the depth.

UpDown’s cable management systems are good – without being outstanding.

Above: UpDown in standing position. Note the chunky frame and the stylish hardwood desktop.

The company sells a clamp-on power rail ($199) with 2 X 240v and 2 X USB-A plugs and an under-desk cable tray ($49).

Above: The UpDown controller offers electric height adjustment with 4 memory presets and pleasantly tactile buttons.

My last quibble with the Updown standing desk is that the company doesn’t accept Amex at checkout. Small business customers like me may see this as an unnecessary roadblock.

Verdict.

How Does The UpDown Pro Stack Up?	Score
Price	5/5
Build Quality	5/5
Aesthetics	5/5
Cable Management	4/5
Ease of Assembly	4/5
Extra Features	4/5
Warranties & Returns	5/5
OVERALL	4.6/5

The UpDown Pro Series is my #1 best sit-stand desk in Australia as we enter 2024. This desk is for people who want the highest quality – and don’t mind paying for it.

Yes, there are sit-stand desks with more sophisticated cable management systems and pre-drilled desktop holes, but these are minor quibbles.

I love solid wood furniture, so I upgraded to the UpDown Pro from The Artiss standing desk.

If you are the same, opt for a hardwood Messmite or Victorian Ash desktop on your UpDown Pro desk – you won’t regret it.

Above: the New Messmate hardwood desktop is particularly pretty in the morning sun.

Which size should you choose? In my personal experience, the 150 cm X 75 cm desktop offers the best balance between usability and bulk in a typical home office.

✔ 100-day, risk-free trial period
✔ Toughest steel frame in the business
✔ 100% Australian owned
✘ Hardwood options get expensive

What’s The Cost Of The UpDown Pro?

The UpDown Pro Series stand-up desk isn’t cheap, but you get what you pay for.

As a guide, prices start at $900 for a desk with a Melamine desktop. Expect to pay about $2,000 for a fully featured model with hardwood and optional extras.

Updown Pro Key Specifications.

Load Capacity	150 kg (dynamic load)
Desktop Sizes	180/150/120 cm (W) x 75 cm (D)
Extension Height	Between 64 cm and 129 cm
Warranty	10 years on frame, 5 years on desktop
Risk-Free Trial	100 days

2. Desky Dual.

Best for creatives.

Above: Desky Dual with a bamboo desktop. It’s a very handsome desk, and I love the darkened accents on the rear edge.

The Desky Dual adjustable standing desk is very similar in price, construction and design to the UpDown Pro Standing Desk, but it varies in 3 important ways:

Let’s take a look at this sit-stand desk in detail.

Pros.

I love the optional carved scallop at the rear of this desk.

Above: Desky Dual’s Bamboo desktop surprised me. I didn’t expect to like it as much as I did.

This feature is available only on Deskys – and allows you to manage cables without drilling holes in the desktop or pinching the cables between the wall and the desk.

Desky’s range of desktop choices is excellent but not as varied as UpDown Desk’s. That said, Desky offers its desks with grey legs as an option, while UpDown doesn’t.

Bamboo, the colour I chose for this review, is modern and inexpensive.

But if you want your home office to have an airy yet luxurious feel, opt for hardwood Red Oak or Walnut options.

Not exactly.

While you can technically return the Desky within 7 days of delivery, you’ll have to pay for return shipping.

This will not be a cheap exercise, as you’ll be sending a freight courier to a residential location.

Desky’s generous 10-year warranty will give you peace of mind, while the option to integrate up to 10 X 240v power sockets directly into its cable management tray will please owners of elaborate multi-device workstations.

Above: Desky’s optional under-desk drawer is useful but doesn’t look as nice or sleek as the UpDown Desk’s equivalent.

Both UpDown and Stand Desk are more limiting in this regard.

I hate having to fish for an available power socket inside a cable management tray, so I think this is a great design choice by Desky.

Above: The 150×75 size allows you to work standing while providing ample space for a couple of screens.

Business customers will appreciate that, unlike UpDown, Desky offers Amex at checkout.

Cons.

Let’s talk numbers. The Desky Dual’s frame weighs 36kg versus UpDown Pro’s 41kg. The maximum weight capacity, meanwhile, is 20kg less than the UpDown Pro’s.

You’re not likely to exceed its 140kg limit or break it, but the numbers suggest Desky’s construction contains less metal in the base.

Above: The Desky controller is very smart-looking. Its buttons are organized in two rows instead of one, making it more substantial than the others.

Desky’s maximum height range of 125cm is slightly less than UpDown’s 129cm (with desktop).

Desky has recently expanded its range of desktops to include some epoxy resin cut-throughs. I’m not sure what they were thinking, but they’re definitely not my cup of tea.

Finally, Desky’s assembly instructions are outstanding – about on par with UpDown’s and StandDesk’s. You get a large booklet and clearly labelled packets of bolts. It’s Lego for grown-ups.

Above: Desky’s wood desktops with epoxy cut-throughs have a garish vibe. Definitely not classy.

Verdict.

How Does The Desky Dual Stack Up?	Score
Price	5
Build Quality	4
Aesthetics	5
Cable Management	5
Ease of Assembly	4
Extra Features	4
Warranties & Returns	4
OVERALL	4.4/5

The Desky Dual is an excellent electric standing desk.

Even though the UpDown Pro edges it out in the latest update of this review, it’s a fabulous choice for creators, podcasters, and video and photography professionals who will fully take advantage of Desky’s excellent cable management system.

Yes, its lifting capacity is 10 kg less than the UpDown Pro.

It also trails UpDown in frame weight (36 kg vs 41 kg) and maximum height (125 cm vs 127.5 cm).

But these minor quibbles won’t matter to 90% of customers.

I’ve scoured through online reviews to see if customers are upset with Desky for any reasons, and I couldn’t find any major issues.

A typical Desky review is from a raving customer like this one:

The lack of a risk-free trial is somewhat disappointing, but this is offset by the fact that Desky is a well-known, premium Australian brand.

The odds of you wanting to return your Desky are very slim.

✔ Scalloped design allows neat placement against a wall
✔ Optional 8 power sockets
✘ Less heavy duty than the UpDown
✘ Less generous trial than UpDown

What’s The Cost Of The Desky Dual?

Prices start at $900 plus shipping, and top out at about $2,300.

This places the Desky Dual in the same price range as the UpDown Pro. Use the coupon “arielle” to get a $100 discount.

Key Specifications.

Load Capacity	140 kg (dynamic)
Desktop Sizes	180/150/120 cm (W) x 75 cm (D)
Extension Height	Between 60 cm and 125 cm
Warranty	10 years on frame, 5 years on desktop
Risk Free Trial	None

3. Artiss Standing Desk.

Best cheap electric standing desk under $400.

Above: Cute and compact, the Artiss sit-stand desk is in the lowered position.

The Artiss is my third-best standing desk in Australia because it offers a lot of value for a relatively small price.

I had one of these desks in my home office for almost two years until I upgraded to the UpDown Pro Series (mostly because I wanted a desk made from hardwood), and I had very few complaints about it.

(Related: Artiss Desk Tested: Best Budget Standing Desk?)

Artiss sells two models of this standing desk. One of them is better than the other:

Pros.

Let’s start with simplicity. When ordering your Artiss standing desk, you only have two decisions: desktop colour and leg colour.

There’s also a choice of 120 cm and 140 cm desktop sizes, but I recommend that you automatically default to the larger 140cm size to maximise your desk space.

Above: Artiss’ fuss-free approach is evident here. No cable management channel and no under-desk drawers are available. Also, note the single metal cross-member. All other desks in this review have two.

This lack of complex options translates to a low price.

Because the Artiss is one of the cheapest standing desks in Australia, I was worried that its electric height adjustment controller would look and feel like a children’s toy.

In fact, the entire desk is surprisingly well-made. Yes, the desktop is not made from real wood, but it feels pretty nice to the touch.

Dual motors at this price point are a nice surprise, and the desk with smoothness and effortlessness of its more pricey rivals.

And yes, the desk frame is a bit thin on metal (more about this shortly), but the Artiss is surprisingly sturdy – even at the tallest heights.

But the best feature of this desk is its price.

You can have it delivered to your door for between $299-$369, depending on model. That’s incredible value if all you want is a no-nonsense WFH setup.

Cons.

While the desktop material doesn’t look and feel cheap, you won’t mistake it for solid hardwood from a premium manufacturer like UpDown or Desky.

Above: Artiss’ desktop is made from a laminate that imitates the look and feel of real wood. As far as imitations go, it’s a very good one.

In my opinion, the desk’s look and feel are spot-on for this price point.

While this is enough to support a couple of monitors, a computer, and your body parts’ weight, the UpDown Pro beats this figure by over 50%, with its 150 kg maximum load rating.

It confirms that the UpDown Pro desk is one of Australia’s flagship premium standing desks, while the Artiss is the best option to keep costs down.

Above: 140cm width is enough to position two laptops side-by-side comfortably, but don’t expect to fit a second person here.

Cable management is not even on Artiss’ radar. You don’t get any cable management channels (and can’t buy one as an option), grommets or pre-cut grooves.

But you do get a packet of cable ties, dear user.

Finally, the desk frame itself.

It’s significantly less significant than the frames of its premium rivals. The Artiss is the only desk here with a single cross-member, and its legs are clearly made from thinner sheet metal.

I wouldn’t use this desk for carrying heavy-duty loads, but it’s perfectly OK for everyday tasking and emailing.

Verdict.

How Does The Artiss Stack Up?	Score
Price	5/5
Build Quality	3/5
Aesthetics	3/5
Cable Management	2/5
Ease of Assembly	3/5
Extra Features	2/5
Warranties & Returns	2/5
OVERALL	2.9/5

As someone who has used this standing desk for almost 2 years, I know it deserves the #3 spot. It’s also the best choice if your budget is between $300 – $360.

If I had to summarise the Artiss in a single phrase, it’d be “outstanding value for money”.

✔ Stylish control panel
✔ Very sturdy
✔ Not expensive
✘ Not a statement piece
✘ 100 kg load capacity is decent without being outstanding
✘ Bamboo desktop isn’t available

What’s The Cost Of The Artiss Desk?

The Artiss stand-up desk is very well-priced. Expect to pay between $299 and $369 for this bloody bargain.

Key Specifications.

Load Capacity	70-100 kg (dynamic load)
Desktop Sizes	120 cm X 60 cm or 140 cm X 70 cm
Extension Height	Between 70 cm and 120 cm
Warranty	1 year
Risk-Free Trial	Hell no

4. Stand Desk Pro.

Best premium alternative to UpDown & Desky.

Above: the Stand Desk Pro with a white birch plywood desktop.

StandDesk is a very competent brand in the Australian standing desk market. You get many of the same features as you do with UpDown with Desky – and a few unique ones – at competitive pricing.

The company’s focus on your health and the environment is another key differentiator. Let me explain.

(Related: Stand Desk Tested: Is It A Good Buy?)

Pros.

Solvent-free paints? Check.

Formaldyhyde-free bonding agents? Check.

Biodegradable packaging? Check.

In fact, Stand Desk has gone to extreme lengths to reduce plastic waste. 98% of its packaging is recyclable or biodegradable.

But StandDesk’s environmental stewardship credentials don’t stop there.

Impressed with the company’s values? Well, finish eating your quinoa, tie your hair in a man bun and listen to what I have to say about its standing desks.

First, Stand Desk offers a 100-day, risk-free trial – to help you ensure that this is the best standing desk for your home office.

Until now, UpDown was the only company in Australia offering such a generous and risk-free trial.

Build quality is also fantastic.

You get a solid metal frame that is on par with Desky’s.

It doesn’t quite beat the UpDown Pro for the sheer amount of metal in the frame, but 90% of people cannot tell the difference in the real world.

Above: Stand Desk’s frame is on par with Desky’s – but not quite as chunky as UpDown‘s.

Stand Desk‘s pricing is also quite sharp. You can get the flagship Stand Desk Pro model with a 150 cm X 80 cm desktop and a free cable management tray for about $1,000.

Stand Desk offers some cheaper models in its range if that’s outside your budget.

I hate messy desktop cables, so I wouldn’t do it. This charger is one of my favourite features.

In fact, people at Stand Desk appear to share my distaste for tangled cables – because the obsession with tidy power supplies extends to the (optional) lockable metal drawer.

Above: Stand Desk’s metal drawer will set you back $149 extra. Quite shallow, it’s useful for phones, iPads and small notepads only.

An app with Bluetooth connectivity is also included. You can use it to program a sit/stand schedule that will keep your blood flowing.

It’s also the only desk in this review that will respond to your voice commands. Yes, you can raise or lower the StandDesk via Siri or Google Assistant using the app. #whatwilltheythinkofnext

Is it necessary? Probably not in a practical sense, but it does speak to the horsepower of the desk’s electric motors.

Last but certainly not least – the warranty.

StandDesk’s 10 years of coverage on its desk frame and desktops is the most generous of all desks in this review.

Cons.

I only have two minor gripes with the desk.

The first downside of the Stand Desk Pro is its limited range of desktop materials.

I’ve been told by the company that more hardwood options will become available from January 2024. Naturally, they’ll command higher prices than birch and bamboo options.

Second, I don’t love the appearance of the cable hole at the rear of the desk.

While I appreciate its utility of hiding cables, I think the appearance looks somewhat unfinished.

The low-ish 100 kg lift rating doesn’t worry me too much, as StandDesk appears to have artificially low-balled it (perhaps to minimise the risk of abuse?).

I’ve compared the Stand Desk and the Desky Dual frames side-by-side in my house, and they appear to be made by the same manufacturer.

Yet, the Desky is officially rated at 140 kg while the Stand Desk to 100 kg.

Verdict.

How Does The Stand Desk Stack Up?	Score
Price	5/5
Build Quality	4/5
Aesthetics	4/5
Cable Management	4/5
Ease of Assembly	5/5
Extra Features	4/5
Warranties & Returns	4/5
OVERALL	4.3/5

Stand Desk is giving UpDown Pro and Desky a run for their money.

If you like the idea of wireless charging, tidy cables, easy assembly and doing your bit to reduce plastic waste, it could be a winner.

The company clearly cares about sustainability while creating products less likely to trigger allergic reactions in sensitive people.

✔ Birch plywood desktop looks great in a creative space
✔ Solid frame
✔ Wireless charger
✘ No hardwood option
✘ Cable management hole could be tidier

What’s The Price Of The StandDesk Pro?

The Stand Desk Pro is priced about on par with Desky and UpDown, but you may be able to catch it cheaper during a sale.

Expect to pay about $1,000 for a model with a 150 cm X 80 cm desktop.

A cable management channel is included for free, but budget another $250 for a standing mat and a drawer. Both are essential accessories, IMO.

Key Specifications.

Load Capacity	150 kg (dynamic load)
Desktop Sizes	120 x 70, 150 x 80, 180 x 80
Extension Height	Between 64 cm and 127 cm
Warranty	10 years on frame, 10 years on desktop
Risk-Free Trial	100 days

5. Ikea Trotten.

Best standing desk for impoverished students (we’ve all been there).

Above: The Ikea Trotten looks quite smart from a distance. You notice the budget construction when you get close and interact with it.

The Ikea Trotten is a manual standing desk for people on a tight budget. I inspected it closely the last time I visited Ikea and walked away feeling more impressed than I thought I’d be.

Of course, it was nowhere near as sturdy as the premium options from UpDown and Desky, but at 20-40% of their price (depending on your choice of desktop), it’s not a fair comparison.

Well, yes.

Because the Artiss is $450 – and it’s much better. And it will get delivered to your door.

The Trotten will appeal to university students and early-stage startup founders who have been kicked out of all local cafes for overstaying their welcome.

If you’re committed to inflicting an Ikea product upon yourself, you may want to know that the company offers two more options:

I conclusively axed them from this line-up for reasons I will outline shortly – in the “Notable Exclusions” section below.

Pros.

Cons.

Specifications.

Overall.

How Does The Ikea Trotten Stack Up?	Score
Price	4/5
Build Quality	3/5
Aesthetics	3/5
Cable Management	3/5
Ease of Assembly	3/5
Extra Features	2/5
Warranties & Returns	4/5
OVERALL	3.1/5

6. SecretLab Magnus Pro.

Best sit-stand desk for gamers.

Above: SecretLab’s marketing is slick, and the desk’s features are abundant.

The Magnus Pro is a height-adjustable standing desk that markets itself as a feature piece you will want to display as a piece de resistance to your gaming setup.

It’s working.

I wonder what my wife would say if I quit my job and told her I’m becoming a professional Counterstrike player.

On a serious note, this review of the best sit-stand desks in Australia isn’t aimed at gamers, so I demoted the Magnus Pro to the bottom of the list.

But I chose to include it because it sets such a high bar in desk design – and I’m hoping that other manufacturers start taking notice.

Why do you need to run an ugly power cable up the desk’s leg when you can run it inside the leg?

Above: The integrated power supply is genius. It plugs into the base of the leg, removing the need for unsightly cables.

The desk’s height controller is also fully integrated – and not bolted on like an afterthought. Although not for everyone, the whole desk looks decidedly modern, edgy and fresh.

The main downsides of the Magnus Pro are the flipside of its strengths:

The 5-year warranty is also dubious and raises questions about the sit-stand desk’s build quality.

Pros.

Cons.

Specifications.

Overall.

How Does The SecretLab Magnus Stack Up?	Score
Price	3/5
Build Quality	4/5
Aesthetics	4/5
Cable Management	5/5
Ease of Assembly	4/5
Extra Features	4/5
Warranties & Returns	3/5
OVERALL	3.9/5

7. MOOV Desk Loaded.

Bespoke standing desk for lovers of fine furniture.

Another new player in Australia, the Melbourne-made MOOV bucks the trend by steering away from the “cheap and cheerful” end of the market and squarely targeting the astute furniture shopper.

But a closer look reveals the logic behind the numbers.

The built-in wooden drawer design gives the desk a striking look, making it stand out in the ocean of “me-too” two-legs-and-a-benchtop designs.

Combine this with gorgeous hardwood desktops (you get a choice of Tassie Oak, Blackwood and my old favourite – Recycled Messmate), and you end up with a standing desk that will elicit a double-take from anyone who enters your home office.

Is that worth almost $3,000 to you?

That’s up to you to decide.

A 30-day trial is available, with Melbournians having the option of a free pickup.

However, interstate customers will need to pay the return postage, which means the trial will cost $660.

Not quite risk-free, is it?

But judging by the appearance of the legs and controller, my guess is the company using the ubiquitous Jiecang frames that you’ll find under Deskys, Omnidesks and the like.

It’s a reliable frame with solid electronics, and the manufacturer typically covers it for 7-10 years.

Pros.

Cons.

Overall.

How Does MOOV Sit-Stand Desk Stack Up?	Score
Price	3/5
Build Quality	4/5
Aesthetics	5/5
Cable Management	3/5
Ease of Assembly	4/5
Extra Features	4/5
Warranties & Returns	2/5
OVERALL	3.6/5

8. Vari Desk.

First honourable mention.

The VariDesk company was founded in 2013 by Jason McCann, to help out a friend who suffered from chronic back problems.

While it’s an excellent desk, I didn’t feel the need to include it because:

Vari tries very hard to make the desk appear unique.

“T-style legs provide enhanced stability”, gushes the marketing brochure. But truth be told, almost all stand-up desks have this leg design, making that statement redundant.

Australians can order the Vari desk only in a compact 122 cm X 76 cm size.

It’s very good for smaller spaces, but far from ideal for people who live in large Aussie homes and/or need more desktop real estate.

However, the Vari does differ in one important way – its 32mm thick desktops. Compared with StandDesk’s 27mm and other brands’ 25mm, it’s quite a jump.

Why should you care?

I will also give Vari credit for offering a 30-day risk-free trial with free return pickup. UpDown and Stand Desk have been leading the pack in this department until now, and it’s good to see Vari join in.

Pros.

Cons.

Specifications.

Overall.

How Does The Vari Desk Stack Up?	Score
Price	4/5
Build Quality	4/5
Aesthetics	3/5
Cable Management	4/5
Ease of Assembly	4/5
Extra Features	3/5
Warranties & Returns	3/5
OVERALL	3.6/5

9. Omnidesk.

Second honourable mention.

Like UpDown Desk and Stand Desk, OmniDesk started offering a 100-day trial in 2019. Unlike UpDown, OmniDesk will only cover the cost of return postage for Sydney and Melbourne residents.

You’ll have to cover the courier’s fee if you live outside these areas – and it will not be negligible.

This is disappointing.

While it’s well-built and attractive, it doesn’t bring anything new to the table that the existing frontrunners already don’t.

A lot of people get stuck in analysis paralysis when looking for the best standing desk in Australia. They endlessly delay the decision and waste hours comparing very similar products.

Omnidesk does deserve a call-out for two things.

First, its accessories range is huge – and beats all other brands.

Second, people with a lot of gear will appreciate Omnidesk’s 183 cm X 76 cm maximum desktop size. Most manufacturers max out at 180 cm X 75 cm.

It’s definitely not a huge difference, but professional YouTubers and podcasters know that in that game, every centimetre counts.

Pros.

Cons.

Specifications.

Overall.

How Does The OmniDesk Stack Up?	Score
Price	4/5
Build Quality	4/5
Aesthetics	3/5
Cable Management	4/5
Ease of Assembly	4/5
Extra Features	3/5
Warranties & Returns	3/5
OVERALL	3.6/5

10. Recess Desk.

Third honourable mention.

Blink, and you’ll miss it. Recess is the quiet achiever of the industry.

Two desktop sizes are available.

Speaking of desktops, I love the bevelled edges, which only Recess and Stand Desk seem to do.

Oh, and the company is committed to sustainability by offering carbon offsets at checkouts and using recyclable packaging.

Pros.

Cons.

Specifications.

11. Flexispot Comhar.

Fourth honourable mention.

I get excited when I see a stand-up desk that breaks the familiar “two lets and a wooden desktop” mould. The Flexispot Comhar does this by offering us a drawer and chargers built into its slimline desktop.

The drawer is shallow but very wide and reasonably deep. You won’t be able to store bulky objects in it, but it’s perfect for notepads, spare laptops, and stationery.

The company is known globally for its competitively-priced standing desks, and has recently started offering some of its range on Australian shores.

However, we do have a choice of bamboo and particle desktop options, as well as black-and-white frames.

The 120X60 cm desktop size competes head-on with Artiss’ base model, and is perfect for small inner-city apartments.

But while the Artiss doesn’t cost more than $300, the Flexispot desk will cost almost $500. Thankfully, delivery is included in the price.

Also included is a 30-day trial that allows you to return the desk. However, unlike the unconditional trials offered by UpDown and Stand Desk, Flexispot’s trial will charge you for the cost of shipping and a 10-15% restocking fee.

Pros.

Cons.

12. Deskbird.

Fifth honourable mention.

The Deskbird brand is a relative newcomer to Australia and appears to compete in the mid-range category with Recess and JasonL.

Their home page boldly declares the brand as “the best standing desk”.

Does the claim hold up?

Whereas most manufacturers opt for a 150 x 75 cm desktop size, Deskbird defaults to 150 x 80 cm.

The 165 kg max weight rating is the second surprise.

I don’t trust this claim completely, as the desk frame appears to be made by Jiecang, a Chinese company that makes Desky, Omnidesk and Stand Desk frames.

My gut feeling is that the 165 kg weight rating was achieved by re-rating the Jiecang frame and throttling the lifting speed down to 4 cm/sec.

Unfortunately, Deskbird doesn’t offer a risk-free trial. While their return policy includes a “no-questions-asked refund”, you’d need to ship the desk back at your own expense.

Pros.

Cons.

13. Adjustable Desks Australia.

A lot of potential but not enough trust.

I didn’t include Adjustable Desks Australia among the frontrunners because I don’t love anonymous brands with websites full of stock images.

While their desks appear loaded with good features (120 kg weight capacity, dual motors, 3-stage legs), they’re not groundbreaking and not anything you can’t get elsewhere – even among budget brands.

If something goes wrong during ordering or I need to submit a warranty claim, I’d rather deal with an established Australian company.

Pros.

Cons.

14. Ikea Idasen & Bekant.

Ikea standing desks should be illegal.

Bekant sit-stand desk is Ikea’s cheap-ish option. I excluded it from this lineup because of its telescopic round legs (notorious for being wobbly) and so-so desktop finish.

While its desktop is much better than Bekant’s the telescopic legs are a deal-breaker.

It retails for about $950; for this price, you’re almost in UpDown, Desky, and StandDesk territory.

Pros.

Cons.

7 Factors To Consider When Buying A Standing Desk.

Here are my most important factors for choosing a sit-stand desk.

Desk	UpDown Pro	Desky Dual	Artiss Desk	Stand Desk	Ikea Trotten	Secretlab Magnus
Price	5	5	5	5	4	3
Build Quality	5	4	3	4	3	4
Aesthetics	5	5	3	4	3	4
Cable Management	4	5	1	4	3	5
Ease Of Assembly	4	4	3	5	3	4
Extra Features	4	4	1	4	2	4
Warranties & Returns	5	4	2	4	4	3
OVERALL	4.6	4.4	2.9	4.3	3.1	3/9

UpDown Pro is the clear winner, scoring highly across all categories except “Extra Features”.

Meanwhile, the cheap, somewhat nasty, yet very popular Ikea Trotten trails the pack. 

My Criteria For Choosing The Best Standing Desk.

Here are the categories I used to evaluate each standing desk:

Build quality	Does the desk wobble? How much metal is in the frame? How thick are the crossmembers? Does the controller feel cheap?
Aesthetics	How many desktop wood choices are available? Do entry-level wood choices feel cheap?
Warranties & returns	What do you get, above and beyond the standard Australian consumer protections? Can you get a full refund if you don’t like the desk?
Ease of assembly	How clear are the assembly instructions? How many boxes does the desk arrive in? Do the parts fit logically?
Cable management	Is the cable tray included? How useful is it? Does the desk have grommets, cable channels or scallops?
Extra features	Does the desk have any unexpected “nice to have” features? (For example, wireless charging pads).
Price	How much value does the standing desk offer in the context of its price segment?

What Are The 3 Types Of Standing Desks?

You’ve probably realised that “standing desk” can refer to one of 3 product types.

Terms like “standing desk”, “adjustable sit-stand desk”, “standing table” and “stand-up desk” are often used interchangeably when referring to all of these product types.

1. Sit-Stand Desk Converters.

Above: A very basic standing desk converter. You can pick one of these up for less than $250.

A converter is a device you place on top of your existing desktop. It moves up and down, elevating your workspace.

People choose converters because they’re much cheaper than floor-standing electric standing desks. They’re also more practical, as you can keep your existing desk (and put away the converter if you don’t use it).

They’re a suboptimal option because of their poor lifting capacity. They also raise your existing desktop by about 3 cm, creating a need for a taller office chair.

2. Adjustable Height Standing Desks.

The main focus of my review of the best standing desks in Australia, floor standing adjustable desks offer unbeatable ergonomics. You gain two desks in one device – a standing desk and a traditional sitting desk.

They are available in three types:

3. Fixed Height Standing Desks.

Fixed-height standing desks are typically made from wood, and feature much smaller desktops.

Ergonomics is all about adjustment. Why confine yourself to a fixed standing height when you have one that adjusts perfectly to your needs?

Frequently Asked Questions About Standing Desks.

I receive a lot of emails from people who are about to purchase their first stand-up desk. Below are my answers to the most common queries.

1. Manual vs Electric Standing Desks: Which Are Best?

Some people prefer manual standing desks because of their apparent reliability. The fewer electronics, the fewer chances of something going wrong, right?

Manual lifting mechanisms are not immune from failure, while modern electronics are extremely reliable and cheap.

You are not likely to experience issues with the lifting motors of your electric standing desk – especially if you buy one of the best-rated options in my review.

2. Are Standing Desks Good For Your Health?

Yes and no.

According to Australian musculoskeletal physiotherapist Antony Lo, moving throughout your workday is the most important thing you can do for your health.

your body is happiest if it adopts various positions throughout the day. Alternate between sitting and standing every 1-2 hours for best results.

That said, standing desks are not a miracle cure that is guaranteed to make your aches disappear.

3. Are Standing Desks Worth It?

I believe so. After switching from a regular sit-down desk, I honestly haven’t looked back.

Studies have shown that standing desks increase productivity by as much as 45%. Users report improved energy levels and a better overall mood.

4. Which Accessories Should I Buy For My Stand-Up Desk?

Don’t get carried away. It’s easy to spend over $3,000 on desk accessories, but in my experience, most of them are useless. Here are the top five upgrades I recommend:

Accessory	Budget	Why You Need It
Ergonomic Chair	$350-$2,000	Chairs with at least 8 points of adjustment and 8 years of warranty are best.
Lockable Drawer	$100-$150	Located under your desktop, it keeps your workspace clutter-free.
Cable Management	$100-$200	Invest in a cable channel, extra power boards, cable ties and a cable spine to keep your workspace tidy and remove tripping hazards.
Lockable Storage Cabinet	$200-$300	For keeping your paperwork, files, extra hardware and spare stationery.
Standing Mat	$50	Non-negotiable. A mat quadruples the length of time you can stand before your feet get sore.

5. How long do adjustable desks last?

The majority of adjustable desk manufacturers provide a minimum three-year warranty, while the top ones offer a 10-year on all parts and desktops.

6. Do electric adjustable standing desks consume a lot of electricity?

Contrary to popular belief, electric standing desks consume minimal electricity.

Typically, they use around 150 W when actively in use, solely powering the dual motors and (if present) the wireless phone charger.

7. What size desktop is best for my home office?

Most sit-stand desktops on the Australian market are sold in the following widths:

120 cm	Best for small inner-city apartments and terraces (less than 120 square metres).
150 cm	Best for regular-sized Australian homes (250 – 350 square metres).
180 cm	Best for two-person setups, as well as single users with a lot of gear.

8. Should I buy a standing desk?

Research indicates that standing desks may help reduce the risk of diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and muscle atrophy.

I recommend that you take such research with a pinch of salt, as it’s based on self-reported surveys that measure relatively short time spans. Rely on your common sense instead:

9. What’s the difference between static and dynamic rating?

Your forearms aren’t that heavy, and neither are your computer, monitor, coffee mug, and notepad. They are unlikely to weigh more than 25 kg.

Here’s what you need to know about static desk lift capacities:

Static Rating	Refers to the maximum load you can place on a stationary desk.
Dynamic Rating	Refers to the maximum load you can place on the desk while it’s either rising or lowering.

Burnt-out motors are typically the most common cause of electric desk faults. The less wear and tear you place on the motors, the longer they’re likely to last.

Why Did I Review The Best Standing Desks In Australia?

During the pandemic, I decided to upgrade my home office with an electrically adjustable standing desk. I wanted to have a welcoming, comfortable WFH setup.

I quickly realised that the Australian market is flooded with standing desks from local and international brands.

Ikea offered a few options, too – the Bekant sit-stand desk and the Idasen sit-stand desk. I drove to my local store, found them and .. rejected them within 1 minute. They, too, were flimsy and cheap.

Most of them rehashed the specs I could easily find on manufacturers’ websites and padded them with meaningless superlatives.

I persevered, spending over 50 hours on research, and choosing the best sit-stand desk for my needs at the time – the Artiss.

Two years later, I moved back to Sydney and decided to use this as an opportunity to upgrade my WFH setup.

Once again, I went deep down into the WFH rabbit hole, learning about posture, workplace ergonomics and Australian standing desk manufacturers.

The result?

Everything I learned about electric height-adjustable standing desks is in this blog post. I update it regularly because my inbox gets swamped with new questions, like:

I’m hoping that the updates help you pick the best standing desk for your needs.

Bottom Line About The Best Standing Desks In Australia.

After studying the market and testing several desks, here’s my current list of finalists for 2024:

UpDown Desk	Best overall standing desk in Australia.
Desky Dual	Best if you need scallops, integrated cable management or unique colour options.
Artiss Desk	Best cheap standup desk.
Stand Desk	Best new standing desk on the Australian market.

Hopefully, I was able to help you choose the best standing desk in Australia. Get one for your home office to become more active throughout your workday and increase your productivity.

Steven