Last updated: 31st Oct 2024
The updated Steelcase Migration SE Pro is more than another premium desk to hit the Australian market. While some might find it unnecessarily expensive, others will think it is the perfect mix of style, quality, and features.
Why should you buy it instead of Australian brands like Desky and UpDown?
(Related: UpDown Pro Standing Desk – Still The Best?)
Quick Verdict.
Above: Stylish and elegant, the Migration SE Pro looks like a premium office table that also happens to go up and down.
Steecase’s Migration SE Pro sits squarely in the premium standing desk category. Its larger 140 cm wide model will set you back about $1,900 (plus shipping).
Expensive? Yes.
But the desk’s build quality and appearance do not disappoint. The desk has a distinct, premium look and is covered by Steelcase’s rock-solid warranty.
The sizzle makes you feel like you’re getting a lot of desk for your money. But let’s be honest, $1900 is a lot of dough, and it pays for the Steelcase badge.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Excellent Aesthetic. This is not another boring-looking desk. Clean lines, 7 two-tone desktop options with tapered edges and premium materials create a stylish look. | It’s Expensive! The ~$2,000 price tag is eye-watering. This money buys you a great desk + an excellent ergonomic chair at Desky, Omnidesk or UpDown. |
| Premium Build. As you’d expect from Steelcase, a 12-year warranty covers a raft of premium components that include Linak actuators and commercial-grade pressure laminate desktops. | No larger sizes. The 140×70 cm maximum desktop size may frustrate people with many peripheral components. |
Who Should Buy The Steelcase Migration SE?
Above: The Flip Top cable management feature gives you easy access to the cable tray, but doesn’t close fully.
Professionals with a high sensitivity to design and low sensitivity to price.
People “in the arts”, e.g., wealthy gallery owners living in Potts Point or Paddington. Luxury inner city apartment dwellers who wear thick-rimmed glasses. Architects.
(Related: Omnidesk Ascent Standing Desk Review).
5 Things I Love About The Steelcase Migration SE.
The Migration SE Pro is the only standing desk Steelcase offers in Australia. While the price isn’t cheap, you get a lot for your buck:
- Gorgeous Upmarket Design: I love the contrast-coloured chamfered front edge, two-tone base option and the choice of 7 colour schemes. In a world of “me-too” standing desk designs, this one is one of the best.
- Beefy Frame: A healthy 125 kg lifting capacity and, at 38mm/sec, one of the fastest adjustment speeds I’ve seen. This is even faster than 32mm/sec you get on our current best standing desk in Australia, the UpDown Pro.
- “Flip Top” Cable Management: A hinged recess at the rear of the desktop gives you direct access to the cable management tray. It functions very well (but looks unfinished – because the cables will keep it partially open).
- Incredible Warranty: Steelcase doesn’t shortchange you in this department. You get 12 total peace of mind with 12 years of coverage on electronics and lifetime coverage on the frame.
- Above Average Stability: Tubular columns usually wobble more than their square counterparts, but Migration SE Pro feels very sturdy. You’ll notice a moderate amount of movement at the top of the height range, but that’s expected.
Did You Know?
You can view the Migration SE Pro standing desk at the company’s Sydney WorkLife showroom, at 75 Elizabeth St.
Above: The undercarriage has reasonably thick steel, with tubular columns attached to the upper frame using bolts.
5 Things I Hate About The Steelcase Migration SE.
Despite its strengths, the standing desk has several quirks and downsides:
- Limited Adjustment Height: Raised feet and tubular legs limit minimum height adjustment height to 65cm, posing a problem for the shortest users. For context, most standing desks will lower to 60cm. (By the way, the upper end of the range is excellent, topping out at 125cm – this will satisfy people as tall as 195cm in height).
- High Cost: Yes, almost $2,000 is steep, but treating this as a business faux pas would be a mistake. Steelcase is a premium brand, and the high price is part of the appeal. It acts as a filter that screens out “undesirables”, adding to the desk’s signalling value.
- Small Desktop Sizes: The 120cm desktop is tiny but will suit people with limited office space. Meanwhile, the 140cm desktop is 10cm shy of the industry-standard 150cm. It’s also 5cm shallower. People who run multiple monitors will find it too squishy.
- The “Flip Top” Aesthetic: As I mentioned above, this feature has a lot of potential, but it needs a better design. Without cutouts for the cables, the lid will stay partially open to allow the cables to pass through. It looks unfinished, taking away from the Migration SE Pro’s sleek look.
Above: Steelcase’s 4-button programmable controller. There are also manual height adjustment buttons you can use on the fly.
Important!
Steelcase doesn’t offer a risk-free trial, but it provides a (very limited) 14-day Change-Of-Mind refund option. You can return the desk if you pay a $119 restocking fee and the desk is in “as new” condition. You’ll also have to forfeit the delivery cost and pay for the return shipping. The latter won’t be cheap, as you’ll be sending a heavy item from a residential address.
Technical Specifications.
Key facts you need to know before you buy:
| Height Range | 65-125cm |
| Motor Speed | 38mm/sec |
| Max Load | 125 kg |
| Desktop Size | 120×70 cm or 140×70 cm |
Is The Steelcase Migration SE A Good Buy?
Above: The Migration SE Pro in an extended position. Traditional T-leg bottom-glide system design with round segments is on full display.
Is the Steelcase Migration SE worth almost $2,000? It depends on what type of buyer you are. Buyers:
- Looking for a practical, cost-effective, long-lasting desk will find more value in Bamboo and softwood-topped Desky, Stand Desk and UpDown products.
- Who view themselves as more sophisticated and/or as having an eye for excellent design will think the Migration SE Pro is worth every penny.
Sadly, most standing desks look the same. That is, like light commercial appliances. The Migration SE’s designers worked very hard to make it look like a stylish desk that also happens to go up and down.
Steven
Sam says:
Hi.
I am considering buying an electric standing desk. I have a large 44 inch monitor and am concerned about monitor wobble. Which desk and setup do you recommend?
Sam
Steven McConnell says:
44″ is huge – and side-to-side wobble is your biggest enemy. But most premium standing desks in Australia have minimal wobble. Search for “best standing desks in Australia – Arielle” in Google to find my comprehensive review of all standing desks – it will help you make the right decision.
Steven McConnell says:
You can buy either an UpDown Pro, KLIK, or any of the Desky or Omnidesk models – and you’ll be very happy.
Kyle says:
Hi Steven,
Great articles so far (I have read this one, the Magnus Pro, and the top desks of 2025), all in my quest to choose the best WFH desk.
When it comes to the UpDown KLIK vs Pro, would you say one is more stable than the other? Also, in terms of the frame/leg finish (black), do they both appear to have a similar look and finish?
These seem to be the main deciding point for me as I will be opting for the integrated cable management and hardwood option with either desk. The controller and speed of the desk does not bother me much at all.
Cheers,
Kyle
Steven McConnell says:
Hi Kyle, that’s what I also deliberated about for a long time. I was worried that the KLIK would wobble more. TBH they’re the same. Like all premium desks, both wobble a bit when extended near max height and loaded with a lot of equipment.
The leg look is very different, however. The Pro is much more chunky. Shape of the leg is almost square, while the KLIK’s is a more delicate rectangle. If you have a smaller space, the KLIK may be the better choice, as it will look less dominating.
Kyle says:
In terms of stability, how does the KLIK and Pro compare? Are you able to determine which is more stable/solid? I am not really concerned about the controller or speed of the motor but definitely want the most stable of the two. I was under the impression that the Pro is more stable due the “bulkier” frame but it’s hard to tell if it’s any better than the KLIK.
Steven McConnell says:
Hi Kyle, that was my #1 question when comparing these two standing desks. I was also originally under the impression that the Pro would be more stable, but my testing revealed that both are about the same.