Standing Desk Buying Guide: How to Choose the Right Desk for Your Office

If you've decided a standing desk is worth adding to your workspace, the next question is which type to buy. The options range from full electric sit-stand desks at one end to simple desk converters at the other, and the right choice depends on your setup, budget, and how much of your working day you plan to spend on your feet.

This guide walks you through the main types of standing desks, what to look for when comparing models, and which desk suits which kind of worker. If you're still weighing up whether a standing desk is worth it at all, our separate guide covers the health and productivity case for standing desks in more detail.

A desk converter sits on top of your existing desk and raises your keyboard, mouse, and monitor to standing height. When you want to sit, you lower it back down. There's no need to replace your current desk, and converters take up no additional floor space.

Converters are considerably cheaper than electric desks, which makes them the most practical starting point for most people.

Single-tier converters raise everything on one level. The ProperAV LITE Desk Converter uses a helical spring mechanism with six height settings and folds to an ultra-low profile — making it easy to store or move between desks.

Two-tier converters have a split design: the monitor shelf sits higher and the keyboard tray sits lower. This arrangement keeps your screen at eye level without raising your keyboard too high, which better replicates the ergonomics of a full standing desk. The ProperAV Two Tier Stand Up Desk Converter uses a gas spring lift for smooth, one-handed height adjustment and is available in black and white.

Best for: people who want to try standing work without replacing their desk, those in rented or shared offices, or anyone working to a tighter budget.

A mobile sit-stand workstation is a freestanding unit on castors that can be moved around the room. Rather than being fixed to a single position, you can wheel it to wherever you need it — useful in shared workspaces, small rooms, or environments where flexibility matters.

The ProperAV Mobile Desk Trolley Workstation with Gas Spring Height Adjustment adjusts via a gas spring mechanism and has a surface area large enough for a monitor, keyboard, and documents. A two-tier version with pneumatic height adjustment and an additional storage shelf is also available.

Best for: shared workspaces, small rooms, or anyone who wants a standing option without committing to a fixed desk position.

If you work primarily from a laptop, a full standing desk or converter may be more than you need. A laptop riser or standing desk lifts your screen to eye level and can be used on a sofa, bed, or existing desk surface.

The ProperAV Laptop Stand for Bed / Sofa / Desk with Adjustable Legs & Mouse Pad is designed for this use case, with adjustable legs and a built-in side mount to keep your wireless mouse at the right height alongside the keyboard.

Best for: laptop-only workers who want a flexible standing option without a permanent desk setup.

An electric standing desk is a full desk with a motorised frame that raises and lowers the entire surface at the press of a button. Most models include memory presets, so you save your preferred sitting and standing heights and switch between them without any manual adjustment.

Electric desks are the most seamless option for regular use. There's no lever to squeeze or handle to crank — you press a button and the desk moves while you carry on working. They also tend to carry higher weight limits, making them suitable for dual-monitor setups.

Best for: people who sit at a desk for six or more hours a day and want a friction-free way to change position throughout the day.

This is the most important specification. Your standing desk needs to reach your correct standing height — with elbows at 90 degrees, wrists flat, and forearms parallel to the floor. For most adults, the target standing height is between 95cm and 115cm, though taller users may need a desk that extends higher. Always check the minimum height too, to confirm the desk works comfortably at sitting height.

If you're running two monitors, a large all-in-one display, or other heavy equipment, check the rated weight limit before buying. Overloading a desk frame affects stability and, on electric models, can wear out the motor over time.

A desk that wobbles at standing height causes noticeable monitor movement, which quickly becomes distracting. Look for a robust frame, a wide leg stance, and a solid base. For converters, check that the gas spring or spring mechanism holds its position without creeping down under the weight of your equipment.

For electric desks, motor noise is worth considering if you share your workspace. A quiet motor that lifts smoothly is far preferable to a loud one. Dual-motor frames tend to be more stable and faster than single-motor alternatives at the same price point.

Make sure the desk surface — or the platform on a converter — is wide enough for your full setup. A compact converter may not accommodate a widescreen monitor alongside a keyboard and mouse comfortably. Measure your current monitor and peripheral spread before buying.

• Under £75: Entry-level single-tier desk converters
• £75–£130: Two-tier converters with gas spring lift, mobile sit-stand workstations
• £130+: Standing desk bundles, full electric sit-stand desks

Your situation | Recommended type

Gas spring lift, separate monitor and keyboard levels, available in black and white. This is the closest you'll get to a full standing desk experience without replacing your existing setup. Solid build quality and smooth adjustment make it the most-used converter in the range.

Six height settings, helical spring mechanism, ultra-low profile when folded flat. The most affordable way to get started with standing work, and compact enough to move or store easily.

Freestanding and wheeled, with a gas spring height adjustment. Moves where you need it, making it a practical choice for shared spaces or smaller rooms.

Combines a desk converter with an anti-fatigue mat at a saving versus buying separately. The mat is worth having — standing on a hard floor for extended periods causes its own fatigue, and a cushioned surface makes standing for longer noticeably more comfortable.

Having the right desk is only part of the picture. Getting the height right for your body, positioning your monitor correctly, and building up your standing time gradually all affect how comfortable and sustainable the change is. Our guide on how to improve your posture while working covers the full ergonomic setup in detail, including correct chair height, monitor positioning, and keyboard technique.

Maplin has been the UK's electronics specialist since 1972. Our standing desk range covers every budget and workspace type, from entry-level converters to full electric sit-stand desks. Free UK delivery on orders over £35, with straightforward returns.