With so many different types of standing desk converters available on the market, it can be overwhelming to know which one is most suited to your needs and desires. With this simple and easy-to-follow guide, learn about the differences between the 5 most popular sit-stand desk converters along with the pros and cons of each in a matter of minutes.
After reading this cheat sheet, I guarantee that you’ll have more knowledge than probably 90% of your family and colleagues. What’s more, you’ll be more than capable of making an informed decision on the sit-stand desk converter that is best for you! You’ll also get a rough estimate how much standing desk converters cost, because we all know money doesn’t grow in trees!
Did I mention that there would be some fun and frightening facts thrown in too along with insider information that you won’t find anywhere else!
The 5 best-selling types of standing desk converters include:
1. X-Lift standing desk converter
2. Z-Lift standing desk converter
3. Hover standing desk converter
4. Corner standing desk converter
5. Post and base standing desk converter
First off, what are standing desk converters?
Standing desk converters are adjustable units which are positioned on an existing table. They enable the user to alternate between sitting and standing positions without having to invest in a standing desk. They are often more cost-efficient and easier to assemble than a standing desk.
Did you know? People spend an average of 13 hours of their waking day in a sedentary position, this can lead to adverse health effects such as:
Photo Credit: Juststand.org
X-Lift standing desk converter
X-lift standing desk converters are titled this because their frame depicts an X-shaped lift. These are designed with the capacity to withstand greater weights due to their robust structure. They also offer a larger amount of work surface which means that you can accommodate a set of screens, e.g., a laptop and a monitor on the worktop.
The X-shape offers the advantage of a compact and ergonomic straight ‘up and down’ lift motion; this means that it consumes less footprint, and also ensures that the users doesn’t have to deviate their posture to use the equipment at different heights. The disadvantage of this is that the X-shape introduces pinch points if you don’t hold it correctly when adjusting the height.
The X-lift height-adjustable desk converters certainly features in the budget-friendly section. I have found products as cheap as $79, however, the majority of the best-selling desk converters feature in the $120 – $200 region.
Did you know? The X-lift standing desk converter often comes ready assembled.
|
Feature |
Rating |
|
Ergonomics |
3/5 |
|
Range of adjustability |
3/5 |
|
Stability |
4/5 |
|
Work space available |
3/5 |
|
Suitability for compact space |
3/5 |
|
Ease of assembly |
5/5 |
|
Price |
$ |
Z-Lift standing desk converter
Z -lift standing desk converters are the most popular type of standing desk converter on the market. They are a sister product to the X-lift converters, and similar to the X-lift, their name hints towards their architecture. The Z-shaped desk converter platform offers users decent stability along with the ability to easily adjust between sitting and standing positions.
The price range doesn’t differ massively from the X-lift range; however, they can be a bit more expensive. I have seen some as cheap as $96, although the budget-friendly options generally hover in the $130 – $300 range. Some of the high-quality products can range up to $500; it all depends on what features you are looking for.
Did you know? Some Z-lift standing desk converters are available in portable options.
|
Feature |
Rating |
|
Ergonomics |
3/5 |
|
Range of adjustability |
3/5 |
|
Stability |
4/5 |
|
Work space available |
3/5 |
|
Ease of assembly |
5/5 |
|
Suitability for compact space |
3/5 |
|
Price |
$ |
Hover standing desk converter
Hover standing desk converters essentially feature an adjustable monitor arm which is attached to an existing desk. Some products even feature a work surface for you to position equipment or materials on. These extension arm desk converters offer massive adjustability in the heights and positions that they can be placed, thus ensuring ergonomic positions can easily be achieved for a large audience. They also consume the least desk space compared with all the other sit-stand desk converters mentioned in this article.
The main watch out with the hover arms is the poor stability which often introduces monitor or keyboard wobble when typing.
In terms of price range, some entry level hover arm sit-stand desk converters are available from $79 without a work surface and from $130 with a work surface included. That said, if you are seeking a hover arm that is stable, can handle dual monitors and offers greater adjustability, you’ll probably need to look at products in the $400 and upwards price range.
Did you know? Hover sit-to-stand desk converters feature the greatest range of adjustability out of all the standing desk converters.
|
Feature |
Rating |
|
Ergonomics |
4/5 |
|
Range of adjustability |
5/5 |
|
Stability |
2/5 |
|
Work space available |
3/5 |
|
Suitability for compact space |
4/5 |
|
Ease of assembly |
4/5 |
|
Price |
$$$ |
Corner standing desk converter
Corner standing desk converters are structured in a similar architecture to the X-lift and Z-lift; however, the key difference is their emphasis on efficiently using the space at the back of a corner desk which is normally made redundant. The primary benefit of this being that you have a greater work surface area for extra storage and weight capacity. As the name suggests, they are suited for corner desks but can often be utilized in L-shaped desks and even regular desks too.
Price wise, you can find entry-level products for under $180, and price can increase up to $500 and upwards for the higher spec corner sit-stand desk converters. With these more expensive products, you’re availing of greater stability, adjustability for improved ergonomics and a superior aesthetically appealing finish to mention a few.
|
Feature |
Rating |
|
Ergonomics |
3/5 |
|
Range of adjustability |
3/5 |
|
Stability |
4/5 |
|
Work space available |
4/5 |
|
Suitability for compact space |
3/5 |
|
Ease of assembly |
5/5 |
|
Price |
$$ |
Post and base standing desk converter
Post and base standing desk converters feature a center post which is either free-standing or mounted to the front or rear of the desk. This post support the weight of a monitor and work surface. These desk converters often consume less footprint when compared with the X-lift and Z-lift sit-to-stand desk converters. That said, the space available and stability of the unit may be an inhibiting factor for some users, especially if you intend to use dual monitors.
The post and base desk converter is probably one of the most expensive standing desk converter types on the market. The cheapest post and base sit-stand desk converter I have found is priced at $139; from there, don’t be surprised to find items selling around $350 – $680, along with a few outliers selling for $829.
|
Feature |
Rating |
|
Ergonomics |
4/5 |
|
Range of adjustability |
3/5 |
|
Stability |
3/5 |
|
Work space available |
3/5 |
|
Suitability for compact space |
4/5 |
|
Ease of assembly |
3/5 |
|
Price |
$$$ |
Verdict
As you can see from the standing desk converter cheat sheet / summary table below, each sit-stand desk converter has both merits and flaws. It’s up to you to decide what features are important to your daily work schedule, space constraints and budget. If you need help learning how to choose a standing desk, feel free to drop me a comment!
|
Standing Dek Converter Features |
X-Lift |
Z-Lift |
Corner |
Hover |
Post and base |
|
Ergonomics |
3/5 |
3/5 |
3/5 |
4/5 |
4/5 |
|
Range of adjustability |
3/5 |
3/5 |
3/5 |
5/5 |
4/5 |
|
Stability |
4/5 |
4/5 |
4/5 |
2/5 |
3/5 |
|
Work space available |
3/5 |
3/5 |
4/5 |
3/5 |
3/5 |
|
Suitability for compact space |
3/5 |
4/5 |
3/5 |
4/5 |
4/5 |
|
Ease of assembly |
5/5 |
3/5 |
5/5 |
4/5 |
3/5 |
|
Price |
$ |
$ |
$$ |
$$$ |
$$$ |
Conclusion
I hope this cheat sheet and information has offered you insight into the different types of standing desk converters. Plus, if you are seeking to invest in one, hopefully you have been able to narrow down the type that would make your life easier and healthier.
A wise consumer will shop around and complete some research before buying the first thing they spot. If you are one of those impulsive buyers, it’s often the case that the random so-called world’s best pot with it’s catchy logo and deceptive sales video is probably not all it’s cracked up to be. Consequently, poorly researched purchases often end up wasting your money and gathering dust in a corner.
Believe it or not, standing desk converters are only one piece of the puzzle. If you’re interested in learning about the other types and making an informed decision on the best one for you, then fortunately for you, I’ve written an article on the different Types of sit to stand desk – a quick & easy guide
I, myself, love the liberty to alternate between sitting and standing. I didn’t think I’d feel any better (other than feeling tired from standing more), but I can reveal that I experience enhanced energy levels, improved posture and I have more than likely reduced the risk of developing negative health conditions linked with sitting for hours on end. And if you want to achieve this too and you’re serious about your health, then here’s a link to some of the most reliable products on the market today that I would personally recommend to family or friends:
My primary aim with this article is to assist in informing you about the types of equipment available. On that note, if you have any queries or comments on standing desk converters, please leave them in the comments box below. Who knows, it may even help someone who is in the same boat as you!
Sources
https://www.amazon.com
https://www.ergotron.com/en-us/
https://www.flexispot.com/spine-care-center/top-6-types-of-standing-desk-converters/