Standing desks are more than just a fad – they’re here to stay! A standing desk can help boost circulation, improve focus, and boost productivity during your long work days. With the right shoes, a comfortable mat, and the perfect height, a standing desk can change the way you work for the better.
If you aren’t sure which standing desk might be right for you, check out our list of recommendations. We spent weeks testing different standing desks, including the simplest desktop options to complete packages. Our team of detail-oriented testers teamed up with our test lab to provide brilliant, insightful feedback. Only the best standing desks in Canada made it onto our list. We evaluated each option based on the type of lift mechanism it offered, weight limits, and overall ergonomics.
Best Standing Desks for Canadians
- Best Overall: Motion Grey Motion Series Standing Desk with Table Top
- Best Electric Adjustment: AnthroDesk Programmable Single Motor Standing Desk
- Best Memory Settings: SHW 55-inch Large Adjustable Standing Desk
- Best for Small Spaces: Vivo 32-inch Desk Converter
- Best Riser: SHW Standing Desk Converter
- Best Crank Adjustment: AnthroDesk Manual Crank Desk with Tabletop Options
- Best Accessories: Rolanstar Standing Desk Dual Motor Adjustable Desk
Why Did We Choose These Standing Desks in Canada?
Each of the desks that made it onto our list of recommendations is here for a reason. As we evaluated every aspect of each desk available in Canada, they began to stand out to us in very specific ways. Here’s why each desk made it onto our list.
The Motion Grey Motion Series Standing Desk with Table Top is the best standing desk in Canada overall. A large height range, sturdy tabletop, and multiple programming and customization options all help this desk elevate your home or office space.
The large adjustment range and preprogrammed settings help make the AnthroDesk Programmable Single Motor Standing Desk the best option for electric adjustment in Canada. Moving the desk is simple and quiet, and finding the perfect height for you is easy.
When it comes to memory settings, the more the merrier! The SHW 55-inch Large Adjustable Standing Desk offers 4 different memory settings, so you can have different settings for different users and situations as well.
Risers come in all sizes, but the Vivo 32-inch Desk Converter is the best option for smaller desks. At just 16” deep, this riser works on even the smallest desks, allowing for minimalist setups to get a lift as well.
SHW’s Desk Converter is the best riser we found. This riser uses dual pneumatic cylinders for smoother adjustment, an X-shaped brace for durability, and the flexibility of choosing any height between 4” and 16”.
The AnthroDesk Manual Crank Desk with Tabletop Options is the best desk we found with crank adjustment. The crank adjustment is easier to use than a standard manual adjustment. This crank is smooth and quick, allowing you to stand easily.
Finally, the Rolanstar Standing Desk Dual Motor Adjustable Desk offers the best range of accessories on our list. This desk includes a sliding drawer, a headphone hook, a monitor riser, and two USB ports to help charge your devices.
Best Overall
Motion Grey Motion Series Standing Desk with Table Top

Features:
- Type: Complete sit-stand desk
- Lift Type: Electric
- Weight Limit: 220lbs (105kg)
- Programmable Heights: 4
- Top Materials: MDF Wood
It's Great For:
- Canadians between 5ft and 7ft tall
- Setups up to 105kg (230lbs)
- Multiple users
- Those who want to sit or stand at their desk
The Motion Grey Motion Series Standing Desk with Table Top is the best standing desk in Canada overall. This option features a larger height range, meaning it easily accommodates users of all heights between 5 feet tall and 7 feet tall. This desk can be used as you sit for work, and it easily converts to a standing desk with the press of a button. Dual motors make the lift smooth. While you might want to move any drinks off the tabletop before you press the button, you’ll be surprised by how little shaking or disruption this desk creates.
Compared to other standing desk options, this desk is extremely quiet. At just 40dB, this desk won’t disturb your coworkers or family when it’s time to adjust. If you plan on sharing the desk, you’ll be pleased to know that there are four available programming options. Once you find your perfect standing height, you only have to press the button to lift the desk to that perfect position again.
The steel frame is reinforced and able to hold up to 105kg (or 230lbs). This is enough to hold all of your computer equipment. Note that while the weight limit doesn’t change, you can choose between three different tabletop sizes when you order. There is a standard top, a medium top, and a large top option, depending on how much space you need. Regardless of size, all three tops come in either a white marble finish or a black oak finish. The tops are made of high-quality MDF wood. The frame also comes in white or black, so you can customize the look of your desk.
The Highlights
The Motion Grey Motion Series Standing Desk with Table Top features an expansive height range. You can move the desk from 62.5cm (25”) to 127.5cm (50”) tall to accommodate most users between 5ft and 7ft tall. Dual motors provide a smooth lift from a sitting position to a standing position. There are also three different top sizes available to help you accommodate different spaces.
- Expansive height range from 25″ to 50″
- Ideal for users between 5ft and 7ft tall
- Dual motors for a smooth lift
- Three different top sizes available to accommodate different spaces
From the Test Lab
“The wide range of height options available on this standing desk was great for our testers. No matter what their height was, they were able to find an ideal position.”
Best Electric Adjustment
AnthroDesk Programmable Single Motor Standing Desk

Features:
- Type: Complete sit-stand desk
- Lift Type: Electric
- Weight Limit: 220lbs (105kg)
- Programmable Heights: 4
- Top Materials: MDF Wood
It's Great For:
- Canadians who want to choose their tabletops
- Multiple users
- Moving from sitting to standing
- Quiet operation
The AnthroDesk Programmable Single Motor Standing Desk uses full electric sit-to-stand adjustment to help keep you comfortable and productive. Whether you use your desk at home or at the office, you’ll be able to find the height that works perfectly for you. There are 4 programmable height options, so you can switch between multiple different settings depending on your activity. This is also a good option for those who share a desk or computer, as it allows each user to keep multiple settings they prefer.
The full adjustment range of this desk is between 69cm and 117cm (27” – 46”). This means you can convert it from a sitting desk to a standing desk easily. The motor is powerful and quiet, so you won’t disturb anyone else in your office when you move the desk. The frame supports up to 100kg (220 lbs), but this includes any weight from the top of the desk.
While most desks have a single table top that you can’t switch out, the AnthroDesk Programmable Single Motor Standing Desk features multiple options for your tabletop. When you order your desk, you can choose the size, materials, and finish for your adjustable desk. Options include beech, elm, walnut and oak veneers, and two types of laminate in multiple sizes. You can also order the desk without a tabletop if you want to purchase another option.
With so many customization options (including the colour of the frame, which comes in black, grey, and white), this desk is well-suited to most Canadians.
The Highlights
The AnthroDesk Programmable Single Motor Standing Desk features four programmable height options, so you can keep track of your favourite configurations throughout the day. The powerful motor that raises and lowers the desk is quiet during operation so you won’t disturb anyone while you adjust. The frame supports up to 100kg, which covers most basic computer equipment. You can even customize the tabletop when you order so you get a desk that is well-suited to you.
- Four programmable height options
- The powerful motor is quiet during use
- Supports up to 100kg (220lbs)
- Tabletop customization options
From the Test Lab
“The smooth, quiet adjustment was perfect for most of our testers. They preferred this method over a manual one!”
Best Memory Settings
SHW 55-inch Large Adjustable Standing Desk
While most electric standing desks have two memory settings, the SHW 55-inch Large Adjustable Standing Desk offers four separate preset options. If you share a desk with someone at work or want more options, this is the perfect desk for you. With a huge adjustment range, it’s suitable for most Canadians between 5’3” and 7’0” in height.
This complete desk comes in three different colour options, which include a different colour frame and laminated wood top. The tabletop can hold up to 110lbs (50kg), so it works for nearly every set-up. This desk also offers great cable management solutions, as it includes both grommet holes and an under-table basket to keep your cords from dangling under the desk. This keeps them all together, so moving the desk up and down won’t unplug any of your devices.
Overall, this is a perfect complete desk for multi-monitor setups, and it offers more memory settings than any of the other options we found. It’s great for the widest range of heights on our list, too!
The Highlights
The desk includes a cable management grommet and a basket for the underside of the desk. Here, you can store all of your cables without them hanging down under your desk. There are four different memory settings, which allow you to set different heights for your needs. The 110lb weight limit allows for heavier setups with multiple monitors and other accessories. There are three different colour and tabletop options available, so you can choose the one that works best for your décor.
- Cable management grommet and under-table basket
- Four memory settings for different heights
- Holds heavier setups with multiple monitors
- Three colour and tabletop options
From the Test Lab
“This desk offers some great table management! We loved the accessories, and the four memory presets were great for multiple users.”
Best for Small Spaces
Vivo 32-inch Desk Converter
The first converter on our list is the Vivo 32-inch Desk Converter, which sits on top of the desk you already own. This option extends up to 32 inches above the height of your desk, making it suitable for most users up to 6’ when used with a standard desk. There are four different colour options, as well as an increased height option for taller Canadians (this option increases the rise to 42”).
Though this converter uses manual adjustment, it works with the help of a pneumatic tube to make it smooth and easy to adjust. Because of the way it lifts, there are an unlimited number of heights you can choose. If you want a riser that will be perfect for your exact height, this is a great option.
Compared to other risers we looked at in Canada, this one works best for smaller spaces. The riser is only about 16” deep, so most standard desks won’t have a problem. Even smaller-than-average desks will be fine using this riser, which is what really made this an appealing option. It holds up to 33lbs (15kg) and includes a keyboard drawer for more ergonomic typing.
The Highlights
The Vivo 32-inch desk converter offers manual conversion, but it’s aided by a pneumatic lift assist. This tube makes it easy to move the desk up and down through unlimited adjustment points. No matter how tall you are (up to 6 feet with a standard desk), you can find a height that works for you. The top of the riser holds up to 33lbs, while the keyboard drawer can hold up to 4lbs. This small lift can even fit on more compact desks, as it’s only about 16” wide.
- Manual adjustment aided by pneumatic lift assist
- Unlimited adjustment points for all heights
- Holds up to 33lbs (15kg) on top, with 4lbs (1.8kg) on the keyboard drawer
- Fits on compact desks
From the Test Lab
“Testers that prefer minimalist office spaces loved this riser! It offered a huge variety in height, and the different options made it accessible for most users.”
Best Riser
SHW Standing Desk Converter
Features:
- Type: Tabletop riser
- Lift Type: Manual pneumatic
- Weight Limit: 60lbs (27kg)
- Programmable Heights: None
- Top Materials: Laminated
It's Great For:
- Users who want to stand more than sit
- Canadians who like to stay organized
- Those who need more help with manual adjustment
- Users with more than one monitor
Desk converters can be just as robust as complete standing desks. The SHW Standing Desk Converter proves that you can get some great functionality out of a riser. This riser comes with a separate monitor riser, a sliding organization basket, and up to 36 inches of sturdy adjustment. Manual adjustment is assisted with dual pneumatic cylinders, so you can quickly and easily convert your existing desk to a standing one.
This riser starts at 4” above the top of the desk, and easily converts to about 16” in height. It’s one of the sturdiest risers we found. The pneumatic tubes help it support an increased weight – up to 60lbs (27kg), perfect for dual-monitor setups. The monitor riser can be placed on top of the main top, adding functionality and a more comfortable position overall.
This manual adjustment system isn’t difficult. Plus, you can set it to just about any height between 4” and 16”, making it ideal for a wide range of Canadians. The X-shaped design helps with smooth movement and stability, which is perfect for those who need a heavier option for their desktop.
The Highlights
The double pneumatic cylinders in this riser help to make the manual adjustment a little smoother than with other manual adjustment risers. It includes a separate monitor riser as well as an organizer drawer that slides in under the top to help you hold important papers and accessories. The riser adjusts to between 4” and 16” above the tabletop, so you can choose the option that works best for you. The X-shaped design for the support beams helps to improve stability.
- Dual pneumatic cylinders help make manual adjustment smoother
- Monitor riser and sliding organizer drawer
- Adjusts between 4” and 16” above the tabletop
- X-shaped design offers better stability
From the Test Lab
“This riser was amazing in most respects. Our testers loved the additional features, especially the smooth adjustment and additional risers.”
Best Crank Adjustment
AnthroDesk Manual Crank Desk with Tabletop Options

Features:
- Type: Complete sit-stand desk
- Lift Type: Manual crank
- Weight Limit: 200lbs (100kg)
- Programmable Heights: None
- Top Materials: Veneer or wood
It's Great For:
- Users who want manual adjustment
- Heavier setups with multiple monitors
- Canadians in wheelchairs
- Those who have their own tabletops
A crank adjustment desk might be the best option if you aren’t quite ready to use an electric standing desk. That’s where the AnthroDesk Manual Crank Desk with Tabletop Options comes in. This desk moves smoothly via the simple hand crank system, so you can move the desk without relying on other manual options. It takes very little effort in comparison!
This frame can handle a maximum of 200lbs (100kg), so it’s ready for anything. That includes the tabletop of your choice! There are a variety of options available through AnthroDesk, including solid woods, veneers, and laminated options. If you already have a tabletop you enjoy, you can also use your own!
This desk isn’t just for standing, either. The design lacks a crossbeam, making it ideal for wheelchair users who might need a shorter desk than average. This engineering allows this desk to reach a variety of different people who need it!
The Highlights
The AnthroDesk Manual Crank Desk doesn’t use a crossbar in its design, so it’s better to use with wheelchairs. The desk offers extremely adjustable heights, so you can lower the desk for more comfortable use or raise it to stand. The desk frame can hold up to 200lbs (or 100kg), so it’s better for heavier setups with multiple monitors. When it comes to the top, you can choose a variety of different veneers or reclaimed wood tops, or you can use your own with this frame.
- No crossbar allows for use with wheelchairs
- Extremely adjustable to a variety of different heights
- Supports heavier setups with multiple monitors, up to 200lbs
- Available with different top options, including your own
From the Test Lab
“The crank is actually an intuitive way to adjust this desk. We had many testers use it with their existing tabletop, and it worked really well for them!”
Best Accessories
Rolanstar Standing Desk Dual Motor Adjustable Desk
Features:
- Type: Complete sit-stand desk
- Lift Type: Electric
- Weight Limit: 176lbs (80kg)
- Programmable Heights: 2
- Top Materials: Engineered Wood
It's Great For:
- Canadians with lots of accessories, including monitors
- Heavier setups, including multiple monitors
- Those who want their monitors on a riser
- Fast, quiet adjustment
Sometimes, the accessory options can be what sets a standing desk apart. When transitioning between sitting and standing, you want to have access to as much of your desk as possible. This electric standing desk offers all the functionality you need. Though this version of the desk is only about 47” wide, there is a 55” version with the same features and accessories!
This desk includes a second tier for your monitors, which can hold up to two screens at a healthier eye level. There’s also a hook for your headphones and an additional hook to hang other items you might need. Under the top of the desk is a sliding drawer, and the adjustment console features two USB ports to help you charge your devices as you work. It also features a tray for your cables, so they aren’t hanging down under the desk.
Aside from all of the unique accessories it offers, this desk adjusts quickly and quietly. The dual motors work to adjust at a rate of 27 mm/s, with a motor sound of <50 dB. You’re unlikely to disturb the rest of your office as you adjust your desk. Two memory settings and a weight limit of 176lbs (80kg) make this standing desk one of the best in Canada.
The Highlights
Rolanstar’s Standing Desk is great at holding heavier setups, which include multiple monitors on a riser system. The separate monitor rise holds additional screens for more intensive setups. This desk adjusts quickly and quietly, so you don’t have to disturb the rest of your office (or the other members of your household). Additional accessories include a cable management tray, sliding drawer, and headphone hook to help you store everything you need. The desk also includes 2 USB charging ports, so you can charge your devices while you work.
- Holds heavier setups, including multiple monitors on a riser system
- Quick adjustment (27 mm/s) with quiet operation (<50db)
- Cable management tray and sliding drawer
- Includes 2 USB charging ports for your devices
From the Test Lab
“We loved everything included with this desk. It felt like they really thought of everything we might need on hand!”
Why Trust Us?
For years, we’ve tested and reviewed a variety of home products. When we approached standing desks in Canada, we jumped in with both feet. We thoroughly evaluated every desk on our recommended list (and many more that didn’t make the cut). Our team of amazing testers went the extra mile to use these desks for weeks and sent us a lot of detail-oriented feedback. Between that feedback and comprehensive lab testing, we were able to arrive at the list of recommendations you see above. Here are some of the different performance categories we evaluated.
- Type. What type of desk is it? There are a few different types of standing desks, including converters and full desks. We evaluated how effective each desk was based on the type of desk it is. We tried to offer a wide variety of effective desks of each type.
- Lift Type. While you can adjust some standing desks manually, there are also a variety of electric lift types on the market. We looked at each type of lift and worked to find the best each type.
- Weight Limits. Some setups are naturally heavier, especially setups with multiple monitors and other essential accessories. We tried to find options that work for all types of setups, including setups that include laptops as well as those with two or three monitors.
- Programmable Heights. Some electric desks allow you to program different height settings and remember them, allowing you to change the height with the press of a single button. We went for desks that offered standard height options, but we considered options with more memory settings (and some that have none at all).
Benefits of Using a Standing Desk
There are many different benefits to using a standing desk, particularly if you often work for long hours in your office or at home. Do you often find yourself with aches after a long day of sitting at your desk? A standing desk can fix that! Here are just some of the benefits that you might experience when you use an ergonomic standing desk.
- Productivity boost. Workers that often switch between standing and sitting positions are a lot more productive than those who sit all of the time.
- Reduced caffeine. Do you often find yourself going for lots of coffee and other caffeinated beverages during the day? Standing desks may be able to reduce your caffeine intake. The standing position helps wake you up, so you may feel like you need less coffee.
- Improved focus. The movement associated with standing and sitting may help improve your focus. This makes you a better employee, but it can also help in other aspects of your life.
- Increased energy. Standing can help improve your circulation, bring more oxygen to all parts of your body, and more. When your blood is circulating better, it’s easier to be awake and alert. You might have more energy as a result!
- Less stress. Sitting for more than six hours a day can improve stress levels, so a standing desk is a perfect solution to those workday blues.
- Better sleep. Standing helps expend more energy, and the act of sitting or standing can help. When you use more energy during the day, you might find that you sleep better – which can, in turn, make you more awake, alert, productive, and energized the next day.
A standing desk can help improve your quality of life, especially for those who are in the office for 8 or more hours a day most of the week. Though these results are not unanimous, these are just some of the things that can change your workday if you decide to start using a standing desk.
Standing Desk Posture
To get all of the benefits associated with a standing desk, you first have to know the right posture for standing at your desk. First, you’ll want to make sure that you have some sort of mat below your feet. Wear supportive shoes (and not heels, if you have a choice!). When you adjust the desk, the monitor should be a good distance from your face. It should be tall enough to be at eye level, which can be accomplished with a monitor arm if required.
As for your keyboard, it’s always best to make sure that it sits at elbow level. Your arms should extend naturally from your elbows, making it more comfortable to stand and type. Your spine should be curved, too – avoid standing too straight or locking your knees.
When you use the right standing posture, you can help reduce stress on your body, particularly if you aren’t used to it.
Choosing a Standing Desk: Basics
Before you can choose the right standing desk for your home or office, you should understand a few of the basic options available to you.
Type of Standing Desk
There are a couple of different types of standing desks. Choose the one that works best for your setup.
- Complete desks. Complete desks are one of the most common types of standing desks. This type of desk includes all of the components you need for a complete desk, including the frame, tabletop, and other accessories. Complete desks are usually sit-stand desks, but there are other types of sit-stand desks as well. These options are usually more expensive, but most are large enough to hold multiple-monitor setups.
- Sit-stand desks. A sit-stand desk easily transitions between a sitting position and a standing one. Most standing desks fit this description, but some options don’t adjust to a sitting position. In fact, some risers don’t work for sitting users, either. A sit-stand desk, regardless of the type, works in both positions and easily moves between them.
- Risers/Converters. A riser or converter sits on the tabletop that you already have. These converters are less expensive, and they take your current desk to the next level – literally. Risers may not work for sitting positions, especially those that already start with a lift. However, they can be more convenient if you don’t want to completely change your desk. Most risers use manual adjustment but have a wide range of adjustment heights as a result.
Lift Type
The type of lift that a desk uses determines how easy it is to move, but it can also weigh heavily on your decision. Here are your options.
- Manual or Manual Pneumatic. Manual adjustment uses pneumatic tubes to help you raise and lower the height of the desk. Usually, it’s only risers that offer manual adjustment. You can easily move the riser to a variety of different positions (usually unlimited), making it best for Canadians with unique needs and with no problem putting in a little work. Manual adjustment styles are the least expensive, too.
- Crank. Crank adjustment isn’t as common as pneumatic manual options, but it’s more commonly found in complete desks rather than risers. The crank slowly moves the tabletop up to your desired height, but you have to turn the handle to get the desk to move. The crank adjustment offers a wider variety of adjustment heights.
- Electric. Electric adjustment uses a motor (sometimes two) to move the top of the desk up and down as you need it. The control panel controls the height you can choose, and most offer memory options to store your preferred heights easily. With a press of a button, your desk will automatically adjust to the memory setting you choose.
Weight Limit
Your adjustable desk’s weight limit is important to consider. Everything you put on the top of the desk will count against this weight limit. Each monitor that you use with your computer adds weight to your desktop.
A higher weight limit is obviously better, especially if you use multiple monitors, have heavy speakers, or need more flexibility. You shouldn’t stack your standing desk to its weight limit, though. When you lean on the desk (or even as you type normally), you are adding weight to the surface. If you put too much on your standing desk (regardless of the type), you may damage the mechanisms or other parts of the desk.
Materials
What is the desk made of? The materials can tell you a lot about how sturdy the desk is and how it will hold up. You’ll always want to find desks with a sturdy steel frame, though heavier metals are best if you can find them.
For tabletops, you’ll usually find either plastic (for some risers), laminated wood, real wood, or veneers. Though you can choose the option that you like best, it’s important to note that laminated wood and veneers are water-resistant. If you often have drinks at your desk, you might want to choose these options. Real wood tops are more expensive, but they are also heavier. Having a real wood top can decrease the amount of weight you can add to the top of the desk yourself.
As always, look into what the desk is made of so you can make an informed decision about which option works best.
Height
How tall is the desk? How tall can it adjust to? While the height of the desk is less important when it comes to complete desks, it’s still good to know where you’re starting. Most desks list the minimum and maximum adjustable height, so make sure to check it out to ensure that you can get the most out of your desk.
Some desks also include information about users’ ideal heights, which can be important. If you are shorter than 5’4” or taller than 6’, always make sure to check the ideal height and adjustable heights. It’s important to choose one that is suited for your height, especially if you fall outside of these parameters.
Desk Size
The size of the desk itself is also important. Standard adjustable desks are usually about 55” wide, but others vary. Consider the space you need for your setup. If you only need room for your laptop or a single monitor and keyboard, a smaller size can be better. However, larger sizes are usually available for more involved setups, more than one monitor, or additional room for accessories.
Also, consider the type of adjustable desk. Complete desks should be large enough for everything you need. Risers don’t have to be large at all – just large enough to hold your monitor and keyboard.
Choosing a Standing Desk: Special Features
Before making your final decision, here are a few special features to keep an eye out for.
Memory Presets
Electric desks often have memory presets. These options allow you to assign your preferred heights so you can easily move the desk back into the perfect position. Most desks with memory functions have 2 different options to set (one for sitting and one for standing). Some desks can have up to four memory presets.
Monitor Arm
Worried about your monitors being too close to your face, or not being at the right height if your keyboard is in its proper position? That’s where a monitor arm comes in. Some standing desks come with a built-in monitor arm that allows you to hang a single monitor. Move it where you need it, find the right height for your monitor, and become more comfortable while working.
Wire Management
The best adjustable desks in Canada offer grommets and other methods for controlling your wires. Other options include wire management boxes, shelves, or baskets attached to the underside of your desk. If your setup has a lot of pesky cables, consider choosing a desk with proper cable management options.
Adjustment Speed and Noise Level
Adjusting your desk can seem like it might be disruptive to your office environment. Consider the adjustment speed available with your desk, as well as how loud the motor is (if it adjusts via electricity). A faster speed with a lower noise level is always better, so look for options that seem manageable wherever you’re using your standing desk.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should you stand at a standing desk?
With a standing desk in Canada, most experts recommend standing between 5 to 15 minutes out of every hour. In a standard 8-hour work day, standing for a combined 2 hours is ideal.
Are standing desks better for your back?
Standing desks can improve some issues that arise from long hours of sitting. While it may improve your immediate pain levels and posture issues, standing desks won’t fix more serious problems in the long run.
What’s the best height for your standing desk?
When using a standing desk, your computer monitor should be at eye level. Your keyboard should be level with your elbows. If you are using a laptop, position the desk so that the keyboard is level with your elbows and tilt the screen back so it’s easier to see.