Does your work require you to spend long hours sitting in a chair? If so, you might want to consider a standing desk converter. Naturally, height-adjustable desks should be ideal, but they can be expensive. Standing desk converters allow you to alternate between sitting and standing with your fixed-height desk.
In this guide, we reviewed the best standing desk converters available in Australia and discussed the criteria we used to shortlist them. We also answered frequently asked questions about standing desk converters and why you need them. Let’s dive to help you find your best pick.
Our Top Picks
Looking for the best standing desk converter in Australia? Here are our top three picks:
Standesk Pro Desk Converter
Best overall standing desk converter with a worksurface area of 90 × 52 cm, height adjustment (10-54cm), and load capacity of 50 kg.
Elevar Maxishift-E Workstation
Best electric sit-stand desk converter with a worksurface area of 90 × 53 cm, height adjustment (16-59.5cm), and a weight capacity of 45 kg.
VIVO 32-Inch Desk Converter
Best budget standing desk converter with a worksurface area of 80 × 40 cm, height adjustment (11.43-50.8cm), and a weight capacity of 14.9 kg.
Top 9 Sit-Stand Desk Converters for Australians — Reviews and Comparisons
Finding the perfect sit-stand desk converter can be challenging with the numerous options available on the Australian market. So, we did the heavy lifting, researching and compiling a list of the best stand-up desk converters. Here's an in-depth review of each model.
1. Standesk Pro Memory Desk Converter
Best Overall Standing Desk Converter
Height adjustment: 10 - 54 cm
Keyboard tray: 80 × 30 cm
Load capacity: 50 kg
The Standesk Pro Memory Desk Converter is the best standing desk converter on the Australian market. It is an upgrade of the traditional Standesk and a high-end motorised converter. Standesk's Pro Memory converter allows you to transform your normal fixed-height desk into an adjustable, ergonomic sit-stand desk with easy-to-use and smart features.
One such feature is its memory function; the desk converter can memorise up to three heights; a single press on the preset button moves the converter to these saved heights. And while some converters are wobbly when adjusting, the Standesk Pro maintains stability, so you won't get a mini heart attack from the fear of your equipment toppling. It's adjustable between 10 and 54 cm.
Standesk's electric sit-stand desk converter comes with numerous other features. Its anti-collision feature, for instance, ensures the safety of your surrounding items, and the automatic sleep or standby function saves power when not in use. It has a spacious workspace, a lifting capacity of 50 kg, and a split work surface design to house your keyboard, mouse, and monitor.
The desktop surface has 90 × 52 cm dimensions, while the keyboard space measures 80 × 30 cm and is suitable for up to three monitor brackets. While more expensive than most standing desk converters, it leaves little to nothing to complain about. Plus, it comes with a 5-year warranty that makes it worth the investment if you are looking for the best standing desk converter.
Pros
- Load capacity of 50 kg
- Large workspace
- Very stable
- Quiet during use
- 3 height memory function
Cons
- Pricey
2. Ergotron WorkFit TL Workstation
Best Standesk Desk Converter Alternative
Height adjustment: Up to 38 cm
Keyboard tray: 69 × 28 cm
Weight capacity: 4.5 to 18.1 kg
If you want a standing desk converter that is almost as good as the Standesk Pro Memory but a bit easier on the pocket, get the Ergotron WorkFit TL Workstation. It has hand brake levers and 15 different height adjustment positions to find one perfect level for you. The desk converter is also as stable as the Standesk desk converter and is easy on the ears too.
Ergotron's Workfit TL desk converter does not sway or tilt when adjusting its height. So you don’t have to worry about your monitors falling. It features a large workspace measuring 95 × 60 cm and can accommodate two monitors, provided they’re 30 inches or under. Plus, you get an integrated cable management system to safely keep your cables tucked away.
Much like the Standesk Pro, the desk converter is available in black and white colour options and comes with a 5-year warranty. On the downside, however, it can only support a weight of up to 18 kg, compared to Standesk's 50 kg.
Pros
- 15 height adjustment positions
- Stable in operation
- Can accommodate two monitors
- Quiet during use
- No assembly required
Cons
- Load capacity of 18 kg
3. Elevar Maxishift-E Electric Workstation
Best Electric Sit Stand Desk Converter
Height adjustment: 16 - 59.5 cm
Keyboard tray: 68 × 26.5 cm
Weight capacity: 45 kg
The Elevar Maxishift-E Electric Sit-Stand Workstation is suitable for single and dual monitor or laptop setups. It features a large enough workspace for extra accessories after setup and is electrically adjustable. You only have to press the up or down buttons to adjust the height from 16.0 to 59.5 cm. However, unlike Standesk Pro, you get no height presets.
Elevar's electric desk converter has a keyboard tray with dimensions 68 × 26.5 cm, which raises in sync with the upper deck. The desk converter is also excellent for use with a monitor mount. The standing desk converter has the second-highest weight capacity on our list, only 5 kg short of Standesk Pro.
On purchase, you can choose between a single or dual setup at an additional cost. The single setup has an ECO monitor arm that holds up to a 30-inch screen and the Pluto multi-adjust monitor arm that supports up to a 32-inch screen. For the dual configuration, the dual ECO arm supports two 24-inch screens and a dual Pluto multi-adjust arm that holds two 27-inch screens.
Pros
- Ready to use out of the box
- Great for mounting single or dual monitors
- Built-in cable management
- Ideal for tall users
- 5-year warranty
Cons
- No height presets
4. Rocelco CADRB-46 Desk Converter
Best Desk Converter for Large Workspaces
Height adjustment: 12.7 - 45.7 cm
Keyboard tray: 101.6 × 33 cm
Weight capacity: 20 kg
Can’t find enough space to fit all of your gadgets? Say hello to Rocelco's 46" Corner Sit Stand Dual Monitor Riser. We rated it the best large workspace converter mainly because of its impressive dimensions. It is 116 cm wide by 59 cm deep, providing enough space for your monitors. Likewise, the keyboard stand can hold your keyboard, mouse, and notepad and still have a spare for a cup of coffee.
But space is not all there is to the large sit-stand desk converter. Rocelco has a sturdy metal frame and allows easy adjustment. You can adjust the height from 12.7 to 45.7 cm smoothly and hassle-free. The Rocelco standing desk converter also sits flat on the desk and features a grommet hole that makes cable management on the standing desk converter easy.
Pros
- Spacious
- Easy installation
- Sits flat on the desk
Cons
- Heavy
- Expensive
5. Adaptzone Standing Desk Converter
Best Sit-Stand Desk Converter for Laptops
Height adjustment: 10.92 - 49 cm
Laptop area: 82 × 31.5 cm
Weight capacity: 15.88 kg
The Adaptzone adjustable standing desk converter can accommodate two monitors, a keyboard and a mouse or a laptop, a phone, and other office supplies that can help optimise your workday. Its easy height-adjustable levels help relieve back and neck pain from a height range between 10.92 and 49.02 cm. The desk converter's strong gas spring-assisted lift lets you easily move the standing desk topper to your preferred height.
Adaptzone's lifting mechanism operates quietly when switching between sitting and standing positions. Its unique 2-tier design also provides a large workstation of 82.81 × 45.21 cm, with ample space for one monitor plus a laptop or dual monitors. You also get a pre-drilled hole in the desk surface for easy installation of dual monitor arms if you have use for them.
The Adaptzone Standing Desk Converter can hold up to 15.8 kg and is built from high-quality materials, including premium MDF and a solid metal structure.
Pros
- Provides ample workspace
- Offers smooth adjustment
- Operates very quietly
- Dep tray for holding a laptop
Cons
- No memory presets
- Manual height adjustment
6. Ergotron WorkFit Corner Workstation
Best Sit-Stand Desk Converter for Corner Desks
Height adjustment: Up to 38.1 cm
Keyboard tray: 91 × 33 cm
Weight capacity: 15.9 kg
If you own a fixed-height corner desk, the Ergotron Workfit Corner Workstation provides a huge 44-inch workspace that seamlessly fits against any 90-degree cube or office corner and adds ergonomic functionality to your workspace. The desk converter is adjustable up to 38.1 cm and can hold a weight capacity of 15.9 kg. It features an X-lift design and offers smooth height adjustment.
Ergotron's WorkFit Corner Standing Desk Converter also has a generous keyboard tray space to accommodate your keyboard, mouse, and post-its. It also has a user-friendly design; adjusting between sitting and standing only requires the release of the hand-brake levers to position the surface higher or lower.
To top it off, the Ergotron WorkFit Corner is backed by a full five-year warranty, providing peace of mind and confidence in its durability.
Pros
- Spacious
- Suitable for corner desks
- Maximum height of 38.1 cm
- 5-year warranty
Cons
- Pricey
- Load capacity of 15.9 kg
7. TechOrbits Standing Desk Converter
Best Standing Desk Converter for Small Desks
Height adjustment: 10.92 - 50.54 cm
Keyboard tray: 94.48 × 30 cm
Weight capacity: 15 kg
The TechOrbits Standing Desk Converter has a 2-tier design with an upper deck for a dual monitor setup and a lower tier for your keyboard, mouse, and desk accessories. Like the Adaptzone, it's built with a gas-spring-assisted lifting system that allows for easy manual adjustment with minimal effort. You only have to press the lever to engage the height adjustment mechanism, raise or lower the deck to your ideal height, and release the lever.
You should note, however, that at the lowest height level, the keyboard and mouse will be raised by roughly 2.54 cm and the monitors by about 10.92 cm. So, this model functions quite well as a riser, even from a sitting position. Likewise, the sit-stand desk converter has a stable, space-conscious base that fits on lots of small desks. It doesn't wobble even when adjusting the desk riser's height.
Pros
- Easy manual height adjustment
- Minimal assembly is required
- Ideal choice for small office desktops
- Built with engineered MDF for durability
Cons
- Pricey
- Limited weight-bearing capacity
8. Desky Zero Sit Stand Desk Converter
Best Standing Desk Converter for Single Monitor
Height adjustment: 16 - 44 cm
Keyboard tray: 66 × 21.5 cm
Weight capacity: 13 kg
The Desky Zero is a compact 49 × 35 cm base standing desk converter. The versatile and adjustable desk converter offers smooth height adjustment levels and a 59.94 × 39.87 cm worksurface area that safely accommodates a single monitor or laptop. It also features a 66 × 21.50 cm dedicated keyboard tray that holds your keyboard and mouse in an ergonomic position for ease of use.
Desky's Zero adjustable workstation features a high-performing lever-activated lift control mechanism that provides smooth height adjustment. The wide height adjustment range of 16 to 44 cm allows you to set your preferred height for a smooth transition from sitting to standing. Plus, the lift system operates quietly, ensuring a non-disruptive work environment.
Pros
- Affordable price point
- Ideal setup for compact desktops
- Fewer parts ensure ease of assembly
- Quick and smooth height adjustment
- Sturdy and durable steel design
Cons
- No memory height presets
- Limited weight capacity
9. VIVO 32-inch Standing Desk Converter
Best Budget Desk Converter
Height adjustment: 11.43 - 50.8 cm
Keyboard tray: 79.5 × 30 cm
Weight capacity: 14.9 kg
Vivo's 32-inch standing desk converter is perfect for anyone looking for an option that does not cause a dent in their pocket. It has a spacious 80 × 40 cm workspace that accommodates two monitors. Alongside is a 79.5 × 30 cm keyboard tray that keeps your desk organised so you don’t get scatterbrained from all the surrounding clutter.
It offers an adjustable height range between 4.5 and 20 inches, making it suitable for taller people. The keyboard tray is also removable to make extra room should you need it. Vivo's standing desk converter comes in four different colours: black, white, dark wood, and light wood. The affordable sit-stand desk converter comes with a 3-year manufacturer warranty for your peace of mind.
Pros
- Affordable option
- Adjustable height up to 50 cm
- Available in four colours
- 3-year warranty
Cons
- Load capacity of 14.9 kg
How We Chose the Best Standing Desk Converters in Australia
Four factors informed our decision while researching and compiling the best standing desk converters in Australia. You can use them as a buying guide to decide which desk converter best suits your needs.
1. Usability
The most crucial criterion is the usability of the converter. For any desk converter to rise to the top, it must be usable to the masses. Tall and short people should be able to use it alike. Therefore, we made sure only to list those that fit this criterion.
2. Stability
Spending money on a desk converter, only to have your equipment fall and be damaged, certainly sounds like a nightmare. But you don't have to worry about a thing because all the converters listed here offer decent, if not superb, stability for your workstation.
3. Price
There is no use denying the fact that a higher price offers more features. But getting exceptional functionality at just the right price is always the ideal bet. Our list of the best standing desk converters includes different price levels to find the one perfect for you.
4. Space
One of the biggest benefits of owning a standing desk converter is that it allows you to declutter your workspace and organise everything around you. That wouldn’t be possible if the workspace was so small and your equipment was cramped.
How to Set Up and Use a Standing Desk Converter?
Standing desk converters are designed to go on top of your existing desk and support your monitors, laptop, keyboard, and mouse, among other things. Get the flexibility and health benefits of standing desks with standing desk converters with our step-by-step setup guide:
Step #1: Find the Right Type and Size
Start by choosing your preferred type of standing desk between manual and motorised designs. Then select a model with the ideal footprint that will fit on your desktop surface.
For example, if your desktop surface measures 90 × 50 cm, the dimensions of the base of your converter should be smaller than the aforementioned measurements for it to fit.
In this case, the ideal fit could be 80 × 40 cm or less. Also, ensure the standing desk converter has the ideal weight limit that will support your monitors, keyboard, mouse, and other accessories.
Step #2: Declutter Your Workspace
It’s important to declutter your workspace to create a standing desk setup that will allow you to focus. Remove any items that you don't need from the desktop surface to create enough room for setting up your new standing desk converter.
Step #3: Assemble Your Standing Desk Converter
If your standing desk converter requires assembling, here's how to go about it. Use a utility knife to open the box, carefully remove its contents, and place them on a flat surface. Remove the packaging foam and the plastic wraps from the individual components.
Make sure all the installation accessories are included in the package. Then, use the included installation manual to assemble the parts. You can check online for an installation video if there are any.
Step #4: Setup the Assembled Standing Desk Converter
Place the assembled standing desk converter on top of your desktop. Make sure you position it correctly for added stability and safety. Then adjust the height of the converter to create an ergonomic workstation.
Manual converters usually have an assisted lift system that allows you to lift a single or double tier to your preferred stature based on the maximum height. Motorised converters have touch buttons that you can press to raise or lower the tiers to your preferred level, depending on the maximum height limit.
Step #5: Place Your Monitors, Keyboard, and Mouse
Place your monitor in the work area and your keyboard and mouse on the keyboard tray. Most contemporary standing desk converters come equipped with a cable management system to reduce clutter.
We recommend tucking the cables inside the cable management tray to keep them out of the way. Alternatively, you can buy an aftermarket solution that is compatible with your standing desk converter, such as a cable tray, basket, spine, or spiral.
Step #6: Add Ergonomic Accessories
You can add an adjustable monitor stand and an ergonomic keyboard and mouse to your setup. This will make the workstation more ergonomic. Additionally, consider using an anti-fatigue mat to support and cushion your feet.
Switching from sitting to standing can be uncomfortable. So, start slow, alternate between sitting and standing, and be willing to take regular breaks. Likewise, always pay attention to your posture when standing and focus on your feet.
Standing Desk Converters vs. Sit-Stand Desks
A sit-stand desk is a height-adjustable desk that you can raise or lower depending on your needs. This type of desk is uniquely designed to allow you to switch between sitting and standing easily. You can use it to set up a traditional office workspace or a modern standing workstation. Sit-stand desks come in two varieties – manual and electric.
On the other hand, a standing desk converter is a multi-levelled mini desk that goes on top of your existing desk. It’s a great option for transforming a regular office table into a standing desk. Similarly, standing desk converters are available in two types – manual and electric height adjustment.
Between these two options, it's easier and cheaper if you work with an existing desk to create a standing workstation using a standing desk converter. But, if you want a failproof setup that’s more spacious, stable, and ergonomic, a sit-stand desk would be a better choice.
Benefits of Using Standing Desk Converters
Standing desk converters help alleviate most of the problems from prolonged sitting. Here are key benefits you can expect from the use of a standing desk converter:
- Get Active: Standing desk converters help you get active and put an end to the sedentary lifestyle when you stand regularly at your workstation. Standing engages and uses major muscle groups rather than sitting.
- Improves Posture: Using a standing desk converter can naturally improve your posture and protect your neck. It becomes easier for you to keep your spine in a more natural alignment.
- Boosts Energy and Productivity: Incorporating standing into your routine with the help of a standing desk converter can boost your alertness level, focus, and productivity throughout the day.
- Reduces Health Risks: Prolonged sitting can cause heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and obesity, among other things. A standing desk converter introduces movements into your workday, helping you reduce health risks associated with inactivity.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions about standing desk converters.
How much does a standing desk converter cost?
Standing desk converters come at various price levels from AUD 190 to AUD 800 in Australia. Usually, the higher-priced models offer exceptional functionality. The best standing desk converters offer great performance at a justified price.
What is the best standing desk converter for tall people?
Taller individuals might want to look at options with a height range of up to 50 cm. Be sure to also check for the height settings. An extensive height setting allows you to set your standing desk converter to favourable heights.
Is a dedicated standing desk better than a standing desk converter?
Although standing desk converters are a reasonable alternative to dedicated standing desks, there is no denying that height-adjustable desks work better and provide a better overall experience.
Are standing desk converters different from monitor stands?
Standing desk converters have similar use cases as monitor stands. The primary difference between the two is that standing desk converters can carry more loads and offer more horizontal space than monitor stands.
Summary
A standing desk converter has numerous health benefits. They allow you to alternate between sitting and standing, help burn more calories, avoid weight gain from sitting for too long, and boost productivity.
Sitting for long makes you sluggish and is associated with numerous side health implications. If your body remains alert and your mind remains fresh, you will be able to perform better. Needless to say, better performance leads to a better career trajectory.