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Standing desks are an excellent way to improve posture, prevent back pain, and improve mental focus during your office day. Most standing desks are pretty large, heavy, and can be hard to move. Many entrepreneurs or people who work from home often travel a lot or need to change the position of their standing desk.
This is where portable standing desks come into place. This article lists our top six recommendations of the best portable standing desks based on durability, functionality, pricing, warranty, reviews, and style.
Portable standing desks are usually small, light, and easy to move; sometimes, they can even be folded or de-assembled to fit in luggage when traveling. Most portable desks sit on lockable wheels to enable easy mobility, sort of like a shopping trolley. We picked six viable options through in-depth research depending on your budget and overall needs.
Keep scrolling to see our portable standing desk choices, find out what to look for in one, and learn more about portable desks, including their advantages and disadvantages.
Best Portable Standing Desks
- Vivo 32 Inch Mobile Pneumatic Standing Desk – Top Pick
- LGHM Mobile Pneumatic Standing Desk – Best Value
- ApexDesk Mobile Pneumatic Laptop Rolling Desk 28” – Premium Pick
- FlexiSpot Laptop Standing Desk Converter – Best Portable Converter
- SIDUCAL Mobile Adjustable Stand Up Desk – Budget Buy
- Fezibo 48 Inch Electric Standing Desk – Best Large Portable Standing Desk
You can see our top six choices for portable standing desks above. Most of the options are pneumatic; however, we did include a portable electric option if that’s what you’re after. Keep reading for individual descriptions, pros & cons, and key features of each standing desk.
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Compare Our Top Picks
Desk Name | Lifting Capacity | Warranty | Desk Type |
22 lbs | 3-Year | Pneumatic | |
33 lbs | 1-Year | Pneumatic | |
30 lbs | 1-Year | Pneumatic | |
18.2 lbs | 5-Year | Converter | |
40 lbs | N/A | Manual Lift & Lock | |
154 lbs | 5-Year | Electric |
Our top choice is first on our list, the Vivo 32 Inch Pneumatic Standing Desk. Its small, mobile, portable, reliable, and affordable. We liked this model so much that we even featured it in our list of the best pneumatic standing desks.
First of all, the desktop on this Vivo desk is suited ideally for laptops measuring only 32 inches long and 23.6 inches wide. Its made from a single piece of water and scratch-resistant particleboard. An easy-to-use hand lever allows you to regulate the height between 30.9 and 46.9 inches high.
Secondly, this desk is effortless to move; it’s lightweight, only weighing 22 lbs, and has four lockable wheels. What’s even better is that if you de-assemble this desk, it can fit inside your luggage case when traveling, so it’s highly portable.
The only major downside is the structure and weight capacity. With a lightweight steel frame, it can only handle 22 lbs at the max, meaning it’s only suitable for laptops or single monitor setups.
Apart from being affordable, Vivo offers a generous 3-year manufacturer’s warranty on every purchase. All things considered, this Vivo model is a fantastic option for a portable standing desk; it’s compact, mobile, affordable, reliable, and has an extended warranty.
KEY FEATURES:
- Compact Work Surface
- 3 Year Manufacturers Warranty
- Portable and Mobile
- Affordably Priced
- Four Lockable Casters
- All-Black Design
- Pneumatic Lift
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Desk Dimensions: 31.5” x 23.6” x 46.9”
- Worktop Dimensions: 31.5” x 23.6”
- Lifting Capacity: 22 lbs
- Height Adjustment: 30.3” to 46.9”
- Desk Weight: 22 lbs
- Material: Steel, Particleboard
- Manufacturer: Vivo
- Standing Desk Type: Pneumatic
PROS:
- Long Warranty
- Low Price Tag
- Easy to Move
- Suitable for Small Spaces
- Easy to Lift
CONS:
- Low Weight Capacity
Second on our list of the best portable standing desks is our best value pick, the LGHM Mobile Standing Desk. It’s very similar to our top pick; however, it’s slightly smaller and has a shorter warranty.
In terms of portability, this LGHM model ticks all the boxes. It weighs only 33 pounds and has four lockable casters making it very easy to move. Additionally, there is also the option of disassembling the desk if you wish to transport it to a different location. It can easily fit in the rear seat or boot section if you are traveling by car.
The desktop on this model is compact, measuring 25.6 inches long and 15.7 inches wide; it’s ideal for laptops in particular. Made from powder-coated particleboard, the tabletop is highly scratch and moisture resistant. Using a pneumatic hand lever, you can adjust the desk’s height between 29.5 and 45.3 inches high. The lifting process is powered by compressed air.
Like nearly all height adjustable standing desks, this LGHM model has a steel frame. Because it’s a pneumatic standing desk, it has a lower lifting capacity than electric standing desks. It can lift up to 34 lbs. That’s enough for a single monitor, keyboard, and mouse setup at most. This standing desk comes with a decent one-year manufacturer’s warranty.
What makes this model unique is the number of additional features. It has an integrated large keyboard tray which is always helpful with maintaining the correct posture while working. Furthermore, the desktop of this LGHM standing desk has a multi-functional groove that can act as a tablet stand or office equipment storage.
In summary, this LGHM mobile standing desk is of excellent value. It has everything you need from a portable standing desk at a budget-friendly price point.
KEY FEATURES:
- Compact Two-Level Work Surface
- Elegant Wood Design
- Integrated Keyboard Tray
- One-Year Manufacturers Warranty
- Multi-functional Desktop Groove
- Four Lockable Casters
- Lightweight Structure
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Desk Dimensions: 25.6” x 15.7” x 45.3”
- Worktop Dimensions: 25.6” x 15.7”
- Lifting Capacity: 33 lbs
- Height Adjustment: 29.5” to 45.3”
- Desk Weight: 34 lbs
- Material: Steel, Wood
- Manufacturer: LGHM
- Standing Desk Type: Pneumatic
PROS:
- Many Additional Features
- Very Affordable
- Easy to Move
- Decent Warranty
- Available in Three Colors
CONS:
- Low Weight Capacity
It’s time to discuss our premium pick for the best portable standing desks, the ApexDesk 28” Mobile Pneumatic Standing Desk. Made by a brand known for its durability and style, it offers a lot.
This ApexDesk model is the smallest one the brand offers, with the desktop measuring 28 inches long and 20 inches wide. It’s made out of laminated MDF and finished in an all-black style. You can adjust the desk’s height to anywhere between 33.5 and 45.5 inches with the assistance of compressed air, just like office chairs.
Most importantly, this portable standing desk is lightweight and has four wheels making it easy to move by a single person. Its highly versatile and perfect for many environments, including home, medical, educational, etc.
When it comes to structuring, the desk’s frame is made from steel and aluminum and has a maximum lifting capacity of 30 lbs. The static weight capacity is much higher at 180 lbs. ApexDesk backs all their pneumatic standing desks with a one-year manufacturer’s warranty.
Conclusively, this ApexDesk pneumatic portable standing desk is stylish, built to last, and easy to use. The only downside is the premium price.
Read more: The Best Gel Mats for Standing Desks
KEY FEATURES:
- One-Piece MDF Tabletop
- Fast Pneumatic Lift
- Slick Black Design
- Four Lockable Casters
- Cable Management Hole
- One-Year Manufacturers Warranty
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Desk Dimensions: 28” x 20” x 45.5”
- Worktop Dimensions: 28” x 20”
- Lifting Capacity: 30 lbs
- Height Adjustment: 33.5” to 45.5”
- Desk Weight: 30 lbs
- Material: Steel, Aluminium, MDF
- Manufacturer: ApexDesk
- Standing Desk Type: Pneumatic
PROS:
- Reputable Brand
- Built to Last
- Easy To Move
- Fast and Quiet Lifting
- Decent Warranty
CONS:
- Premium Price
Fourth on our best portable standing desks list is an alternative, the FlexiSpot Laptop Standing Desk Converter. Standing desk converters are basically smaller foldable desks that can be placed on top of ordinary (sitting) office desks to create a standing desk. They are ideal for people who already have a regular office desk or a table.
This Flexispot model is ideal for laptops and single monitors; it has a compact worksurface measuring 28.8 inches long and 19.9 inches wide. The whole desk can be folded flat and only weighs 18 pounds to enable easy transportation. Users can adjust the height of the converter between 2 and 16 inches.
The frame of this standing desk converter is made from robust steel, which enables a maximum lifting capacity of 26.4 lbs. As mentioned before, it can handle only a single laptop or monitor setup, nothing too heavy. What really makes this model stand out is the 5-year long manufacturer’s warranty.
All in all, this Flexispot converter is an excellent way to create a standing desk wherever you are; it’s easily portable, affordable, and has a long manufacturer’s warranty.
Read our best standing desk converters guide to find more similar converters and learn more about standing desk converters in general.
KEY FEATURES:
- Standing Desk Converter
- Compact Work Surface
- 5-Year Manufacturers Warranty
- Foldable and Portable
- Durable Steel Frame
- Affordable Price Tag
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Desk Dimensions: 26.8″ x 18.9″ x 15.9″
- Worktop Dimensions: 26.8″ x 18.9″
- Weight Capacity: 26.4 lbs
- Height Adjustment: 1.8″ to 15.9″
- Desk Weight: 18.26 lbs
- Material: Steel, Laminated Wood
- Manufacturer: Flexispot
- Standing Desk Type: Converter
PROS:
- Budget-Friendly
- Easy to Transport
- Available in White and Black
- Long Warranty
CONS:
- Only Suitable for Laptops
Fifth on our list is one for the prudent buyers, our budget choice, the Sudical Mobile Standing Desk. It offers incredible value for money and is easy to transport.
Firstly, the work surface of this model is made up of two pieces of high-quality MDF, both combined measuring 23.6 inches long by 23.6 wide. One of the tabletops can be tilted, which is ideal for laptops. Finished in a trendy wood design, it goes well with modern home decor.
The desk’s height can be adjusted between 27.5 and 45.3 inches high using the lift and lock manual mechanism. Thanks to four lockable casters, the desk is easy to move, just like a shopping cart. It’s also lightweight, weighing only 25.3 lbs, making mobility even more straightforward.
Made from industrial-grade steel, the standing desk’s frame has a maximum weight capacity of 40 lbs. That means it can handle single and dual monitor setups.
In summary, this Sudical standing desk is an affordable, multi-functional, and easy to move option, definitely one to consider.
KEY FEATURES:
- Two Small Desktops
- Modern Wood Style
- Lift and Lock Height Adjustment
- Super-Low Price
- Four Wheels
- Decent Weight Capacity
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Desk Dimensions: 23.62″ x 23.62″
- Worktop Dimensions: 23.62″ x 23.62″
- Weight Capacity: 40 lbs
- Height Adjustment: 27.5″ to 45.3″
- Desk Weight: 25.3 lbs
- Material: Steel, MDF
- Manufacturer: Siducal
- Standing Desk Type: Manual Lift & Lock
PROS:
- Budget Price
- Slick Design
- Decent Size Worktops
- Easy to Move
CONS:
- Lifting Process is Harder to Use than Pneumatic
Last on our list of the best portable standing desks is the Fezibo Electric Standing Desk. It is much larger than all of our previous picks; however, it’s still effortless to move with the help of four wheels.
First of all, this standing desk offers a spacious work surface available in four unique styles, including espresso and white. It is large enough for dual-monitor setups measuring 48 inches long and 24 inches wide.
Users can adjust the desk height by using controller buttons with the help of an electric lifting motor. The height can be set to anywhere between 27 and 48 inches high, and favorite heights can be saved to 3 memory height presets.
A robust steel frame enables this desk to have a maximum lifting capacity of 154 lbs. Therefore it’s suitable for heavy hardware setups. A significant advantage of buying this desk is the five-year manufacturer’s warranty that Fezibo offers on all their standing desks.
Additional features include two desk hooks for hanging clothing and equipment, as well as a cable management tray to keep your workspace organized.
All things considered, this Fezibo model is ideal for those looking for a portable electric standing desk with a spacious modern worktop, robust structure, and an excellent warrant. Read our best standing desk guide if you are interested in more similar electric standing desks.
KEY FEATURES:
- Large Modern Work Surface
- High Weight Capacity
- Electric Lifting System
- Four Lockable Wheels
- Two Desk Hooks
- Five-Year Manufacturers Warranty
- Dual Electric Motors
- Robust Steel Frame
- Cable Management Tray
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Desk Dimensions: 48” x 24” x 46.06”
- Worktop Dimensions: 48 x 24”
- Lifting Capacity: 154 lbs
- Height Adjustment: 27.16″ to 46.06″
- Desk Weight: 69.1 lbs
- Material: Steel, Particleboard
- Manufacturer: Fezibo
- Standing Desk Type: Electric
PROS:
- Affordable
- Easy to Use
- Long Warranty
- Available in Multiple Styles
- Strong Structure
- Easy to Move
CONS:
- Not Travel-Friendly
How We Decided
Portable standing desks are great for desk workers who frequently move their work setup often due to traveling. Most of these options can be folded or de-assembled and packed into luggage, meaning you can benefit from the sit/stand routine anywhere you want. To create our guide, our team of experts analyzed four main key features; portability, adjustability, affordability, and customer feedback.
By far, the most important decisive factor was portability. There are two ways you can adopt a sit/stand desk routine when traveling; you invest in a very small portable standing desk or a foldable standing desk converter. Small standing desks would have to be de-assembled if you want them to fit in your luggage, but this is a relatively straightforward process. In our guide, our team only included light desks that can easily be taken into luggage when traveling.
Our second decisive factor was adjustability. In particular, the height lifting range of the desktop is very important if you want to work in the proper ergonomic position and avoid bad posture. For example, tall people need a standing desk that can rise to at least 45 inches or more from the ground to maintain a healthy posture. Our team ensured most of our picks have an extensive lifting range so both short and tall folks can use them in the correct ergonomic position.
Affordability is another decisive factor we paid close attention to. Our experts always look for value for money in a standing desk. Some people don’t have the budget to lash out a couple hundred on a portable standing desk. Therefore, we made sure to include some lower-budget options. But please note, we always recommend spending more rather than less on a premium standing desk with a long warranty. It pays off in the long run.
Finally, our last crucial deciding element was customer feedback. We conducted extensive online research for customer reviews of each workstation we assessed. This provided us with a great deal of data about the opinions of other buyers. Our experts always ensure that the workstations they recommend have acceptable web reviews.
What to Look for in a Portable Standing Desk
You have to look out for numerous essential factors when choosing a portable standing desk; many of these are often overlooked. Follow our guidelines to ensure you pick the right standing desk for you.
Lifting Capacity
The lifting capacity determines how much maximum weight the desk can lift. It’s crucial to know the capacity so that it can handle your hardware setup. Most portable desks are pneumatic and can only handle laptop or single monitor setups. Electric standing desks have a much higher lifting capacity, most commonly around 176 lbs.
Manufacturers’ Warranty
The manufacturer’s warranty covers you in the event of desk failure. If the desk breaks and it isn’t your fault, you can usually get a refund, replacement, or replacement part as long as you are in your warranty period. The warranty length is a good indicator of how much faith a brand has in the structure and components of its standing desk. Standing desks with longer warranties are also usually more expensive.
Work Surface Area
Make sure you pick a standing desk that has a working area that is large enough to feel comfortable and small enough to fit in its spot. Think about how many items you plan on placing on the desk. Most portable standing desks can usually only house a laptop.
Height Adjustment Range
Ensure the desk height can be set at the right height in accordance with the user’s height. Your desktop should be at elbow height to maintain the correct posture and prevent back and neck pain. The majority of standing desks are suitable for people up to 6 feet and 2 inches tall; if you are taller than that, you may need a standing desk designed for tall people.
Desk Structure
The majority of portable standing desks have a steel frame and an engineered wood tabletop. There are two main types of engineered wood used by standing desk brands; particleboard and Medium Density Fiber. MDF is considered stronger than particleboard as it has a higher density.
The Benefits of Portable Standing Desks
Portable standing desks have many benefits if you incorporate them into your daily working routine. The main benefits are:
- Using a portable standing desk can lower your chances of heart disease, cardiovascular disease, and even cancer.
- Working in a standing position for half of your office routine can increase energy levels, mental focus, and total productivity.
- Pneumatic portable standing desks are much cheaper than larger electric standing desks.
- Portable standing desks can be easily transported from room to room; they are ideal for educational, medical, office, or home environments.
- Having a sit and stand working routine can increase your chances of weight loss as you are burning more calories.
- Some portable standing desks can be folded or disassembled to fit inside luggage bags for traveling.
- Height adjustable standing desks allow you to maintain proper posture, reducing back and neck pain.
Final Thoughts
In a nutshell, portable standing desks are an excellent solution for people who travel a lot and wish to take their standing desk with them everywhere they go. They are affordable and can be easily moved with the support of casters. The only downside to portable desks is that they have a much smaller lifting capacity than larger standing desks and are only suitable for light setups.
When choosing a portable standing desk, the most important factors are the lifting capacity, desktop size, height adjustment method, and manufacturer’s warranty. Ideally, you should choose a desk with a minimum 3-year long warranty. Additionally, remember to pay close attention to the height adjustment range to ensure the desktop level can be set to your size.
Finding the perfect portable standing desk can be challenging with the overwhelming amount of options on the market. We hope our guide has helped you find the ideal desk for you, and you have learned more about portable standing desks. Feel free to reach out to us if you have any questions or comments.
FAQs
Are Portable Standing Desks Good?
Portable standing desks are a good option if you need a mobile, lightweight desk, and you only have a laptop or single-monitor setup. They are cheaper than larger standing desks but have a much lower weight capacity meaning they are unsuitable for heavy hardware.
How long can a Portable Standing Desk Last?
Portable standing desks are usually manual and can last up to 30 years with the proper care maintenance. On the other hand, electric standing desks last a slightly shorter amount of time, up to 25 years at most. That’s mainly because they have many electric components which are likely to fail over time.
