Sitting at an office desk for prolonged periods, multiple days at a time, can have numerous negative health impacts. Therefore, more and more office desk workers seek ways to improve their health. This is where standing desk converters come into place, allowing users to work in both the sitting and standing positions.
The good news is if you are short, nearly all desk converters will be suitable for you as they have a low minimum desktop height. However, some converters are more ergonomic than others, and with such a large number of options, it can be challenging to choose your ideal match. Hence, our team of experts compiled a list of the five best standing desk converters for short people based on affordability, adjustability, reliability, and durability.
We are supported by our readers. We may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you if you buy through a link on this page. Learn more.
Best Standing Desk Converters for Short People
- FlexiSpot 36” Motorized Standing Desk Converter – Top Pick
- Vivo 25” Height-Adjustable Standing Desk Converter – Best Value
- VariDesk Pro Plus 36 Series Standing Desk Converter – Premium Pick
- Smug Store 31” Standing Desk Converter – Most Affordable
- Ergotron WorkFit-S Dual Monitor Desk Converter – Most Ergonomic
Here is a quick rundown of our recommended converters for short people. Keep reading for a comprehensive description of each converter as well as its pros & cons, key features, and specifications.
Why Trust Us
Overheard on Conference Calls spends hundreds of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products so we can recommend the best products for you. Accurate information and editorial integrity are our commitments to our readers. Read more about our research and testing here.
Compare Our Top Picks
Converter Name | Lifting Range | Warranty | Electric/Gas Spring |
5.7″ to 19.7″ | 5 Years | Electric | |
Vivo 25” Height-Adjustable Standing Desk Converter – Best Value | 5” to 16” | 3 Years | Gas-Spring |
VariDesk Pro Plus 36 Series Standing Desk Converter – Premium Pick | 4.2” to 17.5” | 5 Years | Gas-Spring |
Smug Store 31” Standing Desk Converter – Most Affordable | 4.7” to 19.3” | 1 Year | Gas-Spring |
Ergotron WorkFit-S Dual Monitor Desk Converter – Most Ergonomic | 5” to 22.8” | 5 Years | Electric |
First on our list of the best standing desk converters for short people is our top pick, the Flexispot Motorized Standing Desk Converter. This solid, all-around performing converter comes with a spacious work surface, long warranty, and electric height adjustment.
First of all, this Flexispot converter has a two-tier structure consisting of a large 36-inch by 16.3-inch tabletop and a slightly smaller 34.6-inch wide keyboard tray. These work surfaces are finished in all-black and made from scratch-resistant engineered wood.
Thanks to a powerful yet silent electric motor, users can easily change the height of the desktops using the simple button controller. The desktop height can be set between 5.7 and 19.7 inches with 11 height settings, making it easy for short people to find their ideal ergonomic height.
It’s worth mentioning that compared to other electric desk converters this Flexispot model is very affordable. We even included it in our best electric standing desk converters guide.
Another selling point is this converter’s strength and warranty. Thanks to a thick alloy steel frame, it has a respectable maximum weight capacity of 55 lbs. Furthermore, Flexispot offers a fantastic 5-year warranty on all parts.
In summary, this Flexispot model is a fantastic all-around option with everything you need for a sit/stand routine. It ticks all the boxes, including a strong structure, spacious worktop, extended warranty, easy height adjustment, and an affordable price tag.
KEY FEATURES:
- Two-Tier Black Design
- Electric Height Adjustment
- 5 Years Warranty
- Solid Alloy Steel Frame
- Strong Silent Motor
- Button Controller
- Large Keyboard Tray
- Spacious Engineered Wood Work Surface
- Integrated Cable Management
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Dimensions: 16.3″D x 36″W x 19.7″H
- Desktop Size: 36″ x 16.3″
- Height Adjustment Range: 5.7″ to 19.7″
- Weight Capacity: 55 lbs
- Materials: Engineered Wood, Alloy Steel
- Weight: 46.3 lbs
- Warranty Length: 5 Years
- Brand: FlexiSpot
PROS:
- High Weight Capacity
- Made by a Reputable Brand
- Relatively Affordable
- Great Warranty
- Suitable for Dual Monitors
- Electric Adjustment
- Good Reviews
- Spacious Work Surface
CONS:
- Tabletop is Not Very Deep (16.3”)
Second on our list is our best value pick, the Vivo 25″ Height-Adjustable Standing Desk Converter. This is another well-performing option made by a reputable brand, it’s slightly more compact than our other choices, but the price is very affordable.
This converter has a 3-tier structure consisting of an upper 25″ x 18″ desktop, a 25″ by 10″ keyboard tray, and a smaller base plank for extra stability. Like with most converters, the tabletops are made from engineered wood. Because of the compact size of the converters, it’s an ideal choice for laptops. For more similar options, feel free to check out our best converters for laptops guide.
Unlike our top pick, this desk converter is pneumatic (powered by compressed air). To lift the desktop, users can pull a lever, and the converter will rise smoothly. This particular converter has a lifting range between 5 and 16 inches from the tabletop.
This Vivo model has a solid metal base panel and a maximum weight capacity of 22.6 lbs which is relatively low compared to other options but still more than enough for even two monitors and a keyboard. In addition, Vivo is a well-known brand in the standing desk market, and their converters are covered by a generous 3-year limited warranty.
All things considered, this model is an excellent choice for people looking for a decent-quality converter on a limited budget. It’s certainly worth considering if you don’t mind a smaller work surface area.
KEY FEATURES:
- Trendy All Black Design
- 3 Year Warranty
- Engineered Wood Top Material
- Two-Tier Compact Workspace
- Gas Spring Height Adjustment
- Integrated Keyboard Tray
- Solid Base Panel
- Metal Frame
- Built-In Accessories Slot
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Dimensions: 18″D x 25″W x 16″H
- Desktop Size: 25” x 18”
- Height Adjustment Range: 5” to 16”
- Weight Capacity: 22.6 lbs (Desktop Only)
- Materials: Metal, Engineered Wood
- Weight: 26.5 lbs
- Warranty Length: 3 Years
- Brand: Vivo
PROS:
- Affordable Price Tag
- Long Warranty
- Stylish Design
- Reputable Brand
- Excellent Reviews
- Easy to Adjust
CONS:
- Limited Work Surface Space
- Low Weight Capacity
Next up on our best standing desk converters for short people list is our premium pick, the VariDesk Pro Plus 36 Series. This high-end product is built for ultimate functionality and durability, backed by an outstanding warranty.
Featuring an all-black two-tier design, this converter offers lots of space. It has a large 36” by 12.25” top desktop accompanied by a lower keyboard tray that is the same size. It is easily large enough to accommodate a dual monitor setup.
This product stands out from other converters regarding the material quality. The tabletops are made from 3D laminate, which is highly water and scratch-resistant, while the frame is made from thick gauge steel enabling a respectable 35 lbs weight capacity. However, the biggest selling point is the excellent VariDesk 5-year warranty on all converter parts.
Like most other converters, the Pro Plus 36 Series has a pneumatic, compressed gas height adjustment method. Users can pull the dual levers to effortlessly lift the tabletop to anywhere between 4.2 and 17.5 inches high.
Furthermore, the Pro Plus Series is GreenGuard Gold, and BIFMA certified, meaning it only releases a safe amount of VOCs and has gone through numerous government-approved safety tests.
Overall, the Pro Plus 36 Series is hands down one of the best standing desk converters on the market. It’s built to last and protected by a very long warranty. Its only downside is the premium price tag.
KEY FEATURES:
- Spacious Two-Tier Design
- 5 Years Warranty
- 3D Laminate Desktop
- Thick Gauge Steel Frame
- Spring-Assisted Lift
- Dual Height Adjustment Levers
- 11 Height Settings
- GreenGuard Gold Certified
- BIFMA Certified
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Dimensions: 36″D x 29.75″W x 17.5″H
- Desktop Size: 36” x 29.75”
- Height Adjustment Range: 4.2” to 17.5”
- Weight Capacity: 35 lbs
- Materials: Gauge Steel, 3D Laminate
- Weight: 52.5 lbs
- Warranty Length: 5 Years
- Brand: VariDesk
PROS:
- Outstanding Warranty
- Spacious Work Surface
- Thick Steel Frame
- Good Weight Capacity
- Low VOC
- Highly-Rated Amongst Experts
CONS:
- Premium Price Tag
Fourth on our list is our most affordable pick, the Smug 31” Standing Desk Converter. This option offers everything you need for a sit-stand working routine for a very affordable price tag.
First and foremost, the converter has two work surfaces; a 15.7” by 32” desktop and a smaller 11.8” by 25.6” removable keyboard tray. The work surfaces are ultra water-resistant and made from engineered wood.
This particular converter can be regulated by pulling a pneumatic lever powered by compressed air. The desktop height can be set anywhere between 4.7 and 19.3 inches high. Furthermore, it has a sturdy metal frame enabling a 37.4 lbs maximum weight capacity.
Additional helpful features include rounded safety corners, non-slip foot pads, and a mobile phone stand. Unfortunately, with such a bargain-priced converter, there are some downsides. For example, the one-year warranty is very short compared to other converters, and the work surface area is small.
In summary, this Smug Store model is an excellent option for low budgets; however, if you’re able to, you’re better off spending a little more on a higher-quality converter.
KEY FEATURES:
- Simple All-Black Design
- 1 Year Manufacturers Warranty
- Gas Spring Lift
- Large Water-Resistant Tabletop
- Metal Frame
- Mobile Phone Stand
- Rounded Safety Corners
- Non-Slip Feet
- Removable Keyboard Tray
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet,
- consectetur adipiscing elit.
- Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
PROS:
- Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet,
- consectetur adipiscing elit.
- Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis
CONS:
- Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet,
- consectetur adipiscing elit.
- Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis
Last on our list is our most ergonomic pick, the highly-rated Ergotron WorkFit-S Dual Monitor Desk Converter. Thanks to three fully adjustable tiers, this converter is ideal for maintaining a healthy posture.
Read more: Best standing desks for posture
First and foremost, this converter is a column-type desk converter that also acts as a monitor mount. It consists of 4 parts; a sturdy metal column, an adjustable dual monitor mount, a 15″ by 23″ tabletop, and an integrated 9″ by 27″ keyboard tray.
Both work surfaces and the 360-degree monitor mount can be adjusted separately using an easy-to-operate button controller. These adjustable features make the WorkFit-S ideal for maintaining a healthy posture with the monitor at eye level and keyboard tray at elbow level.
Furthermore, the desktop’s height can be as high as 22.8 inches from the tabletop, perfect for taller users. If you’re interested in more tall converter options, feel free to read our best standing desk converters for tall people guide.
Apart from that, the WorkFit-S is sturdy with its metal base tower enabling a 31 lbs maximum weight capacity. What’s even better is the fantastic five-year manufacturer’s warranty offered by Ergotron on all purchases.
In summary, if you want a desk converter that can perfectly match your body size thanks to numerous adjustable features, look no further. As a bonus, it comes with an ultra-long warranty. The only major downside is its premium price tag.
KEY FEATURES:
- Ergonomic Clamp-On Column Design
- 5 Year Manufacturers Warranty
- All Levels Adjustable Independently
- Electric Height Adjustment
- Adjustable Desktop
- Adjustable Back-Tilt Keyboard Tray
- VESA-Compatible Dual Monitor Mount
- 360-Degree Monitor Adjustment
- 5-Inch Monitor Height Adjustment
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Dimensions: 23″W x 15″D x 22.8”H
- Desktop Size: 23″ x 15″
- Height Adjustment Range: 5” to 22.8”
- Weight Capacity: 31 lbs
- Materials: Metal, Engineered Wood
- Weight: 43.7 lbs
- Warranty Length: 5 Years
- Brand: Ergotron
PROS:
- Ideal for a Healthy Posture
- Ideal for Two Monitors
- Fantastic Warranty
- Decent Weight Capacity
- Two Work Surfaces
- Single Monitor Alternative Available
- Reputable Brand
CONS:
- Premium Price Tag
Things to Consider When Choosing a Standing Desk Converter for Short People
Choosing a standing desk converter for short people cannot be solely based on looks. There are many other essential aspects you should consider to ensure that your converter will be reliable, functional, and durable. Below are the key factors to take into consideration.
Keyboard & Monitor Position
If you’re a short person, by far, the most crucial aspect you should consider is the keyboard tray height and the monitor height. For a healthy posture, the monitor should be at eye level and the keyboard tray at elbow level when working in the standing position. Luckily, most converters allow for that, although some are more ergonomic than others. For example, column-type converters allow height regulation of both the monitor stand and the keyboard tray independently, allowing users to match their body size perfectly. In other words, the more room for adjustability, the better.
Converter Size
Having lots of keyboard space and desktop space is definitely a bonus; it gives you a lot of freedom and space for multiple pieces of hardware, such as dual monitors. We found that the spacious desk converters are generally more expensive than the smaller ones. At the end of the day, it all comes down to personal preferences and needs. You should think about the size of your keyboard, monitor, and other essential items you use and make a decision.
Weight Capacity
Another critical aspect to consider is the maximum weight capacity. This determined how much weight a standing desk converter can handle. It’s a good indicator of the overall strength of the converter’s frame. This is particularly important when you use multiple pieces of hardware, such as a dual monitor setup. It would be best to think about how heavy your setup is; for example, a single monitor can weigh up to 10 lbs, while a keyboard only weighs around 1 lb.
Manufacturer Warranty
Next up is an essential factor when comparing standing desk converters, the manufacturer’s warranty. If your desk breaks, the warranty provider will issue a partial refund, replacement, or repair service as long as it broke within the warranty-covered period and it wasn’t your fault. A long warranty suggests that a brand trusts the strength and durability of its converter. Simply put, the longer the warranty is, the better.
Lifting Mechanism
There are two types of lifting processes when it comes to standing desk converters; electric (button control) or gas-spring (pneumatic). There are pros and cons to both. Electric desk converters are very easy to operate; users can regulate the converter height with the touch of a button. However, this is powered by an electric motor which can fail over time.
On the other hand, gas-spring converters are also easy to lift by pulling a lever, although some users may find it difficult to push the converter down to lower it. However, gas-spring converters are more likely to last longer as they have no electrical components.
Online Reviews
Another important factor to check is the online reviews of a converter and the brand’s reputation. For best results, you should only choose converters with a positive overall rating from a large number of reviews. Checking for reviews on YouTube is also a wise idea, as well as checking a brands TrustPilot score.
The Benefits of Standing Desk Converters for Short People
Standing desk converters allow short people to apply a sit/stand routine to their daily work hours. Mixing sitting and standing throughout your office day has many mental and physical benefits. Below are some of the main ones.
- Healthy Posture – Lazy and incorrect posture is most commonly caused by sitting for too long. Cutting the sitting time in half keeps you energetic and your posture healthy.
- Higher Calorie Burn – According to recent medical research, standing burns 186 calories per hour while sitting burns 139 calories per hour. This means that standing burns 47 calories more per hour than sitting, making it helpful when trying to lose weight.
- Reduced Pain – Recent government research clearly shows that sit-stand workstations can significantly reduce lower-back pain due to reduced pressure on the spine.
- Productivity Boost – Switching from sitting and standing every 15 or 30 minutes increases energy levels and keeps you more concentrated on fulfilling complex tasks, increasing daily productivity.
- Increased Blood Circulation – Sitting for too long has a detrimental effect on blood circulation, especially in the legs. Standing up for numerous periods throughout the day helps keep your blood circulation at a healthy rate.
- Lower Risk of Diseases – Prolonged sitting can cause many chronic health problems, including diabetes, heart disease, cardiovascular disease, and even some types of cancers. Adopting a sit/stand routine significantly reduces the risk of those diseases.
- Affordable Pricing – Standing desk converters are an affordable alternative to regular standing desks. Some options start as low as a hundred bucks.
Final Thoughts
In a nutshell, standing desk converters are definitely an excellent way of turning a regular desk into a sit-stand workstation. Whether you are short or tall, adopting a sit/stand routine has many health benefits, including improved office performance.
With so many converters on the market, it can be challenging to find the right one. Therefore we hope our best standing desk converters for short people guide has helped you find the ideal match.
However, before you make your final decision, you should consider investing in a height-adjustable standing desk rather than a converter. You may think electric standing desks are expensive, but this isn’t always the case. Many electric standing desks are only slightly more expensive than converters.
Feel free to check out our best standing desks for short people guide to see for yourself. Additionally, if you’re interested in an office chair, please check out our best office chairs for short people guide.
On a final note, thanks for reading. If you have any questions or suggestions, please reach out to our team of experts anytime. Alternatively, you can see the frequently asked questions related to the topic below.
