Most offices reach the same point eventually. A few people ask to stand for part of the day, someone shares a desk across shifts, and the old fixed-height desks start to feel like a compromise. An electric standing desk solves that at the press of a button, but the listings look alike until you know which specifications matter. This guide covers motors, leg stages, height range, lifting capacity, controls and sizes, with six desks, a desk converter and their prices.
The desks below come from our standing desks range. The full-size desks share a 620 to 1270mm height range, so the real differences are the frame, the controls and the extras.
What to look for in an electric standing desk
An electric standing desk has motors inside its legs that raise and lower the top. The frame carries all the important parts, so most buying decisions are really frame decisions.
- Motors. A dual-motor frame has a motor in each leg, so both ends lift together. Every full-size desk in this guide uses dual motors.
- Leg stages. Each leg is a set of telescoping sections. Three-stage legs add an extra section, which helps a frame reach a wide height range.
- Height range. The lowest and highest points of the desk top. A wide range suits shorter and taller people, and anyone who shares the desk.
- Lifting capacity. The weight the frame can raise. Count the top, any screen, your monitors, the computer and whatever else sits on the desk.
- Controls and safety. Memory presets save your sitting and standing heights. Anti-collision stops the desk if it meets an obstacle on the way down.
Height range, speed and lifting capacity compared
All five single desks in the table reach from 620mm to 1270mm, which covers seated and standing heights for most adults. Speed, lifting capacity and controls are where they differ.
| Desk | Frame | Height range | Speed | Lifting capacity | Memory presets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dynamo Plus single | Dual motor, 80×50mm legs | 620–1270mm | 30mm per second | 140kg | 4 |
| Montana (3 stages) | Dual motor, three stages | 620–1270mm, excluding desktop | 32mm per second | 140kg | 3 |
| Klass 3C/2M | Dual motor, powdercoated steel | 620–1270mm, including worktop | Not listed | 140kg | 3 |
| Halo+ single sided | Dual motor, 70mm round legs | 620–1270mm | 38mm per second | 120kg | 3 |
| BOOST Plus+ with Eco screen | Dual motor, three stages | 620–1270mm | 38mm per second | 120kg | 3 |
Rectangular-leg frames for everyday office desks
The Dynamo Plus Electric Height Adjustable Single Workstation (from $667) has the most flexible controls of the group. Its four-point memory control has an LCD readout and can restrict the minimum and maximum heights, which suits shared desks. You can also set the anti-collision sensitivity. The frame uses 80×50mm rectangular legs, lifts 140kg and takes tops from 1200 to 1800mm wide in 750 or 800mm depths.
The Montana Electric Standing Straight Workstation (3 Stages) (from $667) is engineered in Germany and moves at 32mm per second. Its 90×60mm leg columns add lateral stability, and it has anti-collision and overheat protection. A 25mm desktop with a scallop cut-out keeps cables tidy, and an integrated cable tray is optional.
For a warmer look, the Klass 3C/2M Electric Straight Workstation (from $746) offers classic oak, sublime teak and natural walnut tops on black or white frames. It has a three-point memory control and a 140kg rating, and it works with AcoustiQ and Edge25 screen systems.
Electric standing desks with a screen built in
In open-plan offices, a screen at the back of each desk gives some visual privacy and softens noise. Two desks here come with one.
The Halo+ Single Sided Desk (from $1,075) pairs a round-leg frame with an integrated 900mm high Eco Panel screen. Its control panel has three presets, an LED display, a keypad safety lock and a reminder alarm. Anti-collision and anti-tilt technology protect your equipment, and the motors run below 50 decibels. Tops come in natural oak or natural white, on black or white satin frames.
The BOOST Plus+ Single Sided Workstation with Eco Screens (from $927) uses three-stage legs that move at 38mm per second. Its frameless, pinnable screen is a sound-absorbing polyester panel in black or marble grey, in four sizes. The desk carries a 10-year warranty, and the screen has a three-year warranty.
Desks for teams, and converters for existing desks
Where two people work face to face, the Dynamo Plus Electric Height Adjustable Double Sided Workstation (from $1,351) puts both on a dual-motor frame. It has the same 620 to 1270mm range and four-point memory control as the single version, with a wider choice of depths. For a whole team, our height-adjustable workstations include larger configurations.
If replacing desks isn't practical, a converter sits on top of the desk you already have. The Rapid Flux Electric Height Adjustable Converter (from $648) rises from 120 to 500mm at 22mm per second and holds up to 25kg. It has a grommet hole for a monitor arm and comes in two widths. Our guide to standing desk accessories covers the mats and shelves that make standing more comfortable.
Choosing a standing desk for an Australian workplace
Sit-stand desks are now a common part of office fit-outs, often alongside an adjustable chair and a monitor arm. A few local points help when you compare them.
- AFRDI approval. The Dynamo Plus and Montana frames are AFRDI approved. AFRDI, the Australasian Furnishing Research and Development Institute, is an independent body that tests and certifies furniture for Australia and New Zealand.
- Warranty. All six desks carry a 10-year warranty on the desk, and the Rapid Flux converter has five years.
- Delivery. Desks go to the ground-floor entrance and arrive flat-packed unless the product page says assembled. Each product page names the metro cities that product can be delivered to.
Electric standing desks — frequently asked questions
Is a dual-motor standing desk better than a single motor?
A dual-motor frame puts a motor in each leg, so both sides lift together and share the load. Every desk in this guide uses dual motors, and the five in the table are rated to lift 120kg or 140kg.
What height range should an electric standing desk have?
Look for a range that covers your seated and standing elbow heights, with room to spare if the desk is shared. The desks here run from 620mm to 1270mm, which suits most adults.
How much weight can a standing desk lift?
Check the lifting capacity on the product page and add up the top, any screen, the monitors and your equipment. The Dynamo Plus, Montana and Klass are rated to 140kg, and the Halo+ and BOOST Plus+ to 120kg.
Can I turn my current desk into a standing desk?
Yes. A desk converter sits on top of an existing desk and raises your screen and keyboard together. The Rapid Flux lifts from 120 to 500mm and holds up to 25kg.
Shop the range
Browse every frame, size and finish in our office desks range. The desks in this guide are listed below.
- Dynamo Plus Electric Height Adjustable Single Workstation (from $667): four memory presets, a 140kg capacity and AFRDI approval for shared desks
- Montana Electric Standing Straight Workstation (3 Stages) (from $667): a German-engineered three-stage frame with overheat protection and an optional cable tray
- Klass 3C/2M Electric Straight Workstation (from $746): oak, teak or walnut tops for offices that want a warmer timber look
- Halo+ Single Sided Desk (from $1,075): round legs, a built-in Eco Panel screen and a keypad safety lock
- BOOST Plus+ Single Sided Workstation with Eco Screens (from $927): three-stage legs and a pinnable sound-absorbing screen for open-plan rows
- Dynamo Plus Electric Height Adjustable Double Sided Workstation (from $1,351): two people face to face on one dual-motor frame
- Rapid Flux Electric Height Adjustable Converter (from $648): turns an existing desk into a sit-stand setup that holds up to 25kg
Metro delivery is a flat $75 per order, and prices include GST.
