Essential Factors to Consider When Buying a Portable Standing Desk

A portable standing desk can help you maintain an active work routine to improve your physical health and boost your productivity, but it offers another benefit: portability.

In other words, these desks have been designed to allow you to stand while using them but are also easy to transport and store, making them ideal for those who want to work on the go or constantly move between locations.

However, it’s important to choose the right one to leverage all the benefits these furniture pieces offer. That's why I’ve created this guide! Read on and learn the factors you should consider to buy the best portable standing desk.

Types of Portable Standing Desks Available on the Market

If you're looking for the best portable standing desk and take a look at the market, you'll find several options, including the following:

• Standing desk converters: These aren't desks but stands you can place on your table to switch to a standing position.
• Adjustable standing desks: These models have many adjustable components and allow users to create a customized workspace.
• Rolling standing desks: These desks feature wheels for easy movement across spaces and between rooms or locations.

Factors to Consider Before Purchasing a Portable Standing Desk

Are you planning to invest in a portable standing desk? Consider the following factors before making your purchase:

• Adjustability: Assess your body type and make sure the desk adjusts to a comfortable standing height.
• Weight capacity: Choose a desk that can support your laptop, monitor, and any additional equipment.
• Stability: Pick an option that can provide balance and prevent wobbling while you're working.
• Portability: Assess the desk’s weight, folding mechanisms, and wheels to determine if it’s easy to transport and store.
• Durability: Consider the materials used to build the desk, the overall quality, and the potential for long-term use.

My Top Picks for Best Portable Standing Desks in 2024

Struggling to find the best portable standing desk? Here are my top picks!

1. SmartDesk mini

After reviewing multiple options, I believe the SmartDesk mini is the greatest contender for the title of “Best Portable Standing Desk.” Although it’s perfect for super tight spaces, this model is still stylish and highly adjustable for improved ergonomics.

Honestly, I thought a one-leg standing desk would be so simple and dull, but this one exceeded my expectations.

How I Picked and Tested This Desk

Autonomous is a well-known brand in the office furniture and accessory industry, so I wanted to put one of its standing desks to the test to see if it qualified as a good portable option.

Focusing on its portability, I tested this portable standing desk on wheels for a few days, taking it to different places, such as my grandparents' house and a coworking space. What I discovered was incredible.

Who Is This Review For?

This review is ideal for anyone who needs a stand-up desk on wheels and is looking for an easy-to-transport option they can take anywhere.

Features

• 29” - 48” height range
• 140-lb support
• 28.5''x19.7''x0.24" premium tempered glass tabletop
• All-steel frame
• Single-leg design
• Wireless charger plus AC/USB outlets
• Quick touch keypad control

SmartDesk mini

1 reviews

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Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Although it has a powerful motor, this desk isn't noisy. It didn't bother my coworkers or roomies.	Limited warranty
Besides being elegant and modern, the tempered glass tabletop is durable. It’ll last for years!	No express or next-day shipping available
This desk enables wireless charging, which ensures a cleaner surface, allows on-the-go operation, and increases versatility and convenience.	Slightly heavy structure
The SmartDesk mini is easy to store, move around, and transport.

This height-adjustable desk fits almost any space, whether you work in a traditional office or from your small apartment. Although I didn't like the design at first, this model surprised me.

The SmartDesk mini is smaller than other height-adjustable standing desks but offers the same features and benefits. Plus, it’s so easy to transport that it only took me a few minutes to pack it up and put it inside my car.

2. WorkFit-C, Dual Sit-Stand Workstation

As soon as I read the description of the WorkFit-C, Dual Sit-Stand Workstation, I wanted to place an order to test this product. It isn't just a desk but a computer cart that doubles as other tools and contains many features to promote an active lifestyle.

Plus, this workstation has a compact and mobile bottom structure with dual-wheel casters that easily move through almost any space.

How I Picked and Tested This Desk

My workstyle isn't quite active, but I wanted to make a change to improve my physical health. After some research, I discovered that a small standing desk could be a good idea, so I started looking for one. That’s how I found the WorkFit-C, Dual Sit-Stand Workstation.

Besides testing this portable standing desk at home for over 24 hours, I decided to take it with me to other places to determine if it was really easy to transport and could provide comfort in any setting.

Who Is This Review For?

If you're looking for a functional and feature-equipped desk and want to know if the WorkFit-C, Dual Sit-Stand Workstation is a good option, this review is for you!

Features

• Patented Constant Force™ motion technology
• 32.5-lb capacity
• 360° rotation
• 5-year warranty
• Quiet 25" vertical lift
• Compliance with VESA mount standard

WorkFit-C, Dual Sit-Stand Workstation

13 reviews

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Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
I was able to adjust many components without additional tools.	Considerably high price
This workstation doubles as a desk but includes many other accessories, such as two LCD mounts, a large keyboard tray, cable storage solutions, and a CPU holder.	Limited color options
Thanks to its intuitive hand-brake lever, I could switch between sitting and standing in just minutes.	Reduced weight capacity
This model offers a large work surface to keep other devices and tools nearby.

Although the WorkFit-C, Dual Sit-Stand Workstation came with many accessories and saved me time when buying everything I needed for my workstation, I think it’s quite expensive.

There's no pricing information on the manufacturer's website. I had to request a quote and wait a few days to get a response. Honestly, I was surprised when I got an email saying that this desk was over $1,000.

So, I don't think it's the best portable standing desk. However, this computer cart could be really useful and is so easy to transport. That's why I still decided to include it on this list.

3. Tripod Desk Pro

With a beautiful design that resembles a camera tripod, this model won a special place in my heart. I really loved it! Simply put, I was looking for a foldable standing table when I found this one and couldn't help but place an order.

This isn't the first Tripod Standing Desk but the pro version, which is larger than the original and offers twice the working surface area. I think it’s an amazing solution for those who want to work from home or on the go like me.

How I Picked and Tested This Desk

A portable standing desk on wheels isn't always the right choice for everyone, so I wanted to review the Tripod Desk Pro to help users who prefer stationary models find the best one.

Who Is This Review For?

This review is for people with unique or variable needs who want to buy a portable standing desk that fits their active lifestyle and are looking for an option with a great design.

Features

• 28”-53” height adjustment range
• Super lightweight structure
• Two adjustable and removable laptop stops
• 16”x28” table top
• US-made product

Tripod Desk Pro

111 reviews

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Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
This desk only weighs 13 pounds, so I can easily take it with me anywhere.	Wheels are sold as additional accessories and cost almost $80 after a discount.
The manufacturer offers fast shipping within the United States.	Although this version is supposed to be larger than the original one, I think it still provides a reduced working surface.
With three colors available, I could choose between a walnut, black, or birch tabletop.
This desk can be adjusted in many ways and used with a camera.

I really loved this small and modern office desk because it has a beautiful design and is so versatile. Plus, I could use it with my camera! Although this model isn't the cheapest I've reviewed, its price is reasonable, costing only $400.

As I mentioned, I think the working area could be a little bigger, but that would only be a disadvantage under specific circumstances. Therefore, I can say that the only thing I didn't like about this portable standing desk is that wheels aren't included but sold separately for a high price.

I’d have loved switching from a stationary to a rolling and height-adjustable desk without having to pay much more money.

4. QuickStand Eco

First things first, I have to say that this product isn't a table but a converter, which means you can add it to your existing furniture piece to transform it into the best portable standing desk.

With an ordinary and minimalist design, the QuickStand Eco looks like just another boring desk stand. However, this model has something different, as it has been built to transform traditional tabletops into dynamic and active workspaces.

Below is more information about what I liked and would change about this portable standing desk stand.

How I Picked and Tested This Desk

I used this desk converter at home for a few days to determine if it was practical enough. Then, I started taking it with me to different places to test its portability and see if it’d work well in different settings.

Who Is This Review For?

Do you want to DIY a rolling desk, or are you simply planning to convert your existing table into a sit/stand option without spending too much money? In either case, this review can help you determine if the QuickStand Eco is the right option.

Features

• 18.6” of work surface adjustment
• Sustainable and non-toxic handles
• Self-locking mechanism
• Scratch-resistant surface
• 35-lb support

QuickStand Eco

9 reviews

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Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
This desk converter has been certified with a Declare label from The International Living Future Institute (ILFI), which means that this manufacturer is trustworthy and creates high-quality products.	This desk converter is only available in two colors: black and white.
Although I found it a bit simple and boring, this stand's minimalist design is versatile and perfectly blends into any environment.	The price is too high. This stand is more expensive than full standing desks.
The QuickStand Eco is highly portable.
It has a self-locking mechanism that provides stability to keep equipment safe.

The QuickStand Eco looks like an ordinary desk stand, but it belongs to Humanscale's new generation of portable standing products. As such, this accessory has a modern and innovative design focused on versatility. Plus, it can be adjusted effortlessly.

I really like the structure. It’s similar to traditional options. Plus, this model is perfect for those who need a small home office desk with drawers. I just had to add the stand to a traditional table and incorporate some accessories.

However, it's important to note that this portable standing desk stand isn't cheap. The manufacturer doesn't offer enough information about this on the official website, but mine cost me over $600.

5. VariDesk® Pro Plus™ 36

The last item on this list is another desk converter designed to transform almost any table into a standing desk that allows users to stay active while working.

I was impressed by the design of this stand, but other things caught my attention. Let’s evaluate them!

How I Picked and Tested This Desk

Since I know that not everyone can afford a new desk, I decided on a converter that could help me transform my existing table into a completely new workspace. During my exhaustive research process, I found this model and put it to the test for a few days both at my home and in my office.

Who Is This Review For?

This review has been specially crafted to help people determine if the VariDesk® Pro Plus™ 36 is a good option to create a portable standing desk.

Features

• 36-inch-wide structure
• Two-tier design
• An integrated lower keyboard deck
• Patented rowing lift mechanism
• Thick gauge steel structure
• 3D laminate finish

VariDesk® Pro Plus™ 36

3823 reviews

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Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
This desk converter came assembled, so I could save some time testing it.	Although it's cheaper than the previous model I reviewed, the VariDesk® Pro Plus™ 36 is still expensive, costing over $300.
Since this stand has a weighted base with dual stability bars, I was able to use my computer while on the move without worrying about potential wobbling.	It’s advertised as a converter with ample working area but barely fits two monitors.
The VariDesk® Pro Plus™ 36 has ANSI/BIFMA certification, which means it’s built with durable materials that can last for years.
This desk converter has 11 adjustable height settings for easy customization.

Personally, I think the VariDesk® Pro Plus™ 36 has a great, modern design that encourages movement throughout the day. Although I read some comments from previous customers saying that it shakes when typing on the desk, I think the weighted base really does a good job of keeping the setup stable.

However, this stand isn't big enough and has a high price. An entire standing desk may cost the same. Therefore, I think it isn't the best option if you want to save.

Final Verdict

Are you looking for a cheap office desk for your home? Do you want to buy a model that allows you to easily switch from sitting to standing and can be transported anywhere? That’s exactly what I was looking for!

After exhaustive research and product testing, I’m 100% sure that the SmartDesk mini is the best portable standing desk out there. It has a modern design, is easy to transport, and is available for a reasonable price.

Plus, the manufacturer has established itself as a leader in the office furniture industry. This portable standing desk on wheels offers everything I may need as an active worker.