The Best Desk Risers
A good desk riser can bring a new world of comfort and efficiency to your work routine. These helpful devices allow you to turn any desk into a standing desk, allowing you to partake in the benefits of circulation and focus that a more active work routine can offer. But not every desk riser will be right for your needs, which is why we've come up with this list of our personal favorites. Read on and get ready to reinvent your desk job.
What to Look For
We had three questions to ask of any desk riser before it could earn a place in our office: is it highly adjustable, can it support heavier devices, and is it stable and durable? Each desk riser on this list rose to the occasion on most or all of these points. Our favorite was the Vivo desk riser for its spacious keyboard tray and powerful lift assist feature. We also had to praise the Rise-X option, which proved as capable of providing a great seated workspace as it did at creating a standing one. Keep reading to see which desk riser most deserves to start boosting your own laptop or tablet today.
Vivo 32-Inch Height Adjustable Desk Riser
The sturdy standard
This sturdy desk riser wins our top spot due to its combination of strength and usability. The 31-inch desk surface and a spacious keyboard tray combine to give you plenty of room for everything you need to have an efficient workday. Its lift can accommodate 33 pounds, meaning you can feel free to load your desk with everything you need. If you need a dependable desk riser, this choice from Vivo is an excellent option.
Pros
- The range of tasteful color options lets you compliment the look of your home office with ease.
- Its easy assembly process makes it a good desk riser for users with motor skill disabilities or back problems.
- The strong lift system means the objects won’t shake or rattle during height adjustment.
Cons
- The positioning of the keyboard tray can make your arms a bit stiff after typing for long periods.
Fezibo Height Adjustable Standing Desk Riser
Straightforward quality
Fezibo has made a desk riser that does its duty with confidence. The stabilizing pneumatic lift system and double-layered design allow you to easily get this desk riser to your desired height. It also makes the setup process incredibly simple thanks to its thorough instruction booklet and useful set of provided installation tools. You won’t get any surprises with this desk riser, and that’s exactly what we look for in office supplies.
Pros
- The desk surface can be ordered in sizes between 30 and 42 inches, giving you options depending on how much space you need.
- Its build is solid without being needlessly heavy.
- It’s far more affordable than a typical name-brand desk riser.
Cons
- The keyboard tray could be a little wider.
TechOrbits 32-Inch MDF Wood Desk Riser
Work your way up
This is the rare desk riser that will be of use whether you prefer standing or sitting. Its genuine MDF wood construction means it can hold up to 33 pounds on its main surface and four on its keyboard tray. Plus, the squeezable handle height adjustment means it’s easy to change the height from both sitting and standing positions. We can’t recommend this desk riser enough if you’re the type of worker who likes to mix it up.
Pros
- Its keyboard tray has depth, meaning it’s ideal for larger keyboards.
- The wood construction makes it more environmentally friendly than a typical desk riser.
- It arrives almost entirely assembled, letting you put it to work faster.
Cons
- The keyboard tray is not retractable.
Mount-It! Gas Spring Desk Riser
If you need to take your desk riser on the go, this Mount-It! product will be the perfect fit. At a compact but roomy 25 inches across, it’s the perfect size for laptops and smaller monitors. It also features a slot near the front that lets phones and tablets stand upright, allowing you to use multiple screens simultaneously without constant readjustment. Thinking smaller can sometimes make for big improvements, as this desk riser clearly proves.
Pros
- Its shallow base makes it lightweight and easy to adjust.
- The lift is well-made, with durable hydraulic pistons that can work well for years.
Cons
- The keyboard tray is wider than the topmost surface, which can make for an awkward fit on some desks.
Mount-It! Dual Monitor Mount Desk Riser
Double the displays
Mount-It! shows up on our list again with a desk riser feature we wish were more commonplace. A handy dual-monitor mount lets you easily use multiple screens while keeping the surface of your desk riser free of clutter. And with 36 inches of width, your monitors can fit comfortably above the surface of the desk. Any worker in need of a solution for their dual-screen setup will find the perfect match in this desk riser.
Pros
- It has a very sturdy and stable base.
- Height settings from six to almost 17 inches allow you a comfortable range of adjustment.
Cons
- At nearly 50 pounds, it’s definitely heavier than the average desk riser.
Frequently Asked Questions
What advantages would a desk riser give me over a standing desk?
Desk risers allow for a greater range of work postures than either sitting or standing desks can by themselves. They’ll also likely work with any desk you already have and are typically less expensive than a full standing desk.
What’s the best height adjustment system for a desk riser?
We find that desk risers tend to work best with a hydraulic or gas-based system for height adjustments. Electric risers can also work well, but do some research to make sure the lift is smooth and consistent.
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With the constantly shifting landscape in the world of technology, GameRevolution seeks to provide gamers and tech-enthusiasts with the information they need to select the right products for their needs. Since 1996, our experts have used their knowledge on all the latest gadgets – everything from headphones to standing desks – to help millions of people navigate specs and answer common questions.