Side by Side Comparison of: Stand Up Desk Store vs VARIDESK

This is great! Very sturdy, and easy to adjust so I actually do switch from sitting to standing throughout the day without interrupting my workflow! I have a single 27-in monitor on it, but am considering adding a second monitor (same size), as this definitely could handle it. The keyboard platform is large enough to hold my laptop (a 15-in MacBook Pro) so I use my laptop keyboard/trackpad/screen and use the monitor as a second screen, which is a very comfortable setup. I was able to set this up on my desk by myself, but it is very heavy and awkward to lift by myself. I thought I might be able to move it easily if I wanted to move my setup to another room, but quickly realized that it's too heavy to do that as a regular thing. But that's okay, because the heft is part of what makes this so sturdy. That said, if you are a big person and tend to lean on your desk, this might not be for you - particularly when it's in the extended standing position.Before I bought this, I read through a lot of reviews trying to figure out if it would actually fit on my desk, because I have a very long shallow desk so I was concerned about depth. My desk is about 23.75 inches deep and the metal base of the Varidesk is a full 24 inches - so the metal base sits on the desk surface with a slight overhang but is firmly supported by the desk. The top of the Varidesk is wider than its base, so in the back it extends about 3 inches beyond the desk and in the front it extends about 4 inches beyond the desk when it is set in the lowest seated position. This means I have to space my desk about 5 inches from the wall to accommodate the back plus cords, which is fine for my setup but something to consider if you have a shallow desk against a wall. Keep in mind you'll need additional clearance in the front, as it comes forward several inches when you convert to the standing position.The butcher block looks good, and I find it far more aesthetically pleasing than the black ones I've seen, which was important to me because this is my home office.Overall, I love mine and use it every day, and it's tripled my productivity and (probably) extended my life span!

Bought mine in October, 2015. I spend hours in front of a computer every day. I'd been having back pain and wanted to see if this would work. Short story: it did. One should not expect to be able to sit--or stand--in the same position for long periods without problems. I use it in conjunction with a Tomato timer on my 'puter and change position every 35 minutes. I started with 55 minutes, but found 35 better. You'll find your own rhythm. And if you imagine, as I did, that having to change position every half-hour is disruptive, you'll be surprised, as I was. It helps, rather than hindering the process. Keeps my head clear. I use it every day, changing it as many as six or seven times a day. Once I got the plug in my Samsung monitor to stop falling out (not Varidesk's fault), I have had no problems. It's well-made and pleasing. I like very much the way it organizes my desktop, clean and orderly. Get one. I recently bought a Terra Mat standing mat to use with it. It was expensive but I'm quite liking it. I'll let you know in a separate review in a few months.

I don't know why I waited so long to get this. I work on the computer all day long and for the last 3 years have suffered from a variety of musculoskeletal issues. Had to have shoulder surgery in March and decided to get this desk after I returned to work. I'm amazed at how standing, just a few more hours each day, makes me feel so much better. I love that I was able to adjust the height to exactly where I need it (I'm 5'2") and the distance between the monitor and the keyboard shelf is just right. Very sturdy - I have it on my small office desk which is exactly 24" deep. I am able to fit my 15" laptop and my 27" thunderbolt display on this size.

Very nice addition to my desk! I am impressed with the quality of the product. No setup needed.

Let me start by saying both products are amazing. What it boils down to is preference. The biggest difference is the Pro Plus 36 keyboard mouse deck is on a lower level which I prefer (see images). My husband prefers to be at the same level when he stands up. The Pro Plus 36 when fully extended is about one inch taller and comes out about 8 inches farther with the keyboard tray. We comfortably sit both desks on a 23.5” (D) desk with only about a ½ inch sitting over.I really enjoy the Pro Plus 36 but almost went with the Pro 36 because I thought I was going to have a lot less desk space. I end up being very wrong. At home I have my Surface Pro 3, my 29 inch monitor very comfortably on the desk (see images). I have plenty of room to put more items on the desk such as ipad, folders, paperwork, and can easily fit my Moleskin planner on the keyboard tray. I also have the Pro Plus 36 at work and fit two large monitors comfortably.My husband and I work on the computer 10+ hours a day and the desks have tremendously helped our backs and our energy levels. The desks are sturdy but I wouldn’t recommend any heavy leaning while the desks are extended.

I literally ordered this from my hospital bed after having surgery to repair a damaged disk from sitting too much. I was a bit concerned that it wouldn't lift high enough because I'm a tall person (6'2") but that hadn't been the case. After 2 days of working standing up I'm very, very happy with my purchase. The Varidesk is easy to move up/down and the max height is perfect for me.

I like this desk, though it takes some getting used to. It's going to solve my back and energy problems, that much is obvious from the start. I recommend it highly, with one caveat. There's a mushy spot in the positions available for standing use, by which I mean it will sink an inch or two after I release the lever, instead of settling pretty much right where I have it. The next level up seems to be ok for me (5'7"), but I have this persistent feeling that the ideal position is inside that zone of slippage. I also have to lift the monitor up to the top level for standing and lower it for sitting, but that's not a big deal. The seated configuration is a little crowded for eating at my desk, which I like to do, but I'm working that out. I LOVE the standing! As I adapt to it (legs are tired at the end of the day), I know this will be my preferred position. I stand most of the time, sitting to read blogs during breakfast and lunch, or if I'm having a really short day. I can touch-type, I can transcribe notes out of a book placed on the upper level on the little left-side arm. The surface is more slippery than my desktop, which takes getting used to also, but they kindly supply a rubber mat for the coffee cup, so the worst disasters are prevented. The thing weighs an absolute ton. I can even scooch it over an inch without help, much less lift the beast. But that's good too - it feels very secure and substantial.

The stand do come pre-assembled and ready to use. It is very heavy so get help to unbox and carry it to wherever you need it to be. Usage is very simple. Plenty of surface to spread your stuff. You need to deal with cable management on your own, as there is nothing there to help or guide (well unless you use wireless KB and mouse). I can sense the vibration when I type, but it is slight enough that it does not impact the monitors much. If I let me shoulder drop during typing (more relaxed position), I have to raise the monitors for a more ergo setup. For me (5'11"), I need to raise the monitors by at least 4 more inches to let them be at my eye level. I know they also sell the monitor screen positioner, but that will continue to add up the price. I hope there is a way to adjust that (right now the monitor platform and keyboard platform has a fixed spacer support of about 3-4").

My employer reimbursed me for this purchase. Would I spend $400 of my own money on this desk? No.Pros:• The mechanical engineering is great. It moves up and down very easily.• Size-wise, it can handle both of my free-standing monitors, cup warmer, etc.• It looks terrificCons:• The pricetag is very steep.• In less than a week of use, I started getting wrist soreness because of how I now position my hand to use my mouse when standing. I've started using the mouse on the upper part of the desk. That's better, but my wrist still gets sore. I think the position of the keyboard has contributed to this problem, too, for which I've started propping up the closest edge.I think Varidesk has done great work so far, but they have a ways to go with ergonomics.

I have a back injury and the doctor recommended that I get a standing station for work. I am an accountant and work 8-10 hours a day at a computer. I am 5' 6", but usually wear shoe with a heal, so about 5' 8" at my standing station. This desk seemed to get good reviews, so I opted for it. I don't need to use it fully extended upwards, so there is still room if you are taller (someone else mentioned 5'10" worked for them.) My only real complaint is that when you have your monitors, keyboard and mouse on there (max 35lbs per the sticker), that is a lot to raise up and down manually with a bad back - leaning forward. You must pull two levers on the side to either raise or lower this. My back does not tolerate standing or sitting for long periods of time, so I alternate between standing and sitting about every hour which requires me to adjust this desk height multiple times a day. That is the main reason for the 4 stars. The other comment I have seen is that the desk in 'unsteady', which I disagree with. I don't feel like it is going to topple over, but I wouldn't push myself up on the keyboard tray either! It does shake the monitors a little if I am typing fast (like now), but it doesn't affect me.

I'm reviewing the Varidesk Pro Plus.I am 61 years old, 6 feet tall, 230 lbs. People with other body types might have a different experience than mine. I have used the Varidesk for 2 weeks. So far, I stand at my computer for 30-45 minutes each time about 4 times in 8 hours plus walk 2 miles at lunch. I liked the Varidesk so much, I bought one for home use. Note: You cannot raise the Varidesk with one hand. It requires both hands with light to medium grip strength. I bought the large varidesk standing floor mat for work but for home I ordered a William Sonoma Wellness Mat (costs $40 more) based on a recommendation in a customer review.Pros:Well built, sturdy. Spring assisted lift.Comes completely assembled.Easy to raise and lower unless you have a weak back or are petite.Great alternative to sitting all day.Cons(I hope Varidesk Corp is reading this):In the down position, the Pro Plus requires lots of desk space. 36"(W)x 29.75(Deep)The screen wobbles slightly the higher you go but you get used to it unless you are a 'keyboard pounder'.At the sitting position I found the keyboard platform to be too high and if I use a slide out keyboard drawer (under the desk) then the monitors are too far away. Solution: buy a $300 drafting stool which rises high and has a circular foot rest and back rest OR put multiple pillows under your current chair to effectively lower the keyboard and get something to put your feet on.The keyboard surface is way too slippery. You might need to buy some anti-skid pads ($3) to add friction so the keyboard doesn't move. I like a sensitive mouse so I'm getting used to the slippery surface with a laser mouse. I don't know if an ultra thin mouse pad will stay put on this slick surface. Mine is on order.This desk is heavy and bulky in the shipping carton. Two people can deal with it much easier than one.Despite these cons I still think this is a great alternative to sitting all day at a desk. If you buy one your body will thank you.

Just got this set up with the help of two coworkers.PROS:- There was no assembly.- It fits my 27" Mac thunderbolt display alongside a 15" Macbook Pro and a a few small desk decorations (see attached image).- I am 5'3" and the desk is perfect height at the 4th or 5th level (there are 10 heights you can set this to). The IKEA desk it's sitting on has the leg shaft set to 7.5".CONS:- The thunderbolt display and Macbook Pro are a total of 28lbs, and this desk supports 35lbs. This makes lifting and lowering the desk difficult and slightly worrisome because the handles become more difficult to squeeze (it says to push down slightly before raising desk) and you have to make sure it doesn't come crashing down.- This thing is a beast. I have way less desk space to put other stuff, and the weight limit makes me feel iffy putting the Container Store drawers (blue on left side in image) back under my laptop as a laptop stand.Overall, not a bad cheaper alternative to an expensive electronic standing desk, and definitely much sturdier and roomier than the $22 hacked IKEA standing desk setup I had before. Just wish raising and lowering felt safer with all that heavy equipment on it.

Its good but two 27 inch monitors does not fit, you must use 24 inch or smaller. The other issue iswhen you are typing the monitors bounce around due to the springs. It a good standing deskbut I would rather buy a real desk that goes up and down to avoid the monitors from moving somuch. It gets annoying over time. Plus when it's in standing mode, do you don't have much roomto write with a notepad. It's only good to use the computer with the mouse.

I love the idea of this desk, but it is much harder to raise than the video makes it look. To be fair, I do have 2 monitors, but they do not exceed the pound limit. I have to stand on a small step ladder to raise it or have someone help me. Lowering it is a piece of cake.

I bought this adjustable standing desk after I read the positive reviews. I have been using this desk for a few months now. The desk itself is well made, good quality, very sturdy and stable regardless if it's in sitting position or standing position. However, there are two significant limitations of this desk: 1). the lower panel for the keyboard is not adjustable, which limits where the keyboard can be placed; for those people with long arms, this means you would have to stand back and away in order to have a comfortable arm position. Because the lower panel is not adjustable and has limited space, after you place the keyboard, there is no right place to put the mouse, you can only put it on the very side part of the lower panel, either on the left or on the right; this means you can't stretch your arm to reach the mouse, your hand will be at the position of the rib-cage. This position is quite uncomfortable after a while, therefore I have to find another location to change my position to avoid my wrist from feeling very tired. 2). The desk is very big, it takes up almost the entire surface of an executive desk. After you place this desk on top of a normal sized table, you will have no space to do any paper work. This means you'll have to have another table to deal with paper or physical document. From this aspect, this desk is better suited for people who have L shape desks. If I have had a chance to try it out, I won't have bought it. After I received it, i realized the issues within a few days, however, given how heavy the desk is, and the return cost is not covered unless the desk is defective, I kept it, but not really very happy with it.

Great mechanics and design, but I have a beef with the materials. While the frame is apparently made of bomb-proof metal, the two platforms are particle board. I had just removed the desk from the shipping box, leaned it against the wall and turned my back for a second when it tipped over, breaking off a big chunk from a corner of the flimsy keyboard platform. And it wasn't that hard of a fall. I was able to wood-glue it back together with a clamp, but I expected better durability for a $350 item (plus $50 shipping), especially one that weighs close to 50 pounds. No wonder they ship it in such a padded box. I thought the shipping container was overkill when it arrived but not now. It seems to me that Varidesk could save a few bucks on the box and invest more instead into plywood monitor and keyboard platforms.

I loved this desk but had to return it. It was very well made, sturdy construction. The problem was that it wouldn't reach high enough. I'm taller than 6'6" and even with a taller than normal desk it would not reach my elbows. I ended up slouching to see the computer screen and use my keyboard.If you're of average height I think you'll like the desk, but if you're taller than average I think you may have trouble.

My VariDesk Pro Plus arrived yesterday. Before it was even out of the box, 6 of the half inch screws were out of the keyboard tray. I screwed them back in, but pressed board really only gives you one shot with the screws. The rest of the desk is great, but serious design flaw in the extremely cheap keyboard tray. Fortunately, I've got a handyman husband who quickly fixed it with 4 $1.00 rather unique looking two-headed screws.

I really wish I could give this product 5 stars - really do. In a world where a lot of us spend most of our days sitting in front of computer monitors - and a world where we're being told that "sitting is the new smoking," the Varidesk seemed like the perfect answer to me. Especially because, as a freelancer, I move from job to job, so something that's "easily" (well, it is kind of awkward/heavy, but still liftable) transportable is idea.However, there is a fundamental flaw with this desk. The monitor level is just not high enough. I am a 6 ft tall male (average male height searched on Google is 5'10"). When the desk is lowered as well as raised to full height, the keyboard is at the appropriate, ergonomic level for me to use. But the monitors are at least 3 inches too low for proper use. Sure, 3 inches doesn't sound like a lot, but in this case it is. I am constantly looking at my monitor on a downward angle, which is not good for a person at all. In fact, after using this desk now for a week, I have horrible neck pain, worse than before. Which is frustrating because that's why I bought this desk in the first place - to get rid of some of the aches and pains from the daily grind at the office.I am really surprised that Varidesk doesn't realize what a problem this is. They even have pictures on their website that show people using the desk with this improper downward-angle view. Monitors should be eye-level for proper ergonomics. In their FAQ area, they do say that for taller and shorter people, monitors that have adjustable height are useful. But I feel that the distance between the monitor stand and keyboard should be closer to the proper space to begin with - at least 7 inches, it's currently only 4 inches. And I don't have the luxury of choosing my type of monitors when moving from facility to facility.I'm going to try and add something to the desk to raise the monitors higher, but I'm kind of limited with the weight capacity. And I really feel that for the price, I shouldn't have to be making adjustments to this to make it work. Plus, adding regular monitor risers is just going to make the unit less stable. If I cannot figure out a system that works, I will be returning.Again, I was very hopeful and excited about this item, but after a week of use, I am disappointed and in pain.

I love the mechanics of the desk and how it is designed to work. My problem with it is that upon taking it out of the shipping box, four of the screws attaching the upper deck immediately fell loose, and over the last three days of using the desk, another three screws have popped loose. I can't use the desk in the upright position now until I get our facilities staff to repair it and attach the upper deck in another way. Repair seems like a better option than sending it back as the packaging material has already been recycled. All of this said, I have three co-workers who have purchased the same item and have not had any of the issues my desk has had. I'm the only one with a few screws loose. : ) If this desk had arrived without this particular construction issue, I think I would have given it 5 stars.

The desk wiggles quite a lot when you type on it, so monitors shake. Makes you kind of seasick. I wanted to like this desk. :(

I want to like this desk, but I cannot. Nice quality construction, and the height is fine. It fits my full-size Das Keyboard so I cannot imagine what monstrosity the reviewer is using who says it won't fit their keyboard. Three stars off for the black surface. It is far too slick and reflective/shiny.Slick: I'm worried about putting my coffee cup on it, because it slides too easily. Making a product which increases the falling height of objects then making the surface quite slippery is a bad idea.Reflective: I don't use a mouse pad, but my LED mouse cannot read the surface correctly. The cursor moves extremely slow. So, now I've got a piece of 8"x11" paper under my mouse. I don't need a shiny desk. I'm already cursed by a monitor with a reflective screen. This is silly.My monitors need better stands, I'll give Varidesk that, but I'm watching these letters shake around while I type. Not going to work.Huh... I've had it setup for less than a half hour now. I've just convinced myself to return it.Update: I returned it and Varidesk has great response times. A little slow on the actual refund, but not really a problem. Thank you!

I ordered this desk after reading some reviews and lured by its rating. The desk arrived quickly, and the packaging looks decent. However after opening the box, setting it up (was easy as no assembly required to give Varidesk credit) and using it for a few days, I noticed a list of things that very much bothered me.First, sure I can adjust height to different positions. Those positions are pre-set, fixed positions. I needed to try a couple of times to get it to the height close to where I want it to be. Every adjustment and locking came with the annoying click click noise. I have expected it to be reasonably quiet, but that is not the case.Second, when I set it at a specific location, it is not securely locked into that position. Rather the desk still can move down for about an inch when I applied a little force on the desk, like it is cushioning. Why is that? It literally changed the position you want it to set at, when you put on your monitors or other stuff on the desk surface.Third, the desk wobbles left or right beyond the reasonable tolerance (to me). So when I type, put on or take away something from the desk, it just responds to that motion. I was expecting a solid and stable positioning from the desk but it didn't seem to deliver.I am having trouble to securely push down the desk to its lowest position. The right side always pops up unless I press it down really hard. I didn't try Varidesk before, so can't tell whether this is a common issue or a defect.Once the desk lifts up to the full height, the keyboard tray sticks out quite a bit, and I have to stand back and give away some space. I feel the desk may tip if I lean on it. Sure I would not purposely do that, but in my view it has tipping risk. I hope such risk has been well assessed and validated.So, my conclusion is this desk is not meeting my expectations for a premium quality standing desk at almost $400 price range. I am going to return it and look for other solutions. I can only speak from my experience, but would not be surprised if others have similar experience. I would NOT recommend this desk to anyone who seriously considers a $300-$400 price range standing desk. There got to be better ones. Do your research and don't blindly go with number of reviews or ratings.

I found this unit to be extremely heavy and bulky, unstable, and unergonomic. It made some kind of dirty metal shavings, like a graphite powder, every time I would change height, leaving stains on my desktop and hands. Wouldn't reach high enough for my husband, and he's tall but not terribly tall. The keyboard tray droops a few degrees and places your mouse way too far back, it hurt too much to use. Makes clanging noises and you have to press down REALLY hard to get it to the bottom position. I ended up returning it and buying a ZipLift, which have LOVED every since.

Returned it but VARIDESK cant seem to refund the payment. they keep claiming they are behind on processing or some other issue. Been 3 months since I returned it, contacted them multiple times and still not refund. Very disappointing. On a positive note, I have 2 of the desks I purchased previously and they work great.

This desk will wreck your back and now. DO NOT BUY ITThe design is totally not ergonomic. After six months of use you will have terrible shoulder and neck pains because the mouse is too low or too high based on a 6 foot tall person.I called Vari desk and they will do nothing about it.They offer no solutions and will not refund the money.They have a 30 day warranty but the problem with your neck and shoulder will not appear for about six months. I use the desk every day in my office and began to have pain in my neck and shoulder due to an improper height of the mouse. They do not sell any brackets to customize the keyboard shelf. Putting the mouse on the top tier will not work as your arm will be extended too far.Try a kangaroo desk instead as its customizable

I find this desk very hard to lower and raise. I dont think there is a construction flaw you just have to be stronger than I am. It is also messy and makes it hard to keep things organized. I tried to return it, but I was a bit passed the 30 day deadline so they would not take it. Wish I had realized sooner how much I dislike it!

The Bad:The product arrived with all of the screws attaching the monitor surface to the adjustable mechanism completely stripped. The screws provided appear to be metal, rather than wood screws, so it's no wonder they stripped right out. After about two hours of fiddling, I was able to secure the top to the bottom using my own screws and elbow grease.The Worse:I contacted VariDesk hoping for some sort of compensation, as they would have had to replace the whole thing had I not fixed it and thus far they have refused to refund me any amount. I will update following the Amazon A-to-Z Claims process.