Standing desks are becoming increasingly popular both in offices and at home. If you’re a gamer, you’ve probably thought about whether or not you should be utilizing a standing desk at some point in your gaming career.
Standing desks for gamers are a great way to cut down on the risks associated with long hours of sitting. If you’re a competitive gamer, however, caution should be taken in how you use your standing desk.
I’m not saying competitive gamers shouldn’t use standing desks, I’m just saying they should train the way they compete, which for competitive gamers is sitting in gaming chairs at a desk. For a more detailed discussion on whether competitive gamers should use standing desks, check out my post Should Gamers & Esports Use a Standing Desk?
Standing desks are a great way to spend our time in a position that’s more natural for us. Standing desks also promote small but consistent amounts of movement, something we can all benefit from. Don’t be surprised if many of your aches and pains go away after switching to a standing desk.
The Best Standing Desks For Gamers
The following are what I consider the top standing desks for gamers. Now, you don’t need to fork out a bunch of money for a standing desk. There are many DIYs online for building a standing desk.
Why I recommend purchasing a proper standing desk is that gamers use their desks a lot. They also have some very expensive equipment on their desks and can’t afford any sort of accident.
An investment in a proper standing desk is an investment in your health. Even if you’re a competitive gamer you can switch to a standing position any time you’re not playing to add in some more movement and decrease a lot of the aches and pains associated with long hours of sitting.
Keep reading after these recommendations for some more discussion on standing desks for gamers. And in case you’re here by accident and are actually more interested in gaming chairs, you can check out my post Are Gaming & Esports Chairs Worth It? – Complete Guide.
#1 FLEXISPOT Height Adjustable Desk
This desk’s height can be adjusted from 27.9″ to 47.6″. The adjustable height is crucial for taller gamers. Most of you should be fine, but if you’re over 6 feet tall (especially if you’re well over 6 feet) make sure the desk is at least 45″ tall to avoid stooping or hunching.
This desk is a little on the cheaper side when it comes to standing desks. Even though it’s less expensive, it still comes with an up and down control panel connected to a motor lift mechanism for a smooth up and down movement. Smooth is key for gamers as you’ll likely have your desktop or at least monitor on top.
If you do order this desk, don’t panic if your package arrives without the tabletop. It can take several additional days for the tabletop to come after receiving the frame. The desk frame has a 5-year warranty and the motor has a 3-year warranty (although a handy person could probably fix/tweak the motor pretty easily).
The desk can support around 150 lbs which shouldn’t ever be an issue. If you’re able to, keep your desktop below or to the side on a smaller table (just to be safe).
You can check out more reviews on Amazon by clicking here.
#2 Seville Classics AIRLIFT Pro
This option is definitely more pricey than the first pick, but for good reason. It has dual motors that can quietly raise and lower the desk at 1.5 inches per second. If you’re a gamer that expects to be consistently switching between standing and sitting, this desk would suit you well.
For you taller gamers, this desk can reach a height of 51.4″ which should be plenty of height for most gamers. Additionally, the tabletop is 54″x30″ and if you use a monitor mount (which I recommend later in the post) then this should be plenty of space for gaming.
The controller pad for the adjustable height is an LED display and features 4 memory settings. This is one thing I wish I had for my desk. Once mine was set up, it stayed that way. Having the ability to pre-program several different heights makes a standing desk more comfortable as you’ll notice that at different times you’ll prefer different heights (even while standing).
This desk also supports up to 264 lbs, so no need to ever worry about anything causing it to fall over or collapse.
You can check out more reviews on Amazon by clicking here.
#3 FEZIBO Electric Stand up Desk Frame
If you’re already satisfied with the type of desk you have but just want to convert it to allow you the option of standing when you want to, then this frame is perfect. Just to clarify, you will only receive a frame with this product, THERE IS NO TABLETOP.
This frame allows you to use your own tabletop or get a tabletop of your choosing. The width for this frame is one of the largest for standing desk frames which makes it a great choice for gamers that like a lot of tabletop surface area (I know I do). The recommended max-width is around 70″, which is more than enough for basically any gaming set up.
There is also an option to get a manual version for this desk which can cut down on the cost a bit. But if you’re going to invest in a standing desk, you may as well do it right. The motorized version is very quiet on this desk and the movement is smooth which makes adjusting to a standing desk a lot easier.
The set up for this desk frame is relatively effortless. The most difficult part is going to be finding and mounting the tabletop, which, to be honest, is not very difficult. Just be extra careful when first setting this up as there are a few wires for the mechanical motor that lifts the desk up, and you don’t want them getting caught and pinched when installing the tabletop.
You can check out more reviews on Amazon by clicking here.
#4 Jarvis Standing Desk Bamboo Top
Jarvis is one of the top players in the standing desk industry (this desk has even won awards). So, it’s not surprising that this simple design is still strong enough to support 350 lbs, while still adjusting up or down at 1.5″ a second with little to no noise.
Every part on this desk comes with a 7-year warranty. If you’re able to spend a little more, this is the desk to go for as it’s guaranteed to last. You can program up to 4 height presets to make switching between standing and sitting effortless. And as you can see in the picture, those two black areas on the back left and right are wire management grommets (a must-have for gamers).
A lot of people are apprehensive to spend a lot on a desk. But almost every person that has bought this on Amazon has given it 5 stars with no regrets. It does require a bit of assembly, so if you’re not super handy (like me), you may want someone with a little more experience helping you out when putting it together.
It comes with 30″ of surface area which should be enough for gamers. If you utilize monitor mounts then you’ll have more than enough room. It just depends how much space you require for the mouse and keyboard (i.e., do you keep them close to the edge or push them back so your whole arm can rest).
Check out more reviews on Amazon by clicking here.
#5 VIVO Black Electric Height Adjustable Stand Up Desk
This desk is very similar to the #4 Jarvis but is almost half the price. It also offers an additional 1.5″ of width in case you’re really worried about tabletop surface area. The height can also go up to 48.5″ and down to 28.7″, making it ideal for most gamers looking to switch between sitting and standing.
This desk has a solid steel frame that can support up to 176 lb. of weight. The tabletop is made of solid particleboard and is scratch resistant (and guaranteed to last) great for gamers prone to tilt and rage.
This is one of the easier standing desks to assemble. It comes in three sections that are easy to put together. It comes with a 3-year warranty.
This is one of the more well-made standing desks on a budget. You’re not going to find a better one at this price point. Some users are disappointed in the tabletop and say it’s a little on the thin side. If the tabletop is a priority for you, then I’d suggest going with the #3 option and carefully choosing your own tabletop.
You can check out more reviews on Amazon by clicking here.
The Best Standing Desks for Gamers
If the price isn’t an issue, then I would absolutely recommend the #4 Jarvis desk. With such a sturdy build and a 7-year warranty, you can’t go wrong.
If you’re looking for something more on the budget end, then the #5 VIVO desk will give you a premium standing desk experience that is lacking in only a few areas.
If you’re looking to truly customize your standing desk experience, then I recommend going for the #3 FEZIBO desk frame option. This will allow you to get the perfect tabletop to fit your needs.
Standing Desk Accessories
When you’re first making the switch to a standing desk, having the right accessories can make all the difference. The three main accessories for a standing desk, especially for gamers spending long hours using one, are anti-fatigue mats, standing desk stools and monitor mounts.
Anti-Fatigue Mats for Standing Desks
No need to over-analyze this product. Differences between mats will be minimal. I can definitely recommend the one I’ve been using the past two years and you can check it out on Amazon by Sky Solutions.
These mats help to make the switch to standing desks a little more comfortable. Nowadays, I don’t always use one. I often don’t even realize I’m not using one (and I’m standing on hardwood floors barefoot).
But first-time standing desk users are more prone to getting aches in various parts all over their body just due to having certain muscles and joints bear a load that they haven’t in a while.
Stools for Standing Desks
This is another great accessory for first-time users. In fact, I recommend every standing desk user utilize one of these. The great thing about standing desks is that they promote various positions and shifting around (small be consistent movements) and these stools are a great way to add in a new position during long hours at a standing desk.
I just use a cheap bar stool that I got at a department store, but I wish I had invested in a stool designed for standing desks like the one pictured above. In order for mine to work right, I have to put a bunch of weights on the back of it so it doesn’t slide. They’re a little pricey but you’ll never have to buy another one (and they’re still cheaper than a gaming chair).
Monitor Mounts for Standing Desks
Since you’ll be able to move around and adjust your position a lot more with a standing desk, having the ability to easily adjust your monitors is great. You may want your monitor slightly higher or lower depending on whether you’re sitting or standing.
What I like most about monitor mounts is that they free up your desk space. If you game with your whole arm (elbow down) on the desk, then you need some extra space to push your keyboard and mouse back. Monitor mounts make this easy to do.
If you have just the one monitor then you can get a single monitor mount on Amazon by clicking here.
Is There Evidence For Standing Desks?
A question I get a lot when proclaiming the benefits of standing desks is; “but is there any evidence?”. I’m not sure if the people asking actually care about the evidence or if it’s more the case that they have already shut their mind off to the idea of standing desks.
I spent most of my time in undergrad sitting in Philosophy classes confused. As confused as I was, I understood and retained some things about arguments and logic. Just because something has been done a particular way for a particular amount of time, does not make it the “right” way to do it. In other words, just because chairs have been the norm for desks does not guarantee that desks with chairs are the best, most effective, or healthiest way to work (or game).
So when people ask about the evidence for standing desks, I hope that these people are not only interested in the evidence, but are driven to make decisions and choices based on evidence (or at least with evidence in mind).
So, it really begs the question, what is the evidence for chairs at desks? I hope that the evidence is strong, strong enough to justify having a chair for every adult at every desk and for every child in every classroom. (P.S. there’s plenty for standing desks, and the research continues to grow.)
But if you’re looking for some hard facts and scientific research, you can start by checking out the compiled data with over a hundred articles/studies over at getamericastanding.org.
What Are The Benefits of Standing Desks?
Well, it helps reduce the risks associated with sitting for too long.
What is sitting too long? It’s sitting for over two hours continuously. When we look at the general population, things get a bit frightening. People are sitting for over 2/3 of their day, if not more. All of this sitting can increase your risks for:
- high blood pressure
- cardiovascular disease
- heart disease
- type 2 diabetes
- ADHD symptoms
- obesity
- back & neck pain
- orthopedic and musculoskeletal problems
- death
That last point might seem a bit extreme to you. I’m not just making it up, the World Health Organization has stated that:
“Physical inactivity (lack of physical activity) has been identified as the fourth leading risk factor for global mortality (6% of deaths globally).”
Standing desks aren’t about standing perfectly still. Standing desks promote movement and, today, it’s all about moving more and sitting less. A standing desk gives you the ability to easily fidget, move positions, take a quick stroll, and stretch. Some of the benefits of moving more and sitting less include:
- prevent repetitive stress & muscle degradation
- improve brain health and cognition
- burn up to 35% more calories
- reduced risk of type 2 diabetes
- reduce low back pain
- a boost in mood and energy levels
It really is a shame that competitive gaming is done sitting as there are clear benefits for gamers and gaming performance when using a standing desk.
A surprising benefit I found when switching to a standing desk both at home and at work was that my sleep improved. Prior to standing desks, I would game at night sitting for several hours. But, at the end of a day using a standing desk, I fell asleep quicker and slept deeper.
And no, standing desks aren’t a “hip new tend”. In fact, both Thomas Jefferson and Winston Churchill worked at standing desks.
Are Standing Desks Good For Posture?
It’s a lot more difficult to have poor posture with a standing desk. Chairs, when used for long periods of time, promote crappy ergonomics and posture. Don’t get me wrong, proper ergonomics and posture will help when using a chair, it’s just a lot more difficult, and you still don’t avoid all the issues of sitting.
It’s a lot easier to have your body aligned in its optimal position when standing. You’ll be less prone to having your head drift forward and to have your upper back rounding. Also, your lower back will be less compromised and hurt a lot less (especially after getting used to a standing desk).
If you’re experiencing any issues from sitting and gaming for long periods of time, check out my post FIX Upper Crossed Syndrome which covers a lot of issues that gamers are more prone to experiencing.
Some of the issues that standing desks can help with are:
- Neck problems
- TMJD
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrom
- Knee problems
- Lower extremity problems
- Should dysfunction
- Poor Diaphragm function
- Low back pain
- Hernias
- Pelvic floor dysfunction
- Hip dysfunction
It’s more the case that there are so many issues with sitting for long periods of time which are not experienced when using a standing desk. We’re meant to be upright and moving. Obviously, it’s best for posture to not use a computer for long periods of time, but, we are so let’s make the best of it.
Isn’t It Bad To Stand For A Long Time?
Yes, but standing desks promote movement. You’ll be shifting from side to side, putting one foot in front of the other then switching, and taking frequent stretching breaks as it’s more convenient whilst standing.
It’s unlikely that you’ll be standing perfectly rigid for hours on end, even during intense gaming moments.
Should Esports Use Standing Desks?
In my personal opinion, yes. But that won’t happen anytime soon (if at all). If you are a competitive gamer, then the sit stand desks are your best option so you can continue training the way you compete but with the option to stand during times you’re not practicing.
I made a video discussing whether gamers should utilize standing desks, you can check it out here:
How Much Do Standing Desks Cost?
This varies a lot. If the price is holding you back, look into some DIY guides that utilize cheap IKEA equipment, like this one. The only issue is that these are usually adequate for office workers, but competitive gamers require more room and flexibility with their desktop area.
Standing desks can cost anywhere between $300 to $1000 (or more).
How Long Do Standing Desks Last For?
It all comes down to wear and tear. But, to be honest, have you ever had a desk breakdown on you? Maybe if you got the cheapest model from IKEA, but more desks don’t typically “expire”.
The standing desks that utilize motors and electronics for moving up and down are prone to breaking down at a certain point, but there’s no guarantee that they will break down, and they can be fixed pretty easily.
Final Thoughts
If you’re a competitive gamer thinking about getting a standing desk, then check out my post Should Gamers & Esports Use a Standing Desk?
A lot of standing desk manufacturers are promoting standing desks for gamers but fail to understand the nature of esports. If you compete sitting down, you should train sitting down. I also did a post on gaming chairs Are Gaming & Esports Chairs Worth It?.
gl;hf