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Our top pick: VariDesk Pro Plus 36 Two-Tier Converter (Assembled, 5-year warranty)
Standing desk converters sit on the desk you already own, and they differ mainly in surface size, lift type and how much setup they need.
This group spans a motorized electric lift, spring-assisted designs and gas-assisted manual lifts.
On this page
- Our Top Picks
- VariDesk Pro Plus 36 Two-Tier Converter
- VIVO 32-Inch Desk Converter, DESK-V000K
- VIVO 42-Inch Wide Desk Converter
- Rocelco 46-Inch X-Frame Wide Converter
- VariDesk Essential 36 Two-Tier Riser
- TechOrbits 32-Inch Pneumatic Converter
- Mount-It 32 x 22 Slim Gas-Spring Riser
- Mount-It 48.5-Inch Electric Desk Riser
- JOY worker 32-Inch Dual-Layer Riser
- JOY worker 32-Inch Riser with Removable Tray
- Match the surface to your monitors
- Check weight limits
- Pick a lift style
- Plan for setup and support
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Category verdict
| VariDesk Pro Plus 36 Two-Tier Converter |
| Assembled, 5-year warranty | Arrives fully assembled | 36" x 12.25" upper tier for 2 monitors | 5-year warranty and 30-day free returns | View Latest Price | Read Our Analysis |
| VIVO 32-Inch Desk Converter, DESK-V000K |
| Mid-width dual monitors | 31.5" x 15.7" top surface | 4.5" to 20" range, straight-up lift | 3-year manufacturer warranty | View Latest Price | Read Our Analysis |
| VIVO 42-Inch Wide Desk Converter |
| Wide dual-monitor surface | 42" x 15.7" top surface | Keyboard tray rises in sync with the top | 4.5" to 20" adjustment range | View Latest Price | Read Our Analysis |
| Rocelco 46-Inch X-Frame Wide Converter |
| Triple-monitor width | 45.7" x 23.6" surface listed for up to 3 monitors | Dual gas-shock lift from 5" to 20" | Arrives fully assembled | View Latest Price | Read Our Analysis |
| VariDesk Essential 36 Two-Tier Riser |
| Preset height steps | 36" wide two-tier desktop | 11 height settings up to 17.5" | Ships fully assembled | View Latest Price | Read Our Analysis |
| TechOrbits 32-Inch Pneumatic Converter |
| Pneumatic dual-monitor | 4.3" to 19.7" pneumatic lift | 32" wide with room for dual monitors | Aluminum frame rated to 33 lbs | View Latest Price | Read Our Analysis |
| Mount-It 32 x 22 Slim Gas-Spring Riser |
| Small crowded desks | Compact footprint for small desks | 2.5" low profile when lowered | 2.5" to 16.9" gas-spring lift | View Latest Price | Read Our Analysis |
| Mount-It 48.5-Inch Electric Desk Riser |
| Motorized lift | Motor lift from 6" to 19.25" | USB port and front device slot | Lifetime manufacturer warranty | View Latest Price | Read Our Analysis |
| JOY worker 32-Inch Dual-Layer Riser |
| Dual-layer 32-inch | 4.9" to 19.3" height range | 31.5" x 15.7" top tier | 28.6 lb top tier, 4.4 lb lower tier | View Latest Price | Read Our Analysis |
| JOY worker 32-Inch Riser with Removable Tray |
| Removable keyboard tray | 4.9" to 19.3" height range | 24.4" x 11.8" removable keyboard tray | 28.6 lb top tier, 4.4 lb lower tier | View Latest Price | Read Our Analysis |
More Details on Our Top Picks
VariDesk Pro Plus 36 Two-Tier Converter
A two-tier layout puts monitors on the upper deck and keyboard and mouse on the lower one.
Check that your monitor stands fit the 12.25" upper-tier depth.
- Upper tier:The upper tier measures 36" x 12.25".
- Lift:It uses a spring-assisted lift with dual handles.
- Height settings:The title lists 11 height settings.
- Construction:It uses thicker steel, a 3D laminate finish and dual stability bars.
- Assembly:It needs no assembly.
- Warranty:The warranty runs 5 years.
- Returns:The listing includes 30-day free returns.
VIVO 32-Inch Desk Converter, DESK-V000K
The mid-width top still leaves room for dual monitors, with a keyboard tray that rises in sync.
A touch height-locking mechanism moves the platform straight upward.
The keyboard tray has to be attached during setup.
- Surface:The top surface is 31.5" x 15.7".
- Keyboard tray:The tray is 31.3" x 11.8" and rises in sync with the top.
- Lift range:Height adjusts from 4.5" to 20".
- Lift assist:The lift assist is listed at 33 lbs.
- Warranty:A 3-year manufacturer warranty applies.
VIVO 42-Inch Wide Desk Converter
The wide top and synced keyboard tray give dual monitors room on a straight-up lift.
The desktop is listed to hold 33 lbs and the keyboard tray only 4.4 lbs.
The keyboard tray must be attached during setup.
- Surface:The top surface is 42" x 15.7".
- Keyboard tray:The tray measures 42" x 11.8".
- Lift range:Height adjusts from 4.5" to 20".
- Lift path:The lift elevates straight upwards.
- Frame:It uses a steel frame.
- Capacity:The desktop holds up to 33 lbs and the tray up to 4.4 lbs.
Rocelco 46-Inch X-Frame Wide Converter
It pairs a very wide, deep surface with two gas-assisted lifts, which suits large multi-monitor layouts.
The listing says it needs approximately 23 inches of desk depth, so shallow desks need checking.
Height adjustment is manual.
- Surface:The work surface is 45.7" wide by 23.6" deep.
- Lift:Two gas-assisted mechanisms give height adjustment from 5" to 20".
- Lift capacity:The lift mechanisms support up to 45 lb.
- Keyboard tray:A retractable pull-out tray measures 25.6" wide by 11.25" deep and can also hold a laptop.
- Desk depth:The vertical lift keeps required desk depth to approximately 23 inches.
- Monitor arms:A rear grommet supports an optional Rocelco monitor arm for up to 3 monitors.
- Assembly:It arrives fully assembled.
VariDesk Essential 36 Two-Tier Riser
A dual-handle spring-assisted lift moves between fixed height settings.
Heights are set in 11 steps rather than continuously, topping out at 17.5".
- Width:The unit is 36" wide.
- Tiers:It has a two-tier desktop.
- Lift:The lift is dual-handle and spring-assisted.
- Max rise:It raises up to 17.5" off the desk surface.
- Assembly:It ships fully assembled.
TechOrbits 32-Inch Pneumatic Converter
You squeeze the handle and use your weight to set the height.
The 32" width has room for a dual monitor display, keyboard, mouse and speakers.
The listing notes particle board construction.
The keyboard tray must be attached using the tools provided.
- Range:Height adjusts from 4.3" to 19.7".
- Width:The unit is 32" wide.
- Lift:It uses a pneumatic lift.
- Frame:It has an aluminum frame.
- Capacity:It holds up to 33 lbs.
Mount-It 32 x 22 Slim Gas-Spring Riser
It collapses nearly flat when lowered, leaving more room on a crowded desk.
The range tops out at 16.9", so confirm that reaches your standing screen height.
- Size:The listed size is 32" x 22".
- Lift:A gas-spring lift is operated with a side lever.
- Range:The platform raises from 2.5" to 16.9".
- Low profile:The lowered profile is 2.5".
- Footprint:The footprint is compact for small desks.
- Lift path:It rises straight up and down.
- Assembly:It arrives fully preassembled.
Mount-It 48.5-Inch Electric Desk Riser
It combines an electric lift with a 48.5" surface that fits two 27-inch monitors.
The listing caps load at 33 lb, so weigh your monitors first.
The keyboard tray must be attached with the included hardware.
- Lift:The motor adjusts from 6" to 19.25".
- Surface:The surface is 48.5" wide and fits two 27-inch monitors.
- Keyboard tray:The keyboard tray is 35.5" wide.
- Capacity:Load is listed at up to 33 lbs.
- Charging:It has an integrated USB charging port and a front device slot.
- Setup:It works on an existing desk once the keyboard tray is attached.
- Warranty:A lifetime manufacturer warranty is included.
JOY worker 32-Inch Dual-Layer Riser
The removable keyboard tray rises in sync with the top board.
Check your equipment against the 28.6 lb top-tier and 4.4 lb lower-tier limits.
- Range:Height adjusts from 4.9" to 19.3".
- Top tier:The top tier is 31.5" x 15.7".
- Keyboard tray:The removable tray is 24.4" x 11.8".
- Frame:It has a patented X-shaped frame built from particle board.
- Setup:The keyboard tray installs in two steps.
JOY worker 32-Inch Riser with Removable Tray
The tray comes off and rises in sync with the top board.
Check your equipment against the 28.6 lb top-tier and 4.4 lb lower-tier limits.
- Range:Height adjusts from 4.9" to 19.3".
- Top tier:The top tier is 31.5" x 15.7".
- Keyboard tray:The removable tray is 24.4" x 11.8".
- Frame:It has a patented X-shaped frame built from particle board.
- Setup:The keyboard tray installs in two steps.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I get a standing desk or a standing desk converter?
A converter sits on the desk you already have, whereas a full standing desk replaces it.
What can I put on my desk to convert it to a standing desk?
A converter such as the Mount-It 32 x 22 riser converts a tabletop into a sit-stand workstation.
The Mount-It 48.5" electric model also sits on an existing desk.
Which desk converter is the best?
It depends on your setup: the Rocelco 46" lists a surface supporting up to 3 monitors.
The Mount-It 48.5" offers a motorized lift if you prefer not to adjust by hand.
Category verdict
For the widest surface, the Rocelco 46" lists room for up to 3 monitors with a dual gas-shock lift.
If you want a motorized lift with a lifetime warranty, the Mount-It 48.5" is the one to look at.
For a fully assembled unit with a 5-year warranty, the VariDesk Pro Plus 36 fits.
For small or crowded desks, the Mount-It slim riser has the compact footprint.