For our latest standing desk stand-off, we’re comparing three desks operating in the mid-price market. But which will you be standing at soon?
The mid-market, mid-price world of standing desks is a jungle. If you’ve already been doing your research, you’ll already know there’s a bewildering choice, a big difference in specs and a large range of prices. So what do you actually get for your money, and which standing desk is best?
For this test, we’ve deliberately looked at two of FRISKA’s best performing competitors and pitted some of their best workstations against a FRISKA desk specifically designed to offer impressive performance at an extremely sensible price.
As with all our comparisons, we’re not seeking easy wins. As you’ll see, our competitors are frequently level pegging (and occasionally beating) the Aktiv 2 in some respects. That’s ok, because despite the fact we clearly have vested interests in this, a comparison that isn’t entirely honest isn’t really a comparison at all.
In comparing information we’ve stuck to publicly available information supported with a little expert knowledge where appropriate. All information is correct at time of writing.
Which height adjustable desks are we comparing?
In this three-way knockout contest, we’re comparing the following sit/stand desks:
- The home team: The FRISKA Aktiv 2
- The familiar rival: The FlexiSpot E8
- The new kid on the block: The Maidesite Electric Standing Desk S2 Pro Plus
Why are we comparing these particular desks? Because their specifications are similar in many respects, even if there are some notable differences.
Why aren’t we comparing the FlexiSpot and Maidesite sit/stand desks with the FRISKA Stockholm?
Because we wanted to make it a fair fight. You wouldn’t put your Volvo in a race with a Ferrari F1 car.
Standing desk comparison - the similarities
In so many ways, there really isn’t much to separate these three:
|
|
FRISKA Aktiv 2 |
Flexispot E8 |
Maidesite S2 Pro Plus |
|
Height range |
620-1270mm |
600-1250mm |
620-1270mm |
|
Motors |
2 |
2 |
2 |
|
Noise |
45dB |
<50db |
<50db |
|
Speed |
32mps |
38mps |
36mps |
|
Anti-collision |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Desktop thickness |
25mm |
25mm |
25mm |
|
Led operation |
3 stage |
3 stage |
3 stage |
|
USB charge point as standard |
Yes |
Yes |
? |
|
Memory controls as standard |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
The Flexispot’s height bottoms out at 600mm, 20mm lower than the FRISKA and Maidesite, but the FRISKA and Maidesite rise 20mm higher. It’s not much, but if a couple of extra centimetres at the top or bottom end of that range really matters it could be something that sways your choice.
The noise level when raising and lowering is a close run thing between all three standing desks, although only the FRISKA provides a clear decibel level (45dB falls somewhere between a quiet whisper and moderate rainfall according to the American Academy of Audiology). At <50dB the others seem almost as quiet, although in a slightly less specific way.
While there is a clear winner in terms of raising and lowering speed, there’s just six millimetres per second between the fastest and slowest, and none are exactly slouches. In terms of a practical, noticeable difference, unless you put all three side by side (and frankly, even if you did) you’d barely notice the difference.
Standing desk comparison – load
|
|
FRISKA Aktiv 2 |
Flexispot E8 |
Maidesite S2 Pro Plus |
|
Maximum load |
100kg |
125kg |
105kg |
With a maximum load of 100kg, the FRISKA Aktiv 2 can hold a typical desktop PC and multi-monitor setup with ease. As we’re Swedish, we should also point out that 100kg is the approximate weight of legendary Swedish footballer Zlatan Ibrahimovic. Although we haven’t yet invited him to sit on one of our desks.
The Maidesite offers even more load capacity (even if it’s just an extra 5kg). The Flexispot offers a hefty 125kg and wins this particular matchup. See? We did promise to be honest about this.
Standing desk comparison - stability
FRISKA has built its reputation on sturdiness. That’s vital, because when your desk is extended to its fullest height, you want it to be just as stable as it was when lowered. The Aktiv 2 height adjustable desk achieves its levels of stability through a robust underdesk assembly and more fix points using bigger, stronger fixings than either the FlexiSpot or the Maidesite.
Greater attention to build quality in the FRISKA also means that the wear of the ‘glides’ (the inserts that sit between the leg sections and enable them to glide up and down) is more even than virtually all competitors in the price range.
While FlexiSpot and Maidesite are unquestionably good, FRISKA is better.
Standing desk comparison – build quality
We’re moving into the unknown somewhat with this category, but it’s an important one. The truth is we don’t know about the quality of the electronic components used in the Flexispot or Maidesite desks, but desk electronics made in the East Asia (as all three of these are) tend to fall into two categories.
Either they contain low grade circuit boards designed for general applications, not specifically electric desks. These will typically be made using low grade connectors and excessive fixing caulk (because such things are cheaper to manufacture and few customers would ever notice the difference until the desk developed a problem).
Or they choose better quality circuit boards specifically designed for standing desks.
The FRISKA Aktiv 2 uses Taiwanese electronics that fit the latter description. The others use Chinese or Vietnamese components.
Standing desk comparison – finishes
|
|
FRISKA Aktiv 2 |
Flexispot E8 |
Maidesite S2 Pro Plus |
|
Frame finishes |
3 |
2 |
3 |
|
Desktop finishes |
8 |
8 |
3 |
|
Total possible combinations |
24 |
16 |
9 |
If you want real choice in your desktop and frame combinations, Flexispot offers a generous number, but FRISKA offers more.
Maidesite, on the other hand, gives you the choice of just ‘vintage’ ‘wood’ or ‘white’ on its 120 x 60cm desk. You get an extra frame and desktop finish option when you choose its larger desktop.
Standing desk comparison – options and extras
Let’s start with desktop size options. FRISKA and FlexiSpot offer seven. Maidesite offers just two. If your ideal standing desk needs a desktop that’s longer than 140cm, then, you’ll have no option but to choose FlexiSpot or FRISKA.
All three standing desk companies offer a range of add-ons, although Maidesite bundles up a drawer, castors and cable management tray in an accessory package without giving you the option of choosing them separately. At that point, Maidesite’s customisability shudders to a halt.
FlexiSpot and FRISKA’s options are much more extensive, ranging from monitor arms and standing mats to lockable drawers and CPU holders. If you want to achieve a tailored workstation that delivers exactly what you need, you’ll be able to do that much more easily with the FRISKA or FlexiSpot.
Standing desk comparison – sustainability
‘Sustainability’ is about more than the environment, so it’s a little difficult to directly compare like with like, but all three desk manufacturers in our comparison say they are committed to sustainability.
For FlexiSpot that’s about sustainable development as much as sustainable materials. The company supports WWF in its protection of biodiversity and plants trees to offset the carbon generated in making and shipping its desks. All its wood comes from sustainably managed forests.
Maidesite is considerably lighter in detail. It says it supports social responsibility but doesn’t say how. It does, however, state that its MFC desktops are made from E0 MFC chipboard, a Chinese standard which indicates the lowest possible formaldehyde emission rate.
The Aktiv 2’s sit/stand desks only use British-grown, FSC-certified timber. The packaging is 100% recyclable and (almost) 100% biodegradable. As with every company in this comparison, as there’s no escaping the fact that the frames and motors come from the East Asia, we plant ten trees for every standing desk we sell, which more than offsets the carbon.
Standing desk comparison – delivery and installation
Order an Aktiv 2 before 2pm and we’ll dispatch it same day. You should have it tomorrow if you’re on the UK mainland (excluding Scottish Highlands where it might take a little longer). Even if you’ve added a whole bundle of customisable options to your desk, it should still be with you tomorrow and shipping is free.
Maidesite also offers free shipping and says its products should be with you in 2-5 days on all in-stock orders.
Flexispot offers free shipping and delivers in seven days, “however delivery is often quicker.”
If you want your standing desk fast, there’s really only one winner: FRISKA.
FlexiSpot and Maidesite don’t offer an installation service at all. FRISKA does, using expert fitters, for an additional fee.
Standing desk comparison – price
|
|
FRISKA Aktiv 2 |
Flexispot E8 |
Maidesite S2 Pro Plus |
|
Price |
£499.00 |
£499.98 |
£339.00 |
The numerous options available across the desks means it’s not always easy to compare like with like. For that reason, we’ve stripped things back to the entry level for each desk (comprising desk and frame). At time of writing—which was during sale season—the Maidesite was the cheapest of our height adjustable desks, and by some margin. If cost is your one deciding factor, the Maidesite is tough to beat as long as you’re prepared to overlook the compromises.
It is, however, worth pointing out that the entry level for the FRISKA is a 120x70cm desktop, while the entry point for the FlexiSpot and Maidesite is the smaller 120x60cm.
When you choose the same size desktop (140 x 70 cm, for example) Flexispot becomes the most expensive desk and the price difference between the FRISKA and Maidesite decreases:
|
|
FRISKA Aktiv 2 |
Flexispot E8 |
Maidesite S2 Pro Plus |
|
Price (140x70cm) |
£519.00 |
£549.98 |
£379 |
As we’ve already seen, if you want anything larger than a 140 x 70cm desk from Maidesite, erm, you can’t.
FRISKA and FlexiSpot’s electric desks both give you the option of spreading the payments with Klarna. Maidesite doesn’t, so you’ll have to stump up the full amount in one go.
The winner is…
It’s a close-run thing. If price is the deciding factor and its limited choice of sizes, finishes and accessories (and it’s lack of payment and installation options) don’t deter you, the Maidesite takes the crown.
If you need a sensibly priced desk that will take the weight of a baby elephant, the Flexispot wins out, provided you’re prepared to accept the fact that, in most configurations, it’s the most expensive option.
And if you want more combinations of finishes, quieter operation, faster delivery, installation, and peerless stability and build quality for its class? That will be the FRISKA Aktiv 2.
Or, to talk about your standing desk options, talk to us