Choosing the perfect standing desk is a big decision as it can be an absolute game-changer for your productivity, posture, and overall well-being.
But when shopping around, the big question remains - should you go for a manual standing desk or an electric one?
Both types of standing desks have their own benefits and potential drawbacks, so it’s important to fully understand the ins and outs of both options before making a decision. And this is where we’re here to help…
What is an Electric Standing Desk?
An electric standing desk is a type of desk that allows the user to adjust the height with the push of a button.
Most electric standing desks use just one motor to adjust the desk's height smoothly, and some premium models have dual or triple motors, for even faster movement when raising or lowering.
A great example of a premium electric standing desk is the Stockholm Signature Standing Desk, a heavy-duty desk made in Sweden to our stringent quality standards. Now with both physical and Bluetooth controls, and an App adjustable anti-collision sensor, the Stockholm Signature gives you total control flexibility and takes the title of the world’s safest sit/stand desk.
The Stockholm Signature standing desk frame features a raw metal appearance, finished in a clear matt lacquer to give the ultimate vintage industrial look without compromising its ultra-smooth operation or its desirability as an avant-garde furniture showpiece.
The Benefits of an Electric Standing Desk
An electric standing desk offers a wide range of benefits:
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You can control the exact height - One of the great things about electric desks is that you can fine tune the desk to your exact height requirements. The motors on an electric desk enable incremental height changes, often down to millimeter-level precision, which is often much trickier to do on a manual desk with a crank.
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You can set memory presets - Some models of electric standing desks allow users to save preset height settings, making it easy to switch to your preferred sitting and standing heights with one touch.
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Convenience - As touched on above, you can adjust the height of the electric desk with a quick push of the button, meaning you can transition between sitting and standing positions with complete ease
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They can offer reminders - Some advanced models can even set reminders and schedules, which will ensure you remember to sit and stand throughout the day.
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Anti-collision features - Advanced models might also come with gyroscopes and pressure sensors to ensure smooth and level adjustments. Some also come with anti-collision technology that detects obstacles (e.g., a chair or cables) and stops movement to prevent damage, like our Aapa Executive Designer Standing Desk.
Check out our wide range of designer electric standing desks here.
Potential Drawbacks of an Electric Standing Desk
As with everything, while electric standing desks offer many benefits, they also come with some potential drawbacks that you might want to consider.
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They often have a higher price point - When compared to normal desks or even manual standing desks, eclectic standing desks are often more expensive, and the price will depend on features like dual motors, memory presets, and weight capacity.
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They are often noisier than manual desks - Due to their motorised system, electric standing desks are often slightly noisier than manual desks. That said, many modern electric desks are specifically designed to be quieter, like our models here at Friska Desk
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They’re less environmentally-friendly - Their electrical components will contribute to e-waste overtime. That said, some higher-end models with more durable parts reduce this issue, but it’s still an important point that’s worth considering.
What is a Manual Standing Desk?
As you could probably guess, a manual standing desk is a desk that, instead of a button via an electric motor, requires physical effort to adjust the height, typically using a crank.
One of our most popular manual standing desks is the Ljungby Manual Height Adjustable Standing Desk, made in Sweden using the same quality components as our electrical standing desks to precise quality standards.
The Ljungby desk is ideal if you have a tight budget but want the best quality.
The Benefits of a Manual Standing Desk
While a manual standing desk isn’t as advanced as an electrical standing desk, it still has it’s own benefits:
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Budget-friendly - One of the main benefits of choosing a manual standing desk is their initial affordability. Also, as there are no motors or electronic components, you save on any potential repair costs that might be incurred with their electrical counterparts.
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They don’t require any power - Manual standing desks don’t rely on electric parts, meaning you don’t need to worry about having access to power. And since they don’t need to be near a power outlet, they work well in classrooms, open offices, and mobile work setups.
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They’re lightweight - Depending on materials used, manual standing desks are often more lightweight than electric desks, due to the fact that there’s no motor.
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Eco-friendly - Another core benefit is that this type of desk is kinder to the environment than electric desks, which leave behind electrical waste.
Potential Drawbacks of a Manual Standing Desk
Some potential disadvantages of using this type of desk include:
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They require more effort to adjust - Cranking can be tiring, especially if adjusting multiple times a day. That said, this movement can encourage physical activity during working hours, which can have a positive impact on your health.
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They adjust slower - Electric desks change height with the press of a button and can happen in a matter of seconds, while manual desks take longer to adjust.
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Limited weight capacity - Manual desks often have less weight capacity than electric desks, so might potentially struggle with heavier setups (multiple monitors, large desktop PCs, etc.).
How to Choose the Right Type of Standing Desk
Choosing the right type of standing desk is an important decision, and should be thought about carefully by weighing up the pros, cons and key features of both.
Consider things like your budget, whether or not you have sufficient power outlets, your workplace needs and how often you will be using the height adjustment feature.
Check out our full collection of standing desks, available for next working day delivery if ordered by 3pm.
Our desks come with a comprehensive 10 year warranty and price guarantee, as well as access to a UK-based customer service team to answer any questions that you might have around our products and installation service.
Otherwise, our standing desk news page provides more useful tips on using a standing desk and ergonomic accessories for a more balanced lifestyle.
Any questions? Please get in touch with our experts via our enquiry form on our site, or on 020 8064 0600.