In my experience, choosing the best office desk can have a dramatic effect on productivity. And, of course, it makes your workspace look a whole lot nicer too.
As office furniture editor, I've compared a range of the top options, with a focus on solid construction quality and stability, value for money, and unique features to suit a range of working styles and spaces - just as I do when me and my team test the best standing desks and best office chairs. To my mind, the Office Hippo Professional Cantilever Desk remains the best office desk for business use, while I'd recommend the Flexispot E7 for the home office. But scroll down to see all my top picks.
The best office desk of 2024
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Below you'll find full write-ups for each of the best office desk in our list. We've tested each one extensively, so you can be sure that our recommendations can be trusted.
The best office desk overall
Office Hippo’s professional desk is our pick for the best all-rounder. It’s suitably well-built and sturdy, offering a good range of different sizes, with a palatable price tag.
The desk is fairly easy to put together – we own one ourselves and managed the task with no bother – and it’s very solid, with the actual desktop being an inch thick.
As mentioned, you can get it in various sizes, including the largest model, which is 180cm wide, and comfortably allows for two people to work side-by-side, with plenty of space for a couple of monitors and a printer or multifunction device between. The smaller models, at 80cm or 120cm, are perfect for a single desk or, in the latter case, someone who wants a roomy single desk to fit plenty of stuff on. The Office Hippo is plenty deep enough at 80cm, as well.
One neat extra worth mentioning is that there are nifty cable management holes on either end of the desk. We’ve owned this desk (which comes in various kinds of wood and colors) for years. We have been very happy with it, so we can recommend it as great value for money considering the not too wallet-damaging asking price.
You should be able to get hold of this in the US and the UK. Still, those State-side who can’t find the Office Hippo (or an economical way to get one shipped over) should look at this Bush Office Desk from Walmart, another sturdy product with a very similar size and style, complete with cable management holes.
The best corner office desk
If you need an L-shaped desk to go in a corner (or elsewhere, for that matter), this model sold on Amazon represents great value – particularly with a $20 off coupon at the time of writing.
The frame is made of steel, and the desktop itself is MDF. A neat extra touch comes with the addition of leveling studs on the feet, which can be adjusted to provide extra stability on an uneven floor. It is sturdy, going to online feedback, and this office desk is easy to assemble.
The Casaottima also comes with a small shelf – for a monitor, or perhaps speakers, for example – which can be attached to the left-hand or right-hand side of the desk.
Going by customer reviews, perhaps the main niggle with this product is the occasional complaint of a missing screw or another element. Still, customer service seems to resolve any such problems promptly. Overall, this L-shaped desk is great value for money.
The best office desk for sitting and standing
A sit-stand or standing desk is motorized to allow the desktop to be raised or lowered to different heights, allowing you to switch between sitting and standing during your working day. And that should mean better posture, weight distribution, and a moderately more active lifestyle.
For us, the Flexispot E7 is the pick of the bunch. Topping our list of desks for both sitting and standing, this model features a well-sized work surface with a comfortable cutaway, impressively sturdy build quality. Coupled with a fast and near-silent motorized operation, it's no wonder this is our favorite.
Beyond height adjustability, one of the standout features for us was the built-in wireless charger. Just place any compatible phone on the symbol to the left and leave it to charge. Unfortunately, this can't be moved, but we found it was ideally placed for access without distracting us at the same time.
There is a an E7 Pro version, which adds a few extra features, but unless you need a higher height range and greater weight limit, we'd still recommend the original Flexispot E7 (although it's a close-run choice).
Read our full FlexiSpot E7 standing desk review
The best budget office desk
Furinno makes a lot of desks, and this one’s a tempting proposition for those who don’t want to part with all that much cash. Naturally, you can’t expect top-notch build quality at the bargain basement end of the desk market. Still, you get a solid enough product here, and it’s relatively easy to put together.
What you also get is a very compact computer desk – a good option for those looking for a space-saver – and you can slot your PC on the right-hand side shelf, plus a slide-out tray for your keyboard and mouse. There’s a bonus drawer included as well.
Now, when you consider the recommended price of the Furinno, coupled with the reality that most online retailers offer it with quite a substantial discount compared to that MSRP, this is a great buy for those who don’t want to spend much at all on their office desk.
The best office desk for students
If you're looking for a lightweight office desk that won't take up too much space, the Sweetcrispy computer desk is a good choice. At 40 inches, it offers more than enough room for a laptop, monitor, keyboard, and other peripherals, without dominating a dorm room or student accommodation.
Easy to assemble, the desk is a simple design, with a metal frame and wooden tabletop with a weight capacity of 176lbs, which is about standard. What we especially like about the Sweetcrispy computer desk is the extra storage. To the left of the desk, you'll find headphone hooks, while to the right are two lightweight drawers and a shelving unit beneath for a printer or files, making it one of the best desks for studying.
So, it's a super-practical, cheap, and compact office desk that's ideal for students. What's the catch? Well, the biggest issue with this budget office desk is the price disparity across territories. It's priced at under $50 in the US, while those in the UK may have to pay a little more.
For an office desk that's a real space-saver for your student bedroom, also check out the Vecelo Corner Computer Desk - available from Amazon US and Amazon UK.
Best office desks: Honorable mentions
Complete your setup with these accessories - all tested, reviewed, and rated by us.
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Piranha Unicorn Large Reversible Corner Desk
This is a flexible corner desk that can have the longer portion positioned either on the left or the right, depending on your needs (which is what the ‘reversible’ reference in the name means). Either way, it provides a seriously large chunk of working space and is a smart, robustly-built piece of furniture. When writing, UK buyers will find that Piranha stocks the Reversible Corner Desk in oak and dark walnut-effect finishes, as well as graphite black and white woodgrain.
John Lewis Abacus Small Desk
Those who don’t have much space in their office or study seeking a smaller desk would do well to check out this product from John Lewis. It’s very compact at 80cm long by 42cm deep, and it’s good quality – made of oak – with an optional keyboard tray that can be slotted in. UK readers can purchase the Abacus desk directly from John Lewis, plus there are also options on an Abacus corner desk and one with a set of drawers.
Mind Reader Home Office Sit and Stand Desk
Folks looking for a space-saving desk (like the above model) in the US should consider the Mind Reader Multipurpose Home Office Sit and Stand Desk from Walmart. This product is not only very wallet-friendly, but as the name suggests, it allows the height of the desk to be manually adjusted, so you can stand or sit as required.
FlexiSpot EN1
If you’re hunting for a more budget-friendly product for a standing desk, this is about as good as it gets. Despite its relatively cheap nature, this FlexiSpot standing desk still comes with some nifty features, including a quiet motorized lift with three preset heights and an alarm that alerts you when it’s time to change from sitting to standing (or vice versa). US readers can buy direct from FlexiSpot, and the company also has a UK store.
Branch Six-Person Desk
Those who wish to cater to multiple people with one office desk should consider Branch’s Six Person Desk, which, as the name suggests, sits six people (complete with cable management ports for all to keep things nice and tidy). You get a modular steel frame, flared desk legs, a weight-bearing capacity of some 295kg, and some neat options like the ability to install privacy panels. If you need a truly expansive high-quality office desk, grab this at a competitive price (with monthly payment options available) direct from Branch in the US.
Best office desks: FAQs
Ergonomic desk vs normal desk: what's the difference
We asked Elsa Sinjaga, marketing manager at Treston, what are the most notable differences between an ergonomic desk and a normal desk:
The requirements for desks and benches in industrial and technical environments are inherently different to those of other areas, such as offices. The jobs carried out at manufacturing workstation may involve force, precision skills and repetitive movements, and it is not always possible to adopt and ideal posture in relation to the work piece. An ergonomic workbench must adapt as well as possible to the working environment and to the operator without adapting unhealthy working positions or unnatural postures, and all this without affecting productivity and efficiency negatively.
An ergonomic workbench with easy height adjustment and large range of accessories differs from a normal, non-height adjustable desk that has a limited range of accessories in many ways.
First of all activities carried out in industrial and technical benches are often complicated, sometimes require force, sometimes fine motor skills. In addition, in shift work desks are shared by several operators, often different in size. Height adjustable workbench with easy height adjustment method is a key factor in ensuring correct working height and proper ergonomics for all workers, no matter what sized operator you have, no matter big or small work piece and not dependent on the working position (sitting, standing, semi-sitting). We recommend desks either with hand crank or electric height adjustment.
Second, the reach range in industrial tasks can be large, depending on the work piece size and materials and tools you need to have in reach within the workstation. Your bench has to flexible in terms how it gives maximum adaptability without compromising ergonomics. This is achieved with modular workbenches that have a wide range of accessories. Height adjustable accessories above the workbench ensure ergonomic working postures for operators in all sizes and accessories with arm allow you to work in your primary and secondary working zones and eliminate unnecessary reaching.
Workstations and industrial furniture design and implementation always begin with the person performing the work. Ergonomics, functionality and efficiency should be at the forefront of your furniture provider's mind; look for designs that re cost-effective and comply with the principles of the LEAN philosophy.
Office workstation and a home workstation: what's the difference
We put that question to Anna Bettina Pangalangan, a spokesperson from Flexispot, what are the most notable differences between an office workstation and a home workstation. Shel told us:
"Setting up a dedicated spot for work is essential for productivity. Whether you are back in the office or still doing remote work, knowing the characteristics of an office workstation and a home workstation can help you achieve your ideal workspace.
An office workstation goes beyond the usual desk with a computer. It is a place where employees can concentrate and work on their tasks without any distractions. In the traditional setting, office workstations are often enclosed in a cubicle for privacy. However, offices with modern interiors offer open workstations or co-working spaces where employees can share their work areas.
The best setup depends on your office environment. If your company encourages open communication, teamwork, and togetherness between employees, it’s best to go for the open workstation, provided that social distancing is practiced. But if employees need to take calls or need solitude in finishing tasks, putting a workstation in a cubicle is the best choice.
Just like an office workstation, a home workstation is a place in your home where you can work without interruptions. A home workstation offers more flexibility since you only have to think about your needs.
Ensure that your home workstation is ergonomic can be challenging, but it will set you on a better course for a healthy body. An ergonomic home workstation provides a healthier environment because you have the option to sit and stand on the fly. Some of the benefits of staying active at work include improved productivity, better mood, and fewer body pains.
Many brands offer ergonomic furniture. It can be overwhelming to look for affordable and high-quality ergonomic furniture. But here are some hints to make your search easier.
Look for height-adjustable models with features such as a tempered glass desktop, powerful motor and legs, a built-in drawer and an advanced keypad with an up-and-down button, memory height buttons, a child-lock button, and USB charging ports.
Take your time in assessing what you need for your workstation. Even if you work in the office or from your home, the important thing is to have a workstation that will work for you."
What is a workstation desk?
A traditional office workstation desk carries office equipment such as a computer, keyboard tray, mouse, and supplies. The standard seated-height desk is often accompanied by an adjustable chair and under desk storage spaces.
But if you are working from home, you have the liberty to redefine the workstation desk to make it more suitable for your work style. With the plethora of furniture choices out there, it is easy to have a workstation desk that reflects your personality.
It might be tempting not to build a proper workstation desk. After all, you have the kitchen table or the bed as an alternative workstation desk, right? That might be an alluring idea for a couple of weeks. But if you are going to work from home full-time, it pays to have a dedicated workstation desk where you can focus on work as you would in an office setting.
Tips to nail the ideal workstation desk
You can spend some time to make your workstation desk more ergonomic. Poor ergonomic practices can lead to lower productivity and even physical injury. If you are worried about the experience, we want to let you know that there are ergonomic furniture brands that guarantee quality and affordability. It is all about finding the right products that will help you to stay productive and healthy.
For example, you can try a height-adjustable desk so you can alternate between sitting and standing. Likewise, an ergonomic chair will help you to sit with your thighs parallel to the floor and your feet flat on the floor. Having an ergonomic workstation desk will have a positive impact on your overall physical and mental health.
Your workstation desk must have enough space to allow your body to move in a neutral position. For example, you might want to check your workstation desk's height and make sure that your computer or laptop is within eye-level. This position would prevent slouching, which can affect your posture and spine health in the long run.
Create a workstation desk that shows your personality. Have fun decorating your workstation desk. You can put up a pegboard to put the fun in organizing. Visit Pinterest for layout and design inspirations.
Remember, your working environment can affect the way you work and think. Invest some time to create the best workstation desk for a sound body and mind.
How to choose the best office desk
When choosing which office desk is best for you, there are a number of considerations.
Budget
Not all office desks are equal, with budget options coming in at around $50, and top-end office desks retailing upwards of $1000. Generally, cheaper office desks will have lower weight load capacities, limiting the amount of devices and peripherals you can place on them. They may also lack storage, charging ports, wireless charging compared to those office desks costing around $150 plus.
We often see desks for offices on sale and Prime Day standing desk deals and Black Friday standing desk deals are common.
Material
Most office desks feature a metal frame and a wooden tabletop or desktop. This keeps them lightweight, while still remaining practical. The type of wood used in construction will vary from desk to desk, with some using lower quality wood, while others opt for more traditional oak and maple surfaces.
Size
The best office desks come in a range of sizes, with 40 inches being a good option for those with limited space, and 55-inch desktops suitable for those who need a lot of workspace, or use multiple monitors and devices. When determining space and size, it's worth noting you can find corner and L-shaped desks which may offer more practicality depending on the room size.
How we test the best office desks
Our team of expert office furniture reviewers have tested a wide range of desks and chairs. When comparing the best office desks, we draw on years of experience constructing and reviewing professional furniture.
As part of our review process, we look at design, dimensions, materials, and build quality. We also rigorously test out all storage and additional features, such as elevation controls or wireless charging where available. During this phase, we also explore how well the desk operates in its intended use - whether it's built for businesses or the best desk for the home office or studying. Where we haven't yet gone hands-on with a desk, we carefully assess all specifications and online reviews to find the highlights and lowlights for each model.
Finally, once we know the features and capabilities of the desk, we look at the price and value of the overall package.
