7 Best Standing Desk Chairs, According to Gear Editors

Credit: Courtesy of RetailerProsAdjustable armrests, lumbar support, and footrestAwesome priceDurable metal frameGood selection of colorsDollar for dollar, we love this standing desk chair from Primy for its ultra-adjustable design. The height, armrests, lumbar support, and footrest can all be adjusted to suit your perfect comfort level. It has curves in all the right places, including the ergonomic back and seat cushion, to properly support you. Plus, the sturdy metal and wood design is durable enough to last for years.Our main gripe is that the aesthetic is a bit bland, although it is available in a good selection of colors to match your office decor. The best thing it has going for it, though? The price. There's overlooking true value here and this is the model we genuinely looked forward to sinking into when it was time to take a standing break.Essentially, it's a high-tech rolling barstool, with a build that can cradle any kind of spine. The breathable mesh structure is a nice touch and while we working into the wee hours many times in this model, it rarely felt like overtime. Oh, and the casters are smooth as silk and don't throw a lot of noise, regardless of the surface type. All that makes this a true best in show winner.More: Cool Office GadgetsProsThick, comfortable padded seat and backGreat all-around adjustabilityExecutive, faux-leather aestheticDurable, heavy-duty iron frameAvailable in a handful of colorsConsExtended delivery time due to sizeHeavyFor those looking to spend hours sitting at their standing desks, an executive-style chair is the way to go. This model from Misolant features extra-thick padding in the seat and seat back that's extremely comfortable and looks great too. The faux leather wrap face and diamond stitching pattern both add a premium vibe to the overall package. It all rests on a heavy-duty, ultra-durable iron frame with metal legs and casters designed to last for years. Plus, we dig that it's available in a handful of colors, so you can get beyond basic black.AdjustabilityHeight, lumbar, armsFrame MaterialsIronAvailable ColorsBlack, Camel, Grey, Navy BlueOverall Dimensions51.5" H x 25.2" W x 21.3" DWeight41.3 poundsWarranty12 monthsAdvertisement - Continue Reading BelowCredit: Courtesy of RetailerProsVery affordableWobble design supports active sittingWide, foam-padded seatPneumatic gas lift is height adjustableExcellent Amazon reviewsConsOnly available in one colorFor an affordable, minimalist solution, we love this active sitting stool. The wobble base is purpose-built to help engage your core and back muscles while you work. With an easy-to-use pneumatic gas lift, it's height-adjustable from 18.5 to 28 inches to accommodate a wide range of desks. The durable polypropylene frame is built to last for years while still being lightweight enough to move around wherever you need it. We also dig the wide, foam-padded seat that's designed for sitting or leaning for hours. Consider it both a home office essential and piece of low impact gym equipment.Key SpecsAdjustabilityHeight (18.5"-28")Frame MaterialPolypropoleneAvailable ColorsBlackOverall Dimensions28" H x 13" W x 13" DWeightUnspecifiedWarrantyUnspecifiedProsSimple, armless designAdjustable heightGreat priceSeveral styles and colors availableConsLooks like a budget chairNylon frame not as durable as metal alternativesThis affordable, dead-simple solution is about as basic as it gets. The armless design swivels and is height-adjustable to accommodate traditional and standing desks. It's also available in a handful of colors depending on the exact model you choose. However, you won't find adjustable lumbar support or any other bells and whistles found in other pricier options.But sacrificing those premium features means you can score a solid standing desk chair for less than almost any other model on the market. You can always counter the straightforwardness of the model with some louder desktop decor.Advertisement - Continue Reading BelowCredit: Courtesy of RetailerProsGreat priceModern aesthetic available in a handful of colorsAdjustable height and backIntegrated footrestConsLimited adjustabilityThis modern drafting desk/standing desk chair is proof that you don't have to spend hundreds of dollars on a decent model. The aesthetic is clean and contemporary, with adjustability in all the right places (namely, the height and tiltable back pad). The extra-thick foam pad provides 3.5 inches of cushion—more than most in our roundup. But the big win with this model is the budget-friendly price tag and free returns through Amazon to boot. The only downside? The plastic frame isn't as durable as others we've seen this year. There's a freshness to the option that can rejuvenate your workspace.Key SpecsAdjustabilityHeight, tiltable backFrame MaterialsPlasticAvailable ColorsAll Black, Black, Grey, Pink, WhiteOverall Dimensions36.2" H x 21.1" D x 18.3" WWeight27.8 poundsWarranty1 yearCredit: Courtesy of RetailerProsBold, modern good looks available in a handful of colorsDurable, lightweight designFree shipping and free returnsGood priceConsLimited adjustabilityModway's Thrive drafting chair sidesteps the typically boring aesthetic of most office furniture with a design that's bold and modern. In addition to black and grey, it's also available in energizing colors like orange, red, and cobalt blue. The frame is an ultra-durable mix of stainless steel, alloys, and polyester, so this one is built to last. Adjustability is limited to height-only, but we think it's worth a look if you're more interested in flash over function for your next standing desk chair. Visually, this is the sports car of the category, aerodynamic, quick, and sleek.Key SpecsAdjustabilityHeightFrame MaterialsNylon, stainless steelAvailable ColorsOrange, Black, Blue, Grey, RedOverall Dimensions43" H x 25" D x 24.5" WWeight26 poundsWarranty1 yearAdvertisement - Continue Reading BelowProsWobble design engages the entire body while workingWide cushioned seatSleek, minimalist aestheticHeight-adjustable design compatible with a wide variety of desksFree delivery and arrives fully assembledConsNot as supportive as a "true" desk chairWhen a full-blown office chair feels like overkill, a stool is a great alternative. The Vari Active Seat features a minimalist design that's height adjustable from 23 to 32.5 inches, so it works for seated and standing-height desks. What sets it apart is the "active seat" design that intentionally wobbles just enough to engage your leg, back, and core muscles while you work. The articulating pedestal also leans forward up to 20 degrees, allowing you to sit or stand in a variety of positions. You end up engaging without actively doing so, which is a nice physical benefit.AdjustabilityHeightFrame MaterialPolypropyleneAvailable ColorsBlackOverall Dimensions23" H x 17" W x 13.75" DWeight24 poundsWarranty1 yearWhy Buy a Standing Desk Chair?Standing desks add a ton of versatility to your office space while helping you engage your core and muscles far more than you would while sitting at a traditional desk. But, adding a standing (preferably adjustable-height) chair can add even more versatility to your setup. The best standing desk chairs give you the option to not only stand but also sit, lean, and even wobble (i.e., actively sit) to get in a mini workout while you work. Many are designed so that you sit on the edge of the seat, with your knees at more of a 135-degree angle, rather than seated all the way back with your knees at 90 degrees. This allows your hips to open up naturally, while providing support for your legs, feet, and back while standing.Advertisement - Continue Reading BelowIs a Chair or a Stool Better for My Standing Desk?It depends on your goals. Chairs, especially those with arms, will provide more comfort when sitting for long periods. They're more supportive for the lumbar region and hips than a stool. Stools are usually more versatile. The best standing desk stools are designed to tilt, lean, or wobble, providing you with multiple standing options while you work.Mike Richard has traveled the world since 2008. He's kayaked in Antarctica, tracked endangered African wild dogs in South Africa, and survived a near-miss great white shark attack in Mexico. His travel advice has appeared on the websites for Forbes, Travel + Leisure, CNET, and National Geographic. He loves the great outdoors and good bourbon, and (usually) calls Tulsa, Oklahoma home. Mike also enjoys speaking in the third person.