Standing desks have surged in popularity across the country, offering a seamless transition between sitting and standing.
There are two types of standing desks - manual and electric. As it says in the name, manual standing desks require a hand crank to manually adjust the height, often offering a budget-friendly solution. On the other hand, electric standing desks use single or dual motors, often featuring programmable presets for convenience.
But with moving parts and electronic components, you’re probably wondering - are electric standing desks truly reliable?
The simple answer to that question is - electric standing desks are generally reliable, but, like all electronic products, their longevity depends on a range of factors like motor quality, frame stability, and electronic components. Typically speaking, high-quality desks with dual motors and sturdy frames are more likely to last much longer and offer smoother adjustments than lower-quality, cheaper options.
Let’s look at this in a little more detail…
Key Factors That Determine the Reliability of an Electric Standing Desk
The main factors that will influence the reliability (and longevity) of an electric standing desk include:
1. Quality of The Motor
The motor is the heart of an electric standing desk. Without it, the electric desk is simply just a desk!
The reliability of the motor will depend on single or dual motor systems. For example, dual motors provide better weight distribution and faster, quieter adjustments compared to single-motor desks.
Investing in a high-quality motor will last for years, for tens of thousands of cycles, however lower-end desks may experience overheating or slower performance over time.
Browse our wide range of dual motor electric standing desks here at Ergo Desks, such as the Agility Standing Desk and the Atlas Standing Desk.
For more more expert advice, give us a call on 020 8064 0064.
2. Quality & Stability of the Frame
The stability of the frame itself plays a crucial role in the desk’s reliability, especially at higher positions. Typically speaking, steel or aluminum frames are more durable than cheaper alternatives.
It’s also important to note that overloading the desk above its maximum capacity can strain the motor and affect its stability. Reliable frame models typically support 120kg.
3. Electronic Components
You don’t need to be a genius to know that electronic standing desks rely on electronic components to function smoothly. And so the quality of these systems is a crucial factor in their reliability.
One of the most important aspects of an electric standing desk is the control panel, which allows users to adjust the desk height with the push of a button. A well-built control panel should be responsive, durable, and resistant to dust and wear.
Lower-quality panels on the other hand may develop issues over time, such as unresponsive buttons or incorrect height readings.
The 4 Best Electric Standing Desks in 2025
Our experts have hand-selected the 4 best electric standing desks, taking into consideration factors like motor durability, frame stability, weight capacity, electronic reliability, ease of use, and overall value for money.
1. Atlas Bluetooth® Standing Desk
Take your standing desk experience to a whole new level with the Atlas Bluetooth Standing Desk - our best selling electric standing desk but with a serious upgrade… bluetooth controls!
This is an extremely stylish, yet highly reliable ergonomic standing desk solution, and
Its high quality dual motor system is capable of lifting up to 120kg while offering overload protection, thermal protection and enhanced, adjustable anti-collision sensors.
With this desk you will also benefit from an impressive 7 year warranty, protecting you from any premature problems and giving you complete peace of mind.
We also stock the Atlas corner desk & Atlas mini standing desk as part of the much-adored Atlas range.
2. Hades Standing Corner Desk
Next up we have the Hades Standing Corner Desk - a triple motor version of the popular Hades desk, featuring our vintage-industrial style raw steel frame, finished in a clear lacquer, leaving visible weld seams, heat marks and burnishing.
This stylish desk is rated to carry an even load of 160kg and has an operational high sensitivity upgrade available. The height adjustment range of 625 - 1285mm allows for a wide user spectrum.
Not sure what desktop Finish to choose? Check out the desktop range in more detail and order free samples.
3. Duo Standing Desk
If you’re looking for a back-to-back standing workstation, look no further!
Our Duo Standing Desk allows two users to independently raise and lower their workspace whilst being connected by a sleek single frame.
What’s also great about the Duo is that it can be used in conjunction with bench desking and screens to seamlessly fit the flow of any task environment.
Even though the two desks are merged in one solid frame, the dual motor system for each side still offers a powerful lift of up to 120kg, sufficient for even the most demanding setups.
The Duo standing desk is recommended for larger offices looking to set up rows of height adjustable desks in a stylish manner.
4. Agility Standing Desk
Last but not least, we have the Agility Standing Desk, our brand new and most affordable electric standing desk, while still meeting our high standards of quality.
This desk has an even larger height range than our flagship Liberty, allowing you to set the height electronically between 645mm and 1295mm quickly. It's also able to support comparable weight to higher end desks allowing for the dual motors to lift up to 100kg.
The four memory buttons on the control panel allow you to set a range of optimal heights even for multiple people.
There we have it!
For more information and tips on standing desks and accessories, visit our standing desks blog, including articles such as ‘Standing Desks vs. Desk Converters: Which One is Right For You?’ & ‘How To Convert Your Regular Desk Into A Standing Desk’.
We also stock a quality selection of ergonomic chairs to suit all requirements, and all come with free UK delivery, a 7 year warranty, 30 day risk free return, as well as access to a UK-based customer service team to answer any questions that you might have.
