Choosing an Alternative to Vari Converters
The standing desk converter market is getting much more competitive, which is great for you as a buyer. While Vari (formerly Varidesk) makes excellent products and has made a great name for themselves, there are some fantastic alternatives from new and established companies that we urge you to consider. Using our list, you may be able to find the perfect standing desk converter and save a little money while you’re at it.
Our research is supported by our readers. We may earn a small commission when you make a purchase through links on our site, but this in no ways increases the price of the products - advertiser disclosure
Our Process
In selecting our list of alternatives to Varidesk, we have chosen converters that deliver the pros and avoid the cons of Varidesk products at a lower or similar price point. Here's what we were looking for:
- Quality - Quality is a distinct characteristic of Varidesk products. If you're looking for an alternative, you still want a quality item.
- Stability - Some Varidesk designs can cause some stability issues, so we're looking for desks that generally perform a little better with stability.
- Price - Varidesk is usually towards the top of the price range among competitor products. We've found converters that cost less, without much compromise.
Best Varidesk Alternatives
We understand that every person and their standing desk preferences are different, so we'll give you options in a variety of different categories:
FlexiSpot Motorized Alcove Riser EM7
Best Value
The EM7 gets outstanding reviews and is a superstar for its ergonomics:
- It has a U-shaped cutout to accommodate up to a 17" laptop on the keyboard tray.
- The keyboard tray is removable (not a common feature in converters).
- The ease in raising and lowering via motor, not manually.
- The addition of a USB port next to the controls to charge your phone or tablet.
This converter competes with other higher-priced converters for much cheaper.
Best Budget Runner-Up
The Mount-It! is unique in two ways:
- The base is small, so this is a good option for people putting their converter on a small surface.
- The design is beautiful and hides the support mechanisms that raise and lower the desk.
Its' range of adjustment is 5" - 16", with the highest height being the lowest of our top choices, making it a less ergonomic choice for the very tall.
The only drawbacks of this design is that it tends to wobble a little more than the other designs. But if you don't plan on using multiple monitors or other heavy items, this is a great budget option.
And the keyboard tray is only 25.25", which would make using a full-sized keyboard and mouse cramped. If you use a smaller keyboard, such as a Tenkeyless (which is around 12" and doesn't have the number pad on the right), it shouldn't be a problem.
Best Budget
This converter from Vivo isn't the prettiest converter, but it has a few ergonomic features that we like:
- The front of the desk is cut out in an arc to bring you closer to items on your desk.
- The pneumatic lifting action is easy and smooth and can stop at any height within its' range.
- It rises straight up, which is a nice feature if you don't have a lot of space behind your desk.
- Its' range of adjustment is 4.5" to 20", making it both the highest reaching of all our top choices and a more ergonomic option for tall people, and the lowest reaching (along with the Vari Pro Plus 36") for short people.
The DESK-VOOOK is a fantastic value at under $150.
Best Value Runner Up
The DESK-VOOOV is another star from Vivo. It has solid ergonomics - it has a slot for phone or tablet, and a cutout for a laptop to sit on the keyboard tray.
It operates smoothly, is beautiful (the base and legs have a curved design), has a good warranty, requires little assembly, and has a higher-than-average lift capacity.
Best for Corners and Cubicles
- Ergonomics - Similar to the M2B, the M4B has a large comfort-oriented keyboard tray with beveled edges and is great for both left and right-handed users. The deep and wide design gives you plenty of work surface area both for monitors and your mouse movement.
- Design - Sleek design with a nice finish, even on the mechanical parts of the converter.
- Operation - The X-shape design makes adjusting your desk easy. It rises up perfectly straight and is great for small spaces.
- Stability - Stability is identical to the M2B, our top-rated desk from Flexispot.
- Options - Options are limited for the M4B. It is currently only available in black, but we suspect other colors will be available as the desk gains in popularity.
- Value for money - There are very few standing desk converters that are designed for corners or cubicles. At less than $350 the M4B Corner 41" is great value if you're looking to give a corner workspace the ability to stand while working.
- Assembly - Requires minimal assembly.
Compare Top Varidesk Alternatives
Use the table below to compare the stats of our top Varidesk alternatives. As you can see, there is a range of minimum and maximum heights, as well as lift capacity, and pricing. If you're on the low or high end of the height range, choose accordingly. If you have multiple monitors or heavier computing equipment, consider a standing desk converter with a high lift capacity.
- Min Height (inches) - This is the measurement from the floor to the top of the converter in its lowest possible position assuming the existing desk is 25" tall.
- Max Height (inches) - This is the measurement from the floor to the top of the converter in its highest position assuming the existing desk is 25" tall.
- Lift Capacity (pounds) - This is the optimal maximum lift capacity of the converter as reported by the manufacturer.
- Price (USD) - This is the current price as of the last update date on this guide.
| Desk | Min Height | Max Height | Lift Capacity Pounds | Price USD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FlexiSpot AlcoveRiser EM7 | 5.7" | 19.7" | 44 | $299 |
| Mount-It! | 6.25" | 17" | 33 | $149.84 | Vivo Riser | 6" | 17" | 33 | $257.39 |
| Vivo Electric Converter | 31" | 44" | 45 | $269 |
| FlexiSpot M4 Corner 41" | 5.9" | 19.7" | 35 | $289 |
Getting Started with Your Converter
Standing desk converters or risers are a great way to start standing on a budget or to take advantage of your existing furniture. We've used converters extensively in the office and at home, and here is what we've learned:
- Select a converter with ample space for your keyboard and mouse - Many have keyboard trays that don't leave much room for the mouse. All of our top choices have room for the mouse. You'll notice that many use an Apple keyboard tray in their pictures because they're so much smaller.
- Position Your Monitor Correctly - Most of these units are for people between 5'3" and 6'1". If you are taller or shorter, you may want to add a monitor arm to your standing desk converter.
- Try a Standing Mat - A standing desk mat is a great accessory to help you ease into standing, and stand longer when you choose to. It helps ease pressure on your joints, back, and neck.
- Try a leaning chair or stool - A leaning chair or stool designed for a standing desk gives you an additional option between sitting and standing. It allows you to take a break from standing without putting pressure on your spine and lower back caused by sitting.
Varidesk Alternatives Frequently Asked Questions
Here are the answers to our most frequently asked questions about Varidesk (now Vari) alternatives.
Did Varidesk change its name?
Yes, Varidesk did change its name in February 2020. The Texas-based company and one of the pioneers of the standing desk movement changed its name to Vari.
Who are the top Vari competitors?
The top Varidesk competitors for standing desk converts are the Mount-It!, FlexiSpot, and Vivo.
What is a standing desk converter?
Standing desk converters are adjustable desks that are placed on an existing table or desk, and they can be a cost-effective way to stand without getting rid of or moving your current desk.
Where can you buy a standing desk converter?
Standing desk converters are slowly becoming available in retail stores. The best place to find them is online through companies that specialize in standing desks.
Is standing at your desk healthy?
Standing at your desk can be a great way to break up long periods of sitting. Experts recommend mixing standing with sitting, changing positions throughout the day.
Comments
This was a very helpful review. I have been looking for a less expensive option. The varidesk products seem like they are overpriced. I think I’m going to go with the fancier studio desk converter.
Dakota,
We’re glad this helped! We certainly don’t think Varidesk makes bad products. Their quality is very good. These are just a few alternatives for those people that are seeking out other options.
Why is the varidesk so popular to begin with? It seems like no other desk gets talked about. Are they really as bad and as overpriced as I see on btod?
Varidesk makes quality products overall, and they have great name recognition because of their active advertising and how long (relatively speaking) they have been in the market. There are a number of products that have similar features and quality at a lower price which we have featured on this page. We do not have anything against Varidesk, but we have been asked by many about the different alternatives that are out there so we wanted to feature the ones that we have reviewed above.
Sir
We have gone through the SOHO VARIDESK but we wanted to see full 360 degree view (especially we are have doubt of locking )
is it possible to send us the full 360 degree video for us
Hi- I’m looking for one big enough to have space for two monitors without a mount. All the pictures above show one monitor and a laptop. Many of us who telework use two. Also, I assume most of these models come in white? Also, my desk is angled at a corner, (I sit in the V area of the desk) so I have both monitors angled in a V shape (in case that makes a difference).
Thanks!
Hi Shanna we’d recommend taking a look at our best standing desk converters page There is a desk we like made by Flexispot that is designed to be used in the corner of a cube and is plenty wide enough for two monitors, with or without monitor arms. Hope this helps! Thanks!
What is your best option for a taller person, 6’4″?
Hi Paula, our favorite standing desk converter for someone that height is the iMovr Ziplift. It has the range you need as is stable at full height.