Introduction
As someone who spends hours working at a desk every day, I know firsthand how unhealthy prolonged sitting can be. I wanted to try a standing desk for a long time but wasn't sure I would use it enough to justify the cost. After trying a basic hand-crank standing desk that quickly became a hassle, I needed something better.
I tested the Uplift V2 Standing Desk to see how it compares to other best standing desks. It's the brand's flagship model, customizable to your needs with a base price of $599. Within just a few days of use, I noticed my chronic neck and shoulder pain significantly improved, and I found that I'm less distracted. Even after over a month of use, I still spend most of the day standing up.
Why Choose the Uplift V2 Standing Desk?
The Uplift V2 is a highly customizable standing desk that can meet almost any need. It can be ordered at a variety of price points with a large number of optional accessories. It's also relatively easy to assemble, with an impressive maximum height and quality construction that makes it perfect for very tall users.
Key Features
- Highly customizable: Over 2,000 different combinations of standing desks
- Stable at tall heights: Remains steady even at maximum height
- Quiet operation: Less than 48 decibels of sound while in motion
- ANSI/BIFMA X5.5-2021 compliant: Meets standards for stability, strength, safety, and durability
- Impressive weight capacity: Can lift up to 355 pounds
- 15-year warranty: Comprehensive coverage for peace of mind
Design and Customization Options
Uplift claims to have 2,000 different combinations of standing desks. It's great to have so many options, but if you don't know what you are looking for, the choices can be overwhelming. Fortunately, there are also pre-configured options you can browse through.
Desktop Options
There are 30 different desktop options, ranging from a practical whiteboard finish to a solid wood birch, and 10 options for sizes, ranging from 42 to 80 inches. Almost every other aspect of the desk is customizable, from the type and color of grommets to the wheels and keypad.
The Uplift website has an interactive build process that shows selections in real time. I appreciated seeing what different finishes would look like with different color frames. I also played around with different grommet covers, which included desktop outlets to a basic pencil holder so I could evaluate how different layouts might work.
Frame Options
Uplift offers four frames in four different colors. The frames come in standard and commercial versions, which reach different heights, but share other core features like lifting speeds, weight capacities, and motors. All frames have 3-stage legs that allow for a greater height range and faster, precise height adjustments.
| Frame Type | Best For | Height Range | Weight Capacity | Stability Crossbar |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | People 5'4" to 6'9" | 25.3"-50.9" | 355 pounds | No |
| Commercial | People 5' to 6'3" tall | 22.6" to 48.7" | 355 pounds | Yes |
The V2 has two motors, which are mounted under the desk. The commercial frame also includes a bar for added stability. The standard frame has a height range of 25.3 to 50.9 inches and accommodates users between 5-foot-4-inches to 6-foot-9-inches tall. The commercial frame has a height range of 22.6 to 48.7 inches to suit people between 5-foot and 6-foot-3-inches to satisfy the requirements of the ANSI/BIFMA G1-2013 height standard.
There are also two styles. The C-frame is the most popular model. Its legs and frame body are offset to the rear, which creates additional space for under-desktop-mounted accessories. The T-frame has a more symmetrical, cleaner look because the frame is centered on the desktop. This style is more practical when the desk will be used as a conference table or accessed from both sides.
Accessories
After building the basic desk, you can choose from numerous accessories. Uplift includes some free accessories with many orders. My favorite free accessory is the clip-on cup holder. I drink a lot of coffee and water throughout the day, and it's been a relief not to have to worry about a spill damaging my computer or notebooks.
I also got a free desk organizer set and a free padded standing mat, along with some other goodies. Additional accessories I chose included an under-mount power adapter with USB ($69), two clip-on shelves ($99), and a Bluetooth adapter ($29) to control the desk with my phone.
Setup and Assembly
Setup was relatively seamless. The desk and accessories arrived in multiple boxes over a few days. I could easily lift all of the boxes, except the one containing the desktop, myself. The desktop is heavy and requires two people to move, especially if you order a solid wood desktop like I did.
My teenage daughter and I put the desk together in about an hour and a half. The instructions were very easy to follow, and the set-up went smoothly. Attaching most of the accessories was also easy. Some accessories clip onto the desk and others are mounted. The desk has 48 pre-drilled mounting points under the desk so there is some flexibility when it comes to placement.
With one minor exception, I could completely assemble the desk and accessories with the tools provided in the box and an ordinary screwdriver. I only ran into an assembly issue with one accessory I ordered, a locking drawer, which requires drilling holes. Uplift has additional storage options that do not require additional drilling, which I would recommend instead.
Daily Use Experience
I used the Uplift V2 nearly every day for over a month, usually for several hours a day. I shift from standing up to sitting down and walking on an under-desk treadmill. I found the desk easy to use, stable, and very functional.
Height Control Options
There are different ways to control the height. Uplift offers a variety of keypads. The most basic model only has two buttons to move the desk up and down. More advanced models display desk height and remember preferred heights. I chose the advanced keypad, which lets me save my height preferences in the keypad and also displays the height.
I also have a Bluetooth adapter, which allows me to use an app to adjust the height of the desk from my phone. I like the app because it also tracks my time sitting and standing, based on when I change the desk height. I can also use the app to set standing goals and send myself reminders to get up if I've been sitting too long.
Stability and Performance
Uplift's website says the desk has less than 48 decibels of sound while in motion. I tested the difference in ambient noise while the desk was still and while in motion. The difference was about 25 decibels. The desk is silent when not in motion. I changed the height during Zoom meetings a couple of times and no one else noticed the sound.
The desk is very smooth when it moves up and down. My desk is usually cluttered with two monitors, notebooks, cups, and pens. I was a little concerned that the items on my desk would shift when I adjusted the height. I was relieved that all of my things stayed put, even though I adjusted the desk's height frequently throughout the day.
Additionally, I often lean on my desk toward the end of the day, and the desk remains stable. It's also fast to move. I changed the height from my preferred standing position of 43.4 inches to the desk's lowest height of 25.3 inches in just under 10 seconds, adjusting nearly two inches a second.
To test stability, I added 110 pounds of free weights to my usual set-up. Even with the considerable extra weight added, the desk didn't struggle to go up or down or wobble while in motion.
Health Benefits
Within just a few days of using the Uplift V2, I noticed my chronic neck and shoulder pain significantly improved. I also find that I'm less distracted when standing. Even after over a month of use, I still spend most of the day standing up.
I also use a walking pad or under-desk treadmill, which helps me get over 10,000 steps daily. Without a sturdy standing desk, I wouldn't be able to reach this goal so easily. The combination of standing and walking has transformed my workday and improved my overall health.
Cons to Consider
Overall, the Uplift V2 is a great standing desk that is highly customizable. However, there are a few things to consider:
- Overwhelming options: Building the perfect desk for your needs may seem overwhelming with so many choices
- Price can add up: The base model may not meet all of your needs, and add-ons can get expensive quickly
- Occasionally needs reset: The desk may need to be reset if the anticollision system detects an obstruction
- Space considerations: Placing anything too close to the legs could interfere with the operation of the desk
- Some accessories require special tools: Pay close attention to installation requirements for accessories
Resetting the desk required pushing a button on a keypad for 30 seconds and moving it to its lowest position. It's a fast and simple process, but it can be annoying when you want to get to work. However, it does remember your settings after the reset.
Alternatives to Consider
If you don't have the space or budget for an Uplift standing desk, consider a converter. When placed on a standard desktop, converters can transform almost any desk into a standing desk. Options run from $129 to $599.
Although the Uplift V2 is one of the best standing desks we have tested, there are several alternatives, including the Flexispot E7 Pro Standing Desk. It's available in several different options but not quite as customizable as the Uplift. It has a similar starting price but is more frequently found on sale. It's smooth and stable at all heights, with a lifting capacity of up to 440 pounds, which is the highest I've found. However, it's not as quiet when it adjusts heights.
Specifications
- Surface size: Varies, from 42" x 24" to 80" x 30"
- Min/Max height: 25.3" - 50" (standard frame) or 22.6" - 48.7" (commercial frame)
- Max weight: 355 pounds
- Warranty: 15 years
- Noise level: Less than 48 decibels
- Lifting speed: Approximately 2 inches per second
The Bottom Line
The Uplift V2 is a great choice for anyone who wants to spend more time standing up while working or gaming. It's simple to use and sturdy. I feel like they anticipated my every need. Because Uplift desks are highly customizable, almost everyone should be able to find a configuration and style that works for them. There are also a variety of price points, starting at $599 for the base model.
Even though I upgraded to a solid wood desktop at an additional cost, a basic model works just as well. I also like that I can easily move accessories, including shelves and outlets, around or add more at any time. If my needs change, I can easily shift accessories around or order additional items.
With an outstanding range of extras and customization options, an impressive maximum height, and quality construction, the Uplift V2 is perfect for anyone looking to improve their workspace and health. The 15-year warranty provides additional peace of mind, making this a worthwhile investment for your home office or workspace.
Conclusion
After over a month of daily use, the Uplift V2 Standing Desk has proven to be an excellent investment. It's transformed my workspace, improved my health, and made my workday more productive. The combination of stability, quiet operation, and extensive customization options makes it the best standing desk I've tested.
Whether you're looking to reduce back pain, increase your daily activity, or simply create a more ergonomic workspace, the Uplift V2 Standing Desk delivers on all fronts. With thousands of configuration options and a robust warranty, it's a desk that will serve you well for years to come.
