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FlexiSpot vs. Uplift: We put 2 of the most popular standing desks to the test

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Flexispot E7 Pro Standing Desk
Flexispot E7 Pro Standing Desk

The Flexispot E7 Pro is a heavy-duty standing desk with a lifting capacity of 440 pounds. It's great for people who intend to load up their desk with gear. It's Flexispot's most premium option while still balancing customization and affordability.

What we like

Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Sturdy, industry-leading 440 weight limit
Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Customizable
Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Keypad has built-in USB charging port

What we don't like

con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Time consuming assembly
Uplift V3 Standing Desk
uplift v3 standing desk with bamboo colored top and white legs

Uplift enhanced its beloved Standing Desk with the V3. It continues the brand's ethos of endless customization and stable construction with an even sturdier frame, improved cable management, and a streamlined install.

What we like

Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Tons of customizations and add-ons
Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Easy to assemble
Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Sturdy and whisper quiet

What we don't like

con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Add-ons get expensive

The verdict

Both desks from Flexispot and Uplift are sturdy, stylish, and easy to use. Uplift has easier assembly and more customization options, but Flexispot tends to beat out Uplift when it comes to price.

Uplift and Flexispot both make some of the best standing desks we've tested, but there are a couple of key differences. While both offer a lot of customizability (like desktop materials, configurations, and colors), all of Uplift's desks are built around the same frame, whereas Flexispot has a lot of different frame styles with various degrees of sturdiness and weight capacity.

To offer a fair comparison, I tested both Flexispot's E7 Pro model and Uplift's latest core style, the V3. Both are heavy-duty, pro-level standing desks that offer more than just the basics, and both are picks in our buying guide. They're both stylish with good customization options, sturdy designs, and keypads that raise and lower the desks to pre-set heights. However, take a closer look, and you’ll see that there are a number of differences in terms of price, additional accessories, and warranties.

Specs for the Flexispot vs. Uplift

Flexispot E7 ProUplift V3
Price(Sale) $479.99-$2,799.98; (Regular) $679.99-$2,999.98$699-$2,168
Surface Size (inches)48x24, 48×30, 55 ×28, 60×24, 72×3042x30, 48×30, 60x30, 72x30, 80x30, 42x24, 48x24, 60x24, 72x24, 80x24
MaterialsChipboard, bamboo, solid wood texture, rubberwood, ergo series, gaming series, chipboard with drawer, and solid woodWalnut, laminate, bamboo, eco curve, rubberwood, acacia, birch, reclaimed birch, saman, walnut, mahogany, reclaimed fir, pheasantwood, ash with epoxy
FrameDual motor, three stage C-FrameDual motor, three stage C- or T-Frame
Accessory Add-onsUnderdesk drawer, power strip, casters, monitor arms and stands, cabinets, mouse pads, etc.Different types of grommets and keypads, wireless foot switch, Bluetooth adapter, casters, movement accessory/mat, cup holder, hammocks, organizer sets, headphone stand, power strips, monitor arms/stands, CPU holder, desk storage, enhanced cord management solutions, keyboard tray, privacy panels
Min-Max Height25-50.6 inches22.6-48.7 inches
Weight Limit440 pounds355 pounds
Speed2 inches per second2 inches per second
Noise61 dB46-56 dB
ReturnsFree within 30 days; shipping and/or restocking fee applied afterFree within 30 days
Warranty15 years for frame and electronics, desktop is 2-5 years15 years

Both brands offer a lot of options for custom design elements, like desktop materials and frame colors, but Uplift has more customizability.

side by side of two standing desks raised. one is bamboo with a white frame while one is walnut with a white frame
Flexispot and Uplift desks look almost identical.  Alex Temblador/Business Insider

There are a lot of similarities between the Uplift V3 and the Flexispot E7 Pro. Both desks are sleek and professional, with quiet-dual motors that are stable and numerous configurations to fit the desk to your workspace needs.

Where they differ most is in the number of customizable elements like materials, sizes, and colors. They each offer a lot of the same basic frame colors and desktop materials, but Uplift definitely has the edge when it comes to more luxe desktop designs (plus it offers one extra frame color). You'll find some really beautiful desktop options from Uplift, like live-edge finishes, chevron-patterned acacia, and quality hardwoods. Both brands also sell just the frame if you prefer to use your own desktop.

The keypad is also an important consideration, which is what unlocks features like memory presets, anti-collision technology, and child locks. Uplift offers six keypad options. The base offering features basic up and down functionality; you'll have to upgrade to the $29 advanced keypad, which is necessary for making pre-sets and child locks. Flexispot includes just one, with four memory presets included at the base price, and it has a built-in USB port, a feature we really liked.

Both come with cable management systems that look nice, though Uplift's was easier to assemble. Each brand sells accessories for the desks, like drawers, monitor arms, caster wheels, and power strips, but Uplift has more robust customization and tech upgrades, including a Bluetooth adapter that lets you control the desk via an app or a foot switch. Uplift also offers up to four freebies with each desk, including a desk mat and a clip-on cupholder.

Assembling the Uplift V3 was easier and less confusing than the Flexispot E7 Pro.

side by side of desk parts on a wood floor and a partially assembled desk
I had an easier time setting up the Uplift desk (right) than the Flexispot (left).  Alex Temblador/Business Insider

Both desks arrived in about the same number of boxes with the same number of items that needed to be assembled; however, there were some stark differences during the assembly process.

Uplift streamlined the V3 assembly process, providing a QR code with a 3D animation assembly video for buyers to follow. I opted for the printed instructions, which were very clear. The company also reduced the number of screws required to assemble the V3 compared to their V2 version.

I had a lot of issues understanding the printed instructions provided by Flexispot. The pre-drilled holes in the E7 Pro desktop didn’t really match up with the beam or the frame, and adjusting the frame to the right distance took me a long time to figure out.

Both Flexispot and Uplift offer assembly tools, but while I had no issue using the Uplift tool, I came close to stripping the screws with the screwdriver Flexispot provided.

I didn’t have any problems installing the control panel, legs, or feet for either standing desk, but I had some difficulty figuring out the cable organizer on the Flexispot E7 Pro. Installing the FlexMount Cable Manager on the Uplift V3 took seconds to do and really improved the organization of my desk.

The only difficult part of the Uplift V3 assembly process was installing the drawer, because there are no pre-drilled holes for it (I suggest using a drill if you have one). I did not test the Flexispot E7 Pro with a drawer, so I can’t speak to how their drawer installation works.

Once I got past the assembly, I ended up really enjoying both desks. The day-to-day user experience wasn't much different between them, despite some small design differences.

side by side of a close up look at the flexispot keypad and a woman sitting at a desk on her computer shutting the drawer
Both desks are stable, adjust smoothly and quietly, and naturally fit into my daily life and work routine.  Alex Temblador/Business Insider

Both desks were stable when I leaned against them. They were also quiet and very easy to shift from sitting to standing height with the keypads. Noise-wise, the Uplift V3 has a dB rating of 46-56 dB. I measured the Flexispot E7 Pro at 61 dB, but in person, I wouldn’t say the noise is bothersome or noticeably louder than the Uplift V3.

If you're tall, you might prefer the Flexispot E7 Pro because it has a minimum height of 25 inches and a maximum height of 50.6 inches. On the other hand, shorter people might find the Uplift V3 more ideal because it has a minimum height of 22.6 inches and a maximum of 48.7 inches. Uplift’s height range is compliant with ANSI/BIFMA standards to fit 95% of the population (people between 5' and 6'3") and has a slightly wider range of adjustment.

In terms of speed/efficiency, the Uplift V3 rose between the lowest and highest settings in 13 seconds, while it took the Flexispot E7 Pro 17.5 seconds to do the same. Even so, both desks rise at 2 inches per second.

I can’t say that the Flexispot E7 Pro or the Uplift V3 performed better than the other. With both, I could preset my sitting and standing positions, and I didn’t have to wait long for the desk to adjust. Neither desk wobbled nor felt shaky at any height, whether I was leaning on it or not.

The Flexispot E7 Pro definitely wins for weight capacity, with the largest on the market at 440 pounds.

This is in stark contrast to the Uplift V3’s maximum weight capacity of 355 pounds, which is also impressive and should suit most people’s needs and equipment. I sat on both desks (I’m 175 pounds) and had them lift and lower me, and I did not notice either desk struggling to do so. Comparatively, other standing desks we've tested have a lifting weight between 176 to 310 pounds, putting both the Uplift V3 and the Flexispot E7 Pro far beyond those limits.

Pricing is definitely a big consideration. The Uplift V3 is generally a bit more expensive, especially because Flexispot is constantly hosting sales.

BaseBamboo (48”x24”)Walnut (60” x 30”)
Flexispot

$680 $480

(48” x 24”)

$730 $530$2,499 $2,319
Uplift$699 (42” x 24”)$859$1,899

As of this writing, the Flexispot E7 Pro is the more affordable option because it’s on sale — and it’s frequently discounted. Normally, the E7 Pro ranges from $680 to $3,000, while the Uplift V3 runs $699 to $2,168. With current sales, the E7 Pro drops to $480 to $2,800, making it the better deal.

The lowest-priced E7 Pro is a 48x24-inch chipboard model that costs $480 on sale (or $680 regular). The comparable Uplift V3 starts at $699 for a slightly smaller 42x30-inch laminate desktop.

Among bamboo options, Uplift’s starts at $799, while Flexispot’s starts at $729.99 and that drops to $529.99 during sales (though only with a white frame; black and gray cost more).

Overall, the two desks are close in price, but Flexispot’s frequent discounts can make it significantly cheaper. Uplift, however, doesn’t charge extra for frame colors and generally offers more surface area for the price.

Flexispot vs Uplift: Trial and warranty

Both brands offer free returns for 30 days if the item is in like-new condition. Both brands also have a 15-year warranty on their desks, but Uplift's warranty covers every facet of the desk, whereas Flexispot's warranty only covers the metal and mechanical parts. There's a separate warranty on the desktops, which are shorter (two or five years) and depend on the material. For instance, bamboo desktops are covered under a 5-year warranty, while chipboard, fiber board, and solid wood or solid wood texture only have a two-year warranty.

Neither company will charge you shipping costs or fees for product replacements or repairs due to defective parts. But for Flexispot, if you discover a quality issue after the first 30 days, shipping costs and a 10% restocking fee will be deducted from the refund.

The bottom line: If price isn't an issue, the Uplift has some customizations that give it the edge, but the Flexispot is a solid budget option.

side by side of a woman standing at a desk with her back to the camera; in the right side photo she is balancing on a board
It's a very close call as to which desk is better; it could come down to price or the customizations you seek to tailor the desk to your work needs.  Alex Temblador/Business Insider

Now that I’ve spent time with both the Flexispot E7 Pro and the Uplift V3, I can’t say that one is clearly better than the other. They’re both sturdy, stylish, and easy to use. Sure, the Uplift V3 is easier to assemble and comes with a lot more customization options (and technological features like a Bluetooth adapter and foot switch), but those who are overwhelmed by too many options or looking for a more affordable standing desk might be won over by the Flexispot E7 Pro. If money isn’t an issue, I’d go with the Uplift V3 and enjoy an easy assembly, stylish design, great accessories, and stable frame.

If you want even more details, I've also written a dedicated review of the Flexispot E7 Pro and a review of the Uplift V3.

uplift v3 standing desk with bamboo colored top and white legs
Uplift V3 Standing Desk

Uplift’s highly customizable V3 standing desk has a sturdier frame with a 355-pound weight limit, improved cable management, and a more streamlined install, compared to its predecessor.

Flexispot E7 Pro Standing Desk
Flexispot E7 Pro Standing Desk
$469.99 $569.99 Save 18%

Flexispot's most premium and heavy-duty offering, the E7 Pro has a powerful motor, greater adjustability, and a semi-C Leg structure for added stability and comes with a 15-year warranty.

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Disclosure: Written and researched by the Insider Reviews team. We highlight products and services you might find interesting. If you buy them, we may get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our partners. We may receive products free of charge from manufacturers to test. This does not drive our decision as to whether or not a product is featured or recommended. We operate independently from our advertising team. We welcome your feedback. Email us at reviews@bjinnox.com.

I am a freelance contributor to Business Insider's Reviews team, where I write reviews, buying guides, or deals stories related to home, kitchen, and yard work/gardening. Although I've been a freelance journalist since 2015 covering a wide variety of topics, my experience as a product reviews writer has been ongoing since 2020. I've been writing for Business Insider since 2021.My areas of expertiseUpon buying my historic Sears & Roebuck home in 2020, I was excited to get to work renovating, styling, and building indoor and outdoor spaces that fit my love of historic design with modern day living. Over the years, I've written a number of reviews or buying guides for clothes, travel, and home products, but I've become something of a specialist in four key areas: sleep, kitchen tech, cleaning tools, and outdoor products. When it comes to sleep products, I love organic materials and mattresses that are both supportive and comfortable. Vacuums are a big specialty of mine, especially wet-dry vacuums as they exemplify how tech should cut down our cleaning time in half with little effort. Without testing kitchen tech, I wouldn't have realized how much I love air fryers and that the best espresso can be achieved at home. I have the most fun testing outdoor products be it hot tubs or lawn mowers. Thankfully, I have half an acre yard where I can test products that help me to beautify my spaces, keep my trees and yard trimmed, expand my gardening efforts, and create relaxing spaces for me to enjoy the outdoors. My experienceI've been a freelance journalist since 2015 specializing in travel, architecture/design, outdoors, and home products. My work has appeared in national and international outlets like Travel + Leisure, Architectural Digest, The Daily Beast, Texas Monthly, USA Today, TechRadar, Tom's Guide, The Independent, The Telegraph, Homes & Gardens, among many others. In addition to my freelance writing career, I'm also an award-winning author of two novels, Secrets of the Casa Rosada and Half Outlaw, and one nonfiction writing craft book, Writing An Identity Not Your OwnWhy you can trust meWhen I bought my home, I realized how important products can be to building a better life. However, in this day and age where there are too many options to choose from, it can be difficult to know which brand to trust, and which products can do as they claim. I always try to seek out the best products to review, take various elements into consideration from the way a product works to the warranty process, and offer feedback to my editors on how we might improve the reviewing process. My educationI received an MFA in Creative Writing from the University of Central Oklahoma in 2014, and a BA in History (with a minor in Spanish) from the University of Louisiana at Monroe in 2011. Outside of workOutside of writing reviews for outlets like Business Insider, I'm often traveling for my work as a travel journalist, writing a new book, or participating in a literary event. My home is my safe space where I love to unwind by reading a book on the porch, gardening indoors and outdoors, or sewing at night. Beyond that, I love to hang with my friends in the Dallas area where I live, visit my hometown to spend time with family, or go thrifting for cute clothes and homewares. Connect with me via my website, AlexTemblador.com, or on Instagram @Alex_Temblador or LinkedIn