Humanscale QuickStand Under Desk Standing Desk Converter Review

This is a brief “first look” on the Humanscale QuickStand Under Desk Standing Desk Converter. Once we are able to get one of these adjustable height desk converters into our testing lab, we will do further testing to provide you with a more in-depth review. Subscribe to our newsletter to stay up on our latest reviews and information on ergonomic office equipment like this sit-stand workstation converter.

Unlike most sit-stand converters for office desks, where the lifting mechanism is above the desk surface, whether it rest on the surface of the desktop directly or is attached to an edge or grommet hole, the QuickStand Under Desk features a post set beneath the desk that houses the lifting mechanism.

The post can be seen as both a positive or negative, depending on how you look at it. While it does seem like cumbersome equipment beneath the desk, it can be argued that it frees up some space on the desktop that might make it seem less cluttered, though we’ll leave that to the eye of the beholder. A comparable product that costs a lot less and takes far less effort to install would be something like the Ergotron Workfit-SR, which we recently reviewed in the lab.

There are also several monitor mounts that Humanscale offers to add to the QuickStand Under Desk converter, including their FS, FD, M2, M8, and MF. However, it will likely be incompatible with any other monitor mounts you might already have. When we get the product in hand, we will be able to tell better if it is compatible with other mounts.

Speaking of the monitors, this standing desk converter does offer something that you don’t see in all converters. There is a 5″ adjustment range just for the monitor, allowing you to keep your view of the screen at optimal ergonomic level whether you are sitting or standing. This is again quite similar to the capabilities of the the Ergotron Workfit-SR.

Non-trivial Installation

A major hurdle for most users will be the assembly, which requires drilling out a permanent 3.25″-diameter hole in the middle of the desktop (see instruction manual). That requires a special drill bit and a high-torque drill, and is not a trivial thing to undertake if you’ve never done it before. Not to mention if you decide you don’t like this product after you’ve installed it, you’ve got a permanent gaping hole in the center of your desk, so this isn’t really something you’re going to want to leap to purchasing without serious consideration.

Spendy Solution

But the biggest downside to the Humanscale QuickStand Under Desk Standing Desk Converter for most users is probably going to be its price (especially if you have to hire a professional installer as well), which is quite a bit more than most sit-stand desk converters. If you are going to spend over $1,000 on a height adjustable office workstation, you might as well opt for a full, electric, standing desk and still have plenty of money left over for other accessories like a good monitor arm.

But if you are set on a converter, take a look at our roundup of the all the standing desk converters we have reviewed.

Speaking of an accessory for standing desks specifically compatible with grommets, check out our article on grommet holes, with everything you need to know about the different ways to use them to enhance your workstation, what to look for in your grommet holes, and where to find the desks with the best ones.