The VARIDESK ProPlus™ 36 standing desk converter offers a solid build quality and ease of use, with spring-assisted height adjustments and a 5-year warranty. However, reviewers noted poor stability when standing, limited adjustment range, and an awkward footprint. BTOD.com gave it a 6.8/10 for keyboard space and 8.5/10 for stability, while Office Fitness Ninjas praised its quiet electric lift and stability but criticized the keyboard tray's wobble. This desk converter is best suited for users seeking a reliable, low-maintenance solution, though those prioritizing maximum stability or ergonomic positioning may want to consider alternatives.
Full review
Build Quality and Design
The VariDesk Pro Plus 36 arrives fully assembled and ready to use, a feature that BTOD.com praised for its convenience. However, the build quality reveals some compromises typical of Chinese manufacturing, as noted by multiple reviewers. WorkWhileWalking.com's lab test found the metal construction to be 'not thick and robust,' while Mr. Best Reviews' Luke reported that the fiberboard used for platforms is 'low quality' and that 'some of the edges on the underside of the platforms are a bit sharp and can scrape the top of your hands.' The spring-assisted lift mechanism, while functional, produces audible squeaks and snapping sounds during adjustments, according to BTOD.com. The locking system uses a primitive pin mechanism that creates a 'loud clicking sound when they are pressed,' which WorkWhileWalking.com's reviewer found particularly noticeable. The unit's footprint measures 30”W x 24”D, which some reviewers noted as 'awkward' and potentially problematic for smaller workspaces.
Real-World Performance
In practical use, the VariDesk Pro Plus 36 demonstrates mixed performance across different metrics. BTOD.com gave it an 8.5/10 for stability, but noted that 'poor stability when standing' becomes an issue during use. WorkWhileWalking.com's review highlighted that while the electric lift mechanism operates 'smoothly, quietly, and without complication,' the keyboard tray is 'shakier than it should be, and not entirely level.' The unit's weight capacity is listed at 35 lbs, but reviewers like Luke from Mr. Best Reviews found that 'the desk surface is solid and feels good as a desk top' even when leaning on it. The adjustment range spans from 4.5” to 17.5” in height, which provides a good vertical span, but the spring-assisted mechanism does not offer infinite position locking, causing some users to experience slight positional drift during use.
Ergonomics and User Experience
The Pro Plus 36's two-tier design separates keyboard/mouse from monitor platforms, but this configuration presents ergonomic challenges. BTOD.com rated the keyboard space at 6.8/10, citing that 'no infinite position lock' and 'raises minimum keyboard height' as drawbacks. WorkWhileWalking.com's reviewer gave it 3.5/5 for ergonomics, noting that the keyboard tray 'is shakier than it should be, and not entirely level,' which impacts user comfort. Luke from Mr. Best Reviews experienced significant issues with monitor positioning, stating that 'the mounting brackets protrude from the back and bottom of the standing desk enough that it cant be lowered all the way' and that 'I have to adjust the height of both monitors independently of the standing desk height.' The unit's minimum keyboard height of 0.75” and monitor height of 4.75” create a baseline that may be too high for some users, especially those with shorter stature.
Where It Falls Short
Several reviewers identified significant shortcomings in the Pro Plus 36's design and functionality. The most consistent criticism came from Luke at Mr. Best Reviews, who found that the desk's limitations forced him to make compromises due to his height. He reported that 'I spent close to $700 on hardware to create a variable height standing desk only to find out that the design of all the products is such that I cant make it work well as a 6 3 tall dude.' The inability to lower the desk to ergonomic sitting position became a major issue, leading him to conclude that he 'might as well have just made a wood riser and put it on top of my desk and saved myself a few hundred bucks.' BTOD.com also noted 'limited adjustment range' and 'awkward footprint' as drawbacks, while WorkWhileWalking.com criticized the 'slightly wobbly keyboard tray' and 'unimpressive 1”/second transit speed' as key limitations. The lack of dual ergonomic positioning and the primitive locking mechanism were recurring complaints across multiple sources.
Who It's Best For
The VariDesk Pro Plus 36 is best suited for users seeking a straightforward, low-maintenance standing desk converter with a strong warranty and minimal setup. BTOD.com's review highlighted that 'easy to adjust' and 'strong warranty' make it ideal for those who value reliability and simplicity. WorkWhileWalking.com's reviewer recommended it for users who 'don’t break a ton of new ground' but still want a solid product in its price range. The unit's electric lift mechanism and quiet operation appeal to users who prefer the convenience of button-controlled height adjustment. However, it is not ideal for tall users or those requiring extensive ergonomic customization, as Luke from Mr. Best Reviews demonstrated. The desk's design limitations make it unsuitable for individuals who need to lower the desk to sitting height, particularly those with shorter desks or users who require dual ergonomic positioning.
How It Compares to Alternatives
When compared to similar products, the VariDesk Pro Plus 36 sits in the middle tier of the market. WorkWhileWalking.com's review placed it among the 'best electric standing desk converters' in its price range, though it lacks the innovation of some competitors. BTOD.com's comparison noted that it's not on the 'higher-end of Chinese made products, like the Humanscale QuickStand,' suggesting that while it's functional, it doesn't match premium offerings in terms of build quality. The unit's 5-year warranty, available for purchases after 3/2/2018, is a strong selling point compared to many alternatives that offer only 1-year warranties. However, the spring-assisted mechanism and primitive locking system make it less competitive than fully electric models that offer smoother, more precise adjustments. The Pro Plus 36's two-tier design and lack of infinite position lock distinguish it from more advanced models, which often include dual ergonomic positioning and more refined adjustment systems.
Value at This Price
At a price point of $429, the VariDesk Pro Plus 36 offers a compelling value proposition for users seeking an electric standing desk converter with a strong warranty. BTOD.com's review gave it an 8.0/10 for warranty, noting that 'VARIDESK offers a full 30-day money back guarantee' and that 'the warranty is 5-year for purchases after 3/2/2018.' WorkWhileWalking.com's reviewer found it to be 'one of the best electric standing desk converters we’ve seen in its price range' and concluded that 'it doesn’t have any deal-breaking flaws.' However, the unit's shortcomings, such as the 'slightly wobbly keyboard tray' and 'unimpressive 1”/second transit speed,' as noted by WorkWhileWalking.com, suggest that while it's a solid choice, it's not without compromise. The $429 price tag is competitive for the features offered, but buyers should consider that the unit's limitations may require additional purchases, such as monitor arms, to achieve optimal ergonomics.
Long-Term Durability
The long-term durability of the VariDesk Pro Plus 36 remains a point of concern for many reviewers. BTOD.com's review noted that the 'metal is not thick and robust' and that 'the fiberboard used for both platforms is low quality,' raising questions about longevity. WorkWhileWalking.com's lab test found that while the electric lift mechanism works 'smoothly, quietly, and without complication,' the spring-assisted mechanism's 'primitive locking system' and 'loud clicking sound' suggest potential wear issues over time. Luke from Mr. Best Reviews reported that 'the spring tension is great' but also noted that 'it can wobble a little bit if you put a lot of pressure on it,' indicating that the unit may not withstand heavy or frequent use without degradation. The 5-year warranty, while strong, may not cover all potential mechanical failures, particularly those related to the spring mechanism or locking system, which are prone to wear and tear with regular use.
Strengths
- +Easy to adjust with spring-assisted lift mechanism
- +Strong warranty with 5-year coverage for recent purchases
- +No assembly required, ready to use out of the box
- +30-day money back guarantee
Watch-outs
- −Poor stability when standing
- −Limited adjustment range with awkward footprint
- −Awkward keyboard tray design that is not level
How it compares
The VariDesk Pro Plus 36 excels in ease of use and warranty coverage, surpassing the Branch Desk Riser in terms of assembly-free setup and 5-year warranty, but falls short of the FlexiSpot AlcoveRiser in stability and the Humanscale QuickStand Eco in ergonomic design. It's less suitable than the Ergotron WorkFit-TX for users needing adjustable monitor arms.
Who this is for
At a glance: Low-maintenance users seeking reliability.
Why you’d buy the VariDesk Pro Plus 36
- Easy to adjust with spring-assisted lift mechanism.
- Strong warranty with 5-year coverage for recent purchases.
- No assembly required, ready to use out of the box.
Why you’d skip it
- Poor stability when standing.
- Limited adjustment range with awkward footprint.
- Awkward keyboard tray design that is not level.
Rating sources
“The VARIDESK is a nice standing desk. I like it quite a bit.”
Our 4.0 score is the average of these published ratings. Ratings marked * were derived from the reviewer’s written analysis or video transcript — the publisher didn’t print an explicit numeric score, so we inferred one from their own words. Click through to verify. More about methodology.
