Working at a desk all day long can be tiring, not to mention bad for a person's health, especially when they remain seated continuously. But thankfully, with the science of ergonomics, users can now find the right furnishing to match their work and fitness needs. While there are multiple ergonomic essentials to choose from for a workspace, a standing desk is undoubtedly one of the best additions an individual can make.
That said, like most furniture pieces, standing desks come in all shapes and sizes, so choosing the right one can be challenging. And since your choice will determine how comfortably you work in the future, you need to think carefully before making a decision. One of the easiest and most effective ways to select a standing desk is by comparing similar ones, such as the FlexiSpot E7 and Autonomous Smart Desk Pro.
The two have a solid reputation in the market, yet one is better than the other. Which one is that? Let’s find out.
FlexiSpot E7
Like all FlexiSpot products, The FlexiSpot E7 is known for its structural integrity and sturdiness. But there are many more incredible features that make it the right choice for most people.
Design
The FlexiSpot E7 arguably has the sleekest design of all the standing desks available on the market. Constructed using the industry-leading laser technique, the E7 is well-finished and looks exceedingly stylish, putting most other standing tables to shame.
Its thick, carbon steel legs stand firmly covered in the top-grade color coating. Moreover, its supporting columns do not have rings typically present in most standing desks. The absence of holes in the desk's legs makes it super sleek.
E7’s desktop surface is coated in high-temperature-resistant and anti-wear coloring, which gives it an unmatched finish. Plus, the Nordson Enviro Coat powder spraying system ensures sustainability and uniformity in color.
It comes in various colors, including black, mahogany, maple, graphite, white, marble gray, ebony, walnut, white wood grain, and grey wood grain. And the lower frame can be bought in black, white, or gray (on preorder).
Height Adjustments and Desktop Options
The FlexiSpot E7’s customization capabilities make it stand out from the rest. Its height adjustment range starts from 22.8 inches and goes up to 48.4 inches, making it suitable for people between the heights of 2'9" and 6'3." This means all family members can use it conveniently.
For the tabletop material, users have the option to choose from chipboard, fiberboard, bamboo, solid wood, and solid wood texture. Quite appealing, right? Well, there's more!
Buyers can also select the desktop size according to their need from the following options
48” x 24”
48” x 30”
55” x 28”
60” x 24”
71” x 31”
79” x 31”
This means you can pick the option depending on the surface area you need to work.
Digital Operation
The FlexiSpot E7 comes with an advanced LCD keypad to control the desk's movement. This feature also offers users the option to set reminders for switching positions between sitting and standing and carries a charging port as well.
With just the click of a button, you can make E7's 3-stage frame up and down smoothly. And the best part is that, unlike many other electric desks, this product doesn't shake going up or down. Also, it slows down as the desired height point reaches for a jerk-free stop, unlike the abrupt cessation that will topple everything on the desktop.
It's operated by dual motors, which means each leg has an electric mechanism for seamless movement. With separate motors, the weight of each column is divided so as not to overburden a single engine.
The E7’s up and down movement is pretty much noise-free at 50 dB, so you are not disturbed by any whirring and whizzing sounds when increasing or decreasing the height.
Construction
Perhaps the most appealing quality of the FlexiSpot’s E7 is the well-built construction that makes it incredibly sturdy and durable.
Made with top-grade carbon steel, the column legs supporting the desktop are much thicker and have a 0.05mm gap for greater stability.
E7 also comes with an embedded-installed junction to ensure sturdiness. One proof of how well-built this FlexiSpot product is the 20 lab tests through which it goes before releasing in the market. It is maybe for this reason that the E7 desk doesn't wobble at all. You can write, type, draw or do whatever you want on it, but it won't shake regardless of the height and angle it's on.
Of course, if you deliberately exert pressure on it, it might fumble a bit, but that too will only happen at a higher height.
The FlexiSpot E7 is super easy to assemble. You don't need any tools of your own; the package comes with everything you will need to set up your work desk. However, you may find the parts and the desk a little heavy to move alone, so you might want to ask someone to help you with the assembly.
Lastly, it can hold up to 355lbs without shaking, which means you can keep as many monitors or other technical equipment as you like. The desk will not disappoint you!
Miscellaneous Features
One common problem people have with work desks is the chord clutter that makes the entire setup look repulsively messy. If you don’t want that, the FlexiSpot E7 is the perfect choice for you as it comes with an embedded cable tray to hold all your cables and make your workstation as tidy as it can be.
It retails for $579.99, which may be slightly pricey for some people. But on the plus side, it comes with a 15-year warranty. So, if you make the investment, it will be worth it.
Image Source: Autonomous
Autonomous SmartDesk Pro
Autonomous SmartDesk Pro certainly has some noteworthy features, but it may fall short in comparison to the FlexiSpot E7.
Design
The Autonomous SmartDesk Pro has a minimalistic look that may be ideal for people with limited workspace. It is a compact piece of furniture that is available in just one color; white.
But if you go for the classic 53” x 29” desktop model, you get multiple color choices, including black, walnut, white oak, bamboo, dark bamboo, pink, blue, teal, stress me not and game united. As the titles imply, the last two colors are not plain hues but designs like wallpaper. Stress me not features white text on a black background, while game united features joypads.
The SmartDesk Pro’s lower base or design frame comes in three colors: classic white, black, and gray.
It doesn’t have the hole-less leg design as the FlexiSpot E7, which may not be aesthetically pleasing.
Height Adjustments and Desktop Options
This Autonomous product has a height range of 26.2" to 52", which makes it more suitable for taller individuals. However, it may not accommodate short-heightened people well, so perhaps not the best choice if your entire family intends to use it.
It offers only three options in terms of desktop dimensions, which include
Regular: 43” x 24”
Classic: 53” x 29”
Extra Large: 70.5” x 30”
The desktops are only available in natural wood and classic finishes.
Digital Operation
The Autonomous SmartDesk Pro comes with a digital keypad to control the height adjustment with 4 programmable settings. With a simple push of a button, you can change the elevation.
In the noise department, it outdoes the E7 as it is quieter at 40 dB. This means it's whisper-silent when going up or down.
Like the FlexiSpot E7, The Autonomous SmartDesk is dual-motored, with each leg supported by one. This load sharing makes height transitions easier. However, those are not particularly as smooth as that of the E7 desk.
Construction
Built with a solid steel frame, this Autonomous product claims to have been made to last, but the jury is still out on that. Despite having a steel frame, it is not as sturdy and structurally sound as the E7.
Moreover, it is not easy to assemble. The process to do so is rather complicated and can take up to 45 minutes to an hour.
The weight-bearing capacity of the SmartDesk Pro is up to 310 lbs., which is considerably lower than E7’s.
Miscellaneous Feature
The Autonomous SmartDesk Pro is on the higher end of the price spectrum, costing $649, yet only offers a 7-year warranty. And as far as chord management is concerned, there is no provision for that.
A Quick Comparison Overview
|
FlexiSpot |
Autonomous |
|
|
Product |
E7 |
Pro |
|
Adjustable Height range (Without Desktop) |
22.8"-48.4", 3-stage leg |
25.2"-51" |
|
Capacity |
355lbs |
310 lbs. |
|
available desktop range |
W:47.2-80" D: 24"-30" |
W:53"-70.5" D:30" |
|
capable frame width |
43.4"-74.8" |
40"-73" |
|
desktop material |
chipboard:10 bamboo:1 fiberboard:4 solid wood texture:2 solid wood:2 |
Warp-proof MDF |
|
Keypad |
Programmable |
Programmable |
|
Adjustment speed |
1.5"/s |
2.3"/s |
|
Adjustable foot leveling |
14mm |
|
|
Motor |
dual |
dual |
|
Wire Management |
yes |
|
|
Noise Level |
50 dB |
40 dB |
|
Frame color |
Grey/Black/White |
Grey/Black/White |
|
warranty |
15 yrs |
7yrs |
|
price |
579.99 |
699 |
|
Top choice |
Final Verdict
While both E7 and SmartDesk Pro are ergonomically-sound and functional, the former appears to be the clear winner for many reasons. It's sturdier, cheaper, has a 15-year warranty, and offers multiple desktop dimensions and color varieties.
If you are looking for a durable, multifunctional electric standing desk, FlexiSpot’s top choice, E7, should be your pick!
