Flexispot M17 standing desk converter review: "all the functionality of the real deal"

GamesRadar+ VerdictThe Flexispot M17 standing desk converter delivers an affordable entry point to the world of standing desks that looks as good as it functions. Small flaws in the design of the M17’s keyboard tray leave it inches away from perfection but overall, it’s an ideal way to quickly transform your workspace.Pros+Wide enough to support a dual monitor set-up+Smooth, reliable height adjustment mechanism+Swanky bamboo finishCons-Height of keyboard tray can’t be adjusted-Keyboard tray movement is distracting GamesRadar+ Verdict GamesRadar+ Verdict The Flexispot M17 standing desk converter delivers an affordable entry point to the world of standing desks that looks as good as it functions. Small flaws in the design of the M17’s keyboard tray leave it inches away from perfection but overall, it’s an ideal way to quickly transform your workspace. The Flexispot M17 standing desk converter delivers an affordable entry point to the world of standing desks that looks as good as it functions. Small flaws in the design of the M17’s keyboard tray leave it inches away from perfection but overall, it’s an ideal way to quickly transform your workspace. Pros+Wide enough to support a dual monitor set-up+Smooth, reliable height adjustment mechanism+Swanky bamboo finish Wide enough to support a dual monitor set-up Smooth, reliable height adjustment mechanism Swanky bamboo finish Cons-Height of keyboard tray can’t be adjusted-Keyboard tray movement is distracting Height of keyboard tray can’t be adjusted Keyboard tray movement is distracting Why you can trust GamesRadar+Our experts review games, movies and tech over countless hours, so you can choose the best for you.Find out more about our reviews policy. Why you can trust GamesRadar+Our experts review games, movies and tech over countless hours, so you can choose the best for you.Find out more about our reviews policy. For me, standing desk converters like the Flexispot M17 are the ultimate celebration of indecision. To sit or to stand? That is the question. But I straight up refuse to give a resolute answer. Can you really blame me? Throughout any given day, whether I’m working or playing, my energy spikes and dips so wildly that I need to swap between being stood upright to being plonked in my comfy office chair at a moment’s notice. Thankfully, the Flexispot M17 standing desk converter perfectly accommodates this need without asking me to fork out for one of thebest gaming desks. So, as far as that’s concerned, it’s onto a winner. With its $149.99 / £199.99 price tag, the Flexispot M17 will set you back a fraction of what you’d expect to pay for some of thebest standing desks. Of course, it does necessitate you having an existing desk to pop your convertor on but no matter what surface you choose, the Flexispot M17 transforms it into a workspace that has all the functionality of the real deal without the additional fuss and cost. Assembly (Image credit: Future / Abigail Shannon) As you’d expect from its dinkier form factor, the Flexispot M17 is far lighter than most standing desk solutions. I’m a 5’5” gym-dodger but even I was able to shift the box independently (if a little sweatily). So, the good news is you should be spared the delivery-day dread of having to rope in a friend to help you lug the package around. Getting into the actual assembly process offered another pleasant surprise. I’ve done my time in the flat pack furniture mines so I was ready and willing to go to town with an Allen key. Mercifully, there was no need for that here. Putting together the Flexispot M17 standing desk converter is a ridiculously simple, sub-5-minute affair that only requires you to sit the converter on your desk and slot in its keyboard tray. Screws and bolts are entirely absent from this process too. Like a particularly large chunk of Lego, you just need to apply a little bit of pressure until the part is locked in place. Easy peasy. Beyond the basic setup steps there are a few optional in-box accessories that can help improve your overall experience of using the converter. For one, adhesive strips are provided to affix the legs of the M17 to the surface of your desk. While these are handy to have, I opted not to apply them and still didn’t experience any instances of the convertor shifting out of place during use. I did, however, decide to make use of the included cable tidies. Despite being glorified zip ties, these are universally useful for managing the jungle of wires that comes with having an office setup so I was happy to see them thrown in for good measure. Given how simple it is to set up and take down, the Flexispot M17 is especially well-suited for renters or office workers. If you’re uncertain about how long you’ll maintain your current desk set-up, it’s helpful to have something you can quickly move in a pinch. Thankfully, this standing desk converter is just as easy to move out of your office space as it is to move in. Design (Image credit: Future / Abigail Shannon) If you’re partial to standing while working, you’ll likely have experience of putting together makeshift accommodations crafted from stacked cardboard boxes and monitor risers. Sure, these DIY solutions might get the job done but they feel meh and look even worse. They’re the kind of thing you only really put up with because they’re temporary. Despite how portable the Flexispot M17 is, it really is built like something meant to stick around. (Image credit: Future / Abigail Shannon) With the M17, you have your choice of three colorways: Black, White, and my personal favorite, Bamboo. This natural wood grain look is just dark enough to hide my sins (i.e. not putting a coaster under my coffee mug) without being too drab, and it’s a look that can be easily integrated into a whole host of office color schemes. It also claims to have the added benefit of being antibacterial and resistant to mold, though my workspace wasn’t quite grotty enough to actually put that claim to the test. From a structural design standpoint, the M17 scores yet another win. Its top section sports a wide, U-shaped silhouette which not only gives enough room for up to two monitors in the center but provides extra space on the sides for whatever trinkets or pen pots you fancy popping on there. The lower tier is fairly roomy too, so you won’t feel limited to using 60% or TKL models of your favorite keyboards. Features (Image credit: Future / Abigail Shannon) I work in an open-plan office space in pretty close proximity to others. As a result, I’m fairly conscious of my sound output. From my experience using Flexispot’s motorized desks, I know they’re impressively quiet but not silent. Given I flip flop from sitting to standing so frequently, I’m happy to use a manual height adjustment system and save my coworkers from being subjected to random whirring noises throughout the day. This isn’t too much of a sacrifice to make though – changing the height of the M17 is a quick and simple process every single time. All it takes is applying just a bit of squeezing pressure on the handle underneath and pulling up or down. Time after time, the movement on the M17 proved to be smooth yet controlled, allowing me to finetune where I wanted my work surface to go. Never did I worry about While we’re talking height, here’s some good news for tall people: the Flexispot M17 standing desk converter should be able to accommodate you thanks to its substantial range of movement and capability of rising up to 19.7 inches. Still, you’ll have to ensure your existing desk is elevated enough to adequately support your new standing setup. For example, a 28-inch-high desk with the M17 on it gives adequate lift for people up to 5’9” but anyone taller will find themselves hunching over in a way that’s far from ergonomic. If you’re especially leggy you’ll likely have been using a taller desk in the first place, but it’s still worth checking its exact dimensions for the sake of your future self’s posture. (Image credit: Future / Abigail Shannon) The M17’s keyboard tray really is its Achilles' heel; the only other misstep in the entire product’s design is that it doesn’t feel rigid enough. After quickly Googling the average weight of a human hand, I can confidently say I’m far from straining the keyboard tray’s 4.4lb limit. Yet whenever I lift my hands from my keys after a writing session, I can feel the whole lower section bounce upwards in a way that‘s just a bit distracting. Don’t get me wrong, the Flexispot M17 is totally structurally sound. I’ve actively tried to tip it and failed. Still, that doesn’t stop me from feeling disconcerted when particularly vicarious typing sends a teeny tiny shockwave through the lower segment of the desk. It’s not a deal breaker but it is a small, persistent blemish on an otherwise excellent product. Should you buy the Flexispot M17? (Image credit: Future / Abigail Shannon) If you’re not looking to make the plunge and buy a full-blown standing desk or want to upgrade a temporary work setup, the Flexispot M17 standing desk convertor is a well worthwhile purchase. With a premium look and a super functional design, it’s bound to be an addition to your space that helps you work and play better. That is, unless the height and movement of the keyboard tray drive a thorn in your side. How I tested the Flexispot M17 For four months, I used the Flexispot M17 standing desk converter on top of my WFO desk. During this period, I had plenty of exposure to how the M17 is suited to day-to-day use and was afforded the opportunity to test for any wear and tear to the product over that time. For more information on our testing procedures, you can read our full rundown ofhow we test gaming desks. As well as this, you can find more insight into our review process and how we make recommendations in ourGamesRadar+ Hardware Policy. 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Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure” 3 Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure” 4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years” 4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years” 4 Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years” 5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths” 5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths” 5 Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths” 1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show” 1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim 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the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien” 4 The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien” 5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite” 5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite” 5 Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite” 1Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now” 1Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now” 1 Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now” 2Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat” 2Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat” 2 Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat” 3Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses” 3Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses” 3 Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses” 4Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist” 4Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist” 4 Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist” 5Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands” 5Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands” 5 Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands”