Standing Desk Motor Types Compared

Single Motor

One motor drives both legs via a connecting rod. Slower (1-1.5 inches/second), noisier, and limited to about 150 lbs. Budget-friendly ($250-400).

Dual Motor

Each leg has its own motor. Faster (1.5-2 inches/second), quieter, and handles 250-350 lbs. Premium ($400-800).

Noise Levels

• Single motor: 50-55 dB (like a quiet conversation)
• Dual motor: 40-45 dB (library quiet)

When to Choose Single

If your desk holds just a monitor, keyboard, and a few accessories, a single motor is sufficient. The weight savings are negligible for light setups.

When to Choose Dual

Multiple monitors, heavy desktops (solid wood), or frequent height changes justify the extra cost. Dual motors also tend to last longer because each motor works less.