Desktop Computer Stand Under $50: Our Top Picks

A desktop computer stand might seem like a boring (and easy) thing to shop for, but it can actually have a huge impact on your workspace in terms of organization and comfort- directly affecting your productivity and comfort. Also? There’s like a million of them. I recently upgraded my wfh setup, including my monitor stand, and did a bunch of research on the different features and styles available. Here’s a guide to what to look for, what to avoid, and considerations for your particular work from home office.

This post is all about finding the right desktop computer stand.

Why I Upgraded My Work From Home Setup

I spend a lot of time on my computer(s). As a mom with a kid that loves to run upstairs and downstairs throughout the day (I am constantly dreaming of a nice one-story ranch or bungalow!), I actually have an office setup on both floors. Until recently, the downstairs was totally makeshift- a round white table with my computer and an old office chair. It was fine for when my husband or I occasionally used it. But as my son began gathering his monster trucks more and more downstairs near the computer table (“the arena” as he began calling it). I found myself making due with the haphazard WFH setup down there.

One day my husband, who is a massage therapist and very conscious of body posture and alignment, came in while I was typing away. Our son was happily sending trucks down a Costco-box ramp. I was bent over in my too-tall office chair, typing uncomfortably.

“What are you doing? You look..really uncomfortable.” He looked bewildered. I looked around. What was I doing? I had been working in this space for weeks but hadn’t made it..workable. I was…really uncomfortable. And thinking about it? I had more tension in my shoulders. Working had been harder. I had felt less focused and less inspired. My cramped, poorly-designed work form home office was majorly bumming me out.

I knew it was time for a WFH office setup glow up.

Choosing the Right Desktop Computer Stand

When I realized my shoulders were suffering from the constant hunched-over position I was constantly working in, I decided it was time to invest in a decent desktop computer stand. I was like: cool, I’ll just grab one on Amazon. Easy peasy, right?

Wrong!

When I entered desktop computer stand into search, I was bombarded with options. Long desktop computer stands. Small ones. Cheap ones. Stands that seemed wildly expensive. I realized I really didn’t know what I was looking for. I just knew I needed something to make it easier to look at my screen and type.

After looking through endless product descriptions and digging through some reviews, I began to understand the different features and attributes of these computer stands and monitor risers, which include:

• What product you’re actually looking for: A desktop computer stand can mean different things to different people. Some (like me) might just be looking for a riser to elevate their monitor/PC (as in, a monitor that also acts as a PC, without a separate tower). Others might be looking for a tower stand or holder- as in, a stand for their separate PC tower. These tower stands often provide a cooling design and are popular with gamers.
• Materials: As with any piece of equipment or furniture, there’s the issue of what it’s made from. Some aren’t to concerned- they may just be looking for an affordable desktop computer stand that gets the job done. Others may want a glass or wood riser that matches their work form home aesthetic.
• Size and length: This is definitely an important one. I just wanted a compact stand for my small-ish table. If you have a dual-montor setup, or are even considering one, you’ll want to choose a roomier stand that can accommodate your screens.
• Folding vs Fixed: Folding stands can be adjusted to different heights. This is cool because you can change the screen height to adapt to different users or needs (a good choice if you’re sharing the space with a partner, for example). But most folding desktop stands don’t offer storage or space below, and many aren’t as aesthetically appealing.
• Extras: Some stands have cool features like attached phone charging stations, storage and organization drawers, pen holders, cable organization features, and more.

Here’s are our top picks for desktop computer stands:

Best Simple Dual Monitor Stand: WESTREE Dual Monitor Stand Riser

It’s hard to go wrong with the simple design of this dual stand monitor riser. It’s a basic long table layout, and it comes in a selection of shades to match your desk- including all-white and a rustic wood finish. Its metal and wood construction is sturdy, and it comes with anti-slip pads as well.

Reviewers really like this desktop monitor stand. In addition to being impressed with the quality and space provided, people REALLY rave about how easy assembly is. Reviews mention the thoughtful instructions and provided tools.

Best Single Glass Desktop Stand: Hemudu Clear Monitor Riser

I’ve had this monitor stand in my main office setup for years. I’ve used it as a laptop stand, monitor stand, and stand for my journals and notebooks. It’s about as simple as it gets, and it is sturdy- it’s survived many moves at this point, and I’ve never had any problems with it slipping or weakening.

As reviewers note, this table is very easy to put together and the design is sleek and pretty much goes with anything.

Best Monitor Stand with Storage: Simple Trending 2 Tier Metal Monitor Stand Monitor Riser and Computer Desk Organizer

This two-tier stand has plenty of storage for your pens, post-its, and more. Reviewers appreciate the convenience of the side pen holder compartment and built-in drawer (ideal for papers or small notepads). The mesh-style platform allows for increased airflow to prevent overheating.

Best Mobile CPU/ Desktop Tower Stand for Floor: Yose Tower Stand with Wheels

If you’re looking for a mobile stand for your desktop computer tower, this basic option is an affordable choice that will keep your PC off of the floor to allow for air venting. Reviewers say it’s easy to put together, sturdy, and that the wheels roll well even on deep carpet. It’s also adjustable, and one customer mentioned that it fit her longer desktop while other styles did not.

Best Pink Desktop Computer Stand: Gianotter Desk Computer Monitor Stand Riser with Drawer (Rose Gold)

Many desktop computer stands come in only black. Some come in wood, black, and white. If your’e looking for pink, this sturdy monitor riser is a cute choice. The rose gold steel construction is simple and sturdy. Reviewers appreciate the style it adds to their work from home aesthetic, as well as the organizational compartments. They also appreciate that it’s easily assembled and can hold larger monitors/computers without taking up unnecesary space. (Many share picture of this stand in their workspace, if you want to get an idea of the style). The stand also has a slotted design that allows for ventilation to prevent overheating.

Best Monitor Riser for Cat Lovers: Afooyo Cat-Shaped Sturdy Wood Computer Monitor Stand

This cat-shaped computer stand is perfect for adding a little bit of fun to your workspace. It comes in a few colros and also in cheese and cookie shapes as well. It’s a playful design, but also a quality piece. Reviewers appreciate its sturdiness and its easy to assemble instructions.

A sweet gift for cat lovers. Even if you’re not sure about their monitor riser needs, a kitty fan will for sure find a way to incorporate this cute table into their home office.