Our In-Depth Autonomous Desk Review – Is It Worth The Price?

We were notified that Autonomous does not sell the Hybrid edition anymore. Owners still rate the brand well for quality and support. They have been constantly innovating with different types of standing desks, including, l-shaped smart desk, art desk, executive desk, and double desk.

---

Are you looking for a sturdy, yet minimalistic electronic standing desk? Then we think you’ve come to the right place. We’ve come to the conclusion that the Autonomous standing desk has been one of the better-motorized desks on the market right now.

The design, look and feel of it makes it very worthwhile. The desk is not too expensive, and for the price, it feels really sturdy and durable. You’re not paying a premium for it, but definitely getting quality.

Here's what owners and the spec sheet say about the Hybrid Edition. This guide also covers other Autonomous standing desk options.

You may want the Autonomous (Hybrid Edition) standing desk if you:

• Value customer service – If you have any issues or problems (which you most likely won’t), then it is easy to reach them, and they’re very responsive and always willing to assist their customers.
• Love the minimalistic and simple look – Their desks are very clean and simple
• Require low noise motor – The noise of the electric device is 45dB, most silent on the market.

Why you may not like the Hybrid Edition desk if you:

• Already have a desk – If you already have a desk, you can just look into a desk standing converter that’ll help you go from sitting to standing.
• Are taller than 6′ – You might want to consider

Looking for Autonomous Hybrid? check out their page

About the brand

The company started in 2015, headquartered in New York, was created to increase energy, productivity and overall better health benefits for the entrepreneurs, innovators, and visionaries that are always at their desk. Now with over 400 employees, the brand has become one of the top-selling standing desks on the market. Autonomous makes numerous office products that are very minimalist and clean in design.

Home vs Hybrid vs Business Edition

Autonomous sells three different types of standing desks, the home edition, the hybrid edition, and the business edition. They’re very similar in terms of functionality but just slightly different in height range, weight capacity, and warranty.

One cool thing about the business edition is that it comes with a free anti-fatigue mat that helps you stand more comfortably.

For more specifications between the three editions, check out the full specification table below on the next section.

Specifications

Here’s a quick “good to know” rundown of the specifications regarding the three editions.

If you’d like to see the full specs, check out this full comparison chart from Autonomous.

Pricing

We understand that pricing can be a big factor for a lot of individuals, especially for entrepreneurs that want to keep costs down but still reap the benefits of using a standing desk.

Autonomous’ pricing is very affordable with a high-quality product. Better yet, you’ll be able to finance your desk too, so you can make payments if you can’t afford the entire purchase all at once. You won’t even be charged any interest when you opt-in for the payment plan.

Design

The standing desk is simple and minimal. Comes with a variety of colors where you can mix and match the table and the frame per your home or office decor.

The table has no cut-outs like some desks (which gives you optimal task space), except for the two small predrilled holes for hiding your cables. This helps with decluttering your table with unnecessary cables and hides it away from plain sight.

The frame is made of SPCC steel which is very sturdy and stable.

Warranty

Unlike a lot of different brands out there on the market, Autonomous has provided an extended warranty on their products, their hybrid edition, and business edition. Granted, their home edition is similar to all other typical 1-year warranty, you’ll be able to extend it if you have a credit card that’ll give you buyer’s protection for an extended year.

Height Adjustments

Autonomous provides anyone with an easy way to start standing. You’re able to have four different presets for desired height.

So, it’ll be easy to switch between different ergonomic heights you feel comfortable with.

We believe that the height adjustment range is great for most individuals. However, if you’re taller than 6-feet, then we would suggest the business edition as the range can go up to 52″ in height (with top). The other edition, hybrid, and home might be a long shot for someone who is 6-feet.

What we like about Autonomous standing desk

Price

We mentioned this previously, we really like the pricing of their desks. Very affordable and can be bought over time on a monthly basis without paying any interests.

Adjustment Speed

Pretty fast, but keep in mind, the more weight you put on, the slower the desk will get. The rated speed is 1″/sec for the home edition or 2.3″/sec for the hybrid and business edition.

Quick and easy to get you from sitting to standing in no time!

Warranty

Unlike a lot of competitors, Autonomous provides an extended warranty on their products. They have standing desks that come with a 5 or 7-year warranty.

Granted, their base level standing desk only has 1-year, you’ll be able to get an extended warranty if you have a credit card that has purchase protection that’ll extend it another year.

Delivery and Packaging

If you’re getting the stand and the table, then it comes in two packages. They’re packaged very tight with good padding to protect the product.

The delivery was very prompt and quick. Most of the time, you’ll probably get the package within 2 business days, within the US.

Stability

Being 5’10”, the table is very stable at the height of around 45″, this is perfect for the average person, unless you’re super tall, then the max height for this standing desk might be an issue.

Motor

The home edition comes with a single motor while the hybrid and business use a dual-motor system. Very quiet (with 45 dB at the lowest and 50 dB at the highest, depending on the type of desk you get), and easy to install.

The legs and remote device plugs into the motor with ease, to get you standing in no time, using only a 110 – 240V outlet voltage, which can be plugged into any standard outlet.

Life Capacity

You’ll be able to lift 220 lbs for the home edition, or 300 lbs for the hybrid and business edition. Enough for most people, an Apple Macbook with an external monitor, keyboard, and mouse. You can even get up to using dual monitors, easy, or perhaps using a monitor arm that can be clamped to the table.

What we don’t like

Height Range

If you’re over 6′, check the maximum height against your standing elbow height before you buy.

Learn more about proper desk heights to prevent back pain, here.

Stability (at the highest)

When you set the table at the highest level, the desk can get a little bit wobbly, but it is very indistinguishable unless you’re actually rocking the table or doing a lot of activities that require the table to be extra stable.

Cable Tray

The cable tray comes separately. Plan on buying it if you want tidy cables. However, they do have pre-drilled grommet holes where your cables can fall through for a cleaner look.

Initial Lift

Some owners find the instruction manual confusing at first. Autonomous has a YouTube video that shows how it works, which helps if you’re new to standing desks.

Other Considerations

• Trial – If you’re not too sure about the brand, you can even try it for 30-days. They’ll even cover shipping, and no questions asked!
• Payment plans – You can also pay the desk through a payment plan, which a lot of different competitors might not have this option.
• Warranty – Instead of the typical 1-year, the this Smart Desk 2 Hybrid, gives you a generous 5-year warranty.

What other people are saying

If you’re still not convinced, here’s what owners report:

The good:

• Good first standing desk – First-time owners say it’s simple and easy to use, and that it helps them build healthier habits.
• Good for budget and back – Owners on a budget say it does what pricier smart desks do, and that it’s easy on their backs. Hats off
• Great look at the office – Owners say the black finish suits a minimalist office.

The bad:

• Too complicated to put together – Some owners find assembly complex for one person, even with the manual and video.
• Missing technology – There's no app, so you can't change the height from your phone. The control panel on the side works, but it looks dated.
• Snooze alert – Some owners find the look plain and wish it had more style.

Although there were some aesthetics that Autonomous can improve upon, we believe that the pros have outweighed the cons based on health benefits and your well-being.

Overall Thoughts

The Autonomous stand-up desk moves between sitting and standing at the press of a button, and owners praise its stability and build quality.

We know that you won’t regret getting one of their desks. However, if you’re on the fence about it, then just give it a shot with their no-hassle, free 30-day trial.

---

More from Desk Advisor

• What are the top reviewed standing desk converters
• Understanding why we need to standing more often
• How long should you stand?