If you’ve found this page, there is a good chance you are looking for more information on a Vari product. You’ve come to the right place. I am confident in saying that nobody, aside from Vari themselves, has more experience with their products than we do. We have brought in several different products and written in-depth reviews on most of them. These products include laptop desks, standing desk converters, electric standing desks, standing chairs and different types of standing mats. This page will serve as a hub for all of our Vari product reviews. Here you will find a comprehensive breakdown of Vari as a company, information about their policies and a brief summary of the different product types that we have reviewed. If you wish to learn more about any of the products, click the link to read our full in-depth review.
Full Disclaimer: We are an office furniture dealer and sell some of the products we review. To learn more about the products we sell, our review process and why you can trust us, please visit: Why we’re different. Who is BTOD.com and The Breakroom Blog?
Vari Reviews and Pricing
- VariHistory
- Vari Awards
- Vari Patents, Trademarks and Lawsuits
- VariPrices
- Vari Assembly
- Vari Policies: Return, Warranty and Shipping,
- Sit stand converters
- Active seating
- Standing desk mats
- Final Thoughts
Vari Reviews and Pricing Video
Vari Company History
Vari was started in 2012 out of Gemmy Industries. Gemmy Industries has been in business since 1984 and has seen a lot of success with a variety of novelty and animation products. Their most recognizable product is Big Mouth Billy Bass. In 2012, Jason McCann saw his co-worker, Daniel Flaherty, using some boxes on his desk as a makeshift standing desk. After some searching and testing of a few standing desk converter products, they decided to make their own, which became the first version of Vari.
The first product debuted to the world at Neocon Chicago in 2013. It was a massive hit and the product line quickly expanded. Vari, LLC was formed in 2013 and the company moved next door to its own building. Vari was willing to do what no other company in our industry had been; push hard on traditional advertising mediums to build brand equity. They put a large focus on things like in-flight magazines, TV commercials, radio ads and, of course, all forms of internet advertising. While this is an incredibly expensive tactic that many companies simply cannot afford, it has been very successful for building the Vari brand. Vari is now the most recognizable standing desk brand in the world.
Vari’s’ large advertising campaigns have also been extremely beneficial for the standing desk industry as a whole. Vari has brought a ton of awareness and exposure to both our industry and the idea of trying to be healthier while you work.
Vari Awards
Vari has racked up quite a few awards. They have received awards for product design as well as good company practices that rate Vari highly as a place of employment. Some examples would include: SMU Cox Dallas 100™ No. 1 Entrepreneurial Company in Dallas Area, 2016; Product Innovation of the Year Corporate Health and Wellness Association and the Employer Healthcare and Benefits Congress, November 2015; New Product Innovations Buildings Magazine, June 2015; Award for Design Excellence – 2014 Design Journal / ADEX, May 2014; Best of Neocon, June 2013.
Vari Patents & Trademarks
Vari has several design and utility patents for their products. A utility patent is more common than a design patent and protects the functionality of a product. A design patent protects the aesthetics of a product, which can include things like the appearance and shape. Some of the products that Vari currently holds patents for are: ProPlus™ Series, PRODESK® 60 Manual, Laptop 30™, Cube Corner® Series, Cube Plus® Series, Exec Series. They also have numerous trademarks for their various product names and also for a variety of phrases they use to advertise their brand.
Vari Lawsuits
Vari has gone through a lot of work to create such a large portfolio of patents and trademarks. They are very diligent about protecting them and are not afraid to sue competitors if necessary. They have won numerous cases and reached licensing agreements with a lot of competitors due to their patents. Some of the competing brands that have come to patent licensing agreements with Vari are: InMovement, Ergotron and Lumi Legend Group, who make converters for popular resellers like Vivo, ApexDesk, Flash Furniture and Best Office. Vari has also filed suit against numerous other brands including, ErgoTech, Monoprice, Locktek, FlexiSpot and Mount-It!.
Vari Prices
Vari has very consistent pricing on their entire product line. They rarely change their prices and I have also never seen them have a sale or offer a coupon. The price that you see is the price that you will pay now or in the future. This means that you do not have to worry about the timing of your purchase due to a possible price change.
With the exception of the Vari accessories, their products will typically be priced about 30%-50% higher than comparative competing models. This extra cost does come with some benefits though. There is value in purchasing from a large, reputable company. Vari has a history of customer satisfaction and they have some of the best policies in the industry.
Vari Assembly
One of the most attractive things about Vari products is that they almost all come fully assembled out of the box. Vari is the first standing desk company to really focus on making it easy on the customer to get the product ready for use. The few products that do require assembly are very simple to put together. As an example, the PRODESK® 60 Electric desk is the easiest electric desk to assemble, that we have tested. While most full electric desks take 30-90 minutes to assemble, the PRODESK® 60 Electric can be installed in 5-10 minutes.
Vari Return Policy
Vari’s focus on the customer also extends to their return policy. Vari offers a 30-day, 100% risk free trial of their products. If you do not like a product, Vari will arrange and pay for the pick-up and issue you a full refund. If you tossed the original packaging, Vari will send you a new box, free of charge. This policy goes above and beyond anyone else in the industry. For years, it has been standard practice to charge restocking fees and shipping costs for returns. Vari has changed that way of thinking and we are starting to see more and more manufacturers trying to get closer to a policy like Vari’s.
Vari Warranty
Vari recently made some big changes to their warranty and it is now among the other industry leaders in the sit stand category. Purchases made prior to March 2, 2018 come with a standard one year warranty. This goes for all products. Purchases made after March 2, 2018 will have a new warranty structure depending on the product type. The QuickPro™ Series has a 10 year warranty. Standing desk converters, with the exception of the Compact Series, have a five year warranty. Storage cabinets and monitor arms also have a five year warranty. The Compact Series, Seating and remaining accessories have a one year warranty.
If your Vari product becomes defective or damaged, and it is not due to abuse or normal wear and tear, then you can contact Vari for a claim. They will either send you a replacement unit or have your product shipped back to them for repairs. If the claim is within the first year of owning the product, then Vari will cover the shipping charges. If it is outside the first year, then you will be responsible for shipping.
Vari Shipping Policy
Vari has warehouses all over the world. Orders will usually go out the same or next business day. Most orders ship via FedEx or UPS Ground. The products will then arrive within a few days after they ship. Almost all orders ship for free. Some remote locations will require that you pay the standard FedEx or UPS rate. An example would be shipments to Alaska.
Some larger items will ship via freight carrier. These items will typically arrive between 5-7 days after shipping. The carrier will notify you prior to delivery and will unload the items from the truck for you. You will be responsible for bringing the items inside. Similar to Ground shipments, freight deliveries to remote locations will incur additional charges.
Our experience has shown that Vari has some of the best packaging in the industry. All of the products we have ordered have been packaged very well, which greatly reduces the chances for something arriving damaged. If something does arrive damaged, Vari has shown a track record of taking care of their customers and sending out replacements.
Vari Products Overview
Below you will find brief summaries of the different Vari products that we’ve brought in and tested. We have them separated into the same categories that Vari currently uses on their website. If you’d like more information, click the “read our full review” link at the end of the summary.
Standing Desk Converters
ProPlus™ Series Summary
The ProPlus™ series is Vari’s most popular line. The ProPlus™ is a desk riser that sits on top of your desk. There are three sizes to choose from: 30”, 36” or 48”. All three models feature a similar dual fixed platform design with a double z shaped base. There are two platforms that remain at the same distance from each other at all times. The upper platform is meant to hold your monitor(s). It is a rectangle with a large cut-out in the front of the platform. The lower platform is meant to hold your keyboard and mouse. The keyboard platform is large but also features a pronounced cut-out in the front.
The base of the unit is heavy and requires a large amount of desk space. The height adjustment system is controlled with two handles found underneath both sides of the monitor platform. Holding the handles down will allow you to move the platforms up or down. There are 11 positions to choose from. The movement is spring assisted and moves out toward you in an arcing pattern. The build quality and technology used is on the lower end of the spectrum. For more information, read our full review of the Vari ProPlus™ 36 here …
Note: The Pro Plus™ 36 Electric is listed under this product family but since the design is so much different, it is featured in its own section below.
ProPlus™ ProsNo assembly required |
ProPlus™ ConsPoor stability when standing |
VariProPlus™ Series Pricing and Specifications
| ProPlus™ 30 | ProPlus™ 36 | ProPlus™ 48 | |
| Price | $375 | $425 | $525 |
| Size (width x depth) | 30” x 29.75” | 36” x 29.75” | 48” x 29.75” |
| Keyboard height range | .75”-13.75” | .75”-13.75” | .75”-13.75” |
| Weight Capacity | 35 lbs. | 35 lbs. | 45 lbs. |
| Monitor capacity | Single monitor | Dual 24” monitors | Dual 27” monitors |
| Color Options | Black | Black, White, Butcher Block, Darkwood | Black |
| Where to Buy | Buy on Amazon | Buy on Amazon | Buy on Amazon |
ProPlus™ Electric Summary
Notice: Vari recently discontinued the ProPlus™ 36 Electric and introduced a ProPlus™ 32 Electric.
The ProPlus™ 36 Electric was Vari’s first entrant into the electric standing desk market. It is a fixed dual platform product that sits on top of your desk. The product is large and requires a big chunk of real estate. It features a double x shaped base which allows the platforms to move straight up and down. The movement is controlled with a standard up/down button on the front of the converter. The ProPlus™ 36 Electric features a digital number display from 1-100. The numbers do not correspond to a standard form of measurement. They are a tool to help you remember where you like the desk. The ProPlus™ 36 Electric is powered by a basic DC motor and power adapter. It does not have features such as collision avoidance or overload protection, which are commonly found on electric standing desks.
The platforms on the ProPlus™ 36 Electric are much better for providing usable space than the standard ProPlus™ 36. The monitor platform is a large rectangle and it still has a cut-out in the front. The cut-out is much less pronounced, so it doesn’t take away from your task space as much. The keyboard platform does not have a cut-out or curve. There is plenty of space and it is not awkwardly shaped. For more information, read our full review of the Vari ProPlus™ 36 Electric here …
ProPlus™ Electric ProsPush button height adjustment |
ProPlus™ Electric ConsSlow and inconsistent lifting speeds |
Vari ProPlus™ Electric Pricing and Specifications
| ProPlus™ 36 Electric | |
| Price | $495 |
| Size (width x depth) | 36” x 32.5” |
| Keyboard height range | .75”-14.75” |
| Weight Capacity | 40 lbs. |
| Monitor capacity | Dual 24” monitors |
| Color Options | Black |
Vari Exec 40 Summary
While the Pro and Pro Plus™ series have been popular, one of their biggest weaknesses is their low maximum height. To help correct this issue Vari came out with the Exec 40. The Exec 40 has the tallest height adjustment range of any Vari sit stand converter. It allows for people as tall as 6’7” to use the product in an ergonomic typing position. The unit is designed the same way as the Pro Plus™. It sits on top of your desk and features a large, double z shaped base with spring assisted movement. The adjustment is controlled with two handles found inside the monitor platform. Holding both handles will let you move the platforms up or down. You can choose between 9 different height options. The movement pattern forces the platforms out toward you as you raise them. At the maximum height, they are about 15” further from the desk than when they are in their lowest position. The platforms remain at a fixed height from one another so this unit is not dual ergonomic. The monitor platform is a large rectangle with the only cut-out made for the keyboard space. Because of this design, the keyboard space is more limited than other Vari models. For more information, read our full review of the Vari Exec 40 here …
Exec 40 ProsGood for tall users |
Exec 40 ConsNo infinite lock position |
Vari Exec 40 Pricing and Specifications
| Exec 40 | |
| Price | $595 |
| Size (width x depth) | 40” x 28” |
| Keyboard height range | .75”-19.25” |
| Weight Capacity | 35 lbs. |
| Monitor capacity | Dual 24” monitors |
| Color Options | Black |
| Where to Buy | Buy on Amazon |
Cube Corner® Series Summary
The Cube Corner® is a series of standing desk converters that Vari designed specifically to fit in the corner of a cubicle. It is available in two different sizes and features a double z shaped base that is very similar to the Pro Plus™ series. The main difference is that the Cube Corner® series features gas lifts to assist with the lifting process instead of the spring system seen on the Pro Plus™ series. The Cube Corner® has two platforms that remain at a fixed distance from one another through all stages of adjustment. The top platform is meant to hold your monitors and also provide space for accessories and tasking. The bottom platform holds your keyboard and mouse. The one distinguishing feature that makes the Cube Corner® a good fit for cubicles is the tapered back edges of the monitor platform. Since the back edges are tapered, they do not run into the walls of your cube.
The Cube Corner® is a very large converter and requires a large footprint. For this reason, it is only really practical for use with a cubicle or corner desk. Another thing to consider is that the Cube Corner® will move out toward you when it is raised. You will need to account for this extra space and make sure your work area can allow for this. For more information, read our full review of the Vari Cube Corner® 36 here …
Cube Corner® Pros30-day risk free trial |
Cube Corner® ConsNo infinite lock position |
Cube Corner® Series Pricing and Specifications
| Cube Corner® 36 | |
| Price | $525 |
| Size (width x depth) | 36” x 34” |
| Keyboard height range | .75”-13.5” |
| Weight Capacity | 35 lbs. |
| Monitor capacity | Dual 24” monitors |
| Color Options | Black |
| Where to Buy | Buy on Amazon |
Cube Plus® Series Summary
The Cube Plus® is another standing desk converter series that was designed to be used with Cubicles. It comes in one size option and features a double z shaped base, like most of the Vari standing desk converters. There are 2 platforms that remain at a fixed distance from one another. The top platform offers a wide space that is suitable for dual 27″ monitors. The lower platform is meant for your keyboard and mouse. The keyboard tray and slide in and out and locks firmly in place.
The Cube Plus® was designed by Vari to be used on the return section of your cube or corner desk. The standard ProPlus™ model does not work in for this application because the back of the platform will run into the wall and won’t lower all the way. The Cube Plus® has a design that allows it to fit on a 24″ deep desk that is against a wall. For more information, read our full review of the Vari Cube Plus® 40 here …
Cube Plus® Pros30-day risk free trial |
Cube Plus® ConsNot dual ergonomic |
Cube Plus® Series Pricing and Specifications
| Cube Plus® 40 | |
| Price | $475 |
| Size (width x depth) | 40” x 21.5” |
| Keyboard height range | .75”-13.75” |
| Weight Capacity | 35 lbs. |
| Monitor capacity | Dual 27” monitors |
| Color Options | Black |
| Where to Buy | Buy on Amazon |
Seating
VARIchair® Summary
The VARIchair® is the first seating product from Vari. It is an active standing chair that is meant to keep you moving while you work. The chair arrives fully assembled and comes with a one year warranty on the entirety of the chair. It features a simplistic design with no backrest or armrests. The base is rectangle in shape and is made of plastic with a heavy piece of metal to anchor the chair in place when sitting. There is a pivot system built into the base that gives the cylinder the ability to tilt in all directions. It only has a single adjustment for the height of the seat. The seat height adjustment is controlled with a handle under the seat and is powered by a gas cylinder. Holding the handle will allow the seat to move up or down and releasing it will lock the seat height in position.
The seat has thick, hard padding with a coarse vinyl upholstery. It is both durable and easy to clean but it is not going to be comfortable for more than an hour or so at a time. The back of the seat has a built-in handle that makes it really easy to carry the chair around your office. The VARIchair® is currently available in two models. The VARIchair® Pro offers a larger seat, base and an increased weight capacity. It also has a seat pan made from plywood, which is a step up in quality over the plastic seen on the standard VARIchair®. For more information, read our full review of the Vari VARIchair® here …
VARIchair® ProsShips fully assembled |
VARIchair® ConsUncomfortable seat |
VARIchair® Pricing and Specifications
| VARIchair® | VARIchair® Pro | |
| Price | $295 | n/a |
| Seat dimensions | 13”W x 11”D | 17.5”W x 14”D |
| Seat pan material | Black Plastic | Espresso Plywood |
| Base dimensions | 15.75” x 15.75” | 17”W x 15.75”D |
| Height range | 23”-32.75” | 23”-32.75” |
| Weight Capacity | 220 lbs. | 250 lbs. |
| Chair weight | 26 lbs. | 32 lbs. |
| Where to Buy | Buy on Amazon | n/a |
Standing Desk Mats
The MAT Summary
The Mat from Vari is currently available in two different sizes: the MAT 34™ and the MAT 36™. Both products are rectangular shaped with a slight beveled edge. The beveled edge makes them safer because they are less of a tripping hazard compared to active mats with raised edges. They are made from high quality polyurethane but lack an integral skin which is something we found on better quality products. Without an integral skin or vinyl top layer, these mats will be more susceptible to damage. The lack of the extra layer, along with the thin design, make the standing experience quite firm. The Mat is best suited for price conscious buyers that prefer a firmer standing experience. For more information on The Mat, read our list of the best flat standing mats here …
The MAT ProsMade from high quality polyurethane |
The MAT ConsShort warranty period |
The MAT Pricing and Specifications
| The MAT 34™ | The MAT 36™ | |
| Price | $60 | $70 |
| Dimensions | 34″W x 20”D x .625”H | 36”W x 24”D x .625”H |
| Weight | 4 lbs. | 4 lbs. |
| Where to Buy | Buy on Amazon | Buy on Amazon |
The ActiveMat™ Summary
The ActiveMat™ is designed for people who would like to be able to be a bit more active while standing. It is rectangle shaped and has large side and front walls. The walls are there to let you place your feet in different places to move, rock or lean in different ways. The walls are firm and do not collapse easily so they hold your position nicely. There is not a back wall or any raised areas in the middle of the mat. Similar to The Mat, the ActiveMat™ is a product that features high quality polyurethane but lacks a vinyl layer or integral skin. The lack of this top layer makes the ActiveMat™ less durable than many of its peers. It is also going to be firm so this is another product that you will want to avoid if you prefer a softer standing experience. For more information, read our list of the best non-flat standing mats here …
ActiveMat™ ProsTall front and side elevation changes |
ActiveMat™ ConsShort one-year warranty period |
ActiveMat™ Pricing and Specifications
| ActiveMat™ | |
| Price | $115 |
| Dimensions | 35.5″W x 20.75″D x 3.25″ H |
| Weight | 9 lbs. |
| Where to Buy | Buy on Amazon |
Final Thoughts
Vari came onto the scene like a freight train and they have been gaining momentum ever since. Their focus on advertising and promoting their brand and the idea behind being active while you work has helped to transform our industry and bring a great amount of awareness to this new movement. Along with bringing a lot of attention to our industry, Vari has forced its competitors to step their game up in an effort to offer the same type of customer buying experience that Vari does. Since Vari started releasing products, other companies have decided to come out with their own versions of products that arrive fully assembled. We have seen a shift in manufacturers removing restocking fees and offering better return policies. Shipping times are getting faster and product diversity is growing. While not all of this can be attributed solely to Vari, they are certainly the main contributor.
While I like a lot of things that Vari does as a company, I am not always the biggest fan of their products. If you read through our detailed reviews on the Vari products we have tested, you will find that we often address quite a few downsides with all of their products. Like any products we review, the Vari product line is not perfect. The conclusion that we come to with most Vari products is that you are getting a decent product but you are going to be paying more than you would for a comparable competing model. At the end of the day, you can find better product value in Vari alternatives but as I discussed earlier, there is intrinsic value in buying from a company like Vari. It is up to you to decide which is more important to you when making your buying decision.
Bill
I would like a converter for 2 monitors/ laptop/keyboard but concerned about weight as my table may not be able to hold more than 50lbs. Can you recommend a good option or even an inexpensive desk that can support veridesk converters?
Thank you.