Often we get questions about how our products compare to others in the market. One of the more common products we are asked to compare is the Evodesk vs. the VertDesk v3. Both are electric standing desks that feature large capacities with sub $1000 price tags. While they both come from the mid-range category, they are quite a bit different. What standing desk is best for you will likely be different than your co worker. The goal of this comparison is to cut through all of the fluff and truly find out what each desk is made of. By the end of this post you should be able to decide if either desk is a good fit for your needs.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
– OEM Manufacturer
– Where Are Components Made?
– Pricing
– Assembly
– Specs / Features
– Stability
– Electronics
– Weight Capacity Testing
– How They Operate
– Return Policy and Warranty
OEM Manufacturer
The Evodesk is currently manufactured by JieCang Linear Technology, based out of China. JieCang started in 2000 as linear actuator company, producing adjustable medical furniture. After 2011 they realized an opportunity existed in the market for their lower cost linear technology in standing desk frames. Over the last six years they have established themselves as one of the largest Chinese producers of electric standing desks.
The VertDesk v3 is currently being manufactured by K&A Mfg. Inc, makers of RA Products and the high-end standing desk brand, NewHeights. Based out of Wisconsin, they were established in 1985 as an ergonomic furniture company. Over the past 30 plus years, K&A Mfg. has continued to evolve, now producing a complete line of office furniture. K&A has been manufacturing electric standing desks since 2002, establishing themselves as a leader in the US Market.
Where are the components made?
| Evodesk | VertDesk v3 | |
| Frame | China | Taiwan |
| Electronics | China | Austria |
| Gears | China | Germany |
| Assembly | China | USA |
2024 Pricing
How the VertDesk v3 pricing compares to the Evodesk is a very popular question. When looking at comparables, we have found that there is pretty big difference in pricing between these two products. The first thing to take into account is that all VertDesk v3 products will ship free and Evodesk has a flat rate for each of their desk sizes. This rate can vary from $49 to $79 depending on the size option selection.
| Evodesk | VertDesk v3 | |
| Expandable Base (no top) | $997.00 | $608.99 (not expandable) |
| 30” x 60” Laminate | n/a | $859.59 |
| 30” x 60” Bamboo | $1,296.00 | $n/a |
| 30” x 60” Powder Coated | $1,126.00 | n/a |
| 30” x 60” Rubberwood | $1,176.00 | n/a |
| 30” x 60” Solid Wood | n/a | $1,520.74 |
| Lead Time | 7-10 Business Days | 20 Business Days |
The base only option from VertDesk costs 12 to 38 percent less, depending on the size option selected. Because the Evodesk is expandable there is only one price. The VertDesk v3 has four width options available: 36”, 48”, 60” and 72” wide models. The current lead time for base only options with VertDesk v3 is 1-2 business days. The current lead time with the Evodesk base only is 7-10 business days.
When we compare the base and top options, there is not a lot of exact comparables. The most popular VertDesk v3 option is in the wood essence laminate. When compared to the powder coated Evoguard from Evodesk, the VertDesk is 24 percent less money. The current lead time for VertDesk in all laminate options is 5 business days. The Evodesk bamboo and Evoguard powder coated options will all ship within 7-10 business days.
Assembly
Both desks will require some time to put together. On average, we found that the VertDesk requires between 30-90 minutes depending on your skill level. The Evodesk will take a little bit longer at 40-90 minutes, with a few more steps attaching the upper supports and feet. Overall, they are both straightforward. The VertDesk v3 comes with predrilled holes on the laminate options and the Evodesk has threaded inserts for all of their top options.
Because the Evodesk requires assembly of the upper supports and feet, there are quite a few screws required. Some of the screws attaching the upper support to the columns can be tricky to access. After some tinkering around you should be able to get it figured out. The allen wrench that is included with Evodesk is short. If you have metric ones available I would recommend using those in place of what is sent with the frame. Also consider adding a gel, like Loctite Threadlocker, for a more consistent hold on the foot and upper frame assembly. As the desk moves up and down, these screws will begin to loosen. As this happens the desk will start to exhibit more rocking and/or wobble.
The VertDesk v3 has the feet and upper supports welded to the columns. The VertDesk v3 pain point is inserting the hex rod into the leg opposite the motor. If the gear inside the column isn’t perfectly aligned, you may need to use a wrench to turn the hex rod 1/12 to slide it into the column.
Standard Specs/Features Base Only
| Features | Evodesk | VertDesk v3 |
| Button Options | Standard up/down push button | Standard up/down push button |
| Lifting Capacity | 355lbs | 275lbs |
| Motor(s) | Dual | Single |
| Adjustment Range | 23.875” to 49.75” | 27” to 47.5” |
| Adjustment Speed | 1.5” per second | 1.55” per second |
| Soft Start – Stop | Yes | Yes |
| Auto-dark LED display | Yes | Yes |
| Leveling Glides | .25” adjustment | .5” adjustment |
| Expandable Frame | 42.55” to 66.75” Wide | n/a |
| Anti-collision | Yes | Yes |
| Overload Protection | No | Yes |
| Frame Material | Steel | Steel |
| Foot Material | Steel | Steel |
Weight Capacities and Testing
The Evodesk comes standard with a large, 355 lb. lifting capacity. We were able to test the frame with that exact capacity and the motors are strong enough to lift without an issue. The desk was able to move swiftly with only the desktop, with an average speed of 1.5” per second during our ten cycle test. When the desk was loaded to max capacity, the speed dropped slightly to 1.46” per second.
Note: During our research we found that the OEM manufacturer Jiecang shows a different capacity of 1000N (224.808 lbs) for this base. They list each leg has the ability to lift 800N. This leads us to believe that while the motors are strong enough to lift 360 lbs., they do not recommend it with the current configuration. This could potentially have to do with the lack of a traditional cross support.
The VertDesk v3 single motor system has a 275 lbs. lifting capacity. We turned off the overload capacity for testing and loaded the desk with 380 lbs. and and found the motor was strong enough to lift the weight. The average speed for the frame with top is 1.55” per second over the 10 cycle average. When the desk was overloaded to 380 lbs. the speed dropped to 1.27” per second.
Electronics Comparison
The Evodesk and VertDesk v3 feature smart electronic control box systems. These systems offer a standard two button, up and down button. Each has the optional programmable button with four presets at an additional charge.
How Do They Operate
Both the VertDesk v3 and Evodesk offer a smart control box system with soft start and stop mechanism. Each collision avoidance system was tested and functioned properly; however, the Evodesk’s collision avoidance function won’t work after the button has been released. This is a problem because the desk will stay in motion for about a .5” second after the up/down button is released.
The VertDesk v3 and Evodesk include a one touch system with their programmable button. Set your desired height with one of the four preset options. When you want to go back to that height, press and release the selection, the desk will automatically go to that height.
Frame Colors
The Evodesk is currently available in three colors: black, white and silver. The VertDesk v3 is available in silver, black and white.
Optional Upgrades
| Evodesk | VertDesk v3 | |
| Programmable Button | $59 | $69.89 |
| Power Grommet | n/a | $110.25/each |
| Locking Casters | $99/set | $54.99/set |
| Wire Management Kit | $99 (no power strip available) | $22-$400 |
Stability Of Each Desk
One of the most common and important questions with all standing desks is their stability. There are a lot of variables that can influence a desks ability to remain stable when fully extended. There are two motions that we have found are most common, each is equally important. The first is a front to back rocking motion and then second is a left to right wobble motion. While you may think that these motions won’t affect your ability to concentrate, consider how difficult it is to focus with a wobbly table at a restaurant. Now move this into your office where it is much more important to eliminate all distractions.
Front to Back: I found that during testing the VertDesk v3 was more stable front to back than the Evodesk. Once the Evodesk is raised above 40” the rocking motion begins. Beyond 45” to 46” this motion becomes significant. this same motion doesn’t begin on the VertDesk v3 until 46”.
Left to Right: The left to right wobble found on the Evodesk was to be expected without the use of a traditional cross support. Unfortunately, the wobble starts early at 39” and becomes annoying beyond 42”. After 45” the wobble is significant. This is where the VertDesk v3 really excels, with no wobble experienced.
Note: It’s very important with adjustable standing desks to fully tighten all hardware. If there is hardware that is not completely tight, the movement experienced when extended to standing height will be exaggerated.
A Desk Is Only As Stable As Its Foundation
Like a home, your desk is only as strong as its foundation. With that in mind, it becomes clear why there is such a big difference in stability between the Evodesk and VertDesk v3. The first thing that stands out with each base is the first part to touch the floor, the adjustable glide.
When I backed the glides out of each desk, the Evodesk glides are much smaller and appear cheaper. The stem is quite a bit narrower as well.
Glide and Foot Connection
Taking a closer look into the threading inside the foot (where the glide connects to the foot), the Evodesk has tapped the steel plate within the foot. This has created a small amount of threading, with only two full threads holding the entire glide in place. Looking at the VertDesk v3 you can see there is a large threaded rivnut in place. This creates a longer connection with five full lines of threading.
Foot Construction
The second thing you notice is the actual welds hold the feet together. The Evodesk uses small welds and the VertDesk has longer welds.
The Column Connection
Next I wanted take a look at how the feet and upper supports are attached to the columns. The Evodesk attaches these parts with screws. Unfortunately, this requires you to get the tightness correct. It also creates an opportunity for screws to loosen over time and creating stability issues if they are not continually tightened. We recommend using a gel like loctite for the Evodesk hardware. The VertDesk v3 has the feet and upper supports attached to the columns welds. This is a more permanent solution and will provide better consistency with stability over time.
Glide Systems Inside Columns
Another important factor with stability for adjustable standing desks is the glides found between the columns. Because of the natural variances found in steel columns, custom sized glides are needed to create a proper fit between these columns. Without the use of custom glides, the amount of play in the columns will vary on each base.
We have tested three different (current) JieCang bases to date. We have older models in house as well, but those aren’t part of our most recent testing. Each of the bases exhibited different amounts of play which leads me to believe that only one size glide is used inside their columns. While this cuts down on cost for JieCang, it means that the stability between their OEM bases will vary significantly.
The VertDesk v3 uses three different sized glides that can be interchanged to create the most consistent fit. During the assembly process done in the USA, each base is tested to verify a proper fit has been created.
Traditional Cross Support
The last part of the foundation is the use of a cross support. The Evodesk uses a U shaped design, that puts the cross support directly underneath the desktop. Naturally this will create a left to right wobble the higher the cross support moves from the bottom of the base. The VertDesk utilizes a cross support system that is designed specifically for that desk size. The cross support height remains constant, minimizing wobble as the upper half of the desk is raised.
Return Policy
| Evodesk | VertDek v3 |
| Evodesk frames and EvoGuard, Bamboo and Rubberwood tops can be returned without restocking fees. Customer is responsible for the return shipping costs. Return period is 30 days of purchase. | The VertDesk v3 desks are returnable with no restocking fees. VertDesk is responsible for the return shipping costs. |
Warranty
| Evodesk | VertDek v3 |
| Five year warranty for everything. The Evodesk frame, including the electric motors, control box, and switch. | Lifetime warranty for everything. |
Bottom Line
Depending on your needs, each base has the potential to a be a good fit for you. The Evodesk offers a large weight capacity, quick adjustment speed and wide adjustment range. The lack of consistency with stability and over greased columns is less than desired though. The VertDesk v3 offers the most stable base we have tested in the mid-range category, quick adjustment speeds and high-end electronics. Unfortunately, it’s range of motion and lower weight capacity will take it out of consideration for some users. The truth is that it’s impossible to label any desk with the “best” title, as everyone’s needs are different. With that in mind, I hope my comparison of the Evodesk and VertDesk v3 will help you decide which is the best for you.
More Standing Desk Resources
- The 4 Best Electric Standing Desks Under $800
- How long will your VertDesk v3 last? We tested to find out.
- VertDesk v3 vs. Jarvis Standing Desk
- Jarvis Desk Electric Adjustable Desk (Review / Rating / Pricing)
- VertDesk v3 Electric Standing Desk (Review / Rating / Pricing)
- A Standing Desk Evolution: VertDesk v1 and v2 VS. VertDesk v3
