“Xtreme” is an unusual way to describe AndaSeat’s comfortable, reasonably-priced, and wholly practical standing desk.
Specs:
- Specs:
- 47.2”/55.1” long
- 29.5” deep
- 28.7” to 46.1” height adjustment
- 155lbs capacity
- < 50db motor
- 22mm/s lift speed
Serviceable, but Not Groundbreaking
As a gamer, I’ve grown accustomed to some variation of the “Extreme” label indicating a game-changing revamp of a classic product. “Extreme” denotes an evolution from the ordinary, something sure to break the mold and introduce new, and sometimes wild, ideas. Think a premium leather version of an otherwise mid-grade cloth gamer chair or a gaming mouse equipped with a row of programmable buttons.
That’s far from the case for AndaSeat’s Xtreme Series Ergonomic Standing Desk. While I have few complaints about the otherwise functional desk, having been sitting at Secretlab’s $900 Magnus Pro for over a year, AndaSeat’s version of a premium standing desk falls short of its exaggerated name.
The Xtreme Series desk utilizes concepts that are far from new, and does so in a way that doesn’t measure up to other brands. However, what AndaSeat lacks in ingenuity, it makes up for with a modest price tag that sits at nearly half the price of its competitors.
Assembly and Components
Having assembled quite a few standing desks before, I knew what to expect when the pair of oversized packages arrived. The desktop shipped in its own packaging to prevent scratching, which, I later found, it is very prone to. All other components, including the separate two-stage steel legs, steel frame, drive shaft, and wire tray, came protected in a box not light on foam inserts.
Overall, assembly was standard for standing desks. Since the Xtreme Series comes in multiple sizes, you must adjust the frame to fit the desktop. It’s not a painstaking process, and most could figure it out without the manual. My biggest gripe with assembly, though, was discovering disappointing quirks, such as the quality of the drive shaft.
Being a single-motor standing desk, a drive shaft winds the opposite leg to move in unison. The shaft feels flimsy and jammed on the first test. After some tinkering with the length adjustment locks, both sides moved smoothly and at the same pace, but it’s not the kind of troubleshooting you expect on a new assembly. Also, given the low-quality feel and exposed design, longevity is a concern.
The desk also has a wire tray, but it sits closer to the middle of the desk, leaving potential for hanging cables running from either side of the desk. A slightly closed-off system would have a premium feel, but I did like the open-side design that makes accessing a power strip much easier. There is such a thing as wire management that’s too closed off, and AndaSeat’s design overcorrects a little to avoid that.
Unfortunately, one of the most important pieces, the control panel, feels tacked on and out of place. It’s not aesthetically pleasing and protrudes quite a bit from the edge of the desk. I can see it being one of the first things to die or be damaged, not just because it’s at risk of being knocked into. It just felt like an aftermarket part, chosen to keep the desk’s cost lower.
Comfortable Whether Sitting or Standing
Where the Xtreme Series desk excels is in overall design. The medium-density fiberboard (MDF) desktop has a curved front and rounded edges to maximize comfort, accessibility, and space. While the concave keeps you closer to your monitor and peripherals, the flared sides offer a little room for odds and ends. The front edge is even beveled so your arms or wrists can rest comfortably.
A notched edge in the back improves cable management, so you can keep the desk closer to your wall without pinching cables from your monitor. It’s also convenient for monitor mounts, so they don’t extend beyond the back of the desk. AndaSeat’s Xtreme Series ships with wire guides that stick on, but you may want to invest in something that feels less prone to falling off with a gentle tug.
The Single-Motor Compromise
Despite my criticisms of the control panel, it does its job toggling the desk between 28.7 and 46.1 inches. It also features three presets, a child lock, and a timer that reminds you to get up and stretch.
Being a single motor system, you’ll sacrifice speed and quieter operation, but it’s all about value. By waiting a few seconds longer, you save a decent amount of money when dual-motor desks like TTRacing’s TIVOP gaming desk and Desky’s Alpha gaming desk retail for more than $600. With one motor, burnout is a concern as it’s pulling the weight of two, but that is speculation, and nothing in my testing period suggested it was struggling.
There is an anti-collision feature, but I wouldn’t rely on it too much. It did kick in when it touched my chair, but it delayed when stopping, and I had to intervene to keep it from bending the armrests. Otherwise, it’s more than serviceable with smooth, stutter-free operation you’d want out of your standing desk.
Do You Need It?
Are you in the market for a standing desk that’s spacious, functional, and well below a $1,000 price tag? AndaSeat’s Xtreme Series Ergonomic Standing Desk may have its issues, but they slowly melt away when you consider that you’re not spending a fortune. Functionally, save for initial troubles with the drive shaft, the desk works as expected, and its concave design and beveled edge offer comfort that many desks don’t.
If you’re optimistic about the single motor system and won’t overload the small tray with wires, then the Xtreme Series is a wallet-friendly option for gamers who want deliberate, comfortable ergonomics and durable construction.
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