Flexispot is at it again with the Flexispot Q8, a big bold, and beautiful standing desk with integrated charging and a beautiful bamboo tabletop that will make any office space feel sophisticated and chic. 

With its four customizable preset heights, integrated wireless phone charging and handy drawer, it’s a fantastic choice for a desk with a little more than variable height. But with the company's other models topping our round-up of the best standing desks, how does the Flexispot Q8 Comhar Pro compare? 

Flexispot Q8 standing desk: Specs

While Flexispot’s Q8 standing desk might not be built from deluxe materials, its bamboo tabletop and flared three-stage dual-motor steel legs make for a durable desk that can handle up to a 100kg load. It’s fairly robust with marginal wobbling, offering a height range of 60cm-124cm and a wonderful 140 x 70cm (W x D) surface. 

It retails for $700 / £600 - but at the time of review, the desk is is discounted to $500 / £360 on both the Flexispot US and Flexispot UK websites. 

It's a semi-frequent discount that puts the desk at an excellent value proposition compared to its typical slightly expensive price. There are several accessories available on Flexispot, however it’s worth noting none of these are fitted add-ons.

The legs move at a rate of 38 mm/sec, and are wonderfully quiet in motion; Flexispot advertises the Q8 as making a maximum of 50dB in use, but on test it rarely surpassed 45dB. It also offers anti-collision technology and four personalizable presets, as well as contactless phone charging and both a USB-C and USB-A port. 

Flexispot Q8 standing desk: Shipping and unboxing

The Flexispot Q8 arrives in two boxes; one for the legs and one for the tabletop and accessories, which arrived on different days. Delivery takes 2-6 working days as standard.

Barring an inexplicable light wood block included with the tabletop, both boxes were well packaged, encased in plastic bagging and using foam inserts to keep all the components safe and secure. 

Both boxes are, however, very heavy, with the tabletop weighing 28.5kg and requiring two people to move.  

Flexispot Q8 standing desk: Assembly

While the Flexispot Q8 is simple enough to install, you’ll certainly need two people handy to upturn this hefty workspace. It took two of us just over an hour to assemble, though it’s worth highlighting that the time frame was added to by an unfortunate instance with a screw which I’ll detail shortly. 

As well as the tabletop and legs, the desk comes with a screwdriver, Allen key and the appropriate fittings. The instruction manual is, broadly speaking, clear, although Flexispot appears to have redesigned the original brackets for holding up the under-desk cable tray which led to some mild confusion. The cable tray we received had one large bracket rather than two hooks, which the base of the tray slotted into; not the most secure or strong fixture, but a functional one nonetheless. 

After unboxing the legs, you simply need to affix them to the underside of the desk and then attach the feet. This is where I had my only real issue with the desk; the screws and fittings are a little cheaply made, meaning it was very easy to miss the groove and install the screws at an angle. Luckily, this only happened with one screw, and with some careful realignment we were able to salvage it; but given it’s a large desk carrying heavy weights, this was a little annoying.

It was also a tad unclear how you were supposed to slot in the cable tidy across the main beam of the desk where the leg motors are wired to the power supply, but otherwise, the instructions were easy to follow. Once everything was in place on the tabletop’s underside, simply turn the desk - which, as I say, is a two-person job for most people - and plug it in. 

Flexispot Q8 standing desk: First impressions

Simple and chic, the Flexispot Q8 earned nothing but praise as soon as it was in situ. Especially in the darker colorway I opted for, it’s very suave and sophisticated in looks, and I really appreciate all of the finishing touches with cable management that help the desk feel well organized and tidy.

I was impressed on my initial testing how the motors are so quiet and soft-sounding, unlike the loud and more invasive whirring standing desks I’ve used previously. The digital display is bright and clear, and the buttons easy to operate. Both the USB-A and USB-C ports work well, and the integrated wireless phone charging also works perfectly. 

I was a little disappointed to see that there were no portholes given the desk’s size, which did make the wiring a little messy. Especially given the cable management tray isn’t particularly large nor robust, this feels like a missed opportunity. 

Flexispot Q8 standing desk: Design

As I’ve highlighted numerous times, I love the aesthetic appeal of the Flexispot Q8. Its bamboo surface is finished wonderfully, with curved edges to help prevent nicks and scuffing, and the steel legs are slick and robust. Despite suffering an unfortunate drop during construction and denting ever so slightly, the steel legs didn’t chip or discolor, which is great for clumsier users like myself. 

It’s a shame there are only two colorways; my darker option and the lighter bamboo with white steel legs. Both are fairly neutral and will fit in most environments, but it’s always nice to see broader options. The bamboo tabletop feels solid, supported by a steel frame that features the integrated drawer, which is plenty spacious (66.6 x 31 x 5cm (L x W x D)) albeit very simplistic. 

The cable management shelf included with the desk isn’t the most robust; you slot the base in to a bracket screwed into the desk, and neither the bracket nor the base feel particularly strong, so I’d recommend against shelving a fully loaded extension lead there. 

On the right-hand side of the desk you’ll find the integrated wireless phone charger, denoted by a signal symbol, and just below this on the front of the desk is the digital display, height controls, four preset buttons and USB-C and USB-A charging ports.

Flexispot Q8 standing desk: Performance and app

Overall, the Flexispot Q8 performed wonderfully on test, with a few small quirks worth highlighting. Its height adjusts smoothly, swiftly and without making a racket, registering at just 45dB in an ambient environment. Pressing and holding one of the four preset buttons will save the current height as a preset, and with four to choose from it’s great for hot-desking or multi-user home offices. It does drift slightly (by about 1cm) after you take your finger off the button to change the height manually, presumably to reduce any abrupt movements that might disturb the contents of your tabletop, which takes a little getting used to.

While it feels very robust, it’s worth noting that it wobbles ever so slightly on my carpeted floors, but not so much so to cause anxiety in operation. In particular, it wobbles if you sharply close or open the drawer, so I’d advise careful consideration when storing heavier items in here.

Other than one occasion where I somehow triggered an error message while changing heights (in which instance, the instructions advise you leave the desk for a very specific 18 minutes. I powered the desk off and on again as it was still non-responsive, and had no further issues) the desk broadly operated as expected. I placed two heavy speakers, a synthesizer, a laptop and the usual peripherals on my desk and it didn’t seem to be under any added strain. 

Its anti-collision feature works well, pausing any motion when an obstacle is detected above or below the desk, and the phone charger and all ports continued to work as expected throughout my testing. 

Flexispot Q8 standing desk: Accessories

While Flexispot doesn’t offer any accessories that can be integrated into the desk, there are a number of add-ons available on Flexispot, from office chairs to monitor arms and other peripherals. 

For more office furniture accessories, we reviewed the best standing desk mats. 

Flexispot Q8 standing desk: Final verdict

The Flexispot Q8 is a great all-rounder that’s got a lot to offer and not much to complain about; barring the slightly cheaper build materials (which, in fairness, allow for that often affordable sale price) it’s a very accomplished standing desk.

I love that it offers so many added benefits and features, and the overall premium look and feel of the desk belies its lower price point. However, its long-term durability might come into question given these build materials, so it would be prudent to take good care of the Q8 to make it last. 

The Q8 is a fantastic desk with some genuinely useful features, and while its build quality does leave something to be desired, overall it’s a great device with a beautiful design and solid performance. 

For more workspace extras, we reviewed the best office chairs.

Koplus Tonique: 30-second review

It’s hard to make a mesh chair look original. In as much, the Tonique office chair from Koplus isn’t rewriting any books on design, but underneath the hood is a commendable, comfortable office chair with a relatively friendly price tag and some great features. 

From its breathable materials and comfortable cushioning to its excellent recline and versatile adjustment options, Tonique has a lot to offer. Its minimalist yet chic form will pair well with many office environments, and judging by our fairly rough testing process, this chair is built to last and ranks among some of the best office chairs.

In particular, I loved its automatic balancing mechanism, which offers a level of flexibility and comfort for even the most fidgety of office workers; a category I firmly sit among. It’s incredibly comfortable to use for long periods, though it’s not perfect; its weight can be a little problematic when on loose carpeted floors, and the adjustable lumbar support left me wanting. In as much, it’s a fantastic pick if you want a flexible and dynamic chair that will suit most environments, but if your biggest priority is lumbar or neck support, you’d be better off elsewhere. 

Koplus Tonique: Price & availability

• Price: £539.94

Netherlands-based Koplus has been creating office furnishings since 2009, offering a range of chairs; including the Tonique office chair. At £539.94, it’s relatively affordable compared to more expensive seats like the Steelcase Harman, but perhaps a little overpriced given it comes up short a little in the design department. 

Unfortunately, it’s a little hard to find consistent pricing or availability for Koplus’ modern mesh chair. You can buy Tonique directly from Koplus, which affords a variety of customization options, but you’ll have to request a quote to find out how much those choices will set you back. These include three different base models (Task, cantilever and drafting), four-seat fabric and back mesh color options (black, green, blue, orange) and two back frame color options (black and white). 

A variety of trusted third-party sites like Yo-Yo desk also stock Tonique, but other less-known sites also seem to offer it at a lower price; I’d advise shopping with caution, then. Third-party retailers exclusively stock the seat in all-black with an aluminium base or with a white frame and black nylon base.

• Value: 4.5/5

Koplus Tonique: Design

• Classic, simple task chair design
• Flexible frame, but heavy
• Requires quick assembly

Understated, but not yet underwhelming, Tonique opts for a simple yet effective aesthetic that will blend in well to most office environments. It’s no show-stopper, but it’s far from unattractive with its squared-off, curved back and well-spaced arms. You’ll need to build the Tonique yourself, but it’s a very quick and easy process that took me just 17 minutes; simply snap the wheels into the base, affix the gas canister and seat and you’re good to go. 

The back is made from TPEE Mesh, making it breathable and well-suited for long days at your desk thanks to the support offered by its weaved mesh pattern, and the adjustable plastic lumbar support. This support is not as luxurious as higher caliber office chairs, and is a little stiff to move, but allows for a few inches of adjustment; this means it’s best suited for small- to average-height users rather than taller people. 

My favorite aspect of Tonique’s design is by far its recline, which comfortably allows up to 126 degrees of freedom to lean. Thanks to the auto-balancing mechanism and the chair's overall robustness, this recline feels comfortable and secure, which is fantastic for people who like some freedom of movement while working. You’re also afforded a lot of flexibility thanks to the build materials, meaning it won’t bend out of shape. 

Each of the plastic armrests is adjustable on two axes; back and forth and up and down, offering a decent range of customizability and comfort. Given that the arms are fairly widely spaced, it would have been preferable to have side-to-side adjustability, too. The main seat offers firm yet well-cushioned and comfortable support and is breathable enough to keep fairly cool even during periods of extended use; something I made liberal use of, as my desk becomes a gaming station as soon as my work day ends. Beneath the seat are the recline lock, gas lift, and seat depth paddles, as well as the aluminum metal base and plastic wheels. 

At 17kg, the model I tested is hefty on its own, and especially with someone in situ can be hard to move across carpet. Our office space has fairly loose, low-pile carpet, which the chair repeatedly bunched up during use; not entirely Tonique’s fault, but it's worth noting if you’ve got a carpeted office.

• Design: 4/5 

Koplus Tonique: Comfort

• Comfortable for most users
• Very breathable
• Lumbar support could be improved

As a mid-range upgrade to my very affordable office chair, Koplus’ Tonique office chair was an absolute treat. From its swooping recline to its ability to keep me cool under pressure, it’s been fantastic for not only the comfort it provides but also the freedom to move.

I mentioned above that I’m a fidget, and that becomes particularly relevant when it comes to reviewing the comfort of this chair. Thanks to its impressively flexible frame, forgiving recline and auto-adjustment features, I was able to rock, lean and wiggle my way through the working day without once worrying about the integrity of my chair. It’s a real marvel, though slightly nerve-wracking when you’re an onlooker, how effortlessly and naturally this chair reclines.

The chair automatically adjusts itself to the weight of its user, meaning there’s no need to adjust the tension (although an Allen key is provided to allow for this, should it be needed), and the recline lock, gas lift (offering a maximum variation of 130mm) and seat depth controls handle the rest.

Having used Tonique for several days straight, I’d say its lumbar support is adequate, but leaves some room for improvement. The plastic bar can be adjusted by a few inches, but doesn’t offer the real structured support or comfort found in more premium chairs. However, it does the job well enough. 

Much like the breathable 3D mesh back, the integrated cushion seat is both comfortable and cool, making it excellent for full days sat at your desk. I’d say it could do with being ever so slightly firmer, however, that’s down to personal preference; it’s very thick and well-padded, ultimately. Both the back and the seat are fantastic at allowing airflow, meaning I rarely overheated at my desk.

The armrests could also do with offering a little more comfort by my standards. It’s fairly commonplace to see office chairs with plastic arms, so I won’t mark down Tonique for that, but I wish Koplus had offered a little more customization options, such as side-to-side or tilting axes, as thinner-framed users might find the arms are a bit of a reach, given they’re set fairly widely apart.

All-in-all, there are a few trade-offs you make with Koplus’ Tonique chair; sure, the recline is excellent, and the materials for the back and chair will be to many users’ liking, but its lack of lumbar support makes it unsuitable for users with a bad back, and its few missing features make it ill-suited for smaller-framed or shorter users.

• Comfort: 4/5

Should I buy the Koplus Tonique?

For more workspace accessories and office furniture, we reviewed the best standing desks.