You used your budgeting app to be sure you had just enough to get the right computer… but how much thought did you put into an office desk? If you’re like most people, you may not have given your computer desk much thought. Choosing the right desk can improve your comfort, help you avoid eye strain, lower back pressure and more. Adding a great desk to your home office space doesn’t have to mean spending a thousand dollars at a luxury design store. You can now find the best cheap computer desk deliverable right to your door.
Check out our list of the best cheap desks and upgrade your office in minutes.
The Best Cheap Computer Desks:
- Best Overall: Tribesigns Modern Computer Desk
- Best L-Shaped: Mr. IRONSTONE L-Shaped Desk Corner Desk
- Best for Businesses: Tangkula Foldable Computer Desk
- Best with a Hutch: Bush Furniture Salinas Mission Desk and Hutch
- Best Gaming Desk: Eureka Ergonomic Z1-S
- Best for Home Office: Multipurpose Home Office Writing Computer
- Best Modern Desk: Coavas Caramel Wood Modern Desk
What to Look for in a Quality Computer Desk
Unfortunately, not every low-cost computer desk is worth putting in your home or office space. Look for these essential features to avoid wasting time with a desk that doesn’t fit your needs.
A Surface Area That Fits Your Needs
Computer desks come in a very wide range of sizes and surface areas. Though some guides will tell you that bigger is always better, the truth is that size is an individual consideration that you need to make.
If you live in a small apartment and you do all of your work from a laptop, a small writing desk will work better for your needs. If your work involves a lot of papers or printing, look for a desk with a larger surface area.
Not sure what you need? Measure the space where you want to put your desk and use this as a rough sizing guide while you shop.
Sturdy Legs or Base
Whether you plan to use your desk for daily work or occasional weekend projects, choose a desk that will last you a while. One of the best ways to save money is to skip the cheapest option and go for a slightly more expensive version made with better parts. Look for desks with solid legs and other sturdy parts, especially if you’re choosing a smaller writing desk that doesn’t have a wide frame.
Plenty of Storage Space
Looking for a larger desk? Choose one with plenty of storage space. From attached filing cabinets to shelving above the desk, there are plenty of creative and aesthetically pleasing ways that a desk can incorporate space without making it too bulky.
Consider the design of your room and how much storage space you need when you choose a desk. If you only need a small writing desk, you may be happy with a shelf or one or two small drawers. If you’re buying a larger desk for work, you might need an attached file cabinet.
Quality Material
From lightweight plastic to modern glass to classic mahogany, you can buy a desk made out of pretty much any material you can think of. Your choice of material will largely come down to your design preferences and how much you want to spend, but there are a few materials you can avoid.
Laminate desks are often the cheapest desks you can find, but they also break and splinter easily. Veneer desks are more durable than laminate, but their surfaces nick and they don’t provide the same sturdiness as wood. Avoid these two types of materials when you shop.
Minimal Installation
You probably already know that if you’re buying a desk online, you’re going to have to spend at least some time with an instruction sheet and a bag of screws. Consider choosing a desk with minimal setup, especially if you’re only shopping for a small writing desk. Look for desks that come with drawers and shelving already attached if you don’t want to spend an entire night assembling.
Our Top Picks for Affordable Computer Desks
We’ve rounded up nine of our favorite affordable computer desks in different styles. Consider adding one of our choices to your shopping cart.
Best Overall: Tribesigns Modern Computer Desk
- Who's it for? Anyone who needs an affordable, sturdy and simple writing desk at an unbeatable price
- Price: On sale $165.99
Need a simple, well-designed desk quickly? This design from Tribesigns is a top choice. Made from durable scratch-resistant MDF and featuring strong and sturdy legs, this modern and simple choice will be with you for a long time.
The Tribesigns modern computer desk comes in three sizes and several wood colors, ranging from classic black to white and gold.
Though it lacks storage, the model is easy to assemble and features a classic look that will fit in any home or office.
Best L-Shaped: Mr. IRONSTONE L-Shaped Desk Corner Desk
- Who's it for? Office owners who want the expansive space of an L-shaped desk without investing hundreds or even thousands in a heavy wood option
- Price: On sale $119.99
L-shaped desks are perfect for larger offices, proving space for everything from a printer to a collection of files.
This option from IRONSTONE is durable and affordable, featuring an anti-scratch and waterproof surface. Its “X” shape supports give the desk more stability and a for extra comfort.
Adjustable leg pads even allow the desk to remain stable on uneven ground. An extremely affordable and functional option, this desk is a great choice for anyone who wants to buy an L-shaped model but who doesn’t want to spend a lot.
Best for Businesses: Tangkula Foldable Computer Desk
- Who's it for? Business owners who need to supply their employees with functional and practical workstations that will last — without blowing their entire budget
- Price: On sale $220.00
If you own a business and you need to get your employees a comfortable and affordable set of desks, this model from Tangkula will do the job well.
Collapsible and portable, this desk is perfect for open-air business layouts and for employees who change their stations often.
Despite the fact that this foldable option is lightweight and easy to maneuver, it's also exceptionally well-designed, including spacious cabinets and plenty of desk space.
Ideal for both open office spaces and individual offices, the Tangkula portable computer desk is a business owner’s best friend.
Best with a Hutch: Bush Furniture Salinas Mission Desk and Hutch
- Who's it for? Home office owners who want the convenience of a computer desk hutch without the typical price tag or hours of assembly.
- Price: On sale $241.61
At a little over $200, this Mission-style model from Bush Furniture is one of the most affordable on the market. It’s also one of the easiest hutch models to assemble.
Reviews praise the desk’s easy-to-follow instructions, a clear anomaly when it comes to hutch computer desks that include so many extra parts. This desk also features a unique cable and wire management system that eliminates the need to crawl behind the system when a cord is accidentally unplugged.
With plenty of storage and
Best Gaming Desk: Eureka Ergonomic Z1-S
Who's it for: Gamers who prefer a large surface area for monitors, keyboards and other gaming gear
Price: $191.00 & FREE Shipping
Dimenstions: 44.5” wide by 24.2” deep, supports up to 40 inch monitor
Large gaming surfuce equipped with LED ligihting that is stable and sturdy with a Z-shape design.
Also included: cup holder, headphone hooks and and game storage.
Best Modern Desk: Coavas Caramel Wood Modern Desk
Who's it for: Those looking for a simple design and small work spaces ideal for children
Price: $99.88 & FREE Shipping
Dimensions: 42.67 x 21 x 3.85 inches
It's lightweight and easy to assemble but doesn't compromise the sturdiness.
It's designed with a thick melamine tabletop and a waterproof wood grain finish.
Upgrade Your Office Today
It’s easy to underestimate the power of a great desk. With so much attention paid to speakers, computers and printers, it can be easy to forget just how much of a difference a well-designed and convenient desk can make. Don’t be afraid to spend plenty of time choosing your desk — it may have more of an impact on your work (and your comfort) than you might think!
Want to learn more about affordable products? Check out Benzinga's guides to the best cheap cellphone plans, the best cheap 3d printers and the best cheap televisions. Also, check out our guide to the best cheap smartwatches.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the different types of desks?
You may want to consider an executive, writing, secretary, computer, corner, floating or roll top desk.
What are the features I need to look for in a computer desk?
You may want to take height, surface area, shape, drawers and storage space into consideration.
About Sarah Horvath
Sarah is an expert in the insurance, investing for retirement and cryptocurrency space.