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Autonomous has made a name for itself in the standing desk market by offering competitive pricing and a direct-to-consumer model that cuts out retail markup. The SmartDesk Pro sits in the middle of their lineup—positioned above the budget-friendly Core but below their premium offerings.
But is the Pro worth the step up from the Core? And how does it compare to competitors like FlexiSpot and UPLIFT? After analyzing expert reviews, lab tests, and user feedback, here’s what you need to know.
SmartDesk Pro at a Glance
| Specification | SmartDesk Pro |
|---|---|
| Height Range | 25.2” - 51” (52” with thick top) |
| Weight Capacity | 310 lbs |
| Motor | Dual motor |
| Frame Type | Dual-stage |
| Desktop Sizes | 43”x24”, 53”x29”, 70.5”x30” |
| Warranty | 7 years (frame), 1 year (desktop) |
| Price Range | $650-$1,000 |
What’s New in the Pro vs. Core
The upgrade from SmartDesk Core to SmartDesk Pro isn’t just about premium branding—you’re getting meaningful hardware improvements:
Dual-Stage Frame: The Pro uses a dual-stage lifting column instead of the Core’s single-stage design. This provides the higher weight capacity and improved height range.
Extended Height Range: The Pro reaches 51-52 inches maximum height versus the Core’s 48 inches—a meaningful difference for tall users.
Higher Weight Capacity: 310 lbs versus the Core’s 265 lbs, important for heavy multi-monitor setups.
Longer Warranty: 7 years on the frame versus 5 years with the Core.
Design and Build Quality
First Impressions
The SmartDesk Pro looks the part. The solid steel legs and wide feet give it a substantial presence, and Autonomous offers enough finish options (white, black, walnut, bamboo) to match most office aesthetics.
Each component feels solid and secure. The 310 lb weight capacity is more than enough to support even heavy desktop setups with multiple monitors, a desktop PC, and accessories.
Desktop Options
Three sizes are available:
- Small: 43” x 24” — compact home office
- Medium: 53” x 29” — standard workstation
- XL: 70.5” x 30” — expansive workspace
The medium and XL sizes offer genuinely useful workspace. The small configuration works for laptop users but feels cramped with a full desktop setup.
Assembly Experience
Here’s where the SmartDesk Pro loses some points. Assembly takes longer than competitors and requires more effort:
- Instructions can be cryptic at times
- Multiple screws, wires, and components to manage
- Plan for 45-60 minutes of assembly time
- Having a second person helps significantly
This isn’t a deal-breaker, but it’s worth noting that competitors like UPLIFT and FlexiSpot have streamlined their assembly process more effectively.
Performance
Height Adjustment
The height range of 25.2” to 51” (52” with a thick desktop) is impressive. The tall maximum height accommodates users up to approximately 6’4” comfortably, making it more versatile than many competitors that top out at 48-50 inches.
However, the minimum height of 25.2” may be too tall for shorter users. If you’re under 5’6”, you might find the sitting position higher than ideal.
Transit Speed: Autonomous claims fast adjustment speeds, but lab testing shows actual performance of approximately 1.2 inches per second—slower than the published specs suggest. It’s still reasonable, but don’t expect the fastest adjustment in this price range.
Stability
The Good: At mid-range heights, the SmartDesk Pro is stable and solid. The dual-stage frame and wide feet do their job.
The Concern: Stability decreases notably at or near maximum height. If you’re a tall user who frequently works at standing height, expect some wobble at the upper end of the range.
This is a common issue with desks that push maximum height limits, but competitors like the UPLIFT V2 Commercial handle it better with their cross-support designs.
Motor and Noise
The dual motor system operates quietly—Autonomous has improved significantly in this area compared to earlier models. Height changes won’t interrupt video calls or disturb nearby coworkers.
Control Panel
The SmartDesk Pro includes a control panel with:
- Four programmable height presets
- LED height display
- Up/down controls
What’s Missing:
- No anti-collision feature
- No child lock
- No Bluetooth connectivity or app support
- Must hold the button continuously during adjustment
The lack of anti-collision is notable—most competitors in this price range include it. If you have items under your desk or work near walls, you’ll need to be careful during adjustments.
SmartDesk Pro vs. SmartDesk Core
| Feature | SmartDesk Pro | SmartDesk Core |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $650-$1,000 | $400-$600 |
| Height Range | 25.2” - 51” | 29.4” - 48” |
| Weight Capacity | 310 lbs | 265 lbs |
| Frame Type | Dual-stage | Single-stage |
| Frame Warranty | 7 years | 5 years |
| Stability at Max Height | Average | Below Average |
Choose the Core if: You’re testing the standing desk waters, have a modest budget, are of medium height (5’6” - 5’11”), and don’t need maximum weight capacity.
Choose the Pro if: You’re taller than 6’, need the higher weight capacity, want the extended warranty, or plan to use the desk at maximum height regularly.
SmartDesk Pro vs. Competitors
vs. FlexiSpot E7 (~$500-$600)
The FlexiSpot E7 offers comparable performance at a lower price point:
- Similar height range (25” - 50.6”)
- Higher weight capacity (355 lbs)
- Better stability at max height (T-frame design)
- Includes anti-collision feature
Verdict: The FlexiSpot E7 is the better value unless you specifically need the SmartDesk Pro’s aesthetic or slightly higher maximum height.
vs. UPLIFT V2 (~$600-$900)
The UPLIFT V2 is a more premium option:
- Better stability (especially V2 Commercial)
- 15-year warranty
- More customization options
- Better assembly experience
Verdict: UPLIFT is worth the premium if stability is your priority.
Who Should Buy the SmartDesk Pro?
It’s a Good Fit If You:
- Want an attractive desk with multiple finish options
- Are between 5’8” and 6’4” tall
- Have a moderate budget ($650-$800)
- Don’t mind a longer assembly process
- Value the Autonomous brand aesthetic
Look Elsewhere If You:
- Need maximum stability at standing height
- Want anti-collision features
- Are very short (under 5’6”) or very tall (over 6’4”)
- Prioritize value (FlexiSpot E7 offers more for less)
- Want the best warranty coverage (UPLIFT wins)
Pros and Cons Summary
Pros
- Attractive design with multiple finish options
- Solid 310 lb weight capacity
- Extended height range (51”+)
- 7-year frame warranty
- Quiet dual motor operation
- Competitive pricing for the features
Cons
- Assembly is more complicated than competitors
- Stability decreases at maximum height
- No anti-collision feature
- No app connectivity
- Transit speed slower than advertised
- Minimum height may be too tall for shorter users
Final Verdict
The Autonomous SmartDesk Pro is a solid mid-range standing desk that delivers good value for the price. It’s well-built, looks professional, and offers the height range and weight capacity that most users need.
However, it faces stiff competition. The FlexiSpot E7 offers better stability and more features at a lower price. The UPLIFT V2 provides superior build quality and warranty for a modest premium.
Our Rating: 3.5/5
The SmartDesk Pro isn’t a bad desk—it’s a good desk in a market with excellent competitors. If Autonomous’s aesthetic appeals to you and the price is right, you’ll be satisfied. But if you’re purely optimizing for performance and value, the competition offers more compelling options.
Price Range: $650-$1,000 depending on size and configuration