The Autonomous SmartDesk 5 looks incredibly sleek and packs in plenty of useful features all while managing to keep its price at a reasonable level. For $599, you get a dual-motor electric standing desk with an incredibly smooth 53 x 29-inch desktop, integrated touch controls and a first of its kind cable management system.
This is the first standing desk from Autonomous I’ve tried and during two months of testing and daily use, it still manages to impress me every time I walk into my office. Not only is it feature-packed but it’s also quite elegant.
Instead of your typical black and white colorways, Autonomous has instead opted for much more interesting ones inspired by nature. The SmartDesk 5 also has a shine to it which along with its rounded edge and legs really make this desk stand out from the crowd.
Another interesting design choice is that this desk is available in two sizes: one with a two-stage frame designed for those with shorter height requirements, and one one with a three-stage frame for people six feet tall and above.
Unfortunately though, its desktop is only available in a wider 53-inch size which means this desk won’t be a good fit for every workspace.
My Autonomous SmartDesk 5 review will help you decide if this is the best standing desk for your needs or if you’d be better off with something less sleek but more customizable.
Autonomous SmartDesk 5: Cheat Sheet
- What is it? A dual-motor electric standing desk with rounded legs and a C-shaped frame.
- Who is it for? Those who want a premium-looking standing desk at a mid-range price.
- What does it cost? The Autonomous SmartDesk 5 costs $599 for shorter people or $649 for taller people.
- What do we like? It’s smooth desktop with a rounded edge, the integrated touch controls, the built-in cable management compartment, how it comes with several useful accessories like a power strip and that there’s an extra frame option for taller users.
- What don’t we like? That the SmartDesk 5 is only available in one desktop size (53 x 29-inches) and that the included power strip only has three outlets.
Autonomous SmartDesk 5: Specs
Autonomous SmartDesk 5: The ups
The Autonomous SmartDesk 5 really impressed me with its smooth finish, integrated touch controls and overall stability, even at its tallest height. However, its built-in cable management system surprised me the most.
Smooth as can be
Although I normally use a desk mat to keep my desk clean and to reduce the noise from my mechanical keyboard, I just couldn’t with the SmartDesk 5. Besides covering up the gunmetal gray color of my review unit, its desktop has an incredibly smooth finish that I honestly still can’t get over.
The rounded edge is also very comfortable to type on and it even manages to give the ComfortEdge of the slightly more expensive Vari Ergo Electric standing desk a run for its money.
This same rounded-design aesthetic extends to the SmartDesk 5’s legs. Instead of the block, rectangular ones you find on other standing desks, it has oval-shaped legs which Autonomous claims gives the desk smoother movement and zero wobble.
In my testing, this turned out to be true. Even with the SmartDesk 5 at its highest position (52.7-inches with the three-stage frame I reviewed or 49.7-inches with the two-stage frame), the desk didn’t budge when I tried to rock it back and forth.
Another reason for this is that Autonomous went with a C-shaped frame as opposed to a T-shaped one. This style of frame allows you to load up the back of your desk with more weight — like one of the best gaming PCs and a heavy, super ultrawide monitor such as the Samsung Odyssey Neo G9 — without having to worry.
Just a touch away
Having a keypad on the side like with the FlexiSpot E7 standing desk definitely would have detracted from the SmartDesk 5’s rounded front edge. Fortunately, Autonomous opted to use an integrated control pad instead, just like with the Branch Four Leg Standing Desk I recently reviewed.
In fact, these two control pads are almost identical except for the fact that Branch’s uses standard numbers while Autonomous’ uses Roman numerals. This slight difference does help give the SmartDesk 5 a more elegant look overall though.
On the control pad, you have three programmable, touch-sensitive buttons for your preferred height presets along with an up and a down button and another button to save your presets. The control pad is easy to reach on both desks but I like how Autonomous positioned it slightly closer to the SmartDesk 5’s rounded edge.
During testing, the control pad was easy to use, responsive and I like how it fades into the background with its LED lights off when not in use.
Just like with the Branch Four Leg Standing Desk though, I do wish it had one additional preset but if you’re using this desk on your own, three saved heights is more than enough.
Drop-down cable management
Now this is where things get interesting with the SmartDesk 5. One optional add-on that I always recommend with any standing desk is a cable management tray. That way, you don’t have to worry about your devices accidentally coming unplugged as your desk moves up and down. These cost anywhere from $20 to $50 on their own.
But with the SmartDesk 5, you won’t need one.
Just like with the Secretlab Magnus Pro — my top pick for the best gaming desk — the SmartDesk 5 has a built-in cable management system. However, instead of a lid that flips up, Autonomous has outfitted this desk with a whole compartment that flips down.
It’s super easy to access, too. You just unscrew two thumbscrews on either side and the door to the SmartDesk 5’s cable management compartment drops down.
In addition to the desk’s control box, this cable management compartment also includes a three-prong power strip (more on that later) and four metal posts which you can use to wrap any excess cable around. This is a very useful feature and Autonomous has managed to implement it well.
However, you’re going to want to spend a bit more on a monitor or a computer with an integrated power supply to make the most of it. In the picture above, you can see how things got a bit cramped with the power supply from the Geekom A6. If you’re after one of the best mini PCs with integrated power, the Mac mini M4 would be a perfect fit for this desk.
Autonomous SmartDesk 5: The downs
The Autonomous SmartDesk 5 is almost perfect when it comes to the features, functionality and the overall look you get for a mid-range price. However, I have two slight issues with this desk that are by no means dealbreakers but are worth considering if you’re thinking of picking one up for yourself.
Pressed for power
Out of all the standing desks I’ve reviewed, the SmartDesk 5 is the first one to ship with a power strip. While the Secretlab Magnus Pro does have integrated power, you only get one outlet and here you get three. The problem, though, is that after plugging the desk in, you’re left with just two usable outlets.
Now, if you’re using one of the best laptops, this won’t be a problem as you’ll still have a spare outlet. If you prefer using a desktop like I do, you have just enough outlets for your computer and a monitor. This doesn’t leave you any extra outlets for other work from home accessories like a desk lamp or a pair of computer speakers.
Sure, you could daisy-chain another power strip but this isn’t recommended for safety reasons. Instead, I’d recommend building a desk setup from scratch around the SmartDesk 5’s power limitations.
Pick out a monitor and a desktop with an integrated power supply and if you’re using a laptop, get one with a smaller power adapter or if it’s powered by USB-C, you can use a more compact GaN charger instead.
Even with just three outlets, the power strip Autonomous includes with the SmartDesk 5 has a very long cord, which is great for when your desk goes up and down. You also get a magnetic cable clip (along with a pair of headphone hooks) so that its cord can run down one of the desk’s legs instead of hanging freely from the back.
This included power strip also adds to the SmartDesk 5’s overall value. For instance, with the Branch Duo, not only do you have to buy a cable management tray separately but getting one with an integrated power strip costs an extra $138.
One size doesn’t fit all
As someone who reviews home office furniture for a living, I have a house filled with standing desks and the best office chairs. Normally, when I get a new desk in for testing, I like to set it up in my living room as taking pictures there is easier.
Well, with the SmartDesk 5, I had the two boxes the desk arrived in ready to go but it wasn’t until I unboxed the desktop that I realized this desk is wider than your standard electric standing desk.
At 55 x 29 inches, the SmartDesk 5 is a bit of an outlier when it comes to its size. Most companies have a smaller 48-inch wide option and a larger 60-inch wide one. The former is great for apartments and smaller workspaces while the latter is better suited for larger homes.
I really like how Autonomous offers two different frame designs to accommodate shorter and taller users but I wish the SmartDesk 5 came in a slightly narrower size option too.
Autonomous SmartDesk 5: Verdict
Autonomous really didn’t cut any corners with the SmartDesk 5. You’re getting a dual-motor electric standing desk with a premium look and feel at a mid-range price.
While other companies might have gone with a single-motor option or charged you extra for a cable management tray to lower their costs, this desk has everything you need and more at a very reasonable cost.
Taller users weren’t left out in the cold either and for just $50 extra, they can get a SmartDesk 5 with a three-stage frame that goes all the way up to four feet high and then some.
Although I would love to see a narrower desktop option and an extra outlet in the included power strip, neither of these small gripes detract from what is an excellent standing desk overall.
If you have the room for it, the Autonomous SmartDesk 5 will make a great addition to any home office or workspace.
