For many people, IKEA DUBBLA is their first introduction to standing work. It's inexpensive, available in almost every country where IKEA operates, and it works. IKEA calls it a laptop stand, but functionally it's a standing desk converter: something you place on top of an existing table so you can switch between sitting and standing.
We make competing products, so take this for what it is. But the figures below come from IKEA's own product page, and we are clear about where DUBBLA is the better choice.
Short answer
The difference is not visible when the desk is folded up. Both solve that. The difference is visible in the folded-down mode: DOUBLE goes down to 18 cm, a Freedesk Desk Riser to 2.2 cm. That determines whether you can continue working seated with the solution left in place, or whether you need to move it aside.
Specifications side by side
| Feature | IKEA DUBBLA | Freedesk Desk Riser |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum height | 18 cm | 2.2 cm (all models) |
| Maximum height | 41 cm | 34.5 cm (Compact) or 43–43.5 cm (Large) |
| Work surface | 60 × 40 cm | 58 × 39 cm (Compact) or 80 × 54 cm (Large) |
| Maximum load | 10 kg | 10 kg |
| Adjustment | Gas spring, stepless | Manual, nine steps |
| Material | Particleboard with melamine foil, steel frame | Lacquered MDF (Original) or lacquered wood fiberboard (Light), beech wood frame |
| Weight | Not published (packaging 6.38 kg) | 2–5.5 kg depending on model |
| Assembly | None | None |
Source for DUBBLA: IKEA's product page, retrieved July 2026.
Freedesk Desk Riser is available in four models: Original and Light, both in Compact and Large. Original has a lacquered MDF top and a more premium finish, while Light is lighter and more affordable. We go over the differences in model guide.
The crucial difference: the height in the folded-down position
Most comparisons stop at the maximum height, meaning how high you can stand. But a standing desk converter stays out all day, and you spend most of that time sitting at it.
DUBBLA's lowest position is 18 cm. That means the work surface is always 18 cm above the desk. For many, that is too high for comfortable seated work, especially if you type a lot, because your elbows end up above their natural height. The solution is then to lift off the laptop or put the whole setup away when you want to sit.
At 2.2 cm, the riser is effectively flat against the desk. The difference from the desk's own height is so small that you can keep working seated with the monitor and keyboard left in place. This applies to all four Freedesk models.
Why it matters: when switching requires putting things away, it becomes less spontaneous. And switching is the whole point, which we covered in What does the research say about standing work?
What DUBBLA does well
There are good reasons for the 4.6 out of 5 rating from 56 reviews on IKEA's site.
- The price. 399 kronor is a fraction of what a wood-based standing desk converter costs, including ours.
- The gas spring. Stepless adjustment with a handle is smoother than our manual nine-step system, and lets you hit the exact right height.
- Higher maximum height than our Compact models. 41 cm versus 34.5 cm. If you are tall and want a small work surface, that is a real advantage.
- Availability. Available in stores in almost the entire world, ready for same-day pickup.
When DUBBLA is the right choice
Choose DUBBLA if you want to try standing work without investing much, if you will mainly stand at it and sit somewhere else, or if budget is the deciding factor. It solves the basic function at a low cost, and that is no small thing.
When a lower profile matters
Choose a solution that folds flatter if you:
- switch between sitting and standing several times a day
- use the same desk for both positions
- have a monitor and keyboard set up and do not want to move them
- leave the workstation out in a room that is also a living room or kitchen
Material and feel
DUBBLA is built from particleboard with melamine foil on a steel frame, which is reasonable at that price. If you want wood and a frame that does not look like machinery, that is a different kind of product, and a different price range. More on what makes a visual difference in Smart home office.
Frequently asked questions
Is IKEA DUBBLA a laptop stand or a standing desk converter?
IKEA calls it a laptop stand, but functionally it's a standing desk converter, in other words a standing desk converter. It raises the entire work surface, not just the screen.
How low does IKEA DUBBLA go?
18 cm according to IKEA's specifications. So it cannot fold flat against the desk.
What is the biggest difference compared with a Freedesk Desk Riser?
The folded-down height, 18 cm versus 2.2 cm, plus material and price. When raised, they effectively do the same thing.
Which has the largest work surface?
DOUBLE (60 × 40 cm) is slightly larger than our Compact models (58 × 39 cm), but smaller than our Large models (80 × 54 cm).
If you want to compare more options on the market, we have a neutral market overview for Europe, and a review of what a desk riser is.
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