Sitting for long periods is bad for you. Sit-to-stand desks solve that by letting computer users stand on command. That’s the most hyped selling point. But after six months of using a Secretlab Magnus Pro standing desk, I’ve found many other benefits. This review puts the Magnus Pro in perspective. How does it compare with other sit-stand desks? Beyond standing, what other benefits does it yield? Most importantly, is it worth buying? This Magnus Pro desk review answers these questions.
The Magnus Pro is Secretlab’s version of a luxury sit-to-stand desk. Like all standing desks, it has a control panel that lets you toggle the desk height.
It goes beyond the standard with a few luxury extras. These include seamless cable management, modular magnetic add-ons, and special lighting effects. Here’s a quick look at how a kitted-up package works in practice:
This desk makes the most sense for existing Secretlab chair owners. If you love your Titan chair, a Magnus Pro desk is the next workstation progression. Is it worth it? This review summarizes my impressions after 6 months of using one full-time.
Magnus Pro Vs Other Standing Desks
I used to find standing desk comparison shopping complicated and scary. Many sit-stand desks come with a mind-boggling array of options: frame sizes, tabletop materials, surface dimensions, add-ons, etc.
In mid-2022, Secretlab saved me with a Magnus Pro review bundle (including accessories). That got me up to speed on standing desk fundamentals fast. So I used those to compare the Magnus Pro to other top standing desk packages:
| Feature | Magnus Pro | Uplift V2 | Flexispot E7 Pro | Motia Gaming Desk |
| Best add-ons | RGB strip, mousepad, monitor arms, mag cable fasteners | Caster wheels | Desk mat | None (only monitor arms) |
| Dual monitor arm price | $249 from Secretlab | $179 from UpliftDesk.com | $89.99 from Flexispot.com | $575 from Herman Miller |
| Desk Warranty | 5 years on parts; 2 years on electronic controller | 15 years all-inclusive | 15 years all-inclusive | 12 years all-inclusive |
| Weight Capacity | 265 pounds | 355 pounds | 355 pounds | 250 pounds |
| Desk Price (click to buy) | $799 from Secretlab (with tabletop and cable tray) | $624.00 on Amazon (with fiberboard tabletop) | $799 from Flexispot.com (with bamboo tabletop) | $1345 from Herman Miller |
The Uplift V2 and Flexispot E7 Pro are the flagships of two OG desk markers. Both have been in the standing desk business for over 10 years.
Using those two as benchmarks, we can make these Magnus Pro observations:
- Pricing: Magnus Pro buyers will pay a slight luxury premium over OG desks.
- Weight capacity: the OG desk makers support 90 pounds more weight.
- Warranty: OG flagship desks’ 15-year warranties dwarf the Magnus Pro’s 5-year pact.
- Aesthetics: a fully-kitted Magnus Pro blows away the old-school OG desk styles.
- Secretlab integration: if you’re pairing a Magnus Pro with a Titan chair, it’s seamless.
Magnus Pro vs Motia Vs OG Standing Desks
Magnus Pro Sit-To-Stand Desk Review
The Magnus Pro steel desk on its own costs $799 (or $949 for the XL version). It ships in two (heavy) boxes; one has the legs, the other the tabletop. As with all Secretlab products, the included instructions are easy to follow.
Setting up a Magnus Pro desk has three steps. First, attach the cable management tray to the desktop. Second, attach the legs to the desktop. Third, flip the desk over. For the last step, get a friend to help you. After that, it’s time to add your selected accessories.
At the very least, you’ll want a Magpad Desk mat to cover the steel work surface ($49 to $79). Then, you can use the starter pack bundle Secretlab chose to send me as a reference to assemble your own:
Pictured below was result after completing my desk build, setting up my PC, and completing my cable management. Setting up the desk took around 15 minutes. Getting the cable management and PC setup sorted took around 90 minutes.
Since then I’ve done a few dozen revisions. In six months of tinkering, I’ve come to love the versatility of the 59.1″ (L) x 27.6″ (D) desktop. There’s enough here to play around and experiment.
The picture below shows my current setup. My center screen is a 27″ 2K. The flanking ones are both 24″ HD. To fit all three screens and my PC, I sit slightly off-center.
This feels perfect for my needs. Your needs may differ. Regardless, there’s enough versatility here to build the ultimate setup for most people.
Magnus Pro Desk Specifications
The Magnus Pro comes in regular and XL sizes. The regular edition has enough room to support three computer screens and a PC. In comparison, the Magnus Pro XL is a gargantuan 18% larger. Both models have an impressive height-adjustment range of 25.6-49.2″.
The height range is significant: no other sit-stand desk goes as low as the Magnus Pro. Based on these desk sizing guidelines, its 25.6″ minimum height supports users as short as 5’2″ — without need for a footrest! Summary of specs:
- Magnus Pro dimensions: 59.1″ (L) x 27.6″ (D)
- Magnus Pro XL dimensions: 70″ (L) x 31.5″ (D)
- Height-adjustment range: 25.6-49.2″ (fits sizes 5’2″ to 7’0″)
- Base package contents: Magnus Metal Desk; rear cable management tray
- Weight capacity: 265 pounds
- Warranty: 2 years on electrical controls; 5-years on other parts; 49-day return/ refund policy (details)
Magnus Pro Desk Setup
The Magnus Pro’s setup assumes that most users will have their PC unplugged (thus no internet help). As a result, every box that you open comes with idiot-proof instructions.
First, attach the cable management tray to the desktop. Then, you’ll need a friend to help you flip the (heavy) desktop over. After that, attach the legs.
Finally, get your friend to help you flip the desk so that it stands on its legs. The initial desk build should take around 15 minutes.
PC Setup And Cabling Process
If you’re a sloppy cabler like I am was, the next part (setting up your PC) will blow your mind. The cable management tray will not let you cheat! Each time I sloppily stuffed cables inside, it became a tangled octopus of wires.
Then, each time I wanted to adjust something, a snagged ball of wires would stop me. As a result, I had to take my time and learn how to do things right. That took me around one hour before things felt right.
Once you’re done, fire up your PC. Then, compare your build with the official Secretlab MAGNUS Pro Sit-to-Stand Desk User Guide:
Secretlab’s setup video may inspire you to crack open your cable management tray and refine things. It took me a few days before feeling satisfied with my setup. As is, it’s easy to rejig into any form I feel like having.
Magnus Pro Accessories
When you buy a Magnus Pro ($799) or Pro XL ($949), the package only includes the desk and cable management tray. There’s also a choice of several different add-ons. One of the highlights is a premium PC mount that lets you hang your rig under your desk.
Another notable is the choice of single or dual monitor mounts. In my tester bundle, Secretlab included a set of dual monitor arms, but not the PC mount (they’re out of stock).
Pick and choose as you like. I suggest a Magpad mat, MagRGB lighting strip, a cable management bundle, and a dual-monitor arm as a solid starter pack.
Summary of Key Accessories
- Magpad Desk Mat ($49-$79): this is the same material that Secretlab uses to upholster its chairs. Magnetic fasteners hold it in place. It feels like a supple, luxurious leather mouse pad that covers the entire tabletop surface.
- Cable Management Bundle ($49): includes two leg sheaths, three anchors, and 10 fastening straps. Useful for refining your cable management to a higher level. If you have lots of cables, consider buying two.
- MagRGB Lighting Strip ($79): this rubber RGB strip has magnets that easily attach to the cable management tray. It seems frivolous, but the RGB effects shining through the cable tray make the desk dance with glimmering movement.
- Single/ Dual Monitor Arms ($149/$249): these are pricier than other desk-mounted arms. However, they work seamlessly with the desk with elegant looks to match.
- Premium PC Mount ($79): lets you hang your PC under the desk and out of the way. As the desk moves up or down, the PC moves in sync. Adding this will allow you to maximize your desk space. As a bonus, it looks super cool.
- Headphone hanger ($29): leaving headphones lying around will clutter up your gorgeous workspace. For this reason alone, I highly recommend this add-on.
Browse Secretlab Desk Accessories
With all recommended accessories, a fully-loaded Magnus Pro costs $1541.
Multi-Device Computing Modes
Standing desks have existed for years as niche items. But recently, ergonomic priorities changed at institutional levels. Updated standards now emphasize multi-device support for the back and neck. They also demand solutions for sedentary computing issues.
The World Economic Forum (WEF) hypes ‘the Fourth Industrial Revolution‘ as the way of the future. The plan is to connect billions of people with mobile devices.
That will give rise to an internet-driven state of near-virtual reality. Then, users will need ubiquitous computing interfaces that go beyond the classic desk, keyboard, and PC formula(2).
This is where standing desks come in. Paired with a good ergonomic chair, these support near-perfect posture while sitting, standing, and mobile computing.
Standing desks also address sedentary issues. Every time you shift from a sitting to a standing position, you’re working your hips, legs, and spine. Learn more:
Magnus Pro Positives And Negatives
The Magnus Pro is the perfect Titan Evo 2022 gaming chair complement. Like the chair, it’s super-versatile — built to serve whatever whims you fancy. Mine prettied up my workspace and inspired me to keep it clean. It also supercharged my desk routines.
In tandem with the Titan, the Magnus Pro also helps me maintain near-perfect mobile and desktop PC postures — while sitting or standing. After six months, I’m 100% satisfied — it’s the perfect complement to a Titan gaming chair!
Con: Plantar Fasciitis
After six months of using this desk, I’ve found zero technical flaws. It has quiet leg motors, a sturdy build, superb cable management, and inspiring aesthetics. Even so, here are two suggestions for a next-gen Magnus Pro version:
- Lockable caster wheels: the desk looks so pretty from the rear that I often move it around to ‘redecorate’. Adding the option of caster wheels attached to the legs would make that easier.
- 4-preset control panel: the current panel has three presets. Having four would allow sitting and standing modes for both PC and mobile scenarios.
Standing With Unsupported Arches Risks Plantar Fasciitis
The biggest problem I encountered was no fault of the desk. For a few weeks, I stood for around 60% of the time while computing. Usually, I did so in bare feet, socks, or cheap sandals.
Eventually, the heels and soles of my feet got really sore. As a result, my standing posture fell apart. After some research, my problem appeared to be plantar fasciitis. The easy solution for that is to support your foot arches.
Interestingly, most ‘anti-fatigue standing desk mats’ do not support the arches! Instead, they only provide compression resistance. Based on my tests using compression mats, this was not the answer.
Instead, I settled on Crocs with heel inserts. This combo provides blissful support for long periods of standing. As a result, I’m back to standing 6-7 hours per day! Learn more:
Pros: Luxurious Multi-Device Ergonomics
Here are my favorite things about the Magnus Pro after two months of use:
Professional Cable Management For Dummies
The Magnus Pro will also motivate you to master cable management and become a clean freak. To keep it looking pristine, you’ll need to dust it regularly with a good-quality microfiber cloth.
A lot of dust also seems to settle in the cable management tray hinges. Keeping your cables streamlined to allow easy opening and closing of the tray thus becomes important.
In hindsight, I was as happy as a pig in manure with my old setup. With spaghetti wires and dust buildup out of sight, everything seemed fine. Then along came the Magnus Pro to shatter my ignorance — and turn it into bliss!
Bottom line: if you’re not willing to maintain an immaculate workspace, the Magnus Pro might be overkill. Wait until you feel inspired to take on workstation design as a hobby. Then, pull the trigger and buy this desk.
Multi-Device Computing Support
The point of any piece of ergonomic furniture is to support good posture. In the olden days, that meant good sitting posture while using a desktop PC.
But in modern times, the average person spends 3 hours daily on a cell phone — usually with a forward-tilted neck.
Recently, while researching text neck syndrome, I found myself a victim of it! Then, 3 famous esports doctors helped me fix the problem using a Titan 2022 Series chair.
The trick: set the recline at a steep 100° angle while keeping the head pressed into the headrest. After a few days of sitting that way, muscle memory will kick in.
Then, keeping a straight neck will become a regular habit that runs on autopilot. Even so, sitting that way failed to help me while mobile computing. That’s where the Magnus Pro comes in.
The Titan 2022 chair (used in a specific way) will ensure a good PC computing posture. In contrast, the Magnus Pro lets you maintain that posture while mobile computing and standing as well.
Bottom line: a Magnus Pro + Titan 2022 chair makes it easy to engage in DIY posture therapy while sitting, standing, and mobile computing.
Summary Of Favorite Magnus Pro Aspects
- Easy learning curve: the desk assembly process and supporting documentation are brilliant. Even if you know nothing about cable management, you’ll become proficient by the end of your desk build.
- Quiet leg motors: most sit-stand desks make noticeable machinery noises as the motorized legs move up or down. In contrast, the Magnus Pro motors are almost silent. This adds to the luxurious feel of the overall build.
- Excellent Magpad desk mat: the idea of using Secretlab Titan leatherette as a desk mat seemed weird to me — until I tried it. It works perfectly with a mouse and feels supple and posh to the touch.
- Inspiring MagRGB Lighting Strip: I never thought I’d endorse spending $79 on an RGB gimmick. Even so, the ‘dancing light’ effect this adds to the Magnus Pro cable tray is mesmerizing. A Magnus Pro without this extra would be like having pizza without cheese.
- Superb aesthetics: this desk will light up your workspace with sharp, modern, minimalist aesthetics. Its beauty will likely inspire you to maintain a crisp, clean, uncluttered workspace.
Magnus Pro from Secretlab $799+
With recommended accessories, a fully-loaded Magnus Pro costs $1541.
Common Magnus Pro Desk Questions
Without seeing a Magnus Pro in person (with a measuring tape) it might be difficult to gauge its potential in your workspace. This section answers common questions that potential buyers may have.
How Much For A Fully-Loaded Magnus Pro?
In my opinion, a perfect Magnus Pro bundle would include the following:
- 1 x Magnus Pro Desk ($799)
- 1 x Signature Stealth Desk Mat ($49)
- 2 x Cable Management Bundles ($49 each)
- 1 x MagRGB Strip ($79)
- 1 x Dual Monitor Arms ($249)
- 1 x Single Monitor Arm ($149)
- 1 x Premium PC Mount ($89)
- 1 x Headphone Hanger ($29)
The total price for this ‘ChairsFX Bundle’ is $1541. Let’s assume nothing goes wrong and the entire desk lasts 5 years before needing repairs.
Then, the investment works out to $308 per year (around eighty-five cents per day). From that perspective, this desk is a steal!
Magnus Pro Desk + Accessories from Secretlab $799+
Available from Secretlab in North America, the EU and UK, Australia, Singapore, and Malaysia.
What Does The 5-Year Warranty Cover?
Based on the warranty terms and Secretlab’s stellar service record, the warranty protection is 100% legit. Here are the terms of the Magnus Pro’s warranty:
- Electronic control panel and box: 2 years
- All other desk parts: 5 years
- Magnus Monitor Arms: 3 years
- All other accessories: 2 years
If anything goes wrong, it’s likely to do with the motorized legs or electronic control panel. The legs seem easy to replace: flip over the desk and unscrew their fasteners.
Meanwhile, the Control Panel is built into the tabletop. But it’s held in place under the desk by a metal plate. To replace the unit, it looks like you can unscrew the plate and remove it.
Does the Magnus Pro Wobble?
The Magnus Pro is rated to support 265 pounds. My desk holds a PC tower, one 27″ screen, and two 24″ screens. At sitting heights, the desk produces zero wobble. When raised to its highest standing setting, it also feels wobble-free.
For testing, I found that pushing the heightened tabletop with moderate force does produce a mild wobble. However, the amount of force needed to produce that is beyond the most violent keyboard-mashing styles. Therefore, I find the standing height wobble insignificant.
Is the Magnus Pro Suitable For Kids?
Yes. The Magnus Pro Desk has a height-adjustment range of 25.6-49.2″. Based on this desk sizing chart, that will support users 5’2″ and taller.
Based on the average sizes of American kids, a typical 6th grader is 12 years old and between 4’5″ to 5’2″. Younger children under 5’2″ may also make use of this desk by adding an ergonomic footrest.
Does Magnus Pro Support 3 Monitors?
Yes. Assuming you use desk-mounted monitor stands, the 59.1″ surface length is enough to hold three screens (2 x 24″ and 1 x 27″) and a large PC tower.
For this demo, I used a third-party monitor mount. These will work with the Magnus Pro, although the results are underwhelming. For one thing, third-party models aren’t designed to fit in the cable management tray. Mine was a clunky fit that messed up my cable flows.
For another, the gaudy styling sharply contrasted with the rest of the build. As a result, I removed my third screen temporarily until a Secretlab Single Monitor Mount arrives.
Is Standing Healthier Than Sitting?
The tangible health benefits gained from computing while standing versus sitting are mild(3). Standing bodies can expect to burn a few extra calories and slightly lower their blood pressure.
However, the benefits gained from moving between sitting and standing positions are incredible! In fact, most leading esports therapists tout movement as the most important ergonomic workstation health factor!
The transition from a sitting to a standing position is a squat. Every time you switch from one to the other, your hips, bones, muscles, and joints all move in sync. This beats sitting in fixed, rigid positions for long hours.
Specifically, frequent movement improves both cardiovascular and cerebrovascular health. That yields noticeable mental benefits which improve productivity. Many studies have shown that active bodies improve learning, memory, and cognitive functions(4).
My sit-to-stand method: I enjoy standing for casual computing (light gaming, web browsing, etc). When it’s time to get serious, I click my sitting preset to lower the desk. Once I’ve done enough work to earn a break, I click the standing preset to stretch my legs.
Multi-Device Workstation Of The Future
Our Workstation Setup Guide prices a basic ergonomic setup at $377 (minus the laptop). It includes an ergonomic chair, desk, external monitor, and external keyboard/ mouse kit.
In sharp contrast, buying a fully-loaded ChairsFX Bundle Magnus Pro plus a Titan Evo 2022 Series will cost around $1300.
Frankly, I do not recommend spending $1500 on a desk — if a $100 one can do the same job. However, in the multi-device computing era, a $100 desk cannot provide the ergonomic support that people need.
As a result, Text Neck Syndrome, sedentary lifestyles, anterior pelvic tilt, chronic lethargy, and many other ills have become endemic.
To address these problems, Secretlab’s fully-ergonomic multi-device workstation of the future has landed. Every TItan owner surfing the waves of the 4th Industrial Revolution should buy this desk right now!
Magnus Pro from Secretlab $799+
Available from Secretlab in North America, the EU and UK, Australia, Singapore, and Malaysia.
Footnotes
- Genevieve N Healy et al., ‘Objectively measured sedentary time, physical activity, and metabolic risk: the Australian Diabetes, Obesity and Lifestyle Study’. Diabetes Care, 2008, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18000181/, (accessed 2 August 2022).
- Jaydip Sen. ‘Ubiquitous Computing: Potentials and Challenges’. TRACE, 25-26 February 2010. https://arxiv.org/vc/arxiv/papers/1011/1011.1960v1.pdf (accessed 2 August 2022).
- University of Pittsburgh. ‘The ups and downs of sit-stand desks’. Science News, March 12, 2019. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/03/190312123635.htm (accessed 2 August 2022).
- Christopher Bergland. ‘Moving Your Body Is Good for Your Mind’. The Athlete’s Way Sept. 25, 2014. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-athletes-way/201409/moving-your-body-is-good-your-mind (accessed 2 August 2022).
