If you’re going to navigate through the brand’s website, you’ll see that the EC5 and the EC3 are mashed on the same page. That means that these two units have a lot in common. But if you click on the EC5/ ECS icon somewhere in the middle of the site, you’ll see the differences.
So we’re going to elaborate on the differences between the EC3 and the EC5. We’ll also take a look at what you can expect should you opt to buy this Flexispot standing desk.
Two-stage vs 3 stage legs
And we need to mention that the EC5 is also referred to as the E5. And you’ll mostly see this desk frame named E5.
You have an option to purchase it as a frame only. So you may buy separate tops from IKEA or whichever store you fancy. The desk width is adjustable so it can accommodate several tabletop sizes.
You’ll also see a Pro Plus standing desk with the E5 frame, you’ll mostly be looking at this one if you’d want to purchase the E5 with the brand’s tabletop.
Costing a bit under 500 dollars, the EC5 is not an entry-level desk but it’s not premium either. So it pretty much sits in the mid-range tier such as some units from UPLIFT and Fully.
The EC5 is a three-stage frame. This is also what sets it above its almost twin EC3, which is a standing desk with two-stage frames. Three-stage desks will have more lifting capacity, thus the deks can go higher than EC3.
So the EC3, with its slightly lower cost can still be an option if you don’t need the desk to go higher. The EC3 has an adjustable height range of 27.2”-46.5”, so slightly taller users will find it sufficient.
The EC5’s height adjustable range is 24.4”-50”. Making it a sweeter deal for those who stand under 6 feet.
The other 3 stage standing desk with a higher cost is the Fully Jarvis bamboo. It has a higher desk range of 25.5″ – 51″. So it goes a tad bit higher. But it also has a higher weight capacity of 350 lbs. So it can be a better option for a more busy workstation.
Uplift also has three-stage units with a higher range of 25.5-inches to – 51.1-inches. But like the Jarvis, it costs a bit more and has a higher load capacity. The closest perhaps is the Vari desk with a height of 25″ – 50.5″. The price is also a bit close to Flexispot.
What of IKEA BEKANT?
This may be an intriguing comparison, but you’ll see a lot of people comparing the IKEA BEKANT to the EC5. These two desks have different functionalities and features. But the cost seems to sit close, hence the comparison.
So, we’ll dive a bit into the differences between the BEKANT and the EC5, and what stood out to us better.
To begin with, let’s take a look at the cable management system. Both brands do offer one. Though, the EC5 will have a more professional-looking and neat cable tray. That of BEKANT’s is more of a hillbilly look. It comes in sort of a swing that is connected to one part of the underside of the desk to the other. Hence, making it more rustic. But it does look and function fairly strong.
It was able to hold the thick cables and wires, and it’s easy to chuck them in since there is a big opening on the sides. But the look may be a disappointment, it still looks in disarray. It may mimic someone lying on a hammock that is tied to opposite poles or trees.
Though it may look tacky, there is a surprising bit. The tabletop of the EC5 is thicker but the screwing system on the underside of the BEKANT is better. it feels more solid, and it feels like even if you are going to dismantle the desk and put on a new tabletop, the screw holes will not get damaged. So you would likely have no trouble changing desktops as often as you wish.
While the EC5, does not seem to be amenable to frequent tabletop changes. It looks more clean and sleek than the BEKANT, but when it comes to the screw holes and the underside of the desk, it seems to be weaker. And we feel that screw holes can get loose should you change tabletops often.
Secondly, there is a distinct difference in the texture of the desks. That of the EC5 feels smoother. Also, the desk does transition more smoothly like butter. That of BEKANT, on the other hand, travels less smoothly and the texture of the top feels a bit rough.
The overall texture of the EC5, from the top to the frames, is more shiny and reflective. That of the Bekant looks and feels matte. As to whether this is good or bad, depends on your preference. Though you’d have fewer issues with fingerprint smudging when it comes to a matte surface. But if you favor a more polished and sleek look, then the EC5 will fulfill your fancy.
Thirdly, the BEKANT only has an up and down button. So if you need to change the height of your desk often, you’ll most probably find the EC5 a better deal with its 3 memory presets
Fourth, the desktop of the BEKANT is slightly deeper and wider. So if you need a larger working space, you might want to look into this. But if you have a small space to cover, you’ll find the EC5 easier to squeeze into your home office.
You have several options for the tabletop and frames with the EC5, compared to the BEKANT. But it does have a higher tag. But it’s not something that can be impressive like say, a Fully Jarvis bamboo top. Thus, we’re also looking at getting a different tabletop from another brand.
And of course, the cost is a big option. The EC5 will set you back more than the BEKANT, but not by a high amount, maybe 50-60 dollars. But the thing is Flexispot offers free delivery whereas IKEA might not always, depending on your location. So you’ll most likely be spending these savings on the delivery services. So cost-wise, it can be the same.
Overall, the Bekant and the EC5 are both three-stage desks with almost the same height-adjustable options. But it can offer value depending on your needs. The EC5 is suited if you don’t see yourself changing tops. And since it has presets, it can be more comfortable if more than one person is using the desk. Or if you don’t want to fiddle through the desk height and remember the one that you used yesterday, then it is a better value.
But if you need a bigger, deeper table and don’t mind using an up and down button, then the BEKANT will suffice.
Is the EC5 a decent solution?
The frame is substantially stable and can cater to folks who are slightly taller. So if you are 5’10”- 6”, it’s a yes. And while it does cost more than the BEKANT, it is still more affordable than its contemporaries.
But we beg to differ when it comes to the tabletop, it might be a wiser decision to buy a separate top from another brand.
