Other Monitor Arms We’ve Tested
Photograph: Jacob Roach
Wali Heavy-Duty Monitor Arm for $75: I made the brilliant decision to buy a 42-inch monitor without thinking about actually using a 42-inch monitor. Most monitor stands can’t support that kind of size, regardless of whether you’re using something like a 42-inch LG C4 or Samsung’s massive Odyssey OLED G9. This arm from Wali looks inconspicuous, but it’s kept my monitor—the KTC G42P5—stable for over a year without even a hint of droop. —Jacob Roach
Photograph: Luke Larsen
Branch Monitor Arm for $129: As I’ve discovered while testing monitor arms, many of them use the same exact parts with only minor differences in branding. You likely wouldn’t know that just by looking at the Amazon listing or even the company’s photos. I tested the Branch Monitor Arm, for example, and discovered that it’s nearly identical to the BenQ Ergo Arm. It’s a solid option and slightly cheaper, but it doesn’t come with the reinforcement plate to protect your desk, and the dual-arm version isn’t as versatile.
Monoprice Workstream Single Monitor Arm for $83: I’m using this dual version of this monitor arm to hold a 32-inch ultrawide monitor and a wide vertical monitor, and it’s been treating me wonderfully for several months. The arms move smoothly and don’t sink under the weight of the screens. It’s also one of the few monitor arms that has a clamp large enough for my thick 5-inch desktop. —Julian Chokkattu
Pout Eyes 12 Monitor Arm for $55: This was previously my pick as a solid budget monitor arm option. You have to be very careful with super cheap monitor arms on Amazon, but that’s not to say there’s nothing good out there. I tested this one out based on the clean look and cheap price, and although it’s far from perfect, I found a lot to like about it. First, there’s the design. It’s a simple touch, but the dual-tone, gray-and-black aesthetic has a bit more flavor than your average all-black monitor arm. The mechanism in the arm is mechanical, or “spring-assisted,” as the company says, meaning the motion isn’t as fluid as a gas spring. Unfortunately, it appears it’s no longer being sold directly to consumers, and is primarily a business-only product
AmazonBasics Adjustable Desk Mount Arm for $29: I’ll set aside the fact that the first version of this I received was beat up and busted, like it had been used (and even the replacement box had a big hole in it). But really, when it comes down to it, your monitor (and your neck) deserves something better than this. It might function better than some of the plastic, bottom-of-the-barrel stuff you’ll find on Amazon, but this old-school pole design means adjustments are inconvenient to make. It’s also pretty shaky, and I couldn’t get it to be as stable as other monitor arms I tested.
Mount-It! Heavy Duty Dual Monitor Arm for $322: I used this mount to hold up my 34-inch ultrawide monitor for years, and it worked like a charm. It can hold screens between 15 and 34 inches (up to 20 pounds). It’s adjustable, has built-in cable management, and doesn’t look hideous. It uses the VESA mounting standard, so make sure the monitor you have supports that. —Julian Chokkattu
Removing your monitor from its stand, buying a separate monitor arm, and clamping it down to your desk can be a frustrating experience. There are two main reasons why it’s worth the trouble.
First, it’s the ergonomic flexibility. Many monitors come with built-in stands, but they’re limited in terms of height adjustment. Ideally, you want your monitor to be at eye level to avoid being hunched over. A good monitor arm gives you a dramatically wider range of motion, even allowing you to pull it forward when you want to lean in. This is all done with a level of ease that a built-in or external monitor stand cannot match.
The second reason to buy a monitor stand is the space savings. Ridding your desk of an unwieldy monitor base gives you a cleaner workspace and opens up more room for storage. This is particularly important with larger monitors, such as ones that use an ultrawide aspect ratio, which need infamously huge bases to hold up the extra weight.
What to Look For in a Monitor Arm
Once you’ve decided it’s time to buy a monitor arm, there are still hundreds of options out there, especially if you’re shopping on Amazon. Here are some of the most important factors to consider.
Type of Arm: These days, the most common kind of monitor arm is fully articulated. This is most likely what most people imagine when you say “monitor arm.” It resembles a robotic arm. However, there are some simpler pole designs that only let you adjust the height of the monitor. I don’t usually recommend those, as the adjustments are very limited. The in-between option is a pole design with an articulated arm, which is how some multi-arm designs function.
Brand: Sticking with a well-known brand is a safe way to go, although Amazon also has some best-selling options from less-known names like Huanuo or Ergotron that offer great value. Monitor manufacturers also often make monitor arms and are a good place to look, whether that’s Asus, MSI, BenQ, or Acer. Lastly, more high-end names in the home office game, like Herman Miller, also make arms with more panache.
Materials and Design: Monitor arms tend to be ugly contraptions, especially when they’re overly chunky and made of cheap plastic. Look for aluminum or steel options for more robust, elegant arms.
Weight Limit: A monitor arm’s job is to keep your monitor in position without constantly sinking or damaging your desk. Make sure to look up the weight of your monitor and pay careful attention to the stated weight limit of the monitor arm you’re considering. If your display is curved, give yourself a buffer of around 5 pounds, as the curve adds extra forward weight that puts more tension on the monitor arm. It’s also not recommended to use a lightweight monitor on a heavy-duty monitor arm, as it can cause it to float up because the tension in the arm is too loose.
Clamps, Grommets, and Stands: When we say “monitor arms,” we usually mean ones that clamp to a desk. Some monitor arms take things a step further and come with an option for permanently installing the arm to your desk by drilling a hole and attaching it through a metal plate or grommet. Personally, I don’t love the idea of drilling holes into my desk, but it’s certainly the most stable method of securing the arm. Some are also designed for wall mounting if that’s your only option.
What Is a Gas-Spring Monitor Arm?
If you start perusing the digital aisles of Amazon for monitor arms, you’ll likely come across the term “gas spring.” This means that instead of using traditional springs, the internal cylinder in the arm is filled with nitrogen gas, which creates a more powerful counterbalance when making adjustments. Monitor arms using gas springs often cost more but feel smoother and less rigid when moving around. Mechanical springs, on the other hand, are much cheaper and feel more stiff. But they can be a decent option if you don’t intend on making frequent adjustments.
Should I Buy a Dual-Monitor Arm or Two Single Monitor Arms?
If you’re working with two monitors, I recommend a dual-monitor arm, which includes both arms in a single clamp. Not only is this a simpler setup with less mess, it’s also easier to position them side-by-side without a gap.
However, if you’re creating a PC gaming setup, you may prefer using two single monitor arms next to each other. This way, you have a primary display that can be centered more easily. Dual-monitor arms can be awkward if you’re using one screen as your dominant source and want it to be centered in your view. This is also true if you plan to use a secondary monitor vertically.
Can Your Monitor and Desk Support a Monitor Arm?
Not all monitors and desks can safely use a monitor arm. For example, if your desk is overly thin or has rounded edges, it’ll be difficult to install the clamp securely. Also, if you’re using a glass table or a lightweight table with a hollow core, you’re out of luck.
You’ll also need to check that your monitor is VESA-compatible, meaning it has four screw holes on the back in a square. This is what allows you to attach the back of the screen to the monitor arm. The most common size is 100 mm by 100 mm, though some smaller or older monitors use the 75 mm by 75 mm size.
These days, the only monitors that lack VESA support are cheap monitors under $200, so it’s something to keep in mind if you’re shopping in that price range.
As the WIRED monitor reviewer, I’ve got plenty of external screens lying around to attach to monitor arms. To test an arm, I assemble it, mount it to a monitor, and clamp it down to my desk. For heavy-duty monitor arms, I test them with larger-format or ultrawide displays to make sure they can handle the weight they claim to. In terms of how I choose which monitor arms to review, my goal is to test ones from both established brands and smaller companies you find on Amazon.
Either way, because so many of these monitor arms are built using many of the same parts, I’ve been on the hunt for ones that really stand out from a design and functionality perspective.
Next, I’ll be looking at the higher-end market, with monitor arms by boutique furniture office companies Humanscale and Herman Miller. On the opposite side of the spectrum, I’ll also be diving more into the murky waters of Amazon to hopefully surface with some gems from the depths that balance quality with affordability.
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