The Best Monitor Mount for 2021
Your Ultimate Guide to Monitor Mounts
Nowadays, computer and workstation setups have become more advanced than ever. With professionals and researchers discovering more and more causes of discomfort, eye sore, and neck pain among office employees and those who sit in front of a desk for long periods of time, different manufacturers have adapted and created brand new appliances to suit our everyday needs as workers.
One solution is the computer screen mount which is designed to help the user adjust and move around their screens with convenience. Let’s take a look at the top monitor mounts in the market.
In a Hurry? This is the Best Mount
Among the mounts for monitors in this guide, the Ergotron LX is the perfect cross between functional and durable. While it’s pricier than other arms for monitors, this one can accommodate monitors of large sizes and makes height adjustment easier than ever. Whether you’re using a widescreen LCD monitor or a curved screen, the Ergotron ensures that you’re able to adjust viewing angles and height with ease and flexibility. From 20 inch to 34 inch monitors, this stand can secure monitors of different sizes with ease.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for the Best Mounts
BEST OVERALL
Ergotron LX Monitor Arm
BEST SINGLE MONITOR ARM
Amazon Basics Premium Single Monitor Stand
BEST DUAL MONITOR ARM
Vivo Dual LCD LED Monitor Desk Arm
BEST FULL-MOTION MONITOR ARM
NB North Bayou Monitor Desk Arm
BEST GAS SPRING MONITOR ARM
Huanuo Dual Monitor Arm
BEST BUDGET ARM
VIVO Height Adjustable Single Monitor Arm
Full review >>
BEST DURABLE ARM
VARIDESK Full-Motion Spring Dual Arm
Full review >>
BEST STAND FOR LIGHTWEIGHT MONITORS
Ergotech Freedom Arm
BEST ADJUSTABLE STAND
3M Desk Mount Monitor Arm
Full review >>
BEST STAND FOR CURVED SCREENS
AVLT Power Dual 35 Monitor Desk Stand
Full review >>
What is a Monitor Mount?
Mounts are monitor arms or brackets that are meant to support a display screen, such as a computer screen or TV. Usually, monitor arms are used for workstations and can either be attached to the wall or the desk. Monitor arms vary in design, shape, and monitor capacity, but they all have mostly the same function: to help you adjust the height and angle of your computer screen with ease, save desk space, and improve your workstation’s ergonomic capacity.
Some monitor arms can be adjusted 360 degrees, and some have more flexibility in one direction than others. At the end of the day, the right mount for you will depend on your needs.
Components of a Monitor Mount
Let’s take a look at the key components of the best monitor arms.
Clamp
A desk mount can either have a c-clamp base or a grommet mount base, and sometimes both. Most desks can accommodate the former.
Arm Bracket & Pole
The pole stays put on the desk and can determine how high or low your arm bracket can be placed. The arm bracket is the part that can be adjusted, moved forward or backward, upwards or downwards. There are usually 1-2 brackets, 2 for a dual monitor stand.
VESA Holes
These are the holes where your monitor can be screwed into place. Keep in mind that there are monitors that aren’t VESA compatible, so it is important to check first before making the purchase.
Benefits of a Monitor Mount
A monitor arm should have a host of incredible benefits for your body. Let’s take a look at some of them:
Keeps your posture neutral
Once you have your neck aligned, you’ll be able to easily sit with your back and spine at a neutral position. Keeping your back and spine neutral is the prime position for your body if you want to avoid any undue stress or stiffness.
Saves desk space
Most monitors have a wide base for sturdiness, but they admittedly take up a lot of desk space that could be used for other accessories. Whether you use a wall mount or a desk mount, a desk-mounted or wall-mounted display significantly reduces the desk space occupied by monitor size. This is especially helpful for dual-monitor setups, because using a monitor desk mount only takes up half the space.
Compatible with standing desks
An arm would work well with standing desks, because you’d naturally have to adjust your monitor height and angle when adjusting your standing desk height. If you’re sitting, you might need your monitor angled differently than when you’re standing. A monitor mount helps you make even the most minor adjustments with ease.
How to Use a Monitor Mount
Keep it at an appropriate distance
To avoid any eye strain, keep your monitor at least half a meter away from your face when sitting up straight. Dr. Alan Hedge of Cornell University recommends an arm’s length away. For exact measurements, keep your wall or desk-mounted monitor at a 51-71 cm or 20-28 in. distance.
Adjust your monitor to be at eye level
Lengthen your neck, but make sure your mounted monitor is not perpendicular to your table, but instead tilted slightly upwards. Adjusting your angle 10 to 15 degrees should do, as it will help lift your chin away from your neck. If you’re using a wall mount, measure the height between your desktop and your eyes when you’re sitting down. This will help you align your desk mounted monitor accordingly and your eyes meet at the center/middle of the monitor.
Position your chair, keyboard, and mouse appropriately
The right posture and correct screen angle is only part of a good computer setup. Once you’ve tilted your monitor at 10 to 15 degrees, you can look into your chair height, keyboard placement, mouse placement, and a good standing position if you’re using a sit-stand table.
What to Look for in a Monitor Mount
Monitor mounts or monitor arms have varying functions and features, and the most appropriate ones will depend on what you need. Here are 5 main factors to consider when looking for a good mount:
Mount & Monitor Size
There are different monitor sizes and weights, and not every mount can accommodate them all. Is your monitor 34 inches, 32 inches, or 22 inches? If you’re working with wider inch monitors, make sure your monitor size/weight is compatible with the arm you’re eyeing.
Workstation Setup
Do you have a sit-stand table or a regular computer table? Do you prefer a wall mount? Are you using one screen or two? You can choose between using a single or dual monitor desk mount for your workspace depending on your setup.
Mount Weight
If you’re using a stand that clamps to the desktop, make sure to check that your table can accommodate its weight. Most arms weigh around 8 lbs. to max 9 lbs.
Installation Process
Is the installation process simple or will you be needing a few more tools? How long does it take? The best monitor arm is also the one that is most convenient to set up.
Warranty
Does it include a 5, 6, or 10 year warranty? It’s important to know that should anything happen to your product, a warranty can ensure you’re able to get it repaired or have the help of customer service at your disposal.
Are Monitor Mounts Worth It?
If you’re keen on saving desktop space and having an ergonomic workstation, then monitor mounts are definitely worth it. There are plenty of products that can cater to your specific needs so you can have a more efficient and ergonomic workspace.
Do Monitor Mounts Really Work?
Monitor mounts are there to keep your monitor at an optimal angle. If you want to reduce eye strain and neck strain as well as be able to easily adjust your monitor, then computer monitor arms are what you need. In this sense, these products definitely work because they do what they’re supposed to do, which is to help you get better overall posture and reduce body pain by avoiding any unnecessary neck and eye strain.
Top 10 Best Monitor Arms
| Image | Product | Details | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Ergotron LX Monitor Arm | • Build is durable and sturdy • Easy adjustment • Visually appealing design |  |
 | Amazon Basics Premium Single Monitor Stand | • Can hold heavier monitors • Flexible range of motion • Easy adjustment | |
| Vivo Dual LCD LED Monitor Desk Arm | • Affordable price • Includes wire management system • Built to carry heavier monitors | |
 | NB North Bayou Monitor Desk Arm | • Can accommodate bigger displays • Smooth adjustment • Durable materials at an affordable price | |
| Huanuo Dual Monitor Arm | • Can hold up to a 27-inch display • Sturdy and durable • Easy to adjust viewing angles | |
 | VIVO Height Adjustable Single Monitor Arm | • Easy to set up • More affordable than other mounts • Adjustment is easy and smooth | |
| VARIDESK Full-Motion Spring Dual Monitor Arm | • Saves desktop space • Robust build • Can hold 2 monitors | |
| Ergotech Freedom Arm | • Durable build for lightweight displays • Has built-in wire management • Space saving | |
| 3M Desk Mount Monitor Arm | • Has 19 inches of height adjustment range • Can accommodate larger, heavier monitors • Dual-swivel | |
| AVLT Power Dual 35 Monitor Desk Stand | • Can hold two displays • 33 lbs. weight capacity • Includes USB and auxiliary port | |
Let’s Go Over Each Monitor Mount
A top contender when it comes to mounts, the Ergotron LX desk mount has made a name for itself with its durable materials and robust design. One of the best monitor arms in the industry, it is incredibly flexible in more ways than one. Built to last, this efficient and ergonomic accessory is sure to be a welcome addition to your workspace. If you’ve struggled with adjusting monitors to be exactly how you want them, the Ergotron LX can accommodate most height requirements and is easy to move from angle to angle. Weighing around 8 pounds, this arm can carry a screen of up to 34 inches.
In fact, the Ergotron LX is so durable it doesn’t budge even when the table does, and doesn’t shake when you’re running your third lap on the desk treadmill. Monitor mounts don’t get much better than this — you’re getting even more than what you pay for, and this arm can last you through the years.
This arm might also make taller users happy. It comes with a monitor arm “tall pole” version that enhances the height to accommodate all users. The standard size is 8” and has a wide range of motion. Another version of this model is the Ergotron LX Desk Mount LCD which is considered one of the best monitor arms from the brand and in the market itself. The Ergotron LX Desk Mount LCD Monitor Arm is likewise available on Amazon.
Pros and Cons of the Ergotron LX
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔ Durable steel build ✔ Aesthetically pleasing design ✔ Flexible movement makes it easy to adjust | ✘ Costs more than other mounts |
If you’re enjoying a simpler, more minimal setup at your office, a single monitor stand is all you need. While many out there offer different functions and features, what we look at is the sturdiness and adjustability of each mount. This AmazonBasics Stand is easy to use for even a 32-inch monitor, perfect for most simple workstations, making it our runner up in this guide.
Adjustability and wide range of motion is important, and this arm can extend, retract, tilt forward and backward, as well as rotate from landscape to portrait mode. As for its tilt capacity, it goes 70 degrees backward and 5 degrees forward, which should be more than sufficient for the user’s needs. Whatever your monitor height and position is, it should be easy to adjust with this model. It can also securely clamp onto 0.4” tables as well as 2.4” ones, so thin or thick, this mount will stay put on your desktop.
Pros and Cons of the AmazonBasics Premium Stand
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔ Good range of motion and smooth adjustment ✔ Can carry a 32-inch monitor with ease ✔ Can be tilted 5 degrees forward and 70 degrees back | ✘ Can only hold 1 screen ✘ More expensive than other arms |
If you’re someone who has a job that requires two monitors or simply want to enjoy having two monitors for your gaming needs, the affordable Vivo LCD LED stand is just what you need. It doesn’t skimp on functionality either. The setup ensures both screens are secure and can be rotated 360 degrees and tilted to the optimal viewing angle for you.
For people using a sit-stand desktop, an easily adjustable arm is vital. When transitioning from a sitting position to a standing position, chances are, you’ll also have to adjust the angle of your monitor. This mount is here to make that task more convenient for you. With its tilt capacity of 80 degrees forward and 90 degrees backward as well as 360-degree rotation, you’re getting full articulation for a small price. Compatibility is no problem either. Whether you have a 13-inch or 27-inch frame, this arm can carry either size with ease. It also supports a max. monitor weight of 22 lbs., which is well above the average.
This mount includes cable management so all your power and AV cables can be organized with this arm’s detachable cable clips. This handy cable management feature makes sure you won’t have to worry about them tangling while adjusting your monitor.
Pros and Cons of the Vivo Dual LCD LED
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔ More affordable than other brands ✔ Smooth adjustment ✔ Comes with wire clips for easy cable management ✔ Can support a heavy monitor size | ✘ Doesn’t use gas springs which may make arms difficult to adjust |
Whether you’re an avid gamer or simply want to be able to work without any discomfort in your neck and back, the NB North Bayou stand is the perfect accessory. With its gas spring system, you’re able to adjust any screen’s angle with ease. This desk mount stand is one of the most durable in the market, with high quality materials and extra stable build. With these specs, it comes as no surprise that this is a highly raved-about product with great reviews on Amazon.
This stand can hold a max. monitor weight of 19.8 lbs., as well as monitor sizes ranging from 17-30 inches, so there’s no need to worry about whether your monitor is too big or too small. It has a -30 and +85 degree rotation range and an upright range of 10 inches or 260 mm so you can switch to any angle that suits your needs. With these incredible benefits at this price point, we say this product is a steal.
Pros and Cons of the NB North Bayou Desk Arm
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔ Affordable and durable ✔ Can hold up to a 30-inch size screen ✔ Has a gas spring system for smooth adjustment ✔ Can hold heavy monitors | ✘ USB cables aren’t provided |
Another contender for best dual monitor mount is the HUANUO dual monitor mount. If you prefer an arm with a gas spring system, you’d be remiss not to check this one out. It is able to house both flat and curved monitors of up to 27 inches. While each stand can only hold 17.6 lbs, its durability still exceeds expectations.
You can set your monitor from landscape to portrait mode easily with this mount. Built to last, this stand includes a triangular design equipped with solid construction so your screens are safe and secure. Try using a desk treadmill or an under-desk bike with this stand, and you won’t notice any wobbling or shaking even at high intensity workouts.
Pros and Cons of the Huanuo Dual Monitor Arm
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔ Improves viewing angles ✔ Sturdy build ✔ A dual monitor mount that can hold up to 27 inches | ✘ Has a below average weight capacity |
Looking for a better, more adjustable monitor but don’t want to drop a hundred bucks right away? This VIVO stand doesn’t disappoint. At just below $30, you’re getting high quality materials and an arm that can easily adjust your computer monitor, no matter the size. Let’s go over each function of this model.
The first thing is this stand’s tilt capacity. Its pneumatic springs allow for smooth height transitions, and the 360-degree rotation feature gives its users easy access to the most comfortable viewing angles. As for its forward and backward tilt, this stand can go up to +90° and -45°.
For installation, this stand has an open VESA plate that is 75×75 and 100x100mm in dimension, creating a simple setup process. Its C-clamp allows it to mount any desk up to 3.5 inches in thickness.
Pros and Cons of the VIVO Single Monitor Arm
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔ Budget-friendly price ✔ Smooth adjustment ✔ Easy installation | ✘ Max. weight capacity is only 14.3 lbs. |
The VARIDESK Full-Motion dual monitor mount speaks for itself. It is a durable ergonomic accessory that espouses a full range of motion to fit each individual user’s needs. Made with only the most premium materials in mind and constructed with the utmost care and attention to detail, this sleek Varidesk clamp is a premium option for those willing to spend a little more in exchange for a long-lasting appliance.
If you find yourself having to skimp on desk space, you’re in luck. This model is a space-saving option, perfect for those who like having a lot of accessories sitting on top of their table. This desk clamp ensures that you’re able to have that water bottle in reach or as many small plants on your table as you want, and still be able to use two monitors.
Pros and Cons of the Varidesk Full-Motion
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔ Space-saving clamp ✔ Can hold two monitors ✔ Made with durable materials | ✘ Pricier than others |
For those whose screens are more lightweight, the Ergotech Freedom Arm is the most durable option. While its max. weight is 17 lbs (most monitors nowadays are a lot lighter), its high quality build and sturdy material ensure that even the lighter computer screens don’t wobble when adjusting.
A clean workspace is important for productivity, which is why this arm comes with a built-in cable management system. Loose cables won’t be a problem with this arm, and you’ll be free of any unnecessary clutter while working. As for its motion capacity, the Ergotech offers a great variety of movement so you’re covered at any viewing angle. Tilt your display up 90 degrees and down 45 with ease. It also comes with 180 degree panning capability and 360 degrees rotation. Aside from this, you’re also getting a 3-year warranty in case you order a defective appliance.
Pros and Cons of the Ergotech Freedom
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔ Includes 3 year warranty ✔ 90 degree tilt upwards ✔ Saves space ✔ Durable and steady for lightweight screens ✔ Includes cable management system | ✘ Cannot hold heavier computer screens |
A problem with many desk arms is the height adjustment, and this product solves just that. Without having to buy any additional accessories, you can get 18 ½ inches of height adjustability with a 7 ½ pole height. Perfect for those who need their monitors at a higher position, this 3M stand can go up with ease. It is also equipped with dual-swivel technology so each movement is swift and fluid, doesn’t make any noise, and most of all, keeps your display secure.
Another benefit of this desk clamp mount is its weight capacity. While most arms nowadays can hold only 20-25 lbs, this clamp ensures any screen of any size can sit comfortably and securely on the arm. Because most newer computer screens are built to be lightweight, many arms have also adjusted. However, if you’re using a heavier or bulkier display, this arm is what you’re looking for.
Pros and Cons of the 3M Desk Arm
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔ Can hold up to 30 lbs. ✔ Dual-swivel desk arm ✔ 19” height adjustment range | ✘ Can only hold one display |
If you’re one to use a modern, curved display, or LCD screen, this is your ultimate pick. The AVLT Power Dual is a champion when it comes to sturdiness and reliability, and it can fit most computer screen varieties: ultrawide, curved, or simply flat. It’s also heavy weight, so you won’t have to worry about a 33 lbs. display being too heavy for this desk mount. You can rotate, pan, and tilt this arm desk mount conveniently with its smooth adjustment.
Its height adjustment goes from 8.9 inches all the way up to 23 inches, perfect for tall people or people who prefer having a higher-mounted curved or flat display. Its durable build also ensures the screen stays steady without wobbling even at its maximum height. Another function is the USB and aux port designed to connect to your OS if you need to.
Pros and Cons of the AVLT Power Dual 35
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔ Can go up to 23 inches in height ✔ Heavy-duty, holds up to max 33 lbs. ✔ Comes with USB and aux port ✔ Easy to set up | ✘ Weak neck hinge |
Best Monitor Arm Comparison
| Monitor Mount | Brand | Design | Performance | Usability | Features | Total Rating | Check Price on Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ergotron LX Monitor Arm | 95 | 100 | 100 | 97 | 98 | |
| AmazonBasics Premium Single Monitor Stand | 95 | 90 | 100 | 100 | 97 | |
| Vivo Dual LCD LED Monitor Desk Arm | 95 | 98 | 100 | 98 | 98 | |
 | NB North Bayou Monitor Desk Arm | 95 | 95 | 95 | 95 | 90 | |
| HUANUO Dual Monitor Arm | 90 | 93 | 95 | 90 | 92 | |
| VIVO Height Adjustable Single Monitor Arm | 90 | 90 | 90 | 90 | 90 | |
| VARIDESK Full-Motion Spring Dual Arm | 90 | 97 | 95 | 95 | 94.25 | |
| Ergotech Freedom Arm | 85 | 88 | 90 | 88 | 88 | |
| 3M Desk Mount Monitor Arm | 85 | 85 | 90 | 90 | 87.50 | |
| AVLT Power Dual 35 Monitor Desk Stand | 91 | 90 | 90 | 85 | 89 | |
Final Note
The perfect computer screen will vary according to each user’s needs, and so will the best monitor arms. The only way to get the best monitor arm that’s right for you is to make sure it is compatible with your monitor itself: check if it has compatible holes, a compatible weight capacity, and monitor size. Once you’re sure you have checked the best monitor arms available, you’ll be on your way to a better, more ergonomic workstation free of aches and pains in no time.
