Among the best upgrades you may make to your private home workplace is the addition of a monitor arm. A very good-quality arm not solely frees up usable house in your desk’s floor, it permits extra methods to maneuver and place your show/s for optimum consolation and ergonomics. And a monitor arm makes your workplace setup look actually cool.
The one catch is the worth. Most monitor arms value shopping for will price near $200, and heavy-duty arms able to holding two giant shows will be priced even greater. The excellent news is {that a} good-quality monitor arm is prone to final you for a really very long time. That’s why it’s essential to make the appropriate alternative if you buy a monitor arm.
That can assist you with that, we’ve examined a number of fashionable monitor arms, for each single- and dual-monitor setups. Under you’ll discover our curated record of suggestions, with detailed explanations of what options and qualities make them stand out. We even have some good funds suggestions. Under our picks, we level out some arms that we aren’t so eager on — to offer a degree of comparability.
Ergotron LX Professional – Greatest monitor arm
Worth When Reviewed:
$209
Greatest Costs Immediately:
$209
$209
The Ergotron LX Professional is a sensible, efficient, easy-to-use monitor arm. Ergotron achieves this ease-of-install with intelligent, but easy, engineering.
The LX Professional’s clamp mechanism, which secures the monitor to a desk, takes the additional step of offering a cushty handhold that makes it straightforward to work the clamp with out instruments. The arm’s two sections, in the meantime, merely slip into place. Ergotron additionally gives thumb screws for attaching the arm’s VESA mount to the again of your monitor.
Relying in your monitor, chances are you’ll want to make use of the included hex wrench to tighten the elements. In any other case, set up doesn’t require instruments.
The arm’s desk clamp mechanism is large, which is essential. Clamps with a small floor focus extra pressure in your desk and trigger harm if over-tightened. A wider clamp higher distributes the pressure. Which means the LX Professional is much less prone to harm weaker desks (although warning when tightening the clamp is really useful).
Luckily, the arm’s ease of set up doesn’t result in useful downsides. The arm can assist displays as much as 34 inches diagonally that weigh as much as 22 kilos. The arm additionally lifts as much as 13 inches, tilts as much as 85 levels, and may swivel and rotate to a full 360 levels. Cables are routed by way of channels within the arm and secured by sturdy removable cladding. Ergotron gives a 10-year guarantee.
The LX Professional even fixes our gripes about its predecessor, the Ergotron LX. The LX Professional’s base is extra compact, the white colorway now has a color-coordinated VESA mount, and the brand new design is extra engaging. The one downgrade in comparison with the outdated Ergotron LX is a decrease most weight (the LX might deal with as much as 25 kilos). However that’s unlikely to matter, as 32-inch and 34-inch displays normally weigh 15 kilos or much less.
The LX Professional’s $209 MSRP is sufficient to make customers assume twice, but it surely’s nice worth for cash. The arm’s total construct high quality feels aggressive with costlier monitor arms, such because the Humanscale M2.1.
That makes the Ergotron LX Professional a straightforward advice. It’s easy to arrange, appears to be like good, works nicely in day-to-day use, but stays reasonably priced. We already preferred the Ergotron LX, however the LX Professional is a superb improve.
Workstream by Monoprice – Greatest funds monitor arm
Worth When Reviewed:
$59.99
Greatest Costs Immediately:
$82.65
$82.65
The Workstream by Monoprice single monitor arm is a no-frills answer that delivers fundamental monitor arm options at an exceptionally low value.
The monitor arm has an all-metal development that in some methods feels sturdier than the Ergotron LX, because the Workstream doesn’t embody as a lot plastic cladding. It’s not completely a win, although, because the plastic that exists feels frail (and I even broke a small, although unnoticeable, bit whereas adjusting the monitor).
It gives a great vary of adjustment, with 13.2 inches of top and 90 levels of tilt, swivel, and rotation. The arm’s top and tilt adjustment are akin to others on this record, however it might probably’t swivel in a full circle, which can show annoying when you continuously transfer a monitor arm to share your display screen with colleagues.
The Workstream’s slim funds is felt in its troublesome setup and stiff operation. Customers might want to set up a number of screws for a clamp or gromet mount. Extra screws could have to be adjusted as soon as the arm is in place, as its default stress proved insufficient for supporting a 32-inch monitor.
Monoprice lists the monitor as able to supporting 20 kilos, however I felt the 32-inch monitor (which weighed 15 kilos) was pushing the Workstream to its limits. Monoprice additionally skimps on the guarantee, providing only one yr of protection.
These flaws are simply excused by the Workstream’s $60 price ticket. It’s clearly much less succesful, much less engaging, and harder to make use of than Ergotron’s LX, but it surely gives a great vary of adjustment and sturdy development for lower than half the worth. It’s a really perfect alternative for customers on a good funds, in addition to those that plan to put in a small, gentle 24-inch or 27-inch monitor.
Huanuo HNSS6 Single Monitor Arm – Greatest monitor arm beneath $50
Worth When Reviewed:
39.99
Greatest Costs Immediately:
$44.99
The Huanuo HNSS6 Single Monitor Arm is well our go-to advice for customers seeking to purchase the least costly monitor arm that may nonetheless fulfill its job.
The arm is available in two items: The decrease portion swivels whereas the higher portion permits for top, tilt, and rotation changes. A gasoline spring gives stress to maintain displays aloft, which is an improve from the clips and screws utilized by the least costly arms. Nevertheless, it’s value noting that gasoline springs can lose their efficiency over time. These options are typical for the worth: Most opponents are comparable in design and use a gasoline cylinder.
What makes the Huanuo a winner is its total high quality and ease of set up. Setup required set up of simply three screws (and adjustment to some extra). The clamp used to mount the arm to the desk was intuitive in comparison with rivals just like the MountUp Single Monitor Arm, because the spacing of the clamp is adjustable with out eradicating and re-installing screws to safe it. The arm claims to carry 32-inch shows as much as 20 kilos, which is sufficient to maintain most displays. We examined it with panels as much as 32 inches weighing as much as 12 kilos, and it supported these with ease.
One notable draw back is cable administration. The plastic covers offered are finicky and received’t maintain many wires, so if you wish to add USB cables along with a video connection and energy, you’re most likely out of luck. To be truthful, although, the identical is true of most cheap arms.
The Huanuo wasn’t as straightforward to arrange or modify because the Ergotron LX, our favourite total choose, and it’s not as sturdy because the Monoprice Single Monitor Arm, which usually sells for $60. Nonetheless, the Huanuo will get the job carried out.
Herman Miller Flo – Greatest upscale monitor arm
Worth When Reviewed:
$295.00
Greatest Costs Immediately:
Desire a monitor arm that will get the job carried out and appears good doing it? The Herman Miller Flo is for you.
The Flo’s design units it other than the pack. Herman Miller ditches the angular, industrial design of many opponents for a clean, pure look. Whereas clearly designed for a company workplace, it additionally suits in with a house workplace setup, the place its pleasant, approachable look helps it mix in with its environment. The Flo is backed by a 12-year guarantee and gives 24/7 customer support.
It’s straightforward to arrange and use. The monitor’s clamp works equally to different monitor arms I examined, but it surely’s extra refined and requires fewer screws (a grommet can be out there). The VESA mount can be glorious, offering a easy clip design that’s safe and will be simply pre-mounted to a monitor for easy set up. The way in which this mount works accommodates displays which have a barely recessed mount place, which can trigger issues for different monitor arms.
The monitor’s vary of adjustment isn’t a lot completely different from different high-end monitor arms. It gives 13.3 inches of vertical adjustment, 80 levels of tilt, and 360 levels of swivel and rotation. That’s primarily equivalent to the cheaper Ergotron LX. The Flo’s operation is smoother, nevertheless: I discovered I might modify a monitor’s top with a mere nudge.
Surprisingly, the Flo has a listed weight restrict of 20 kilos and recommends use with displays weighing a minimum of 7 kilos. Most displays match inside this vary, however some heavier fashions received’t be appropriate with the Flo.
Herman Miller lists the Flo at $295, which is so much to ask for a single-monitor arm. The Ergotron LX gives comparable options at a a lot lower cost. Nevertheless, the Flo is a smoother, extra interesting monitor arm, and definitely worth the improve if you’d like kind together with your operate.
Ergotron HX – Greatest heavy-duty monitor arm
Worth When Reviewed:
$345.00
Greatest Costs Immediately:
$344.99
$344.99
$344.99
$349
It’s pure, given the one slight distinction in identify, to assume the Ergotron HX is merely an uprated model of the Ergotron LX. That’s not the case. That is a wholly completely different monitor arm which pairs its elevated capability with improved construct high quality and a extra skilled look.
First, let’s discuss weight. The Ergotron HX is rated to carry displays that weigh as much as 42 kilos and display screen sizes as much as 49 inches. That’s an awfully excessive weight restrict—I haven’t reviewed a single monitor in 2023 that exceeds it. I connected each a 32-inch widescreen and 38-inch ultrawide monitor, which weighed roughly 15 and 20 kilos, respectively, and the HX simply dealt with each.
Using plastic is minimal and reserved for small parts of cladding that seem used just for cable routing. The arm’s shifting elements embody bigger, sturdier mechanisms, and felt extraordinarily clean in my use. Ergotron backs the arm with a 10-year guarantee.
The displays vary of adjustment is a bit restricted in comparison with the LX. It gives 11.5 inches of top, 75 levels of tilt, 180 levels of swivel, and 360 levels of rotation. Nevertheless, a considerably extra restricted top adjustment is typical on this class because of the measurement of displays these stands are anticipated to hold.
The monitor arm’s spectacular design additionally gives a extra sturdy look. This may very well be a con for some, nevertheless, because the arm can appear a bit…a lot in a house workplace setup. It’s an costly arm, as nicely. Count on to pay about $350.
The Ergotron HX is an apparent alternative if you wish to mount an ultrawide, super-ultrawide, or giant format widescreen monitor in your desk.
Humanscale M2.1 with M/Join – Greatest monitor arm w/ built-in dock
Worth When Reviewed:
$356 (dock begins at an extra $214)
Greatest Costs Immediately:
The Humanscale M2.1 with M/Join laptop computer docking station is a pretty, sturdy, and trendy monitor arm that may increase your laptop computer’s connectivity with out taking on further house in your desktop.
Humanscale’s entry-level M2.1 doesn’t embody a laptop computer dock, but it surely’s designed to accommodate the M/Join 3, which nestles snuggly into the bottom of the arm. Most dwelling workplace customers will doubtless select the M/Join 3 USB Information Hub, which presently retails for $253 (on prime of the M2.1’s base value of $356). The hub provides three USB-C ports and two USB-A ports. In order for you much more ports, the $600 M/Join 3 Professional Dock provides two extra USB-A ports, two extra USB-C, Ethernet, and two DisplayPort ports.
The M/Join 3’s added connectivity is a wonderful strategy to increase the ports on a laptop computer. Its central location makes the ports straightforward to entry and retains them firmly positioned in a set place in your desk (versus freestanding hubs and adapters, which are inclined to get shoved round, or off, a desk). It’s additionally a great different to a USB-C monitor. We like USB-C displays, however packing connectivity into the monitor could make it troublesome to entry some ports, as most are positioned on the rear of the show.
Connectivity apart, the Humanscale M2.1 is a sturdy, if standard, monitor arm. It may well deal with displays between 5 and 15 kilos, which is sufficient to assist the overwhelming majority of widescreen displays beneath 32 inches in measurement. It additionally has a “good cease” function, which lets customers customise the quantity of rotation the arm permits, and easy-to-use fast launch joints which can be helpful when disassembling or shifting the arm. The arm isn’t as clean in operation because the Herman Miller Flo, but it surely stays straightforward sufficient to regulate.
Ergotron LX Twin Monitor Arm – Greatest twin monitor arm
Worth When Reviewed:
$356.41
Two displays are at all times higher than one, and the identical goes for monitor arms. It’s no shock, then, that Ergotron’s LX Aspect-by-Aspect ranks as our greatest twin monitor arm. The Ergotron LX Aspect-by-Aspect pairs two LX monitor arms collectively on one mount. The look, really feel, and specs of every arm are near its standalone sibling.
Monitor measurement is one exception: Whereas the usual LX is rated for displays as much as 34 inches, the Aspect-by-Aspect’s arm is simply rated for displays as much as 27 inches. The monitor arms aren’t lengthy sufficient to suit two 32-inch or 34-inch displays side-by-side. Vertical preparations are additionally supported, although provided that one of many two displays is small (lower than 23 inches diagonal).
Feel and look is in any other case just like the usual Ergotron LX, and that’s why the twin monitor arm additionally earns a advice. The twin-monitor arm gives the identical successful steadiness of construct high quality, adjustability, and clean operation, and it’s backed by the identical 10-year guarantee. Pricing is a bit greater at $330, which is a slight financial savings in comparison with shopping for two LX arms individually.
Workstream by Monoprice Twin Monitor Arm – Greatest funds twin monitor arm
Worth When Reviewed:
$99.99
Greatest Costs Immediately:
$69.99
The identical logic that applies to our favourite twin monitor arm additionally to the funds mannequin, giving Monoprice’s Workstream Twin Monitor Arm a transparent path to victory.
In actual fact, the twin arm’s pricing is much more spectacular. The Workstream Twin Monitor is 4 instances cheaper than the Ergotron LX Aspect-by-Aspect. I’m a bit shocked by the standard Monoprice can provide at a $100 value level. Ergotron’s different is extra engaging and simpler to make use of, however is it 4 instances higher? That’s a troublesome name.
The Workstream’s downsides are equivalent to straightforward mannequin. Construct high quality is spectacular for the worth, however the arm is troublesome to arrange and never as clean in operation. I’m additionally uncertain the arm is able to dealing with two 20-pound displays, as its spec sheets declare. Luckily, 27-inch displays (the biggest this arm can deal with side-by-side) normally weigh lower than 10 kilos, so weight capability shouldn’t be a difficulty.
Huanuo HNDS12 – Greatest mid-range twin monitor arm
Worth When Reviewed:
$139.99
Greatest Costs Immediately:
$139.99
The Huanuo HNDS12 represents a center floor for customers who need an improve in high quality however have to respect their funds.
Every monitor arm is sort of all steel with solely a small piece of plastic to offer cable routing. The arm additionally has gasoline springs able to lifting as much as 26 kilos of weight, which is sufficient to deal with 32-inch widescreen and 34-inch ultrawide displays.
There’s one uncommon function: a USB hub. This consists of two USB ports which can be positioned on the entrance of the arm base. Every of those might want to plug in to your pc, which is perhaps an issue if in case you have a laptop computer with just some ports, but it surely’s a useful bonus.
The Huanuo HNDS12, just like the HNDS6 (under), is a bit fiddly to arrange. It has two clamps that have to be adjusted and roughly a dozen screws that have to be put in. The gasoline springs additionally require a little bit of adjustment to scale back the pressure present, a minimum of when used with a 24-inch or 27-inch monitor.
Nonetheless, the HNDS12 is an efficient choose at its common retail value of $140, which regularly drops as little as $110 when on sale. It appears to be like engaging and gives loads of pressure for holding bigger displays.
Clearspace Uni-2 – Greatest upscale twin monitor arm
Worth When Reviewed:
$599
Greatest Costs Immediately:
The Clearspace Uni-2’s design is a bit completely different from most opponents. It locations two particular person arms on a single pole. Every arm can modify for top, swivel, and tilt, and every monitor mounts to an “unbiased slider” which might transfer proper or left, making it simpler to tune the location of every monitor relative to the opposite. In comparison with the Humanscale M8.1, I discovered the Uni-2 simpler to regulate. Nevertheless, the Humanscale M8.1’s beefy crossbar is prone to show extra steady when you’re mounting giant displays.
I feel the Clearspace Uni-2 appears to be like nice, and that’s essential. Rivals from Humanscale and Herman Miller additionally look luxurious however have a extra company or “government’s workplace” vibe. The Uni-2’s softer look feels extra acceptable for a house workplace. Clearspace additionally gives black, silver, and white colorways, and each part of every colorway is molded within the promised colour (which isn’t true of most opponents). Clearspace additionally throws in refined touches, like soft-touch inserts on the aspect of every monitor arm. That’s the type of design a house workplace consumer will admire.
Clearspace additionally appears to be like to separate itself with connectivity. The Uni-2 comes normal Sensible Hub that gives a single USB-A and USB-C port. That’s a small edge over opponents, which regularly promote the dock as an improve. House owners can enhance the fundamental hub with the optionally available SmartDock (pictured), which expands connectivity to incorporate further USB ports, HDMI, and Ethernet. Sadly, I can’t advocate it: The SmartDock is priced at $650 but lacks assist for options I’d anticipate at that value, like 4K 60Hz video and a couple of.5Gbps Ethernet.
Whereas the optionally available SmartDock is a miss, the arm is a winner. The Clearspace Uni-2 is dear, however the value will be justified when you’re choosy about the appear and feel of your private home workplace house. Clearspace additionally gives a single-monitor and triple-monitor arm: Whereas I didn’t check them, I anticipate they’d provide comparable perks.
Monitor arms that we don’t advocate
MountUp MU0004 Single Monitor Arm
Worth When Reviewed:
$39.99
Greatest Costs Immediately:
$29.98
The MountUp MU0004 Single Monitor Arm looks as if an much more reasonably priced different to the Huanuo HNSS6. They appear comparable in photographs, and every has a gasoline spring. Nevertheless, the MountUp’s lower cost — normally $5 to $10 lower than the Huanuo — comes with some compromises.
The MountUp arm was harder to put in. That is because of the clamp, which has a two-piece design that requires screws be eliminated and re-installed when adjusting the clamp’s measurement. Adjustment of the clamp was additionally a bit harder, as turning the knob required extra pressure, and the clamp lacks a rubberized pad to forestall it from marking the underside of your desk. We additionally didn’t just like the MountUp’s match and end. It had a rough, matte really feel that appeared extra industrial than the Huanuo, and miles behind the Ergotron LX.
It’s not all unhealthy information. MonutUp says the monitor arm can assist 32-inch shows as much as 17 kilos. That’s slightly heavy for a contemporary monitor, and it simply dealt with a 32-inch show weighing 12 kilos. Whereas inferior to the Huanuo, the MonutUp might work when you don’t thoughts twiddling with a number of extra screws throughout set up and may overlooks is lackluster construct high quality.
Nonetheless, it’s laborious to justifying paying $30 for the MonutUp when you can bug the Huanuo for $40 (and even $50). A monitor arm can final for years, so spending a number of further bucks for a greater expertise is sensible.
Vivo STAND-V002 Twin Monitor Stand
Worth When Reviewed:
$28.97
Greatest Costs Immediately:
$34.99
$39.99
On the time we purchased it for testing, the Vivo STAND-V002 was ranked because the second best-selling monitor arm on Amazon. That’s a disgrace, as a result of it’s simply the worst arm we’ve examined to this point.
To be truthful, it’s additionally the least costly. The STAND-V002 is often bought under $30. That’s lower than many top-selling single monitor arms! Vivo achieves that by chopping the arm’s options to the bone.
Adjustability is minimal, a lot in order that Vivo (principally) advertises the STAND-V002 as a “desk mount” or “stand” as an alternative of an arm. It has a clamp, a pole, and two jointed arms that connect to the pole at a single level. You may modify the displays for top, however solely collectively: One can’t be greater than the opposite. The arms, in the meantime, have joints that permit swivel and adjustment side-to-side, in addition to tilt up and down. You may’t modify these on-the-fly, although, as a result of all the pieces is tensioned by screws that should be loosened with a device, adjusted, after which re-tightened to maintain the displays in place. Construct high quality is poor. Vivo claims the arms can maintain two displays as much as 22 kilos every, however we seen a slight deflection downward even when attaching a 27-inch show weighing 10 kilos. Cable administration is offered by plastic clips which can be barely satisfactory to the duty and have a tendency to fall off when jostled. The clamp is small and lacks a rubber pad, so it might mark softer woods and supplies.
We suppose the Vivo might work when you plan to mount a pair 24-inch displays and don’t care about adjusting them as soon as in place, but it surely’s in any other case not value $30. It’s low cost, positive — however in our expertise, monitor arms this low cost are inclined to crumble after a pair years (or much less).
Humanscale M8.1
Worth When Reviewed:
$545
Greatest Costs Immediately:
Humanscale is synonymous with high-end workplace furnishings: The Freedom chair is one thing of an icon in government workplaces throughout the globe. However Humanscale’s high-end workplace {hardware} is at instances a clumsy match for a house workplace, because the M8.1 demonstrates.
The Humanscale M8.1 appears to be like just like the M2.1, but it surely’s upgraded to deal with displays between 6 and 28 kilos (nearly double the M2.1 in our record above). That’s sufficient to deal with almost any monitor out there immediately, together with giant ultrawides just like the Dell Ultrasharp U4025QW. The arm may deal with two displays of the suitable mixed weight and gives a “crossbar” to assist them each on a single arm.
That’s good, and helpful, however pricing is an impediment. The arm begins at $545, however the crossbar (required to make use of two displays) ups the worth to $686. The M/Join 3 laptop computer dock can be out there to the M8.1 however, in fact, provides much more to the worth. That’s a bit laborious to just accept when the Ergotron HX, which helps displays as much as 42 kilos, begins at $350, or $585 for the dual-monitor crossbar model. Ergotron’s different feels as sturdy, helps even bigger and heavier shows, and is cheaper.
The Humanscale M8.1 has options you received’t discover on the Ergotron, corresponding to an optionally available laptop computer dock and customizable arm rotation, and it’s a advantageous choice if value is not any impediment. Typically, although, the M8.1’s value will likely be laborious to justify.
Huanuo HNDS6
Worth When Reviewed:
$67.99
Greatest Costs Immediately:
$64.99
Huanuo’s HNDS6 is a funds dual-monitor arm that’s fashionable on Amazon (in truth, it’s listed because the best-seller in Laptop Monitor Arms). It gives an inexpensive degree of high quality at a low value however fails to unseat the Workspace by Monoprice Twin Monitor Arm on our record.
We’ll start with the positives, which, to be clear, outweigh the issues. The Huanuo HNDS6 rigorously walks the worth tightrope to ship an honest dual-monitor arm at a typical value of $60 (which might dip under $50 on sale). The arm’s steel development feels inflexible and appears sturdy.
Every arm is rated to carry between 4.4 and 14.3 kilos. That’s not so much: The Workstream by Monoprice arm is rated as much as 20 kilos. Nonetheless, it’s sufficient to deal with an enormous majority of 24- and 27-inch displays, and the monitor arms offered loads of elevate in our testing.
We’re not a fan of the arm’s set up. It has two clamps as an alternative of 1 unified clamp, which is unusual, as a result of the bottom of the monitor arm is one stable piece. There are roughly a dozen screws to put in. And the included cable routing can show laborious to tighten as soon as a number of cables are held throughout the routing.
The Huanuo HNDS6 is an honest dual-monitor arm for the worth and worthwhile on a reduction (it was as soon as bought for simply $38). Generally, although, we expect the Monoprice Workstream Twin Monitor Arm gives extra for the same value.
What to search for in a monitor arm
Buying a monitor arm is a bit completely different from buying most dwelling workplace gear. A monitor arm, not like a monitor, is a hefty, sturdy piece of apparatus that by no means actually goes out of date. It should additionally assist the particular features you need out of the field, since upgrades and customization are typically restricted.
In case you’re nonetheless on the fence about whether or not a monitor arm is definitely worth the cash and the time it takes to arrange, learn our article that solutions why a monitor arm is most positively value it.
Adjustability and vary of movement
The vary of adjustability and movement a monitor arm can provide is a important however usually ignored function. A monitor arm ought to modify for top, tilt, swivel, and pivot—and it ought to accomplish that with out instruments.
All of the monitor arms we advocate meet this normal, however some variations stay. Just some monitor arms present 360 levels of swivel, that means the neck of the monitor arm will be rotated to any place. That’s helpful in case your desk is in the course of your room since you need to use the monitor from varied positions.
Most cheap monitor arms ditch adjustability and follow easy stress mechanisms which can be secured by a screw. It’s cheap however fixes the monitor’s place in place as soon as it’s adjusted. We advocate avoiding mounts that use this technique.
Ease of set up and adjustment
Not one of the monitor arms examined had been troublesome to put in, however the distinction between funds and premium fashions was clear. Funds fashions require extra screws to put in, and the default stress of the arm’s adjustment mechanism is much less prone to be appropriate out-of-the-box.
The benefit of adjustment varies significantly, too. All of the monitor arms we surveyed require an Allen wrench to regulate stress (which is important if the arm appears too stiff or unfastened), however some had been rather more troublesome than others. The Herman Miller Flo felt clean and easy, whereas the Workstream by Monoprice required critical torque.
Cable administration
Correct cable administration is essential when you worth a clear, clutter-free desk.
That is one side of design that didn’t enhance with pricing. The Herman Miller Flo’s cable administration was fundamental, whereas the Workstream by Monoprice hid cables nicely. This did include a trade-off, although, because the Flo’s appeared least prone to trigger cables to bind whereas shifting the monitor.
Whereas cable administration is beneficial, not one of the monitor arms I examined can deal with the complete complement of cables that is perhaps connected to a high-end USB-C monitor (just like the Dell U3223QE). That is a facet of monitor arm design that producers might enhance.
Most supported measurement and weight
It’s essential to purchase a monitor arm that may deal with the monitor you personal.
This received’t be a significant concern when you personal a 24-inch or 27-inch monitor, as most such displays weigh 10 kilos or much less. With that mentioned, it’s clever to double-check the monitor’s weight earlier than shopping for a monitor arm. Keep in mind the monitor’s weight can exclude its stand. Bigger 32-inch, 34-inch, and 49-inch displays are harder to deal with and will require an improve to a “heavy obligation” monitor arm.
Monitor measurement limits ought to be revered as nicely. It is perhaps attainable to connect a 40-inch monitor to an arm meant for a 32-inch monitor. The 40-inch monitor could even come throughout the arm’s weight restrict. A bigger monitor will distribute weight in another way, nevertheless, which might trigger an arm’s stress mechanism to fail.
How we check monitor arms
Each monitor arm we advocate was personally examined first-hand at a PC World contributor’s dwelling or the PC World workplace. We look at the standard, ease of set up, and vary of adjustment of every arm to confirm it meets the producer’s claims. The displays we use to check arms can fluctuate over time, however usually embody a minimum of one 27-inch and one 32-inch widescreen monitor. Monitor arms rated for “heavy obligation” use had been examined with a minimum of one monitor that weighs 20 kilos or extra.
FAQ
1.
What’s the finest monitor arm?
One of the best single monitor arm is the Ergotron LX Professional. It’s straightforward to arrange, appears to be like engaging, works nicely in day-to-day use, and, at just a bit over $200, stays reasonably priced.
2.
What’s the finest low cost monitor arm?
One of the best funds monitor arm is the Workstream by Monoprice. It’s a no-frills answer, however nonetheless very sturdy with an all-metal development, and it incorporates a good vary of ergonomic changes. Greatest for 24- to 27-inch displays.
3.
Is a monitor arm value it?
Whether or not a monitor arm is definitely worth the value is subjective, however we consider our really useful monitor arms are value making the funding. A monitor arm is less complicated to make use of than a stand, permits a wider vary of adjustment, and retains your desk away from muddle. They’re additionally sturdy—there’s a great likelihood you’ll exchange a monitor earlier than the monitor arm.
4.
Are monitor arms appropriate with my monitor?
Almost all displays, and almost all monitor arms, use the VESA mounting normal. The 100x100mm bolt sample is by far the most typical, although 75x75mm is usually used in its place. All of the monitor arms we advocate assist each bolt patterns.
Unsure that your monitor helps VESA? Test the rear of the monitor. The VESA mount will be discovered within the heart of the monitor, and the bolt sample will be verified with a ruler or tape measure. That is doubtless beneath the neck of your monitor’s stand if in case you have one connected.
It’s attainable to mount a monitor that lacks a VESA mount, however you’ll have to buy a VESA adapter. It’s a big, X-shaped machine that clamps to the rear of the monitor.
5.
Are monitor arms appropriate with my desk?
Most monitor arms provide two mounting choices: clamp and gromet.
A clamp mount is the most typical for dwelling workplace use. A U-shaped clamp suits over an fringe of your desk. A screw mechanism is used to safe it. Most clamps are adjusted by hand and match a variety of desks. It’s essential to double-check a monitor arm’s specs in case your desk is greater than an inch thick, as some clamp mounts are too small to work with a thick desk floor. The clamp additionally requires an edge that’s freed from obstructions on each the highest and backside of the desk.
Grommet mounts insert into the round cut-outs discovered on many desks constructed and bought for company workplaces. A grommet mount can be a type of clamp, however measurement of the mechanism is completely different, and the mount attaches the monitor to the inside of the desk as an alternative of an exterior edge.
Almost all monitor arms ship with a clamp and grommet mount, however grommet mounts are much less frequent. It’s clever to double-check {that a} grommet mount is supported if that’s how you propose to mount the monitor arm.
6.
Will a monitor arm harm my desk?
It’s attainable {that a} monitor arm’s clamp mount, if used, will trigger minor harm to your desk. It could scratch the desk’s floor when mounted or eliminated, and over-torquing the clamp may trigger a dent on some softer desks, corresponding to these which use a veneer over particleboard. A glass desk may show troublesome—check with the desk’s producer to verify it’s secure to make use of a monitor arm.
7.
Do monitor arms wobble?
A high quality monitor arm will tame minimal monitor wobble, although some may come by way of if the arm is mounted to a skinny, gentle desk. Be certain to mount the monitor arm to a safe floor and modify the arm’s stress to a degree appropriate for the monitor you’ve mounted.
8.
Ought to I purchase a $25 monitor arm on Amazon?
A monitor arm’s price ticket can intimidate funds customers. Most funds displays promote for $200 or much less. Spending one other $150 to $300 for a monitor arm can appear laborious to justify.
Nonetheless, we encourage customers to keep away from low cost monitor arms discovered on Amazon and different retailers. The least costly monitor arms lack a dynamic stress mechanism, like a gasoline piston or spring. Just a few arms within the $35 to $50 vary use a gasoline piston, but it surely’s usually a wimpy instance barely adequate for holding a 27-inch monitor.
Cheap monitor arms additionally lean extra closely on plastic. That’s not essentially an issue out-of-the-box, however plastic tends to grow to be brittle over time, which can scale back the lifespan of a monitor arm.
