Whether you have too small of a desk or too many monitors, there comes a time in every tech lover’s life where enough is enough. And that time is once your monitors have encroached upon your personal space enough to eat up more and more of your desk space until none is left. Luckily, there is a solution… and not just for our melodrama.
Monitor arms are a great way to reduce the amount of desk space that your computer setup occupies and can even help improve the ergonomics and usability of your workspace. If you’ve ever wanted to free yourself from the chains of freestanding monitors then keep reading and we’ll help you find the best monitor arm for your needs.
Most durable
Ergotron LX
- Number of Monitors: 1
- Height range: 13 inches
- Arm Extension: 25 inches
- Weight Limit: 25 lbs
Best dual
Varidesk Dual Monitor Arm
- Number of Monitors: 2
- Height range: 12 inches
- Arm Extension: 29 inches
- Weight Limit: 20 lbs per arm
Stylish and sleek
Jarvis Monitor Mounting Arm
- Number of Monitors: 1 or 2
- Height range: 13 inches
- Arm Extension: 24 inches
- Weight Limit: 20 lbs per arm
Durable construction
AmazonBasics Premium Monitor Stand
- Number of Monitors: 1 or 2
- Height range: 13 inches
- Arm Extension: 25 inches
- Weight Limit: 25 lbs per arm
Most affordable
Vivo Dual Monitor Mount
- Number of Monitors: 2
- Height range: 13 inches
- Arm Extension: 12 inches
- Weight Limit: 22 lbs per arm
Table of Contents
1. Ergotron LX
Most durable monitor arm
- Number of Monitors: 1
- Height range: 13 inches
- Arm Extension: 25 inches
- Weight Limit: 25 lbs
- Easy and smooth adjustment
- Durable and sturdy
- Versatile attachments
- Relatively heavy
There are a variety of things that could lead people to use a monitor arm. For some, the ergonomics (and convenience) of being able to move your monitor exactly where you want, well, it’s something that can be hard to give up. For others, the desk space being saved by taking the monitor off the desk is invaluable.
No matter what your reason for using a monitor arm, the Ergotron LX likely offers the features you need. This monitor arm sports a very sleek aluminum construction that causes it to weigh a bit more than many of the other single monitor arm models on the market but also gives this model enough durability that Ergotron backs it with a 10-year warranty.
The Ergotron LX can not only be used as a VESA monitor stand but can also be used to hold laptops thanks to the available notebook tray attachment. The arm itself is easy to move and stays in place well even with up to 25-pound monitors that measure up to 34 inches. The arms are also highly adjustable with 360 degrees of rotation and panning.
2. Varidesk Dual Monitor Arm
Best dual monitor arm
- Number of Monitors: 2
- Height range: 12 inches
- Arm Extension: 29 inches
- Weight Limit: 20 lbs per arm
- Supports 2 monitors
- Highly adjustable
- Very heavy
If you’ve never used a computer with multiple monitors before, then you’re missing out. The increase in productivity is second to none but if we’re being honest the real blessing is being able to see Youtube or Discord while still being in a video game at the same time.
The Varidesk dual monitor arm allows you to mount two monitors on the same base and adjust them as much as you please. Whether you like your monitors to be side by side or vertically stacked, this monitor arm can accommodate your preferred layout.
Each arm has a standard VESA mount on the end that can reach up to 29 inches and adjust vertically up to 12 inches. Even more impressively, each arm can hold up to a 20-pound monitor and sports 360 degrees of rotation and pivot.
3. Jarvis Monitor Mounting Arm
Stylish and sleek
- Number of Monitors: 1 or 2
- Height range: 13 inches
- Arm Extension: 24 inches
- Weight Limit: 20 lbs per arm
- Tons of colors and options
- Good cable management
- Stiff adjustment
While most of the monitor arms that made it onto our list come in a single color and a single configuration, the Jarvis monitor mounting arm comes in several colors and styles making it the best monitor mount for those seeking a more customizable option.
The Jarvis monitor mount is available in a number of configurations including single monitor, dual monitor, or even one monitor and a laptop cradle. On top of that, you can order the mounting arms in black, white, or silver. All three of the colors look great and the overall design of the monitor arms is probably the best on our list if you’re looking for something sleek and modern to go with a nicer desk or decor.
4. AmazonBasics Premium Monitor Stand
Amazon approved monitor arm
- Number of Monitors: 1 or 2
- Height range: 13 inches
- Arm Extension: 25 inches
- Weight Limit: 25 lbs per arm
- Durable construction
- Several options
- Limited tilt adjustment
We know what you’re thinking, including an AmazonBasics product in our roundup might seem like a strange choice as they don’t necessarily have the best reputation for quality. This reputation might be unfairly earned though.
Many people have put AmazonBasics products to the test against market leaders such as this man who tested the AmazonBasics motor oil against Valvoline and Mobile1. AmazonBasics products routinely come out on top in these matchups despite their affordable price.
While we won’t go to bat for all of Amazon’s basic products, the AmazonBasics premium monitor stand is no exception to this trend of shockingly impressive quality. The steel construction makes this stand very durable, and Amazon even backs it with a 1-year warranty. This computer monitor arm is also available in either a single or dual monitor layout as well as the option to get it with a standing desk or even with a wall mount rather than a desk clamp mount.
While the arm can swing well and reaches a good distance, the one complaint we have with it is that it does not have the best tilt adjustment, coming in at a mere 7 degrees. Also, unlike many of the other arms on our list, this mount does not have a laptop tray option.
5. Vivo Dual Monitor Mount
Most affordable desk mount monitor arm
- Number of Monitors: 2
- Height range: 13 inches
- Arm Extension: 12 inches
- Weight Limit: 22 lbs per arm
- Highly affordable
- Unappealing look
- Limited reach
The last monitor arm on our list is a dual monitor VESA desk mount that is very easy on the wallet. Not only is this the cheapest option we’re looking at, but it is also the highest rated with the most reviews.
The Vivo dual monitor desk mount is made from a durable steel construction and is easy to use and mount monitors to. The arms adjust smoothly and have an impressive amount of tilt, rotation, and swivel but are lacking when it comes to reach, as it is only able to reach about a foot when monitors are mounted to the arms.
Compared to the other mounts on this list, this one struggles when it comes to vertical adjustment since the entire arm has to move up and down to adjust the height. One great thing about this mount though, aside from its affordability, is that it can come with a desk clamp mount, its own stand (although we can’t speak to how well balanced it is), or as a tall standing desk mount.
How to Pick the Best Monitor Arm For Your Needs
As with anything, it’s important to know what you’re looking for before spending your hard earned dollars on a product. In order to help ensure you get the best monitor stand for your needs, we’re going to take a look at a couple of the most important factors to consider as well as take a quick look at how the ideal monitor setup might look.
Adjustability
One of the biggest draws of monitor arm stands is that they are highly adjustable, much more so than the standard freestanding mounts that most monitors come with. Monitor arms can adjust up and down easily, which many monitor stands cannot. Monitor arms can also adjust toward and away from you.
If you’re looking for the most adjustable monitor mount then we recommend the Ergotron LX. This monitor arm boasts a very easy adjustment with its Constant Force technology that is smooth and stays in place when not being adjusted.
When it comes to the best dual monitor stand for adjustability we suggest the Varidesk dual monitor arm. This mount has 360 degrees of rotation and pivot and a wide range of height and reach adjustments.
Weight and Size Limit
The other factor to keep a close eye on is the weight limit of the monitor mount. While most of the mounts on our list have comparable maximum weights, it’s important to make sure your monitor won’t put too much strain on the arm before purchasing it.
Additionally, some of the two monitor models have specific restrictions in regards to how wide the arms can go. This means that certain sizes of monitors, such as ultrawide monitors, might not be compatible with the dual arm models. Be sure to confirm that your monitors will fit on the arms even if they don’t exceed the weight limit.
Ideal Ergonomics
One of the most appealing benefits of monitor arms is the ergonomic improvement they can offer. If you’re wondering how to best set up your monitor arm, then we suggest using these guidelines developed by Professor Alan Hedge and Cornell University.
In short, the center of your monitor should line up with your middle finger when you hold out your arm at shoulder level.