A well-positioned screen can reduce eye strain and other discomforts associated with long hours at the computer, and without a clunky monitor base on your desk, you free up some additional workspace. Dual monitor arms allow for additional flexibility, and let you put your screens edge to edge for an immersive display. All of the arms on this list are designed for VESA-compatible monitors. “VESA standards” refer to a set of measurements that make your monitor’s attachment interface compatible with different kinds of mounting devices. The vast majority of monitors on the market meet these standards, but you should always double-check your monitor’s make and model to make sure it is VESA compatible. If you’re looking to complete your ergonomic workspace, check out our roundup of the best ergonomic keyboards. Combined with 75-degree tilt adjustment and 360-degree pan adjustment, this mount allows for a super adjustable workstation setup. It also has clips along the arm to keep monitor cables untangled and out of the way. The Ergotron LX can hold a single VESA mount compatible monitor with a maximum diagonal measurement of 34 inches and maximum weight capacity of 25 pounds. The Ergotron is available in black, aluminum, and white. Maximum Size (Diagonal): 34 inches | Maximum Weight: 25 pounds | Height Adjustment Range: 13 inches | Tilt Adjustment Range: 75 degrees Like other monitor arms, the Huanuo clamps to the back edge of your desk and extends forwards up to 25 inches. The arms can rotate a full 360 degrees to face even the back of your desk, which means your monitors can double as a shareable display during meetings. The screens can also be angled, tilted, and turned to your preferred orientation. Each arm can hold a monitor measuring up to 27 inches diagonally and 17.6 pounds. This is a relatively low weight limit, especially for monitors with larger screens, so the Huanuo is best for small to mid-sized monitors that are more lightweight. It has built-in clips for seamless cable management. Maximum Size (Diagonal): 27 inches each | Maximum Weight: 17.6 pounds each | Height Adjustment Range: 13.8 inches | Tilt Adjustment Range: 175 degrees The downside of the shorter pole is that you can’t get the monitor quite as high as with a taller arm. If you want an arm that you can adjust for both standing and seated setups, you may need one with greater vertical range. The Freedom Arm can extend forward 23.4 inches and can rotate a full 360 degrees to face any direction. It has a 14-inch vertical height adjustment range, a 135-degree tilt range and can support both landscape and portrait orientation. Built-in cable clips keep your monitor wires out of the way. Maximum Size (Diagonal): 27 inches | Maximum Weight: 17.8 pounds | Height Adjustment Range: 14 inches | Tilt Adjustment Range: 135 degrees The Premium Single Monitor Stand has a few limitations on its adjustability. The first is the pole, which is less than 8 inches tall and limits the monitor’s maximum height. This shouldn’t be an issue if you have a seated workstation, but if you like to switch between sitting and standing, it may not be tall enough. The second is the tilt range, which at 75 degrees is considerably more limited than the other monitor arms on this list. Maximum Size (Diagonal): 32 inches | Maximum Weight: 25 pounds | Height Adjustment Range: 14 inches | Tilt Adjustment Range: 75 degrees But if your monitor is within these specifications, the 3M arm is a sturdy device with a greater height adjustment range than many of its competitors. The support pole is still relatively short at 7.5 inches, but the arm’s length gives this device a full 18.5 inches of vertical range. It also has two options for mounting it to the desk: a temporary clamp mount, and hardware for a more permanent grommet mount. Maximum Size (Diagonal): 27 inches | Maximum Weight: 30 pounds | Height Adjustment Range: 18.5 inches | Tilt Adjustment Range: 105 degrees
What to Look For in a Monitor Arm
Flexibility
How flexible do you need your monitor arm to be for your space? While some mounts offer only basic tilting, others can tilt, swivel, and raise to different heights. Consider how you might wish to manipulate your monitor before making a selection.
Mounting
Monitor arms can mount to different surfaces; some can be attached to your wall, while others will need the support of a desk. Decide if you want your monitor to be on the wall directly behind your desk or if you would prefer a desk arm for a floating monitor.
Multi-Monitor Support
How many monitors do you use? While single-monitor setups are still popular, many people use two or even three monitors. Ensure the arm you purchase can support your entire setup.
