The stand your monitor came with is probably fine, but if you’re looking to supercharge your workspace’s flexibility, then an aftermarket monitor arm is the way to go. These allow you to freely adjust the height, angle, and even orientation of your monitor, so your workspace always fits your needs.
What to Look for in a Monitor Mount
Monitor mounts may look simple, but there are things worth considering when choosing which one to buy.
- Articulation: One of the primary benefits of a monitor mount is how flexible they are, so when it comes to articulation (how many joints the mount has), the more the merrier. Most mounts will allow you to adjust the tilt, angle, height, and orientation of the monitor to your liking, but we’ll specify if a mount on this list is missing any of these specifics.
- Mounting Type: All the stands on this list use VESA mounts—the standard mounting bracket used for computer monitors. Most modern monitors feature VESA mounts, but if you’re not sure yours does, look at the back of the display and see if it has four screw holes in a large, square formation—if it does, then you’re good to go.
- Support: Monitors come in all shapes and sizes, but mounts will be limited in the weight and size they can safely support. Every mount has a weight and size limit it recommends, and we’ll be sure to mention that in each section.
- Style: There’s more than one way to design a monitor mount, but the most popular styles are clamp-on, freestanding, and wall mounts. Clamp-on mounts attach to the side of your desk with a clamp. These are the most popular, but they don’t work on every desk because they require a flat, robust surface on the top and bottom. Freestanding mounts just rest atop your desk like a normal stand, but they eat up a lot of surface area as a result. Wall mounts sidestep all of these issues by mounting into the wall, but that assumes you have a wall nearby you can screw into. Basically, there’s no “correct” style to choose here, it just comes down to personal preference and what works best in your setup.
Best Overall: ErGear Monitor Stand
This clamp-on mount from ErGear will cover all your basic needs well. It can support monitors up to 26.5 pounds and 35-inches, features full articulation, and there are even some handy cable management routes hidden in the arm. The simple styling will fit into any office, and it checks all the boxes you’d need it to—nothing to complain about here.
Best Overall
Best Premium: Amazon Basics Premium Monitor Stand
If you want something sturdy, then Amazon provides a pretty solid option. This all-aluminum stand is a toughie, allowing for all the adjustability you’d want, while also ensuring it won’t buckle under the pressure. It’s outfitted to support monitors up to 25 pounds and 32-inches, and comes in either black or silver.
Best Premium
Best Budget: Amazon Basics Single Monitor Mount
While a feature-packed mount is nice, not everyone needs that. If you want something simpler while saving a few bucks at the same time, then Amazon’s normal single monitor mount should be great for you. It lacks the articulation of more advanced mounts, only allowing you to adjust the height and angle, but it still sports a metal construction and can handle monitors up to 20 pounds and 30-inches.
Best Budget
Modern: Jarvis Monitor Mount
If style and elegance are your priority, then Jarvis has the mount for you. This mount looks great, is available in three colors (black, silver, and white), and has hidden cable management to keep things tidy. It can only support monitors up to 19.8 pounds and 32-inches, but if your display falls under that, this is a great, stylish mount.
Modern
Jarvis Monitor Mount
If you’re focusing on style, Jarvis definitely takes the crown with this sleek mount.
Best Wall Mount: HUANUO Monitor Wall Mount
If you want to save even more desk space, then HUANUO has a great wall mount for you. This sturdy mount supports monitors up to 26.4 pounds and 35-inches, and anchors into the wall with a couple of lag bolts. Throw in plenty of articulation, cable management hooks, and some solid joints, and you’ve got an all-around great mount for an affordable price.
Best Wall Mount
Best Freestanding Option: VIVO Single Monitor Mount
While freestanding mounts may not be as popular, VIVO’s model still comes in clutch with a great stand at a reasonable price. It looks simple from the outside, but it still allows for all the monitor adjustments you’d expect. It can support monitors up to 22 pounds and 32-inches, and is available in black and white.
There’s also a taller version of the stand available if you need some extra height.
Best Freestanding Option
