Greatest monitor arms 2023_ The last word in flexibility
A top quality monitor arm is among the many smartest upgrades you should purchase to your residence workplace setup. Monitor arms vastly enhance the vary of positions a monitor can take in your desk, offering extra consolation and a pretty look. Additionally they release house in your desk, leaving it open for different use.
These perks are offset by an issue: the value. Most monitor arms value shopping for are near $200, and heavy-duty arms are much more costly. It’s essential to purchase the precise monitor arm the primary time—to that finish I put a number of widespread monitor arms by their paces.
Right here I provide the most effective monitor arms from my assessments.
Additional studying: See our roundup of the most effective residence workplace screens for purchasing recommendation and proposals.
Ergotron LX – Greatest monitor arm Greatest Costs Immediately: The Ergotron LX is a sturdy, sensible monitor arm that may deal with most screens. It’s simple to arrange, simple to make use of, and (when bought in its white or polished aluminum colorway) enticing. Ergotron positions the LX as an entry-level monitor arm, however the firm’s definition of “entry degree” exceeds most opponents. The arm is primarily constructed from metallic, with some plastic cladding, and might help screens that weigh as much as 25 kilos. Ergotron recommends sticking to screens 34 inches vast or smaller. The monitor arm is backed by a 10-year guarantee. The arm has a wholesome vary of adjustment that features 13 inches of carry, 75 levels of tilt, 360 levels of rotation, and 360 levels of pan (or swivel). Whereas not as easy because the Herman Miller Flo, I used to be capable of modify the monitor arm left, proper, ahead, and again with out standing. Setup is easy. The monitor has an included clamp and grommet mount. Set up is usually dealt with with a bundled Allen wrench, although you’ll nonetheless want a Philips head screwdriver to connect your monitor to the VESA mount. Most homeowners will have the ability to set up smaller screens (24 to 27 inches) alone, however assistance is really helpful for bigger shows. Ergotron additionally avoids any critical flaws. I’ve a couple of nitpicks, positive. I believe the clamp could possibly be smaller. The white colorway doesn’t have a coloration coordinated VESA mount. And the arm’s general design appears to be like a bit industrial. Nonetheless, it is a bomb-proof mount, and it’s obtainable beneath $200. Herman Miller Flo – Greatest upscale monitor arm Greatest Costs Immediately: Need a monitor arm that will get the job achieved 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 easy, 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 simple to arrange and use. The monitor’s clamp works equally to different monitor arms I examined, however it’s extra refined and requires fewer screws (a grommet can also be obtainable). The VESA mount can also be wonderful, offering a easy clip design that’s safe and may be simply pre-mounted to a monitor for easy set up. The best way this mount works accommodates screens 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 inexpensive Ergotron LX. The Flo’s operation is smoother, nonetheless: I discovered I might modify a monitor’s peak with a mere nudge. Surprisingly, the Flo has a listed weight restrict of 20 kilos and recommends use with screens weighing at the least 7 kilos. Most screens match inside this vary, however some heavier fashions received’t be appropriate with the Flo. Herman Miller lists the Flo at $295, which is quite a bit to ask for a single-monitor arm. The Ergotron LX gives comparable options at a a lot cheaper price. Nonetheless, the Flo is a smoother, extra interesting monitor arm, and definitely worth the improve in order for you type along with your operate. Ergotron HX – Greatest heavy-duty monitor arm Greatest Costs Immediately: It’s pure, given the one slight distinction in identify, to suppose the Ergotron HX is merely an uprated model of the Ergotron LX. That’s not the case. That is a completely 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 screens that weigh as much as 42 kilos and display screen sizes as much as 49 inches. That’s a very excessive weight restrict—I haven’t reviewed a single monitor in 2023 that exceeds it. I hooked up 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. The usage of 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 easy in my use. Ergotron backs the arm with a 10-year guarantee. The screens vary of adjustment is a bit restricted in comparison with the LX. It gives 11.5 inches of peak, 75 levels of tilt, 180 levels of swivel, and 360 levels of rotation. Nonetheless, a considerably extra restricted peak adjustment is typical on this class because of the measurement of screens these stands are anticipated to hold. The monitor arm’s spectacular design additionally gives a extra sturdy look. This could possibly be a con for some, nonetheless, 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 selection if you wish to mount an ultrawide, super-ultrawide, or massive format widescreen monitor in your desk. Workstream by Monoprice – Greatest finances monitor arm The Workstream by Monoprice single monitor arm is a no-frills resolution that delivers fundamental monitor arm options at an exceptionally low worth. The monitor arm has an all-metal building that in some methods feels sturdier than the Ergotron LX, because the Workstream doesn’t embody as a lot plastic cladding. It’s not fully 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 vary of adjustment, with 13.2 inches of peak and 90 levels of tilt, swivel, and rotation. The arm’s peak and tilt adjustment are akin to others on this record, however it will possibly’t swivel in a full circle, which can show annoying in case you continuously transfer a monitor arm to share your display screen with colleagues. The Workstream’s slim finances 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 pressure 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 12 months of protection. These flaws are simply excused by the Workstream’s $60 price ticket. It’s clearly much less succesful, much less enticing, and tougher to make use of than Ergotron’s LX, however it gives vary of adjustment and sturdy building for lower than half the value. It’s a really perfect selection for customers on a good finances, in addition to those that plan to put in a small, mild 24-inch or 27-inch monitor. Ergotron LX Twin Monitor Arm – Greatest twin monitor arm Greatest Costs Immediately: Two screens 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 screens as much as 34 inches, the Aspect-by-Aspect’s arm is simply rated for screens as much as 27 inches. The monitor arms aren’t lengthy sufficient to suit two 32-inch or 34-inch screens side-by-side. Vertical preparations are additionally supported, although provided that one of many two screens is small (lower than 23 inches diagonal). Feel and appear 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 profitable steadiness of construct high quality, adjustability, and easy 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 finances twin monitor arm Greatest Costs Immediately: The identical logic that applies to our favourite twin monitor arm additionally to the finances mannequin, giving Monoprice’s Workstream Twin Monitor Arm a transparent path to victory. In truth, the twin arm’s pricing is much more spectacular. The Workstream Twin Monitor is 4 instances inexpensive than the Ergotron LX Aspect-by-Aspect. I’m a bit shocked by the standard Monoprice can provide at a $100 worth level. Ergotron’s various is extra enticing and simpler to make use of, however is it 4 instances higher? That’s a tricky name. The Workstream’s downsides are equivalent to straightforward mannequin. Construct high quality is spectacular for the value, however the arm is troublesome to arrange and never as easy in operation. I’m additionally uncertain the arm is able to dealing with two 20-pound screens, as its spec sheets declare. Fortuitously, 27-inch screens (the most important this arm can deal with side-by-side) normally weigh lower than 10 kilos, so weight capability shouldn’t be a difficulty.
What to search for in a monitor arm
Buying a monitor arm is a bit completely different from buying most residence workplace gear. A monitor arm, not like a monitor, is a hefty, sturdy piece of kit that by no means actually goes out of date. It should additionally help the particular features you wantout of the field, since upgrades and customization are typically restricted.
Adjustability and vary of movement
The vary of adjustability and movement a monitor arm can provide is a important however usually neglected characteristic. A monitor arm ought to modify for peak, tilt, swivel, and pivot—and it ought to achieve this with out instruments.
All of the monitor arms we advocate meet this commonplace, however some variations stay. Just some monitor arms present 360 levels of swivel, which means the neck of the monitor arm may be rotated to any place. That’s useful 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 stick to easy pressure mechanisms which might 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 finances and premium fashions was clear. Price range fashions require extra screws to put in, and the default pressure of the arm’s adjustment mechanism is much less more likely to be appropriate out-of-the-box.
The benefit of adjustment varies vastly, too. All of the monitor arms we surveyed require an Allen wrench to regulate pressure (which is important if the arm appears too stiff or unfastened), however some had been way more troublesome than others. The Herman Miller Flo felt easy and easy, whereas the Workstream by Monoprice required critical torque.
Cable administration
Correct cable administration is essential in case you worth a clear, clutter-free desk.
That is one facet 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 more likely 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 total complement of cables that is likely to be hooked up 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 in case you personal a 24-inch or 27-inch monitor, as most such screens weigh 10 kilos or much less. With that mentioned, it’s sensible to double-check the monitor’s weight earlier than shopping for a monitor arm. Bear in mind the monitor’s weight can exclude its stand. Bigger 32-inch, 34-inch, and 49-inch screens are tougher to deal with and should require an improve to a “heavy responsibility” monitor arm.
Monitor measurement limits must be revered as nicely. It is likely to be attainable to connect a 40-inch monitor to an arm meant for a 32-inch monitor. The 40-inch monitor could even come inside the arm’s weight restrict. A bigger monitor will distribute weight in another way, nonetheless, which might trigger an arm’s pressure mechanism to fail.
How we take a look at monitor arms
Each monitor arm we advocate was personally examined first-hand at a PC World contributor’s residence or the PC World workplace. We study the standard, ease of set up, and vary of adjustment of every arm to confirm it meets the producer’s claims. The screens we use to check arms can fluctuate over time, however usually embody at the least one 27-inch and one 32-inch widescreen monitor. Monitor arms rated for “heavy responsibility” use had been examined with at the least one monitor that weighs 20 kilos or extra.