Monitor Arm Buying Guide

In this guide, we'll explain what a monitor arm is, the different types available, and the benefits that one can bring to your workspace. We'll also share our top tips on how to choose the perfect monitor arm for your needs, in order to make your desk more ergonomic and efficient.

What Is a Monitor Arm?

A monitor arm is an adjustable mount designed to hold your monitor or screen at the optimal height, distance and angle from your eyes. It attaches to your desk, wall or a compatible stand, often via a clamp, grommet hole or bracket, allowing you to position your monitor where you need it.

Unlike the static stands that come with most monitors, a monitor arm provides a dynamic range of motion, allowing you to tilt, swivel, rotate and adjust the height of your screen. This is made possible with gas springs or tension adjustments, which allow for smooth and precise positioning of the monitors.

Types of Monitor Arms

There are a few different types of monitor arms available, which will factor into your final purchase decision. 

• Single monitor arms: Designed to hold one monitor at a time. Single monitor arms are most suited for home offices or compact workspaces. 

• Dual monitor arms: Designed to support two monitors at a time. Dual monitor arms come in two main configurations: side-by-side mounts or stacked mounts (one above the other). The latter is also known as a stacking monitor arm.

• Triple or multi-monitor arms: Designed to hold three or more monitors, making them ideal for highly specialised environments, such as creative studios or complex gaming setups.

• Gas spring monitor arms: Use gas spring technology to provide smooth, effortless adjustments. These arms are highly popular because they offer a wide range of motion with minimal force required. 

• Mechanical monitor arms: Use traditional mechanical springs or tension adjustments to hold and move the monitor. While they may not offer the same fluid movement as gas spring arms, they are often cheaper and can hold heavier monitors than gas arms. 

Benefits of Using a Monitor Arm

1. Ergonomic

Traditional monitor stands often limit the adjustability of screen height, distance, and angle, which can result in poor posture, neck strain and eye fatigue. Monitor arms allow users to position their screens at eye level, reducing the need to hunch or tilt the head up or down. This promotes a neutral posture, minimising strain on the neck, shoulders and back.

This can also reduce the risk of physical ailments, including long-term neck, shoulder and back pain, and even repetitive strain injuries (RSI).

2. More Space

Monitor arms help free up valuable desk space by lifting the monitor off the desk surface. This is especially beneficial for smaller desks or cluttered workspaces, where every bit of space you can get counts. This makes more room for other essential items, such as a keyboard, mouse, and notebook.

3. Versatile & Collaborative

Monitor arms provide greater flexibility in how users configure their workspace. Unlike fixed stands, monitor arms can easily be adjusted to accommodate different users or tasks. In short, you can quickly and easily reposition the monitor to their preferred height and angle depending on the job at hand, without the need for tools or complicated adjustments.

Monitor arms also make it easier to share screens with colleagues or clients during collaborative work sessions or presentations. With the ability to swivel or rotate the monitor, you can quickly adjust the screen for others to view without the need to move heavy equipment or rearrange desks.

How to Choose a Monitor Arm

1. VESA Compliance

A VESA mounting hole pattern is located on the back of almost every computer monitor. You will notice that monitor arms will state that they are VESA-compliant and the size of VESA plate it is compatible with. Most VESA mounts are 75×75mm or 100×100mm. 

2. Monitor Size & Weight

Monitor arms have specific weight and size limits. Most monitor arms accommodate monitors between 17" to 32" and up to 20 lbs, but there are options for larger and heavier screens.

3. Number of Screens

If you use multiple monitors, consider a dual or triple monitor arm that can hold two or more screens at once.

4. Mounting Options

There are a few different ways in which your monitor arms can be mounted to your workspace. Most often, a desk clamp attaches the monitor arm to the back of your desk. However, if your desk has pre-drilled holes, a grommet mount can be used instead. There are also wall mounts available, for those who need monitors off the desk area altogether. 

5. Mechanical Structure 

If you’re someone who changes their setup often, or if you work in a shared office environment, you might want to consider a monitor arm with a gas spring adjustment because it is easier (and faster) to make those adjustments than with a mechanical one. 

6. Available Space

Conclusion

Whether you're setting up a home office or upgrading your professional workstation, a monitor arm can make a world of difference. Explore our range of ergonomic monitor accessories, including monitor arms, to take the first step towards a healthier, more productive workspace.

Looking for more ergonomic accessories or a standing desk for your home, office or workspace? Check out our full collection of standing desks and accessories, available for next working day delivery if ordered by 3pm. Our desks come with a 7 year warranty, 30 day risk free return, as well as access to a UK-based customer service team to answer any questions that you might have.