OK, so you’ve decided it’s time to buy a monitor arm, but there are hundreds of options out there, especially if you’re shopping on Amazon. Here are some of the most important factors to consider.
Type of arm: These days, the most common kind of monitor arm is fully articulated. This is most likely what most people imagine when you say “monitor arm.” It resembles a robotic arm. However, there are some simpler pole designs, which only let you adjust the height of the monitor. I don’t usually recommend these, as the adjustments are very limited. The in-between option is a pole design with an articulated arm, which is how some multi-arm designs function.
Brand: Stick with a well-known brand. Amazon has some best-selling options from lesser-known names like Huanuo or Ergotron, which offer great value. Monitor manufacturers also often make monitor arms and are a good place to look, whether that’s Asus, MSI, BenQ, or Acer. Lastly, more high-end names in the home office game like Branch and Herman-Miller also make monitor arms with a bit more panache.
Materials and design: Monitor arms tends to be ugly contraptions, especially when they’re overly chunky and made of cheap plastic. Look for aluminum or steel options for more robust arms that have a more elegant design.
Weight limit: A monitor arm’s job is to keep your monitor floating without constantly sinking or damaging your desk. Make sure to look up the weight of your monitor and pay careful attention to the stated weight limit of the monitor arm you’re considering. If your display is curved, give yourself an extra buffer of around 5 pounds, as the curve adds extra forward weight that puts extra tension on the monitor arm. It’s also not recommended to use a lightweight monitor on a heavy-duty monitor arm, as it can cause it to float.
Clamps, grommets, and stands: When we say “monitor arms,” we usually mean something that clamps to a desk. Some monitor arms take things a step further and come with an option for permanently installing the arm to your desk by drilling a hole and attaching it through a metal plate or grommet. Personally, I don’t love the idea of drilling holes into my desk, but it’s certainly the most stable method of securing the arm. Some are also designed more for wall mounts if that’s your only option.
