GoKawiilOther Monitor Arms We’ve Tested
Photograph: Jacob Roach
Wali Heavy-Duty Monitor Arm for $75: I made the brilliant decision to buy a 42-inch monitor without thinking about actually using a 42-inch monitor. Most monitor stands can’t support that kind of size, regardless of whether you’re using something like a 42-inch LG C4 or Samsung’s massive Odyssey OLED G9. This arm from Wali looks inconspicuous, but it’s kept my monitor—the KTC G42P5—stable for over a year without even a hint of droop. —Jacob Roach
Photograph: Luke Larsen
Branch Monitor Arm for $129: As I've discovered while testing monitor arms, many of them use the same exact parts with only minor differences in branding. You likely wouldn't know that just by looking at the Amazon listing or even the company's photos. I tested the Branch Monitor Arm, for example, and discovered that it's nearly identical to the BenQ Ergo Arm. It's a solid option and slightly cheaper, but it doesn't come with the reinforcement plate to protect your desk, and the dual-arm version isn't as versatile.
Monoprice Workstream Single Monitor Arm for $83: I'm using this dual version of this monitor arm to hold a 32-inch ultrawide monitor and a wide vertical monitor, and it's been treating me wonderfully for several months. The arms move smoothly and don't sink under the weight of the screens. It's also one of the few monitor arms that has a clamp large enough for my thick 5-inch desktop. —Julian Chokkattu
Pout Eyes 12 Monitor Arm for $55: This was previously my pick as a solid budget monitor arm option. You have to be very careful with super cheap monitor arms on Amazon, but that's not to say there's nothing good out there. I tested this one out based on the clean look and cheap price, and although it's far from perfect, I found a lot to like about it. First, there's the design. It's a simple touch, but the dual-tone, gray-and-black aesthetic has a bit more flavor than your average all-black monitor arm. The mechanism in the arm is mechanical, or “spring-assisted,” as the company says, meaning the motion isn't as fluid as a gas spring. Unfortunately, it appears it's no longer being sold directly to consumers, and is primarily a business-only product
AmazonBasics Adjustable Desk Mount Arm. Photograph: Luke Larsen
AmazonBasics Adjustable Desk Mount Arm for $29: I'll set aside the fact that the first version of this I received was beat up and busted, like it had been used (and even the replacement box had a big hole in it). But really, when it comes down to it, your monitor (and your neck) deserves something better than this. It might function better than some of the plastic, bottom-of-the-barrel stuff you'll find on Amazon, but this old-school pole design means adjustments are inconvenient to make. It's also pretty shaky, and I couldn't get it to be as stable as other monitor arms I tested.
Mount-It! Heavy Duty Dual Monitor Arm for $322: I used this mount to hold up my 34-inch ultrawide monitor for years, and it worked like a charm. It can hold screens between 15 and 34 inches (up to 20 pounds). It's adjustable, has built-in cable management, and doesn't look hideous. It uses the VESA mounting standard, so make sure the monitor you have supports that. —Julian Chokkattu
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