Last updated: September 18th, 2023
A monitor stand is an essential piece of equipment for your home office – especially if you’ve switched to working from home in recent years.
The most important aspect of choosing a monitor stand is staying true to what matters to you. For example:
- How big is your workspace?
- How large is your monitor?
- Do you have a dual monitor setup (get a dual monitor stand instead).
- How much adjustability do you need?
1. Desky Monitor Arm
I am yet to find a monitor arm as solid as this model from Desky.
This Australian company’s success is a testament to its ability to produce quality products at a reasonable price. Their monitor arm can hold monitors between 2 and 10 kilograms in weight and up to 38″ in size.
The monitor arm is easy to set up and comes in a neat package, while the oversized desk clamp ensures that your expensive monitor is safe.
- Overall, this is an excellent monitor arm that packs an impressive warranty and solid build and at a very affordable price.
2. UpDown Monitor Arm
UpDown is a leader in the Australian office fit-out space, and is one of Australia’s best suppliers of standing desks.
It’s not a surprise, then, that they sell a very impressive monitor arm.
Unlike some other adjustable monitor arms, it features a vertical pole design. You attach the pole to the desktop and adjust the reach and tilt of your monitor by extending or collapsing the horizontal arm attached to it.
The best feature of the UpDown monitor arm is the flexibility to choose from non-recessed and recessed VESA brackets.
3. Vaydeer Monitor Riser.
If you’d like to dispense with arms altogether, Vayadeer’s Monitor Stand is your best option.
This option is ideal for people:
- Whose monitors don’t have VESA adapters
- Who don’t like the look of monitor arms
As a bonus, the Vayadeer contains 4 USB ports to help you charge your phone and other peripherals. This is a unique standout feature, that you won’t find in any other single monitor arms on this list.
Aluminium construction means the Vayadeer will not buckle under even the heaviest of monitors, while the storage space underneath helps you keep office supplies out of sight.
4. Vivo Adjustable Articulating Stand.
Vivo is another vertical pole style monitor arm. It is very similar in design to the UpDown Monitor Arm, but costs about 50% less.
- Is it 50% less sturdy? Not really!
Surprisingly solid and durable, it will definitely cope with a smaller monitor and help you maneuvre it into a tight space.
The Vivo Monitor Arm is adjustable with up to 90° tilt, 360° rotation and 15° height adjustment. It also includes a cable management system for managing all those pesky cables.
5. Ergotron LX Monitor Stand.
Ergotron’s LX Desk Monitor Arm attaches via a desk clamp to any surface between 10-60mm thick, and is guaranteed for 10 years.
That said, if you do like the brand, Ergotron LX is a very high-quality monitor stand.
It offers an astronomical range of adjustments and an attractive polished aluminium finish that will be sure to elevate the look of your home office space.
3 Main Things To Look For In A Monitor Arm.
Although a monitor stand might not look complex, you should never overlook the following 3 factors.
1. Mounting Type.
You’ll attach your monitor to the stand using a VESA mount, but make sure you double-check whether you need a recessed or a non-recessed version.
If your monitor doesn’t have a VESA mount, opt for a monitor riser instead.
2. Weight And Size Limit.
Every monitor arm, monitor stand monitor riser has a maximum weight limit and monitor size limit.
Never exceed these numbers, or you’ll risk your brand-new shiny monitor ending up on the floor.
Expert Tip.
Large monitors are becoming common, which means exceeding tolerances of the monitor arm is easier than you expect!
3. Range Of Motion.
The big question is – does the monitor arm allow you to place the monitor in the right position?
This is particularly important if you use a standing desk, as you’ll be moving constantly throughout your workday.
Ensure that you can raise, lower and turn your monitor into all positions you need while preserving workplace ergonomics.
7 Benefits Of Using A Monitor Stand.
If you want to improve your productivity, consider investing in a monitor stand. Here are the top benefits of doing so:
1. Improved Ergonomics.
This is probably the most important benefit of monitor arms. Having a monitor arm allows you to always keep your monitor at eye level – regardless of where and how you sit or stand.
2. More Space.
A monitor arm can free up A LOT of space on your desk. By removing the need for a bulky monitor stand, it can help you create a much more organised workspace.
3. Better Cable Management.
Unsightly cables are the number one killer of office aesthetics. The best monitor arms come with integrated cable management channels, which help you keep all power and data cables neat and out of sight.
(Related: Standing Desk Cable Management Tips).
4. Improved Aesthetics.
Monitor stands can add a professional touch to your workspace. Plus, models from Desky and a few other manufacturers come in a range of colours, so you can match them to the decor of your office.
5. Great Durability.
The best monitor stands last for years. They are designed to withstand a lot of abuse, and the best models are covered by generous warranties, which means they’ll be OK with heavy-duty use without issues.
- If you travel a lot with your gear, you should definitely replace the plastic stand that your monitor came with with a monitor arm.
6. Low Cost.
Monitor arms are surprisingly inexpensive and offer a lot of bang for your hard-earned buck.
Most models cost between $130-$200 and are often even cheaper during sales. It’s one of the cheapest office accessories you can buy.
7. Easy Installation.
Yes, monitor arms seem intimidating. But installing one is fairly straightforward and something you can do in about 15 minutes.
Expert Tip.
You won’t need any specialised tools but have a screwdriver handy.
Final Tips About Monitor Arms.
Although a monitor stand may appear to be a small, insignificant addition to your desk, the increased flexibility and benefits it provides are invaluable.
Clean up the clutter on your desk and improve the ergonomic of your home office with a monitor arm today.
Steven
