Monitor mounts

How to choose a monitor mount

A mount solves two problems at once: the screen rises to eye level (no more neck strain) and the desk is freed from the monitor stand. Judge it by four things.

• Mounting method. A clamp grips the edge of the desktop in seconds and fits most desks; a grommet version goes through the cable hole and is more rigid; a wall mount helps when the desk moves or space is tight.
• Number of screens. A single arm is the cheapest, a dual model suits spreadsheets and code side by side, three or four screens are for trading and monitoring desks.
• Motion. A gas-spring arm moves the screen with one hand, a tilt mount adjusts the angle only, a fixed stand holds the screen in place.
• VESA and weight. Check the hole pattern on the back of the monitor (usually 75 × 75 or 100 × 100 mm) and the screen weight — the arm's rated load should have headroom.
• Portrait mode. If you read long documents or write code, look for a pivot function so the screen can be turned vertical.

Related categories

See also monitors, TV mounts, laptop stands and keyboards.

Frequently asked questions

Will the mount fit my monitor? Measure the four holes on the back panel: 75 × 75 or 100 × 100 mm fits almost every desk arm. Larger screens sometimes use 200 × 100 mm — then pick a model with that VESA size.

What if the monitor has no VESA holes? Some slim models need the manufacturer's adapter plate. Without it the screen cannot be attached to an arm.

How thick a desktop does a clamp take? Most clamps handle 10–80 mm. For a solid oak desk check the specification of the exact model first.

Does the gas spring need adjusting? Yes, once during installation: the tension is set with an Allen key so the screen holds itself at any height.