Buying guide
Monitor Arm Buying Guide (2026)
How to choose a monitor arm: weight capacity, VESA, motion types, desk compatibility, and what to avoid.
Weight capacity comes first
Every other decision is secondary to this one. Weigh your monitor without its stock stand and choose an arm rated comfortably above it. An arm operating at its limit sags, drifts, and wears faster. For ultrawides, remember that width adds leverage, so stay well under the rating rather than near it.
VESA compatibility
Check the mounting-hole pattern on your monitor's back: 75x75 and 100x100 mm cover nearly all desktop displays. All the arms in this guide support both. Non-VESA monitors, including some Apple displays and all-in-ones, need adapters or are not arm-compatible at all. Verify before buying.
Gas spring vs mechanical
Gas-spring arms adjust with light effort and hold any position; they are what you want if you reposition often or share the desk. Mechanical (fixed-tension) arms are cheaper and fine for set-and-forget setups but stiffer to adjust. Premium gas springs from Ergotron and similar feel noticeably better than budget ones, which is the main thing extra money buys.
Desk compatibility and what to avoid
Measure your desk thickness against the clamp range, typically around 0.4 to 3.3 inches. Glass and very thin desktops may need reinforcement or a grommet mount. Avoid no-name arms with no published weight ratings, arms without VESA 75/100 support, and any arm whose reviews mention drifting; a drifting arm is a failed arm.
Questions, answered
Single arm or dual arm for two monitors?
Two single arms in most cases. Independent adjustment per monitor beats a fixed dual bar, especially with mismatched monitor sizes.
Do I need tools to install a monitor arm?
Basic hex keys are usually included. You will also want a screwdriver for the VESA plate screws on some monitors. No drilling is needed for clamp mounts.
Will an arm work with a curved monitor?
Yes, within weight and VESA limits. Curves add leverage, so keep a healthy margin under the weight rating.
How do I hide the cables?
Route cables along the arm using its clips or channels, leaving enough slack for full motion. A cable sleeve from monitor to desk finishes the job. Leave service loops rather than pulling cables taut.