Best monitor arms for 2026
Updated June 2026Independently researchedNo paid placement.
The Ergotron LX is the best monitor arm for most people, combining excellent build quality, smooth gas-spring lift, and a wide adjustment range.
The AmazonBasics Premium single-monitor arm is a nearly identical clone at a slightly lower price, making it a strong runner-up for anyone on a tighter budget.
A good monitor arm is one of the quickest upgrades you can make to your desk. It frees up valuable surface space, lets you dial in perfect ergonomic height and distance, and reduces neck and eye strain from staring at a fixed screen. Whether you are a home-office worker, a designer, or a gamer, a quality arm pays for itself in comfort. When choosing an arm, focus on three things: monitor weight and VESA compatibility (most arms handle 4 to 20 pounds, but heavy or ultrawide screens need a sturdier arm), your desk’s mounting style (clamp is easiest, but a grommet or drill-through bolt is best for glass or thin desktops), and the arm’s range of motion – gas-spring arms are the smoothest, while friction-hinge arms are cheaper but can sag over time. Cable management is a nice bonus, not a dealbreaker.
Top-Rated Monitor Arm (Best Overall)
the do-it-all default
4.7out of 5The Ergotron LX is the gold standard for single-monitor arms. Its gas-spring lift is buttery smooth, the build is all metal, and it holds nearly any screen under 20 pounds with zero drift. It is not cheap, but it is the one arm you will never have to replace.
Price range: $$
Check price on Amazon →Top-Rated Monitor Arm (Runner-Up)
the value understudy
4.5out of 5The AmazonBasics Premium Single Monitor Arm is widely considered a clone of the Ergotron LX at a friendlier price. It uses a nearly identical gas-spring mechanism and offers the same range of motion. The finish is slightly less refined, but performance is extremely close.
Price range: $$
Check price on Amazon →Top-Rated Monitor Arm (Best Budget)
surprisingly capable, lean on extras
4.3out of 5The Wali Single Monitor Gas Spring Arm proves you do not need to spend much for decent ergonomics. It holds most 13 to 27 inch monitors, adjusts smoothly, and comes with a solid clamp. The build is mostly steel with plastic covers, and cable management is basic but usable.
Price range: $
Check price on Amazon →| Award | Model | Our score | Price | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best overall | Top-Rated Monitor Arm (Best Overall) | 4.7 / 5 | $$ | Anyone who wants a rock-solid, ergonomic arm that works with most 13 to 32 inch monitors a | Check price → |
| Runner-up | Top-Rated Monitor Arm (Runner-Up) | 4.5 / 5 | $$ | Shoppers who want 90% of the LX experience without paying full price. | Check price → |
| Best value | Top-Rated Monitor Arm (Best Budget) | 4.3 / 5 | $ | Budget-conscious buyers with smaller monitors who still want a gas-spring lift. | Check price → |
| Best premium | Top-Rated Monitor Arm (Best Premium) | 4.8 / 5 | $$$$ | Anyone with a heavy ultrawide, curved gaming monitor, or small TV who demands rock-solid s | Check price → |
| Best compact | Top-Rated Monitor Arm (Best Compact) | 4.4 / 5 | $$ | Desk setups where every inch matters, like small home offices or shared workspaces. | Check price → |
The picks in detail
1. Top-Rated Monitor Arm (Best Overall): the do-it-all default
Best overallThe Ergotron LX is the gold standard for single-monitor arms. Its gas-spring lift is buttery smooth, the build is all metal, and it holds nearly any screen under 20 pounds with zero drift. It is not cheap, but it is the one arm you will never have to replace.
Pros
- Smooth, infinite-lift gas spring
- Very wide height and tilt range
- Excellent build quality, no plastic parts
Cons
- Premium price for a single arm
- Cable management is decent but not the neatest
- Some users find the tension adjustment fiddly at first
Who it’s for
Anyone who wants a rock-solid, ergonomic arm that works with most 13 to 32 inch monitors and stays in place for years.Who should skip it
You need a heavy-duty arm for a 40+ inch ultrawide or a multi-monitor setup, or you are on a very tight budget.2. Top-Rated Monitor Arm (Runner-Up): the value understudy
Runner-upThe AmazonBasics Premium Single Monitor Arm is widely considered a clone of the Ergotron LX at a friendlier price. It uses a nearly identical gas-spring mechanism and offers the same range of motion. The finish is slightly less refined, but performance is extremely close.
Pros
- Nearly identical performance to the top pick
- Very competitive price for the quality
- Strong metal construction with good cable routing clips
Cons
- Tension screw can be tough to reach once mounted
- Slightly more wobble than the LX at full extension
- Amazon stock can be inconsistent
Who it’s for
Shoppers who want 90% of the LX experience without paying full price.Who should skip it
You want the absolute best build or need to support very heavy monitors (over 20 lbs).3. Top-Rated Monitor Arm (Best Budget): surprisingly capable, lean on extras
Best valueThe Wali Single Monitor Gas Spring Arm proves you do not need to spend much for decent ergonomics. It holds most 13 to 27 inch monitors, adjusts smoothly, and comes with a solid clamp. The build is mostly steel with plastic covers, and cable management is basic but usable.
Pros
- Very affordable for a gas-spring arm
- Simple to install and adjust
- Good range of motion for the price
Cons
- Plastic covers feel less durable than metal
- Spring tension range is narrower; may not work with very light or very heavy monitors
- Cable management channel is small and fiddly
Who it’s for
Budget-conscious buyers with smaller monitors who still want a gas-spring lift.Who should skip it
You have a monitor over 27 inches or heavier than 15 pounds, or you want a premium-feeling product.5. Top-Rated Monitor Arm (Best Compact): space-saving minimalist
Best compactThe VIVO Single Monitor Arm is designed for tight desks. It has a low-profile base that tucks close to the wall and a shorter arm that reduces forward reach. It still offers full tilt and height adjustment, and installation is straightforward. Good for small monitors up to 24 inches.
Pros
- Compact footprint ideal for shallow desks
- Very stable for its size
Cons
- Limited forward extension – not great for deep pulling
- Cable management is just a few clips
Who it’s for
Desk setups where every inch matters, like small home offices or shared workspaces.Who should skip it
You have a monitor larger than 24 inches or need a long reach to view from a distance.Best for specific needs
Best for ergonomic fine-tuning
If you spend long hours at your desk and need to constantly adjust your screen height and distance to match your chair or eyesight, look for an arm with a smooth gas spring and wide pivot range. The Ergotron LX excels here: its lift is effortless and holds position perfectly, letting you dial in the ideal setup without fighting the mechanism. Our pick: Ergotron LX.
Best for heavy or ultrawide monitors
Standard monitor arms struggle with the weight and depth of ultrawide or large screens. The Ergotron HX is purpose-built for this job, with a reinforced gas spring and oversized clamp that keep even a 40-inch curved monitor steady. It costs more, but it saves you from a sagging arm that slowly drifts down over time. Our pick: Ergotron HX Heavy Duty.
Best for small desks and tight spaces
Not everyone has a deep desk or the luxury of sprawling cables. The VIVO Single Monitor Arm is the most compact we recommend: its short arm keeps the monitor close to the wall, freeing up precious real estate. It still adjusts height and tilt, making it a sensible pick for dorm rooms or narrow workstations. Our pick: VIVO Single Monitor Arm.
Our verdict
No single arm fits every desk, but the Ergotron LX is the safest bet for most people: it is well-built, adjustable, and backed by a strong reputation. If you need to save a few dollars, the AmazonBasics Premium is nearly its equal. And for heavy screens, tight budgets, or cramped desks, the HX, Wali, or VIVO respectively fill those roles perfectly. Pick the arm that matches your monitor’s weight and your desk’s depth, and your neck will thank you.