How to choose the right monitor riser
Updated June 2026Independently researchedNo paid placement.
The best monitor riser for you depends on your desk depth, the height you need to achieve proper eye level, and whether you want extra storage below. Look for a stable, appropriately sized platform that matches your monitor’s weight and your workflow – no single riser fits every setup.
What should you look for in a monitor riser?
Start with your monitor’s weight and footprint. Most risers advertise a weight limit – a lightweight plastic stand may work for a small screen, while a heavy ultrawide needs a sturdy metal or solid-wood base. Measure the width and depth of your monitor’s feet; the riser surface should be at least as wide as those feet to avoid tipping. Next, consider the riser’s height. The goal is to bring the top bezel (or your primary viewing area) roughly level with your eyes when sitting upright. If you’re tall or use a standing desk at a higher position, you may need a taller riser or one that lets you adjust height. Stability matters just as much as height. A wobbling riser is distracting and can strain your neck. Look for designs with non-slip pads on both the bottom and the platform, and a base that’s wide enough to resist being knocked over by a bumped desk. Finally, think about extra features – a riser with a shelf underneath can hold a keyboard or notebook, and built-in cable management keeps things tidy. But every feature adds bulk, so prioritize what you’ll actually use daily.
How tall should a monitor riser be?
Ergonomics guidelines say the top of your monitor should be at or slightly below eye level when you’re seated. For most people with an average-height desk, a riser that adds 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm) is enough. But if you’re over 6 feet tall or you use a standing desk at its lowest setting, you may need a riser that is 7 or 8 inches tall. Some risers come with fixed heights, while others have adjustable legs. Adjustable models are more versatile if you share a desk or alternate between sitting and standing. A few even let you tilt the platform slightly, which can reduce glare. Don’t forget the thickness of your monitor’s own stand. A monitor with a very thick base might sit higher than one with a slim base. The riser’s job is to compensate for the remaining gap between your natural eye level and the screen’s center. A simple way to check: sit in your normal posture, close your eyes, open them, and see where your gaze lands on the screen. That point should be about one-third down from the top.
Should you get a single-tier or a multi-tier riser?
Single-tier risers are just a flat platform that lifts your monitor. They’re simple, usually more stable, and take up less desk space. If you only need to raise a single screen and don’t need storage underneath, a single-tier riser is the most straightforward choice. Multi-tier risers add a lower shelf for your keyboard, mouse, or a laptop. That can free up the main desk surface, especially in shallow desks. However, the extra shelf can make typing feel cramped if you don’t have enough legroom or if the shelf is too low for comfortable wrist angles. There’s also the “monitor stand with drawer” category – a riser that includes a pull-out tray or drawer for pens, sticky notes, or a phone. These are great for clutter-prone desks, but the drawer may reduce the usable height for any items stored beneath the monitor. Think about whether you’ll actually use that drawer or it’ll become a catch-all.
What materials are best for monitor risers?
Solid wood and bamboo risers look warm, suppress vibration well, and usually hold heavy monitors without sagging. The trade-off is weight – moving one around is a chore – and they can be pricey. Expect a natural wood grain finish that may need occasional oiling if exposed to a lot of sun. Metal risers (steel or aluminum) are strong, often very thin, and allow for sleek, modern designs. They can be surprisingly lightweight for their strength, but bare metal may scratch a desk or monitor base if no pads are provided. Many metal risers include a powder coat that’s easy to wipe clean. Glass risers look airy and clean, but they’re prone to fingerprints and can shatter if struck or if the monitor is too heavy. They also don’t hide cables as well. Not recommended for large gaming monitors or setups that see frequent reconfigurations. Plastic risers are the lightest and most affordable, but they tend to flex under heavier loads and may not last as long. They’re fine for a temporary or budget setup, but if you’re investing in a standing desk or a premium monitor, a wood or metal riser will feel more solid.
Does a monitor riser need cable management?
Cable management isn’t strictly necessary, but it makes a visual and practical difference. A riser with a cutout or channel for cables helps keep the clutter from monitor, webcam, and desk lights from tangling with your keyboard wires. Without it, cables often bunch up behind the riser and become a dust-catching mess. Some risers have a full-width gap under the platform that lets you route cables in any direction. Others have a removable tray that hides cords completely. If you frequently unplug or swap devices, a riser with an open rear slot works better than one with a closed back. A word of caution: if you use a monitor arm instead of the riser, cable management features on the riser are irrelevant. Choose your riser based on whether your monitor sits on it or is clamped to the desk.
Can a monitor riser work as a desk shelf for laptops?
Absolutely – in fact, many people use a monitor riser as a laptop stand or desk shelf. Place your laptop on the riser to bring the screen closer to eye level, and connect an external keyboard and mouse. This setup is especially useful if you work on a laptop but want a more ergonomic posture. You’ll want a riser that is wide and deep enough for the laptop’s footprint. A 13-inch laptop needs less space than a 16-inch gaming laptop. Some risers even have a dedicated groove or slot to hold a tablet or phone upright. Be mindful of ventilation: laptops generate heat from the bottom. A riser with an open design or a mesh surface allows air to flow better than a solid solid-wood slab. If your laptop runs hot, avoid a riser that traps heat underneath.
Frequently asked questions
Will a monitor riser work with any monitor size?
Most risers support monitors up to around 27 or 32 inches because that covers the majority of typical monitor base widths. For an ultrawide or a 40-inch screen, you need a riser that is both wide enough (the platform must be at least as wide as the monitor’s feet) and strong enough to hold the weight. Always check the riser’s stated weight capacity and compare to your monitor’s weight (minus its own stand if you plan to use a separate mount).
Do I need to measure my desk depth before buying a monitor riser?
Yes, especially if your desk is shallow (under 24 inches deep). A riser that is too deep can push your monitor too close to your face, or it may overhang the back of the desk. Measure the distance from the front edge of your desk to the wall or monitor arm, then subtract at least a few inches for the riser’s depth. A riser that is 8 to 10 inches deep is a safe bet for most standard depth desks.
Can I use a monitor riser with a standing desk?
Yes, in fact many people do. The riser lifts the monitor higher than the desk surface, which is helpful if the desk’s own height adjustment range doesn’t bring the screen to eye level. Just make sure the riser is stable at the full range of the standing desk’s motion – a heavy riser might slide if the desk tilts slightly. Adding non-slip pads between the riser and desk can prevent that.
How much weight can a typical monitor riser hold?
Most mid-range risers hold between 20 and 40 pounds (9 to 18 kg), which covers a single 27-inch monitor or a lightweight all-in-one. Heavy gaming monitors or dual-monitor setups may push that limit – look for a riser made of solid wood or steel that explicitly states a higher capacity. Avoid plastic or thin glass risers if your monitor weighs more than about 15 pounds.
Are gas-spring monitor arms better than risers?
It depends on your needs. Monitor arms offer almost infinite adjustability in height, tilt, and swivel, and they free up the entire desk surface. But they require a clamp or grommet mount, which isn’t possible on every desk (glass tops, for example). Risers are simpler, cheaper, and don’t require drilling or clamping. If you rarely change your monitor position and want a clean look without attaching anything to your desk, a riser is the easier choice.
Do monitor risers help with neck pain?
Many people find they do, by raising the screen to a more natural viewing angle so you don’t have to tilt your head down. However, a riser alone won’t solve all ergonomic issues – you also need proper chair height, desk height, and keyboard placement. If you have chronic neck pain, consider a full ergonomic evaluation rather than relying solely on a riser.