10 Things to Consider When Buying a Monitor Arm

Looking to free up desk space or adjust your monitor to an ergonomic position? A monitor arm is an excellent solution. Before making a purchase, it's essential to consider factors like weight capacity, types of arms, and VESA compatibility. This guide outlines 10 key tips to help you choose the perfect monitor mount for your needs.

How Can a Monitor Arm Help You?
The Four Main Types of Monitor Arms
Mechanical vs. Gas Spring Monitor Arms: What’s the Difference?
Can Your Desk Support a Monitor Arm?
Avoiding Table Installation Mistakes
VESA Compatibility: Special Cases to Note
Choosing the Right Weight Specifications
Key Factors for Adjustment Range
Preventing Sagging Arms
Cable Management Considerations

1. How Can a Monitor Arm Help You?

With the rise of modern office setups and work-from-home lifestyles, adjustable monitor arms have become essential tools. Prolonged screen use often leads to neck and back pain, as well as eye strain. These issues can reduce productivity and negatively impact long-term health. Here’s how a monitor arm can help:

Save desk space
Improve your posture
Adjust easily
Less eye strain
Optimize dual-screen setups
Boost aesthetics
Simplify cable management

Want to know more about these benefits? Check out this guide: 7 Reasons Why Everyone’s Choosing Monitor Arms

2. The Four Main Types of Monitor Arms

Monitor arms come in four main types, categorized by their structure and designed to meet various adjustment needs. Whether you’re looking for a basic monitor stand or a fully adjustable monitor arm, each type serves different workspace requirements.

a. Pole-Type Stands

Pole-type monitor mounts are ideal for setups where the monitor’s height and position remain fixed. They are simple and stable but require disassembly to adjust height, which can be inconvenient. If flexibility is important, these stands may not be the best choice.

b. Pole with Articulating Arm

This type works well when height remains fixed, but the monitor needs to be pulled forward or pushed back. It’s perfect for desks with height constraints or setups that require space-saving solutions, such as pushing the monitor back against the wall when not in use. For users who need more reach, consider adjustable monitor arms.

c. Fully Articulated Arms for Flexible Scenarios

Fully articulated arms are ideal for users who frequently adjust their monitors for different scenarios. These articulating monitor arms provide maximum freedom of movement, whether you’re working, watching movies, or sharing your screen with others.

d. Multi-Monitor Arms

Multi-monitor setups often require specialized arms to save desk space and ensure a clean, organized look. These arms are perfect for dual monitor setups or configurations with three or more screens, enabling efficient use of your workspace.

3. Mechanical vs. Gas Spring Monitor Arms: What’s the Difference?

Both mechanical spring monitor arms and gas spring monitor arms rely on similar mechanics, using a tension adjustment screw (TAS) to fine-tune the arm’s support. As long as the monitor’s weight is within the arm’s supported range, both options offer smooth monitor adjustments and comparable durability. In terms of user experience and lifespan, there’s minimal difference between the two. Both types are designed to support your monitor effectively, ensuring a stable and adjustable setup for your desk workspace.

4. Can Your Desk Support a Monitor Arm?

When deciding whether a monitor arm can be installed, it’s important to evaluate your desk setup and wall conditions. Most monitor mounts come with both clamp and grommet mounting options, which can be selected based on the following conditions:

a. Clamp Installation

If your desk has at least 2 inches (5 cm) of space between the back edge and the wall, and no special structures underneath, clamp mounting is the most flexible and recommended option. This method works best for desks with a thickness within the clamp’s supported range. It doesn’t damage the desktop and allows for easy repositioning later, making it ideal for ergonomic desk setups.

b. Grommet or Clamp Installation with Cable Holes

If your desk is flush against the wall but has built-in cable holes (commonly 2.5 inches (6.5 cm) in diameter or 1.6–2 inches (4–5 cm) for customized furniture), you can thread cables through the holes before installing the arm. Depending on the hole size, both clamp mounts and grommet mounts may work seamlessly.

c. Through-Desk Installation

If your desk is flush against the wall with no cable holes, or if there are obstructive structures underneath, you may need to drill a hole for grommet mounting. This installation type is more permanent, so ensure the position meets your needs. Avoid drilling into fragile materials, such as glass or stone, to prevent irreversible damage.

Tip: For additional guidance, check out the Ergotron Through-Desk Installation Guide. If necessary, consider adding reinforcement plates to distribute the clamp’s force. These plates are often sold separately and can be costly. Alternatively, opt for a monitor arm with built-in protective plates for added convenience.

d. Standing Mount

For monitors that cannot provide sufficient height adjustability and are incompatible with clamp mounts and grommet mounts, a standing mount monitor is one of the remaining options. These monitor arms are equipped with a base that can be directly placed on the desk. While no changes to the desk or wall are necessary, the drawback is that it will occupy more desk space.

e. Wall Mount

If your desk isn’t suitable for mounting, or if you’re bothered by the wobbling caused by typing vibrations, a wall mount monitor arm fixes the arm directly to the wall. This offers maximum stability, saves desk space, and provides greater flexibility. The downside is that it requires drilling into the wall.

5. Avoiding Table Installation Pitfalls

Before purchasing a monitor arm, double-check your desk for the following potential issues to ensure a secure and stable installation:

a. Edge Shape

Beveled or rounded edges exceeding 1 inch (2.5 cm) may reduce clamp stability. Ensure your desk edge is flat and within the supported dimensions for optimal performance.

b. Under-Desk Structures

Obstacles like support beams close to the edge may require longer clamp arms or through-desk mounting. To improve clamp stability, you can use a wood block of equal or greater height to create a stable clamping surface.

Example: High under-desk structures prevent clamp mounting, requiring alternative installation methods.

c. Tabletop Material

Certain materials may not support standard monitor mounts well and risk damage:

Glass table tops
Hollow-core table tops (e.g., honeycomb cardboard desks)
Desktops prone to denting

To avoid damage, consider installing reinforcement plates to distribute the clamp’s force. These plates are often sold separately, but some monitor arms come with built-in reinforcement plates for added convenience, ensuring greater desk compatibility.

6. VESA Compatibility: Special Cases to Note

VESA is a global standard for mounting, defined by the VESA Association. Most screens and TVs come with four screw holes arranged in a square at the center of the back panel. The BenQ BSH01 supports the most common VESA configurations: 100x100 mm and 75x75 mm.

However, there are exceptions to watch out for:

Large and Small Screens: Larger TVs may require a 200x200 mm VESA mount, while some older or smaller screens use a 50x50 mm VESA pattern. For 200x200 setups, you’ll likely need an additional adapter plate, which is usually sold separately.

Apple iMac/ Displays: Only the VESA-compatible version can be mounted. Models with built-in stands cannot be converted, making it essential to verify compatibility before purchasing a screen mount arm.

Gaming Screens: High-performance models, such as the Samsung G9, Acer Predator, and ASUS ROG, often feature unique VESA mounting designs. These typically require custom adapter plates, which may be included with the screen or need to be purchased separately. Ensure the adapter plate fits both the screen and your monitor arm for a stable installation.

7. Choosing the Right Weight Specifications

When considering how to choose the right monitor arm, it’s crucial to check its weight capacity and compare it with your monitor’s weight (excluding the stand). You can typically find this information on the monitor’s official website. Keep these factors in mind:

a. Curved Monitors

Curved monitors tend to shift the center of gravity forward, making them heavier on the front end. To ensure stability, add a buffer of 4.4–6.6 lbs. (2–3 kg) when calculating the total weight.

b. Additional Attachments

Accessories like monitor lights (around 1.1 lbs. (500 g)), webcams (around 0.7 lbs. (300 g)), or fill lights (around 1.1 lbs. (500 g)) increase the total load. Be sure to account for these when selecting a suitable monitor arm.

c. Avoiding Weight Limits

Spring-based arms perform poorly when the weight is too close to their upper or lower limits. To maximize functionality and lifespan, leave at least 2.2–4.4 lbs. (1–2 kg) of margin on either side of the weight range.

Finding the Ideal Range

Most standard monitors weigh between 8.8–22 lbs. (4–10 kg) (excluding ultra-wide monitors like the Samsung G9). Including accessories and a safety margin, a universal monitor arm with a weight capacity of 28.6–33 lbs. (13–15 kg) is usually the most versatile choice.

Monitor arms with a maximum capacity of 19.8 lbs. (9 kg) might sag when additional accessories are added, causing performance issues and reducing stability.

The BenQ BSH01 has already factored in the combined weight of your monitor and any attached accessories, so you can purchase with confidence.

A Word of Caution

Heavy-duty arms designed for high-weight monitors often exert a strong upward force to handle heavier loads. This can cause lightweight monitors to float upward, making adjustments difficult. Unless you’re using a very heavy monitor like the Samsung G9 (49 inches), avoid over-specifying your arm, as it might result in unnecessary expense and suboptimal performance.

8. Key Factors for Adjustment Range

When selecting a monitor arm, evaluating its adjustment range is crucial to ensure it fits your workspace setup. Here are the key aspects to consider:

a. Forward Reach

Check if the arm can extend far enough forward. Most desks are 20–30 inches (50–76 cm) deep, so verify the arm’s forward reach in the specifications or product images to ensure compatibility with your desk setup.

b. Height Adjustment

Can the arm position your monitor at the desired height? According to Ergotron’s Workspace Planner, an ergonomically optimal height can be calculated by adding half the monitor’s height to the arm’s maximum height adjustment range. Ensure the arm you choose meets these requirements, especially for ergonomic desk setups.

c. Screen Adjustment Angles

Most monitor arms specify adjustment angles for key movements:

Tilt Range: Adjust the screen’s head-up or head-down angle.
Swivel Range: Move the monitor side-to-side, usually ±90°.
Screen Rotation: Rotate the monitor to a vertical position, typically ±180°.

While swivel and rotation angles are generally similar across most arms, tilt range varies significantly. For users with specialized needs, such as using a drawing tablet, look for an arm that can tilt deeply upward at the lowest height.

d. Arm Length for L-Shaped Desks

If you plan to install a monitor arm at the corner of an L-shaped desk, ensure it’s long enough to position the monitor correctly. Short arms may not reach adequately for your desk setups. Products like the Ergotron LX offer longer arm lengths, making them more suitable for these scenarios.

e. Wall Collision Prevention

If your desk is close to a wall, consider monitor mounts with built-in stop features to prevent the arm from hitting the wall. These stop screws limit rotation to 180° and keep the arm within the desk’s surface area. However, some models lack adjustable stop flexibility, meaning they only support forward adjustments and cannot switch back to 360° rotation. If you anticipate changing your workspace layout in the future, prioritize arms with adjustable stop designs.

9. Preventing Sagging Arms

One of the most common issues users face after purchasing a monitor arm is "sagging." This problem typically occurs in two key areas:

Tilt Joint: Insufficient support at the tilt joint can cause the monitor to droop forward.

Upper Arm Joint: Insufficient support at the upper arm joint can lead to the entire arm sagging downward.

How to Fix Sagging Monitor Arms

To resolve these issues, first adjust the monitor arm tension screws at the joints to a tighter setting and check if the problem improves. Some products require several dozen turns of an Allen wrench to properly adjust tension, which may test your patience. Avoid overtightening, as it could damage screws or metal components. If the sagging persists despite correct tension adjustments, it may indicate the arm is nearing its weight capacity, or additional accessories like cameras or lights have increased the load. Consider whether the arm is appropriate for your monitor’s weight and configuration.

Choosing Durable Monitor Arms

Lower-priced monitor arms often rely on simple friction-based tilt joints, which may wear out over time. Consider investing in products with spring-based tilt joints, which are designed for enhanced durability. These designs provide resistance against gravity, ensuring longer-lasting performance and smoother adjustments.

Special Considerations for Heavy-Duty Arms

Sagging issues are more common in heavy-duty monitor arms. Many arms claiming to support monitors like the Samsung G9 can only do so when the tilt joint is fully tightened, restricting upward or downward adjustments. This often leads to customer dissatisfaction. Before purchasing, check user reviews to ensure the arm meets your expectations.

10. Cable Management Considerations

Proper cable management is essential when using a monitor arm. The arm's ability to elevate and move the monitor requires cables to be long enough to accommodate these movements without straining or damaging the connectors. Here’s what to keep in mind:

Cable Length

For frequently adjusted monitor arms: Use longer cables to ensure flexibility during frequent adjustments of position and angle, especially for ultra-wide monitors or dual-screen setups.
For stationary setups: shorter cables can reduce clutter and maintain a minimalist desk setup, keeping your workspace tidy and professional.

Cable Management Systems

Modern workspaces often face cable clutter from numerous devices. A monitor arm with an integrated cable management system can efficiently organize and conceal cables, supporting a clutter-free desk. Most arms can handle 3–4 cables, making them ideal for multi-monitor setups, gaming stations, or home office desks.

Our Recommendation

We’ve covered common questions about selecting a monitor arm, from adjustment ranges to weight specifications and installation options. If you’re still unsure which arm to choose, the BenQ BSH01 is a reliable, well-rounded option:

Supports monitors up to 45 inches with a weight capacity of 44 lbs. (20 kg), making it suitable for heavy-duty setups.
Features a spring-based tilt joint to prevent sagging over time, especially for screens with additional accessories like webcams or light bars.
Includes a desk reinforcement plate to protect fragile surfaces such as glass desks or hollow-core desktops.

BenQ BSH01

If you have additional questions, feel free to reach out to our chatbot for personalized assistance with monitor arm installation, or finding the right arm for your setup.

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10 Things to Consider When Buying a Monitor Arm