How do you choose a monitor arm?
Choose monitor arm
To find the perfect monitor arm for you, it's important you know which monitor(s) you have. Look up the serial number or grab the manual, so you know for sure you order the right mount. Next, ask yourself the following questions:
- How many monitors do you want to mount?
- Which size, weight, and type of screen does the monitor have?
- Which VESA dimensions do you need?
- Do you want a desk clamp, wall mount, or monitor base?
- Do you want the monitor arm to be adjustable?
How many monitors do you want to mount?
The first choice you have to make when purchasing a monitor arm is the number of arms. You don't need a double monitor arm if you only have one screen, or the other way around. That's why you should consider beforehand if you want to mount a single monitor or create a dual setup. Do you want to mount a triple monitor setup to play shooters or racing games, for example? You want a mount with 3 arms. There are also mounts with 4 or 6 arms for specific purposes like security or stock exchange.
Which size, weight, and type of screen does the monitor have?
In addition to the number of monitors, the type of monitor is also important. That's because a monitor arm is designed for a certain size. Make sure it's the right size, so the monitors don't touch each other. Take the maximum weight of the monitor arm into account as well. It has to be higher than the total weight of your monitor(s). Don't cut it too close, otherwise everything might collapse when you plug in the cable. There are special monitor arms for curved and ultrawide monitors.
Which VESA dimensions do you need?
The VESA dimensions indicate the distance between the screw holes. Common dimensions are 100x100 and 75x75, with either 100 or 75mm between the holes. The VESA dimensions of the monitor arm need to match the VESA dimensions of the monitor exactly. Check the manual or the product page of your monitor to find out the dimensions. Most monitor mounts have multiple holes, which means multiple VESA dimensions. That way, you can use them for different types of monitors.
Do you want a desk clamp, wall mount, or monitor base?
There are 3 types of monitor arms, namely a desk clamp, wall mount, or monitor base. You attach a desk clamp to the back of your desk with a clamp. That way, it hardly takes up any space and the monitors float above your desk. Can't attach anything to the back of your desk or don't have a desk? Your best option is a wall mount. If neither of these works for you, you can choose a mount with a base. This does take up more space and looks less neat.
Do you want the monitor arm to be adjustable?
A big advantage of a monitor arm is that you can adjust it. That way, you can work with an ergonomic sitting posture and move freely around your desk. Do you want the monitor to move as flexibly as possible? Choose a pivotable and tiltable monitor arm. That way, you can move the screen left, right, up, and down. This is extra important if you have a setup with 2 or 3 monitors. If you also want to use the screen vertically, choose rotatable arm.
