The best monitor arms in 2026 to free up your desk space

Well, you’ve decided it’s time to buy a monitor arm, but there are hundreds of options available, especially if you shop on Amazon. Here are some of the most important factors to consider.

Arm type: These days, the most common type of monitor arm is fully detailed. This is probably what most people imagine when you say “monitoring arm.” It’s like a robotic arm. However, there are some simpler column designs, which only allow you to adjust the height of the screen. I don’t usually recommend this, because the adjustments are very limited. The middle option is a column design with an articulated arm, which is how some multi-arm designs work.

Brand: Stick to a well-known brand. Amazon has some best-selling options from lesser-known names like Huanuo or Ergotron, which offer great value. Monitor manufacturers often make monitor arms and it’s a good place to look, whether that’s Asus, MSI, BenQ, or Acer. Finally, there are more high-end names in the home office game like Branch and Herman-Miller that also make monitor arms with more skill.

Materials and design: Monitor arms tend to be ugly contraptions, especially when they’re very chunky and made of cheap plastic. Look for aluminum or steel options for stronger arms with a sleeker design.

Weight Limit: The job of a monitor arm is to keep your monitor floating without constantly sinking or damaging your desk. Be sure to research the weight of your monitor and pay careful attention to the maximum stated weight of the monitor arm you are considering. If your monitor is curved, give yourself an extra storage space of about 5 pounds, as the curve adds extra weight forward which puts extra stress on the monitor arm. It is also not recommended to use a lightweight screen on a heavy-duty screen arm, as this may cause it to float.

Clamps, rings and stands: When we say “monitor arms,” we usually mean something that is mounted on a desk. Some monitor arms take things a step further and come with the option to permanently attach the arm to your desk by drilling a hole and securing it through a metal plate or metal ring. I personally don’t like the idea of ​​drilling holes in my desk, but it’s definitely the most stable way to attach the arm. Some are also designed more for wall mounting if that’s your only option.