12 Best Monitor Arms for Ergonomic Desk Setup [2025]

The top of your monitor screen should be at or slightly below eye level when you're sitting with proper posture. Your eyes should naturally look at the top third of the screen. For most people, this means the center of the screen is 15-20 degrees below horizontal eye level. A monitor arm makes it easy to adjust to this optimal height. Use our Desk Height Calculator to find your specific measurements.

Your monitor should be approximately arm's length away (20-26 inches) from your eyes. For larger monitors (27"+) or ultra-wides, you may need to position it slightly farther back. The key is that you should be able to read text comfortably without leaning forward or squinting. If you have multiple monitors, position them in a slight arc so each screen is equidistant from your eyes.

Yes, especially if you work at a desk for extended periods. A monitor arm provides three major benefits: (1) Positions your screen at optimal ergonomic height, reducing neck and eye strain; (2) Frees up significant desk space by removing the monitor stand; (3) Allows easy repositioning throughout the day, especially useful when switching between sitting and standing with an adjustable desk. Most desk workers notice reduced neck pain within days of proper monitor positioning.

Some monitors, particularly Apple displays, Dell XPS models, and budget monitors, don't include VESA mounting holes on the back. You'll need to purchase a VESA adapter plate specific to your monitor model. These adapters typically cost $30-80 and attach to your monitor's existing stand mount or use adhesive backing. Search for "[your monitor model] VESA adapter" to find compatible options. Alternatively, consider this when purchasing your next monitor.

C-clamp mounts can leave minor indentations on softer desk surfaces (particle board, soft wood). To prevent damage, place a thin piece of wood, metal, or rubber padding between the clamp and your desk. Grommet mounts require drilling a hole but distribute weight more evenly and don't leave clamp marks. If you have a glass desk, check that the monitor arm specifically supports glass mounting—most do not, or require special adapters.

If your monitors are the same size and weight, a purpose-built dual monitor arm (like Ergotron LX Dual) is usually better—it's designed specifically for two screens and often costs less than buying two single arms. However, if your monitors are different sizes, two separate single arms give you more flexibility in positioning. For premium quality and budget permitting, two Ergotron LX single arms provide maximum adjustability.

Monitor arm drooping occurs when: (1) Your monitor exceeds the arm's weight capacity; (2) The gas spring tension is set too low; (3) The arm is a budget model with weak springs. Most quality arms have a tension adjustment mechanism—usually a hex screw near the joint. Tighten this to increase resistance. If your monitor is too heavy for the arm's rating, you'll need to upgrade to a heavy-duty option like the Ergotron HX. Check your monitor's weight (including stand if still attached) and compare to the arm's capacity.

Yes, but you need a heavy-duty arm. Most ultrawide monitors (34"+) weigh 15-25 lbs, and some 49" super-ultrawides exceed 30 lbs. Standard monitor arms (rated for 20-25 lbs) will struggle with these displays. For ultrawides, choose arms specifically rated for heavy monitors like the Ergotron HX (42 lb capacity) or similar heavy-duty options. The ergonomic benefits are even more important with ultrawides since poor positioning forces excessive head turning.