A monitor arm is a sure way to boost the effectiveness of a home office setup. A good-quality arm not only frees up usable space on your desk\u2019s surface, it aids ergonomics by allowing you to move and position your display\/s for optimal comfort. Plus, a monitor arm makes your office setup look really pro.<\/p>\n
The only catch is the price. Most monitor arms worth buying will cost close to $200, and heavy-duty arms capable of holding two large displays can be priced even higher. The good news is that a good-quality monitor arm is likely to last you for a very long time. That\u2019s why it\u2019s important to make the right choice when you purchase a monitor arm.<\/p>\n
To help you with that, we\u2019ve tested several popular monitor arms, for both single- and dual-monitor setups. Below you\u2019ll find our curated list of recommendations, with detailed explanations of what features and qualities make them stand out. We even have some good budget recommendations. Below our picks, we point out some arms that we aren\u2019t so keen on \u2014 to provide a point of comparison.<\/p>\n
Why you should trust PCWorld for monitor arm reviews and buying advice: It\u2019s in our name! PCWorld has been covering PCs since 1983. That includes PC hardware of all types, including monitors and monitor accessories. All of our recommendations have been tested hands-on and vetted by our expert reviewers, who\u2019ve applied not only performance benchmarks but rigorous usability standards.<\/p>\n
The Ergotron LX Pro is a practical, effective, easy-to-use monitor arm. Ergotron achieves this ease-of-install with clever, yet simple, engineering.<\/p>\n
The LX Pro\u2019s clamp mechanism, which secures the monitor to a desk, takes the extra step of providing a comfortable handhold that makes it easy to work the clamp without tools. The arm\u2019s two sections, meanwhile, simply slip into place. Ergotron also provides thumb screws for attaching the arm\u2019s VESA mount to the back of your monitor.<\/p>\n
Depending on your monitor, you may need to use the included hex wrench to tighten the components. Otherwise, installation doesn\u2019t require tools.<\/p>\n
The arm\u2019s desk clamp mechanism is wide, which is important. Clamps with a small surface concentrate more force on your desk and cause damage if over-tightened. A wider clamp better distributes the force. That means the LX Pro is less likely to damage weaker desks (though caution when tightening the clamp is recommended).<\/p>\n
Fortunately, the arm\u2019s ease of installation doesn\u2019t lead to functional downsides. The arm can support monitors up to 34 inches diagonally that weigh up to 22 pounds. The arm also lifts up to 13 inches, tilts up to 85 degrees, and can swivel and rotate to a full 360 degrees. Cables are routed through channels in the arm and secured by sturdy detachable cladding. Ergotron provides a 10-year warranty.<\/p>\n
The LX Pro even fixes our gripes about its predecessor, the Ergotron LX. The LX Pro\u2019s base is more compact, the white colorway now has a color-coordinated VESA mount, and the new design is more attractive. The only downgrade compared to the old Ergotron LX is a lower maximum weight (the LX could handle up to 25 pounds). But that\u2019s unlikely to matter, as 32-inch and 34-inch monitors usually weigh 15 pounds or less.<\/p>\n
The LX Pro\u2019s $209 MSRP is enough to make shoppers think twice, but it\u2019s great value for money. The arm\u2019s overall build quality feels competitive with more expensive monitor arms, such as the Humanscale M2.1.<\/p>\n
That makes the Ergotron LX Pro an easy recommendation. It\u2019s simple to set up, looks nice, works well in day-to-day use, yet remains affordable. We already liked the Ergotron LX, but the LX Pro is a great upgrade.<\/p>\n
The MSI MAG MT201 is an inexpensive monitor arm that\u2019s rated to support 49-inch screens that weight up to 44 pounds. That\u2019s high enough that it\u2019s unnecessary; even my 42-inch LG B4 television weighs only 25 pounds. The MAG MT201 has a spring (rather than gas or gas-spring hybrid) tension system that proved capable of handling the 32-inch monitors I had on hand.<\/p>\n
Setting up the MAG MT201 is a bit complicated. The stand\u2019s assembly requires multiple steps and tightening numerous screws. Tools are provided, but it will take about 15 to 20 minutes to finish. This is something that separates the MAG MT201R from more expensive arms, like the top-rated Ergotron LX Pro. The steps required to assemble each monitor arm are similar, but the MT201 requires more screws, and some screws in awkward positions.<\/p>\n
Adjusting the monitor is less difficult. The arm itself felt sturdy and swivels left and right, as well as up and down, without trouble. You\u2019ll want an Allen-head screwdriver handy, though, as several adjustments including the monitor arm neck and height tension require it. The arm includes a quick-release VESA mount, meaning you can detach a monitor from it by removing a single thumb-screw. It\u2019s a nice feature to have on a budget arm.<\/p>\n