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The best monitor arms, in plain English

A monitor arm lifts the screen off the desk, frees up space and makes it easy to set the right height. We read the expert tests and boiled them down.

  • Last reviewed October 19, 2026
  • 4 monitor arms
  • 2 expert reviews read

We didn't test these ourselves. We read reviews from experts who test products hands-on, then summed up where they agree and where they don't. Every source is linked. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Short on time? Start here

Our top pick in each group. Tap one to jump to the details.

Best single arm Ergotron LX (or LX Pro) Single Monitor Arm $180–$210 Smooth, sturdy and backed by a 10-year warranty. See details Best budget for two screens Workstream by Monoprice Dual Monitor Arm $95–$135 Holds two monitors for about $100. See details Best premium dual Ergotron LX Dual Monitor Arm $400–$410 Ergotron's smooth arm, doubled. See details Best for big or heavy screens Ergotron HX Monitor Arm $320–$405 Holds heavy ultrawide monitors. See details

Before you buy: 3 quick checks

Check these before buying any arm.

Weight and size limit

Every arm lists the heaviest and largest monitor it can hold. Look up the monitor's weight (without its stand) and pick an arm rated a little above it. Arms that are overloaded slowly sag.

VESA mount on the monitor

Most monitors have four screw holes on the back called a VESA mount, usually 75 or 100 mm apart. If the monitor has no holes, it needs an adapter before any arm will fit.

Desk clamp

Most arms clamp onto the back edge of the desk. Check the desk thickness and that there's a gap behind it. Glass and thin particle-board desks may need a reinforcement plate.

Compare at a glance

On a phone, swipe the table sideways to see every column.

ArmBest forTypical priceHoldsWeight limitWarranty
1. Ergotron LX (or LX Pro) Single Monitor Arm Best single arm $180–$2101 monitor, up to about 34 inchesAbout 22 to 25 lb10 years
2. Workstream by Monoprice Dual Monitor Arm Best budget for two screens $95–$1352 monitors, up to about 27 inchesAbout 20 lb eachLifetime (per Popular Science)
3. Ergotron LX Dual Monitor Arm Best premium dual $400–$4102 monitors, up to 27 inches eachVaries by version10 to 15 years
4. Ergotron HX Monitor Arm Best for big or heavy screens $320–$4051 large or ultrawide monitor, up to 49 inchesAbout 28 to 42 lb10 to 15 years

The 4 best monitor arms, explained

Best overall first. Prices are typical ranges, not live prices, so check Amazon for today's price.

#1Best single arm

Ergotron LX (or LX Pro) Single Monitor Arm

  • 1 monitor, up to about 34 inches
  • About 22 to 25 lb
  • 10 years

$180–$210typical price

The arm many experts measure others against. PCWorld names the LX Pro the best single-monitor arm, and Popular Science picks the LX as the best single arm.

What testers liked

  • Smooth, sturdy build.
  • Simple install, with a tool-free clamp on the Pro.
  • Built-in cable management.
  • A 10-year warranty.

Common complaints

  • Expensive for one arm.
  • The LX Pro holds a little less weight than the original.

Skip it if: Their monitor is very heavy or ultrawide. The Ergotron HX (#4) handles more weight.

See it on Amazon
Read the reviews (2)

Summed up from PCWorld, Popular Science.

#2Best budget for two screens

Workstream by Monoprice Dual Monitor Arm

  • 2 monitors, up to about 27 inches
  • About 20 lb each
  • Lifetime (per Popular Science)

$95–$135typical price

Holds two monitors for about $100. PCWorld names it the best budget dual-monitor arm, and Popular Science picks it as the best dual arm.

What testers liked

  • Affordable for two screens.
  • Strong build for the price, and it hides cables well.
  • Handles fairly large displays.

Common complaints

  • Setup is harder than pricier arms.
  • Not as smooth to move, and the arms adjust separately.
  • PCWorld doubts the full weight claim.

Testers disagree on: Setup. Popular Science found it easy to install. PCWorld found setup hard.

Skip it if: They move their screens a lot. The Ergotron LX Dual (#3) is much smoother.

See it on Amazon
Read the reviews (2)

Summed up from PCWorld, Popular Science.

#3Best premium dual

Ergotron LX Dual Monitor Arm

  • 2 monitors, up to 27 inches each
  • Varies by version
  • 10 to 15 years

$400–$410typical price

Ergotron's smooth arm, doubled. PCWorld names the LX Dual the best dual-monitor arm, and Popular Science picks the LX Dual Stacking arm as the best stacked option.

Comes side-by-side or stacked (one above the other). Popular Science tested the stacking version.

What testers liked

  • The same smooth, sturdy feel as the single LX.
  • Long warranty from a trusted brand.
  • Flexible ways to arrange two screens.

Common complaints

  • Very expensive.
  • Side by side, it fits monitors up to 27 inches.
  • No quick-release mount.

Skip it if: Budget matters. The Workstream dual arm (#2) holds two screens for about a quarter of the price.

See it on Amazon
Read the reviews (2)

Summed up from PCWorld, Popular Science.

#4Best for big or heavy screens

Ergotron HX Monitor Arm

  • 1 large or ultrawide monitor, up to 49 inches
  • About 28 to 42 lb
  • 10 to 15 years

$320–$405typical price

Holds big, heavy screens like ultrawides. PCWorld names it the best heavy-duty arm, and Popular Science picks it for ultrawide monitors.

What testers liked

  • Very high weight limit.
  • Sturdy and smooth.
  • Long warranty.

Common complaints

  • Costly.
  • Its bulky look may be too much for a home office.
  • Less height range than lighter arms.

Skip it if: They have a regular 24- or 27-inch monitor. The Ergotron LX (#1) is plenty.

See it on Amazon
Read the reviews (2)

Summed up from PCWorld, Popular Science.

How we pick

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