If your desk is too high or low, or you want to adjust your monitors freely during work, consider investing in a monitor arm. They offer greater flexibility than monitor risers and stands.
You also get the best comfort levels for your workstation, regardless of whether you use a sit-stand or fixed-height desk. We reviewed the best options in Australia to help you find the right one.
Our Top Picks
Here are our top three monitor arms among the lot we evaluated:
Desky Dual Monitor Arm
Best dual monitor arm with a 10 kg per screen weight capacity, durable build and quality build, and excellent adjustability.
Ergotron LX Single Monitor Arm
Best single monitor arm with an 11.3 kg weight capacity, sturdy build, excellent flexibility, and an impressive lifespan.
VIVO Mount-V002G
Best wall-mounted monitor arm with an 6.5 kg per arm weight capacity, integrated cable management system, and sturdy build.
Top 7 Monitor Arms for Australians
We reviewed each monitor arm's ergonomic design, weight capacity, ease of installation, range of motion, durability, and customer feedback to analyse its performance and suitability for various workspaces. Here's everything we found.
1. Desky Dual Monitor Arm
Best Dual Monitor Arm
Dimensions: 18 x 39 x 51.5 cm
Item weight: 7.5 kg
Weight capacity: 10 kg per screen
The Desky Dual Monitor Arm is excellent for anyone working with two screens or monitors due to its durable build and quality that doesn’t stray from the company’s values. The monitor arm is available in a matte black, silver, and white finish. And unlike VIVO, it includes a single clamp to reduce clutter on the desk surface, offering plenty of room to work with.
The monitor arm can simultaneously support two LCD screens up to 27 inches. While weighing only 7.5 kg, it can support up to 10 kg of screen per arm. It is also adjustable to a maximum height of 51.5 cm from a base of 17.5 cm and has a maximum forward reach of 65.5 cm from the clamp. The dual-monitor arm is easy to install and comes with an integrated cable management system and a 10-year limited warranty from Desky.
While stability is not an issue with Desky's monitor arm, adjusting the arm height can be challenging. Testing with a slightly larger screen than recommended also left a gap between the monitors, which either bumped into each other or overlapped. We recommend sticking with the manufacturer's dimensions to get the most out of it.
Pros
- Supports two LCD screens
- Durable build and high-quality
- Supports two LCD screens
- Integrated cable management system
- 10-year warranty
Cons
- Relatively pricey
- Height adjustment can be challenging
2. VIVO Dual LCD Monitor Desk Mount
Best Freestanding Monitor Arm
Dimensions: 15.24 x 78.74 x 58.42 cm
Item weight: 4.82 kg
Weight capacity: 9.98 kg per monitor
The VIVO Dual LCD Monitor Desk Mount Stand offers plenty of adjustability to improve work efficiency. It can support two 13-27-inch monitors up to 9.98 kg each concurrently. However, we recommend using it with a smaller screen and a larger one side by side. The monitors can be placed vertically or horizontally. You can pivot up and down and move them sideways.
There are two ways to adjust the height of the monitor arm:
- You can slide them up or down to complement the position, depending on the level you want on both monitors. Both arms can go as far as 17 inches from the base of your desk.
- For individual monitors, there’s a little screw, cleverly placed and almost hidden where the monitor is attached to the stand. Losing the screw lets you raise the height of one monitor whiles keeping the other in place. This is helpful for two monitors of unequal size.
The VIVO Dual LCD Monitor Arm includes cable management and small clips for holding cables. It is straightforward to install, and you will find dedicated hardware tools to help you set it up in the box. You’ll likely spend 20-30 minutes setting it up on your desk.
Pros
- Good adjustability
- Handles two 13-27-inch monitors
- Allows vertical or horizontal positioning
- Includes cable management system
- Quick and easy setup
Cons
- Limited weight capacity
3. ERGOMAKER Dual Monitor Stand
Best Cheap Dual Monitor Arm
Item weight: 2.86 kg
Weight capacity: 8 kg per monitor
The ERGOMAKER Dual Monitor Arm is a cheap and practical solution that supports monitors from 13" to 27" and up to 8 kg per arm. It offers excellent adjustability, including +90°/-90° tilt, 180° swivel, and 360° rotation, to position your screens for maximum comfort.
The height adjustment up to 42.5 cm makes it suitable for ergonomic setups, reducing strain during long work sessions. The monitor arm's two mounting options—a sturdy C-clamp or grommet base—ensure compatibility with various desk thicknesses. Installation is also straightforward with the included hardware and step-by-step manual.
ERGOMAKER's dual arm has a concealed cable management system that neatly organises cords. We appreciate its build quality, easy assembly process, and thoughtful extras like cable clips. While adjustments are smooth and reliable, frequent repositioning requires effort, making it better suited for personal or static setups rather than shared workstations.
Pros
- Two secure mounting options
- 8 kg weight capacity per arm
- Concealed cable management system
- Stable build quality
Cons
- Adjustments can be effortful
- Not ideal for shared desks
4. Ergotron LX Single Monitor Arm
Best Single Monitor Arm
Dimensions: 45.72 x 27.05 x 17.78 cm
Item weight: 4.42 kg
Weight capacity: Up to 11.3 kg
The Ergotron LX Single Monitor Arm is sturdy and flexible. It offers screen and height adjustment and a 360-degree rotation. While the arm is designed to support tall and short people, the former would appreciate it more. The monitor arm's tall pole allows tall users to adjust their monitors to heights that are incredibly comfortable to work with.
Ergotron's Single Monitor Arm is built with compression or mechanical string, which improves its lifespan, as there are no failing parts. It also has a stylish design that doesn’t impact its sturdiness or quality. Its wide desk clamp keeps your monitor rigid and in place. The monitor arm is available in two sizes: an 8-inch and a 13-inch pole height.
On the downside, the single monitor arm can be tight in small spaces where the desk is tucked against a wall due to its protruding back design. The stand is more helpful when clamped to desks with open space behind them. Still, it's a high-quality stand that offers excellent value. It provides an outstanding 10-year warranty and sturdy build at a reasonable price.
Pros
- 360-degree rotation
- Sturdy and high-quality built
- Tall pole allows for comfort
- Wide desk clamp for stability
- 10-year warranty
Cons
- Relatively pricey
- Not for small spaces against a wall
5. Amazon Basics Single Monitor Arm
Best Cheap Single Monitor Arm
Dimensions: 50.8 x 46.05 x 11.43 cm
Weight capacity: 2.54 kg
This Amazon Basics monitor stand is affordable for screens between 13 and 30 inches and can hold up to 10 kg. It offers 360-degree rotation and an adjustable height from 20 to 36 cm, making it versatile whether you prefer your monitor in portrait or landscape mode.
The single monitor arm has a -15 to +85-degree tilt, and built-in cable management keeps your setup tidy. It's made from durable alloy steel and fits desks 0.8 to 3.9 inches thick. It ships with a detachable VESA plate, compatible with 100x100mm and 75x75mm mounts.
We recommend the stand for its sturdy build, ease of assembly, and reliable performance, even with larger monitors. Its smooth adjustability and range of motion make it ergonomic and user-friendly. However, its cable management and organisation features can be improved.
Pros
- Fits 13-30 inch monitors
- 360-degree rotation capability
- Built-in cable management system
- Compatible with VESA mounts
- 10 kg weight capacity
Cons
- Limited to 3.9-inch thick desks
- Cable management lacks effectiveness
- Basic design
6. VIVO Mount-V002G
Best Wall Mounted Monitor Arm
Item weight: 4.24 kg
Weight capacity: 6.5 kg per arm
The VIVO Dual Arm Monitor Wall Mount is a reliable and space-saving solution. It accommodates screens between 17" and 27" and supports up to 6.5 kg per arm. With its gas spring mechanism, you can adjust the height without tools, ensuring ergonomic comfort. The full-motion design offers flexibility with +90° to -45° tilt, 90° swivel, and integrated cable management.
However, the mount has some limitations. When angled, monitors cannot sit flush against the wall, which is a bother for a low-profile setup. The cable management system, while functional, has limited space and may not neatly accommodate all setups. The monitor arm is unsuitable for drywall-only installations without extra reinforcement. Still, the sturdy construction and three-year warranty make it a dependable choice for most users.
Pros
- Supports dual monitors
- Full-motion: tilt and swivel
- Integrated cable management
- 3-year warranty
Cons
- Monitors don’t sit flush
- Not for drywall-only installation
- Limited cable management space
7. HEMUDU Vertical Stack Monitor Arm
Best Vertical Stacking Monitor Arm
Item weight: 3.09 kg
Weight capacity: 34 kg
The HEMUDU Vertical Stack Monitor Arm is your best pick if you enjoy setting up two vertically stacked monitors. You can install the dual monitor arm with grommet mounting or a C-clamp. The grommet mounting option requires drilling a hole in your desk, which can void your desk warranty if it hasn't expired.
Each arm fits 13 to 34-inch monitors and has a combined weight-bearing capacity of around 34 kg, higher than most options on our list. In addition, you can tilt and swivel your monitors independently. Coupled with a 360-degree rotation, you can easily switch our monitors from landscape to portrait. The monitor arm also packs a cable management system and is VESA-compatible.
On the downside, there’s no mechanism for locking the screens into place. Likewise, Also, adjusting the height can be a challenge for some people because you have to undo the screw and lift the screen to a different notch.
Pros
- Versatile installation
- High weight-bearing capacity
- Independent tilt and swivel
- Includes a cable management system
- VESA-compatible
Cons
- No screen locking mechanism
- Grommet mounting may void desk warranty
- Height adjustment challenge
What to Look for in a Monitor Arm?
A dual monitor arm can be a good ergonomic accessory. But do you know what to look for when shopping for your next monitor arm? Here are a few essential things you should take into consideration:
VESA Compliance
This is a simple standard measurement for mounting monitors to different mounts. There are two main types of VESA mounts: 75 x 75 mm and 100 x 100 mm. However, not all computer monitor arms are VESA compatible.
Size of Monitors
Screen size is important when you consider leverage issues. For example, if your monitor is too big, it may tilt right or left. Similarly, you must consider the monitor arm's width or height when pairing two screens. The width shouldn’t be too wide for a side-by-side setup, and the height shouldn’t be too high for a vertically stack orientation.
Weight of Monitors
Pair your monitors with a dual arm setup with the right weight-bearing capacity. Monitors exceeding the dual arm's weight limit can dismantle the adaptor plate or cause the monitor to droop. You may be unable to use the leverage or tilt function when setting up an ergonomic viewing point.
Mounting Options
You have multiple mounting options, including freestanding, wall-mounted, and tabletop mount. Freestanding dual monitor arms come with a fixed base that sits on the desk. Wall-mounted varieties come with a wall-mount plate for installation on the wall. Tabletop models come with either a clamp or grommet for tabletop mounting. Choose one of these options that works best for you.
Surface Restrictions
This is an important consideration when choosing tabletop-mounted dual monitor arms. The c-clamp or grommet mount should have enough range to mount safely on the desk.
Stability
Work efficiency depends on the stability of your dual monitor arm. The model you settle for should not exaggerate the motion when leaning on the desk or typing on the keyboard.
Which is Better: Single or Dual Monitor Arm?
The simplest solution for a multi-monitor orientation is a dual monitor arm. But, of course, this is subjective. Here is why two single monitor arms are better than a dual monitor arm setup:
- Stability: A single monitor arm tends to be more stable than two arms connected to the same post and mounting plate or base.
- Scalability: It’s cheaper and much easier to add a third single monitor arm to your workstation than upgrading to a triple monitor arm.
- Flexibility: When using two single monitor arms, the screens don’t have to be of the same size and weight.
- Independence: Although some dual monitor arms allow you to tilt and rotate your monitors, the motions of the arms are not as independent as two single monitor arms. This is so because the mounting brackets on a dual monitor arm limit your options.
3 Benefits of a Monitor Arm
Monitor arms are a worthwhile investment, and here are the reasons why:
#1 - Space-Saving
The first and most crucial benefit of dual monitor arms is their space-saving ability. Two freestanding monitors take up considerable space on a desk.
However, mounting the same two monitors on a single, dual monitor arm frees up much desk space, which you can use for material placement and other tasks. Similarly, using a wall-mounted design can completely free up your desk space.
Use these Expert Tips to Declutter Your WFH Environment for a more ergonomic and tidier workstation.
#2 - Viewing Height
An ergonomic viewing angle is essential when using a computer monitor for long hours. A dual monitor arm raises your screens to an ergonomic viewing height and allows you to adjust the angle and reach. You can also rotate the individual monitors into a landscape or portrait view.
#3 - Less Risky
It’s easy for freestanding computer monitors to tip over when you accidentally knock on the desk. However, this isn’t a problem when you mount your monitors to a dual arm firmly attached to the tabletop with a robust C-clamp or grommet mount.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions about monitor arms.
Can you use a monitor arm on a glass desk or table?
You can use a monitor arm on a glass desk or table if it’s a freestanding design with a fixed base. Ensure the combined weight of the monitor arm and the two screens won’t exert too much pressure on the glass desk. With that said, the safest option would be a wall-mounted dual monitor arm.
Can a monitor arm hold a TV?
Yes, many monitor arms can hold TVs, especially those with VESA mount compatibility. However, it's crucial to check the weight and size limits specified by the monitor arm to ensure it can adequately support your TV. Additionally, consider the VESA pattern compatibility between the monitor arm and your TV for a secure fit.
How long do monitor arms last?
The lifespan of monitor arms varies depending on factors such as build quality, usage frequency, and weight capacity adherence. Generally, well-maintained monitor arms can last several years. It's essential to follow the manufacturer's guidelines for maintenance and weight limits to maximise longevity. Similarly, regular inspection and proper care can contribute to a longer lifespan.
Darren Sherwood
Wrapping Up
Your workstation should reflect how you plan to use it, and it all starts with ergonomics. Ignoring ergonomics in your desk accessories can affect your productivity and quality of life in the long run.
You can set up ergonomic viewing with a monitor arm to prevent neck pain and eye strain. But with diverse options available, we tailored this guide to help you find a design that meets your every need. Hopefully, you have found the best pick for your workstation.
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