Buying Guide
The Best Monitor Arms, Compared
Six single arms, including two for large ultrawides.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read6 products evaluated
Arm ratings vary from 15 to 44 lb. These six span that range with gas, mechanical and elbow springs.
Load and size limits come from each listing.
Quick Picks
Our 6 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Highest Load
HUANUO TitanLift Heavy Duty Monitor Arm
A 6 to 44 lb range.
Best for: Heavy ultrawides.
Our take Check price for HUANUO TitanLift Heavy Duty Monitor Arm (opens in a new tab)
Best Premium
Ergotron LX Pro Premium Single Monitor Arm
A 4 to 22 lb range with 13 inches of lift.
Best for: Standard screens.
Our take Check price for Ergotron LX Pro Premium Single Monitor Arm (opens in a new tab)
Best Aluminum
VIVO Premium Aluminum Ultrawide Monitor Arm
An aluminum arm with an elbow spring gauge.
Best for: 40-inch screens.
Our take Check price for VIVO Premium Aluminum Ultrawide Monitor Arm (opens in a new tab)
Best Gas Spring
HUANUO Single Gas Spring Monitor Arm
Automotive-grade gas spring cores.
Best for: One-hand moves.
Our take Check price for HUANUO Single Gas Spring Monitor Arm (opens in a new tab)
Best Mechanical Budget
NB SmooVex Mechanical Spring Monitor Mount
A mechanical spring for 32-inch screens.
Best for: Tight budgets.
Our take Check price for NB SmooVex Mechanical Spring Monitor Mount (opens in a new tab)
Thickest Desk Fit
Amazon Basics Adjustable Single Monitor Arm
A clamp for desks up to 4.25 inches.
Best for: Thick desktops.
Our take Check price for Amazon Basics Adjustable Single Monitor Arm (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Highest Load1 of 6
HUANUO TitanLift Heavy Duty Monitor Arm on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
HUANUO's TitanLift holds 6 to 44 lb and screens up to 49 inches on a dual C-clamp.
Best for
- Heavy ultrawides.
Skip if
- Price-first buyers should look at the Amazon Basics single, which cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It has the highest load rating here. On screen size limit it leads this guide at 49 in, ahead of the VIVO aluminum ultrawide (40 in). Its 44 lbs load rating is the highest here; the VIVO aluminum ultrawide comes next at 26.4 lbs.
A up to 100x100 vesa is unique to it among these picks, while the SmooVex uses a 75x75 / 100x100 vesa. A dual C-clamp mounting is unique to it among these picks, while the SmooVex uses a C-clamp or grommet mounting. Check the back of your monitor for a Up to 100x100 VESA pattern before ordering the TitanLift; curved and some slim monitors need an adapter.
Confirm your desk edge fits the TitanLift's clamp range and has no rear lip or drawer rail in the way. On price it sat fifth of 6, between the cheaper VIVO aluminum ultrawide and the pricier Ergotron LX Pro, at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- Max screen size: 49 in
- Max load per arm: 44 lbs
- Monitors: 1
- VESA: Up to 100x100
- Mounting: Dual C-clamp
Pros
- Takes ultrawides up to 49 inches
- 44 lb load per arm
- 6 to 44 lb range
- Dual C-clamp
Cons
- Costs more than the Amazon Basics single at the time of writing
Best Premium2 of 6
Ergotron LX Pro Premium Single Monitor Arm on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Ergotron's LX Pro holds 4 to 22 lb screens up to 34 inches with 13 inches of lift.
Best for
- Standard screens.
Skip if
- If budget leads, the Amazon Basics single was cheaper at our last price check.
Why we like it
The grommet mount is sold separately. Its 34 in screen size limit ranks fourth of 6 here, behind the TitanLift (49 in) and ahead of the SmooVex (32 in). It matches the Amazon Basics single on load rating (22 lbs).
It shares a 75x75 / 100x100 vesa with the SmooVex and Amazon Basics single; the TitanLift goes with a up to 100x100 vesa. A two-piece clamp mounting is unique to it among these picks, while the SmooVex uses a C-clamp or grommet mounting. Check the back of your monitor for a 75x75 / 100x100 VESA pattern before ordering the Ergotron LX Pro; curved and some slim monitors need an adapter. It was the highest-priced of the 6 picks at the time of writing, so the case for it rests on what it adds over the TitanLift and the rest.
Key dimensions & specs
- Max screen size: 34 in
- Max load per arm: 22 lbs
- Monitors: 1
- VESA: 75x75 / 100x100
- Mounting: Two-piece clamp
Pros
- 4 to 22 lb range
- 13 inches of lift
- Grommet mount sold separately
- Screen size limit of 34 in, ahead of the HUANUO gas single
Cons
- Costs more than the Amazon Basics single at the time of writing
Best Aluminum3 of 6
VIVO Premium Aluminum Ultrawide Monitor Arm on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
VIVO's aluminum ultrawide arm takes screens up to 40 inches, 26.4 lb flat or 24.2 lb curved.
Best for
- 40-inch screens.
Skip if
- Skip it if price comes first: the Amazon Basics single cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
A gauge on the elbow shows spring tension. Its 40 in screen size limit ranks second of 6 here, behind the TitanLift (49 in) and ahead of the SmooVex (32 in). Its 26.4 lbs load rating ranks second of 5 here, behind the TitanLift (44 lbs) and ahead of the HUANUO gas single (19.8 lbs).
You get an elbow spring tension here, which sets it apart from the SmooVex and its a mechanical spring tension. Check the back of your monitor for a 75x75 or 100x100 VESA pattern before ordering the VIVO aluminum ultrawide; curved and some slim monitors need an adapter. Confirm your desk edge fits the VIVO aluminum ultrawide's clamp range and has no rear lip or drawer rail in the way.
Set the VIVO aluminum ultrawide's spring tension to your monitor's weight; a screen below the minimum load drifts upward. Its price falls between the HUANUO gas single and the TitanLift, based on our last check.
Key dimensions & specs
- Max screen size: 40 in
- Max load per arm: 26.4 lbs
- Monitors: 1
- Tension: Elbow spring
- Mounting: C-clamp or grommet
Pros
- Takes ultrawides up to 40 inches
- 26.4 lb load per arm
- Aluminum arm
- 26.4 lb flat or 24.2 lb curved limit
Cons
- Costs more than the Amazon Basics single at the time of writing
Best Gas Spring4 of 6
HUANUO Single Gas Spring Monitor Arm on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
HUANUO's gas-spring single arm uses automotive-grade gas spring cores.
Best for
- One-hand moves.
Skip if
- Skip it if load rating matters most to you; the TitanLift offers 44 lbs.
Why we like it
It holds 4.4 to 19.8 lb screens up to 32 inches. On screen size limit it ties with the SmooVex at 32 in. On load rating it trails the group at 19.8 lbs, while the TitanLift is rated for 44 lbs.
No other pick in this guide offers a gas spring tension; compare the VIVO aluminum ultrawide, which has an elbow spring tension. It also offers a 4.4 to 19.8 lb range and C-clamp or grommet mounting. Check the back of your monitor for a 75x75 or 100x100 VESA pattern before ordering the HUANUO gas single; curved and some slim monitors need an adapter.
Confirm your desk edge fits the HUANUO gas single's clamp range and has no rear lip or drawer rail in the way. It was priced above the SmooVex and below the VIVO aluminum ultrawide at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- Max screen size: 32 in
- Max load per arm: 19.8 lbs
- Monitors: 1
- Tension: Gas spring
- Mounting: C-clamp or grommet
Pros
- Automotive-grade gas spring cores
- 4.4 to 19.8 lb range
- C-clamp or grommet mounting
- Gas spring tension, the only one here
Cons
- Load rating trails the TitanLift (44 lbs)
- Costs more than the Amazon Basics single at the time of writing
Best Mechanical Budget5 of 6
NB SmooVex Mechanical Spring Monitor Mount on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
NB's SmooVex uses a mechanical spring in place of gas for screens up to 32 inches.
Best for
- Tight budgets.
Skip if
- Skip it if screen size limit matters most to you; the TitanLift offers 49 in.
Why we like it
It includes C-clamp and grommet options. It matches the HUANUO gas single on screen size limit (32 in). A mechanical spring tension is unique to it among these picks, while the HUANUO gas single uses a gas spring tension.
It shares a 75x75 / 100x100 vesa with the Ergotron LX Pro and Amazon Basics single; the TitanLift goes with a up to 100x100 vesa. Check the back of your monitor for a 75x75 / 100x100 VESA pattern before ordering the SmooVex; curved and some slim monitors need an adapter. Confirm your desk edge fits the SmooVex's clamp range and has no rear lip or drawer rail in the way.
On price it sat second of 6, between the cheaper Amazon Basics single and the pricier HUANUO gas single, at the time of writing. The trade-off is screen size limit; for more, the TitanLift comes in at 49 in.
Key dimensions & specs
- Max screen size: 32 in
- Monitors: 1
- Tension: Mechanical spring
- VESA: 75x75 / 100x100
- Mounting: C-clamp or grommet
Pros
- Mechanical spring instead of gas
- Screens up to 32 inches
- C-clamp or grommet mounting
- Mechanical spring tension, the only one here
Cons
- Screen size limit trails the TitanLift (49 in)
- No published load rating
- Costs more than the Amazon Basics single at the time of writing
Thickest Desk Fit6 of 6
Amazon Basics Adjustable Single Monitor Arm on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Amazon Basics' single arm takes 32-inch screens or 38-inch ultrawides up to 22 lb.
Best for
- Thick desktops.
Skip if
- Skip it if this is a deal-breaker for you: screen size limit of 38 in, behind the TitanLift (49 in).
Why we like it
Its clamp fits desks up to 4.25 inches thick. Its 38 in screen size limit ranks third of 6 here, behind the TitanLift (49 in) and ahead of the SmooVex (32 in). It matches the Ergotron LX Pro on load rating (22 lbs).
It shares a 75x75 / 100x100 vesa with the Ergotron LX Pro and SmooVex; the TitanLift goes with a up to 100x100 vesa. It also comes with a 22 lb limit. Check the back of your monitor for a 75x75 / 100x100 VESA pattern before ordering the Amazon Basics single; curved and some slim monitors need an adapter.
Confirm your desk edge fits the Amazon Basics single's clamp range and has no rear lip or drawer rail in the way. It undercut the SmooVex and every other pick on price at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- Max screen size: 38 in
- Max load per arm: 22 lbs
- Monitors: 1
- VESA: 75x75 / 100x100
- Mounting: C-clamp or grommet
Pros
- Takes ultrawides up to 38 inches
- 32-inch screens or 38-inch ultrawides
- 22 lb limit
- Clamp for desks up to 4.25 inches thick
Cons
- Screen size limit of 38 in, behind the TitanLift (49 in)
How We Chose
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- Screen size
- We noted the maximum screen size, including ultrawide figures.
- Mounting
- We checked clamp and grommet options and listed desk thickness ranges.
- Load rating
- We recorded the per-arm weight range each listing states, including curved-screen limits where given.
- Adjustment
- We noted gas, mechanical spring or pole-collar height adjustment.
What to Look for in a Monitor Arms Compared
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Screen size limits are about leverage
A 34 or 49-inch ultrawide puts more leverage on the joint. Use an arm listed for that size, not only that weight.
Weigh the monitor without its stand
Arm ratings are per arm and include a minimum as well as a maximum. Weigh the panel alone, since the stand is removed.
Clamp or grommet
C-clamps grip the desk edge within a thickness range. Grommet mounts go through a hole and suit desks with a back lip.
Gas and mechanical springs
Spring-assisted arms let you move the screen with one hand. Pole-mounted arms adjust height with a collar and a tool.
Confirm the VESA pattern
Most arms take 75x75 or 100x100mm. Larger ultrawides may use 200x100 or none at all and need an adapter plate.
Dual arms and desk depth
Dual arms share one pole or clamp. Check the arm reach against your desk depth so both screens can sit at arm's length.
How to Choose a Monitor Arms Compared
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Heavy ultrawides | TitanLift | A 6 to 44 lb range |
| Standard screens | Ergotron LX Pro | A 4 to 22 lb range with 13 inches of lift |
| 40-inch screens | VIVO aluminum ultrawide | An aluminum arm with an elbow spring gauge |
| One-hand moves | HUANUO gas single | Automotive-grade gas spring cores |
| Tight budgets | SmooVex | A mechanical spring for 32-inch screens |
| Thick desktops | Amazon Basics single | A clamp for desks up to 4.25 inches |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
Figures as each maker states them.
| Monitor Arm | Max screen size | Max load per arm | Monitors | Tension |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TitanLift | 49 in | 44 lbs | 1 | Not listed |
| Ergotron LX Pro | 34 in | 22 lbs | 1 | Not listed |
| VIVO aluminum ultrawide | 40 in | 26.4 lbs | 1 | Elbow spring |
| HUANUO gas single | 32 in | 19.8 lbs | 1 | Gas spring |
| SmooVex | 32 in | Not listed | 1 | Mechanical spring |
| Amazon Basics single | 38 in | 22 lbs | 1 | Not listed |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
Prices change often; these tiers reflect Amazon prices when this guide was updated.
| Price tier | Monitor Arms |
|---|---|
| Under $50 | Amazon Basics single, SmooVex, HUANUO gas single |
| About $50 to $100 | VIVO aluminum ultrawide, TitanLift |
| About $150 to $250 | Ergotron LX Pro |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my monitor drift up or down?
The spring tension does not match the screen weight. Adjust the tension screw on the arm's elbow or base.
What desk thickness do clamps fit?
Most ranges fall between about 0.4 and 3 inches. Check the exact range in the product details.
Can I clamp a monitor arm to a glass desk?
It is not recommended. Clamp arms concentrate force on the desk edge; use a freestanding base instead.
How do I know if my monitor fits an arm?
Look for four screw holes on the back, 75mm or 100mm apart. If there are none, the monitor needs a VESA adapter or cannot be mounted.
Should I get a monitor arm or a riser?
A riser lifts a monitor on its own stand and needs no VESA mount. An arm frees desk space and adds tilt and swivel.
Do monitor arms work with curved screens?
Yes if the curved monitor has a VESA pattern. Some arms list a lower weight limit for curved panels.
Bottom Line
HUANUO's TitanLift is the pick for a 44 lb rating and 49-inch screens. Ergotron's LX Pro is the premium standard arm, and VIVO's aluminum arm takes 40-inch ultrawides.