Buying Guide
The Best Monitor Stand for Desk
Three monitor stands ranked on load rating and load; the WALI riser is the cheapest route in.
By The PC Journal editorial team
11 min read3 products evaluated
A monitor stand raises the screen toward eye level and can add storage underneath. These are ordered from the lowest price.
Rankings weigh load and platform as the makers state them; if a maker skips load, the guide says so rather than guess, since we have not benched them.
Quick Picks
Our 3 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Lowest Price Here
WALI Adjustable Computer Monitor Stand
Undercutting the HUANUO riser on price when we checked.
Best for: Spending as little as possible.
Our take Check price for WALI Adjustable Computer Monitor Stand (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
HUANUO Monitor Riser with Vented Metal Platform
A vented steel platform.
Best for: Buyers who want vented steel platform.
Our take Check price for HUANUO Monitor Riser with Vented Metal Platform (opens in a new tab)
Premium Pick
Spacrea Dual Monitor Stand Riser with Drawer
The top of this price range, adding a drawer.
Best for: Spending more for the fullest feature set.
Our take Check price for Spacrea Dual Monitor Stand Riser with Drawer (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it’s here | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Undercutting the HUANUO riser on price when we checked. | Spending as little as possible. | Check price for WALI Adjustable Computer Monitor Stand (opens in a new tab) |
| A vented steel platform. | Buyers who want vented steel platform. | Check price for HUANUO Monitor Riser with Vented Metal Platform (opens in a new tab) |
| The top of this price range, adding a drawer. | Spending more for the fullest feature set. | Check price for Spacrea Dual Monitor Stand Riser with Drawer (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Lowest Price Here1 of 3
WALI Adjustable Computer Monitor Stand on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
WALI's adjustable stand offers a 44 lb (20 kg) limit.
Best for
- Spending as little as possible.
Skip if
- Look at the other picks if you need a feature not covered above.
Why we like it
Its 14.6 by 9.3 inch shelf raises a screen by 4.5, 5.3 or 6.1 inches. The vented shelf also works for a laptop or printer. It assembles without tools, and the space underneath holds a keyboard or notebooks.
The black finish suits most desks. It also comes with the lowest price among the risers here. Measure your monitor stand's footprint against the WALI riser's platform before ordering.
It makes the most sense for spending as little as possible, since it offers undercutting the HUANUO riser on price when we checked. It undercut the HUANUO riser and every other pick on price at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- Load: 44 lbs
- Height: Adjustable
Pros
- Holds up to 44 lbs
- 44 lb (20 kg) limit
- Adjustable height
- The lowest price among the risers here
Also Consider2 of 3
HUANUO Monitor Riser with Vented Metal Platform on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
HUANUO's riser has a vented steel platform and a 44 lb limit.
Best for
- Buyers who want vented steel platform.
Skip if
- Skip it if price comes first: the WALI riser cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It also suits a laptop or printer. Its perforated steel platform lifts a monitor by about 4 inches and lets a laptop breathe. At 14.57 inches wide it suits a single screen.
It assembles in about two minutes, and the space underneath stores a keyboard or papers. Its solid steel plate holds monitors, laptops and printers. At 3.94 inches tall it raises the screen a modest amount, which suits shorter desks.
Measure your monitor stand's footprint against the HUANUO riser's platform before ordering. It was priced above the WALI riser and below the Spacrea riser at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- Load: 44 lbs
- Platform: 14.94 in steel plate
Pros
- Holds up to 44 lbs
- Vented steel platform
- 44 lb limit
- Room for a laptop or printer
Cons
- Costs more than the WALI riser at the time of writing
Premium Pick3 of 3
Spacrea Dual Monitor Stand Riser with Drawer on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
What the Spacrea riser brings to the table is a drawer, plus two pen holders.
Best for
- Spending more for the fullest feature set.
Skip if
- Pass if a published load rating matters; this one has none.
Why we like it
It holds two monitors side by side, and a built-in drawer keeps small items off the desk. It raises the screens to a more comfortable eye level. A pen holder and drawer are built in, and the one-piece steel plate carries two monitors steadily.
It clears clutter from the main desk. You also get a dual-width platform. Measure your monitor stand's footprint against the Spacrea riser's platform before ordering.
The Spacrea riser's drawer needs clearance in front, so keep the keyboard slightly forward. Only the HUANUO riser came close to it on price at the time of writing; it cost the most of the 3 picks. There is no published load rating figure, whereas the WALI riser is rated for 44 lbs.
Key dimensions & specs
- Platform: Dual
- Storage: Drawer, 2 pen holders
Pros
- Built-in drawer
- Two pen holders
- Dual-width platform
- The top of this price range, adding a drawer
Cons
- No published load rating
- Costs more than the WALI riser at the time of writing
How We Chose
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- Height
- We noted listed heights and whether they adjust.
- Platform
- We noted listed platform sizes where given.
- Storage
- We noted drawers and pen holders.
- Load
- We recorded the weight limit.
What to Look for in a Monitor Stand for Desk
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Check the platform size
A monitor stand's base must fit fully on the platform. Dual risers span two screens or a monitor and a laptop.
Drawers and slots
Drawers and pen holders tidy a small desk; open risers leave room to slide a keyboard underneath.
Raise the screen to eye level
The top edge of the screen should sit near eye height. Adjustable risers let you pick a height instead of guessing.
Wood, metal or plastic
Steel and wood feel stiffer; plastic risers are lighter and cheaper. Check that the legs sit flat.
Load ratings are generous
Most monitors weigh under 20 lb with the stand. A higher rating matters for a CRT, a printer or two screens.
How to Choose a Monitor Stand for Desk
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Spending as little as possible | WALI riser | Undercutting the HUANUO riser on price when we checked |
| Buyers who want vented steel platform | HUANUO riser | A vented steel platform |
| Spending more for the fullest feature set | Spacrea riser | The top of this price range, adding a drawer |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
Figures as each maker states them.
| Monitor Riser | Load | Platform |
|---|---|---|
| WALI riser | 44 lbs | Not listed |
| HUANUO riser | 44 lbs | 14.94 in steel plate |
| Spacrea riser | Not listed | Dual |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which pick costs the least here?
At our last price check the WALI riser was the cheapest pick and the Spacrea riser the most expensive; the HUANUO riser was the next step up from the WALI riser.
How high should my monitor be?
The top of the screen at or slightly below eye level for most people. Adjust from there.
Can I store a keyboard under a riser?
Yes, if the clearance under the platform is taller than the keyboard. Check the height.
Should I get a monitor riser or an arm?
A riser needs no VESA mount or clamp. An arm frees more desk space and adds tilt and swivel.
Will one riser fit two monitors?
Only a dual or extended riser. Measure both stands side by side.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the WALI riser, chosen for undercutting the HUANUO riser on price when we checked. Look at the HUANUO riser for a vented steel platform and the Spacrea riser for the top of this price range, adding a drawer if those matter more to you.
The top of the screen should sit at or slightly below eye level.