Buying Guide
The Best Single Monitor Arms
Five monitor arms ranked on screen size limit and load rating, where the TitanLift has the highest load rating; the ErGear heavy duty is the cheapest route in.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read5 products evaluated
A single arm frees desk space and lets you set the screen at eye level. Every pick holds one monitor, from the premium end down.
Rankings weigh max screen size, max load per arm and monitors as the makers state them; if a maker skips VESA, the guide says so rather than guess, since we have not benched them.
Quick Picks
Our 5 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Premium Pick
Ergotron LX Single Monitor Arm
A 7 to 25 lb range at the highest price in the group.
Best for: Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor.
Our take Check price for Ergotron LX Single Monitor Arm (opens in a new tab)
Two-piece Clamp Mounting
Ergotron LX Pro Premium Single Monitor Arm
A two-piece clamp mounting.
Best for: Buyers who want a two-piece clamp mounting.
Our take Check price for Ergotron LX Pro Premium Single Monitor Arm (opens in a new tab)
Highest Load Rating
HUANUO TitanLift Heavy Duty Monitor Arm
The highest load rating here (44 lbs).
Best for: Buyers who put load rating first.
Our take Check price for HUANUO TitanLift Heavy Duty Monitor Arm (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
HUANUO Ultrawide Monitor Arm (13-40 in)
Screens up to 40 inches.
Best for: Buyers who want screens up to 40 inches.
Our take Check price for HUANUO Ultrawide Monitor Arm (13-40 in) (opens in a new tab)
Lowest Price Here
ErGear Heavy Duty Ultrawide Monitor Arm (13-49 in)
The cheapest way into this group, below the HUANUO ultrawide.
Best for: Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere in the build.
Our take Check price for ErGear Heavy Duty Ultrawide Monitor Arm (13-49 in) (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Premium Pick1 of 5
Ergotron LX Single Monitor Arm on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Ergotron's LX holds 7 to 25 lb screens up to 34 inches with 13 inches of lift.
Best for
- Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor.
Skip if
- Skip it if price comes first: the ErGear heavy duty cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It ships with a two-piece clamp and a grommet mount. It matches the Ergotron LX Pro on screen size limit (34 in). Its 25 lbs load rating ranks fourth of 5 here, behind the TitanLift (44 lbs) and ahead of the Ergotron LX Pro (22 lbs).
It shares a 75x75 / 100x100 vesa with the Ergotron LX Pro and ErGear heavy duty; the TitanLift goes with a up to 100x100 vesa. You get a two-piece clamp and grommet mounting here, which sets it apart from the ErGear heavy duty and its a dual C-clamp or grommet mounting. Check the back of your monitor for a 75x75 / 100x100 VESA pattern before ordering the Ergotron LX; curved and some slim monitors need an adapter. It was the most expensive pick when we checked, so weigh what it adds over the Ergotron LX Pro.
Key dimensions & specs
- Max screen size: 34 in
- Max load per arm: 25 lbs
- Monitors: 1
- VESA: 75x75 / 100x100
- Mounting: Two-piece clamp and grommet
Pros
- 7 to 25 lb range
- 13 inches of lift
- Two-piece desk clamp and grommet mount
- Load rating of 25 lbs, ahead of the Ergotron LX Pro
Cons
- Costs more than the ErGear heavy duty at the time of writing
Two-piece Clamp Mounting2 of 5
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
- Buyers who want a two-piece clamp mounting.
Skip if
- Skip it if screen size limit matters most to you; the TitanLift offers 49 in.
Why we like it
The grommet mount is sold separately. On screen size limit it ties with the Ergotron LX at 34 in. On load rating it trails the group at 22 lbs, while the TitanLift is rated for 44 lbs.
Like the Ergotron LX and ErGear heavy duty, it has a 75x75 / 100x100 vesa, while the TitanLift uses a up to 100x100 vesa. No other pick in this guide offers a two-piece clamp mounting; compare the HUANUO ultrawide, which has 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.
When we checked, only the TitanLift and cheaper picks cost less, and the Ergotron LX cost more. Screen size limit is its weakest area, and the TitanLift covers it better at 49 in.
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
- Two-piece clamp mounting, the only one here
Cons
- Screen size limit trails the TitanLift (49 in)
- Load rating trails the TitanLift (44 lbs)
- Costs more than the ErGear heavy duty at the time of writing
Highest Load Rating3 of 5
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
- Buyers who put load rating first.
Skip if
- Skip it if price comes first: the ErGear heavy duty cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It has the highest load rating here. On screen size limit it ties with the ErGear heavy duty at 49 in. Nothing else here matches its 44 lbs load rating; the ErGear heavy duty comes closest at 37.4 lbs.
It is the only pick here with a up to 100x100 vesa; the Ergotron LX has a 75x75 / 100x100 vesa instead. No other pick in this guide offers a dual C-clamp mounting; compare the HUANUO ultrawide, which has a C-clamp or grommet mounting. You also get a 6 to 44 lb range.
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. When we checked, only the HUANUO ultrawide and cheaper picks cost less, and the Ergotron LX Pro cost more.
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 ErGear heavy duty at the time of writing
Also Consider4 of 5
HUANUO Ultrawide Monitor Arm (13-40 in) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
HUANUO's ultrawide arm takes screens up to 40 inches and 26.4 lb.
Best for
- Buyers who want screens up to 40 inches.
Skip if
- If budget leads, the ErGear heavy duty was cheaper at our last price check.
Why we like it
Its clamp fits desks up to 3.15 inches thick. On screen size limit it sits mid-pack at 40 in: the TitanLift comes in at 49 in, and the Ergotron LX Pro comes in at 34 in. On load rating it sits mid-pack at 26.4 lbs: the TitanLift is rated for 44 lbs, and the Ergotron LX Pro comes in at 22 lbs.
No other pick in this guide offers a C-clamp or grommet mounting; compare the TitanLift, which has a dual C-clamp mounting. You also get a 26.4 lb capacity. Check the back of your monitor for a 75x75 or 100x100 VESA pattern before ordering the HUANUO ultrawide; curved and some slim monitors need an adapter.
Confirm your desk edge fits the HUANUO ultrawide's clamp range and has no rear lip or drawer rail in the way. When we checked, only the ErGear heavy duty cost less, and the TitanLift cost more.
Key dimensions & specs
- Max screen size: 40 in
- Max load per arm: 26.4 lbs
- Monitors: 1
- Mounting: C-clamp or grommet
Pros
- Takes ultrawides up to 40 inches
- 26.4 lb load per arm
- 26.4 lb capacity
- Clamp for desks up to 3.15 inches thick
Cons
- Costs more than the ErGear heavy duty at the time of writing
Lowest Price Here5 of 5
ErGear Heavy Duty Ultrawide Monitor Arm (13-49 in) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
ErGear's heavy-duty arm takes ultrawides up to 49 inches and 37.4 lb.
Best for
- Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere in the build.
Skip if
- Pass on it if load rating of 37.4 lbs, behind the TitanLift (44 lbs rules it out for your setup.
Why we like it
Its clamp fits desks up to 3.15 inches thick. On screen size limit it ties with the TitanLift at 49 in. On load rating it sits mid-pack at 37.4 lbs: the TitanLift is rated for 44 lbs, and the Ergotron LX Pro comes in at 22 lbs.
Like the Ergotron LX and Ergotron LX Pro, it has a 75x75 / 100x100 vesa, while the TitanLift uses a up to 100x100 vesa. No other pick in this guide offers a dual C-clamp or grommet mounting; compare the TitanLift, which has a dual C-clamp mounting. It also comes with a 37.4 lb capacity.
Check the back of your monitor for a 75x75 / 100x100 VESA pattern before ordering the ErGear heavy duty; curved and some slim monitors need an adapter. No other pick here cost less at our last price check, and the HUANUO ultrawide was closest.
Key dimensions & specs
- Max screen size: 49 in
- Max load per arm: 37.4 lbs
- Monitors: 1
- VESA: 75x75 / 100x100
- Mounting: Dual C-clamp or grommet
Pros
- Takes ultrawides up to 49 inches
- 37.4 lb load per arm
- 37.4 lb capacity
- Clamp for desks up to 3.15 inches thick
Cons
- Load rating of 37.4 lbs, behind the TitanLift (44 lbs)
How We Chose These Single Monitor Arms
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- 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.
- Screen size
- We noted the maximum screen size, including ultrawide figures.
- Adjustment
- We noted gas, mechanical spring or pole-collar height adjustment.
What to Look for in a Single Monitor Arm
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Where these picks differ: screen size limit
Among these picks, screen size limit runs from 34 in on the Ergotron LX Pro to 49 in on the TitanLift. Pick the lowest figure that covers your use; the extra usually costs more than it returns.
Confirm the VESA pattern
Most arms take 75x75 or 100x100mm. Larger ultrawides may use 200x100 or none at all and need an adapter plate.
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.
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.
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.
How to Choose a Single Monitor Arm
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor | Ergotron LX | A 7 to 25 lb range at the highest price in the group |
| Buyers who want a two-piece clamp mounting | Ergotron LX Pro | A two-piece clamp mounting |
| Buyers who put load rating first | TitanLift | The highest load rating here (44 lbs) |
| Buyers who want screens up to 40 inches | HUANUO ultrawide | Screens up to 40 inches |
| Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere in the build | ErGear heavy duty | The cheapest way into this group, below the HUANUO ultrawide |
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 | VESA |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ergotron LX | 34 in | 25 lbs | 1 | 75x75 / 100x100 |
| Ergotron LX Pro | 34 in | 22 lbs | 1 | 75x75 / 100x100 |
| TitanLift | 49 in | 44 lbs | 1 | Up to 100x100 |
| HUANUO ultrawide | 40 in | 26.4 lbs | 1 | Not listed |
| ErGear heavy duty | 49 in | 37.4 lbs | 1 | 75x75 / 100x100 |
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 | ErGear heavy duty, HUANUO ultrawide |
| About $50 to $100 | TitanLift |
| About $150 to $250 | Ergotron LX Pro, Ergotron LX |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which pick leads on load rating?
The TitanLift, at 44 lbs. The ErGear heavy duty follows at 37.4 lbs, while the Ergotron LX Pro has 22 lbs.
Which pick costs the least here?
The ErGear heavy duty cost the least when we checked, and the Ergotron LX sat at the top of the range. Prices move often, so check the current listing before buying.
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.
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.
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.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the Ergotron LX, chosen for a 7 to 25 lb range at the highest price in the group. Look at the Ergotron LX Pro for a two-piece clamp mounting, the TitanLift for the highest load rating here (44 lbs) and the HUANUO ultrawide for screens up to 40 inches if those matter more to you.
Check the arm's weight range against your monitor, including curved and ultrawide models.