Quick picks
| Pick | Best for | Type |
|---|---|---|
| HUANUO single gas spring arm | Best overall budget arm | Single, gas spring |
| VIVO single monitor desk mount | Lowest-cost basic mount | Single, fixed tension |
| HUANUO dual monitor arm | Two-screen setups | Dual, gas spring |
| ErGear heavy-duty arm | Large or ultrawide monitors | Single, heavy-duty |
Before you buy: will it fit?
- VESA holes: check the back of your monitor for a 75x75 or 100x100 mm screw pattern. No holes means you need a VESA adapter bracket.
- Weight: compare your monitor's weight (without its stand) to the arm's maximum. Gas spring arms droop if the screen is too light or too heavy.
- Desk clamp: measure your desk thickness and check there's room behind the desk for the clamp. Glass desks need a grommet mount or a reinforcement plate.
- Size: most budget arms handle up to 27–32 inches; ultrawides need a heavy-duty arm.
The best budget monitor arms
Best for: Best overall budget arm
HUANUO Single Monitor Arm (gas spring)
Smooth gas spring movement lets you pull the screen closer, tilt it or rotate it to portrait with one hand. Includes clamp and grommet mounting and basic cable clips.
- Easy one-hand adjustment
- Clamp and grommet options
- Tidy cable routing
- Tension needs tuning on first setup
Best for: Lowest-cost basic mount
VIVO Single Monitor Desk Mount
A simple pole-style mount that raises your screen and clears desk space. It doesn't float like a gas spring arm, but it's sturdy and very affordable.
- Very affordable
- Solid and simple
- Fits most 13–32 inch screens
- Height adjusts with a tool, not by hand
Best for: Two-screen setups
HUANUO Dual Monitor Arm
Two independent gas spring arms on one pole, so you can line up a gaming monitor and a second screen for chat, streams or work.
- Each arm moves independently
- Saves a lot of desk space
- Good value for two arms
- Needs a sturdy desk edge
Best for: Large and ultrawide monitors
ErGear Heavy-Duty Monitor Arm
Built for heavier screens up to ultrawide sizes, with a stronger spring so big monitors stay where you put them.
- Higher weight capacity
- Stable with big screens
- Full tilt and swivel
- Overkill for small monitors
Setup tips
- Set the top of the screen at or just below eye level to reduce neck strain.
- Adjust the gas spring tension until the screen stays put at any height.
- Route cables through the arm's clips, then tidy the rest with an under-desk cable tray.
Pair your arm with one of our best budget 1440p gaming monitors and a monitor light bar for a clean, glare-free desk. Then finish the setup with a mechanical keyboard and a budget gaming microphone.
FAQ
Will a monitor arm fit my monitor?
Only if it has VESA mounting holes (usually 75x75 or 100x100 mm) and its weight is within the arm's range. Without holes you need a VESA adapter.
Can a monitor arm damage my desk?
Clamps can dent soft or thin desks. Use the included plate or add a steel reinforcement plate under the clamp.
Gas spring or fixed mount?
Gas spring arms move by hand and are better if you adjust often. Fixed mounts are cheaper and fine if you set it once.
Does a monitor light bar work on a monitor arm?
Yes. Most light bars clip onto the top of the screen, not the stand, so they work with any arm.