Monitor arms are a popular way to save space on your desk and improve ergonomics by moving the screen higher so you don’t have to crane your neck to look at it. Whether you’re trying to save space or ensure better posture, there are several factors to consider when choosing your monitor arm, including price, weight capacity, mounting options, and adjustability of the arm itself. Here are seven tips that will help you find the best monitor arm for your needs!
1) Keep an eye out for VESA compatibility
When shopping for a monitor arm, don’t forget to check if your monitor is VESA compatible. If it is, you’ll be able to find mounting plates or clamps on a great many different monitor arms—this allows you to go even cheaper and get an arm without built-in mounting points.
Note that non-VESA monitors aren’t necessarily unsupported but may require additional adapters and hardware, which can significantly increase your price (and bulkiness). Take into account whether or not you have existing wall mounts you can use, though; some manufacturers have universal adapters that support both VESA and non-VESA monitors.
2) Think about the construction quality
It’s one thing to save a few bucks on a monitor arm, but if it doesn’t hold up over time, it will cost you more than money—it will cost you precious hours of productivity. Look for sturdy arms that have been manufactured with precision and come from companies that stand behind their products. Consider the quality of materials.
It is worth spending a little extra on quality materials; they will last longer and feel sturdier. You may also want to purchase an arm that comes with some sort of warranty or guarantee—some companies even include them with each purchase (at no extra charge).
3) Monitor arms with anti-theft capabilities
We know how easy it is to steal from people, especially when they’re sitting at a computer. If you’re investing in a monitor arm, make sure you choose one that’s anti-theft so no one can take it away from you. Most monitor arms have special keys or locks on them that prevent removal. Make sure yours has them!
4) Consider mobility
Are you going to be using your monitor arm at your desk or on-the-go? If you’re planning to take it with you everywhere, look for models that are easy to transport. The obvious benefit of a portable model is that it will allow you to take your monitor arms wherever you go. But even if you plan on using it primarily at your desk, mobility can still be an important factor depending on how often you move or rearrange things.
5) Don’t Forget About Cable Management
The underside of a monitor arm should be compatible with your desk so that it can smoothly attach to it. However, you’ll also want to make sure that it has cable management capabilities so that you can avoid a tangled mess of cords. If you’re going with a wall-mounted monitor arm, we recommend choosing one with built-in cord management or purchasing an add-on organiser separately. This will prevent your cables from becoming unruly and messy.
6) Try Before You Buy
If you are like most of us, you will not buy a monitor arm based on one review. You need to try a few different options out in person. The best way to choose a monitor arm is by trying it out first. To make sure that happens, take your laptop with you when you go shopping and bring an extra cable so you can plug it in right there and then.
Once you’ve narrowed down your choices to two or three models, ask if they would be willing to let you test them at their store for at least a day before deciding whether or not to buy them. You may be surprised at how often they say yes!
7) Look for any warranty or return policies
Beyond style and price, monitor arms usually come with a limited manufacturer’s warranty. In many cases, each brand has different terms and conditions surrounding their respective warranties. However, most will cover any defects in craftsmanship or damage to your monitor.
If you’re concerned about where you might be able to return your product, contact customer service before making a purchase. Most companies want happy customers and are willing to work with you should there be any issues down the road.
Conclusion
While there are many things to consider when choosing a monitor arm, finding one that’s both aesthetically pleasing and functional is always a good bet. Luckily, there are plenty of options on the market to choose from. And, although it can be a little bit daunting to look at all of your choices, we hope that our suggestions will help you figure out which monitor arm will work best in your workspace.
