The Ultimate Monitor Arm Tier List

Summary

This video provides a detailed tier list of the best monitor arms available, tested over 15 years of use. The ranking spans from budget-friendly options like the Hanano and Vivo models, which are suitable for lighter monitors, to high-end choices like the HumanScale M10 and Ergotron LX series, offering superior build quality and stability. Special considerations for each arm include weight capacity, build quality, adjustability, and additional features like cable management and USB ports. The video ultimately helps viewers select the right monitor arm for their needs, based on functionality, durability, and price.

Takeaways

• 😀 Amazon Basics Single Spring Monitor Arm is a great budget option, offering near-identical performance to the Ergotron LX series but at a much lower price.
• 😀 Ergotron LX Dual Stacking Arm is a solid, durable arm with the ability to support multiple monitors, but it has a weak cable management system at this price point.
• 😀 AVLT HD Mount is ideal for heavier monitors and even TVs, but the high weight capacity doesn't justify the extra cost for some users.
• 😀 Ergotron HX Series Monitor Arm is built to support ultra-wide monitors but has issues with adjusting for lighter monitors and lacks sufficient cable management.
• 😀 Hanano Dual Post Stand is a good alternative when clamp or grommet mounting is not possible, but the cheap stand may cause instability for larger setups.
• 😀 The Hanano Single Mount is a budget-friendly entry-level monitor arm, though concerns about the durability of the clamps and build quality limit its long-term reliability.
• 😀 The Human Scale M10 is a premium, heavy-duty monitor arm that's reliable for ultra-wide displays, though its high cost may not be worth it for everyone.
• 😀 The Mono Price HD Spring Arm is a great option for heavier ultra-wide monitors, offering robust build quality, but its bulky design may not appeal to minimalist desk setups.
• 😀 The North Bayou Single Mount is another affordable option, similar to Hanano but with slightly better weight capacity and build quality, making it a solid choice for small to medium monitors.
• 😀 The Ra Hover Series 2 is a modular and expandable arm with excellent cable management, but it might not be the best for users with large or heavy monitors due to its weight limit.
• 😀 The SHW Dual Monitor Arm is affordable but feels cheap in build quality. It's best for budget-conscious users with smaller monitors, but not suitable for high-end setups.
• 😀 The Subtech Monitor Arm offers a dangerously poor build quality and low price point. It's best avoided, especially for larger or more expensive monitors.
• 😀 The Vivo Premium HD Spring Arm is one of the least expensive arms designed for heavier monitors, providing solid construction and cable management features, though its design is not the most visually appealing.

Q & A

What is the main advantage of the Amazon Basics Single Spring Monitor Arm over the Ergotron LX?

The main advantage of the Amazon Basics Single Spring Monitor Arm is its significantly lower price while offering similar functionality to the Ergotron LX. The two arms are nearly identical in design, with the only notable differences being in the size of the base plate and the branding.

What are the key differences between the Ergotron LX and the Ergotron LX Dual Stacking Arm?

The key differences between the Ergotron LX and the LX Dual Stacking Arm include the height of the post and the number of monitors it can support. The LX Dual Stacking Arm allows configurations for up to four monitors, while the standard LX is typically for single monitor use.

Why is the AVLT HD Mount considered a solid option despite its higher cost?

The AVLT HD Mount is considered solid because it has a higher weight capacity (up to 50.7 lbs), making it suitable for larger monitors or even TVs. It also comes with multiple mounting options and features such as USB 3.0 extension cables and auxiliary ports, although these features may not justify the higher cost for everyone.

What is a major downside of the Ergotron HX monitor arm?

A major downside of the Ergotron HX monitor arm is its overly strong spring, which can make it difficult to adjust for certain monitors, particularly lighter ones. It also has limited pivot adjustment range for larger monitors, which can affect its versatility.

What is the most significant drawback of the Hanano Dual Post Stand?

The most significant drawback of the Hanano Dual Post Stand is its unstable, lightweight base. Despite being advertised as heavy-duty, the stand is made from thin steel and can tip over easily, especially when supporting heavier monitors.

What makes the Hanano Single Mount a popular entry-level option?

The Hanano Single Mount is popular because it is an affordable option with good functionality for smaller monitors (17 to 32 inches, up to 14.3 lbs). However, it does have some quality concerns, particularly with the clamp and grommet mounts, which feel light-duty.

Why is the Hanano Dual Monitor Mount ranked in the C-tier?

The Hanano Dual Monitor Mount is ranked in the C-tier because, although it supports dual monitors, it uses the same lower-quality clamp and mount components as the single mount. The arm also has size limitations and may not be sturdy enough for larger monitors.

What features make the HumanScale M10 monitor arm stand out from others?

The HumanScale M10 stands out due to its exceptional build quality and design, making it capable of supporting large, heavy monitors like the 49-inch Samsung G9 ultrawide. It offers excellent adjustability and is considered a top-tier option for those who can afford it.

What are the strengths and weaknesses of the Monoprice HD Spring Arm?

The strengths of the Monoprice HD Spring Arm are its heavy-duty construction, suitability for ultrawide monitors, and excellent height adjustability. However, its bulky design may not be ideal for minimalist setups, and the overall sturdiness might not match other premium brands in the same price range.

How does the Ra Hover Series 2 compare to other arms in terms of customization and expandability?

The Ra Hover Series 2 is highly customizable and expandable, offering multiple post height options (4, 11, and 19 inches) to accommodate future setup changes. It also includes a functional cable management system and a quick disconnect feature, making it a versatile option for various monitor setups.