Are Monitor Arms Worth It? (Comprehensive Guide)


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Written By Daniel Carter
Founder of MonitorArmsGuide.com, Daniel is an expert in ergonomic design who extensively reviews monitor arms. He aims to help users find the best setup through detailed guides and reviews.

Last updated on October 14th, 2023 at 05:50 pm

If you spend a lot of time working on a computer, you know how important it is to have a comfortable and ergonomic workspace.

One way to achieve this is by using a monitor arm.

A monitor arm is a device that attaches to your desk and allows you to adjust the height, angle, and position of your monitor.

But are they worth the investment..?

Understanding Monitor Arms Before we dive into whether monitor arms are worth it, let’s first understand what they are.

As mentioned earlier, a monitor arm is a device that attaches to your desk and holds your monitor.

It allows you to adjust the height, angle, and position of your monitor, which can help reduce neck and eye strain.

Monitor arms come in different sizes and styles, and some can hold multiple monitors at once.

Ergonomic Benefits of Monitor Arms Now that we understand what monitor arms are, let’s talk about the ergonomic benefits they offer.

One of the main benefits of using a monitor arm is that it allows you to adjust your monitor to the perfect height and angle.

This can help reduce neck and eye strain, which can lead to headaches, fatigue, and other health problems.

Additionally, using a monitor arm can free up desk space, which can make your workspace feel less cluttered and more organized.

Key Takeaways
  • Monitor arms can provide ergonomic benefits by allowing you to adjust the height and angle of your monitor, which can help reduce neck and eye strain.
  • Monitor arms can free up desk space, making your workspace feel less cluttered and more organized.
  • When choosing a monitor arm, it’s important to consider factors such as compatibility, weight capacity, and adjustability.

Understanding Monitor Arms

If you’re looking for a way to improve your workspace ergonomics and increase desk space, you may have considered a monitor arm. In this section, we’ll discuss what monitor arms are, the types available, and their benefits.

What are Monitor Arms?

Monitor arms are adjustable mounts that attach to your desk and hold your monitor, allowing you to adjust the height, angle, and position of your screen. They come in a variety of sizes and styles, and some can hold multiple monitors at once.

By using a monitor arm, you can adjust your monitor to the perfect height and angle, reducing neck and eye strain, and improving your posture. Additionally, monitor arms can free up valuable desk space, allowing you to work more efficiently.

Types of Monitor Arms

There are several types of monitor arms to choose from, including:

  • Desk Mount: Attaches to the desk surface with a clamp or grommet and holds the monitor arm in place.
  • Wall Mount: Attaches to the wall and holds the monitor arm in place.
  • Pole Mount: Attaches to a pole and holds the monitor arm in place.
  • Freestanding: Sits on the desk surface and holds the monitor arm in place.

Each type has its own set of benefits and drawbacks, and the best type for you will depend on your workspace and personal preferences.

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Ergonomic Benefits of Monitor Arms

Monitor arms offer numerous ergonomic benefits that can improve our comfort, productivity, and overall wellbeing. In this section, we will discuss some of the most significant benefits of using monitor arms.

Eye Strain Reduction

One of the most common problems associated with prolonged computer use is eye strain. When we stare at a screen for extended periods, we tend to blink less, which can cause dry eyes, headaches, and blurred vision. Monitor arms can help reduce eye strain by allowing us to adjust the height, distance, and angle of our monitors to our preferred viewing position. This can help us maintain a comfortable posture and reduce the need for eye strain.

Posture Improvement

Another significant benefit of using monitor arms is that they can help improve our posture. Poor posture can lead to neck, shoulder, and back pain, and can also cause long-term spinal problems. By adjusting the height and angle of our monitors, we can ensure that our neck and spine are in a neutral position, which can reduce the risk of pain and injury. Additionally, monitor arms can help us maintain a comfortable distance from our screens, which can reduce the need to hunch forward or lean back.

Workspace Flexibility

Finally, monitor arms can provide us with more workspace flexibility. By freeing up desk space, we can have more room to work, which can help us stay organized and focused. Additionally, monitor arms can help us switch between tasks more easily, as we can adjust our monitors to suit the needs of different activities. For example, we can tilt our monitors for better visibility during presentations, or swivel them for easier collaboration with colleagues.

In conclusion, monitor arms offer numerous ergonomic benefits that can improve our comfort, productivity, and overall wellbeing. By reducing eye strain, improving our posture, and providing us with more workspace flexibility, monitor arms can help us work more comfortably and efficiently.

Installation and Maintenance

When it comes to installing monitor arms, it is important to ensure that your monitor is VESA compatible, as most monitor arms use VESA’s Flat Display Mounting Interface (FDMI) standard. You should also make sure that the weight of your monitor is within the weight limit of the monitor arm you choose.

Setting Up Monitor Arms

To set up your monitor arm, begin by attaching the mounting plate to the back of your monitor using the screws provided. Then, attach the arm to the mounting plate and adjust the height and angle of the monitor to your liking. Make sure that the arm is securely attached to your desk or wall mount using the screws provided.

If you have multiple monitors, you may want to consider using a dual monitor arm or a monitor arm with multiple arms. This will allow you to save space on your desk and create a more ergonomic setup.

Care and Maintenance

To ensure that your monitor arm lasts as long as possible, it is important to take care of it properly. Make sure to clean your monitor arm regularly using a soft cloth and mild cleaning solution. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or rough cloths, as these can scratch the surface of your monitor arm.

You should also check your monitor arm regularly for any signs of wear and tear, such as loose screws or damaged parts. If you notice any issues, make sure to address them as soon as possible to prevent further damage.

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Choosing the Right Monitor Arm

When it comes to choosing the right monitor arm, there are a few considerations to keep in mind. In this section, we’ll discuss some of the most important factors to consider when purchasing a monitor arm.

Considerations for Purchase

VESA Compatibility

The first thing to consider when selecting a monitor arm is VESA compatibility. VESA is a display standard for mounting computer monitors and televisions. Before purchasing any monitor arm, make sure your monitor is VESA compatible. Most modern monitors are VESA compatible and have either a 75mm x 75mm or 100mm x 100mm pattern size.

Monitor Size and Weight

Another important factor to consider when selecting a monitor arm is the size and weight of your monitor. Make sure the monitor arm you choose can support the weight of your monitor and is compatible with the size of your monitor. Most monitor arms have weight and size restrictions listed in their specifications, so be sure to check these before making a purchase.

Adjustability

Adjustability is also an important consideration when selecting a monitor arm. Look for a monitor arm that allows for easy adjustment of height, tilt, and swivel to ensure maximum comfort and productivity.

Recommended Brands

Some of the top brands in the monitor arm market include Fully, Ergotron, and AmazonBasics. Fully offers a range of high-quality monitor arms with sleek designs and easy adjustability. Ergotron is known for their innovative monitor arm solutions, including sit-stand options. AmazonBasics offers affordable monitor arm options that are perfect for those on a budget.

When choosing a monitor arm, it’s important to select a brand that offers a warranty and good customer support. This will ensure that you have a reliable and long-lasting product.

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Final Thoughts

After exploring the benefits and considerations of purchasing monitor arms, we believe that they are definitely worth it 🙂

Monitor arms can improve your workspace by creating more space on your desk, providing ergonomic benefits, and improving the overall aesthetic of your setup. Additionally, they offer flexibility in terms of adjusting the height and angle of your monitor, which can help reduce eye strain and neck pain.

When purchasing monitor arms, it is important to consider factors such as VESA compliance, weight capacity, and adjustability. It is also recommended to protect your desk’s surface from potential scuffs or marks when installing the monitor arm.

If you spend a significant amount of time at your desk, investing in a monitor arm can greatly improve your workspace and provide long-term benefits for your health and productivity.

Beyond the utility of monitor arms, safety is paramount. Dive deeper into the safety aspects by reading our article on ‘Are Monitor Arms Safe?

Author

  • Daniel Carter

    Founder of MonitorArmsGuide.com, Daniel is an expert in ergonomic design who extensively reviews monitor arms. He aims to help users find the best setup through detailed guides and reviews.