What Monitor Arms Should You Buy?

Monitor arms are a great and easy way to improve your setup. This single purchase can help clear up some clutter, improve cable management, and give a more minimal look to your desk.
This is more of a guide to help you decide what your setup might benefit from - everyone will have different opinions on looks and mounting choices, but hopefully you can gain something from this video!
As always, skip around in the chapters below:
Chapters:
0:00 - Intro
0:30 - Upgrade needed?
1:14 - VESA Compatibility
2:06 - Monitor Arm Types
3:13 - Price
5:20 - My Pick
6:45 - Final Setup

[@griftgfx]

Ergotron mounts can frequently be found at good prices second hand and/or surplus. Worth it.

[@eetoonamamanakooo]

what kinda surplus stores you recommend, or are they local?

[@PeaceBeginsOnYourPlate]

Where?

[@June_heidi]

the Ergotron HX Single Heavy Duty Monitor Arm. Was a game-changer for my workspace, I’ve not looked back since I got my first one. Recently got an upgrade so I’ve got an extra lying around. If anyone is interested in owning one of these, feel free to ask me about it.

[@therecycledpirate]

Good explanation, basically my reserch put into video as well. Definitely will be sharing this for advice.

[@maotio]

I am suprised you have such few subscribers, the quality seemed like it could have come from someone with thousands. Provided lots of useful information for me!

[@16ozsetups]

Awesome, really glad this could help you out a bit!

[@gordon9821]

Came down here to say the same thing. Guy needs to keep it up!

[@Lazergician]

Great quality video. Definitely expect your channel to blow up at least a bit in the future - nice work!

[@16ozsetups]

Much appreciated!

[@annamartina9155]

This small change made a huge difference!

[@45bob45ful]

Amazing video , I was shocked when I saw you just have 49 subs, insane! Keep it up with the good work mate!

[@16ozsetups]

Thanks, will do - definitely has been a learning experience so far!

[@insanejughead]

So glad to be your 47th sub! I can't wait for more good stuff from you, bro!

[@16ozsetups]

Thanks so much! Hoping to keep it rolling!

[@manyu79]

This is so relaxing I can listen on repeat to my sleep 😴 👍

[@MrSpleenboy]

Something worth noting with monitor arms is that the monitor weights that are often quoted include the monitor stand that comes with the monitor. For example, my monitor stand is rated for a maximum monitor weight of 10kg, but the quoted weight of my monitor (Acer Predator X34, the newer ones are lighter than mine) was 14.4kg. I attached the monitor, and besides having to tighten the springs up, it works fine. The newer predator has weight both with and without stand quoted on their website now, which is handy! Anyway, point is you can probably fit a heavier monitor on your monitor arm than you might think, so it's always worth doing a test

[@subscheme]

Nice video! I needed this information for my setup

[@16ozsetups]

Awesome! Glad you could find some useful information here.

[@orangetuono38]

All good comments below. Ive settled on the Echogear triple monitor mount (pole with arched mount horizontal) over desk and wall mount arms. Once i get height and position right, its r9ck solid and has no interference issues. Can get my desk flush against the wall. A nice side benefit is being able to hang my soundbar, heads and other gear on it.

[@16ozsetups]

Love to hear it, especially being able to set your desk flush against the wall! Really an underrated concept not many people discuss.

[@mike_nba]

nice guide. liked the video

[@DaBoiZee3]

Extremely surprised by your sub count, High quality content my man

[@16ozsetups]

Much appreciated!

[@kehang3731]

Contemplating buying a monitor mount for a long time, bought one after seeing your vid. 👍

[@16ozsetups]

Nice! Hope it improves your setup!

[@Eminence3]

excellent content, crazy for only 240 subs. Keep in mind a lot of the space you gain likely comes from the area needed behind the desk. That is where pole is king.

[@16ozsetups]

Agreed! For people needing a desk mounted “flush” against the wall, pole is a serious contender

[@thatfloridakid]

Nice review, I currently am trying of a few different monitor arms rn to see which I like. I agree that the little bit extra for a good beefy stand that can balance the monitor weight is worth the investment for the added desk space. Can't believe how much better it is with dual screen set ups. Now you'll have to buy a desk mount arm for that laptop 😂. I bring mine around a lot more than I realize beginning to prefer a setup with more use on that computer than the large desktop that hoards all my gaming/media storage and data. I keep forgetting to sync or have when out away from home with stuff to do. I'm prob ordering that next. I got two different amazon arms that are a rebranded ergotron and they work flawlessly. The heavy duty AVLT dual arms are really good for the price and feel when moving around, buttery smooth and stays in place where I place the screen. Least favorite inexpensive option is one from EVEO, which build quality, the adjustments, and the latching mechanism are really sloppy(loose) when comparing with the others and frustrating fighting to align multiple monitors.

[@16ozsetups]

Wow, lots of great information here! Glad to know the ergotron clones function as good as they seem. And yup, after a few weeks with these arms I’m certainly ready to upgrade my laptop stand!

[@AppleAndPear18]

Very few people looking into this. Good video !

[@16ozsetups]

Thank you so much Simon!

[@ANIKyeet]

Compact and simultaneously detailed overview.

[@16ozsetups]

That was the goal! Thank you!

[@MightyAims]

I have the same monitor arm, and I wasn't able to figure out how to get my monitors to tilt so easily. Amazing video!

[@16ozsetups]

Thanks! I believe you can tighten/loosen the various adjustments with the included allen wrench (if you haven’t figured it out yet!)

[@Alexinf1]

Dude based on this video I can definitely see your channel exploding in popularity. Keep up the great work 🤙🏽

[@16ozsetups]

Thanks so much! Really means a lot.

[@LuCallofDuty1]

this

[@lilbit273]

Thank you so much for doing this video. Very well done. Can you please tell me that name of the dual mount at the 2:33 time mark? I can’t seem to find it.

[@lgx2410]

I have an amazon basics single arm and it's the best I've ever had.

[@josephallen6042]

Great video, I subscribed. Thanks for sharing all of this information, I made a purchase of the amazon basic item metioned (Amazon Basics Dual Monitor Stand, Lift Engine Arm Mount, SILVER), last one in silver available.

[@16ozsetups]

Awesome; thanks for the sub! Glad you could get your hands on one!

[@animoSolo]

Sub for the hardwork and good explanation. Keep up

[@16ozsetups]

Much appreciated.

[@schnasndasn1504]

I just bought a pole dual monitor arm where I can mount a monitor and my laptop. Mainly because I hope my desk is easier to clean because I don't have remove tons of stuff off the table to clean it.

[@16ozsetups]

Exactly! The ability to have more space and organize easier is a big reason to shift everything to a separate mounting system.

[@churblefurbles]

Pole mount without elbow is often good, the elbow often gets in the way. Stay away from dual arms, the elbows are too close together.

[@16ozsetups]

I personally have had no issues with dual arms, although it certainly helps I have larger monitors allowing for greater elbow separation.

[@Grubbaboi]

are you able to stack the monitors with your gas spring mount? Or would the bottom monitor be touching the desk?

[@fordkd1]

Great video! I have the same desk

[@16ozsetups]

Thanks! Hoping you’re liking the desk as much as I am!

[@fordkd1]

@@16ozsetups I love it! My two roommates ended up getting the same desk.

[@lm_h]

I used a Pole Monitor arm for like 3 or 4 years. But it was anoying, that I couldn't really adjust it on the go. I replaced it with a Pole Arm with springs (in my case the NB H100). I use that thing for just over a year and love that I can eaily ajust it. By the way it cost justs $30 or something like that.

[@16ozsetups]

$30 is a great price! Hybrid arms seem to return great value for the investment

[@esterrr.x]

Which mount do you recommend for two 27 inch monitors and my desk is like.. 3 inches close to the wall? I also wanna be able to adjust the arms up and down as well. I'm at a rental place so I don't wanna do wall mounts

[@anghDescartes]

Next arm to the left for your laptop and you will get back most of your desk space. Thanks for sharing the information.

[@16ozsetups]

Yup- I think that may be the next upgrade for this desk

[@siimonn]

Hi! You've got a clean setup!! May you please link me the dual monitor mount you used in your video? I can't seem to find it. Thanks!

[@16ozsetups]

Appreciate it Simon! Direct link here, although it can be found at other retailers: www.monoprice.com/product?p_id=15525

[@tiastez]

I bought a spring mount but my issue is that I want my desk to fully touch wall which limited the arms mobility a lot. Just a heads up if you guys are looking into it

[@16ozsetups]

Fair point! I was actually running into the same issue here, I definitely should’ve mentioned it. I needed to slide my clamp over to the corner of the desk to allow for the mobility I was looking for.

[@lordsidious2186]

Hi, nice and informative video. What model are your monitors from Dell?

[@16ozsetups]

Unfortunately I have since moved on from these monitors! My new monitors are 27”, which can be seen in my most recent video (although it looks like my old monitors could be the same size)

[@RNMedia-ju2gf]

The quality of the video is amazing! Hopefully you gain more subscribers! And you definitely got one of them!🤝

[@elarion8701]

Hi! Nica video. What about table - is there issue that 2 monitor will break table if it's not slab? I assume it's about10 kg for 2 monitors putting the pressure on corner of the table.

[@16ozsetups]

Thanks! There is certainly the potential for failure if your tabletop is very thin. I would recommend looking into your desk/table loading specifications if available. There are definitely things you can do to reduce risk of failure- installing a mount closer to the corners of the table, rather than the center, will shift load to the legs of the table rather than the top itself.

[@elarion8701]

@@16ozsetups Thanks!

[@BenPhanStudios]

Nice! You like that husky workbench? I'm thinking of getting one

[@16ozsetups]

Yup, sure do, I’m actually thinking of buying another for my personal setup!

[@BenPhanStudios]

@@16ozsetups awesome! I'm 5'8, do you think it's tall enough for good standing posture at it's highest setting? Thanks!

[@PeaceBeginsOnYourPlate]

Got recommendations for sturdy pole mounts for a 34” ultra wide monitor? Or anything I should consider? I won’t be moving it much.

[@16ozsetups]

I think you're on the right track looking for a pole mount if it won't be moving much - weight will be the main concern, so make sure your monitor is within the mount's weight limits. I just bought a new ultrawide as well so I'm in the same boat!

[@kunj2003]

Nice clean setup. What size monitors and model no.?

[@16ozsetups]

I can’t recall the model #, as I moved on from these monitors- I want to say they were 27”, but am not 100% sure. My new monitors are 27” for sure, which can be seen in the most recent video.

[@paulocesar1042]

high quality content

[@16ozsetups]

Thank you!

[@janokero]

Question, pls Why would you move the monitors up and down once you set them up in relation to the desk. If you sit, it is set, if you lift the desk, your hands, elbows and eyes are in the same place in relation to the monitors / desk. What am I missing?

[@16ozsetups]

In an ideal world, you're correct! Proper ergonomic techniques dictate your arms/hands/head be at the same level relative to your desk/monitor, regardless of your height position. I'm moving around enough throughout my day where I'm not always in the most ergonomic position... and the activity I'm doing (computer work, paper & pencil & book work, non-desk work), can affect where I want to view my monitors. Not the best technique, but for my purposes, it's great to be able to adjust monitor position on the fly if needed.

[@manitsony6703]

hi i saw your mounting near turn table.. can you use it like that? what screen is on ?

[@16ozsetups]

Good eye! Mounting near the record player was for demonstration purposes, but I did use to have a setup similar to that configuration. IIRC the monitor was smaller, 19”, it wasn’t really getting in the way of the record player.

[@thienancr7]

I didn't know Monoprice makes monitor arm until I stumbled upon your video. Will definitely get this one because Monoprice is a reliable brand and this one looks the cleanest (matte black, no branding). Which one model is yours because they have three different models? Not sure which one to get. I have two 27 inch monitors.

[@16ozsetups]

The exact model I purchased is labeled as: "Workstream by Monoprice Dual-Monitor Adjustable Gas-Spring Desk Mount for 15~34in Monitors"

[@thienancr7]

@@16ozsetups okay I ordered that one. Thanks man. How’s it holding up so far? Any sagging?

[@muhammadasyraf3638]

i like ur video. btw what is ur monitor size? seems like 24 inchi

[@16ozsetups]

I’ve since moved on to new monitors unfortunately. Check out my portable monitor video; the desktop monitors shown at the beginning of the video are 27” in diameter.

[@Nullius_in_verba]

Hi, my problem is how to be able to place two 32" monitors side by side horizontally, taking up as little space as possible inside the desk and no space outside as it is attached to the wall. Is possible to do such thing orienting both arms or upper arms all to the left or right?

[@16ozsetups]

If your desk is attached to the wall, the cleanest option would definitely be a wall mount - there are some pretty low profile options out there. However, this would require running cables through the wall if you want to hide them entirely (or you can use cable raceways). Alternatively, some mounts can be drilled directly through desks, but this may not save much space compared to the stock mounts your monitors are already attached to.

[@Derran92]

Can you post a link on that desk I like that one. Thanks

[@16ozsetups]

This is the Husky "Adjustable Height Solid Wood Top Workbench", which can be found at home depot. Many different sizes/options!

[@StardustLegacyFighter]

For anyone that can afford Ergotron mounts, it's better to spend a bit more and get Humanscale arms. Those come with a 15-year warranty, and have a far superior cable management system.

[@GotAdam1]

I have 2 34inch ultrawides and I want the ability to be able to switch which one is in primary position but not sure if it’s possible

[@16ozsetups]

As in physically moving the monitors, or choosing the primary via software?

[@wtfurlookingat1514]

amazon link?

[@kkon5ti]

how do you manage your espresso weight and volume being in ounces?

[@16ozsetups]

I mostly measure everything in grams! "16oz Setups", as a name, comes from the start of my coffee endeavor, when I would order "16oz lattes" pretty consistently.

[@sergiogaroz1]

I have a problem with my desk, is kind of short (50cm) and is attached to the wall, Im looking for a dual monitor arm, and because of the lack of space, and the relative short of my desk im not sure which option is the correct. My monitors are both of 24'', all the arms that I looked for have the same problem, they leave a gap between each monitor because they are too long, and they don't allow me to do as you did on the video, move it to the side and stick both monitors together. What should i look for? you know an arm that can solve this problem?

[@sergiogaroz1]

I forgot to mention that both monitors are different, and none of them are VESA compatible (I have the adapters for each of them). The thing is one is an acer which has his stand on the lower part of the monitor. the other is in the center. So a requirement is that both arms are separated, or that they must be adjustable on height

[@16ozsetups]

It may be difficult to find arms that check all your boxes, but I can offer some guidance: 1) Regarding the desk being “attached” to the wall, it sounds like you will not be able to clamp a mount on the back of the desk. Therefore, you’ll have to either clamp to the side of the desk, or ensure you purchase a mount that will screw through your desk (I think this would be the better option, but it will create permanent holes). If you choose this, you’ll need to make sure your desk material can handle the structural load (I.e. I’m not sure I would drill through something like fiberboard, and this may not work if you have a non-wooden material). 2) Due to your relatively short depth of 24”, I would probably opt to purchase (2) separate pole mounts to which the monitors attach to directly (no arm). You can adjust the separation of these physically, solving your separation issue. They should still have some kind of vertical adjustment mechanism, solving your vertical issue. 3) This may put the monitors closer to your face than you like - so I would seriously consider keeping the stock stands and being creative with cable management. Stock mounts can still look clean and minimal as well :)

[@sergiogaroz1]

​@@16ozsetups thanks for the reply, I've doing some research, following your advice, and I think I have something. I found an arm that goes screwed through the desk leaving a margin of 15cm from the wall, I can then move the arms backwards to solve the gap issue between monitors. Both arms also move independetly in height, allowing me to solve the heigh issue. And I think, if I drill the hole on one side of the desk, I'll be able to center them the same way you did on the video.

[@VictimCard..]

Expensive always provides quality. Less money equals cheap materials. 🙏

[@16ozsetups]

Generally, I agree - I would much rather invest in a nicer product upfront, instead of buying multiple cheaper products.

[@VictimCard..]

@@16ozsetups I prefer the same. 🤝

[@user-zj2st3sm6g]

Does it work with magnus pro desk

[@16ozsetups]

I'm not totally sure, it looks like there's an additional system attached to the back of the desk? Your best bet would be to confirm with the desk manufacturer.

[@showshow8804]

LG has a hybrid pole mount but its proprietary to LG. all their Ergo lineup of monitors come with it. Its a pole mount that has easy lift and lowering motion built into the pole.

[@16ozsetups]

Wow, that’s super neat - just took a look, definitely a really clean look. Might have to consider an LG in the future

[@showshow8804]

@@16ozsetups yeah. Im using one right now. Dont think i can go back to a traditional pole mount. If you're looking for a new monitor experience, can check out their DualUp monitor, it's causing havoc amongst content writers.

[@nexx1603]

Damn that voice pls talk to me more. Nice video btw I'm currently looking for an arm stand and this was very helpful. Thanks :)

6:44 These Amazon basic items are often rippoffs of the original item, I'm not exactly sure if I would go for it.

[@16ozsetups]

This is true; often Amazon basic items seem to be manufactured in facilities to “match” another product. That being said, I have (anecdotally) not had any negative experiences thus far, and these items are often significantly cheaper than the original.

[@crimson_ae7178]

what desk is that?

[@16ozsetups]

This is the Husky Adjustable Workbench - video review here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/l6jPYo2kmq1rr5o desk guide here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jn2ohYOjm72foKM

[@NamTran-xc2ip]

The arm Im getting is $15. But this is helpful

[@16ozsetups]

Glad it could help!

[@noddy5]

Can i ask what you desk is?

[@16ozsetups]

This is the “Husky Adjustable Workbench” - I believe they are only sold at Home Depot

[@tlouphoric9916]

​@@16ozsetupsdesk size?

[@ichbinscheisse3592]

Link to your arm ?

[@16ozsetups]

The one I purchased: www.monoprice.com/product?p_id=15525 Although it may be able to found elsewhere for a cheaper price!

[@AMIRACLEISME]

it all depends, neither is better

[@16ozsetups]

Very true, totally depends on your situation !

[@michaelsegel8758]

I'd say start with the ergotron monitors. Been using them for many years. They were also the only ones that would let me mount my iMac because of its weight. They are solid.

[@16ozsetups]

Definitely looking into these for my next mounting system!

[@Xproof_]

GET A MOUSE PAD! also you deserve 10k subs at least.

[@RayRay-uw6ms]

i don't see why u need to spend money on monitor arms, just put stuff over the monitor feet what's stopping u?

[@16ozsetups]

This is true! However, I prefer a more “clean” look, and I think monitor arms look nicer. It’s all subjective of course, so there’s no need to purchase arms if you already have a functional setup you’re happy with.

[@melsantos3401]

what desk is that?

[@16ozsetups]

Hi Mel, this is a Husky adjustable workbench - officially called "Adjustable Height Solid Wood Top Workbench Table". Made a video on it here! kzbin.info/www/bejne/l6jPYo2kmq1rr5o