Best Monitor Arms Compared on Maker Specs (2026)

Three single monitor arms, compared on published weight limits and adjustment ranges. We have not tested these arms.

By Desk Work Ledger Editorial Team · Updated October 27, 2026 · 2 min read

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A monitor arm holding a screen above a wooden desk (illustrative)
Illustrative image.

A monitor arm lets you set the screen at the height and distance OSHA recommends, then move it when you stand. The Ergotron LX is the pick for most people because it carries the widest weight range. The Humanscale M2.1 suits light screens and has the longest warranty. The Fully Jarvis arm covers the common 13 to 32 in monitor.

Quick picks

  1. Best for most peopleLX Desk Monitor Arm ·
    Check price
  2. Best for light screensM2.1 Monitor Arm ·
    Check price
  3. Best for 13–32 in screensJarvis Single Monitor Arm ·
    Check price

Side-by-side specs

CompareThree monitor arms at a glance
SpecTop pickErgotronLX Desk Monitor ArmLight screensHumanscaleM2.1 Monitor ArmStandard screensFullyJarvis Single Monitor Arm
Best forHeavier monitors up to 25 lbLight flat screens and the longest warrantyStandard 13–32 in monitors
Monitor weight7–25 lb (lift drops up to 4.5 in above 20 lb)5–15.5 lb flat, 5–12.5 lb curvedUp to 19 lb (product copy) or 20 lb (spec table)
Screen sizeUp to 34 in typicalNot listed; set by weight13–32 in
Lift13 in6.7–17.1 in height adjustment (brochure)13.2 in range, 19.8 in max above desk
ReachUp to 25 in568 mm (about 22.4 in, dealer listing)Not listed
VESA75 x 75 and 100 x 100100 x 10075 x 75 and 100 x 100
Warranty10 years15 yearsSee Herman Miller store
PriceCheck priceCheck priceCheck price

Specs from each manufacturer's US product page. Bars compare each spec against the best value in this table; they are not test scores. Prices change often, so we link out instead of quoting them.

The picks

01

★Best for most people

ErgotronLX Desk Monitor Arm

Best for: Heavier monitors up to 25 lb

A single aluminum arm for 7–25 lb screens, typically up to 34 in, with 13 in of lift and 25 in of reach.

What we like

  • Highest weight range here
  • Clamp and grommet mounts included
  • Long reach

Watch out for

  • Less lift with screens over 20 lb
  • Not for screens under 7 lb

Ergotron lists 7 to 25 lb, a typical screen up to 34 in, 13 in of lift, 25 in of reach and tilt of 70 degrees back and 5 forward. It includes a desk clamp and grommet mount. The catch is weight: above 20 lb, Ergotron says vertical travel can drop by up to 4.5 in. It carries a 10-year warranty.

02

★Best for light screens

HumanscaleM2.1 Monitor Arm

Best for: Light flat screens and the longest warranty

A spring-balanced arm for 5–15.5 lb flat screens (5–12.5 lb curved), with a built-in counterbalance indicator.

What we like

  • Longest warranty here
  • Counterbalance indicator helps setup
  • Smart Stop limits swing

Watch out for

  • Lowest weight limit here
  • Reach figure comes from a dealer page

Humanscale’s capacity chart lists 5 to 15.5 lb for flat screens and 5 to 12.5 lb for curved ones. Its brochure lists 6.7 to 17.1 in of height adjustment. A built-in counterbalance indicator lets you set tension before mounting the screen. The warranty is 15 years. A dealer page lists 568 mm of forward reach; we have not found that on a Humanscale page.

03

★Best for 13–32 in screens

FullyJarvis Single Monitor Arm

Best for: Standard 13–32 in monitors

A single arm for 13–32 in monitors with 13.2 in of height adjustment and a max height of 19.8 in above the desk.

What we like

  • Covers most common monitor sizes
  • Clamp or grommet mount
  • Removable VESA plate

Watch out for

  • Page lists both 19 and 20 lb
  • No reach figure listed

The Herman Miller store lists the Jarvis arm for 13 to 32 in monitors, with 13.2 in of height range and a top of 19.8 in above the desk at the monitor center. The product copy says up to 19 lb, while the spec table says 20 lb, so plan on 19. It clamps or uses a grommet and has a removable VESA plate.

How to choose

  1. Weigh the screen without its stand.
  2. Check the low end. An arm that needs at least 7 lb will not hold a light portable screen.
  3. Check the clamp against your desk thickness.
  4. Set the height. Our monitor height and distance guide walks through it.

Frequently asked questions

How do I know if an arm will hold my monitor?

Weigh the screen without its stand and compare it with the arm's range. Ergotron says screen size may be exceeded as long as weight stays within the limit.

Does my monitor need VESA holes?

Yes. All three arms use VESA 100 x 100 mounting, and the Ergotron and Jarvis also take 75 x 75.

Which arm is best for a heavy ultrawide?

Of these three, the Ergotron LX lists the highest limit at 25 lb. Lift drops by up to 4.5 in over 20 lb.

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