Surprisingly, the Flo has a listed weight limit of 20 pounds and recommends use with monitors weighing at least 7 pounds. Most monitors fit within this range, but some heavier models won’t be compatible with the Flo. Each arm is rated to hold between 4.4 and 14.3 pounds. That’s not a lot: The Workstream by Monoprice arm is rated up to 20 pounds. Still, it’s enough to handle a huge majority of 24- and 27-inch monitors, and the monitor arms provided plenty of lift in our testing. The monitor arm has an all-metal construction that in some ways feels sturdier than the Ergotron LX, as the Workstream doesn’t include as much plastic cladding. It’s not entirely a win, though, as the plastic that exists feels frail (and I even broke a small, though unnoticeable, bit while adjusting the monitor).

Two monitors are always better than one, and the same goes for monitor arms. It’s no surprise, then, that Ergotron’s LX Side-by-Side ranks as our best dual monitor arm. The Ergotron LX Side-by-Side pairs two LX monitor arms together on one mount. The look, feel, and specifications of each arm are close to its standalone sibling. The monitors range of adjustment is a bit limited compared to the LX. It offers 11.5 inches of height, 75 degrees of tilt, 180 degrees of swivel, and 360 degrees of rotation. However, a somewhat more limited height adjustment is typical in this category due to the size of monitors these stands are expected to carry. As the pioneer and leader of office ergonomics, Humanscale makes products that allow workstations to adapt to the user, not the other way around. Founded in 1983 by CEO Robert King with a focus on high-performance tools that support a healthy, more active way of working, Humanscale is now the global ergonomics leader with a reputation for designing intuitive products which improve the comfort and health of office workers. Brand leading Monitor arm support systems such as the M2 & M8 monitor arms and the scalable MFlex monitor support system that allows additional monitor supports, up to six, to be added as the need arises. We’re not a fan of the arm’s installation. It has two clamps instead of one unified clamp, which is strange, because the base of the monitor arm is one solid piece. There are roughly a dozen screws to install. And the included cable routing can prove hard to tighten once several cables are held within the routing. In today’s fast-paced, agile work environment, there’s no time for discomfort. M10, part of Humanscale’s revolutionary new monitor arm line, instantly improves the comfort, health and productivity of any workspace. Built to hold heavier equipment, it's optionalstrong triple crossbar allows M10 to hold up to three monitors or 48 pounds – all while maintaining a simple and sleek design.

Category

The Huanuo HNDS12 represents a middle ground for shoppers who want an upgrade in quality but need to respect their budget.

The Workstream’s slim budget is felt in its difficult setup and stiff operation. Users will need to install several screws for a clamp or gromet mount. More screws may need to be adjusted once the arm is in place, as its default tension proved inadequate for supporting a 32-inch monitor.

Desk Accessories

In today’s fast-paced, agile work environment, there’s no time for discomfort. M10, part of Humanscale’s revolutionary new monitor arm line, instantly improves the comfort, health and productivity of any workspace. Built to hold heavier equipment, it's optional strong triple crossbar allows M10 to hold up to three monitors or 21.8 kg (48 lbs.) – all while maintaining a simple and sleek design. Grommet mounts insert into the circular cut-outs found on many desks built and sold for corporate offices. A grommet mount is also a form of clamp, but size of the mechanism is different, and the mount attaches the monitor to the interior of the desk instead of an exterior edge. In many ways, a keyboard support is the heart of an ergonomic workstation. As reach and vision drive posture, our keyboard tray allows the user to sit in a healthy, neutral posture through bringing the keyboard and mouse to the user in an ergonomic position. There’s one unusual feature: a USB hub. This includes two USB ports that are placed at the front of the arm base. Each of these will need to plug in to your computer, which might be a problem if you have a laptop with just a few ports, but it’s a functional bonus. By redefining the capabilities of a monitor arm, Humanscale created the M8, which combines incredible weight capacity with a stylish, slim profile. Like all Humanscale monitor arms, the M8 allows the user to work in a healthy posture through setting one or multiple monitors at an optimal distance and height, collaborate easier through effortless screen sharing, and increase desk space.

Featuring innovations like Humanscale’s patented Weight-Compensating Spring Technology and Smart Stop functionality, M2.1 enables the personalization and flexibility needed for today’s evolving workplaces. It’s easy to set up and use. The monitor’s clamp works similarly to other monitor arms I tested, but it’s more refined and requires fewer screws (a grommet is also available). The VESA mount is also excellent, providing a simple clip design that’s secure and can be easily pre-mounted to a monitor for simple installation. The way this mount works accommodates monitors that have a slightly recessed mount position, which may cause problems for other monitor arms. Instead of using a gas cylinder to counterbalance the weight of the monitor, the M2 monitor arm uses extension spring technology. Without clunky mechanisms to complicate the design, the M2 offers uncompromising lightweight, long-term durability and an ultra-thin design that complements flat-panel monitors and attachments for a truly flexible workstation.It provides a good range of adjustment, with 13.2 inches of height and 90 degrees of tilt, swivel, and rotation. The arm’s height and tilt adjustment are comparable to others on this list, but it can’t swivel in a full circle, which may prove annoying if you frequently move a monitor arm to share your screen with colleagues. The Huanuo HNDS12, like the HNDS6 (below), is a bit fiddly to set up. It has two clamps that need to be adjusted and roughly a dozen screws that need to be installed. The gas springs also require a bit of adjustment to reduce the force provide, at least when used with a 24-inch or 27-inch monitor. Designed to suit a range of settings, the M2 allows the user to bring their work to them, versus having to adjust to a static monitor stand. M2’s articulating arm offers effortless height and depth adjustment for the majority of flat-panel screens available today, accommodating monitors up to 9kg (20 lbs.). The RODE PSA 1 is a premium quality desktop stand that is a convenient addition to a recording studio. RODE are renowned for their durable, industry-standard microphones, so you can rest assured that the PSA 1 is built with the same quality. It’s natural, given the only slight difference in name, to think the Ergotron HX is merely an uprated version of the Ergotron LX. That’s not the case. This is an entirely different monitor arm which pairs its increased capacity with improved build quality and a more professional look.

In today’s fast-paced, agile work environment, there’s no time for discomfort. M8.1, part of Humanscale’s revolutionary new monitor arm line, instantly improves the comfort, health and productivity of any workspace. Fully compatible with traditional desks and sit/stand workstations alike, M8.1 meets a variety of configuration needs for single monitors from 6 to 28 pounds or – with an optional crossbar support – dual monitors up to 12 pounds each. Smoothness of motion: We preferred monitor arms that were firm enough to stay put while we worked but could reposition easily and didn’t require too much force. The monitor’s range of adjustment isn’t much different from other high-end monitor arms. It offers 13.3 inches of vertical adjustment, 80 degrees of tilt, and 360 degrees of swivel and rotation. That’s essentially identical to the less expensive Ergotron LX. The Flo’s operation is smoother, however: I found I could adjust a monitor’s height with a mere nudge. Monitor size limits should be respected as well. It might be possible to attach a 40-inch monitor to an arm meant for a 32-inch monitor. The 40-inch monitor may even come within the arm’s weight limit. A larger monitor will distribute weight differently, however, which could cause an arm’s tension mechanism to fail. How we test monitor arms Setup is simple. The monitor has an included clamp and grommet mount. Installation is mostly handled with a bundled Allen wrench, though you’ll still need a Philips head screwdriver to attach your monitor to the VESA mount. Most owners will be able to install smaller monitors (24 to 27 inches) alone, but help is recommended for larger displays.Long warranty: Monitor arm technology isn’t something that will change radically and warrant a replacement every year or two. Instead, you should expect a monitor arm to last many years and adapt to changes such as a new desk or display. It’s furniture. Because of that, we looked at warranty length and customer support to see which companies would stand behind their models and the arms’ expected years of performance while holding up an expensive monitor (or two). Note that monitor arm warranties don’t include damage to the monitor itself. Monitor size is one exception: While the standard LX is rated for monitors up to 34 inches, the Side-by-Side’s arm is only rated for monitors up to 27 inches. The monitor arms aren’t long enough to fit two 32-inch or 34-inch monitors side-by-side. Vertical arrangements are also supported, though only if one of the two monitors is small (less than 23 inches diagonal). eFloat GO, our latest electric sit/stand desk, is the perfect standing desk solution for both home offices and commercial interiors. With innovative anti-collision technology, quiet motors, and programmable hand switch, eFloat GO encourages users to be active by seamlessly adjust positions through the day without disrupting workflow. The M8 monitor arm, combines incredible weight capacity with a stylish, slim profile. Through its fusion of flexibility and strength, the M8 accommodates any single or dual monitor configuration weighing up to 18kg (40 lbs.). Unlike other high-capacity monitor arms with bulky designs, the M8 offers easy adjustment and flawless ergonomic function in an articulating monitor arm. Humanscale Mflex Monitor Support System