If you’re looking for a solid tool to adjust your monitor height, a monitor stand is one of your best options.
They’re convenient and available in a wide range of designs.
Due to this wide variety of options, you should know whether they’re universal or if your selected stand should match your monitor.
Are Monitor Stands Universal?
Yes, most monitor stands are universal.
They are small raised platforms you place on your desk to put the monitor on and adjust the monitor’s height to your eye level.
They’re universal because they don’t require any specific installation process.
All you need to do is put the monitor on the stand without drilling or adjusting.
You don’t need clamps to secure the monitor and don’t have to follow any VESA compatibility requirements.
In addition, monitor stands don’t have any weight or size restrictions, so you can put any monitor of any size and weight on a monitor stand.
Why Do You Need A Monitor Stand?
Putting your monitor on a desk seems the best idea if you have enough space in your room.
It gives you enough room for peripherals while allowing you to place your monitor at the best viewing angle.
However, that’s not always the case, as space limitations can affect your monitor placement, leading to several viewing problems.
For example, if you have a small desk with short legs, the monitor may not be high enough to be in a healthy viewing position.
An uncomfortable viewing position can lead to eye and neck fatigue and strain.
That’s where monitor stands can be helpful because they can raise the monitor height to your eye level.
In addition, monitor stands have other advantages, including the following:
1. Monitor Stands Are Easy to Install
One of the best features of monitor stands is that they don’t require specific installation tools.
You don’t need to attach them to the desk or hook them up to the monitor.
As a result, there are no VESA compatibility requirements, making them universal to fit any monitor type.
You just need enough space for the stand on the desk and put the monitor on it.
That means you don’t need to screw the stand to the desk, which could leave holes in it, making it unusable after removing the stand.
2. Monitor Stands Have Variety
Since monitor stands are universal, you can find them in various designs, materials, colors, and sizes.
You’re not limited to a specific design that matches your monitor size and weight.
In addition, the stand’s design can serve as an addition to your desk and office décor, giving your space an aesthetically pleasing look.
3. Monitor Stands Help Organize Your Desk
One of the best functions of monitor stands is that they help you organize your desk.
They have compartments and drawers that you can use to keep your desk decluttered.
Not all monitor stands have these drawers, but you have many options to choose from.
4. Monitor Stands Are Versatile
Monitor stands aren’t only for desktop monitors.
Since they’re universal, you can also use them as raised platforms for laptops and tablets.
You don’t need to secure your device on the stand using screws or brackets, so you can put anything you want on the stand.
You only need to consider the device’s width to match the stand’s dimensions and avoid slipping while working.
Monitor Stands Vs. Mounting Arms
Monitor stands aren’t the only options to optimize your desk space and monitor placement.
Mounting arms are also great tools that can help position your monitor at a healthy and comfortable angle.
A mounting arm attaches to the back of your monitor through screws, and you can mount the entire setup on the wall or your desk.
You should decide between monitor stands and mounting arms depending on your requirements and conditions.
Let’s explore their differences.
1. Ease Of Installation
As mentioned before, monitor stands don’t have complicated installation processes.
They’re like miniature desks that you put your monitor on.
However, mounting arms can be difficult to install.
They have VESA-compliant holes that should match the holes on the back of your monitor.
Although most computer monitors are mountable, you should ensure the arm design matches the monitor.
However, that’s not a serious issue because most of today’s monitors and mounting arms are VESA compatible.
If your monitor isn’t, you can still use other solutions like clamps or adaptors to use the mounting arm.
2. Space Optimization
Monitor stands and mounting arms are both designed to optimize your desk space by giving you a specific place for the monitor.
However, mounting arms do a better job in this regard.
Monitor stands require a particular spot on the desk.
Therefore, they can’t help if you have limited desk space.
On the contrary, they can further limit your desk space because they may take up more real estate than the monitor.
They need a specific depth to give you the optimal viewing angle and distance.
On the other hand, mounting arms enable you to raise the monitor above the desk, freeing the entire desk space for other purposes.
The only space you need is the area required for holes to screw the mounting arm to the desk.
If you don’t have enough desk space, you can still use the mounting arm to attach your monitor to the wall.
This way, you can use your entire desk for other purposes.
A mounting arm requires some depth to offer the best angles, but it’s not as much as a monitor stand.
3. Flexibility
Monitor stands are great options if you want to raise the screen to your eye level.
However, that’s the extent of the flexibility it offers.
A monitor stand isn’t a suitable option if you need to look at your monitor from different viewing angles.
On the other hand, mounting arms allow you to rotate and move the monitor in different directions, offering a high level of flexibility.
You can raise or lower the monitor’s height to match different people and situations.
If the monitor stand’s height doesn’t match your eye level, there’s not much you can do about it unless it has adjustable legs.
However, a mounting arm allows you to adjust it in different directions to fit your needs.
4. Stability And Security
The primary feature that makes monitor stands universal is that you don’t need to attach the monitor to them.
However, this feature means you have lower stability than mounting arms.
The monitor isn’t securely attached to the stand, making it prone to falls and slips.
On the other hand, a mounting arm attaches to the monitor using at least four screws, making it super stable.
How To Choose The Best Monitor Stand
Monitor stands are a perfect option due to their versatility and no-fuss installation.
However, since there’s a wide variety of options available on the market, you should know what to consider to make the best choice.
Here’s what goes into choosing the best monitor stand.
1. Consider Your Needs
Before deciding on the best monitor stand, you should ensure it’s the right choice.
A monitor stand isn’t for you if you want improved ergonomics and height adjustment.
On the other hand, a monitor stand is the right choice for those who want a quick installation and have enough desk space.
2. Make Measurements
Although monitor stands are universal, you should still ensure they fit your space size-wise.
Consider the stand’s dimensions and make sure you have enough space for it on your desk.
Above all, the stand’s height affects your experience because it shouldn’t be higher or lower than your eye level.
Otherwise, it can cause neck discomfort.
Consider the depth and ensure the monitor is an arm’s length away to offer the best ergonomics.
Finally, ensure the stand is big enough to house your monitor’s built-in stand.
Make accurate measurements to ensure you have extra space on the stand for the highest stability.
While there are no specific weight constraints, read the stand’s specs carefully to ensure it can bear your monitor’s weight.
3. Consider The Material
Monitor stands come in different materials, including wood, metal, and plastic.
The choice of material mostly depends on personal preferences since all of them are durable.
Consider your décor and color scheme, and choose a stand that matches your space best.
The stand’s material can affect its stability.
For example, if you have a metal desk, a wooden stand may be better to reduce slips and wobbles.
4. Look For Specific Features
Although monitor stands have simple designs, you can find options that offer more features.
For example, some stands, like this one, have adjustable legs that allow you to set the height to your comfort level.
EVOOMI Monitor Stand Riser - Upgraded for Faster Productivity - Anti-Skid, HD Hexagonal Steel - Free Cable Ties - Computer Stand - Laptop, Desktop, Printer, iMac (Pack of 2)
Look for features that offer the highest stability.
Stands with wider legs are generally more stable than those with thinner legs.
Cable management is another useful feature that helps you maintain a clutter-free desk space.
Look for drawers or straps that you can use to tie cables with.
5. Consider The Costs
Mounting arms are generally more expensive than stands because of the more complicated design.
While you can get a stand for under $50, a mounting arm typically costs more than $100.
Therefore, a monitor stand is a better fit if you want a budget solution.
However, if you want flexibility, you should be ready to pay more.
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