Question 1

How do I know if a monitor mount is compatible with my screen?

Accepted Answer

Check the VESA pattern on the back of your monitor — it's the four-bolt square pattern, usually labelled as something like 100×100mm or 75×75mm. This measurement must match the mount's stated VESA compatibility. You'll find it in your monitor's manual or printed on a sticker on the rear panel. Most mounts sold in the UK support 75×75mm and 100×100mm as standard; larger screens may require 200×100mm or 200×200mm. If in doubt, measure the bolt spacing yourself before buying.

Question 2

Is a monitor arm actually better than the stand that came with my monitor?

Accepted Answer

In most cases, yes — particularly for ergonomics. Manufacturer-supplied stands typically offer limited height adjustment and minimal tilt, which forces many users into a suboptimal viewing position. A proper articulating arm lets you set the screen precisely at eye level, push it out of the way when not in use, and adjust it throughout the day. The difference becomes especially noticeable during long working sessions. That said, if your monitor's built-in stand already offers full height, tilt, and swivel adjustment, a basic arm adds little beyond freeing up desk space.

Question 3

Can I fit a monitor mount if I'm renting and can't drill into walls?

Accepted Answer

Yes — opt for a desk clamp or grommet mount rather than a wall bracket. Desk clamp mounts attach to the edge of your desk with a tightening screw and leave no permanent marks. They work on most desks between 10mm and 80mm thick, though very thin or very thick surfaces can be problematic. Grommet mounts require a pre-existing hole in the desk surface. Both options are fully reversible and widely available from brands like Kensington, Leitz, and Durable across the 40 £ to 55 £ price range.

Question 4

What's the difference between a gas spring arm and a standard articulating arm?

Accepted Answer

A gas spring arm uses a pressurised cylinder to counterbalance the monitor's weight, allowing you to reposition the screen with a single finger and have it stay exactly where you leave it. Standard articulating arms use friction joints that you tighten manually — they work, but adjustment requires more effort and the tension can drift over time. Gas spring mechanisms, as used in Ergotron's LX range, are noticeably smoother and more durable. They cost more, but for a primary work monitor adjusted daily, the difference in usability is significant.

Question 5

Are cheap monitor stands worth buying, or should I avoid them?

Accepted Answer

Basic fixed stands under 40 £ are fine for light use — a secondary screen, a home cinema setup, or a monitor that never moves. What we'd caution against is buying a cheap articulating arm: the friction joints on budget models tend to loosen within months, leaving you with a screen that slowly droops. If your budget is tight, a simple quality fixed stand from Kensington or Leitz is a safer choice than a flimsy arm that won't hold its position. Spend a little more for an arm only if you're buying from a reputable brand.

Question 6

How much weight can a typical monitor mount support?

Accepted Answer

Most desk-mounted arms in the mid-range support between 6 kg and 10 kg, which covers the vast majority of 24"–32" monitors. Wall mounts tend to have higher capacity — some Durable and Neomounts wall brackets support up to 15 kg. Always check your monitor's actual weight (listed in its spec sheet) and choose a mount rated at least 1–2 kg above that figure. Ultrawide and curved monitors are often heavier than standard panels of the same diagonal size, so check carefully before assuming a standard arm will suffice.

Question 7

Do monitor mounts work with ultrawide and curved screens in 2026?

Accepted Answer

Many do, but you need to check two things: VESA pattern and weight capacity. Ultrawide monitors (34"–49") often use non-standard VESA patterns such as 200×100mm or 400×200mm, and can weigh 8–12 kg. Standard arms designed for 27" screens may not accommodate either. Neomounts and Ergotron both offer arms specifically rated for ultrawide panels — look for models explicitly stating support for screens above 34" and weights above 10 kg. Curved screens add no special mounting complexity beyond these standard checks.

Monitor Mounts & Stands Price Comparison

Kensington Monitor Stand Spin2 - Black

Neomounts NM-D775DXBLACK Monitor arm 10-32" - gas spring - Topfix - 180°-stop

R-Go Tools Monitor arm R-Go Zepher Single, fully adjustable, 0-8 Kg load capacity, 100% circular, black

Kensington One-Touch Height Adjustable Dual Monitor Arm

Kensington SmartFit Monitor Stand with Drawer

Kensington Extra Wide Monitor Stand

Kensington One-Touch Height Adjustable Single Monitor Arm

DELL Dual Monitor Arm – MDA20

Durable 508623 monitor mount / stand 68.6 cm (27") Desk Silver

Durable Monitor mount for 2 screens

Neomounts NM-D775BLACKPLUS Monitor arm 10-49" - gas spring - Topfix - 180°-stop

Neomounts NS-M1250BLACK TV trolley 37-70" - rotatable

Neomounts NM-D775WHITEPLUS Monitor arm 10-49" - gas spring - Topfix - 180°-stop

Kensington Space Saving Monitor Arm Single

Neomounts FPMA-D650DBLACK Monitor arm 17-27" - coil spring

Neomounts FPMA-D650BLACK Monitor arm 17-27" - coil spring

Durable 509423 monitor mount / stand 68.6 cm (27") Wall Silver

Durable 509523 monitor mount / stand 68.6 cm (27") Wall Silver

Durable 509623 monitor mount / stand 81.3 cm (32") Wall Silver

Durable 509723 monitor mount / stand 81.3 cm (32") Wall Silver

Leitz 64340001 monitor mount / stand 61 cm (24") Desk White

Leitz 64890089 monitor mount / stand 81.3 cm (32") Desk Grey

Leitz 65380089 monitor mount / stand 81.3 cm (32") Desk Dark Grey

Leitz 65370089 monitor mount / stand 81.3 cm (32") Desk Grey

Monitor Mounts & Stands Price Comparison