Monitor Arm or Monitor Stand: Which Is a Better Fit?
by Wiepa GmbH on Jul 02, 2026Ergonomics Guide
Monitor arm or monitor stand: Which is better?
A monitor arm is particularly flexible and creates space on the desk. A monitor stand is simpler, stable, and often the quick solution for a better screen height.
The correct monitor height is an important part of an ergonomic workstation. If the screen is too low, the head is often tilted forward. This can make the working day unnecessarily uncomfortable.
Short Answer
A monitor arm is a better fit if the screen needs to be adjusted flexibly or if there is little space on the desk. A monitor stand is a better fit if a simple, fixed elevation is sufficient.
Why screen height is important
The screen should be positioned so that your gaze falls comfortably forward and your head is not consistently tilted sharply downwards. Besides the office chair, desk height, and lighting, the monitor's position also plays a major role.
- more comfortable head and neck posture
- more order on the desk
- better adaptation to different body sizes
- meaningful addition to office chair and desk
- more flexibility with multiple screens
Monitor arm and monitor stand compared
| Solution | Advantage | Particularly suitable for |
|---|---|---|
| Monitor arm | flexibly adjustable and space-saving | changing workstations, multiple screens, small desks |
| Monitor stand | simple, stable and quickly usable | fixed workstations and simple elevation |
| Laptop stand | raises the notebook to a more comfortable height | home office, mobile work, laptop workstations |
When is a monitor arm useful?
A monitor arm is worthwhile if the screen is frequently adjusted or if the desk should appear tidier. Especially with two monitors, changing users, or small desk areas, a monitor arm is often the better solution.
- with multiple screens
- with little desk space
- with changing users
- with height-adjustable desks
- if the screen needs to be flexibly rotated or tilted
When is a monitor stand sufficient?
A monitor stand is useful if the screen only needs to be higher and no regular adjustment is necessary. Many models also offer storage space under the screen, for example for a keyboard, notes or small office supplies.
What should you pay attention to?
For monitor arms, load capacity, screen size, mounting, and VESA mount are important. For monitor stands, height, stability, footprint, and material are crucial. It is always important that the solution fits the existing workstation.
- Check screen size and weight.
- Clarify desk mounting.
- Check VESA mount on the monitor.
- Note desired height and adjustability.
- Plan for cable management.
- Consider the space required on the desk.
Matching: Ergonomic workstation according to DGUV
Suitable products in the Wiepa Shop
Monitor arm as part of office furnishing
A good computer workstation consists of several components: a suitable office chair, a correctly adjusted desk, appropriate lighting, a well-placed monitor, and sufficient changes in posture. A monitor arm or monitor stand are small but effective additions.
More on this: Footrests in the office
Frequent Questions
What is better, monitor arm or monitor stand?
For flexible workstations, a monitor arm is usually better. For a simple fixed elevation, a monitor stand is often sufficient.
Does every monitor need a monitor arm?
No. The decisive factor is whether the screen can be positioned well. If the height is already suitable, a monitor arm is not absolutely necessary.
What should you pay attention to with a monitor arm?
Important aspects include load capacity, screen size, desk mounting, VESA mount, and the desired adjustability.
Sources and Orientation
This article serves as a practical guide for ergonomics and office furnishing. Decisive factors are screen size, weight, desk area, working method, body height, and existing workplace equipment.
Relevant pages: Office furniture, Office furniture, Office supplies and Ergonomics in the shop
Better setup for computer workstations
Wiepa supports companies in Wiesbaden and Rhein-Main with monitor arms, monitor stands, office chairs, desks, and suitable office furnishings.
