Monitor Accessories

Arms, mounts and cables that turn a desk into a workstation

The factory stand on a typical office monitor is rarely the best one. After-market arms, brackets and cables turn a basic desk into a comfortable workstation: monitors at the right height, no cable mess, and the freedom to push a screen aside when colleagues come round. None of this is glamorous on its own, but the difference at the end of a long working day is real.

What the section pulls together

Single and dual monitor arms in desk-clamp and grommet styles, freestanding height-adjustable stands, Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA (mounting standard)) wall and pole mounts for shared-screen setups, replacement video cables (High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI), DisplayPort, Universal Serial Bus Type-C (USB-C)) in different lengths and certified speeds, and small accessories like cable raceways and screen cleaning kits.

How to choose monitor accessories

Match the arm to the monitor weight

Every monitor arm has a maximum supported weight (and sometimes a minimum, for arms with strong gas springs). Check the monitor's spec sheet, then add a small margin. An overloaded arm sags or fails to hold position; an underloaded one shoots up when the monitor is detached.

Confirm the VESA pattern

Most monitors use 100x100 mm VESA mounting holes; some 32-inch and larger monitors use 200x200 mm or 200x100 mm. The arm's product page lists supported patterns. Some thin and curved monitors omit VESA holes entirely and only work with their factory stand.

Choose desk-clamp or grommet

Desk-clamp arms grip the desk edge and need 20 to 80 mm of edge thickness. Grommet arms pass through a hole in the desk and are tidier on shared furniture. For glass desks, special clamps with rubber pads are required.

Pick the right cable rating

For 4K at 60 Hz, any HDMI 2.0 or DisplayPort 1.2 certified cable works. For 4K at 120 Hz or 5K, HDMI 2.1 or DisplayPort 1.4 with proper certification is required. Cheap unbranded cables often boot at lower rates than expected.

Key features to compare

Adjustment range

Look for height range (typically 100 to 400 mm), tilt and rotation. Long-reach arms keep the monitor flush with the wall when not in use; short-reach arms are stiffer in their final position.

Cable management

Built-in cable channels along the arm keep cables tidy and prevent strain on connectors during adjustment. Aftermarket cable raceways do the same for the desk-side run.

Single, dual or more

Single arms are the cheapest and most flexible. Dual arms with a single base save desk space when two monitors are used together. Triple and quad arms exist for trading desks and other intensive multi-monitor roles.

What to check before buying

• Monitor weight in the arm's supported range?
• VESA pattern (100x100, 200x200 or other) confirmed from the monitor spec?
• Desk edge or grommet hole, and is the desk thick enough for a clamp?
• Cable lengths sized for the actual run with margin for future moves?
• Build quality and rated load that suits how the desk gets used day to day?

Frequently asked questions

Are monitor arms worth the extra cost over a factory stand?

For users who spend the day at one screen, yes. Setting the monitor at the correct height (top of screen at eye level, give or take) reduces neck and shoulder strain over long shifts. The arm cost is small compared to the daily ergonomic gain. For shared or hot-desk environments, an arm also lets each user adjust quickly to their own posture.

What is the difference between gas-spring and mechanical-spring arms?

Gas-spring arms move smoothly and hold position over the full height range, but cost more and slowly lose tension over many years. Mechanical-spring arms are cheaper, more reliable long-term, but feel less polished in adjustment. For executive and design desks, gas-spring is preferred; for dense office fleets, mechanical-spring saves money without affecting daily use.

Can I mount a heavy 32-inch monitor on a standard arm?

Some standard arms are rated for 8 to 10 kg, which covers most 32-inch monitors. For heavier panels (some Vertical Alignment (VA) and curved 32-inch screens are over 10 kg), look for heavy-duty arms rated for 12 to 20 kg. The arm's spec sheet lists the weight range.

How long should monitor cables be?

For desktop use, 1.8 to 3 metres covers most setups with cable management. For longer runs (under-desk computer to a wall-mounted display), measure the route, not the straight line, and add 0.5 metres of margin. For 4K at high refresh rates, keep cables under 5 metres or use active or fibre-optic versions.

Do I need a separate Universal Serial Bus (USB) hub if my monitor has one built in?

Most users do not. A monitor's built-in USB hub typically provides 2 to 4 ports and works as soon as the monitor is connected over USB-C or USB Type-B. For higher-port-count needs (storage, scanners, microphones), a dedicated externally powered USB hub adds capacity without overloading the monitor's hub power budget.