Best Monitor Arms and Laptop Stands for Neck Comfort

The Ergotron LX is the best premium single-monitor arm for most standard screens, while the Fellowes Breyta Laptop Stand is the best low-cost portable laptop riser. A fixed monitor riser is enough when only height needs changing; buy an arm when you also need depth, rotation or frequent repositioning.

Screen equipment can reduce an avoidable viewing mismatch, but it does not treat neck pain. Always check monitor weight without its original stand, VESA pattern, desk thickness and clamp compatibility before ordering.

Quick recommendations

• Best premium single-monitor arm: Ergotron LX Desk Monitor Arm
• Best for heavy or ultrawide screens: Ergotron HX, after exact compatibility check
• Best lower-cost arm: Fellowes Platinum Series Single
• Best portable laptop stand: Fellowes Breyta Laptop Stand
• Best fixed laptop stand: Rain Design mStand
• Best budget monitor riser: Fellowes Breyta Monitor Stand

Prices and availability were checked on 18 July 2026 and will change.

1. Ergotron LX Desk Monitor Arm — best premium arm

Typical UK price: approximately £140–£190 depending on finish and seller.

The LX supports common VESA 75 x 75 and 100 x 100 mm patterns. Current Ergotron comparison information lists LX-family capacities that vary by exact model; standard versions commonly suit screens up to around 34 inches, with approximately 33 cm lift and a ten-year warranty.

Best for

A standard single display that must move in height and depth.

Strengths: Wide adjustment range, established replacement support, cable management and long warranty.

Limitations: Expensive; the arm may project behind the desk; capacity must match both minimum and maximum screen weight.

2. Ergotron HX — best for heavy displays

The HX family is designed for heavier and larger screens, including some ultrawides, but compatibility depends on the exact arm, pivot accessory and display geometry.

Best for: Heavy single displays that exceed ordinary arm ranges.

Strengths: Higher capacity and robust construction.

Limitations: High price, substantial clamp forces and the risk of buying the wrong pivot for an extreme ultrawide. Use Ergotron's mount finder rather than screen size alone.

3. Fellowes Platinum Series Single — best lower-cost arm

Typical UK price: approximately £80–£100.

Fellowes offers clamp-mounted single arms with gas-spring adjustment and VESA compatibility. The Platinum Series is a sensible mid-range alternative when its stated weight range matches the monitor.

Best for: Conventional home-office monitors on a sound desktop.

Strengths: Useful adjustment, UK availability and a lower price than premium arms.

Limitations: Confirm the exact model code because similarly named versions vary. A gas spring can droop when the display sits outside its supported range.

4. Fellowes Breyta Laptop Stand — best portable riser

Typical UK price: approximately £14–£32.

The Breyta folds flat, weighs about 0.43 kg and offers 12 height positions. Fellowes lists a 4 kg capacity, up to a 14-inch laptop in its technical sheet, and a five-year limited warranty. Some retailer titles claim larger laptop compatibility, so follow the manufacturer's specification unless Fellowes updates it.

Best for: Hybrid workers carrying a separate keyboard and mouse.

Strengths: Light, inexpensive, wide angle range and compact storage.

Limitations: Not for typing directly on the raised laptop; check stability with heavier machines and cable pull.

5. Rain Design mStand — best fixed laptop stand

Typical UK price: approximately £40–£55.

The aluminium mStand provides a stable fixed elevation with space beneath. It is best when the same person uses the same desk and the fixed height happens to fit.

Best for: Permanent Apple-style or aluminium desk setups.

Strengths: Stability, simple construction and useful storage space.

Limitations: No height adjustment, not portable and still requires an external keyboard and mouse for sustained work.

6. Fellowes Breyta Monitor Stand — best budget riser

Current UK price: £19.99 at Argos when checked 18 July 2026.

This platform offers three height settings and supports a monitor without requiring VESA mounting or a desk clamp. Fellowes supplies a five-year limited warranty.

Best for: A screen that needs only a modest, fixed lift.

Strengths: Low price, quick setup, no clamp load and portable parts storage.

Limitations: Cannot adjust depth dynamically and occupies desk surface. Confirm that its footprint and capacity suit the monitor stand.

Arm, riser or laptop stand?

Choose a monitor arm when you need to reclaim desk space, alter viewing distance or move between users and postures. Choose a riser when the original monitor stand already provides tilt and only lacks height. Choose a laptop stand only with a separate keyboard and pointing device for sustained work.

The cheapest effective solution may be a stable stack beneath a monitor's existing base. It must not wobble, obstruct ventilation or create a tipping risk.

How to position the screen

The UK HSE recommends placing the screen directly in front, with the keyboard just below elbow height. A common starting point is the top of the display around eye level and the screen approximately an arm's length away.

Adjust for the person and task. Progressive-lens users may need a lower display. Large monitors may need greater distance. Increase text size before leaning towards the screen.

Monitor-arm compatibility checklist

• Find screen weight without its original stand.
• Match both the arm's minimum and maximum capacity.
• Confirm VESA 75 x 75 or 100 x 100 mm, or obtain the correct adapter.
• Check screen size and centre-of-gravity limitations.
• Measure desktop thickness and rear clearance.
• Avoid weak hollow-core tops unless the desk maker approves mounting.
• Check cables can move without pulling.
• Use a reinforcement plate where appropriate and manufacturer-approved.

An expensive arm attached to an unsuitable desktop is not a safe setup.

Laptop-stand checklist

• Use an external keyboard and mouse.
• Ensure the front stops securely retain the laptop.
• Keep vents unobstructed.
• Check capacity, laptop thickness and screen-hinge stability.
• Prevent power and display cables from dragging the device.
• Fold and lock portable mechanisms exactly as instructed.

Will raising a screen fix neck pain?

It may reduce repeated neck bending if a low display is contributing to symptoms. Evidence for workstation interventions on neck pain remains mixed and often low quality; equipment alone is not a cure.

Viewing habits, screen content, eyesight, stress, breaks and activity also matter. If pain is persistent, worsening, follows trauma or includes neurological symptoms, seek an appropriate assessment.

Dual screens and ultrawides

For a main and secondary display, centre the main one. When both are used equally, place the join ahead and turn the chair towards the active screen.

With an ultrawide, keep high-frequency windows near the centre. Check arm capacity carefully: diagonal size does not reveal weight or leverage, and some curved screens require a heavy-duty pivot.

Final verdict

The Ergotron LX is the strongest all-round premium choice for a compatible standard monitor. The Fellowes Breyta Laptop Stand is the practical portable recommendation, and the Breyta Monitor Stand is enough when a simple £19.99 lift solves the problem.

Buy the least complex product that places the display comfortably. Stability and compatibility matter more than maximum movement.

Frequently asked questions

Is a monitor arm better for neck pain?

Only when it helps place the screen appropriately and keeps it there. It is not a treatment for neck pain.

How high should my laptop be?

Raise the screen until you can view it without sustained downward neck bending, then use a separate keyboard and mouse at elbow height.

Can every monitor use an arm?

No. Weight range, VESA pattern, screen geometry and desktop strength must all be compatible.

Is a cheap monitor riser enough?

Yes, if you need only a stable height increase and the platform safely supports the original monitor base.

Do I need a dual-monitor arm?

Not necessarily. Two independent arms often provide more flexible placement, while a dual arm may be tidier. Check desk load and screen alignment.

A chair or desk accessory can reduce an aggravating factor, but it cannot identify why pain persists. If symptoms are recurring or limiting work, read what recurring back pain may be missing, see how to set up your desk posture for neck pain, or learn about back-pain assessment in Chelsea.