You’ve invested in a great monitor for your home office or gaming setup. You take it out of the box, attach the included plastic stand, and place it on your desk. Job done, right? For most people, this is the end of the story. The included stand holds the screen up, and that seems like enough.

But what if that standard, wobbly stand is holding you back? What if it’s costing you desk space, productivity, and even affecting your long-term health?

At Best On Online, we’re obsessed with upgrades that offer maximum impact. A proper monitor stand is, without a doubt, one of the most transformative yet underrated additions to any desk setup. If you’re wondering if you really need one, the answer is yes—and here are the surprising benefits that prove it.

1. The Ergonomic Lifesaver: Say Goodbye to Neck Pain

This isn’t just a small comfort—it’s about your health. The default stands that come with most monitors are too short, forcing you to constantly look down. This downward gaze is the primary cause of “tech neck,” leading to chronic neck, shoulder, and back pain.

A dedicated monitor stand solves this by allowing you to position the screen perfectly at eye level.

The Ergonomic Rule of Thumb: The top of your monitor’s screen should be at or just slightly below your eye level. This encourages you to keep your head straight and your spine in a neutral, healthy posture. A good stand makes achieving this effortless.

2. Reclaim Your Precious Desk Space

Think about the footprint of your monitor’s factory stand. It’s often a wide, awkward shape that takes up a huge chunk of valuable real estate right in the middle of your desk. A dedicated stand gives that space back to you.

• With a Monitor Riser: A riser or shelf-style stand elevates your monitor and creates a brand-new storage space underneath. It’s the perfect spot to slide your keyboard away when not in use, or to store your notebook, tablet, or docking station.
• With a Monitor Arm: This is the ultimate space-saver. A monitor arm clamps to the back of your desk, allowing your screen to “float” above the surface. This frees up 100% of the space below, creating a clean, open area for a more minimalist and functional workspace.

3. Unlock Ultimate Flexibility and Adjustability

Your work isn’t static, so why should your monitor be? Most included stands only offer a slight tilt, if that. A proper monitor arm unlocks a new level of dynamic adjustment.

• Tilt: Easily angle the screen up or down to eliminate annoying glare from windows or overhead lights.
• Swivel: Turn your screen to share what you’re working on with a colleague or friend without having to move the entire base.
• Rotate: This is a game-changer for coders, writers, and streamers. Rotate your monitor 90 degrees into a vertical (portrait) orientation for reading long documents, writing code, or managing a chat feed.

4. Achieve a Cleaner, More Professional Aesthetic

A thoughtful desk setup isn’t just about function; it’s also about creating a space you enjoy working in. A monitor stand is a key component of a clean, professional aesthetic.

Monitor arms, in particular, often come with built-in cable management channels. You can route the monitor’s power and display cables along the arm itself, hiding them from view and eliminating dangling wires. The “floating” look of an arm-mounted monitor instantly makes any desk setup look more modern, intentional, and clutter-free.

Which Stand is Right for You: Riser vs. Arm

Convinced? Great. Now, let’s find the perfect type of stand for your needs.

The Monitor Riser (or Shelf)

This is the simplest and most affordable option. It’s essentially a small shelf that you place your existing monitor stand on top of.

• Best for: Anyone on a budget, users who want a quick and easy setup, or those who value the simple storage cubby it creates.
• Our Pick: We recommend a simple Wooden or Metal Monitor Riser that complements your desk’s style.

The Monitor Arm

A monitor arm is a more advanced solution that clamps onto the back of your desk, providing a flexible, articulating arm to hold your screen.

• Best for: Power users, people with limited desk space, and anyone who wants maximum adjustability and the cleanest possible look.
• Our Pick: A gas-spring Single Monitor Arm Mount offers smooth, one-touch adjustment and is the gold standard for a modern desk setup.

So, do you really need a monitor stand? If you spend more than an hour a day at your desk and care about your health, comfort, and productivity, the answer is a resounding yes.

It’s more than just an accessory; it’s a foundational tool for a better way to work. By investing in a stand, you’re not just buying a piece of equipment—you’re investing in your own well-being and creating a more efficient, enjoyable workspace.