7 Monitor Stands and Risers Ranked: Which One Earns Its Desk Space?

A monitor stand sounds so basic it's almost boring. But getting your screen to the right height is one of the highest-impact ergonomic changes you can make, and the type of stand you choose affects desk organization, cable routing, and how much usable surface you have left.

Here are seven popular monitor stand types, ranked by how well they actually solve the two problems they're supposed to solve: screen height and desk real estate.

1. Monitor Arm (The Winner)

Let's get this out of the way: if your budget allows it and your desk supports a clamp, a monitor arm is better than every stand on this list. It lifts your screen completely off the desk, gives you infinite height and angle adjustment, and frees up the entire footprint where a stand would sit.

Price: $30-80 for a single arm, $50-120 for dual. The AmazonBasics arm is genuinely good at $30.

2. Adjustable Height Metal Riser

Metal risers with adjustable legs let you dial in the exact height you need, typically ranging from 3.5 to 6 inches of lift. They're sturdy, often hold 40+ lbs, and the space underneath works for a keyboard or small items.

Best for: people who need precise height control and use heavy monitors. Price: $25-50.

3. Wood/Bamboo Desk Shelf

A flat wooden platform, usually 4-5 inches high, with open space underneath. These look fantastic on a desk and provide a natural shelf for your keyboard, phone, or notebook when you're not typing.

Best for: aesthetic-focused setups, single monitor, people who value a clean look. Price: $20-40.

4. Riser with Built-in Storage

These combine a monitor platform with drawers, USB hubs, or phone holders built into the structure. They're popular because they solve two problems at once, screen height and desk clutter.

The catch: the drawers are usually small (fits pens, sticky notes, USB drives), and the added bulk means a larger footprint. Best for: people who keep small items at their desk and want them accessible but hidden. Price: $30-60.

5. Dual Monitor Riser (Extended Shelf)

A wider version of the standard shelf, 30-42 inches long, designed to support two monitors side by side. These create a unified platform that also serves as a landing strip for desk items.

Best for: dual monitor setups on desks that can't support arm clamps (glass desks, thin surfaces). Price: $35-70.

6. Book Stack (The Zero-Budget Option)

Stacking books or reams of paper under your monitor costs nothing and actually works. If you're testing whether a higher screen position helps before committing to a real stand, start here. No shame in it.

The downsides: unstable, no cable management, and it looks rough. But as a trial run, it's effective.

7. Monitor Stand with Wireless Charging

The newest category, risers with Qi charging pads built into the surface. Place your phone on the stand and it charges while sitting next to your monitor. Convenient, but the charging is slow (5W on most) and the stands are often flimsy to keep the electronics thin.

Best for: people who always forget to charge their phone and want a single-spot solution. Price: $40-80.

The best monitor stand is the one that gets your screen to the right height without wasting desk space. For most people, that's a monitor arm. For everyone else, an adjustable metal riser or a clean wood shelf covers the basics without overcomplicating things.