If you’re someone who spends a fair amount of time working on a computer, then you need to do everything in your power to ensure your setup is as ergonomic as possible in order to increase your productivity, and more importantly, preserve your health. And while we’ve all heard about ergonomic chairs and how important they are, few people talk about computer screen ergonomics. Setting your monitor at the right distance, angle and height are some of the key aspects of your ergonomic setup.

A monitor that’s too far, too close, too high or too low will have a negative impact on your posture and force you to slouch, crane your neck forward, strain your eyes to see, etc. This, in turn, will cause discomfort and pain in your back, shoulders, and neck, and it may also cause headaches and eye strain. Today’s monitors come in various sizes, and there are quite a few models of work station setups, which makes picking the right computer screen ergonomics not as straightforward as it used to be just a decade ago. The two most popular ways to position your monitor at the right distance, angle and height include monitor arms and risers. And while both of these workspace accessories have the same purpose, there are significant differences between them.

Monitor Risers

Monitor risers are the more inexpensive solution, and they don’t require any installation. They’re easy to repurpose and can provide you with additional storage space for your CPU or laptop. However, you’re limited in how high you can place your monitor, as you can’t safely stack more than two or three monitor risers. Worth noting is that not all monitor risers are stackable, so pay attention to this small detail when shopping. Furthermore, their fixed base doesn’t allow you to make additional adjustments without taking away or adding risers. And lastly, they take up quite a bit of space on the desk and aren’t practical for multiple monitors.

Monitor Arms

Monitor arms are the more expensive solution and they require installation. However, they’re height, angle, and depth adjustable, allowing you to reposition your monitors at a moment’s notice in the precise position you want them to be in. Moreover, monitor arms can accommodate multiple monitors and shared workspaces, making them the ideal office solution. The only thing you need to pay special attention to when shopping for them is whether they’re compatible with your monitor in terms of size and weight.