Looking down at a laptop screen all day is one of the most common causes of neck and shoulder pain among remote workers. The fix is simple and cheap: raise your screen so the top third sits at eye level. Monitor stands and risers do exactly that, and many double as storage for keyboards, cables, or documents underneath.
Why Monitor Height Matters
Ergonomics guidelines consistently recommend your monitor's top edge sit at or slightly below eye level, roughly 20–28 inches from your eyes. Most laptop screens and low desks put the screen far too low, forcing you to tilt your neck down for hours — a leading contributor to "tech neck" tension.
Our Top Monitor Stand & Riser Picks
Best for Dual Screens: 42.5" Dual Monitor & Laptop Riser
Wide enough to hold two monitors plus a laptop riser section, with an adjustable 10° tilt for the laptop tray and built-in phone/headphone holders.
- Fits dual monitors + laptop
- Adjustable laptop tilt
- Sturdy wood construction
- Takes up significant desk depth
- Fixed height (no adjustment)
Best Compact Option: Ergonomic Riser with Ventilation
A smaller footprint riser designed for single-monitor setups, with cooling vents underneath if you're placing a laptop or small desktop beneath the monitor.
- Compact and lightweight
- Non-slip pads keep monitor stable
- Affordable
- Fixed height only
- Not suitable for ultra-wide monitors
Best for Storage: Dual-Tier Riser with Drawer
Raises your monitor while adding a built-in drawer for pens, notepads, or cables — great for anyone trying to reduce visible desk clutter.
- Hidden storage drawer
- Solid bamboo/wood build
- High weight capacity
- Bulkier than basic risers
- Drawer depth is limited
Riser vs. Monitor Arm: Which Should You Choose?
| Feature | Desktop Riser | Monitor Arm/Mount |
|---|---|---|
| Height adjustability | Fixed (usually) | Fully adjustable |
| Desk space used | More (sits on surface) | Less (clamps to desk edge) |
| Setup difficulty | Very easy | Moderate (clamp/grommet mount) |
| Added storage | Often yes (drawers/shelf) | No |
| Best for | Simple height fix + storage | Precise, adjustable positioning |
Frequently Asked Questions
How high should my monitor riser be?
Aim for the top third of your screen at eye level when sitting upright — typically 3–6 inches of lift for most desk and chair combinations.
Can a riser hold a heavy monitor?
Most wood and bamboo risers support 40–65 lbs, enough for standard monitors, but always check the weight rating for large ultra-wide or curved displays.