Last Updated: September 25, 2026
A monitor arm solves the big problem, getting the screen to the right height and distance, but the arm itself is only part of a finished setup. A handful of small add-ons decide whether the arm stays stable on a thin desk, fits a monitor with an odd back, holds a laptop or webcam, and keeps cables tidy. These monitor arm extras are cheap compared with the arm, yet they fix the most common complaints people have in the first month. Here is what each one does, when you need it and what to check before buying.
📄 In This Review
Quick answer: Our top pick in 2026 is the VESA adapter bracket — our #1 rated choice. See the full ranked comparison, alternatives and buying advice below.
Extras that fix mounting problems
Desk reinforcement plate
A clamp concentrates the arm’s weight and leverage on a few square inches of desktop. On particleboard, hollow-core, or thin laminate desks, that can crush the surface or crack it over time, especially with a heavy monitor at full extension. A steel reinforcement plate spreads the load across a wider area, often 6 to 10 inches long. It goes under the desk between the clamp and the underside, and sometimes a second plate goes on top. If your desk is under about 3/4 inch thick or made of pressed wood, treat a plate as mandatory.
Grommet mount kit
Many arms ship with both a C-clamp and a grommet bolt; some sell the grommet separately. A grommet mount passes through a hole in the desk, which is more stable than an edge clamp and lets you place the arm away from the edge. Check the hole diameter the kit supports (often around 0.4 to 2.4 inches) and the desk thickness range.
Wall or pole adapters
If you have a glass desk or a desk with a lip that blocks a clamp, a wall track or a freestanding pole base can hold the same arm. Some systems are modular and share parts between desk, wall and pole mounts, so check compatibility with your arm’s brand.
Extras that fix monitor compatibility
See also: Home office trends for hybrid work 2026 • AI features in home office gadgets 2026
| Extra | Solves | Typical price range | Check before buying |
|---|---|---|---|
| VESA adapter bracket | Monitors with no VESA holes | $15–$40 | Screen size and weight limit, clamp style |
| VESA size converter plate | Monitor is 200×100 or 200×200 but arm is 100×100 | $10–$25 | Added weight counts against arm capacity |
| Spacers and long screws | Curved or recessed VESA backs | $5–$15 | Screw thread (usually M4) and length |
| Quick-release VESA plate | Swapping monitors or removing for travel | $10–$30 | Some arms include one already |
| Laptop tray | Laptop on an arm next to a monitor | $20–$50 | Tray width, ventilation, retention lip |
Monitors without VESA holes (some slim designs and many older all-in-ones) can use an adapter that grips the top and bottom edges. These work, but they add weight and can press on the frame, so keep within the adapter’s rating. Curved monitors often have the VESA plate recessed in a hollow; spacers ensure the arm’s plate sits flush without hitting the monitor shell.
Extras that add devices to the arm
Laptop tray
A VESA laptop tray bolts to a second arm or a dual arm, turning the laptop into a raised second screen. Look for a perforated or open design so the laptop can breathe, and a lip or strap that keeps it from sliding when you move the arm.
Webcam and light mounts
If your monitor is thin, clipping a webcam to it can make the screen tilt forward. A small extension that attaches to the arm’s VESA plate or pole gives the webcam its own anchor. Similarly, clamps for ring lights or small panels can attach to the arm pole on pole-style mounts.
Tablet or phone holders
Clamp-on holders turn the arm column into a spot for a tablet running chat, notes or a second calendar. They are useful on single-monitor setups where you do not want a second screen.
Extras that keep cables tidy
Most arms have clip covers or channels, but they are often too small for thick DisplayPort and power cables together. Extras that help:
- Split braided cable sleeves bundle everything from the monitor to the desk into one clean run.
- Velcro straps at each joint prevent cables from pulling when the arm swings.
- Right-angle connectors for power and video let a monitor sit closer to the arm and reduce strain on ports.
- Longer cables: a 6-foot cable is often too short once it routes up and along an arm. Measure the path at full extension and add about a foot.
Maintenance extras worth keeping in the drawer
Keep the Allen keys that came with the arm; most tension and joint adjustments need them. A small tube of thread-locking compound (low strength) stops joint bolts from backing out on arms that get moved a lot. Felt pads under the clamp prevent marks on wood desks.
FAQ
Do I need a reinforcement plate for my monitor arm?
If your desk is thinner than about 3/4 inch, made of particleboard or MDF, or you use a heavy monitor at long extension, yes. On solid wood or thick steel desks it is optional but still spreads the load.
Can I mount a monitor with no VESA holes on an arm?
Yes, with a VESA adapter bracket that grips the monitor’s edges. Stay within the adapter’s size and weight limits and include its weight when checking the arm’s capacity.
Bottom line
The best monitor arm extras are the boring ones: a reinforcement plate for weak desks, spacers or adapters for odd monitor backs, and proper cable sleeves. Add a laptop tray or webcam mount only if your workflow needs it. Together they cost far less than the arm and make the setup safer and cleaner.
Ready to decide? Our #1 pick for 2026 is the VESA adapter bracket.
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