Gas Spring vs Pole Mounted Monitor Arms: Which is Best?

Upgrading your monitor setup from a standard plastic desk stand to an articulating monitor arm is the single best ergonomic upgrade you can make. It frees up valuable desk space and allows you to align screens perfectly. However, should you choose a gas spring arm or a pole-mounted mechanical arm?

1. Gas Spring Monitor Arms (Counterbalance)

Gas spring arms (like the MXG EMA-12 or BMA-24U) utilize a pressurized gas cylinder inside the arm joints. This counterbalances the weight of your screen, allowing you to slide the monitor up, down, forward, or backward with a gentle touch.
Best for: Users who adjust their screen heights frequently (e.g., swapping between sitting and standing, showing screens to clients, or moving screens out of the way when writing).

2. Pole-Mounted Articulating Arms

Pole-mounted arms (like the MXG PMA-12 or BMA-36) slide up and down a solid steel vertical pole and are locked in place with a manual clamp. While you can still tilt, swivel, and rotate the monitor easily, vertical height adjustments require unlocking the main clamp.
Best for: Heavy multi-monitor configurations (like triple screens) where you want static, rock-solid alignment and rarely change the vertical height.

Weight Capacity Considerations

Before purchasing, check the weight of your monitor panel (excluding its original stand). Heavy screens (like 34" curved ultrawides or 49" super-ultrawides) require heavy-duty mechanical joints (such as the MXG VMA-24P) that can support up to 20kg per screen arm without sagging.