The Homeowner’s Guide to the Best TV Wall Mounts
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Best TV Wall Mount
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When you’re kicking back in the living room, the last thing you want to deal with is a harsh glare on your TV screen. Perhaps you don’t have space for a bulky media center or you simply want to watch TV from different angles in the room. The answer to all of these problems is to use a mount to attach the TV to the wall.
UPDATED: June 8, 2022.
To help you select which one is best for you, I have outlined the various features below along with a list of the best TV wall mounts currently available.
MY TOP PICK:
If you are looking for the best overall, I recommend the Mounting Dream MD2380 because it features an articulating arm that tilts, swivels, and rotates for multiple viewing angles and it will fit most 32” to 55" screens. A larger version is also available for up to 75” TVs.
What is a TV wall mount?
These devices are versatile, easy to install, and they clear up valuable floor space by getting your flatscreen off the ground. They’re perfect for small apartments, modern layouts, and even commercial buildings like offices and coffee shops.
Most units also feature tilting technology so you can reduce the glare that comes from your windows. Another benefit of full-motion mounts is the fact that you can tilt, rotate, or pull them away from the wall to plug in and adjust the cords.
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There are a number of features you should look for when you’re selecting a particular model:
TV Size and Weight
The most important feature to check for is whether or not the model you select can accommodate the size of your TV. Each manufacturer will provide a recommended size range for what it can support. For example, the Mounting Dream MD2380 fits TVs from 32 to 55 inches. However, if you do have a larger TV most mounts have variations that will support larger screens.
The weight of your TV is also an important factor to consider. This is typically less of a concern as long as the mount is rated for the size of your TV it should also be able to support the weight. However, it doesn’t hurt to look up the weight of your TV model just in case you have a particularly unique unit. This will be listed in the detailed product specifications.
Most full-motion models offer the ability to move the TV in a variety of ways to improve the viewing angle.
Extension and Retraction
The first movement is the ability to extend the TV from the wall. This is typically achieved by using articulating arms that hinge outward. The maximum distance it can extend is measured from the wall to the back of the TV.
To accommodate the hardware this requires the TV cannot sit flush against the wall so there is also a minimum distance of retraction. Typically you want the smallest dimension possible to minimize what can be seen when viewed from the side.
Swiveling
Another helpful motion is the capability to swivel to the left and right. This ranges from around 45 to 60 degrees in either direction, depending on the model. It is helpful when you are sitting to one side of the TV and want to point it in your direction. Personally, I want to be looking straight at the TV and can’t stand it if I am looking at the screen at an angle, these mounts help to solve that problem.
Tilting
Most full-motion models will also have the capability to tilt the screen. This movement is typically controlled by a lever on the side of the mount. It makes it possible to angle the screen down which is helpful if it is mounted above your eye level. It can also be tilted up if you are sitting higher than the TV. In addition, tilting the screen is a great way to reduce or eliminate glare from lights or windows.
Leveling
Finally, the leveling feature found on most models allows you to rotate the screen a few degrees clockwise or counterclockwise to ensure it is straight once fixed to the wall. This is helpful as it is almost impossible to get it perfectly straight when just relying on the mounting hardware.
What Exactly is VESA?
VESA stands for Video Electronics Standards Association, but you don’t have to remember that. When it comes to your TV, the VESA standard simply tells you how far apart the mounting holes are on the back of your TV.
Most TVs have a VESA pattern somewhere between 100 x 100 mm and 400 x 400 mm (or, 3 x 3 inches to 16 x 16 inches). Check your TV manual or measure the back of your TV to find the VESA pattern, then make sure the wall mount you choose is compatible with your VESA.
Installation
These devices are fairly easy to install, taking anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour. Most TVs are too heavy to secure directly to drywall, so you’ll need to mount it to the wall studs. Use a stud finder to locate the studs — they’re usually spaced 16 or 24 inches apart. Make sure there aren’t any wires or screws in the wall before you mount the TV.
If you have a concrete or brick wall, double-check with the manufacturer to make sure they can send you special hardware for the job.
If you are a renter and want to install one of these, check with your landlord first. The hardware can create large holes in the wall that will likely need to be patched when the mount is removed.
Check out this quick video of the process to get an overview of what is involved:
Now, on to the individual products. Each unit has been assigned a key feature that makes it particularly noteworthy. Every mount has been broken down according to its essential functions to help you make a selection that works for your specific requirements.
So here is my list of The Best TV Wall Mounts for 2022.
Enjoy!
Best Overall: Mounting Dream MD2380
The Mounting Dream MD2380 mount fits TVs from 32 to 55 inches. If your TV exceeds these dimensions, you can purchase a larger version that will fit TVs up to 75 inches. It can hold a TV up to 99 pounds, which is a fairly generous weight allowance, considering that most modern TVs weigh around 30 pounds.
The mount is one of the most durable options on the market. It features sturdy construction, and it tilts, swivels, and pulls out as far as 15.2 inches away from the wall. Installation is simple. The mount ships with all the hardware you need to install and mount your TV. If you’re installing into concrete, make sure you call the company and ask for concrete anchors.
Other features:
Full motion with an articulating arm.
Tilts up 5° and down 15°.
Fits VESA of 400mm x 400mm or 16x16 inches.
Comes with a bubble level and an HDMI cable.
Comes with a 10-year warranty through Mounting Dream.
Runner-up: VideoSecu MW340B2 TV Wall Mount
This mount by VideoSecu features two articulating arms, so you can position your TV just about anywhere. The low-profile design rests just 2.3 inches away from the wall. This is ideal for small rooms where space is at a premium. Pull it out up to 14 inches, and tilt or swivel to adjust for glare from the windows and various seating arrangements.
The mount ships with all the hardware you need to install: all you need is a screwdriver and a drive. With an easy three-step lift-and-lock installation process, you can have your TV mounted the same day. The mount fits most 32 to 65 inch TVs. It is not compatible with some older models of 50 to 65 inch TVs, so check with the manufacturer if your TV falls in this category.
Other features:
Supports TVs up to 100 pounds.
Comes with a 6-foot HDMI cable.
Fits VESA of 400mm x 400mm or 16x16 inches.
Best Installation: Cheetah Mounts Dual Articulating Arm
Cheetah has made this dual articulating mount a breeze to install. It comes with 4 sets of mounting screws and spacers, and Cheetah will ship extra screws for free if you need them. Make sure to have a stud finder, screw bit, and drill on hand, and use the included 6-inch bubble level to perfect the setup.
The TV mount has special magnets and pull tabs at the back to discreetly cover your cables. It fits most 20 to 65 inch TVs and can hold up to 115 pounds. It also comes with a 10-inch high-speed HDMI cable, so you can start watching your favorite shows right away, and Cheetah offers a lifetime guarantee to extra peace of mind.
Other features:
Sits 2.7 inches away from the wall and can extend up to 14.5 inches.
Tilts 10° and swivels 130°.
Fits standard VESA hole patterns from 50 x 50 mm to 400 x 400 mm (2 x 2 inch to 16 x 16 inch).
Works with 16-inch studs. If you have 20 or 24-inch studs, purchase their APDAM2B model.
Best for Screen Glare: Echogear Tilting TV Wall Mount
This wall mount tilts up to 15º, allowing you to completely eliminate screen glare. It’s a good choice for bright rooms that get a lot of light. The mount fits TVs from 32 to 75 inches. The low-profile design keeps your TV just 2.5 inches from the wall, and the slender design will blend perfectly into contemporary homes.
This TV mount is perfect if you have a lightweight TV and you want to install it on your own. For heavier TVs, you can still do all the setup yourself — just grab a friend to help you lift the TV into place.
Installation takes about 30 minutes from start to finish. Echogear has a team of professionals based in Minnesota. They’re friendly, helpful, and available 7 days a week to answer your questions during the installation process.
Other features:
Easy 3-step installation process.
Mounts to 16 or 24-inch wood studs or concrete.
Comes with a comprehensive, easy-to-follow installation manual and installation video with some humor sprinkled in.
Best for Small TVs: VideoSecu Articulating Tilt Arm TV Wall Mount
This affordable mount is designed for small TVs from 27 to 42 inches, and it has a max weight capacity of 44 pounds. After installation, you can adjust the mount to make sure it’s perfectly level. A dual-link arm gives your TV a smooth, wide range of motion: pull it up to 15 inches away from the wall or push it back to 2.2 inches. It’s perfect for a small TV in a kid’s bedroom, gym, office, or kitchen.
Other features:
Comes with all the hardware you need to install.
Fits VESA hole patterns from 75 x 75 mm to 100 x 100 mm (3 x 3 inch to 4 x 4 inch).
Most Sturdy: Everstone Full Motion TV Wall Mount
Made by Everstone, this durable wall mount has 6 articulating arms to stabilize your TV. The components are made from cold-rolled steel for extra strength and durability. In other words: once you’ve mounted your TV, it’s not going anywhere.
It ships with a quality magnetic bubble level and all hardware you could possibly need for different wall types and TVs brands. The user manual guides you through a simple, 3-step installation process. Simply attach two brackets to the back of the TV, drill and install the wall plate on the wall, then connect the TV to the wall plate.
After it’s installed, you can adjust the mount by 3º to make the TV level. The mount sits 2.65 inches from the wall and can extend out 14 inches. Slide it up or down 4 inches on a height setting hook to position it perfectly on your wall. Tilt up by 3º or down 15º to reduce glare or accommodate a higher mounting position.
Other features:
Works with TVs from 32 to 65 inches.
Holds up to 121 pounds.
Works with wood studs from 8 to 16 inches or a masonry wall.
Compatible with VESA patterns from 75 x 75 mm to 400 x 400 mm.
Best Weight Capacity: Echogear EGLF1-BK Full Motion Articulating TV Wall Mount
If you want to be able to view your TV from every side of the room, this TV mount is the best choice. It extends 16 inches from the wall and swivels 130º, making the screen visible from anywhere. The mount is rated to hold 132 pounds. All Echogear TV mounts are specifically tested to hold 4 times the rated weight, so you can rest assured that your TV will be safe.
Other features:
Works with TVs from 37 to 75 inches.
Rests 2.6 inches from the wall.
Mounts into walls with 16-inch wood studs or a masonry wall.
If you purchase their larger mount, EGLF2, for 18 to 24-inch studs, the company will plant a tree for every product sold.
Best Range of Motion: AmazonBasics Heavy Duty TV Wall Mount
Made from industrial-strength steel, this mount by AmazonBasics fits TVs from 22 to 55 inches. It tilts up and down by 15º and can swivel from left to right up to 180º. When you’re ready to watch TV, extend the articulating arm as far as 16.3 inches from the wall so you can have unobstructed views from anywhere. When you’re finished, push it back as close as 2.6 inches away from the wall, so it will be out of the way.
Unlike many other mounts, this device features powder-coated components which will stand up against scratches and bumps. It’s the perfect product for landlords, families, or any homeowner who wants their TV mount to last for years. It’s also one of the more affordable options on the market, so you can save some money without sacrificing quality.
Other features:
Supports a wide range of VESA mounting holes. Fits most sizes from 100 x 100 mm to 400 x 400 mm.
Comes with hardware and a bubble level.
Best Organization: Mount Factory Heavy Duty TV Wall Mount
This mount is compatible with most TVs from 40 to 70 inches and is rated to hold up to 100 pounds. It comes with a 10 inch braided HDMI cable and a magnetic level to help you set up. Thanks to commercial-grade steel and premium barrel hinges, you’ll hardly feel any resistance when you swing the articulating arms out or retract them back to the wall. The mount has well-designed holes in the backplate so you can secure your wires, keeping the look clean and organized.
Other features:
Fits VESA patterns from 200 x 200 mm to 400 x 600 mm.
Tilts up 8º and down 5º.
Rotates up to 160º from left to right.
Best Extension: USX Full Motion TV Wall Mount
The USX full-motion mount has one of the largest reaches on the market. The six articulating arms can extend your TV as far as 16.49 inches from the wall, then pull it back as close as 2.4 inches. The components are finished with a sleek, black coating, which will blend in nicely with your flatscreen.
The mount fits TVs from 47 to 84 inches and holds up to 132 pounds — more than enough for the average TV. It can tilt, swivel, and rotate, though the extent of the swivel will depend on the dimensions of your TV. You will definitely need two people to install and mount your TV, due to the size of the mount.
Other features:
Comes with a bubble level for installation and cable ties to hide your cords.
Wide-angle swivel up to 45 degrees.
Adjust horizontally by 3 degrees after installation to make sure the TV is level.
Compatible with most VESA patterns from 200 x 100 mm to 600 x 400 mm (8 x 4 inches to 24 x 16 inches).
I hope this list of the best TV wall mounts was helpful.
If you think I left out one that is important or have a suggestion for a future article, let me know in the comments below.
Brandon Hubbard, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP BD+C
