Best Monitor Risers of 2025: Standing Desk Compatible, Dual Monitor & Storage Picks

A monitor arm gets all the attention, but sometimes you just want to raise your screen a few inches without drilling into your desk or bolting anything to the wall. That’s what a monitor riser does. It sits on your desk, lifts your monitor 4 to 8 inches, and often gives you storage space underneath for the keyboard, notebooks, or clutter that otherwise covers your desk surface.

The right riser fixes the most common ergonomic problem (looking down at your screen) without the commitment of a monitor arm. The wrong one wobbles with every keystroke, doesn’t accommodate your monitor stand, or takes up more desk space than it saves.

We tested 6 monitor risers. From single-monitor platforms to dual setups with drawers — to find the best ones for every desk situation.

What to Look For in a Monitor Riser

Height Matters More Than You Think

Most ergonomic guidelines say your monitor should be at eye level or slightly below — the top bezel at or just under your horizontal line of sight. For most people sitting at a standard 29-inch desk, that means lifting the monitor 4 to 8 inches. A riser that’s too short still leaves you looking down. One that’s too high puts the screen above eye level, which strains your neck in the other direction.

Measure your seated eye level before buying. Sit at your desk in your normal posture, close your eyes, and open them facing forward. Where your eyes land is roughly where the top of your monitor should be. Most 27-inch monitors sit about 15 to 17 inches tall on their own stand, so a 5 to 6-inch riser is the standard starting point.

Width and Stability for Your Setup

A riser needs to be wider than the base of your monitor stand — ideally by 2 to 3 inches on each side. A 23-inch wide riser works for most single monitors. Dual monitor setups need 36 to 48 inches minimum. Stability matters more than width: a riser should not wobble when you type. Look for solid wood or metal construction. The cheap hollow-core shelves that double as monitor risers flex under weight and transfer every desk vibration to the screen.

Storage Options

The space under a monitor riser is valuable real estate. An open riser lets you slide your keyboard underneath when not typing — keeps the desk clear and the keyboard accessible. A riser with a drawer adds hidden storage for pens, cables, sticky notes, and the daily small items that clutter a desk surface. Some risers combine both: open space for the keyboard plus a shallow tray for everyday items.

Standing Desk Compatibility

If you use a standing desk, a tall monitor riser (6+ inches) can actually work against you. Standing desks typically have 3 to 4 inches less usable space between desk surface and keyboard tray than fixed-height desks. A 7-inch riser on a standing desk puts the monitor at standing height plus the desk height push — you may end up looking up at the screen when standing. A 4 to 5-inch riser is usually the better fit for standing desks.

Built-in USB Hub and Cable Management

Some risers add USB hub ports (USB-A, USB-C) and integrated cable routing. These are genuine conveniences if you plug and unplug devices frequently. But built-in USB hubs add $20 to $40 to the price, and the hub electronics can fail while the riser structure is still fine. A separate hub is cheaper to replace. Cable management (notches, channels, or holes in the riser) is universally useful and doesn’t add much to the price.

Top 6 Monitor Risers Reviewed

1. Grovemade Walnut Monitor Stand — Best Premium Wood Riser

The Grovemade Walnut Monitor Stand is the most beautiful desk accessory you will ever own, and it happens to be a perfectly functional monitor riser. CNC-machined from American black walnut, oil-finished, with a milled aluminum bar on the back and a cork base that won’t scratch your desk — it’s the monitor riser equivalent of a Herman Miller chair: you buy it because using a nice thing every day matters.

It measures 23.5 inches wide and 5.5 inches tall — the sweet spot for most single monitors. The walnut surface is a single solid slab (no veneer, no glue joins across the top). The raised back bar keeps monitors from sliding off and doubles as a cable management channel. The cork base provides grip without adhesive and protects the desk surface.

The storage underneath is open (no drawer) — enough space for a full-size mechanical keyboard when you push it back. The Grove Made uses solid walnut, which means it’s heavy (6 pounds) and expensive ($160). But it’s the last monitor riser you will buy.

Pros:

• Solid American black walnut — heirloom quality
• Perfect height (5.5 in) for most ergonomic setups
• Cork base won’t scratch desk surfaces
• Cable management channel in the back bar
• Heavy and stable — doesn’t wobble
• Beautiful enough to be the centerpiece of your desk

Cons:

• Expensive — $160 for a wooden riser
• No storage drawer or USB hub
• Only 23.5 inches wide — won’t fit dual monitors
• Walnut gets scratched (adds character, but some hate that)
• Heavy for moving between desks

Verdict: The Grovemade Walnut is the monitor riser you buy when you want one beautiful object on your desk that makes you happy every time you look at it. For the price of a cheap desk, you get a single slab of walnut that will outlast your current desk, your current monitor, and probably your current apartment.

2. Mind Reader Monitor Riser with Drawer — Best with Storage

The Mind Reader monitor riser solves the most common desk complaint: not enough flat surface space. It combines a full-width drawer (fits pens, cables, sticky notes, dongles, and a phone) with an open cubby underneath that accommodates a keyboard when not in use. The top surface is 25 inches wide, 10 inches deep, and 6 inches tall — enough for most 24 to 27-inch monitors.

The drawer slides smoothly on metal tracks and has a cutout for cable routing to the back. The riser is made from engineered wood with a laminated black or white finish. It’s sturdy enough for two monitors side by side if they’re lightweight, though the 25-inch width means only small monitors fit in a dual configuration.

It’s not beautiful — the laminated particle board is functional, not fine furniture — but it’s the most practical drawer-based riser under $50.

Pros:

• Full drawer plus keyboard cubby — excellent storage for the price
• Cable routing cutout in the drawer
• Stable platform for single monitors up to 27 inches
• Smooth sliding drawer on metal tracks
• Affordable at $35 to $50
• Black and white finish options

Cons:

• Particle board construction — not durable for heavy use
• Drawer depth is shallow — won’t hold thick items
• 25-inch width is tight for dual monitors
• Drawer wobbles slightly when fully extended
• Laminated finish scratches and chips over time

Verdict: The best storage-forward monitor riser under $50. The combination of a drawer and keyboard cubby makes it the most practical option for desk organization on a budget.

3. VIVO Dual LCD Monitor Stand Riser — Best for Dual Monitors

The VIVO Dual Monitor Stand Riser is a 45-inch wide steel and tempered glass platform designed specifically for two monitors side by side. It’s 6 inches tall and 11 inches deep, providing a stable surface for two 24 to 27-inch monitors. The tempered glass top is transparent, keeping the desk visual flow open instead of blocking it with a solid surface.

The frame is powder-coated black steel with rubber feet that prevent sliding and protect the desk. Cable management holes on the top surface route wires down and out of sight. The open underside provides keyboard storage when not typing.

The main trade-off is the glass surface. It looks clean but shows every fingerprint, dust spec, and cable shadow. And monitors with wide, flat stands (many Dell and HP monitors) take up so much of the glass surface that there’s little room for anything else.

Pros:

• 45-inch width easily holds two monitors side by side
• Tempered glass top keeps desk looking open and airy
• 6-inch height is good for most ergonomic setups
• Cable management holes in the top
• Strong steel frame supports up to 150 pounds
• Rubber feet protect desk surface

Cons:

• Glass surface shows fingerprints and dust constantly
• Monitors with wide stands crowd the surface
• Glass can shatter if edge is struck (rare but real)
• No storage drawer or USB hub
• Transparent design means cables are visible underneath

Verdict: The VIVO Dual Riser is the right choice for dual monitor setups on a budget. The 45-inch platform is stable and large enough for side-by-side screens at a reasonable price.

4. Bamboo Monitor Stand with Drawer — Best Eco-Friendly

This bamboo monitor riser hits the sweet spot between the Grovemade premium and the budget particle board options. It’s made from solid bamboo strips — harder and more durable than most hardwoods, renewable, and naturally beautiful. The top surface is 23.6 inches wide, 9.8 inches deep, and 6.3 inches tall with a built-in storage drawer.

The drawer is shallow (about 1 inch deep) but runs the full width — great for pens, cables, dongles, and a phone. The drawer slides on wooden runners (no metal tracks to rust or jam). The bamboo surface develops a warm patina over time and resists scratches better than veneered particle board.

It’s stable enough for monitors up to 30 inches and has rubber feet on the bottom. The cross-brace underneath adds rigidity. At $45 to $60, it costs about the same as the particle board options but looks significantly better.

Pros:

• Solid bamboo — durable, renewable, and naturally antimicrobial
• Full-width shallow drawer for daily desk items
• Attractive finish that develops patina over time
• Stable for monitors up to 30 inches
• Rubber feet protect desk surface
• Good value for the material quality

Cons:

• Drawer is shallow — won’t hold thick items
• No cable management holes or channels
• Width (23.6 in) is tight for dual monitors
• Bamboo color varies between batches
• Drawer can stick in humid conditions

Verdict: A solid bamboo riser with a drawer that looks better than anything near its price. The best eco-friendly option that doesn’t compromise on function.

5. Amazon Basics Monitor Stand Riser — Best Budget Basic Stand

The Amazon Basics Monitor Stand Riser is exactly what it sounds like: a no-frills, metal-frame riser that does one thing and does it well. It’s a 23-inch wide, 5.5-inch tall steel platform with a ventilated shelf surface and a lower shelf for keyboard storage. Flat black powder coat, rubber feet on the legs, and steel wire shelf construction.

At $18, it’s cheaper than a pizza delivery. If all you need is to lift your monitor 5.5 inches and give your keyboard a parking spot underneath, this is the most cost-effective solution available. The ventilated surface is less prone to dust accumulation than solid tops.

Downsides: the wire shelf surface isn’t stable for monitors with narrow bases — the wires can flex between the frame supports. You’ll want to place a piece of plywood or acrylic sheet on top for solid support. The finish chips if bumped, and the 23-inch width means monitors wider than 27 inches on their stand won’t fit.

Pros:

• Ridiculously inexpensive — under $20
• Two-level design with keyboard storage underneath
• 5.5-inch height is ergonomically useful
• Ventilated surface reduces dust buildup
• Lightweight and portable
• Takes 2 minutes to assemble

Cons:

• Wire shelf surface flexes under narrow monitor bases
• Finish chips and scratches easily
• Only 23 inches wide — no dual monitors
• Looks cheap (because it is)
• Monitor base clips the front edge on some models

Verdict: The Amazon Basics riser is the minimum viable monitor lift. It lifts your screen, puts your keyboard away, and costs less than filling your gas tank. Add a $5 acrylic sheet on top for stability.

6. BONTEC Dual Monitor Riser with USB Hub — Most Features

BONTEC’s dual monitor riser packs the most features per dollar: 42-inch wide bamboo platform, 6-inch height, built-in 4-port USB 3.0 hub (with USB-C input), two storage drawers, cable management holes, and a lower shelf for keyboard storage. It’s the all-in-one solution for a dual monitor desk that wants everything organized without separate accessories.

The USB hub has four USB-A 3.0 ports (5Gbps) and a USB-C input that connects to your computer. The two shallow drawers (left and right) hold desk accessories within reach. The lower shelf accommodates a full-size keyboard. The bamboo surface is a step up from particle board and looks reasonable on most desks.

The complexity is the main drawback. The USB hub requires external power (adapter included) for full charging speed. The drawers don’t slide smoothly — they’re simple friction-based tracks. The 42-inch width is long but only 8 inches deep, so monitors with deep stands overhang the front edge.

Pros:

• 4-port USB 3.0 hub with USB-C input — real utility
• 42-inch width fits two monitors comfortably
• Bamboo surface looks better than plastic or particle board
• Two storage drawers and keyboard shelf
• Cable management holes with covers
• 6-inch height is ergonomically solid

Cons:

• USB hub needs wall power for full charging speed
• Drawers are friction-slide (not smooth ball bearing)
• Only 8 inches deep — monitor bases overhang
• Assembly takes 20 to 30 minutes
• Expensive at $80 to $100

Verdict: The BONTEC is the most feature-packed dual monitor riser under $100. The USB hub, dual drawers, and bamboo platform make it a serious contender for anyone who wants everything in one piece.

Comparison Table

FAQ

What height should my monitor riser be?

Measure your seated eye level, then measure the height of your monitor on its stand (from desk surface to top of the screen). The top bezel of your screen should be at or just below your horizontal line of sight. For most people at a standard 29-inch desk with a 27-inch monitor, a 5 to 6-inch riser is the right range. Shorter risers (4 inches) work for taller desks. Taller risers (7+ inches) are for deep reclining chairs or counter-height desks.

Should I get a monitor riser or a monitor arm?

A riser is the simpler, cheaper solution. It doesn’t require clamping, drilling, or any permanent desk modification. It also adds storage space. A monitor arm gives you more flexibility — you can pull the screen closer, push it away, rotate it to portrait mode, and adjust the height continuously. If you share your desk, alternate between sitting and standing, or want the cleanest look, get an arm. If you just need to lift your screen a few inches and want storage underneath, get a riser.

Will a monitor riser work with a standing desk?

Yes, but choose carefully. Standing desks push the working surface higher than seated desks, so the monitor riser height adds to the overall screen position. A 6-inch riser on a standing desk can put the monitor above eye level when you’re standing. For standing desks, a 4 to 5-inch riser is usually safer. Measure your standing eye level and your desk’s standing height before choosing.

Can I put two monitors on a single monitor riser?

Yes, if the riser is wide enough. Two 24-inch monitors side by side need at least 38 inches of width on the riser. Two 27-inch monitors need at least 44 inches. The VIVO and BONTEC dual risers handle this. Standard single-monitor risers (23–25 inches wide) will not hold two monitors safely.

How much weight can a monitor riser hold?

Solid wood and MDF risers typically hold 50 to 75 pounds — more than enough for any monitor. Glass and wire risers hold 30 to 50 pounds. Check the weight of your monitor (most 27-inch monitors weigh 10 to 15 pounds including the stand). Add both monitors if going dual. The riser’s weight limit is rarely the limiting factor — the surface wobble is what you’ll notice first.

Will a monitor riser help with neck pain?

It often does, yes. The most common desk ergonomic problem is a monitor that’s too low, forcing you to look down by tilting your head forward. That forward head posture puts 27 to 40 pounds of pressure on your cervical spine for every 15 degrees of forward tilt, according to medical research. Lifting your screen to eye level reduces or eliminates that forward tilt. It’s not a substitute for a full ergonomic setup — chair height, desk height, and arm position also matter — but it’s the single highest-impact change per dollar.

The Bottom Line

If you want one beautiful object on your desk that doubles as a monitor stand, the Grovemade Walnut Monitor Stand is in a class of its own. Solid American black walnut, perfect proportions, and the confidence that comes from owning something built to last decades. It’s expensive, but you already knew that.

For the best value with storage, the Mind Reader Monitor Riser with Drawer combines a full drawer and keyboard cubby at a price that’s hard to beat. It’s the practical choice for organization without the premium price.

For dual monitor setups, the VIVO Dual LCD Stand Riser offers the widest stable platform at the lowest price. The VIVO is a solid choice for any dual-monitor desk.

The Bamboo Monitor Stand with Drawer is the best eco-friendly option, offering solid hardwood quality at a particle board price.

If all you need is a basic monitor lift for under $20, the Amazon Basics Monitor Stand Riser gets the job done. Add a thin plywood top for stability.

And if you want every feature in one package — USB hub, dual drawers, wide enough for dual monitors — the BONTEC Dual Monitor Riser with USB Hub packs it all into one bamboo platform.

A monitor riser is one of the cheapest ergonomic fixes you can make. Even the $18 Amazon Basic version can fix the most common source of desk-related neck strain. Try the cheapest option first. If it works and you want something nicer, upgrade later.

Disclosure: We may earn a commission if you purchase through links on this page — at no extra cost to you.