Most people think a monitor riser and a laptop riser are the same. They’re not. Each serves a different purpose, and using the wrong one makes your desk less comfortable and your work harder. If you’re torn between the two, here’s exactly what you need to know.
What’s a monitor riser and who’s it for?
A monitor riser is a platform or arm that holds up an external screen at eye level. It’s built for desktop monitors, not laptops, and helps with posture, desk space, and cable management.
A riser can be a simple block that raises your monitor a few inches or an adjustable arm that lets you tilt, swivel, or rotate the screen. The whole idea is to keep the monitor at a height where your neck stays straight. People with desktops or dual-screen setups benefit most.
Risers also give back desk space. When the screen floats above the desk, there’s room underneath for notebooks, docking stations, or just clean space. Arms often have built-in cable guides, so your desk doesn’t turn into a snake pit of wires.
What’s a laptop riser and who’s it for?
A laptop riser is a holder that raises your laptop screen higher and often tilts it, so you don’t hunch over the keyboard. It’s built for portability and airflow, not for heavy external monitors.
Laptop risers come in folding designs for travel, slim platforms for desks, or fixed metal frames. They lift the screen so your neck isn’t bent down, but they don’t fully solve posture problems. You’ll usually need an external keyboard and mouse.
Another big job of a laptop riser is cooling. Laptops run hot, and raising them off the desk improves airflow. Some stands even have fans to push more air around the device. If you move between spaces or need a lightweight fix, a laptop riser makes sense.
Monitor riser vs laptop risers: what’s the difference?
Adjustability
Monitor risers and arms give full flexibility for screen position, while laptop risers only give limited tilt or height adjustments.
Risers with arms let you move the screen closer, push it back, swivel it for sharing, or rotate it vertically. Laptop risers are simpler. They raise the laptop and may let you change the angle, but you can’t move them as freely.
Ergonomics
Monitor risers keep your head, neck, and shoulders in a natural position, while laptop risers reduce strain but still require extra gear for full comfort.
A monitor on a riser sits exactly where your eyes need it. You don’t end up leaning forward or bending your neck. With a laptop riser, the screen is higher, but the keyboard stays attached, so typing gets awkward unless you plug in a keyboard and mouse.
Desk space and cable setup
Monitor risers clear up more desk space and keep cables neat, while laptop risers free only a bit of space underneath.
A riser with an arm lets the screen float. The desk below is clear for work items. Built-in cable channels also keep wires tidy. Laptop risers do open some space under the device, but it’s not as much, and cables usually just dangle.
Portability
Laptop risers are light and easy to carry, while monitor risers are fixed or need installation.
A monitor riser is meant to stay on one desk. Some require clamping to the desk edge. A laptop riser, on the other hand, can fold and fit in a bag. This makes it better if you move between home, office, or coffee shops.
Cost
Laptop risers are budget-friendly, while monitor risers, especially arms, cost more.
You can grab a simple laptop riser for a low price. A solid monitor riser block is also affordable, but adjustable arms run higher. The price matches the added adjustability and durability.
Quick comparison table
| Feature | Monitor Riser / Arm | Laptop riser |
|---|---|---|
| Adjustability | Full movement (height, tilt, swivel, rotate) | Limited tilt and height |
| Ergonomics | Keeps posture neutral with external monitor | Better than flat desk, best with external keyboard |
| Desk space | Frees desk, built-in cable guides | Some space under device, no cable control |
| Portability | Fixed, requires setup | Foldable, light, portable |
| Cost | Higher for arms, moderate for blocks | Lower, budget-friendly |
| Best for | Desktop or multi-monitor setups | Laptop-focused work, portability needs |
How do you know which one to pick?
Choose a monitor riser if you use a desktop or external monitors. Choose a laptop riser if you work mostly on a laptop and move around often.
If you’ve got a monitor as your main screen, you need a riser or arm to hold it at the right height. It’ll keep your posture correct and give back desk space. Multi-screen users also benefit from the flexibility risers provide.
If your main tool is a laptop, a stand keeps you from staring down at the desk. It also helps with cooling. Just remember, you’ll want an external keyboard and mouse if you’re planning to work long hours this way.
In hybrid setups, people often use both. A laptop sits on a stand for extra height, while an external monitor sits on a riser. That way, both screens line up better, and the desk works for all-day use.
Final thoughts
Monitor risers and laptop risers are built for different jobs. One supports heavy external monitors with whole movement. The other lifts a laptop enough to make work a bit easier on your body. They’re not the same tool, and choosing the wrong one can hold back your comfort and workflow.
The best way to decide is simple: look at your main screen. If it’s a monitor, get a riser. If it’s a laptop, get a stand. If it’s both, you’ll need both.