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The best TV wall mounts: How flat, articulating, and tilt types compare
Today, most popular TVs are relatively low profile, making it possible to skip the bulky television cabinet and go with a sleek, wall-mounted look. TV wall mounts also save space, which can be a lifesaver in smaller rooms. However, shopping for a TV wall mount can be a challenge since there are many options to choose from. The best TV wall mounts come in three main types: flat, articulating, and tilt.
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Flat TV wall brackets are the simplest -- they attach your television to the wall in a fixed position and don't move in any way. Then there are the articulating or full-motion TV mounts. They're capable of turning and swiveling to face other directions. Lastly, tilting TV brackets can be angled up or down, which can be useful when you're trying to avoid screen reflections or glare.
If you bought a TV for the big game or plan to have one for the new season of Succession, we analyzed the market to find the best TV wall mounts available right now.
Also: The 5 best wireless surround sound systems
- Holds TVs up to 84 inches
- Dual swivel featuring six arms for +5°/-15° tilt and up to 45° swivel
- Simple three-step installation
- Mountable on concrete walls or wood studs behind drywall
- Bracket studs must be 16 inches apart
- Not as flush as other designs, extends 2.40 inches from the wall
Tech specs: Universal dual full motion and tilt | +5°/-15° tilt and up to 45° swivel | Extends up to 16.49" | For 47" to 84" TVs | Compatible with 16" wall studs | Up to 132lbs | Maximum 600 x 400 mm VESA | Includes bubble level and cable ties.
If you're looking for a full-motion mount that can tilt and swivel, USX Mount's model is strong enough to hold televisions up to 84 inches and 132 pounds. Plus, it extends as far as 16.49 inches from the wall and angles up to 45 degrees. The size allowances mean that even larger 4K TVs can be adjusted to face other areas of a room or tilt away from the irritating glare. Keep in mind that the range depends on the television itself. Larger televisions may not have as much clearance to swivel as smaller TVs, but the flexibility this full-motion TV wall mount provides is still worthwhile.
- Compatible with curved TVs
- Ultra-slim profile
- No tools needed to lock and release TV from wall bracket
- Compatible with wood wall studs and concrete walls
- Limited clearance for cables behind the television
Tech specs: Universal fixed | For 42" to 70" TVs | Holds up to 132lbs | Maximum 600 x 400 mm VESA | Compatible with 16" to 24" wall studs | Includes a bubble level
If you don't need a fully articulating TV mount, Mounting Dream's fixed wall bracket is a great option. Installation is simple and takes about half an hour using the provided hardware and directions. The TV snaps into place and can be unlocked for removal with no additional tools required. Plus, this TV bracket is the slimmest of all the models reviewed, jutting out only 1 inch. That small clearance can, however, make it difficult to access the back of the television when mounted.
- HDMI cable included
- Up to 4-inch height adjustment and 3-degree level adjustment once the TV is mounted
- Helpful installation video
- Outdoor rated for covered patios
- Some TVs may not be compatible due to the location of the power source (mid to lower right-hand corner)
Tech specs: Universal dual full motion and tilt | 3° to 15° tilt | Swivels up to 180° TV left or right | Extends up to 14", 2.65" wall clearance | For 32" to 65" TVs | Holds up to 121lbs | 8" to 16" wall studs | Maximum 400 x 400 mm VESA | Includes bubble level | Cable ties | HDMI cable
One of the biggest issues when installing your own TV wall mount is the final look. Despite your best efforts, you may find that the television doesn't sit perfectly level, or it could have been better to hang a bit higher or lower. This can also be an issue when you're working with a full-motion bracket that may need extra adjustment when placed at a certain angle. Everstone's TV wall mount makes it easy to adjust the television after the fact by tweaking it a few inches higher or lower, or by angling the TV to seem eye-level.
- Extends only 1.5 inches from wall
- Holds TVs up to 70 inches
- Affordable
- Variety of stud spacings
- No level adjustment once mounted
Tech specs: Universal tilt up to 8° | For 37" to 70" TVs | Compatible with 16", 18" or 24" wall studs | Up to 132 lbs | Maximum 600 x 400 mm VESA | Includes bubble level | Allen key, a variety of screws (for various TV models) and spacers
Bright, sunny rooms are a wonderful environment -- until it's time to watch TV. You may find that glares or reflections on the screen make it difficult to enjoy what you're watching. In most cases, the problem can be solved by angling the television. Mounting Dream's MD2268-LK makes it possible to tilt the TV +/- 8 degrees, just enough to get rid of distracting glare. The bracket's hardware is heavy-duty, ensuring that even the heaviest televisions can tilt easily -- and stay in position.
Also: The 5 best 65-inch TVs
- Up to 180-degree range (depending on TV size)
- Manufacturer will ship free concrete wall anchors upon request
- Vertical bracket design for single-stud installation is ideal for corner mounting
- Dual motion can tilt and swivel
- Not recommended for plasma TVs
- Max TV weight limit is 77lbs
Tech specs: Universal dual full motion and tilt | +5°/-15° tilt angle | +/- 90° swivel | Up to 16.7" extension | For 26" to 55" TVs | Can be mounted using a single wall stud | Holds up to 77 lbs | Maximum 400 x 400 mm VESA | Includes bubble level, cable ties, socket wrench, concrete wall anchors included (upon request)
It can be complicated to properly space wall studs where you want your TV to hand. It may end up hanging off-center, or away from your ideal location. In other instances, you may want to hang the television in a corner but having to mount the TV on two walls makes this impossible. This TV wall mount is unique -- the bracket itself is mounted vertically instead of horizontally, so you can take advantage of a single vertical wall stud.
- Three arms for maximum articulation
- Works with flat or curved televisions up to 80 inches
- Can be hung on brick, concrete, or wood-stud walls
- Check for cable outlet locations first to ensure compatibility
Tech specs: Universal dual full motion and tilt | Flat and curved TVs | 0°/-15° tilt | +/- 90° swivel (depending on TV size) | Up to 16" extension | For 28" to 80" TVs | |Can be mounted using a single wall stud | Holds up to 110lbs | Maximum 600 x 400 mm VESA | Includes bubble level, concrete and brick wall anchors
Curved TVs are hugely popular but challenging to wall mount, because not all brackets are compatible with the TV's design. This model is extremely versatile and capable of working with flat and curved TVs up to 80 inches in size. Best of all, the fully articulating TV bracket can extend up to 16 inches and swivel and tilt for ultimate viewing flexibility, regardless of the type of television you choose to mount.
Also: The 5 best 75-inch TVs
What is the best TV wall mount?
The best TV wall mount is the USX Full Motion mount, based on its functionality, extension range, TV compatibility, and price.
Best TV wall mount | Price | Extension | TV Compatibility |
USX Full Motion Mount | $33 | Up to 16.49" | 47" to 84" TVs |
Mounting Dream MD2163-K Fixed TV Mount | $30 | None | 42" to 70" TVs |
Everstone Full Motion TV Wall Mount | $18 | Up to 14" | 32" to 65" TVs |
Mounting Dream MD2268-LK | $33 | Tilts up to 8° | 37" to 70" TVs |
Mounting Dream MD2413-MX | $33 | Up to 16.7" | 26" to 55" TVs |
Juststone Heavy Duty TV Bracket | $22 | Up to 16" | 28" to 80" TVs |
Which TV wall mount is right for you?
You may find that several of the best TV wall mounts in the roundup could work. How do you choose the right one? A flat-mount TV bracket is the simplest to install and typically the cheapest option. However, other types of TV wall mounts may be better, depending on your needs. There are a couple of considerations that can help you pick the best one.
Start with your television's size. While most wall-mounting kits cover many television sizes, it's good to know your TV's actual size before you order. Keep in mind that the television size isn't a simple measurement of the width of the television. TVs are classified by diagonal screen length instead. A 48-inch TV isn't 48 inches wide. Therefore, be sure to check your television's manual for sizing, or measure the screen diagonally, from one upper corner to the opposite lower corner, to know if the wall mount you're looking at is compatible with your TV size.
Next, consider the room's function and overall atmosphere. If it's a sunny room, you may want a tilting TV mount that allows you to adjust the screen a few degrees up or down to avoid reflective spots. In other situations, if the sitting area isn't directly in front of the television or the TV is shared between multiple zones, a full-motion or articulating TV wall mount may be a better option. Full-motion TV mounts are usually the most expensive but allow you to pull out and turn the television toward other spots for added viewing flexibility.
Choose this TV wall mount... | If you want... |
USX Full Motion Mount | The best overall wall mount for TVs |
Mounting Dream MD2163-K Fixed TV Mount | A fixed TV wall mount |
Everstone Full Motion TV Wall Mount | To adjust your wall mount after installation |
Mounting Dream MD2268-LK | A TV wall mount that minimizes glare |
Mounting Dream MD2413-MX | A TV wall mount with single-stud installation |
Juststone Heavy Duty TV Bracket | A curved TV wall mount for brick, concrete, or wood-stud walls |
How did we choose these TV wall mounts?
A quick search of the best TV wall mounts on Amazon delivers thousands of results. Creating a guide with solid suggestions takes some research. To narrow the broad list of available mounts, we performed a comprehensive search based on the following criteria:
- Universality: To keep this guide as simple as possible, we chose kits that work with a variety of television models and sizes. Best of all, if your TV needs to be replaced down the road, you'll probably be able to leave the bracket in place and hang the new television using existing hardware.
- Installation ease: The best TV wall mounts include detailed directions and hardware to install it yourself. We prefer models that include video directions and all the nuts and bolts you'll need to hang your television, regardless of model and size. These kits also include a level and stud finder to help you find the strongest spot on the wall to attach the bracket. In addition, we chose models that come with a mounting template. The paper template eliminates the need for measuring and shows you where to drill, saving you time and preventing unnecessary holes in the wall.
- Quality: These TV wall mounts feature steel construction and the ability to hold TVs that weigh over 100 pounds. However, the highest-quality wall mount is only as good as its installation. Be sure the bracket is properly anchored into the wall's studs to ensure safe operation. When in doubt, paying for professional installation may be worth the money.
- Value: We chose the most affordable models that include everything you need to install and enjoy your new wall-mounted television.
- Customer reviews: Customer opinions provide valuable insight into how TV wall mounts actually perform. We chose models with a high number of positive reviews, although we also read the negative to get a realistic impression.
Is my wall strong enough to hang a TV?
One of the biggest concerns about hanging a TV is whether the wall can hold it, especially if you have drywall. To safely mount your TV to the wall, you'll need to attach the TV wall mount to wooden studs behind the drywall. Studs are part of your wall's structure, and they're sturdy enough to hold the weight of a television.
The best TV wall mounts come with a small stud finder that helps you find where the studs are located behind the drywall. In most cases, the stud finder is nothing more than a powerful magnet that can find the nails attached to the wall studs. Make sure you screw the TV wall mount into the studs to ensure it's securely attached to the wall.
How do I hide a wall-mounted TV's power cables?
Most people decide to hang their TV on the wall to achieve a sleek look. However, the TV's power cable and the cords attached can ruin the look. You could call in an electrician to install in-wall cable management or an electrical outlet directly behind the TV, so the cables don't show.
Or, you can order wall cable covers or concealers. Many concealers are even paintable for a seamless look.
What is VESA size?
VESA is the industry-standard way of measuring the distance between your TV's mounting holes to determine what type of TV wall mounting bracket will work. VESA size is measured in millimeters. To find a TV's VESA size, use a metric ruler or tape measure to measure the distance between the four holes on the back of the TV that create a box shape. The VESA dimension could be 600mm x 400mm, which means 600mm between the left and right holes and 400mm between the top and bottom holes.
In most cases, you won't need to worry about measuring. Many of the best TV wall mounts are universal and come with the hardware you need to install TVs in the most common VESA sizes.
Are there alternative TV wall mounts to consider?
We provided a wide range of options based on the mount type, pricing, and monitor shape. That said, if these don't work for your needs, here are a few other options to look into: