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Mounting a TV on your wall saves space, looks cleaner, and can even improve your viewing angles. Of course, you'll need to make sure you're using a mount that can safely handle your TV's size and weight. The last thing anyone wants is to wrestle a giant OLED into place, drill holes in the wall, and then see it come crashing down. That's why our home entertainment reviewers selected the best TV wall mounts for different budgets, room layouts, and viewing needs.
TV mounts come in several styles, and prices range from around $20 to a few hundred dollars. In general, you'll pay more for added movement. For maximum adjustability, we recommend the Sanus Full-Motion Swivel Bracket. It supports TVs up to 90 inches and 125 pounds, and its extending arm allows for smooth tilting and swiveling. On the other hand, if you just need a simple tilt mount without all the bells and whistles, this Mounting Dream model is a solid budget option. It costs about $35 and can hold TVs up to 75 inches and weighing up to 132 pounds.
Note: Our picks vary in weight support, so be sure to check the specifications for each recommendation to ensure it matches your needs.
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Best swiveling mount with extra-long extensionThis full-motion mount is pricey but can extend a whopping 28 inches, tilt 15 degrees, and swivel 57 degrees from left to right.
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An excellent full-motion mountThis mount allows you to extend your TV 22 inches from the wall and offers 130 degrees of smooth swivel.
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A budget fixed mount for smaller TVsFor around $25, this fixed TV mount is ideal for buyers who want a cheap solution that can support TVs measuring between 26 and 60 inches.
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A budget full-motion mount for smaller TVsIf your TV is 60 inches or smaller, this is a great, budget-priced, full-motion TV wall mount.
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Best tilting TV mount with extensionThis Sanus TV mount can extend 5.7 inches from your wall and tilt 12 degrees. It supports TVs up to 150 pounds and as large as 90 inches.
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A motorized ceiling mountVivo’s sturdy, flip-down, motorized TV ceiling mount is controlled via a remote control and supports TVs up to 80 inches.
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An affordable mount that tiltsThis affordable TV mount is built for screens up to 75 inches and allows you to tilt the screen down as much as eight degrees.
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A basic tilting mount for extra-large TVsThis mount can’t extend from the wall, but it supports tilting and a wide range of TV sizes up to 90 inches.
What to look for when buying a TV wall mount
When shopping for a TV wall mount, pay close attention to its specifications to ensure it supports your TV's size and weight. You'll also want to make sure your mount is compatible with your actual wall type. Nearly all mounts work with walls with wooden studs, but you should check each mount's specs to confirm that its recommended stud spacing matches your wall's spacing. If your home or apartment has plaster or brick walls, you'll need to conduct additional research to install your mount properly.
The next step is to determine how much you want to spend and what type of mount you would like to purchase. Here's a quick breakdown of the main types available:
- Fixed mounts: These are generally the simplest and cheapest TV wall mounts. As the name implies, these mounts keep a display in one position without any tilting or swiveling support. If you know that you'll be sitting directly in front of your TV, then a fixed mount could be all you need. But keep in mind that some fixed mounts position your TV very close to the wall, which can make it difficult to access various ports (HDMI, USB, etc).
- Tilting mounts: These mounts allow a TV to tilt up or down, so you can adjust the screen's angle to better match your viewing location. This is especially helpful if you need to mount your TV high up on your wall.
- Full-motion mounts: These mounts feature an extendable arm that provides extensive movement, including tilting and swiveling. This can be especially helpful if you need to reposition your TV to combat glare or reflections. These mounts also make it easy to access your TV's ports since you can simply pull the display out from the wall. However, they tend to be more expensive than other models.
- Specialty mounts: This last sub-category is a catch-all for various styles that fall outside the norm. The most common is a ceiling mount. However, there are also under-cabinet mounts, primarily for small TVs; mantel mounts, designed for installing a TV above a fireplace; and motorized lift mounts, which allow you to conceal a TV within a piece of furniture.
TV mount FAQs
How do I know if a wall mount is compatible with my TV?
First, check the wall mount's technical specifications to ensure it's rated to support your TV's size and weight. Next, verify that your TV and mount are VESA compatible. Virtually all the best TVs and mounts are VESA-compliant. VESA stands for the Video Electronics Standards Association.
VESA mounts use standardized hole patterns that match the holes on the backs of VESA-compliant TVs. However, certain TVs use specific VESA patterns, so you'll need to ensure that your mount and display support the same VESA size.
For example, a common VESA measurement between the four mounting holes on the back of a TV is "400x400" or "400 millimeters by 400 millimeters" (vertically and horizontally). If your TV and wall mount support the same VESA pattern, your mount will align with the mounting holes on the back of your TV.
For TV models recommendations that support VESA mounts, check out our various TV buying guides:
- Best 4K TVs
- Best OLED TVs
- Best gaming TVs
- Best sports TVs
- Best frame TVs
- Best budget TVs
- Best TVs under $500
- Best 100-inch TVs
- Best 85-inch TVs
- Best 75-inch TVs
- Best 65-inch TVs
- Best 55-inch TVs
- Best 50-inch TVs
- Best 43-inch TVs
- Best Sony TVs
- Best TCL TVs
- Best LG TVs
- Best Samsung TVs
- Best Roku TVs
Should you hire a professional to mount your TV?
Mounting a TV can be simple or tricky, depending on your comfort level with home projects and the size of your display. Additionally, certain wall types can make the process more challenging. For example, if you need to install your mount on a brick or plaster wall, you'll likely need specialized hardware and additional tools. Very large and heavy TVs will also require the assistance of at least one other person.
For those who prefer not to undertake DIY projects, hiring a skilled professional to install your TV wall mount is a worthwhile investment. Many retailers, like Best Buy, offer installation services you can add to your wall-mount purchase or book separately.
How much money should you spend on a TV wall mount?
The amount you need to spend on a TV mount depends on your needs and the level of versatility you desire. Entry-level fixed mounts cost as little as $20, and tilting mounts for smaller displays cost as little as $30. However, you'll need to pay more for TV wall mounts that support larger or heavier displays, as well as those that offer full-motion or motorized capabilities.
What are the alternatives to mounting a TV?
The main alternative to mounting a TV on your wall is to simply rest your display on a furniture console. Most TVs come with attachable pedestals or leg stands that can be placed on top of a media console. Many consoles also include shelves or cubbies for storing other tech devices. Even if you wall-mount your display, a media console underneath your TV can still be helpful for storing your home entertainment gear. Check out our guide to the best TV stands for top recommendations.
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