7 Best Monitor Stands for Video Calls

Trying to get the video call angle just right with your grandkids can feel like a frustrating puzzle, often ending with a view of your ceiling or a close-up of your chin. You want to see their smiling faces and share a moment, not fight with a wobbly stack of books propping up your tablet. A simple monitor stand is one of the easiest fixes to make these precious calls feel more natural and connected.

Finding the Right Angle for Family Video Calls

When you’re catching up with family, the last thing you want to worry about is technology. The goal of a video call is connection, but it’s hard to feel connected when you’re looking down into a laptop camera or they’re looking up your nose. A poor camera angle creates a sense of distance and can be physically uncomfortable, forcing you to hunch over or hold a device for the entire conversation.

A dedicated stand solves this problem by elevating your camera to eye level. This simple change makes a world of difference. It mimics a natural, face-to-face conversation, allowing for better eye contact and a more engaging experience for both you and your grandkids. You don’t need a fancy home office setup; you just need a stable, reliable way to position your camera so you can focus on the people you love.

AmazonBasics Riser for No-Fuss Elevation

If you’re looking for a straightforward solution without any complicated parts, the AmazonBasics Monitor Riser is a classic choice. It’s a simple, fixed-height platform, often made of metal mesh or sturdy plastic, that does one job and does it well: it lifts your monitor or laptop a few crucial inches off the desk. There are no levers, buttons, or adjustments to worry about.

This type of stand is perfect for someone who has a dedicated spot for their computer and knows the height they need. You set it up once and it’s done. The space underneath is also a bonus, giving you a convenient spot to slide your keyboard or a notebook when you’re not on a call. The main tradeoff is the lack of adjustability, so it’s wise to measure your ideal eye level first. But for pure, simple, and affordable elevation, it’s hard to beat.

HUANUO Adjustable Stand for Perfect Eye Level

What if different people in the house use the same computer, or you haven’t quite figured out the perfect height? The HUANUO Adjustable Stand offers a bit more flexibility. These stands typically come with stackable leg segments that let you choose between two or three different height settings. It’s a simple, manual adjustment that gives you control over the final setup.

This is an excellent middle-ground option. It costs only slightly more than a fixed riser but provides the versatility to get the camera angle just right. If you switch between a desk chair and a kitchen stool, or if you find that you prefer a different height for typing versus video calling, this stand adapts with you. The ability to customize the height is its biggest advantage, ensuring you can always achieve a comfortable, eye-level view without resorting to a stack of magazines.

Vaydeer Monitor Stand for a Tidy Desk Space

For many, the desk where the computer lives is also the hub for paying bills, writing letters, and organizing the day. If you value a tidy space, a monitor stand with built-in organization, like many models from Vaydeer, can be a game-changer. These stands often feature small drawers for pens and stamps, a slot to hold your phone upright, and sometimes even built-in USB ports for charging devices.

This approach combines ergonomics with organization. By lifting your monitor, it creates a "garage" for your keyboard and a home for small desk items that can otherwise create clutter. While these models can be a bit bulkier and more expensive, they are ideal for small spaces or multi-purpose desks. The integrated features help keep your area neat, making it easier to clear the decks and focus on your call.

VIVO Single Monitor Arm for Flexible Viewing

If desk space is at a premium or you need maximum flexibility, a monitor arm like those from VIVO is a fantastic, albeit more involved, solution. Instead of sitting on your desk, this arm clamps to the back or side of it, allowing your monitor to "float" above the surface. You can easily push it back, pull it forward, tilt it, or swing it out of the way entirely.

A monitor arm is the ultimate solution for versatility. It’s perfect for a shared desk in a smaller home or apartment, as it frees up the entire desk surface when the computer isn’t in use. You can effortlessly adjust the monitor’s position for different users or tasks. The main consideration is installation; you must have a sturdy desk with a suitable edge for the clamp to attach securely. It’s a bigger investment, but for those who need to reclaim their desk space, the freedom of movement is unparalleled.

AMERIERGO Bamboo Stand for a Warmer Look

Sometimes, a standard black plastic or metal stand just looks too much like office equipment, especially if your computer is in the living room or kitchen. A bamboo stand, like the ones from AMERIERGO, offers the same ergonomic benefit but with a warmer, more natural aesthetic that blends beautifully with home decor.

Functionally, these are often simple, fixed-height risers, but their value lies in their design. Bamboo is a strong, sustainable material that provides a softer look than its industrial-looking counterparts. This is a great choice for anyone who wants their tech to feel more integrated into their home environment. You get the practical lift you need for better video calls without sacrificing the style of your room.

Lamicall Tablet Stand for Hands-Free Calling

Many families rely on a tablet or even a smartphone for their video chats. If you’re tired of propping your iPad against a fruit bowl or getting a sore arm from holding it, a dedicated tablet stand is an incredibly simple and effective tool. The Lamicall Tablet Stand is a prime example of a product designed for this exact purpose.

These stands are small, lightweight, and portable, making them perfect for use on a kitchen counter, coffee table, or bedside nightstand. They hold your device securely at a comfortable viewing angle, freeing up your hands to wave, show your grandkids a new puzzle, or simply relax with a cup of tea. While it won’t hold a large monitor, it’s the perfect, affordable solution for the millions of households that use a tablet as their primary window to the world.

Fitueyes Stackable Risers for Custom Height

For those who want to get the height exactly right, Fitueyes Stackable Risers offer a modular approach. Instead of a single platform, you get a set of interlocking pieces that can be stacked to create a custom height. This allows for a level of precision that other stands can’t offer, letting you dial in the elevation inch by inch.

This is the ideal choice for the tinkerer or for situations where standard heights just don’t work. Perhaps you have a non-standard desk or chair, or you’re just very particular about your setup. The trade-off is a more utilitarian look and the potential for leftover pieces. However, for a sturdy, highly customizable, and still very affordable option, this modular system provides a practical way to build the perfect perch for your monitor.

Ultimately, the best stand is the one that makes your video calls simpler and more enjoyable. It’s not about finding a perfect, high-tech solution, but about choosing a practical tool that removes a small point of friction in your day. By raising your camera to eye level, you’re not just improving the view—you’re making it a little easier to connect with the people who matter most.