To securely hang a flat-screen TV on your wall, you'll need a reliable mount. The best TV wall mounts vary in design and features, with prices ranging from as little as $20 to as much as several hundred bucks. In general, more expensive TV mounts offer greater versatility, including full-motion swiveling, while cheaper options are fixed to just one position.
For people who want the most flexibility, we recommend the Sanus Full-Motion Swivel Bracket, which has an extending arm that provides smooth tilting and swiveling capabilities. But if all you need is basic tilting support, check out this less expensive Rocketfish mount. Our TV editor uses that model with a 77-inch OLED in his own home theater setup.
Below, our experts have selected the best TV wall mounts for various budgets and needs. Be sure to check the specifications on each listing to ensure they support your TV's size and weight, as well as your wall type.
When you buy through our links, Business Insider may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more
-
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. -
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.
-
An excellent full-motion mountThis mount allows you to extend your TV 22 inches from the wall and offers 130 degrees of smooth swivel.
-
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.
-
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.
-
A budget-friendly 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.
-
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.
-
Best fixed mountThis simple mount from Sanus is a great fixed option for TVs measuring between 37 and 80 inches and weighing up to 130 pounds.
-
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.
What to look for when buying a TV wall mount
When shopping for a TV wall mount, pay careful attention to its specifications to ensure the mount you choose 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 that have wooden studs, but you should check each mount's specs to confirm that its recommended stud spacing matches your wall. If your home or apartment has plaster or brick walls, you'll need to do some extra research to install your mount properly.
The next step is to figure out how much you want to spend and what type of mount you want to buy. 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, enabling you to angle your screen 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: This type of mount has an extendable arm that provides extensive movement options, 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, which allows you to mount your TV on the ceiling. But there are also under-cabinet mounts, mostly for small TVs; mantel mounts, for installing a TV above a fireplace; and motorized lift mounts, which let you hide 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, check to see if your TV and mount are VESA compatible. Virtually all of the best TVs and mounts sold today are designed to be VESA-compliant. VESA stands for the Video Electronics Standards Association.
VESA mounts use standardized patterns for their mounting holes which match the holes on the back 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" (both vertically and horizontally). If your TV and wall mount support that VESA pattern, your mount will be able to match the mounting holes on the back of your TV.
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 more specialized hardware and additional tools. Very large and heavy TVs will also require at least one other person to help you.
For those who don't like DIY projects, hiring a skilled professional to install your TV wall mount is money well spent. Many retailers, like Best Buy, offer installation services that you can add to your wall mount purchase or book separately.
How much money should you spend on a TV wall mount?
How much you need to spend on a TV mount depends on your needs and how versatile you'd like it to be. But it's important to know that you don't have to spend a lot. Entry-level fixed mounts cost as little as $20, and you can find tilting mounts for smaller displays that cost as low as $30. However, you'll need to pay more for TV wall mounts that support larger or heavier displays and 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 that can be used to store other tech devices. Even if you do wall mount your display, having a media console underneath your TV can still be helpful as a place to keep your home entertainment gear. Check out our guide to the best TV stands for top recommendations.
