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Digital painters often have two very different screens on the desk: a pen display they draw on, which wants to be low, close and tilted, and a reference or main monitor they look at, which wants to be at eye level and a comfortable distance away. A single generic stand rarely does both jobs well. The best monitor stands for digital painting are either drawing-display stands that tilt steeply and hold firm under pen pressure, or height-adjustable VESA stands and risers that bring a reference monitor up to eye level.
Quick answer: For large pen displays, the XPPen ACS15 stand is the premium choice, with 14 angles from 20 to 90 degrees, 8 height settings and support for displays up to 10 kg. A more affordable VESA option for pen displays from 13.3 to 32 inches is the TABLIKE drawing monitor stand. For raising a reference monitor, the Cadcreo aluminum VESA stand offers one-hand spring height adjustment.
We compare seven stands below, split between pen-display stands and reference-monitor stands, then explain how to arrange a two-screen painting setup.
Our Top Picks at a Glance
- XPPen ACS15 Adjustable Pen Display Stand — Best premium stand for large pen displays
- TABLIKE Drawing Tablet Monitor Stand, 13.3 to 32 in — Best value VESA stand for pen displays
- Cadcreo Aluminum VESA Monitor Stand, 24 to 27 in — Best height-adjustable stand for a reference monitor
- Hemudu Free-Standing Monitor Stand, 13 to 32 in — Best full-motion budget VESA stand
- Parblo PR100 Universal Drawing Tablet Stand — Best desktop stand for small pen displays
- Hemudu Single Monitor Stand, 27 to 43 in — Best for large and curved reference monitors
- WALI Computer Monitor Stand Riser — Best simple riser on a budget
| Product | Best For | Key Spec | Key Strength | Price Tier |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| XPPen ACS15 | Large pen displays | 20 to 90 degrees, 8 heights, up to 10 kg | VESA 75 and 100, damping | $$$ |
| TABLIKE Stand | Pen displays 13.3 to 32 in | 20 to 80 degrees, VESA 75 and 100 | Non-slip, value | $$$ |
| Cadcreo VESA | Reference monitors 24 to 27 in | 9.2 to 15.2 in height, spring | Swivel and tilt | $$$ |
| Hemudu 13 to 32 in | Budget full motion | Tilt, swivel, rotation, 4 heights | Glass base, VESA | $$ |
| Parblo PR100 | Small pen displays | 10 to 16 in, 15 to 90 degrees | Rubber contact points | $$ |
| Hemudu 27 to 43 in | Large or curved monitors | Tilt -15 to 10 degrees, swivel, rotate | Freestanding, glass base | $$ |
| WALI Riser | Simple lift | 4.5, 5.3 or 6.1 in, up to 44 lb | Vented shelf, storage below | $ |
How We Chose
We chose these stands from Amazon listing details and specifications checked in October 2026, based on whether each suits a pen display or a reference monitor, its adjustment range, weight and VESA compatibility, and how widely each product is reviewed by Amazon buyers. We have not mounted displays on these stands, so stability is described only as each listing states.
- Role: drawing display or viewing monitor.
- Adjustment: tilt range, height range, swivel and rotation.
- Mounting: VESA patterns and weight capacity.
- Stability under pen pressure for drawing stands.
- Footprint and desk space.
Best Monitor Stands for Digital Painting Reviewed
1. XPPen ACS15 Adjustable Pen Display Stand — Best for large pen displays
XPPen’s ACS15 is designed for its larger pen displays, including Artist Pro 19 Gen2 and Artist Pro 24 Gen2, and works with other displays through 75 x 75 mm and 100 x 100 mm VESA holes. The listing describes 14 angle settings from 20 to 90 degrees, 8 height settings from 73 mm to 313 mm, damping adjustment and support for displays up to 10 kg.
Height plus angle adjustment is what separates a true pen display stand from a fold-out kickstand: you can lift the display toward you for drawing or raise it upright to use as a monitor.
Best suited for: Artists with 19 to 24 inch pen displays who want full adjustability.
Key features:
- 20 to 90 degree tilt, 14 positions
- 8 heights, 73 to 313 mm
- Up to 10 kg
- VESA 75 x 75 and 100 x 100
- Aluminum, damping adjustment
Pros:
- Height and angle adjustment
- Supports heavy displays
- Designed for pen display use
Cons and limitations:
- Highest price tier
- Heavy at about 12 lb
Buying consideration: Confirm your display has VESA holes before ordering.
2. TABLIKE Drawing Tablet Monitor Stand, 13.3 to 32 in — Best for value pen display stand
TABLIKE’s stand adjusts from 20 to 80 degrees and supports 75 x 75 and 100 x 100 mm VESA mounts, with compatibility listed for Huion, Wacom and XPPen pen displays from 13.3 to 32 inches. The listing describes a stable, secure surface and anti-slip mats.
It brings VESA mounting and a wide angle range to pen displays at a fraction of the premium stand price.
Best suited for: Pen display owners who want VESA mounting on a budget.
Key features:
- 20 to 80 degree range
- VESA 75 and 100
- Fits 13.3 to 32 in displays
- Anti-slip mats
Pros:
- Wide size range
- VESA compatibility
- Good value
Cons and limitations:
- No height adjustment listed
- Lesser-known brand
Buying consideration: Check your display’s weight against the stand’s capacity.
3. Cadcreo Aluminum VESA Monitor Stand, 24 to 27 in — Best for reference monitors
For a reference or main monitor, height is what matters. Cadcreo’s anodized aluminum stand supports 24 to 27 inch monitors weighing 7.7 to 11 lb via VESA 75 and 100 mounts. A built-in spring offers one-handed height adjustment from 9.2 to 15.2 inches, plus 30 degrees of swivel and tilt from 20 degrees back to 10 degrees forward.
Raising the monitor to eye level stops you from looking down between screens.
Best suited for: Artists who want a reference monitor at eye level.
Key features:
- Fits 24 to 27 in, 7.7 to 11 lb
- Spring height 9.2 to 15.2 in
- 30 degree swivel, +20/-10 tilt
- Aluminum, VESA 75 and 100
Pros:
- Smooth height adjustment
- Premium aluminum look
- Good tilt range
Cons and limitations:
- Narrow weight window
- Not for pen display drawing
Buying consideration: Match the spring tension to your monitor weight for smooth movement.
4. Hemudu Free-Standing Monitor Stand, 13 to 32 in — Best for budget full motion
Hemudu’s freestanding VESA stand fits 13 to 32 inch screens and offers -15 to +10 degree tilt, -50 to +50 degree swivel, 360-degree rotation and four height levels along the center tube. It has a tempered glass base and installs in about 15 minutes per the listing.
Rotation to portrait mode is handy for viewing tall reference images or comic pages.
Best suited for: Reference monitors and portrait-mode viewing on a budget.
Key features:
- Fits 13 to 32 in
- Tilt, swivel and 360 degree rotation
- 4 height levels
- Tempered glass base
Pros:
- Full motion
- Portrait mode
- Low price
Cons and limitations:
- Stepped height
- Not for drawing pressure
Buying consideration: Rotate to portrait for references and character sheets.
5. Parblo PR100 Universal Drawing Tablet Stand — Best for small pen displays
For pen displays up to 16 inches without VESA mounts, a desktop stand is simpler. Parblo’s PR100 supports 10 to 16 inch displays with a 15 to 90 degree tilt and rubber-covered contact points for stability while drawing.
At 90 degrees it also works as a small second-monitor stand.
Best suited for: Small pen displays and iPads.
Key features:
- Fits 10 to 16 in
- 15 to 90 degree tilt
- Rubber contact points
- Alloy and plastic
Pros:
- Wide angle range
- No VESA needed
- Affordable
Cons and limitations:
- No height adjustment
- Size limit 16 in
Buying consideration: Use lower angles for drawing and upright for reference viewing.
6. Hemudu Single Monitor Stand, 27 to 43 in — Best for large and curved reference monitors
This Hemudu stand is built from high-grade steel with a tempered glass base and holds 27 to 43 inch curved monitors with a 100 x 100 mm VESA pattern. It is freestanding, so no desk clamping or drilling is needed, and offers tilt from -15 to 10 degrees, swivel and rotation.
Large, wide monitors are popular for references and for seeing a whole canvas while you work on a smaller pen display.
Best suited for: Artists with big or ultrawide reference monitors.
Key features:
- Fits 27 to 43 in curved monitors
- VESA 100 x 100
- Freestanding steel and glass
- Tilt, swivel, rotate
Pros:
- Handles large screens
- No clamping
- Full motion
Cons and limitations:
- Larger base footprint
- VESA 100 only
Buying consideration: Place it behind the pen display so the bottom edge sits just above the display.
7. WALI Computer Monitor Stand Riser — Best for a simple riser on a budget
Sometimes a monitor only needs a few inches of lift. WALI’s riser has a 14.6 x 9.3 inch plastic shelf with vented holes, raises a device by 4.5, 5.3 or 6.1 inches, and supports up to 44 lb. Space underneath stores a keyboard or controller.
It is the lowest-cost way to bring a reference monitor closer to eye level.
Best suited for: Small lifts and budget setups.
Key features:
- Raises 4.5, 5.3 or 6.1 in
- Up to 44 lb
- Vented 14.6 x 9.3 in shelf
- Storage underneath
Pros:
- Very low cost
- Simple setup
- Storage space
Cons and limitations:
- No tilt or swivel
- Plastic
Buying consideration: Store your keyboard underneath when painting to free desk space.
Arranging a Two-Screen Painting Setup
A common professional layout puts the pen display directly in front of you, tilted at a comfortable drawing angle, with the reference or main monitor behind it and slightly higher, roughly at eye level. Your eyes move up to check references and down to draw, without turning your head. If space is tight, place the monitor to the side of your non-drawing hand, angled toward you, so your drawing arm stays clear.
Keep both screens at similar brightness and, ideally, calibrated to similar settings so colors look consistent as you glance between them.
Layout options at a glance
- Stacked: pen display in front and low, monitor behind and high. Best for deep desks.
- Side by side: pen display in front, monitor beside the non-drawing hand. Best for shallow desks.
- Swing-in: pen display on an adjustable stand that rises to monitor height when not drawing. Best for single-screen setups and small spaces.
- Portrait reference: a rotated monitor beside the pen display for tall references, comic pages or character sheets.
Whichever layout you choose, keep your most-used screen centered with your body, and avoid placing a monitor directly behind a bright window, which causes eye strain.
Once your screens are arranged, put them to work with our tutorials on painting digital waves and ocean and digital night scenes, or see digital painting without a tablet.
Freestanding Stand, Clamp Arm or Riser?
Freestanding VESA stands sit on a weighted base, so they need no clamping or drilling and can be moved easily. They take more desk space and can be slightly less rigid than clamped arms.
Clamp or grommet arms attach to the desk edge and free up the surface beneath the screen. They offer the most range of motion, but need a desk thick and sturdy enough to clamp to.
Risers are the simplest: a platform that lifts the monitor a few inches. They are cheap and stable but cannot tilt or swivel the screen.
For a pen display, stability under pressure matters most, so purpose-built drawing stands are usually better than general-purpose arms, which can bounce when you draw.
VESA Basics for Artists
VESA is a standard for the screw-hole pattern on the back of displays. The two most common patterns are 75 x 75 mm and 100 x 100 mm. If your pen display or monitor has these holes, it can attach to most VESA stands and arms; if not, you may need an adapter or a desktop stand instead. Check both the pattern and the weight of your display, including any attached cables, before choosing a stand.
Buying Guide: How to Choose a Monitor Stand for Digital Painting
Decide what the stand is for
Drawing on a pen display needs a tilting, pressure-stable stand. Viewing a reference monitor needs height and swivel.
Check VESA compatibility
Most VESA stands support 75 x 75 and 100 x 100 mm. Make sure your display has the matching holes.
Weight capacity
Pen displays and large monitors are heavy. Stay within listed limits, especially for spring mechanisms.
Adjustment range
For drawing, look for low angles around 20 degrees and up. For viewing, look for height range to reach eye level.
Footprint
Freestanding bases take desk space; risers and desktop stands are compact. Measure your desk depth before ordering a large VESA stand.
Build material
Aluminum and steel feel sturdier than plastic, and glass bases add weight that helps freestanding stands resist tipping.
Cable management
Pen displays often use a single combined cable or a three-in-one cable with several plugs. Look for stands with clips or channels, or add adhesive cable clips, so cables do not tug on the display when you change the angle.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using a viewing stand for drawing. It may wobble under pen pressure.
- Monitor too low. Looking down strains the neck.
- Ignoring VESA patterns. Check before ordering.
- Overloading spring stands. They sag or snap upward if mismatched.
- Screens at different brightness. It makes color comparison harder.
FAQs
Do I need a special stand for a pen display?
A stand designed for drawing holds firm under pen pressure and tilts to low angles. Regular monitor stands are better for viewing screens.
What height should my reference monitor be?
The top edge around eye level is a common guideline, so you look straight ahead or slightly down.
Can I mount a pen display on a VESA stand?
Yes, if the display has VESA holes. Many larger pen displays do.
Is a monitor riser enough?
For a small height increase, yes. For tilt, swivel or larger height changes, use an adjustable stand.
How do I arrange a pen display and monitor?
Put the pen display in front and the monitor behind and slightly higher, or to the side of your non-drawing hand.
Do monitor stands improve posture?
Raising screens to the right height and angle can reduce neck bending and shoulder tension.
Final Recommendation
For large pen displays, the XPPen ACS15 is the premium pick with height and angle adjustment. TABLIKE is the value VESA stand for pen displays, and Parblo’s PR100 suits smaller displays without VESA mounts.
For reference monitors, the Cadcreo aluminum stand offers smooth height adjustment, the Hemudu 13 to 32 inch stand adds full motion on a budget, the Hemudu 27 to 43 inch stand handles large curved screens, and the WALI riser is the simplest lift.
