Saeed Wazir is a South Africa-based journalist with over 15 years of IT experience and a love for reading and writing. He joined Pocket-Lint after writing tech articles for Dot Esports and Screen Rant and now covers the latest in TV, streaming, laptops, tablets, and PCs. When he's not looking for the latest gadgets, he's relaxing on the beach or exploring open-world games.
So you've bought your new TV with the latest features and need a place to put it. You've pretty much got two options and can choose between a stand or wall mounting your TV. Yes, some people prefer ceiling mounts, but it's rarely practical, and isn't as common.
The choice isn't easy and factors like space and convenience come into play. Personal preference is also something to think about, and we often do what makes us happy, even if it isn't practical. I've tested high-end TVs with wall mounts and stands over the years and will break down the pros and cons for you to help you decide which is best.
TV Stand
A reliable option
TV stands have been around since the days of old CRT models. They can trace their origins back to old wooden radio consoles of the 1930s. They evolved over the years and went from large cabinets that were essentially a wooden box to a functional and stylish unit to handle the latest flat-screen models.
Pros of TV stands
Massive selection to choose from
When buying a TV stand, you can choose between countless models in all types of designs. You could opt for smaller, simpler glass or wooden stand, all the way up to high-end luxury units made from premium materials. You can also try motorized versions that keep your TV hidden until you feel like watching something, or models with wheels that you can move around.
The huge selection on offer means you can find options to match your taste or decor.
The huge selection on offer means you can find options to match your taste or decor. Many buyers consider practicality and find ones that fit into the room and include storage space for remote controls and Blu-ray players.
Easy Installation
TV stands ar easy to install, and there's no drilling or labor involved. You simply place them wherever you like and connect your TV and other equipment. They also offer flexible positioning if you feel like rearranging your living room or moving it to a bedroom.
The easy installation applies to device storage and cable management. Most TV stands have space for your devices and make it easier to connect them all without the cables being visible from the front. You also have the convenience of being able to reach all the TV's ports whenever you like, which isn't the case with wall mounts.
Wide pricing options
One of the biggest advantages of TV stands to choose from is that you can find them at almost any price. Basic models are very affordable and start at under $50 while designer options go into the thousands. You can choose how much you want to spend and don't need a massive budget to get something good.
Cons of TV stands
They take up space
TV stands take up space and need a dedicated area in the room. This might not be an issue if you have a massive living room, but it can be challenging for those who have smaller apartments. Their size also affects their practicality. A TV stand might look amazing when you tie it in with your lounge suite, but it will seem out of place if you put it in a bedroom or kitchen.
Limited viewing height
Most TV stands aren't height adjustable, and you're stuck with what you get. You'll need to do some research beforehand to check the optimum viewing angles and distances in your room before buying a TV stand to avoid getting on one that's too high or too low.
The height of your TV stand can also be an issue depending on your living conditions.
The height of your TV stand can also be an issue depending on your living conditions. Lower stands often work fine, but can be risky if you have kids or pets around that might bump into them and risk dropping your TV.
Wall-mounts
Fixed positioning
Wall-mounting isn't new and was often used in bars and restaurants to place older TVs in the most visible positions. However, they've become more prominent since the 2010s, as more people switched to flat-screen models and the VESA universal mounting standard was adopted by most TV brands.
Pros of wall-mounts
Inexpensive
TV wall mounts are usually inexpensive compared to the cheapest TV stands. You can easily find them for around $50, with budget options available for under $20. The price difference between TV stands can be a deciding factor for many buyers and wall mounts are the better option if you have a tighter budget.
Less space required
The biggest advantage of wall-mounts is that they take up minimal space and are perfect for clean and clutter-free installations. Your TV is mounted on the wall, and you have more space in your room for movement and other furniture.
The convenience of wall-mounts extends to commercial use and multi-TV setups.
The convenience of wall-mounts extends to commercial use and multi-TV setups. You can have a wall of TVs to display menus or CCTV feeds in your office or business, which isn't practical with TV stands.
Cons of wall mounts
Challenging installation
Wall-mounts aren't very difficult to install, but require more time and labor than TV stands. You'll need to drill into your wall to add the mounting brackets and ensure it's straight and at the perfect height for your TV.
Factors like your wall's material, your DIY abilities and tools, and whether it's your own home affect the installation's difficulty. It's also not the best option if you're renting, because you'll need to fill the holes and repaint the wall if you move to another home.
It might be safer against bumps and knocks from kids and pets, but you also get limited access to the ports, depending on where they're positioned.
Wall mounting offers little flexibility once it's installed. Some models let you adjust the height or angle, but most fit flush against the wall, and you can't move the TV around. It might be safer against bumps and knocks from kids and pets, but you also get limited access to the ports. You'll also need to find alternative storage space for your consoles and other devices, and a way to manage the cables to keep them out of sight.
Wall-mount vs TV stand: What's the best option?
It depends on many factors
This depends on the factors I've discussed above. I think wall-mounting is a great idea if you have limited space or want a professional setup for a business environment. I always prefer TV stands because I have storage space for my devices and provide the freedom to move my TV around and access its ports. I also think they look great and can tie the room together.