Buying a new TV can be stressful—do you wait for a good sale or is a more recent version just around the corner? However, buying a TV wall mount can even be more stressful if you don’t know what to look for. They also can be quite expensive; so, are they really worth it?
Expensive TV wall mounts are worth it, depending on the kind of wall mount you are searching for. You can expect to pay more for a full range of motion, but it is often a good investment to ensure the quality. For stationary mounts, there are many highly reviewed cheaper options to choose from.
In this article, we will look at the key factors you should search for when looking for a TV wall mount, such as weight capacity and TV size. We will also look at a couple of options on either end of the cost scale to compare their worth.
Buyer’s Guide
Wall mounts are an excellent way to free up space in the home. In many cases, it is also much more aesthetically pleasing than a bulky entertainment unit or TV stand
But before purchasing a wall mount, there are a few things to consider to ensure you make the right choice.
Location
A mounted TV can be considered a showpiece in some homes and take center stage on a wall. As a focal point, it can help to break up blank walls.
However, the wall itself is a key factor in choosing a location. Is it wood, brick, or drywall? Is it structurally sound enough to hold a heavy TV? It is easier to mount a TV onto a standard wall over brick, but it needs to be strong enough to support the added weight.
In addition to the wall material, you need to consider the size of the TV and if it will fit. Measure the full size of your chosen TV to be sure it will fit comfortably in the space allotted.
Decide if You Want Stationary or Moveable Mount
There are three different types of TV wall mounts:
- Flat mounts are usually for installing at eye level and will keep your TV flat against the wall.
- Tilt mounts allow for the TV to be tilted for better viewing and sit a little further from the wall, allowing for more room behind the TV for wires, etc.
- Full motion mounts give you the freedom to view your TV at some angles using a bracket and arm.
When deciding on your mount, you should consider how high your TV will be mounted. At eye level, the simple flat-mount would be sufficient. However, if you are looking to mount above eye level, you may need a tilt mount to allow for better viewing.
If you have an open concept home and think you may need to view the TV from the kitchen, a full motion mount would be an excellent option. However, this will require a very solid base as it adds strain to the wall anchors.
Should You Hire a Professional?
Mounting a TV is often not a one-person job. Depending on your TV’s size, it will be heavy, and lifting it to fit the mount will be easier with an extra set of hands.
If you have little to no DIY experience, it is advisable to hire a professional. Otherwise, you run the risk of damaging the TV, ruining your wall, or even mounting it incorrectly, which can lead to an accident down the line.
TV Wall Mount Comparisons
In many cases, the phrase “ you get what you pay for” is true. The price of a product can determine the quality, and when considering mourning an expensive TV on the wall, you want to know it is safe and secure.
Let us take a look and compare an inexpensive to an expensive mount to see how and if one is better than the other. We will look at highly reviewed mounts for each comparison’s larger 65-inch screens as they are the most popular choice in American households.
Flat Mount
The cheapest option, a flat or fixed TV wall mount does not allow for any movement. Made up of a simple bracket, it is slim and fitted closely to the wall.
| Mounting Dream TV Mount | Kanto PF400 Fixed Flat Panel TV Mount | |
| Cost | Below $30 | Above $50 |
| Size | 24×16 inches (600×400 mm) | 31×16 inches (800×400 mm) |
| Weight Capacity | Up to 132 lbs (60 kg) | Up to 200 lbs (90 kg) |
| Ease of Installation | 3-step installation | Requires help |
The more expensive option can hold more weight. However, your average 65-inch TV can weigh as little as 46 pounds (20 kg).
Through some research, you will see some inexpensive flat mounts with lots of high reviews. For something as simple as a fixed mount, the less expensive option (within reason) should be enough.
Tilt Mount
Tilt mounts are ideal when your TV is mounted slightly higher. It can help to alleviate glare and will make your viewing experience more pleasant. It is also a good option when looking to mount the TV out of the reach of small children or pets that might accidentally knock into it.
To allow for the slight movement, this mount is not as close to the wall.
| Everstone Adjustable Tilt TV Wall Mount | Sanus Tilt TV Wall Mount | |
| Cost | Below $30 | Above $50 |
| Size | 24×16 inches (600×400 mm) | 19×27 inches (482×685 mm) |
| Weight Capacity | Up to 165 lbs (75 kg) | Up to 130 lbs (59 kg) |
| Max Tilt | 15° | 10° |
Here you can see that not only does the cheaper choice hold a greater weight, but it also has a larger range of motion.
You will find plenty of well-reviewed tilt mounts at a very reasonable price online. Before making a decision, make sure to check what the mount comes with in terms of hardware, if it is compatible with your chosen TV.
Full Motion Mount
The full motion of articulating mounts is an excellent choice if you like to have plenty of options. Whether looking to view your TV from an adjoining room or wanting better to adjust the position for the best possible viewing, this might be for you.
| JUSTSTONE Full Motion TV Wall Mount | FORGING MOUNT Full Motion TV Bracket | |
| Cost | Below $30 | Above $150 |
| Size | 16×16 inches (400×400 mm) | 24×16 inches (600x400mm) |
| Weight Capacity | Up to 121 lbs (54 kg) | Up to 100 lbs (45 kg) |
| Range of Motion | 15° down tilt45° left and right14 inch extension (355 mm) | 10° down tilt180° left and right42 inch extension (1066 mm) |
As mentioned above, full motion mounts often need better anchorage to the wall due to the movement and extension’s strain. You can see in the above chart that the more expensive option has a much smaller weight capacity. For the larger 65-inch TV, this would not be enough.
The cheaper option here has almost hundreds of positive reviews and allows for lots of choices. The down tilt is greater as is the weight capacity.
However, if you have a smaller screen and are looking for the most versatility, a more expensive mount might be worth the investment. With an extension three times the cheaper mount and 180° swivel, you will have better access to your TV when off the couch.
Conclusion
For a simple flat mount, an expensive TV wall mount is probably not worth it. There are plenty of cheaper options with excellent reviews that will do the job just as well. But if you need more freedom of movement, investing a little more money would be advised.
For your peace of mind, researching your new TV wall mount is essential. Look for highly reviewed products that people genuinely like. Also, be sure to check the hardware and installation advice.
