Xiaomi launches cheap ergonomic monitor arm with hidden cables

Xiaomi has expanded its desk accessory lineup with a new monitor arm under the Redmi brand. The Redmi Monitor Arm is listed on the Xiaomi store and will go on sale on October 12.

The launch price in China is the equivalent of just $42, and Xiaomi also throws in a five-year replacement guarantee, which is rather generous at this price point.

What backs the warranty up is a patented dual spring design that distributes force evenly as you raise or lower the display. The company claims the mechanism has passed more than 30,000 test cycles, so it should keep its smooth movement over time.

The arm's main body is made of 3 mm thick aluminum alloy, and Xiaomi claims a load capacity of up to 9 kg, more than enough for any standard monitor, even ones bordering on the TV realm. The arm is indeed aimed at monitors up to 34 inches, so most mainstream panels, like the TCL 4K QD-Mini LED gaming monitor that is heavily discounted on Amazon, would fit comfortably. 

As one could expect from a proper articulating monitor arm, Xiaomi focused on adjustability. The Redmi mount supports five movement types: height, tilt, rotation, left/right swing, and forward/backward extension. The arm extends up to 43.5 cm front to back and offers the whopping 30 cm of vertical travel. All that flexibility should be enough to find a comfortable viewing distance and to push the screen out of the way when more desk space is needed.

The Xiaomi Redmi monitor arm works with both VESA 75 x 75 mm and 100 x 100 mm hole patterns, which are the two most common standards and can be both desk- and wall-mounted. A hidden cable channel keeps power and video cables tucked away from sight, which helps maintain a tidy setup.

Installation is designed to be simple, and Xiaomi says one person can set it up alone since the arm uses screws that can be tightened by hand, so no extra tools are required.

There is no word yet on a global release, but Xiaomi often brings its accessories to international markets later, sometimes under the Xiaomi name instead of the Redmi line. For now, Xiaomi's first monitor arm looks like it would become an affordable alternative to pricier ergonomic mounts from established brands that can go for up to $350 in the US.