9 Best TV Mounts for a Perfect Viewing Experience: Top Picks & Installation Tips
Choosing the perfect TV mount can transform your viewing experience and free up valuable space in your living room. Whether you’re looking to save space, enhance your room’s aesthetics, or find the perfect angle for binge-watching, the right TV mount makes all the difference. But with so many options available, how do you know which one suits your needs best?
Choosing the Right Types of TV Mounts
Choosing the right TV mount is crucial for an optimal viewing experience. Here’s a breakdown of the most popular types you can consider:
Fixed TV Mounts
Fixed TV mounts are perfect if you want your TV to sit flush against the wall. They don’t offer any movement, which means you need to be sure about the viewing height before installation. Fixed mounts provide a minimalist look and are usually more affordable than other types.
Tilting TV Mounts
Tilting TV mounts let you adjust the vertical angle of your TV. They are ideal if you need to mount your TV higher on the wall, like above a fireplace. Tilting mounts help reduce screen glare and offer a better viewing experience from different seated positions.
Full Motion TV Mounts
Full motion TV mounts, also known as articulating mounts, offer the greatest flexibility. You can extend, swivel, and tilt the TV to achieve the perfect viewing angle from almost any spot in the room. These mounts are great for larger rooms or open-concept living spaces where the seating arrangement may vary.
By understanding the benefits of each type, you can select the best TV mount to enhance your viewing experience and complement your living space.
Top Picks for Fixed TV Mounts
Fixed TV mounts are ideal for a sleek, minimalist look. They’re sturdy and easy to install, making them a popular choice for many households.
Best Budget-Friendly Fixed TV Mount
Mounting Dream Fixed TV Wall Mount offers excellent value for its price. It supports most 26-55 inch TVs and can hold up to 99 lbs. Its low-profile design sits just 1.1 inches from the wall, giving your setup a streamlined appearance. Despite its budget-friendly price, it includes all necessary hardware and an easy installation guide.
Best Overall Fixed TV Mount
Echogear Low Profile Fixed TV Wall Mount stands out for its robust build and user-friendly features. Designed for TVs ranging from 42-80 inches, it can support up to 150 lbs. Its locking mechanism secures your TV safely, and the 1.25-inch wall gap ensures a low-profile look. Additionally, the included hardware pack and simple instructions make installation a breeze, earning it top marks in both performance and convenience.
Top Picks for Tilting TV Mounts
Tilting TV mounts offer better viewing angles and reduce glare, making them ideal for various room setups. Here are our recommendations for the best tilting TV mounts.
Best Durable Tilting TV Mount
The Sanus VMPL50A-B1 SureFit is known for its robust build and durability. It supports TVs from 32 to 70 inches and can hold up to 150 pounds. The mount features ProSet post-installation height and leveling adjustments, ensuring a perfect fit. Its Virtual Axis technology allows you to tilt the TV up or down smoothly, enhancing your viewing comfort and minimizing glare.
Best Flexible Tilting TV Mount
The VideoSecu ML531BE is a flexible option that suits TVs from 32 to 65 inches with a weight capacity of 165 pounds. Its effortless tilting mechanism offers a range of -5 to +15 degrees, helping you find the optimal viewing position. Additionally, the mount includes a built-in bubble level for easy and accurate installation.
Top Picks for Full Motion TV Mounts
Full motion TV mounts provide unmatched flexibility, allowing you to adjust the angle and position of your TV for the best viewing experience. Here are the top picks.
Best Full Motion TV Mount for Large TVs
The VideoSecu ML531BE is perfect for large TVs. Supporting screens from 37 to 70 inches, this mount offers a sturdy, reliable hold. Its heavy-duty steel construction can handle up to 132 pounds, ensuring that even your biggest TVs are safe. Plus, it’s equipped with a swivel of up to 180 degrees and a tilt function from +15 to -5 degrees, making it easy to fine-tune your viewing angle.
Best Full Motion TV Mount for Versatility
The Mounting Dream MD2380 stands out for its versatility. Suitable for most 26 to 55-inch TVs, this mount is designed with a range of motion that includes an extension of up to 15 inches, as well as a swivel ability up to 90 degrees. Additionally, it has a smooth tilt adjustment from +5 to -15 degrees, helping to reduce glare and enhance your visual comfort. The combination of these features makes it ideal for various room setups and viewing preferences.
Specialized TV Mounts Worth Considering
When standard mounts don’t fit your unique space, specialized TV mounts provide versatile and innovative solutions.
Best Ceiling TV Mount
The VIVO Electric Ceiling TV Mount stands out for its motorized functionality and remote control. This mount accommodates TVs ranging from 32 to 70 inches, supporting up to 77 pounds. The electric flip-down system allows you to save space by tucking your TV against the ceiling when not in use, making it perfect for rooms with limited wall space. The programmable memory settings let you easily position your TV at the perfect angle for an immersive viewing experience.
Best Corner TV Mount
The InstallerParts Corner TV Mount offers a practical solution for mounting your TV in a corner. This mount is designed for TVs from 37 to 63 inches and supports up to 132 pounds. Its dual-arm design allows you to extend your TV up to 19.3 inches from the wall, providing better viewing angles for multiple seating positions. The heavy-duty steel construction ensures durability and stability, while the integrated cable management system keeps your space looking neat and organized.
Installation Tips for Your New TV Mount
Ensuring a secure and efficient installation of your TV mount enhances your viewing experience. Here are some essential tips to help you through the process.
Tools and Equipment Needed
Gathering the right tools before starting can make the installation process smoother. You’ll need:
- Stud Finder: Detects wall studs for secure mounting.
- Power Drill: Drills holes for mount screws.
- Level: Ensures the TV is installed straight.
- Socket Wrench Set: Tightens bolts and nuts.
- Screwdrivers: Used for adjusting the mount hardware.
- Measuring Tape: Measures placement distances.
- Pencil: Marks drilling points on the wall.
- Wall Anchors: Provides additional support for drywall installations.
Step-by-Step Installation Guide
Following a systematic guide ensures a hassle-free setup. Here’s how to install your TV mount:
- Find Studs: Use a stud finder to locate studs in the wall where you’ll mount your TV. Mark their positions with a pencil.
- Mark Drill Points: Measure the height and mark drilling points on the wall for the mount. Use a level to ensure the marks are even.
- Drill Holes: Drill pilot holes into the marked points for mounting screws.
- Attach Mounting Bracket: Secure the wall bracket to the wall using screws and ensure it’s level with a level tool.
- Install TV Bracket: Attach the corresponding bracket to the back of your TV. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for exact placement.
- Mount TV: Lift the TV and hook it onto the wall bracket. An extra pair of hands can make this step easier.
- Secure TV: Tighten all the screws and bolts to ensure the TV is firmly attached to the mount.
- Cable Management: Use the mount’s cable management features to organize and hide cables for a neat setup.
By following these steps and using the appropriate tools, you’ll have your TV mounted securely and professionally in no time.
Conclusion
Choosing the right TV mount can significantly enhance your viewing experience and add a sleek look to your space. From specialized mounts like the VIVO Electric Ceiling TV Mount to the InstallerParts Corner TV Mount, there’s a perfect option for every setup. With the right tools and a step-by-step approach, you can achieve a professional and secure installation. By following these guidelines, you’re well on your way to creating an optimal and stylish entertainment area.
