WALI Ultrawide Monitor Arm Review: Heavy-Duty Support Without the Premium Price

Looking for a monitor arm that can handle your massive ultrawide without breaking the bank? The WALI Ultrawide Monitor Arm might be exactly what your desk setup needs.

The WALI GSM001XL is a heavy-duty gas spring desk mount designed for ultrawide monitors up to 35 inches and 33 lbs. It features VESA compatibility (75x75mm and 100x100mm), built-in cable management, and offers both C-clamp and grommet base mounting options.

I’ve been using this monitor arm for three years with a 42-inch ultrawide display. It handles my daily workflow without any issues, proving its durability through extended use.

The short answer? This arm delivers impressive value for the price. But there are some installation quirks and aesthetic trade-offs worth knowing about before you buy.

What I Liked

Build Quality

The WALI monitor arm exceeded my expectations for build quality at this price point. The arm uses high-grade steel and aluminum alloy construction that feels substantial and durable. After three years of daily use, it shows no signs of wear or degradation.

Independent testing confirms this impression. BTOD’s review noted the arm is “well-built and heavy, with wire management for both the post and the extension arms.” The clamp mount construction is notably superior to many competitors in the budget category.

Adjustability

The gas spring mechanism makes height adjustment smooth and effortless. You can move the monitor up and down just by pushing it, and it stays exactly where you leave it once properly calibrated. The arm offers +45°/-45° tilt, +90°/-90° swivel, and full 180° rotation for switching between landscape and portrait modes.

This level of adjustability rivals monitor arms costing significantly more. The ability to position your display at the perfect ergonomic height helps reduce neck and eye strain during long work sessions.

Cable Management

Built-in cable routing keeps your workspace tidy. There’s a plastic flap at the rear where you can hide your power and video cables. Unlike some competitors that require tools or screw removal to access cable channels, the WALI’s cable management is intuitive and easy to use.

Value for Money

At around $45-80 depending on the specific model, the WALI delivers features you’d expect from much pricier options. The Ergotron LX, a standard bearer for premium monitor arms, costs $247-$289—roughly five to six times more than the WALI. While the Ergotron offers superior engineering and a 10-year warranty, the WALI handles everyday use just as well for most users.

After years of ownership, I can confidently say this monitor arm is worth checking out if you need ultrawide support on a budget.

What Needs Improvement

Assembly and Installation

The WALI requires assembly out of the box. While the instructions are clear, you’ll spend some time putting it together before mounting your monitor. For ultrawide displays, you’ll likely need a second person to help attach the monitor to the VESA plate—it’s manageable solo, but challenging with a large, heavy screen.

Tension Calibration for Heavy Monitors

If you’re pushing close to the 33 lb weight limit, expect to spend time dialing in the gas spring tension. Reddit users report that with heavier monitors, the sagging can be significant until you find the right adjustment. One user noted they “had to tighten the joint almost breaking the L wrench” to prevent drooping.

The key is to support your monitor while adjusting tension, then slowly remove the support to test if it holds level. Getting this right on the first try is unlikely.

Aesthetics

Let’s be direct: this isn’t the prettiest monitor arm you can buy. Independent reviews have called it “probably the ugliest of the group” compared to sleeker alternatives. The plastic housing on the upper arm and the industrial clamp design prioritize function over form.

If your workspace aesthetic matters to you, the WALI might clash with a minimalist setup. But if you care more about performance than looks, this is a minor trade-off.

Minor Play in VESA Connection

Some users report a slight wobble in the bracket where the VESA plate connects to the arm. During normal use, this isn’t noticeable. However, when making fine adjustments to position your monitor perfectly level, you may need to compensate for this play.

How It Compares

Ergotron LX ($247-$289)

The Ergotron LX is the gold standard for monitor arms, but it costs five to six times more than the WALI. You get superior engineering, Constant Force technology for smoother movement, and a 10-year warranty. If you have the budget and want the absolute best, the Ergotron is hard to beat.

However, for most users who don’t need to reposition their monitor frequently, the WALI performs the same fundamental task at a fraction of the cost.

North Bayou F80 ($36)

The North Bayou F80 undercuts the WALI on price but lacks spring-assisted height adjustment. You get manual adjustment only, with more limited tilt and swivel capabilities. It has better aesthetics than the WALI, but the functional limitations make the WALI a better value overall.

HUANUO Monitor Arm ($40)

At a similar price point, the HUANUO incorporates spring-assisted height adjustment like the WALI. However, testers note it “looks and feels a bit cheaper” with more plastic in obvious areas. The WALI’s superior cable management and build quality give it the edge in this comparison.

VIVO Heavy Duty ($119)

The VIVO Heavy Duty offers similar ultrawide support and spring-assisted adjustment but costs nearly three times more than the WALI. While the VIVO’s build quality matches or slightly exceeds the WALI, the price jump is hard to justify unless you specifically need features the WALI lacks.

For budget-conscious users who need heavy-duty ultrawide support, the WALI offers the best balance of performance and price.

Final Verdict

The WALI Ultrawide Monitor Arm proves that you don’t need to spend premium prices for reliable heavy-duty monitor support. After three years of daily use, I have no reservations recommending this arm to anyone on a budget.

The build quality is solid, the adjustability is excellent for the price, and it handles ultrawide monitors with ease once properly calibrated. Yes, it requires some assembly and tension adjustment, and it won’t win any beauty contests. But these are minor trade-offs for a monitor arm that costs a fraction of premium alternatives.

I’ve had this arm for years and plan to keep using it for years to come. If you need a sturdy, affordable solution for your ultrawide display, the WALI GSM001XL deserves serious consideration.