Wall-mounting your TV is one of the best upgrades you can make to any room — it saves space, looks cleaner, and puts the screen at the perfect viewing height. But with hundreds of mounts on Amazon ranging from $15 to $200, choosing the right one can be overwhelming. This guide breaks down the three types of TV mounts, helps you pick the right one for your TV size, and recommends the best models you can buy right now.
The 3 Types of TV Wall Mounts
| Type | Movement | Best For | Price Range | Depth from Wall |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fixed Mount | None — flat against wall | Clean look, bedrooms, above fireplace | $12–$30 | ~1 inch |
| Tilting Mount | Tilt up/down (15°) | High mounting positions, glare reduction | $18–$40 | ~2 inches |
| Full Motion / Articulating | Swivel left/right, tilt up/down, extend out from wall | Corner mounting, open plans, maximum flexibility | $30–$100 | 2–24 inches |
Our recommendation for most people: a full motion mount. The price difference between a fixed mount and a full motion mount is just $15–30, but the flexibility is dramatically better. You can angle your TV toward the couch, pull it out from the wall to access cables, tilt it down to reduce glare, and push it flat when not in use. Once you have full motion, you will never go back to fixed.
Top 5 TV Wall Mounts 2026
| Rank | Mount | Type | TV Size | Weight | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🥇 | Perlegear Full Motion (42–85") | Full Motion | 42–85" | 132 lbs | $35.99 |
| 🥈 | Mounting Dream (26–55") | Full Motion | 26–55" | 77 lbs | $27.99 |
| 🥉 | ECHOGEAR (42–90") | Full Motion | 42–90" | 135 lbs | $49.99 |
| 4 | Amazon Basics Tilting (32–65") | Tilting | 32–65" | 110 lbs | $19.99 |
| 5 | Pipishell Fixed (26–55") | Fixed | 26–55" | 66 lbs | $12.99 |
How to Choose the Right Mount for Your TV
Step 1: Check Your TV's VESA Pattern
VESA is the universal mounting standard — it defines the distance between the four screw holes on the back of your TV. Common VESA sizes include 200×200mm (32–43" TVs), 300×300mm (43–55" TVs), and 400×400mm (55–85" TVs). All mounts on our list support multiple VESA patterns, but always verify your TV's VESA size before buying. You can find it in your TV's manual or by measuring the distance between the holes yourself.
Step 2: Check Your TV's Weight
Every mount has a maximum weight capacity. Modern 55" TVs weigh about 30–40 lbs. 65" TVs weigh 45–60 lbs. 75–85" TVs can weigh 60–90 lbs. Make sure your mount supports at least 20% more than your TV's weight — you want a safety margin.
Step 3: Choose Your Mount Type
Fixed mount if your TV will always face one direction and you want the slimmest profile. Tilting mount if you are mounting above a fireplace or higher than eye level (the tilt compensates for the upward viewing angle). Full motion mount if you want any flexibility at all — corner mounting, pulling the TV out to access cables, angling toward different seating areas.
Installation Guide — What You Need
Installing a TV wall mount is a straightforward DIY project that takes 30–60 minutes. Here is what you need:
| Tool | Purpose | Have It? |
|---|---|---|
| Stud Finder | Locate wall studs (essential for secure mounting) | Must have |
| Drill + drill bits | Drill pilot holes into studs | Must have |
| Socket wrench or screwdriver | Tighten lag bolts | Included with most mounts |
| Level | Ensure mount is perfectly horizontal | Phone app works too |
| Pencil + tape measure | Mark positions | Must have |
Step-by-Step Installation
Step 1: Use the stud finder to locate and mark two wall studs. Most mounts require two studs for secure support.
Step 2: Hold the mount bracket against the wall at the desired height. Use a level to ensure it is perfectly horizontal. Mark the drill holes with a pencil.
Step 3: Drill pilot holes into the studs at the marked positions.
Step 4: Secure the wall bracket with the provided lag bolts. Tighten firmly but do not overtighten.
Step 5: Attach the mounting plate to the back of your TV using the provided VESA screws.
Step 6: Lift the TV and hook the mounting plate onto the wall bracket. Most mounts click into place. Have a second person help — TVs are heavy and awkward to lift.
Step 7: Connect your HDMI cable, power cable, and any other connections. Use a cable management kit ($8–15) to hide the cables for a clean look.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Wall-Mounted Setup
Optimal viewing height: The center of your TV screen should be at seated eye level — typically 42–48 inches from the floor for standard sofa seating. Mounting too high is the most common mistake — a TV above a fireplace is often too high for comfortable viewing.
Hide your cables: Exposed cables ruin the clean look of a wall-mounted TV. A cable raceway ($8–12) is the easiest solution — adhesive-backed plastic channels that stick to the wall and hide all cables. For a completely invisible solution, an in-wall power kit ($25–40) runs power and HDMI through the wall itself.
Leave room for devices: If you have a streaming device, soundbar, or game console, plan where they will sit. A small floating shelf ($15–25) below the TV keeps devices accessible and cables organized. Alternatively, the Fire TV Stick plugs directly into the HDMI port behind the TV — completely invisible once mounted.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Bottom Line
Our #1 pick is the Perlegear Full Motion Mount ($35.99) — it fits 42–85" TVs, holds up to 132 lbs, swivels 45° in each direction, and includes all necessary hardware. Pair it with a stud finder ($15), a cable raceway ($10), and a quality HDMI 2.1 cable ($10) for the complete clean setup. Total cost: under $75 for a professional-looking wall-mounted entertainment center.
* Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links with tag=bestprice2109-21. Purchases earn us a small commission at no extra cost to you.