Three mounts, compared

The bracket you choose is a trade between how slim it sits and how much it moves. Here's how the three families differ.

Flush-mounted flat TV sitting close to the wall above a wooden credenza

Fixed (flush)

Low profile

Screens at eye level with one clear viewing seat.

Strengths

  • Sits closest to the wall
  • Fewest moving parts
  • Lowest cost and easiest to fit

Trade-offs

  • No angle adjustment after mounting
  • Rear ports can be hard to reach
Large TV mounted high on a bedroom wall, angled down toward the bed

Tilting

Medium profile

A TV mounted higher than eye level — above a fireplace, for example.

Strengths

  • Angles down to cut glare
  • Still fairly slim
  • Better view from a sofa below

Trade-offs

  • Tilts vertically only, no swivel
  • Slightly more depth than fixed
Full-motion articulating arm holding a TV extended out from the wall

Full-motion

High profile

Open-plan rooms, corners, or kitchens watched from several spots.

Strengths

  • Extends, swivels and tilts
  • Easy access to rear ports
  • Great for corner installs

Trade-offs

  • Highest cost and weight
  • Needs solid fixing into studs or masonry
  • More cable slack to manage

At a glance

Side by side.

Consideration Fixed Tilting Full-motion
Distance from wallMinimalSlimExtends out
Vertical tiltNoYesYes
Swivel left / rightNoNoYes
Access to rear portsAwkwardEasierEasy
Relative costLowestModerateHighest
Fixing demandStandardStandardNeeds solid anchoring
Best forSingle-seat roomsHigh or fireplace mountsOpen-plan & corners

Figures describe the general behaviour of each bracket family. Always check the exact weight, VESA and depth specification of the individual product you choose.

Next step

Chosen a type? Plan the install.

The mount path walks you through the wall, the height and the cables once you know which bracket you're fitting.