SANUS No Stud TV Wall Mount Review: Worth Buying?
A verified buyer on Amazon summed it up simply: “Low-profile design places the TV just 1.12 inches from the wall, so it hangs like a work of art.” The SANUS No Stud TV Wall Mount for 42 to 90 inch TVs carries a compelling score of 8.2/10 in community sentiment, driven by consistent praise for its easy, stud-free installation and surprisingly robust build, but tempered by limits in adjustability compared to full-motion setups.
Quick Verdict: Conditional buy — ideal for renters, DIY beginners, or those seeking a clean, flush look without tearing into a wall. Skip if frequent angle adjustments are part of your routine.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Works without studs — mounts directly to drywall | Limited motion — fixed position once installed |
| Low-profile, art-like appearance | Max weight 135 lbs — heavy TVs may be at capacity |
| Lateral shift for off-center studs | No tilt or swivel for glare control |
| Easy, quick install with built-in level | Less versatile than full-motion mounts |
| Safety latch adds stability | Not ideal for above-fireplace installations |
Claims vs Reality
SANUS markets this mount as offering “professional looking finish” even for walls without studs. Digging deeper into user reports, renters and condo owners noted the claim holds up. One Amazon customer explained: “Can be installed directly onto drywall, with no drilling and no-studs required… fits most 42 to 90 inch flat-panel TVs weighing up to 135 pounds.” For those hesitant to damage walls, the no-stud promise delivered.
However, SANUS also touts “perfect TV placement” via lateral shift. While this worked well for centering screens despite awkward stud positions, several Reddit users pointed out the fixed nature of the design means you’re still locked into a single viewing angle after setup. The lateral adjustment isn’t a substitute for swivel.
Lastly, the “low profile design so it hangs like a work of art” resonated with style-focused buyers. A verified Amazon reviewer praised the thin footprint, but users accustomed to full-motion mounts, like those from the Sanus Premium Series, found the lack of tilt limited flexibility in bright rooms.
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
The standout praise across Amazon and specialist forums centered on ease of installation. Many first-time installers called it “quick and easy” with the integrated level helping alignment. For DIY novices, this reduced the risk of uneven mounts — a verified buyer stated, “Angled slots and an integrated level make leveling and installation quick and easy.”
Renters found the no-stud approach a game changer. Without the need for lag bolts into framing, the mount appealed to those in apartments where wall modification is restricted. A Reddit user familiar with other Sanus products commented, “Don’t buy cheap crap… it’s a pain in ass installing or adding devices afterwards.” Here, the simplicity and quality combination was valued.
Safety also drew consistent praise. The built-in latch was widely mentioned as reassuring, especially for heavier panels — a critical factor when the entire load is borne by drywall anchors.
Common Complaints
The most consistent complaint was limited movement. Unlike Sanus’ tilt or full-motion models, the no-stud mount is fixed after installation. Customers accustomed to being able to tilt for glare or swivel for multiple seating zones expressed frustration: “If you plan to ever use the full motion feature… get something else.” This affects open-plan living spaces most, where sightlines vary.
Another issue is weight limitation. Although rated for 135 lbs, several users cautioned that modern 85-90 inch panels can approach that limit. Trustpilot feedback noted heavier OLEDs might require a more robust, stud-mounted solution for peace of mind.
Lastly, above-fireplace mounting proved awkward — without tilt, viewers seated below eye level encountered glare. This design trade-off makes it less versatile for such placements.
Divisive Features
The low-profile aesthetic split opinions. Style-conscious buyers loved the “art-like” flush appearance. However, tech enthusiasts who often swap cables found the minimal clearance a hassle. As one Best Buy customer with full-motion Sanus mounts described, “The ability to easily get behind your TV to fiddle with wires cannot be overstated” — something missing here.
Lateral shift was another divider. For those dealing with off-center studs, it was a lifesaver; for others with symmetrical framing, it felt like an unused bonus.
Trust & Reliability
Long-term durability wasn’t a significant concern in available data. While heavier mounts in the Sanus line have decades of installer trust — “I have installed hundreds… in over 30 years” — the lighter, no-stud version benefits from similar build quality cues. Safety latches and a UL certification bolster confidence.
Scam or counterfeit fears were minimal, but listed resale on eBay showed wide pricing variances, suggesting buyers should stick to authorized sellers to ensure genuine hardware.
Alternatives
Several users compared this to tilt and full-motion models like the Sanus VLT7 or BLT3. Those offer tilt and swivel at higher prices ($189-$299) but require studs or concrete anchoring. Budget-minded posters on Reddit suggested Mounting Dream brackets at $30-$50 for similar screen sizes, noting they sacrifice lateral shift and style for movement.
For above-fireplace installations or bright rooms, tilt models like the Sanus Advanced Tilt 4D were often recommended over this fixed design. Conversely, for minimalist urban apartments, this no-stud version won out due to its minimal intrusion and clean lines.
Price & Value
The SANUS No Stud TV Wall Mount retails around $149.99 new, with eBay listings as low as $29.95 for open-box units. Community wisdom advises prioritizing quality for expensive TVs — “If you’re spending more than $1500 on a TV, it deserves a good mount,” one Best Buy reviewer reminded.
Buying tips emerging from threads:
- Check your TV’s weight against the 135 lbs max — don’t push limits.
- For occasional cable panel changes, plan extra-long HDMI leads before mounting, since clearance is tight.
- If possible, buy new — counterfeit concern is low but real, and authentic units carry a safety certification.
FAQ
Q: Can this mount safely hold a 90-inch TV?
A: Yes, as long as it weighs under 135 lbs. Users recommend verifying your panel’s specs to ensure margin under the rated capacity for safety.
Q: Does it allow tilt or swivel?
A: No. This is a fixed-position design with only lateral shift for centering. Consider tilt or full-motion alternatives if you need angle adjustments.
Q: Is it suitable for above-fireplace mounting?
A: Not ideal. Without tilt, viewers seated below eye level may encounter glare. Tilt mounts are better suited for such placements.
Q: Will it damage drywall when removed?
A: It minimizes wall impact compared to stud-mounted systems, though anchor holes will need patching. Renters favor it because it avoids large lag bolt holes.
Q: Can cables be easily changed after installation?
A: Not easily, due to the low clearance. Plan cable runs beforehand to avoid having to dismount the TV.
Final Verdict
Buy if you’re a renter, style-focused homeowner, or DIY beginner aiming for a flush, unobtrusive look without structural drilling. Avoid if you need frequent angle changes, plan to mount over a fireplace, or have TVs near the weight capacity.
Pro tip from the community: Pre-measure and connect all cables before mounting — and if your studs are off-center, the lateral shift feature can save the installation.
