The 4 Best Monitors For Dual Setup – Summer 2023: Reviews
- Table of Contents
- Intro
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Best Monitor
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Best Mid-Range
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Best Budget
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Best Cheap
- Notable Mentions
- Recent Updates
- All Reviews
- Discussions
Updated Jul 27, 2023 at 11:17 am
By Nicholas Di Giovanni
Using two monitors in your setup can be beneficial for various uses. It gives you extra screen space for office work and allows you to place different windows on each display instead of trying to fit multiple windows on one screen, which helps with productivity. There are different factors you need to consider when looking for two monitors. You have to think about how many video ports your computer has; it’s ideal if it has two so that you can connect each monitor separately, and most modern computers won’t have any problems outputting two signals at once while you’re working, including up to 4k. However, if your PC only has one output, then one of the monitors you get needs to support daisy chaining for you to connect the second display.
While you can get and use any two monitors together, some brands and retailers sell two-in-one monitor bundles. However, those are usually cheap and small displays that aren’t special, so if your budget allows for it, getting two units of any other monitor is the best way to go. There isn’t a perfect size for everyone, but generally speaking, anything bigger than 27 inches may not be ideal for a multimonitor setup, as placing two 32-inch monitors side-by-side is the same width as a 65-inch TV, which is likely too big for most people. There are many different possibilities when shopping for two monitors, but knowing your budget and needs is a good place to start.
We’ve bought and tested over 280 monitors, and below are our recommendations for the best monitors to buy for a dual setup. See our recommendations for the best work monitors and the best vertical monitors.
However, if you think a dual monitor setup isn’t right for you, it may be worth looking for the best ultrawide monitors instead.
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Best Monitor For Dual Setup
Dell U2723QE
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Mixed Usage
7.6
Office
8.4
Gaming
6.7
Media Consumption
7.7
Media Creation
8.6
HDR
6.9
Size
27″
Pixel Type
IPS
Max Refresh Rate
60 Hz
Variable Refresh Rate
No
Native Resolution
3840 x 2160
HDR10
Yes
Swivel Range
-45° to 45°
Tilt Range
-21° to 5°
Height Adjustment
5.
9″ (15.0 cm)Rotate Portrait/Landscape
Yes, Both Ways
Daisy Chaining
DisplayPort Out
See all our test results
The Dell U2723QE is the best monitor for dual setup we’ve tested. The 27-inch screen offers more space for multitasking, especially if you place two side-by-side, and its 4k resolution helps deliver sharp text. It has remarkable ergonomics, meaning it’s easy to adjust to your ideal viewing position. Also, it’s an impressive office monitor with many connectivity options, including a DisplayPort output, meaning you can daisy chain a second monitor, which is useful if your computer only has one video output.
If you need to connect multiple devices to your dual monitor setup, this display is also a great choice, as it has a KVM switch. You can connect your mouse and keyboard directly to the monitor and control both devices. Its 90W of power delivery on one of the USB-C ports is also enough to keep your laptop’s battery going while you work.
In terms of picture quality, it displays a wide range of colors with excellent accuracy, and even though it has disappointing reflection handling, it gets bright enough to fight glare, which is great if you want to use it in a well-lit room.See our review
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Best Mid-Range Monitor For Dual Setup
Dell S2722QC
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Mixed Usage
7.7
Office
8.7
Gaming
7.1
Media Consumption
7.6
Media Creation
8.
4HDR
6.4
Size
27″
Pixel Type
IPS
Max Refresh Rate
60 Hz
Variable Refresh Rate
Yes
Native Resolution
3840 x 2160
HDR10
Yes
Swivel Range
-30° to 30°
Tilt Range
-20° to 5°
Height Adjustment
4.3″ (11.0 cm)
Rotate Portrait/Landscape
Yes, Both Ways
Daisy Chaining
No
See all our test results
If you don’t need all the extra features and prefer getting something in the mid-range price category, check out the Dell S2722QC. It’s a lower-end model compared to the Dell U2723QE.
It often goes on sale for a low cost, and the main trade-off is that it has fewer features. The one big downside is that it doesn’t support daisy chaining like the U2723QE, so you must connect your video cables directly from your PC to the monitors, and your PC needs to have two video outputs. It has a smaller USB hub and doesn’t have a KVM switch, so you can’t easily switch between two devices and use the same keyboard and mouse.Besides that, it’s still an excellent productivity monitor because it has a 27-inch screen with a 4k resolution that produces remarkable text clarity. Although it has worse accuracy than the U2723QE, it’s still decent enough that you’ll only have to worry about it if your work requires perfectly accurate colors. Luckily, its reflection handling is even better than on the U2723QE, and combined with its great SDR peak brightness, you won’t have issues using it in a bright room.
See our review
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Best Budget Monitor For Dual Setup
ASUS ProArt Display PA278QV
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Mixed Usage
7.
0Office
8.3
Gaming
6.7
Media Consumption
7.1
Media Creation
7.8
HDR
3.0
Size
27″
Pixel Type
IPS
Max Refresh Rate
75 Hz
Variable Refresh Rate
Yes
Native Resolution
2560 x 1440
HDR10
No
Swivel Range
-90° to 90°
Tilt Range
-35° to 5°
Height Adjustment
5.
9″ (15.0 cm)Rotate Portrait/Landscape
Yes, Both Ways
Daisy Chaining
No
See all our test results
If you’re looking for the best secondary monitor on a budget, consider the ASUS ProArt Display PA278QV. It has a lower 1440p resolution than the 4k resolution of the Dell S2722QC, meaning text isn’t as sharp, but that’s the sacrifice you need to make for something cheaper. Despite that, it still has decent text clarity, and the 27-inch screen offers enough space even if you want to put two windows side-by-side. While it doesn’t support daisy chaining like the Dell either, the ASUS ProArt Display PA278CV is a similar option that does, so consider that monitor if you need daisy chaining, but it also costs a bit more.
The PA278QV has outstanding ergonomics as you can swivel it a full 90 degrees in each direction and even rotate it into portrait mode, making it easy to adjust next to another display.
It has fantastic image accuracy before calibration, so you don’t need to calibrate it for accurate colors. However, it doesn’t support HDR, so if that’s important to you, the Dell UltraSharp U2520D is another 1440p option that supports HDR and daisy chaining, but it has a slightly smaller screen.See our review
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Best Cheap Monitor For Dual Setup
ASUS VG246H
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Mixed Usage
6.5
Office
7.6
Gaming
6.3
Media Consumption
6.5
Media Creation
7.
2HDR
2.7
Size
24″
Pixel Type
IPS
Max Refresh Rate
75 Hz
Variable Refresh Rate
Yes
Native Resolution
1920 x 1080
HDR10
No
Swivel Range
-90° to 90°
Tilt Range
-22.5° to 5°
Height Adjustment
5.9″ (15.0 cm)
Rotate Portrait/Landscape
Yes, Both Ways
Daisy Chaining
No
See all our test results
If you’re looking for the best secondary monitor for cheap, check out the ASUS VG246H. Getting a cheap monitor is beneficial if you’re on a tight budget and don’t need anything special, but there are a few trade-offs for getting a cheaper display.
It has a smaller 24-inch screen than the ASUS ProArt Display PA278QV and a lower 1080p resolution, meaning that images aren’t as detailed, but the text clarity is still decent. It doesn’t support daisy chaining, but that’s the case with most cheap displays, and you’ll just need to make sure your PC has two video outputs.Fortunately, its smaller screen makes it easier to fit two monitors next to each other if you have a small desk. Besides that, it offers good office performance for its cost as it has remarkable ergonomics, letting you easily adjust the screen how you want. It’s also good if you want to use it in a moderately-lit room thanks to its good reflection handling and decent peak brightness. However, if you want something even brighter, the Acer Nitro XF243Y Pbmiiprx is another good cheap option, but it costs a bit more than the ASUS.
See our review
9″ (15.0 cm)
In terms of picture quality, it displays a wide range of colors with excellent accuracy, and even though it has disappointing reflection handling, it gets bright enough to fight glare, which is great if you want to use it in a well-lit room.
4
It often goes on sale for a low cost, and the main trade-off is that it has fewer features. The one big downside is that it doesn’t support daisy chaining like the U2723QE, so you must connect your video cables directly from your PC to the monitors, and your PC needs to have two video outputs. It has a smaller USB hub and doesn’t have a KVM switch, so you can’t easily switch between two devices and use the same keyboard and mouse.
0
9″ (15.0 cm)
It has fantastic image accuracy before calibration, so you don’t need to calibrate it for accurate colors. However, it doesn’t support HDR, so if that’s important to you, the Dell UltraSharp U2520D is another 1440p option that supports HDR and daisy chaining, but it has a slightly smaller screen.
2
It has a smaller 24-inch screen than the ASUS ProArt Display PA278QV and a lower 1080p resolution, meaning that images aren’t as detailed, but the text clarity is still decent. It doesn’t support daisy chaining, but that’s the case with most cheap displays, and you’ll just need to make sure your PC has two video outputs.Notable Mentions
- Dell S2721QS:
The Dell S2721QS is a cheaper alternative to the Dell S2722QC as it has the same 27-inch screen and 4k resolution. However, it has no USB ports, so only consider this if you don’t need the extra ports.
See our review - Gigabyte M27Q:
The Gigabyte M27Q is a great office monitor with a 27-inch screen and 1440p resolution, like the ASUS ProArt Display PA278QV. However, it has worse ergonomics, so it’s harder to place in an ideal position.
See our review
However, it has no USB ports, so only consider this if you don’t need the extra ports.Recent Updates
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Jul 27, 2023:
Replaced the ASUS ProArt Display PA278CV with the cheaper ASUS ProArt Display PA278QV because it’s more of a budget monitor; added the Gigabyte M27Q to Notable Mentions. -
May 29, 2023:
Removed the Dell S2721QS and renamed the ASUS ProArt Display PA278CV as the ‘Best Budget Monitor’ because it dropped in price.
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Mar 30, 2023:
Added the Dell S2722QC as the ‘Best Mid-Range Monitor’ to give another option; added the Dell U3223QE and the LG 27MN60T-W to Notable Mentions. -
Jan 27, 2023:
Restructured the article to reflect office-oriented monitors regardless of their size; replaced the Dell UltraSharp U2520D with the Dell U2723QE because it’s better overall; added the Dell S2721QS and removed the LG 24GL600F; renamed the ASUS ProArt Display PA278CV and the ASUS VG246H as the ‘Best Mid-Range’ and ‘Best Cheap’ monitors respectively; updated Notable Mentions based on changes. -
Nov 29, 2022:
Restructured article to use smaller monitors with a lower resolution; removed the Dell U2723QE and the Dell S2721QS because they’re big 4k monitors; replaced the ASUS ProArt Display PA278QV with the ASUS ProArt Display PA278CV because it supports daisy chaining and renamed to ‘Best Vertical Monitor’; added the LG 24GL600F; updated Notable Mentions based on changes.
All Reviews
Our recommendations are based on what we think are the best monitors for a dual setup that are currently available. They are adapted to be valid for most people, in each price range. Rating is based on our review, factoring in price, and feedback from our visitors.
If you would prefer to make your own decision, here is the list of all of our monitor reviews. Be careful not to get too caught up in the details. Most monitors are good enough to please most people, and the things we fault monitors on are often not noticeable unless you really look for them.
Best Dual Monitor Setup in 2023 (gaming, workstation, editing)
There comes a point in life when you know a single monitor setup is no longer for you. Let’s find the best alternative
Updated: Jun 30, 2023 11:47 am
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Dell UltraSharp U2720Q
ASUS TUF Gaming VG279QM
ViewSonic ELITE XG270QC
Best Dual Monitor Setup in 2023: our top picks
Dell UltraSharp U2720Q
ASUS TUF Gaming VG279QM
ViewSonic ELITE XG270QC
Best Dual Monitor Setup in 2023
Dell UltraSharp U2720Q
ASUS TUF Gaming VG279QM
ViewSonic ELITE XG270QC
Alienware AW2720HF
LG 27UK650-W
Best Dual Monitor Setup in 2023: reviews
Dell UltraSharp U2720Q
ASUS TUF Gaming VG279QM
ViewSonic ELITE XG270QC
Alienware AW2720HF
LG 27UK650-W
How We Choose
Things To Consider
Compatibility
Size
Curved Vs Flat
Resolution And Refresh Rates
Dual monitor setup & orientation
Best dual monitor setup: Video
Best Dual Monitor Setup FAQs
What is the best layout for dual monitors?
Is it worth having a dual monitor setup?
Best Dual Monitor Setup : final word
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Best Dual Monitor Setup
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Best Dual Monitor Setup
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Best Dual Monitor Setup
Whether you’re a professional Twitch streamer or an amateur seeking to enhance their experience, broadening your horizons (literally) over two monitors allows you to multitask whilst you game – no need to Alt Tab every time you get a Discord message!
Likewise, if you enjoy co-op gaming, you won’t cover half the display with the video call, nor do you have to sacrifice watching each other’s reactions when you’re exposing the saboteur in Among Us, as your pals can have their own screen.
Even though ultrawide monitors are becoming a popular choice, a second monitor is the best way of upgrading your current setup without investing in a large single monitor. There are plenty of choices out there, so here are the best monitors for the job.
Best Dual Monitor Setup in 2023: our top picks
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Best Dual Monitor Setup
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Best Dual Monitor Setup
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Best Dual Monitor Setup
Of course, the benefits of doubling your display mean nothing if those monitors aren’t high quality and built to last. It’s twice as important to make sure you’re investing in a product to improve game time, not frustrate you with flickering or low FPS.
That’s why we’ve produced this specially-selected list of monitors we think are perfect for a dual setup. Whether you’re a 4K or 144Hz snob or just trying to get by on a budget 1080p display, there’s bound to be something here for any player. Also be sure to check our how to set-up dual monitors guide so you’re prepared for your new addition(s), which will talk you through the correct display settings, how to duplicate your displays and more.
Thinking about picture quality, width, refresh rates, bezel thickness and other performance specifications, we believe each of these would work well doubled up. Let’s get into which ones we’ve picked and why!
Best Dual Monitor Setup in 2023
Size
27″
Refresh Rate
60Hz
Response Time
5ms
Panel
IPS
Maximum Resolution
3840 x 2160
How We Review
Size
27″
Refresh Rate
280Hz
Response Time
1ms
Panel
IPS
Maximum Resolution
1920 x 1080
How We Review
Size
27″
Refresh Rate
165Hz
Response Time
1ms
Panel
MVA
Maximum Resolution
2560 x 1440
How We Review
Size
27″
Refresh Rate
240Hz
Response Time
1ms
Panel Type
IPS
Resolution
1920 x 1080
How We Review
Size
27”
Refresh Rate
60Hz
Response Time
5ms
Panel Type
IPS
Max Resolution
4K
How We Review
Best Dual Monitor Setup in 2023: reviews
Size
27″
Refresh Rate
60Hz
Response Time
5ms
Panel
IPS
Maximum Resolution
3840 x 2160
How We Review
Pros
- Easy adjustment of viewing angle in dual monitor setup
- Supports HDR and DisplayPort
- 4K UHD screen that won’t break the bank
Cons
- Out-of-the-box calibration recommended
- Limited to 60Hz FPS rate
Number one on our list for a reason, the Ultra-Sharp U2720Q from Dell proffers 27 inches of glorious 4K UHD IPS screen, running a super vibrant resolution that brightens and intensifies even the dullest of pictures.
The wide viewing angle that’s enabled by In-Plane Switching (IPS) technology allows for consistently exceptional visuals, supporting practically seamless dual monitor setup for viewing your games as they were intended to be seen.
Versatile connectivity means you’ll be able to hook up using DisplayPort, HDMI, USB and Audio Line cables, compatible with the majority of GPUs favored by gamers. There’s even a security lock slot, for added peace of mind.
Vesa mount compatible, this monitor can tilt, swivel and pivot to your heart’s content, as well as featuring its own in-built USB hub for when your tower just doesn’t have enough ports. It utilizes super fast USB-C ports, for the quickest charging times.
However, despite ticking all of our other boxes, this monitor is unfortunately limited to a frame rate of 60Hz. Whilst this is plenty for many players, professional streamers for instance might want to consider a quicker refresh rate.
Size
27″
Refresh Rate
280Hz
Response Time
1ms
Panel
IPS
Maximum Resolution
1920 x 1080
Pros
- Overclocks to a massive 280Hz
- Crisp IPS screen in 1080p
- DisplayPort and VESA compatible
Cons
- HDR compatible but lacking the brightness to carry it off
- No USB ports
Packing an absolutely incredible 280Hz refresh rate (240Hz when not overclocked), the 27 inch Tuf Gaming monitor from Asus epitomizes an ideal display for gamers by offering one of the fastest response times on the market today.
Design-wise, it’s really easy on the eyes; sleek and stylish, whilst sturdy and rigorous enough to last for years to come. This is a difficult sweet spot to achieve, especially being one of the more affordable models on our list.
An adjustable stand with VESA mounting support allows you to manually adjust the monitor’s height as well as tilt, swivel and pivot as much as you’d like. This is great for a dual-monitor setup, as you can customize your experience for every game.
W-LED backlight technology combined with an IPS panel creates some truly stunning colors that won’t strain your eyes, for clear and crisp 1080p visuals that you can enjoy all day (or night, we know, we’re gremlins too).
For a resolution of 1920 x 1080, some players advise that 27 inches might be a little big – if this is the case for you, you’ll find a smaller version of this monitor with very similar specs in the VG259QM, though performance might vary between the two.
Best gaming monitors
Size
27″
Refresh Rate
165Hz
Response Time
1ms
Panel
MVA
Maximum Resolution
2560 x 1440
How We Review
Pros
- Ideal for multi-monitor setups with a basically borderless display
- Hyper-responsive 165Hz refresh rate
- 1500R curved screen for even deeper immersion
Cons
- Response time increases when FPS is boosted from 144Hz to 165Hz
- Customers report sound can be a little on the quiet side
With curves in all the right places, the Viewsonic Elite also packs a mighty beautiful 1440p 27 inch display in wide QHD, which combined with the 165Hz refresh rate offers even the biggest noob a chance to experience games like a pro.
Certified HDR compliant with the Vesa DisplayHDR400 seal of approval, experience everything your games have to offer, with in-game detail enhancement that’ll pull you into the game so intensely, you might actually believe you’re there.
An incredibly quick response time of 1ms combined with PureXP Blur Reduction technology makes use of backlight strobing in order to provide crystal-clear images, even at the fastest of frame rates.
Svelte and sexy, the frameless three-sided, incredibly thin bezel means that your gaming screen is maximised, ideal for minimizing compatibility issues when you’ve got a dual monitor setup. You won’t believe how smooth it transitions!
Your gaming rig stands to upgrade even further, with a built-in mouse anchor, high quality Elite RGB ambient lighting and a bonus reinforced headphone hook. Feel like a real-life streamer even if you aren’t quite there yet!
- Best console gaming monitor
Size
27″
Refresh Rate
240Hz
Response Time
1ms
Panel Type
IPS
Resolution
1920 x 1080
How We Review
Pros
- Rapid fire 240Hz refresh rates
- True 1ms response time – no false promises
- Can be wall-mounted
Cons
- Customers report experiencing blurry images at 1080p on the 27 inch model
Four times faster than your standard refresh rate at 240Hz, even veteran gamers will be impressed by one of the latest and greatest offerings from Alienware via Dell, promising real-time reactions in even the biggest and laggiest online games.
Thanks to IPS frame technology, the extra wide-angle viewing range creates consistent color coverage no matter what angle you’re viewing on. Ideal for dual monitor setups, you can create the perfect pair of displays for you.
A 1ms response time allows for incredibly quick pixel changing, blasting away any motion blur to ensure you can fully utilize your quickscoping skills, whilst you’ll see the whole battlefield with ease on all 27 inches of screen.
AlienFX, the fully customizable lighting system developed by Alienware to enable dynamic lighting effects and full RGB values, means you’ll experience unique settings for every single game, for a truly versatile gaming monitor.
AMD Radeon FreeSync technology ensures your display and GPU are fully synchronized, allowing for the maximum frame rate only when your monitor can produce them, to reduce distortions and protect you from dead pixels.
- Best 240Hz gaming monitor
Size
27”
Refresh Rate
60Hz
Response Time
5ms
Panel Type
IPS
Max Resolution
4K
How We Review
Pros
- Vesa mounting at 100x100mm
- Ultra HD resolution, ideal for 27 inch screen size
- Supports FreeSync between 40 and 60 Hz
Cons
- HDR compatibility fails to impress – no VESA certificate either
- No side-to-side tilt action
Uniting 27 inches of IPS panel technology and 4K UHD resolution for truly impressive visuals, consistently, the 27UK650 from LG has proved popular amongst gamers, supporting basic HDR compatibility at a more affordable price.
You can really take advantage of the 27 inches of space with the super wide 178-degree viewing angle, maximizing the image quality no matter where you’re looking from, even though the black tones aren’t quite as vivid as a VA panel.
Supporting AMD FreeSync technology, you’ll be able to take advantage of the variable refresh rate if you have the appropriate graphics card, aiding to minimize screen tearing and reduce input lag as much as possible.
Although you can definitely make use of the HDR support, we’ve found you only stand to gain an increase in general brightness, because the color gamut isn’t wide enough – you’ll notice it doesn’t have the official HDR400 certification from VESA.
Whilst the height, tilt and pivot can be adjusted with the clean, ergonomic stand design, the screen itself cannot be swiveled from left to right, which might make dual monitor setups more difficult to get absolutely perfect.
Best LG gaming monitor
How We Choose
Trying to perfect your PC setup, for gaming or otherwise, can prove difficult at the best of times.
When you don’t have much experience with technology as it is, it might even be impossible, with the internet being such a vast and often misleading source.
Where some websites are simply out to get clicks, here at WePC we’re actually a group of computer and gaming enthusiasts ourselves. We spend days doing our own thorough product research, testing and reviewing to bring you our feedback.
Whether it’s your PC as a whole, right down to those tiny graphics cards, we’ve got you covered – you can count on us to do the hard part for you. Using our knowledge, we make user-friendly, gamer-friendly guides you can trust.
There’s nothing worse than hyping yourself up about a new buy, only for it to arrive and disappoint you by failing to meet your expectations. Take our advice, reader, and you can guarantee that your next purchase will be a satisfying one, every time.
Things To Consider
As we’ve pointed out already, picking a new monitor is a big commitment – your whole gaming experience depends on it being just what you need.
When you throw buying two into the mix… you’re basically getting married to these monitors.
Before you take the plunge and hit add to cart, think about:
Compatibility
Depending on your existing PC setup, you might be limited by the capabilities of your current CPU, so investing in a super expensive, high-end monitor could prove worthless and a waste of time and money.
First things first, you need to check if your GPU is compatible with multiple monitors, as older models may not support this functionality. Similarly, double check that you’ve got the corresponding ports for those monitors to plug into! Most monitors will support both HDMI and DisplayPort, or DVI and VGA as older connectivity options. Additionally, many newer monitors have support for USB ports within a USB hub for external devices such as your phone, laptop, or tablet.
A run-of-the-mill, non-gaming PC is going to run at its best using a 1080p, 60Hz monitor, which might disappoint you to hear.
If you want the best visual experience, you need to cough up the cash for those tiny tower components, too.
Size
As a dedicated PC gamer, figuring out how to lay out your setup is difficult enough with one monitor, let alone adding another into the mix. Think about the room on your desk versus your desire to completely immerse yourself in those glorious graphics.
Screen real estate is especially important to those who like to game and type, especially if you also use your PC in your work life too. For some, though, quality and frame rates are more important – figure out where your priorities lie.
Most players will advocate for around 24 inches as the optimum size for running games at 1080p, though if you’re looking to upgrade to 4K UHD, your games will really get a chance to shine on an even bigger display such as 32-inch or 27-inch monitor.
Curved Vs Flat
Many gamers prefer the more immersive feeling a curved monitor provides, working to prevent distractions to the eye and keep you focused on shooting zombies, mining ore or hunting ghosts with your buddies by expanding out to your peripheral vision.
Curved monitors also offer reduced eye strain over prolonged use. That goes a long way when using the correct ergonomics.
Some may prefer to instead opt for an ultra-wide flat monitor, which aims to increase the amount of space on your display without distorting images. Dual monitor setups can benefit from having one curved and one flat unit for maximum enjoyment.
Moreover, if you’re seeking the ultimate in setup aesthetics, bear in mind that it’ll be pretty tricky to mount a curved monitor on your wall, for obvious reasons. This one really comes down to preference, if we’re being honest.
Resolution And Refresh Rates
We’d be remiss if we didn’t mention two of the most fundamental aspects of monitor choice – the picture quality and number of frames per second. The latter only matters if you frequently play FPS games, though, so don’t worry if things are more casual.
144Hz is the gamer’s choice for refresh rates, creating a beautifully smooth transition between frames that recreates our experience of watching real life in motion.
If your GPU can’t support it, though, you’re looking at serious lag.
Though a lot of us would be happy with 1080p quality, as technology continues to awe and inspire, even more precise and pixel-filled screens are coming to life. This includes quad, ultra and full ultra HD, and all will cost you a pretty penny.
Dual monitor setup & orientation
Another thing we want to talk about is the actual setup of your dual monitors. We’re talking about whether you want your displays in portrait or landscape mode, i.e vertical or horizontal. There are other solutions out there such as daisy chaining. This is all about simplifying cable management by using a single connection to power multiple displays, though this can diminish performance as power is shared among monitors.
Aside from a stand for your monitor, you can also use a monitor arm for more flexible adjustments. This can help you create a more ergonomic setup with both, or just your secondary display, on a freely adjustable monitor arm rather than a stand which sits upon your desk.
There are tons of layouts which you can try out with multiple monitors, even if it’s just a dual monitor setup.
Best dual monitor setup: Video
Best Dual Monitor Setup FAQs
What is the best layout for dual monitors?
There are plenty of ways you can arrange your dual monitors, and which is best depends on what you use them for.
It may be worth arranging one of your monitors vertically, or simply side-by-side horizontally with your secondary monitor angled for easier use.
Is it worth having a dual monitor setup?
It’s definitely worth having a dual monitor setup if you want to boost your productivity while working. Likewise, a second monitor comes in handy for leisure too, especially while gaming – allowing you to browse something else at the same time without minimizing.
Best Dual Monitor Setup : final word
No matter if you’re obsessed with the ultimate FPS, the most ultra high-definition screen possible or you want to maximize your productivity when streaming, picking out a new monitor couldn’t be simpler with the above list to choose from.
Whether your priorities are a HD curved screen or a flat monitor with an IPS panel, we’ve tried to curate a selection of products that will tick the boxes of gamers across the world, from frame rate to HDR compatibility.
Though we of course pedestalize the Dell U2720Q, that doesn’t mean any of the other choices are inferior, and we stand by all of them as excellent choices for your move to a dual monitor gaming station, especially if you want to mix and match!
As we mentioned above, maximizing your opportunities by getting a flat AND a curved monitor to switch between as you please might not create the most seamless transition when stretching the display, but you’ll have the most flexibility in setup.
Whatever you go for, we hope this guide helped you get the upgrade you deserve – let us know! Do you agree or disagree with our picks? Why? We love to hear from you.
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What to choose for video games: an ultra-wide 21:9 gaming monitor or two 16:9 gaming monitors?
How to connect two game monitors
Let’s take two 27″ 1440p monitors as an example. Let’s connect both monitors to the computer in a parallel way using DisplayPort cables or in a serial way by connecting the computer to the first monitor, and then the first monitor to the second. In fact, we will get a 54-inch screen. The downside is that with this design, your computer must run games in double QHD. If you’re using 4K monitors, you’ll have enough processing power for double 4K. Screen scaling and expansion reduce the load on your PC, but increase energy costs.
If you’re interested, we have an article on connecting a second monitor to your computer or laptop.
Benefits of
Ultra Wide Monitors
Ultra-wide screen provides a wide field of view without the need for a second monitor. Most ultra-wide screens are curved for maximum viewing comfort and wide viewing angles. The disadvantage of ultra-wide monitors is their rather high cost.
Learn more in our article on ultrawide monitors.
Compare the game on two gaming monitors and one ultra-wide
With two monitors, you get a very large screen. This option is more budget-friendly than a single ultra-wide monitor.
Two 27″ monitors will cost less than one ultra-wide 49″ or 55″ monitor.
Connecting and setting up two monitors will require some effort and skill. When running some games, there are often problems with OS compatibility.
Quite often, gamers complain about the double border that occurs when connecting two monitors and interferes with the gameplay.
Another disadvantage of the multi-monitor design is the large number of connecting cables, and, as a result, a mess in them. HDMI cables are not recommended for dual monitors.
If you are using two monitors, you will need to adjust the display settings on each monitor. If you want to change the brightness or another setting during the game, you will also have to do this on two monitors. Which will definitely take 2 times longer than on a single monitor.
Ultra-wide monitors have no bezel issues and only need one cable to connect them. Setting up the OSD will take a little time, since you only need to set up one monitor, not several. All major operating systems support ultra-wide resolutions.
Color consistency is another benefit of ultra-wide monitors
It is very difficult to find two exactly the same monitors, even of the same model and batch. Placing two screens side by side often results in a noticeable difference in color. This situation is excluded in the case of a single ultra-wide monitor.
Two minor disadvantages of ultrawide monitors are the smaller screen size compared to pairing two standard 16:9 monitors, and the lack of support for ultrawide monitors in some games.
Modern consoles such as XboX Series X and Sony PS5 do not natively support 21:9 aspect ratio. Therefore, to unleash the full potential of the monitor, use the PC
How about connecting two ultra-wide monitors?
Two ultra-wide monitors that sound and look very cool. But you will face all the limitations and problems of connecting two monitors mentioned above.
Pairing two ultra-wide monitors is no different than pairing two standard 16:9 monitors. But, when using two curved ultra-wide monitors at the same time, in addition to the double bezel problem, you will get a “bulge” at the junction of the screens caused by the curved shape of the screen. As a general rule, curved monitors are not designed to be paired into one large screen.
Terminals
If you’re willing to put up with double bezels and wasting time on additional settings, then pairing two 16:9 monitors is a good choice.
Best of all, this option is suitable for increasing the efficiency of work in general. Gamers will benefit far more from investing in a single ultra-wide monitor.
The final conclusion is that an ultra-wide monitor is better than two 16:9 monitors, especially if its diagonal is at least 34 inches. An ultra-wide monitor is much easier to set up and set up than multiple monitors combined. This statement is true even though not all games support ultra-wide resolution.
We recommend using an ultra-wide monitor, or just a large 16:9 monitor. Simultaneous use of two screens is ideal for work. But not suitable for gaming purposes.
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UltraWide or dual monitors: which is better to choose?
Posted on 09/30/2020, 13:37 Comments: 15
In general, ultra-wide monitors provide a more immersive gaming experience, but they’re not the best when it comes to fast-paced competitive gameplay.
Content:
- 21:9 UltraWide or 16:9 Widescreen?
- Curved or flat screen
- UltraWide vs.
- UltraWide or dual monitors for gaming?
- Everyday use
- Output
Professional Dual Monitors
For professional use, depending on the resolution, a dual monitor setup will give you more screen real estate, but you will also have to deal with bezel/gap between monitors.
However, ultra-wide monitors are also extremely useful for professional audio/video editors, as you get a wider timeline preview.
What’s more, for most people, the ultra-wide, high-resolution display offers more than enough screen real estate.
Choosing between an UltraWide display or a dual monitor setup depends on what type of video game you play and what kind of work you do.
You also need to consider other monitor specifications such as panel type, size/resolution, refresh rate, etc.
In this article, you’ll find everything you need to know to make an informed decision about your next display.
21:9UltraWide or 16:9 Widescreen
We’ll be using the most popular widescreen and ultra-wide screen size/resolution combinations for comparison: UltraWide 34″ 3440×1440 or dual 27″ 1440p – and 29″ 2560×1080 UltraWide or dual 24″ 1080p.
So a 27″ 2560×1440 monitor will give you about the same pixel density (ratio of pixels per inch) as a 34″ 1440p ultra-wide. In contrast, a 1080p 23-24″ monitor offers about the same pixel density as the UltraWide 29inch monitor with 2560 × 1080 resolution.
With UltraWide displays, you get ~33% more horizontal screen real estate compared to a single 16:9 display, which means two monitors provide more workspace than an ultrawide.
There are also “ultra-wide” 32:9 ultra-wide monitors that actually give you the screen size and space of two 16:9 displays, albeit at a higher price.
Curved or flat screen?
We recommend curved UltraWide monitors over flat ones, as curvature provides a more immersive viewing experience with less distortion.
When it comes to conventional widescreen displays, a single curved monitor doesn’t make as much of an impact.
However, for dual or multi-monitor setups, we suggest curved monitors, as you will need to align the flat monitors at an angle anyway.
UltraWide vs.
Professional Dual Monitors
If you want to get as much screen real estate as possible, a dual or multi-monitor setup is the way to go.
However, make sure you get a high pixel density monitor.
For example, a 27-inch 1920×1080 monitor has a low pixel density of 81 PPI (pixels per inch), resulting in limited screen real estate and fuzzy details.
In this case, if you can’t afford a 2560 × 1440 monitor, you’d better choose a 24-inch 1920 × 1080 monitor with a pixel density of 91 PPI and therefore a much clearer and more voluminous image.
Here are the optimal screen size/resolution combinations:
- 23″-25″:1920×1080, 1920×1200
- 27″:2560×1440
- 32″-43″:3840×2160
- 25″-29″ ultrawide: 2560×1080
- 34″-38″ ultra-wide: 3440×1440, 3840×1600
When it comes to color-critical tasks, there are some additional facts to consider.
First of all, even if you buy two identical monitors, they will most likely have at least slightly different calibrated colors, contrast, uniformity, etc. Getting both monitors to display the same colors can be quite frustrating if you don’t have the proper hardware, such as an expensive monitor colorimeter device and calibration software.
What’s more, with a wider screen, ultra-wide displays provide a richer timeline preview, which can be very useful for audio, video, and general content creation.
Since most video editing programs require an additional display to preview your work, ideally you should get a dual setup consisting of one ultra-wide and one regular monitor, or even two UltraWide – if you can afford it.
Finally, there is such a thing as too much screen space. If you put two 27″ 1440p monitors side by side, you may find that you have to turn your head from side to side a lot, or that you end up not using all the available space.
In the end, it all comes down to how much space you need and what kind of work you do.
For professional use, we recommend ultra-wide monitors with IPS panels as they offer the widest viewing angles and the most accurate and stable colors.
UltraWide or dual monitors for gaming?
Playing on two monitors is not recommended because you will have a crosshair or your character right where the monitor bezels meet; unless you plan on using one monitor for gaming and another for web surfing, chatting, etc.
In this case, using multiple monitors makes more sense as you can place one monitor on the left and another on the right and one in the center, thereby increasing the field of view, which is a particularly popular setup for racing games.
On the other hand, UltraWide gaming monitor will bring you a smoother and more immersive gaming experience without any bezels or gaps. Plus, it’s a cheaper and easier option.
Compatibility
There are a few things you need to remember about playing games on an ultra-wide display.
First, not all games support 21:9 aspect ratio, which results in either stretched images or black borders around the screen.
You can check the list of all games that support UltraWide resolutions here.
Also, since ultra-wide monitors provide a wider field of view in video games, you get a big advantage over other players as you can spot enemies on the left or right more quickly and see the map better in RTS games.
This is why some competitive games like StarCraft II limit the aspect ratio to 16:9. So be sure to check if your favorite games support 21:9.
Other benefits
For fast-paced gaming, we recommend ultra-wide displays with IPS panels as they provide faster response times than VA panel models. If you prefer more graphic-oriented games, VA panels will give you a higher contrast ratio, resulting in deeper blacks and more vivid detail in the shadows and highlights of the image.
When it comes to fast-paced competitive gaming, we recommend TN panels instead, which offer the fastest response times, but these monitors are not available in UltraWide formats.
Other things you should consider when buying a monitor are the maximum refresh rate and VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) technology of the display.
Unlike ultra-wide productivity monitors, you might want to consider an UltraWide gaming monitor with a lower pixel density, given that the lack of pixels isn’t as noticeable in video games as it is in office tasks.
For example, you can get a 34-inch 2560×1080 gaming monitor with a 144Hz refresh rate that won’t have the crisp image quality of a 3440×1440 monitor. However, it will provide you with an immersive gaming experience at an affordable price. .
Ultrawide or dual monitors for everyday use?
For everyday use and home entertainment, we recommend ultra-wide displays with VA panels as they tend to be cheaper than IPS models and offer a higher contrast ratio.
What’s more, the 21:9 aspect ratio of ultra-wide monitors is close to the original aspect ratio (2.35:1) at which movies are recorded, providing a more cinematic and authentic viewing experience.
Finally, with an UltraWide screen, you won’t run into the potential problems that can occur with a dual monitor setup, such as different out-of-the-box calibration, monitor alignment (if they’re different models/sizes), missing connection options to your GPU, etc. .
Output
We hope you found this article helpful.