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Working on a large project that requires you to use multiple applications at once can hamper your productivity by relying on one screen. The time you spend moving windows around, or opening and closing documents, will be better spent getting things done.
One way to solve this problem is to upgrade your workspace with two external monitors. This is a better solution than using one external monitor and your computer screen, because both screens are the same size and can be set at the same height.
Connecting two high-resolution monitors to a computer – especially a laptop – requires a high-end machine and lots of cables. The process has become streamlined as technology has improved over the past few years. We have outlined everything you need to put together a multi-monitor setup.
Use a multi-monitor stand
Amazon
Each external monitor has its own standard (with one notable exception), but we recommend that you have both monitors in your setup rather on Mount-It! ‘S Dual Monitor Mount heg.
This accessory clings to your desk and allows you to move each monitor to the perfect position. You can rotate the monitor 180 degrees (ideal for programming, or to view the page layout of a book or magazine), or place it in a way that reduces neck tension.
As a bonus, using this container will free up space on your desktop because you do not have to worry about the feet of each monitor. Mount It’s Dual Monitor Mount works with screens between 17 and 27 inches, up to 22 pounds each.
We recommend this position above all others because we had the opportunity to test the company’s monitor samples and were impressed by their quality. We have complete confidence in Mount-It! Equipment, and this should be the first component of your two-monitor setup.
Note: if your desktop does not work with a clamped monitor, Mount-It! has a version that can sit on it. This version of the stand has the same features and is available on Amazon for $ 33.99.
How to choose the right monitor for your needs
LG
Choosing the right screen for your two monitor options can be difficult. We have guides for the best 4K monitors, the best curved monitors, the best monitors in general and even the best portable monitors. The biggest limiting factor is space; everyone likes the idea of having some big monitors on their desk, but not if they take up the entire room.
If your desktop is not very deep, your eyes may also be tight if you have large monitors, or it may be difficult to see the information on both screens, which defeats the purpose of this setup. You also want a high resolution monitor (also known as 4K) so that everything on your screen looks so bright and clear.
Given these parameters, we have two monitor recommendations, one medium and one large, that are best suited for this job. Each will work well, and each can be used with the Mount It! monitor is on top.
LG 24UD58-B 24-inch 4K UHD IPS Monitor
LG
LG’s 24UD58-B is the best external monitor we’ve tried so far, and the perfect choice for a dual screen setup.
The 24-inch 4K screen is large enough to use two programs side by side without feeling cramped. If you use image or video editing software, you have enough space to keep all your tools and palates open without interfering with the project you are working on.
During our testing, we were constantly impressed with the accuracy of the monitor and its brightness. Text looked sharp, photos and videos appeared, and games ran smoothly. This is a good monitor. If you plan to play with this setup, you should know that the screen runs at a maximum of 60Hz (hertz), which means that you are not playing some PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series S / X games at their fastest speed can not play.
The LG 24UD58-B has three inputs: a DisplayPort and two HDMI ports; all of these ports can accept video at 4K. We used the DisplayPort and HDMI ports during our testing and did not notice any performance difference between the two. We recommend using the DisplayPort, if possible, as it opens the HDMI ports for game consoles, media streamers or other devices.
You can switch between inputs, or adjust other settings such as brightness and contrast by using a switch just below the screen. It took a few tries to master it, but since then we have had no problems. The only drawback of this monitor is its thin stand, but we have already recommended a solution to solve the problem.
If you are compiling a setup for two monitors, LG 24UD58-B is the right screen for the task.
BenQ EL2870U
Amazon
If you have the space and want a dual monitor setup with two giant screens, we recommend going with BenQ’s EL2870U.
The 28-inch 4K monitor has many quality-of-life features that help it stay ahead of the competition. It starts with Eye Care, a custom technology that changes the color temperature of the screen to display less blue light as the day dawns. This subtle adjustment can help reduce eye strain and can even make it easier to sleep.
The screen displays at 60Hz and supports AMD’s FreeSync, a technology that ensures that games will work with only 1 ms (milliseconds) delay. This is an essential feature if you want to play fast-paced games like first-person shooters, which require a degree of fidelity.
BenQ’s monitor supports HDR (high dynamic range), a feature that means colors will look much more accurate. This is a welcome feature for professional photo or video editors who need their work done to look as lifelike as possible. The EL2870U has three inputs: two HDMI ports and one DisplayPort, all of which can accept a 4K signal.
The main reason to get this screen for a two-monitor setup is its size. You have enough space to keep multiple applications open at once. If you produce 4K video, you can devote one monitor to editing, and the other to viewing your footage at its full, original resolution. Seeing your content on a large screen without losing quality is a big improvement over seeing a truncated version on a laptop.
If you need two large screens for your multi-monitor setup, BenQ’s EL2870U is the right choice.