Best Dual-Monitor Setup Guide

Dual monitor setups are popular among both gamers and professionals. They offer an immersive gaming experience and also improve your productivity at work by increasing the screen real estate. You can also use one monitor for work and other for entertainment side-by-side without having to continuously switch between tabs.

Though you can combine as many monitors as you want, a dual monitor setup is the most practical choice. You can easily multi-task between different applications. It is also the most cost-effective option.

This article will give you a complete picture of how to choose the best dual-monitor setup. I’ll give you pointers on what to look for in a monitor before you purchasing and also suggest the best monitors in the market for a dual-monitor setup.

Here are our Top Four Best Monitors for Dual-monitor Setup

Top Pick1080p PickBest for ProsBest Budget
LG 27UK650Dell U2415Dell U2717DAcer SB220Q
q? encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B078GRM2MV&Format= SL250 &ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=space hop 20&language=en USq? encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B00NZTKOQI&Format= SL160 &ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=space hop 20&language=en USq? encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B01D402Z28&Format= SL160 &ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=space hop 20&language=en USq? encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B07CVL2D2S&Format= SL160 &ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=space hop 20&language=en US
➕ 4K Resolution➕ 16:10 Aspect Ratio➕ Great Picture Quality ➕ Decent Image Quality
➕ Excellent Color Quality➕ Rich Connectivity Options➕ 1440p Resolution➕ Good Choice for Office Usage
➕ FreeSync Support➕ Great Choice for Office Usage➕ Best Choice for Photo / Video Editing ➕ Affordable price
Check the Latest Price on Amazon Check the Latest Price on Amazon Check the Latest Price on Amazon Check the Latest Price on Amazon

Complete List of the Best Monitors for Dual-Monitor Setup

PreviewMonitor NameScreen SizeResolutionVESA MountPrice
q? encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B078GRM2MV&Format= SL110 &ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=space hop 20&language=en USLG 27UK65027 inches3840×2160 Yes Check Price on Amazon
q? encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B00NZTKOQI&Format= SL110 &ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=space hop 20&language=en USDell U2415 24 inches1920×1080Yes Check Price on Amazon
q? encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B07KXHTRT5&Format= SL110 &ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=space hop 20&language=en USASUS VG279Q27 inches1920×1080Yes Check Price on Amazon
q? encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B01D402Z28&Format= SL110 &ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=space hop 20&language=en USDell U2717D27 inches2560×1440Yes Check Price on Amazon
q? encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B07CVL2D2S&Format= SL110 &ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=space hop 20&language=en USAcer SB220Q21.5 inches1920×1080No Check Price on Amazon
q? encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B07V9ZM155&Format= SL110 &ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=space hop 20&language=en USAcer CB242Y23.8 inches1920×1080Yes Check Price on Amazon
q? encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B07LCFXV41&Format= SL110 &ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=space hop 20&language=en USAOPEN 27ML1U27 inches2560×1440Yes Check Price on Amazon
q? encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B07W5RJCVC&Format= SL110 &ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=space hop 20&language=en USASUS Designo MX259HS25 inches1920×1080No Check Price on Amazon

LG 27UK650 - Best 4K Monitor for Dual-Monitor Setup

q? encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B078GRM2MV&Format= SL400 &ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=space hop 20&language=en US

Tech Specs:
Screen size: 27 inches
Screen Resolution: 3840×2160
Panel Type: IPS
Refresh rate:60 Hz
Response Time(GtG): 5 ms
Input Connectors: 1x DisplayPort 1.2, 2x HDMI 2.0
VESA Mount: Yes

What’s Good

  • 4K resolution
  • Reasonable Price
  • FreeSync Support
  • Excellent Color Quality

What’s Bad

  • Average HDR
  • No Swivel Option

Our Verdict:
The LG 27UK650 is an excellent 4K monitor. Its image quality is first class. Its high resolution will give you a lot of room for running applications side by side. You can multitask seamlessly. It is also a good option for designers and media creators to work on images and videos. Its design will offer minimal distractions when you use it for a dual-monitor setup. It is also good for 4K gaming and comes with AMD’s FreeSync technology. Its pros outweigh its cons by a huge margin. It is a great monitor for both work and gaming and comes at an affordable price. You’ll definitely appreciate it.

The LG 27UK650 is a 27-inch 4K monitor. It uses an IPS panel. The image quality and color accuracy are top-notch. The brightness and contrast levels are high. The panel uniformity is decent. The pixel density is high. You’ll have vivid and lifelike images.

The screen has a matte anti-glare finishing that will minimize reflections while working. The HDR is hit / miss. The images look oversaturated in HDR.

The design of the LG 27UK650 is elegant and the build quality is strong. The bezels are thin. You’ll have no distractions when you pair beside another monitor. It has a sturdy stand. You can adjust the height, tilt the monitor, and pivot it at 90 degrees.

You cannot swivel the monitor left/right. You can wall-mount this monitor using the VESA mount. The viewing angles are wide and you’ll have no complaints about it.

The LG 27UK650 has a refresh rate of 60Hz. It has a response time of 5ms and an input lag of 10ms. It also comes with the AMD FreeSync technology. You will have no screen-tearing or stuttering while playing games. You can use this monitor for consoles.

Its superior image quality will make watching movies and playing games a more immersive experience.

Its connectivity options include: 1x DisplayPort 1.2, 2x HDMI 2.0.

Related Monitors

Dell U2415 - Best Dual-Monitor Setup for Office Usage

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Tech Specs:
Screen size: 24 inches
Screen Resolution:1920×1200
Panel Type: IPS
Refresh rate:60 Hz
Response Time(GtG): 5 ms
Input Connectors: DisplayPort 1.2 x1, Mini DisplayPort x1, HDMI 1.4 x2, DisplayPort Out x1
VESA Mount: Yes

What’s Good

  • 16:10 Aspect Ratio
  • Good Image Quality
  • Many Connectivity Ports

What’s Bad

  • Nothing

Our Verdict:
The Dell U2415 is a great choice if you’re buying it for a multi-monitor setup. It offers more screen real estate than the standard 1080p monitors. It has a flexible stand that will allow you to adjust it the way you want. The picture quality is great and can be used by professionals who work on sRGB color space. It is also great for casual gaming and watching movies. The 16:10 monitors are popular as the extra vertical space makes a noticeable difference. The Dell U2415 is a good choice for work usage and you’ll be satisfied with your purchase.

The Dell U2415 is a 24-inch 1920 x 1200 monitor having an aspect ratio of 16:10 that uses an IPS panel. The picture quality and color accuracy are good. The images have a good amount of color and detail. The contrast levels are not too high. You can always calibrate this monitor to get the most out of it. The pixel density is decent.

The screen has an anti-glare coating to minimize any reflections while working in bright-lit conditions.

The design of the Dell U2415 is neat and the build quality is robust. Its bezels are thin allowing you to have a distraction-free environment while working. The stand is sturdy and doesn’t wobble. You can fully adjust the height, tilt it, swivel it and also pivot it to 90 degrees. The viewing angles are wide. The monitor also supports wall mounting using a VESA mount.

The Dell U2415 has a refresh rate of 60Hz. It has a response time of 5ms and an input lag around 10ms. You can do some casual gaming and movie watching.

It has a lot of connectivity options. They include: DisplayPort 1.2 x1, Mini DisplayPort x1, HDMI 1.4 x2, DisplayPort Out x1. It also has a USB hub containing several USB 3.0 ports.

Related Monitors

ASUS VG279Q - Best Dual-Monitor Setup for Gaming

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Tech Specs:
Screen size: 27 inches
Screen Resolution:1920×1200
Panel Type: IPS
Refresh rate:144 Hz
Response Time(GtG): 3 ms
Input Connectors:1x DisplayPort 1.2, 1x HDMI 1.4, 1x Dual-Link DVI-D
VESA Mount: Yes

What’s Good

  • 144Hz Refresh Rate
  • Ergonomic Stand
  • Great visuals

What’s Bad

  • Average Pixel Density

Our Verdict:
The ASUS VG279Q is an excellent monitor to use in a dual monitor setup for gaming. It is one of the early 144Hz IPS monitors. You’ll get the best of both worlds in terms of color accuracy and responsiveness. The 27-inch screen combined with ultra-thin bezels will make gaming more immersive. FreeSync technology will eliminate screen tearing and ghosting in games. It comes with a fully adjustable stand. You can easily change between orientations. It comes with many other features that will enhance your gaming experience. The ASUS VG279Q is the perfect choice for a dual-monitor gaming setup. It will definitely make you happy.

The ASUS VG279Q is a 27-inch Full HD gaming monitor. It has great image quality and color accuracy. The brightness and contrast levels are decent. The pixel density is average but won’t be a problem at all if you use this monitor for gaming. The overall panel uniformity is decent.

The monitor has a matte anti-glare coating to minimize distracting reflections while gaming.

The design and overall build quality are first-class. The design is quite stylish and will definitely attract eyeballs. The stand is fully ergonomic. You can tilt it, swivel it, and also pivot the monitor to 90 degrees. You can also adjust the height of the monitor.

The viewing angles are wide and colors look consistent in every angle. It supports wall mounting using the VESA mount.

The ASUS VG279Q has a refresh rate of 144Hz. The gameplay will be buttery-smooth. It has a response time of 3ms with an input lag around 5ms. These make the gameplay more responsive and will also give you an extra edge in competitive games.

This monitor supports AMD’s FreeSync that will also work with Nvidia graphics cards. You will have a tear-free and stutter-free gaming experience.

The ASUS VG279Q comes with additional gaming features like GamePlus that will add custom crosshairs, FPS counters, timers, etc. and GameVisual technology that has visual pre-sets for different types of games like FPS, Racing, RPG, etc.

The Shadow boost technology will enhance the visibility of enemies in dark areas of a game.

The connectivity options include 1x DisplayPort 1.2, 1x HDMI 1.4, 1x Dual-Link DVI-D. It also comes with 2x2W built-in speakers.

Related Monitors

Dell U2717D - Best Dual-Monitor Setup for Professionals

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Tech Specs:
Screen size: 27 inches
Screen Resolution:2560×1440
Panel Type: IPS
Refresh rate: 60 Hz
Response Time(GtG): 6 ms
Input Connectors: DisplayPort 1.2 x 1, Mini DisplayPort 1.4 x 1, HDMI 2.0 x 1
VESA Mount: Yes

What’s Good

  • 1440p Resolution
  • Great for Photo/Video editing
  • Ergonomic Stand
  • Solid picture quality

What’s Bad

  • IPS Glow

Our Verdict:
The Dell U2717D is a great choice for professionals looking for a dual monitor setup for working on images and videos. It is a good choice for regular office usage and casual gaming. The image quality is one of the best in its segment. The images are vibrant with good color accuracy. The stand is fully ergonomic and will let you change orientations seamlessly. The bezels are thin and there is almost no bezel gap when you combine it with other monitors. You can also use it for casual gaming. Overall, The Dell U2717D is the best 1440p monitor for professional dual monitor builds.

The Dell U2717D is a 27-inch 1440p (QHD) professional monitor. It uses an IPS panel. The colors are spectacular. The brightness and contrast levels are optimal. The pixel density is good. The images and text are sharp and crisp looking. It covers 99% of the sRGB color gamut and is a perfect choice for graphic designers working at 1440p resolution. The panel uniformity is decent.

There is visible IPS glow bur you won’t have any problems if you’re working on the monitor in a well-lit environment. The screen has an anti-glare coating to prevent reflections from forming on the screen.

The build quality is decent and the design is professional. The monitor has a sturdy stand that is fully adjustable. You can adjust the height, tilt the stand, swivel it, and pivot it at 90 degrees without any issues.

The thin bezels make it easy to combine it with other monitors without any distractions. The viewing angles are wide. The monitor has a VESA mount using which you can wall mount this monitor.

The Dell U2717D has a refresh rate of 60Hz. It has a response time of 6ms. You can use it for casual gaming and watching movies.

The connectivity ports include: DisplayPort 1.2 x 1, Mini DisplayPort 1.4 x 1, HDMI 2.0 x 1. You also get a USB hub containing USB 3.0 Ports for increased accessibility. It has no built-in speakers.

Related Monitors

Acer SB220Q - Best Budget Dual-Monitor Setup

q? encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B07CVL2D2S&Format= SL400 &ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=space hop 20&language=en US

Tech Specs:
Screen size: 21.5 inches
Screen Resolution: 1920×1080
Panel Type: IPS
Refresh rate: 75 Hz
Response Time(GtG): 4 ms
Input Connectors: 1x HDMI 1.4, 1x VGA
VESA Mount: No

What’s Good

  • Affordable
  • Value for Money
  • FreeSync Support
  • Great all-round monitor

What’s Bad

  • No VESA mount
  • Tilt-only design

Our Verdict:
The Acer SB220Q is an amazing all-round monitor. Be it gaming, office work, or regular usage, this monitor is the true jack of all trades. It has superb picture quality. Everything looks amazing on it. You also get high rehash rates and quick response times. It also has the AMD FreeSync technology to give you a tear-free gaming experience. The bezels are ultra-thin and offer minimal distraction when you use it for dual monitor setup. The best thing about the monitor is its price. You can get it for less than $100 making it the best value monitor on this list. I don’t see any reason not to suggest this monitor to you. It will definitely impress you.

The Acer SB220Q is a 21.5-inch Full HD all-purpose monitor that is based on the IPS panel. It has amazing picture quality. The pixel density is high so everything will be crisp and full of detail. The brightness and contrast levels are fair.

There are almost no visible IPS glow. The screen has an anti-glare matte coating to minimize reflections.

The borderless design of the monitor is effective. The bezels are ultra-thin. The stand is sturdy. You can only tilt this monitor. You cannot adjust the height, swivel it, or rotate it to 90 degrees.

This monitor doesn’t have a VESA mount so you cannot wall mount it. The viewing angles are wide and the colors are consistent throughout the panel. Watching movies will be a pleasant experience.

The Acer SB220Q is also good for gaming. It has a refresh rate of 75Hz. You’ll notice the difference in smoothness when you switch over from a 60Hz monitor. The 4ms response time and 10ms input lag make gaming feel more responsive.

This monitor also has the FreeSync technology that reduces screen-tearing and stuttering. It is impressive to see Acer include this premium feature in a budget monitor. There are many monitors in the market more expensive than this one but have less refresh rate and no FreeSync technology.

This monitor is eye-friendly. It has a blue light filter. You won’t have any eye strain even if you use it for a long time. This monitor is also flicker-free.

Its connectivity options include: 1x HDMI 1.4, 1x VGA

Related Monitors

Acer CB242Y - Best Dual-Monitor Setup for Mixed Usage

q? encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B07V9ZM155&Format= SL400 &ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=space hop 20&language=en US

Tech Specs:
Screen size: 23.8-inch
Screen Resolution: 1920×1080
Panel Type: IPS
Refresh rate:75 Hz
Response Time(GtG): 5 ms
Input Connectors: 1x HDMI 1.4, 1x VGA
VESA Mount: Yes

What’s Good

  • Good All-round monitor
  • Fully Adjustable stand
  • FreeSync support
  • Affordable

What’s Bad

  • Nothing

Our Verdict:
The Acer CB242Y is the perfect all-round monitor for gaming, multimedia viewing, office work, and everything in between. It has stunning image quality. The ultra-thin bezels make it the perfect monitor for dual monitor setups. The stand is fully adjustable. It has the FreeSync technology to enhance your gaming experience. You also get high refresh rates and quick response times which makes this monitor worthy of gaming. This monitor has everything an average consumer would want and also comes at an affordable price. I have no trouble recommending it to you.

The Acer CB242Y is a 23.8-inch Full HD multi-purpose monitor. It has great color accuracy and first-class image quality. Movies, pictures, and games look wonderful on it. It has a decent pixel density. The screen has a matte anti-glare coating to prevent any reflections from forming on it that disturb your work or gaming.

The IPS glow is very minimal. You can manage it by working on this monitor in a well-lit room or simply decrease the monitor’s brightness.

The design of the Acer CB242Y is simple. The build quality is A-grade and the stand is sturdy. The stand is a fully-ergonomic one. You can adjust the height, swivel it, tilt it and also rotate this monitor to 90 degrees.

The bezels are also ultra-thin and you’ll have a minimal bezel gap when you use it for a dual-monitor setup. The viewing angles are wide with good color consistency.

This monitor has a 75Hz refresh rate. It has a 5ms response time and a 10ms input lag. You can use this monitor for gaming. You’ll have a smooth and responsive gameplay experience. It also comes with AMD’s FreeSync technology that will make your games free of stuttering and screen-tearing.

The Acer CB242Y comes with a blue light filter. It is also flicker-free. You will have no problems with eye-strain and headaches using this monitor even for long hours.

There are sufficient connectivity options. The input Connectors include 1x HDMI 1.4, 1x VGA. FreeSync is supported via HDMI.

Related Monitors

How to Choose the Best monitor for a Dual-Monitor Setup

Resolution and Screen Size for Dual Monitor Setup

Having higher resolution will offer you more screen real estate. It will also make the picture more detailed and vivid. You also need to have an optimal screen size to have the best pixel density. Having higher pixel density will result in sharp text and better-looking images.

  • If you’re using a 1080p monitor, 22 – 24-inch screen sizes will result in an optimal pixel density
  • If you’re using a 1440p monitor, 25 – 27-inch screen sizes will result in an optimal pixel density
  • If you’re using a 4K monitor, 27 – 32-inch screen sizes will result in an optimal pixel density

You have the flexibility to choose between different screen sizes or resolutions for different kinds of work. You can use a 1080p monitor for gaming and use a 4K monitor for work or use two 1080p monitors one for coding and one for work. As long as your monitor has enough ports and your PC supports them, you’ll be fine.

Best Panel Type for Dual Monitor Setup

Panels used by monitors are of three types:

  1. IPS Panel: They are the best in terms of color accuracy and image quality. They have wide viewing angles. If you’re a professional for whom colors are important, choose IPS monitors. You can also go with IPS monitors if you want better overall image quality and colors while watching a movie or playing games. They have average response times.
  2. VA Panel: They are known for their superior contrast levels. They are in between IPS and TN panels in terms of color quality and response times. Think of them like the jack of all trades and master of none.
  3. TN Panel: They are popular among gamers. They are known for their fast response times and low input lag. They also support higher refresh rates than other panels. They come in the last place in terms of color accuracy and viewing angles. Buy a TN monitor only if you use it for gaming.

Best Ergonomics for Dual Monitor Setup

There are many monitors that will allow you to fully adjust the height, tilt the monitor, swivel it, and also rotate the monitor to 90 degrees. Check the ergonomics of a monitor before buying. There are many tilt-only monitors in the market that do not allow using them at portrait orientation.

Also, many monitors have a VESA mount through which you can wall-mount the monitor. They provide additional flexibility. Make sure the monitor has one.

These are some important specs you need to keep in mind while buying a monitor. The reviews of monitors in our guide have most of these covered. Just take a quick glance, and you’ll have a good idea of them.

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About Vishwak

Vishwak is the man behind Your Tech Bro, now part of the Spacehop family. He has been into technology ever since his dad brought him a PC when he was a 10-year old. He is an avid PC gamer, Android Fanboy, and a Tech geek.

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