(CNN) –
If there was one thing I learned in a straight year working from home, it was that it wouldn’t be as productive without two monitors.
Having access to multiple monitors makes almost every facet of my daily routine easier, whether I’m taking notes during a meeting or following Slack’s conversations and emails while I’m hammering a story. And when it’s time to stop working and start playing some games, my second monitor is invaluable for researching directions or interacting with my Twitch chat.
If any of these use cases apply to you, you will greatly benefit from configuring a dual monitor. And luckily, there is no really wrong way to add a little extra screen space to your workspace. But because the sheer number of monitor and accessory options available can be impressive, we’ve put together some tips and products (including the monitors we’ve tested extensively) that will help you create the two monitor setup of your dreams.
So, if you are looking to increase your productivity or just want to check your email during boring Zoom calls (we won’t tell anyone), here is everything you need to know about building a good dual monitor setup.
PHOTO: Mike Andronico / CNN
A dual monitor setup is exactly what it sounds like – by connecting two monitors to your desktop or laptop (usually via HDMI or DisplayPort connections), you can significantly expand the amount of screen space you have to work or play. There is no really wrong way to set up a dual monitor setup, whether you want to mix and match screens or have two identical monitors assembled together for a perfect ultra-wide experience.
I personally use a basic asymmetric configuration that consists of a Dell S2417DG as my primary display and an Acer KG221Q as my secondary display. The Dell monitor has a crisp 24-inch, 2560 x 1440 screen that allows me to immerse myself in my favorite PC games or hammer on Google Docs with minimal eye strain, while my smaller Acer 1080p monitor allows me to keep an eye on e- mails or monitor my chat when I stream on Twitch. My specific Acer monitor is hard to find these days, but this $ 93 model (Acer SB220Q) is a good alternative if you are looking for a reliable and inexpensive second monitor.
If you want a more organized configuration of two monitors, there are several monitors optimized to be side by side. The Lenovo L24q-30, our choice for the best computer monitor in general, is perfect for a dual screen setup thanks to the thin bezels that can create an almost perfect viewing experience when you place two of them side by side. The L24q-30 also offers support for VESA mounting, which means that you can mount several of them together on walls or various types of brackets (more on that later).
It is also worth considering monitors that can be positioned vertically when setting up a dual monitor configuration. Vertically oriented displays are especially ideal for programmers thanks to their ability to display multiple lines of code and also simply save desk space – something that not everyone has in their home office. The $ 124 HP VH240a is a popular and inexpensive option that supports vertical orientation, as well as VESA mount if you want a more elaborate two-screen setup. And yes, you can switch between vertical and horizontal instantly.
You can simplify the configuration of two monitors a little bit by chaining, which essentially means combining the various video outputs on a single wire that goes to the computer. To sum it all up, one monitor connects to a second monitor, with that monitor sending both signals to your PC with just one cable to worry about. It is a good feature that will make your configuration a little cleaner, although not all monitors support it.
You will need a monitor with a DisplayPort 1.2 connection with Multi-Stream Transport (MST) technology to make the daisy chaining work. The $ 229 ViewSonic VP2468 is a highly regarded chain monitor if you want an affordable 1080p display, while the $ 423 Dell U2721DE is a popular option if you need a high-end 1440p display.
It’s easy to put two monitors on your desk, but what if you want to clean things up a bit? That’s where brackets and wall brackets come in. By setting up your monitors, you can save precious desk space, as well as gain even more freedom to adjust your monitors and find the perfect viewing angle.
For those looking to connect multiple monitors to the laptop (or just simplify cable clutter), it’s worth taking a look at a USB-C hub for configuring two monitors. And if you are a true power user, a KVM switch, which can connect peripherals to two computers at the same time, will allow you to use your dual monitors on multiple machines with ease. Here are some accessories worth checking out to make the most of your dual monitor setup.
Desktop stand for VIVO dual LCD monitor ($ 39.95; amazon.com)
The VIVO Dual LCD Monitor Table Stand is one of the most popular pedestals on the web, allowing you to mount two monitors from 13 to 27 inches and up to 22 pounds each. Each arm of this stand is highly flexible and allows you to rotate your monitors up to 180 degrees or 360 degrees for when you need any action in portrait mode. The bracket clamp is built to fit securely on any table up to 4 inches thick and includes detachable cable clips to keep all your wires organized.
Wall mount for WALI dual LCD monitor ($ 59.99; amazon.com)
If you prefer to mount your monitors on a wall, WALI dual screen mounting is a popular and relatively affordable way to do this. This wall mount fits any monitor up to 27 inches with a 75 x 75 mm or 100 x 100 m VESA mount, with a ton of pivot points including a 90 degree swivel and 360 degree rotation to position your monitors vertically. The WALI dual LCD monitor stand also has an adjustable gas spring, which allows the stand to offer increased or reduced voltages based on the weight of the monitor.
Aukey USB C Hub 12 in 1 Type C Adapter ($ 69.99; amazon.com)
Many modern laptops have limited ports, which can make it difficult to connect external monitors. USB C hubs, like this 12-in-1 model from Aukey, solve this problem with ease. This adapter has two HDMI ports, as well as a VGA port, giving you a lot of flexibility to mirror your laptop screen across up to three monitors or use them as separate screens in extended mode. Plus, you get a ton of extra ports for your peripherals, including two USB 2.0 ports, two USB 3.0 ports, an Ethernet port and an SD card reader.
Steetek 2-port dual monitor KVM switch ($ 109, originally $ 115; amazon.com)
For advanced users or Twitch streamers who use multiple computers with their dual monitor configurations, it is worth taking a look at a KVM switch. These switches provide a single connection point for your monitors, as well as your mouse and keyboard, allowing you to control one computer to another at the touch of a button. This well-rated Steetek switch supports full HD and 4K monitors and includes two extra USB ports for sharing accessories, such as printers or external drives on multiple PCs.
Before investing in a dual monitor configuration, it is also worth considering whether an ultra-wide monitor is best suited to your needs. As the name suggests, ultra-wide displays generally have an aspect ratio of 21: 9 (compared to 16: 9 for a traditional display), offering plenty of horizontal display space for heavy multitasking. Just look at the $ 699 Samsung CJ791, our current best choice of large screen computer monitor, which offers a generous wide 3440 x 1440 screen to juggle multiple applications or immerse yourself more in your favorite games or movies.
Ultra-wide monitors have some benefits over dual monitor configurations. On the one hand, these monitors involve less setup and can save money, as you only need to purchase and configure a single monitor for your desktop. You also get the benefit of a truly perfect display that can take advantage of games, movies and programs that have been optimized to fit in a 21: 9 aspect ratio. And many ultra-wide displays are curved, allowing for greater immersion while preventing your eyes have to work hard to move from side to side.
However, dual monitor configurations offer a level of versatility that is difficult to overcome. The freedom to mix and match monitors means that you can invest in a state-of-the-art 4K monitor as your main screen, while choosing a cheaper 1080p model for web browsing and work calls. And you will have literally greater flexibility when it comes to positioning, whether to place a screen vertically or to adjust the height and angle of both monitors independently on a wall mount.
Of course, if money and space are not a problem, you can enjoy the best of both worlds and choose from multiple ultra-wide displays. But for most people, an ultra-wide monitor offers simplicity and immersion, while a dual-screen configuration allows for more flexibility.
Whether you’re looking to upgrade your home office or your game room, a dual monitor setup can make a huge difference. You’ll have more screen space to switch between emails, Slack chats and video conferences with ease, and you’ll be able to better monitor your streams on your way to Twitch or YouTube stardom.
It is worth considering a wall mount or bracket if you want a cleaner, more flexible configuration, as well as an ultra-wide monitor as a simpler alternative to obtaining two monitors. But no matter how you do it, increasing the amount of screen space on your desk will increase your productivity – and help you have more fun – in style.