Who this setup suits

Presenters using a separate notes screen

Keep the presentation screen in front of you while placing notes, chat or controls to one side. Look for independent movement if the secondary screen needs its own height, angle or distance.

Hybrid workers with a fixed dual-screen desk

If both monitors usually stay side by side, a crossbar or pole mount may provide the layout you need. Check its mounting pattern, per-screen load limit and desk attachment before choosing one.

Buyers replacing monitor stands

Start with the fit of the equipment you already own: each monitor needs a compatible mounting interface and must fall within the arm’s stated capacity. A clamp or grommet mount must also suit the desk.

What matters when choosing

Independently adjustable arms

Choose when: the notes display needs to move separately from a centred presentation screen.

Allow for: arm travel, screen clearance and the exact model’s load limits, particularly with deeper displays.

Dual crossbar arm

Choose when: both screens will normally sit side by side at a similar height.

Allow for: a more restricted movement arrangement if the notes screen later needs a substantially different position.

Simple dual pole mount

Choose when: a stable two-screen layout and basic adjustment meet your needs.

Allow for: model-specific screen, weight and clamp limits rather than assuming every pole mount fits the same setup.

Concern What to check Who this matters to
Separate screen placement Check each arm’s independent movement, reach and clearance around the screens. I need my presentation in front of me but want notes at a different angle or distance. Around 29% of consumers put separate notes placement first.
Monitor and desk fit Match each monitor’s mounting pattern and weight to the arm, then check the chosen clamp or grommet dimensions. If I am replacing existing stands, I need the mount to attach to both monitors and my desk. Compatibility is the primary concern for around 29% of consumers.
Viewing position Compare the arm’s usable height and angle adjustment with your seated screen position. For extended desk work, I want to position the main screen without turning towards the notes display throughout the day. Around 24% of consumers prioritise viewing position.
Simple dual-screen layout Check the stated per-screen limits and whether the pole or crossbar permits your intended side-by-side arrangement. My two screens will usually stay in place, so I need a straightforward way to mount them rather than frequent independent movement. Simplicity comes first for around 18% of consumers.

Mistakes to avoid

  • Choosing by screen size alone

    A monitor can fall within an advertised size range yet exceed the arm’s per-screen weight limit. Ergotron also notes a monitor-depth caveat for its LX Dual Side-by-Side Arm.

    Compare each monitor’s actual weight with the exact arm’s rated range, including any depth conditions.

  • Assuming the mounting holes will match

    Ergotron identifies the VESA hole pattern and monitor weight as primary compatibility checks. Some monitors use a different rear attachment arrangement.

    Inspect each monitor’s rear panel or manual, then check the required pattern, screws and any adapter before ordering.

    A monitor with a proprietary attachment may need a separate compatible adapter.

  • Overlooking the desk attachment

    A clamp needs an accessible desk edge within its stated range; a grommet mount needs a suitable hole and desktop. Drawers or cable trays can obstruct installation.

    Measure the attachment point and check what sits beneath it against the exact mount’s instructions.

    If the supplied attachment does not fit, you may need a different mount type or a compatible grommet accessory.

  • Expecting the arm to fix the whole workstation

    Screen position is only one part of a desk setup. The Health and Safety Executive also addresses keyboard position, seating and breaks in its display-screen-equipment guidance.

    Set up the chair, keyboard and main screen together, then use the arm to adjust the presentation and notes displays.

Brands to consider for this setup

Ergotron

Ergotron offers single-arm and dual-arm LX configurations for different desk layouts.

  • Its published LX model specifications provide mounting-pattern and per-screen capacity details to check against your monitors.
  • The older LX Dual Side-by-Side Arm is discontinued. Check the specifications and availability of the exact current model rather than treating that arm’s figures as interchangeable.

Humanscale

Humanscale’s M8.1 range includes a dynamic single arm and two-monitor crossbar configurations.

  • Humanscale UK lists support for one monitor up to 13 kg on the cited single-arm configuration.
  • Confirm the capacity and movement of the exact two-monitor configuration; the single-arm limit does not establish the capacity of a crossbar setup.

Duronic

Duronic offers dual-monitor pole and desk-mount designs for conventional VESA arrangements.

  • Duronic specifies VESA 75/100 support and an 8 kg-per-monitor limit for the cited DM152 and DM35V2X2 models.
  • The stated screen and desk-clamp limits are model-specific; check the exact mount if either display or the desk falls outside them.

Joybuy products

Related products coming soon.

Common questions

Will any dual monitor arm fit my two monitors?

No. Check each monitor’s rear mounting pattern and actual weight against the chosen arm’s interface and per-monitor capacity. Ergotron notes that the hole pattern and monitor weight are primary VESA-mount compatibility checks; screen size alone is not enough.

Where should I put the presentation and notes screens?

Position the main presentation screen in front of you, then place notes to the side where you can read them without repeatedly twisting. The Health and Safety Executive advises placing the main screen about an arm’s length away, with its top around eye level.

Should I choose a clamp or a grommet mount?

Choose the attachment your desk and the exact mount can accommodate. A clamp needs a suitable, accessible edge; a grommet mount needs a compatible hole and desktop thickness. Measure the desk and check for obstructions beneath the mounting point before ordering.