Who needs this setup?

Script-and-call multitaskers

If a long script must stay visible beside a live call, separate screen positions can help you arrange the text and video windows for the task.

Small-study desk users

If desk depth is limited, the mount needs to leave room for your keyboard and notes while allowing a comfortable screen distance.

Shared-workstation users

If different people use the same desk, consider whether they need to reposition both screens together or adjust each display separately.

What matters when choosing?

Start with how the script and call screens need to move relative to each other. A shallow desk is a separate fit check, whichever adjustment style you prefer.

Independent arms

Choose when: The script needs a different height, angle or orientation from the call display.

Trade-off: Check how far the arms extend and whether their working positions fit your desk.

Crossbar arm

Choose when: Both displays normally stay level and you want to reposition the pair together.

Trade-off: Paired movement is less suitable if the script display needs a substantially different position.

Concern What to check Who this matters to
Separate screen positions Check each arm’s lift, reach and rotation against the positions you want for the script and call. If I read a portrait script while keeping the call in landscape, I need to place the displays independently. Around 42% of consumers put separate positioning first.
Desk space Measure desk depth and rear clearance, then check the mount’s footprint and reach. On a shallow desk, I need room for notes and a keyboard without bringing the screens too close. For around 33% of consumers, usable desk space is the primary concern.
Monitor and desk fit Match each monitor’s VESA pattern and stand-free weight to the exact model; check its desk-fitting requirements. Before changing my setup, I need to know that both displays and the desk can take the chosen mount. Fit comes first for around 25% of consumers.

Mistakes to avoid

  • Buying by screen size alone

    A display can fall within an arm’s stated size range yet exceed its per-screen weight limit or lack the required mounting holes.

    Compare each monitor’s stand-free weight and exact rear VESA pattern with the limits for the model you intend to buy.

  • Assuming any desk will take a clamp

    Clamp and grommet fittings have model-specific desk and clearance requirements; an unsuitable edge can prevent secure installation.

    Measure the desk and compare it with the chosen fitting’s stated range. Do not improvise a clamp installation on an unsuitable edge.

  • Choosing paired movement for differently placed screens

    A crossbar can keep displays aligned, but it may restrict a layout with a portrait script screen or a different viewing height for the call.

    Choose independent adjustment when those different positions matter more than moving the pair together.

  • Treating the arm as the whole workstation setup

    Screen height alone does not address chair support, keyboard and mouse positions or glare. The Health and Safety Executive notes that poorly arranged display screen equipment can contribute to discomfort.

    After mounting the screens, adjust their distance and height alongside the chair, input devices and lighting.

Relevant brands to consider

Ergotron

The LX Dual Side-by-Side Arm is a model to examine when the two screens need separate positions.

  • Ergotron lists support for two screens up to 27 inches for this LX model.
  • Check the selected configuration’s weight, VESA and reach limits rather than applying its specifications to every Ergotron dual arm.

Kensington

Kensington offers a Space-Saving Dual Monitor Arm aimed at shallow desks and a SmartFit crossbar model for paired repositioning.

  • Kensington describes a handle and counterbalancing gas spring on its SmartFit crossbar model.
  • Confirm the exact model’s monitor limits and desk fitting before choosing between the two layouts.

StarTech.com

Its ARMDUAL2 and ARMSLMBARDUO provide different approaches to positioning two displays.

  • StarTech.com specifies VESA 75 × 75 mm or 100 × 100 mm and up to 8 kg per display for ARMDUAL2.
  • ARMSLMBARDUO uses synchronised crossbar movement; check that paired adjustment suits your script-and-call layout.

Fellowes

Fellowes describes gas-spring, multi-screen options within its Platinum Series.

  • The series gives consumers another adjustment style to compare for a shared workstation.
  • Check the chosen dual-arm model’s monitor capacity, VESA pattern and desk mounting method; series features do not establish the fit of every variant.

Dual-monitor stands on Joybuy

The Dell Pro MDS19 is a dual-monitor stand to consider if you want the script and call on separate displays. Check its adjustment options and desk fit against the positions you need.

Dell Pro MDS19 dual monitor stand

Dell Pro Dual Monitor Stand MDS19

Consider this stand for placing a script and call on two displays. If the script needs a different height or portrait orientation, confirm the available adjustments and lift range before buying; also check each monitor’s mounting fit and how the stand fits your desk.

View on Joybuy

Common questions

How should I position the script and call screens?

Place the screen you look at most in your main viewing position. The Health and Safety Executive advises positioning the top of the screen roughly at eye level and the screen about an arm’s length away; keep the other display close enough to avoid repeatedly twisting towards it, and adjust your chair and input devices as part of the setup.

What should I check before buying a dual monitor arm?

Check each monitor’s VESA pattern and stand-free weight against the exact arm’s per-screen limits, then confirm that its clamp or grommet fitting suits your desk. For example, StarTech.com specifies VESA 75 × 75 mm or 100 × 100 mm, up to 8 kg per display and a 10 mm to 48 mm desk-mount range for ARMSLMBARDUO; those limits apply to that model, not to dual arms generally.

Does a work setup at home need a workstation assessment?

In the UK, the Health and Safety Executive says an employer must assess a workstation when a worker uses display screen equipment daily as part of normal work, continuously for an hour or more. Where a worker uses it both at home and in the office, the assessment should cover both situations; this is an employer duty, not a product-registration requirement for a private buyer.