Who this setup suits

People reading a script during calls

If a call window and script must remain visible at once, a compact side-by-side mount is worth assessing when there is enough width for both screens but little room for their bases.

People with limited desk width

If two screens will not sit comfortably beside one another, look at a mount that permits stacking or separate screen positions. Check the permitted arrangement for the exact monitor sizes.

People using larger or heavier monitors

If either display needs greater load capacity or a different position, compare each screen with the mount’s individual limits rather than relying on its overall description.

What matters when choosing

Compact side-by-side

Choose it when: You need to glance between a call and a script, and both screens fit across the desk.

Trade-off: The screens still need horizontal clearance. Ergotron UK says 23–27 inch displays cannot be stacked on its LX Side-by-Side arm.

Vertical stacking

Choose it when: Desk width rules out side-by-side placement and the exact mount supports your intended stacked arrangement.

Trade-off: Stacking uses more vertical space; assess whether you can read the script comfortably while following the call.

Concern What to check Who this matters to
Usable desk space Measure the available width against both monitors’ physical widths, including bezels, and check the mount’s permitted layout. I need the call and script in view without two bases taking up room for my keyboard and notes. Around 42% of consumers put preserving usable desk space first.
Screen position Check the adjustment range and whether the desk allows a comfortable viewing distance. The Health and Safety Executive advises placing the top of a screen at eye level and the screen about an arm’s length away. If I read from one screen while watching the other, I need positions that do not make me keep turning or reaching. For around 33% of consumers, screen placement is the primary concern.
Monitor and desk fit Compare each monitor’s VESA pattern, weight and depth with the exact mount’s limits; check the clamp range or grommet requirements against the desk. Before settling on a layout, I need to know that both displays and the attachment point will fit. Compatibility comes first for around 25% of consumers.

Mistakes to avoid

  • Choosing by screen diagonal alone

    Displays with the same diagonal size can differ in weight, depth and mounting pattern, so a stated size range does not establish that your particular monitors will fit.

    Check the exact model of each display against the stand’s VESA pattern, individual load limit and any depth-related conditions.

  • Assuming every dual arm can stack screens

    Layout limits vary. Ergotron UK says 23–27 inch displays cannot be stacked on its LX Side-by-Side arm.

    Decide on side-by-side or stacked placement before ordering, then check the stand’s stated configurations for your screen sizes.

  • Overlooking the attachment point

    A suitable monitor arm still needs a desk edge or grommet it can attach to. Drawers, rear panels and cable trays can obstruct the intended position.

    Measure the desk thickness and available clearance, and check the desk construction against the mount’s installation requirements.

  • Expecting the arm to fix the whole workstation

    Screen placement is only part of a comfortable setup. The Health and Safety Executive’s guidance also addresses viewing distance and avoiding a twisted working position.

    After fitting the arm, adjust the screens alongside your chair and keyboard position, and reassess the arrangement if it remains uncomfortable.

Brands to consider

Ergotron

Ergotron UK describes dual mounts with compact crossbar and side-by-side layouts.

  • Its LX Side-by-Side specification lists 33 cm of lift, 64 cm of extension and a 3.2–9.1 kg capacity per monitor.
  • Ergotron UK marks the cited LX Side-by-Side model as discontinued. Check the specifications and availability of any current model rather than treating it as an identical replacement.

StarTech.com

The ARMDUAL2 is a fixed-pole option with desk-clamp or grommet mounting.

  • StarTech.com specifies two displays up to 32 inches and 8 kg each, with VESA 75 × 75 mm or 100 × 100 mm mounting.
  • Height adjusts along a 39.8 cm pole; assess whether that suits the amount of repositioning you need during calls.

Duronic

The DM252 is a fixed-pole, clamp-mounted option for two smaller VESA monitors.

  • Duronic specifies two 13–27 inch displays up to 8 kg each, VESA 75/100 mounting and a C-clamp range of 10–88 mm.
  • Those stated limits do not cover a larger display or a desk edge outside the clamp range; check whether its adjustment style fits your routine.

Humanscale

Humanscale UK lists M8.1 configurations with different bases and crossbar arrangements.

  • The listed configurations provide a choice of mounting and screen-arrangement hardware.
  • Check the capacity, adjustment and desk-fitting requirements of the specific configuration rather than applying one configuration’s specification to another.

Joybuy products

Related products coming soon.

Common questions

Should the script screen go beside or above the call screen?

Place it beside the call screen if both monitors fit and you want the two windows close together. If width makes that impractical, consider stacking, but check the exact mount: Ergotron UK says 23–27 inch displays cannot be stacked on its LX Side-by-Side arm.

What should I measure before ordering a dual monitor stand?

Record each monitor’s physical width, bare weight, depth and VESA mounting pattern, then measure the desk edge and clearance where the stand would attach. Compare each display separately with the exact mount’s limits and check any grommet dimensions if you intend to use that fitting.

Where should the screens sit for comfortable viewing?

Use the Health and Safety Executive’s general guidance as a starting point: the top of the screen should be at eye level, with the screen about an arm’s length away. Arrange the call and script screens so you can use them without repeatedly twisting, while also considering your chair, keyboard and desk depth.

Is a monitor’s diagonal size enough to check stand compatibility?

No. Check its VESA pattern, individual weight and depth as well as its size, then confirm that the stand supports your intended layout. Ergotron UK notes that monitor depth greater than 8.9 cm may reduce capacity on its LX Side-by-Side arm.