Who needs which arrangement?

One-screen script-and-call users

If both windows fit on one monitor, a single arm lets you reposition that display for the current user or task. Check the monitor’s weight and VESA mounting pattern against the arm’s specified limits.

Two-screen live-call workers

If the script needs its own screen beside the call, independently adjustable dual arms let you position the displays separately. Each monitor must meet the selected configuration’s per-screen limits, and the desk must accept its fixing.

Shared-desk and hot-desking teams

When people change desks or reset a screen between tasks, ease of adjustment matters alongside the rest of the workstation. The UK Health and Safety Executive includes hot-desking in its display-screen-equipment guidance and advises a basic risk assessment when workers change desks regularly.

What should you check before buying?

Single articulated arm

Choose it when: One display can hold the script and call, but its position needs to change between users or tasks.

Trade-off: Moving the screen will not create more display space if the two windows compete for room.

Independently adjustable dual arms

Choose them when: The script must remain readable on one display while the call stays open on another, and each screen needs its own position.

Trade-off: This arrangement requires two compatible monitors and enough room for the selected desk mounting.

Once you know whether one or two screens are needed, check the displays, arm and desk together. The concerns below reflect different primary needs among consumers considering this shared-desk setup.

Concern What to check Who this matters to
Screen positioning Compare the exact arm’s lift, reach, tilt and rotation with the positions users need; check its full supported weight range. If different people use the desk, I want to bring the screen in front of me and reset it afterwards. Around 36% of consumers put repositioning first.
Desk and monitor fit Measure the usable desk edge and underside clearance, check any grommet position, and match the monitor’s VESA pattern to the arm. I need the arm to attach to this shared desk without clashing with furniture underneath. For around 29% of consumers, physical compatibility is the primary concern.
Two-screen visibility Decide whether both activities need dedicated displays, then check per-screen capacity, screen-size limits and mounting clearance. If switching windows interrupts my call, I want the script visible on a separate monitor throughout. Keeping both views open comes first for around 21% of consumers.
Capacity and expansion Compare each monitor’s applicable weight with the exact model’s minimum and maximum ratings; check any future multi-screen configuration separately. My heavier display, or a planned additional screen, makes the arm’s stated limits decisive. Around 14% of consumers prioritise capacity or expansion.

Mistakes to avoid

  • Checking only the maximum monitor weight

    A monitor must also meet the arm’s minimum rating, and movement can change near the upper end. Ergotron states that monitors above 9.1 kg may reduce the cited LX Desk Monitor Arm’s vertical travel by up to 11 cm, although its maximum capacity is 11.3 kg.

    Check the exact arm’s full weight range and any stated movement restrictions against the monitor you will mount.

  • Assuming any desk edge will take a clamp

    A thick edge, cable tray, drawer or restricted underside can prevent fitting. Shared furniture may also have rules about clamping or using a grommet hole.

    Inspect and measure the desk, confirm what fixings are permitted, then compare those measurements with the selected arm’s own mounting specification.

  • Treating an adjustable arm as the whole workstation solution

    The UK Health and Safety Executive advises looking at the complete display-screen-equipment workstation, including equipment, furniture and working conditions. Moving a monitor does not address every issue with the surrounding setup.

    Set the screen position alongside the chair and keyboard, and follow the employer’s workstation assessment process where it applies.

  • Buying dual arms before deciding if two screens are needed

    Dual arms add display and installation requirements. They serve a clear purpose when the script and call must remain visible on separate monitors, but may not help if one screen already accommodates both.

    Test whether the intended window arrangement works on one display before choosing the number of arms and checking each monitor’s fit.

Relevant brands to consider

These manufacturer ranges illustrate different configurations and limits; choose by the exact model rather than assuming that a range-wide description applies to every arm.

Ergotron

Its cited LX Desk Monitor Arm is a single-screen reference for checking movement and desk-mount fit.

  • Ergotron specifies a 3.2–11.3 kg capacity, 75 × 75 mm and 100 × 100 mm VESA mounting, and clamp and grommet hardware for the cited LX model.
  • Ergotron marks this LX model as being phased out and discontinued. Check availability and any successor model’s own specifications rather than carrying over the LX figures.

Fellowes

Its Platinum range includes single, dual, dual-stacking and triple-monitor configurations for different screen arrangements.

  • Fellowes describes gas-spring adjustment, clamp and grommet mounting, and 75 × 75 mm and 100 × 100 mm VESA plates across the collection.
  • The collection’s figures of up to 8 kg and 40 inches are subject to individual product details; check the exact configuration and its per-monitor limits.

Humanscale

Its M/Class arms and M/Flex system are relevant when a defined single-monitor capacity or a scalable configuration matters.

  • Humanscale lists the M2 Pro single arm for 2.3–10 kg monitors up to 43 inches and the M8 Pro single arm for 4.1–22.7 kg monitors up to 65 inches.
  • M/Flex screen-size and capacity limits depend on the selected configuration; neither single-arm rating applies to every setup.

Joybuy products

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Is a monitor arm required at a shared workstation?

A monitor arm is not automatically the answer for every shared workstation. The UK Health and Safety Executive advises assessing the whole display-screen-equipment workstation, including its furniture and working conditions; follow your employer’s assessment process where it applies.

Where should I put the screen while reading a script on a call?

Position the primary screen directly in front of you where possible. The Health and Safety Executive advises placing the top of the screen around eye level and the display about an arm’s length away; if the script is on a second screen, keep its position practical for the task.

What should I measure for a clamp-mounted arm?

Measure the usable desk-edge thickness and inspect the underside for obstructions, then compare both with the exact arm’s fitting instructions. For the cited Ergotron LX, Ergotron specifies a 10–60 mm clamp range; its grommet fixing has separate hole and desktop limits.

Can different people readjust the same shared-desk arm?

Yes, if the installed arm and monitor are compatible and users can set the workstation appropriately for their tasks. The Health and Safety Executive includes hot-desking in its display-screen-equipment guidance and advises a basic risk assessment when workers change desks regularly.

Do I need dual arms just because I read scripts during calls?

No: dual arms make sense when the script and call need to remain visible on separate displays. If one monitor provides enough room for both, a single articulated arm addresses the different need of repositioning that screen, provided the monitor and desk meet the arm’s specifications.