Best dual monitor setup in 2024 (gaming, workstation, curved)

There comes a point in life when you know a single monitor setup is no longer for you. Let's find the best alternative

Table of Contents Table of Contents

Even though ultrawide monitors are becoming a popular choice, a second monitor is the best way of upgrading your current setup without investing in a large single monitor. There is plenty of choice out there, so here is your best dual monitor setup in 2024. Right now, we find the Dell UltraSharp U2720Q to be our pick of the bunch for productivity, and the Alienware AW2723DF for gaming, but there are plenty of options out there. Also be sure to check our how to set-up dual monitors guide so you’re prepared for your new addition(s), which will talk you through the correct display settings, how to duplicate your displays, and more. As new monitors hit the market, we’ll update this guide to reflect the best setups for you. If you want even more, check out our best 3 monitor setup guide.

Whether you’re a professional Twitch streamer or an amateur seeking to enhance their experience, broadening your horizons (literally) over two monitors allows you to multitask whilst you game – no need to Alt Tab every time you get a Discord message! No matter if you’re a 4K or 144Hz snob, or just trying to get by on a budget 1080p display, there’s bound to be something here for any player. Likewise, if you enjoy co-op gaming, you won’t cover half the display with the video call, nor do you have to sacrifice watching each other’s reactions when you’re exposing the saboteur in Among Us, as your pals can have their own screen.

Today’s best monitor deals

---

Best dual monitor setup for gaming

So you’re looking for a duo of monitors to game on? Well, you’re in the right place. We’ve got a couple of options for you to consider, whether you want a premium or more budget-friendly option.

Alienware AW2723DF

Alienware AW2723DF

Refresh rate

240Hz

Response time

1ms

Screen size

27″

Resolution

2560 x 1440 (1440p)

How We Review

Shop on Amazon Check Price

Pros

• InfinityEdge Screen
• Rapid 240hz refresh rate
• True 1ms response time
• Great colors right out the box
• Nano IPS technology which provides 95% of the DCI-P3 color spectrum

Cons

• Quite expensive

Four times faster than your standard refresh rate at 240Hz, even veteran gamers will be impressed by one of the latest and greatest offerings from Alienware via Dell, promising real-time reactions in even the biggest and laggiest online games. Thanks to fast IPS panel technology, the extra wide-angle viewing range creates consistent color coverage no matter what angle you’re viewing on. Ideal for dual monitor setups, you can create the perfect pair of displays for you. We reviewed the Alienware AW2721D and had no real complaints; the AW2723DF is the newer version of that panel.

A 1ms response time allows for incredibly quick pixel changing, blasting away any motion blur to ensure you can fully utilize your quickscoping skills, whilst you’ll see the whole battlefield with ease on all 27 inches of screen. AlienFX, the fully customizable lighting system developed by Alienware to enable dynamic lighting effects and full RGB values, means you’ll experience unique settings for every single game, for a truly versatile gaming monitor.

Nvidia G-Sync compatibility and AMD FreeSync Premium Pro ensure your display and GPU are fully synchronized, allowing for the maximum frame rate only when your monitor can produce them, to reduce screen tearing, distortion, and protect you from dead pixels.

ASUS TUF Gaming VG279QM

Best Dual Monitor Setup

ASUS TUF Gaming VG279QM

Size

27″

Refresh Rate

280Hz

Response Time

1ms

Panel

IPS

Maximum Resolution

1920 x 1080

How We Review

Hands-on Review

Shop on Amazon Check Price

Pros

• Overclocks to a speedy 280Hz
• Crisp IPS screen in 1080p
• DisplayPort and VESA compatible
• Excellent value for money

Cons

• HDR compatible but lacking the brightness to carry it off
• No USB ports

Packing an absolutely incredible 280Hz refresh rate (240Hz when not overclocked), this 27 inch TUF gaming monitor from ASUS epitomizes an ideal display for gamers by offering one of the fastest response times on the market today. Design-wise, it’s really easy on the eyes; sleek and stylish, whilst sturdy and rigorous enough to last for years to come. This is a difficult sweet spot to achieve, especially being one of the more affordable models on our list.

An adjustable stand with VESA mounting support allows you to manually adjust the monitor’s height as well as tilt, swivel and pivot as much as you’d like. This is great for a dual-monitor setup, as you can customize your experience for every game. W-LED backlight technology combined with an IPS panel creates some truly stunning colors that won’t strain your eyes, for clear and crisp 1080p visuals that you can enjoy all day (or night, we know, we’re gremlins too).

For a resolution of 1920 x 1080, some players advise that 27 inches might be a little big – if this is the case for you, you’ll find a smaller version of this gaming monitor with very similar specs in the VG259QM, though performance might vary between the two. Either way, we found the 27″ model a joy to test in our VG279QM review.

---

Best dual monitor setup for work

Now moving on to some productivity picks. While having two monitors is great for gaming, it’s arguably even better for work. The extra screen space is invaluable for multitasking and keeping on top of your workload.

Dell UltraSharp U2720Q

Best Dual Monitor Setup

Editor’s Pick

Dell UltraSharp U2720Q

Size

27″

Refresh Rate

60Hz

Response Time

5ms

Panel

IPS

Maximum Resolution

3840 x 2160

How We Review

Shop on Amazon Check Price

Pros

• Easy adjustment of viewing angle in dual monitor setup
• Supports HDR and DisplayPort
• 4K UHD screen that won’t break the bank

Cons

• Out-of-the-box calibration recommended
• Limited to 60Hz

Number one on our list for a reason, the Ultra-Sharp U2720Q from Dell provides you 27 inches of glorious 4K UHD IPS screen, running a super vibrant resolution that brightens and intensifies even the dullest of pictures. The wide viewing angle that’s enabled by In-Plane Switching (IPS) technology allows for consistently exceptional visuals, supporting practically seamless dual monitor setup for viewing your games as they were intended to be seen.

Versatile connectivity means you’ll be able to hook up using DisplayPort, HDMI, USB and Audio Line cables, compatible with the majority of GPUs favored by gamers. There’s even a security lock slot, for added peace of mind. Vesa mount compatible, this monitor can tilt, swivel and pivot to your heart’s content, as well as featuring its own in-built USB hub for when your tower just doesn’t have enough ports. It utilizes super fast USB-C ports, for the quickest charging times.

However, despite ticking all of our other boxes, this monitor is unfortunately limited to a frame rate of 60Hz. Whilst this is plenty for many players, professional streamers for instance might want to consider a quicker refresh rate.

ASUS TUF Gaming VG289Q

ASUS TUF Gaming VG289Q

Refresh Rate

60Hz

Response Time

5ms

Size

28″

Maximum Resolution

3840 x 2160

Panel

IPS

How We Review

Hands-on Review

Shop on Amazon Check Price

Check price

Pros

• 4K resolution
• IPS panel
• Large 28″ screen
• AMD FreeSync support

Cons

• Slow response time
• Only 60Hz refresh rate

Despite being labeled a gaming monitor, the ASUS TUF Gaming VG289Q is a solid option for productivity. Much of that is thanks to its high 4K resolution and IPS panel. It also offers a cheaper alternative to the Dell panel above and is just as good for immersive gaming, despite the 60Hz refresh rate and 5ms response time specification. Check out our ASUS TUF Gaming VG289Q review for full rundown.

This monitor is actually a little larger at 28″, which isn’t a whole lot of difference, but it’s nice bonus. It comes with AMD’s FreeSync for stutter-free gaming on the side and flicker-free technology to boot. An excellent 4K option if you’re watching your pennies.

---

Best curved dual monitor setup

Finally, a curveball – quite literally. Curved gaming monitors generally aren’t used for dual monitor setups as you can’t easily align them side by side. However, anyone that prefers a curved display may want to consider picking one up, it’s not a massive deal.

AOC GAMING CQ27G3S

AOC GAMING CQ27G3S

Refresh rate

165Hz

Response time

1ms

Screen size

27″

Resolution

2560 x 1440

Panel type

VA

How We Review

Shop on Amazon Check Price

Pros

• 27″ screen at 1440p
• Smooth 165Hz refresh rate
• Quick 1ms response time
• AMD FreeSync Premium

Cons

• HDR performance is average

With curves in all the right places, the AOC GAMING CQ27G3S also packs a mighty beautiful 1440p 27-inch display, which combined with the 165Hz refresh rate offers even the biggest noob a chance to experience games like a pro. With it’s eye-pleasing 1000R curvature that’ll pull you into the game, you might actually believe you’re there. The frameless three-sided, incredibly thin bezel means that your gaming screen is maximised, ideal for minimizing compatibility issues when you’ve got a dual monitor setup. While we haven’t reviewed this particular model, we did get our hands on the older 144Hz model in our AOC CQ27G2 review.

For a dual monitor setup, the great ergonomics are much appreciated – i.e. height, swivel, and tilt adjustments mean it can fit nicely beside another display just how you like. This monitor also offers fantastic for value given the specs and features, included AMD FreeSync Premium to boot. Although the build quality isn’t quite on the level of some pricier options, it’s hard to go wrong with this if you want a couple of curved monitors.

---

How we choose

Trying to perfect your PC setup, for gaming or otherwise, can prove difficult at the best of times. When you don’t have much experience with technology as it is, it might even be impossible, with the internet being such a vast and often misleading source. Where some websites are simply out to get clicks, here at WePC we’re actually a group of computer and gaming enthusiasts ourselves. We spend days doing our own thorough product research, testing and reviewing to bring you our feedback.

Whether it’s your PC as a whole, right down to those tiny low profile graphics cards, we’ve got you covered – you can count on us to do the hard part for you. Using our knowledge, we make user-friendly, gamer-friendly guides you can trust. There’s nothing worse than hyping yourself up about a new buy, only for it to arrive and disappoint you by failing to meet your expectations. Take our advice, reader, and you can guarantee that your next purchase will be a satisfying one, every time.

---

Things to consider for a dual monitor setup

As we’ve pointed out already, picking a new monitor is a big commitment – your whole gaming experience depends on it being just what you need. When you throw buying two into the mix… you’re basically getting married to these monitors. Before you take the plunge and hit add to cart, think about:

Compatibility

Depending on your existing PC setup, you might be limited by the capabilities of your current CPU, so investing in a super expensive, high-end monitor could prove worthless and a waste of time and money.

First things first, you need to check if your GPU is compatible with multiple monitors, as older models may not support this functionality. Similarly, double check that you’ve got the corresponding ports for those monitors to plug into! Most monitors will support both HDMI and DisplayPort, or DVI and VGA as older connectivity options. Additionally, many newer monitors have support for USB ports within a USB hub for external devices such as your phone, laptop, or tablet. A run-of-the-mill, non-gaming PC is going to run at its best using a 1080p, 60Hz monitor, which might disappoint you to hear. If you want the best visual experience, you need to cough up the cash for those tiny tower components, too.

Size

As a dedicated PC gamer, figuring out how to lay out your setup is difficult enough with one monitor, let alone adding another into the mix. Think about the room on your desk versus your desire to completely immerse yourself in those glorious graphics.

Screen real estate is especially important to those who like to game and type, especially if you also use your PC in your work life too. For some, though, quality and frame rates are more important – figure out where your priorities lie. Most players will advocate for around 24 inches as the optimum size for running games at 1080p, though if you’re looking to upgrade to 4K UHD, your games will really get a chance to shine on an even bigger display such as 32-inch or 27-inch monitor.

Curved vs flat displays

Many gamers prefer the more immersive feeling a curved monitor provides, working to prevent distractions to the eye and keep you focused on shooting zombies, mining ore or hunting ghosts with your buddies by expanding out to your peripheral vision. Curved monitors also offer reduced eye strain over prolonged use. That goes a long way when using the correct ergonomics.

Some may prefer to instead opt for an ultra-wide flat monitor, which aims to increase the amount of space on your display without distorting images. Dual monitor setups can benefit from having one curved and one flat unit for maximum enjoyment. Moreover, if you’re seeking the ultimate in setup aesthetics, bear in mind that it’ll be pretty tricky to mount a curved monitor on your wall, for obvious reasons. This one really comes down to preference, if we’re being honest.

Resolution and refresh rates

We’d be remiss if we didn’t mention two of the most fundamental aspects of monitor choice – the picture quality and number of frames per second. The latter only matters if you frequently play FPS games, though, so don’t worry if things are more casual. 144Hz is the gamer’s choice for refresh rates, creating a beautifully smooth transition between frames that recreates our experience of watching real life in motion. If your GPU can’t support it, though, you’re looking at serious lag.

Though a lot of us would be happy with 1080p quality, as technology continues to awe and inspire, even more precise and pixel-filled screens are coming to life. This includes quad, ultra and full ultra HD, and all will cost you a pretty penny.

Dual monitor setup & orientation

Another thing we want to talk about is the actual setup of your dual monitors. We’re talking about whether you want your displays in portrait or landscape mode, i.e vertical or horizontal. There are other solutions out there such as daisy chaining. This is all about simplifying cable management by using a single connection to power multiple displays, though this can diminish performance as power is shared among monitors.

Aside from a stand for your monitor, you can also use a monitor arm for more flexible adjustments. This can help you create a more ergonomic setup with both, or just your secondary display, on a freely adjustable monitor arm rather than a stand which sits upon your desk. There are tons of layouts which you can try out with multiple monitors, even if it’s just a dual monitor setup.

---

Best dual monitor setup video

---

FAQs

What is the best layout for dual monitors?

There are plenty of ways you can arrange your dual monitors, and which is best depends on what you use them for. It may be worth arranging one of your monitors vertically, or simply side-by-side horizontally with your secondary monitor angled for easier use.

Is it worth having a dual monitor setup?

It’s definitely worth having a dual monitor setup if you want to boost your productivity while working. Likewise, a second monitor comes in handy for leisure too, especially while gaming – allowing you to browse something else at the same time without minimizing.

Final word

No matter if you’re obsessed with the ultimate FPS, the most ultra high-definition screen possible or you want to maximize your productivity when streaming, picking out a new monitor couldn’t be simpler with the above list to choose from. Whether your priorities are a HD curved screen or a flat monitor with an IPS panel, we’ve tried to curate a selection of products that will tick the boxes for gamers across the world, from frame rate to HDR compatibility.

Though we of course champion the Dell U2720Q for productivity, that doesn’t mean any of the other choices are inferior, and we stand by all of them as excellent choices for your move to a dual monitor gaming station, especially if you want to mix and match! As we mentioned above, maximizing your opportunities by getting a flat AND a curved monitor to switch between as you please might not create the most seamless transition when stretching the display, but you’ll have the most flexibility in setup.