Setup is simple. The monitor has an included clamp and grommet mount. Installation is mostly handled with a bundled Allen wrench, though you’ll still need a Philips head screwdriver to attach your monitor to the VESA mount. Most owners will be able to install smaller monitors (24 to 27 inches) alone, but help is recommended for larger displays. The curve also presents some limitations, though: For example, the mount isn’t really made to pair well with individual curved displays, even if they fit the size and weight limits. They also note that an older 27-inch monitor with a large bezel (the outer plastic frame), may cause some issues with fitting the screens. It’s natural, given the only slight difference in name, to think the Ergotron HX is merely an uprated version of the Ergotron LX. That’s not the case. This is an entirely different monitor arm which pairs its increased capacity with improved build quality and a more professional look. Even though the base plate is small, it’s heavily weighted, so there’s no need to worry about it being robust enough to handle three monitors, but if you’d still like a bit of assurance, it can be fully grommet-mounted to your desk.

Each monitor arm is almost all metal with only a small piece of plastic to provide cable routing. The arm also has gas springs capable of lifting up to 26 pounds of weight, which is enough to handle 32-inch widescreen and 34-inch ultrawide monitors. Popular Science started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now. The Workstream’s slim budget is felt in its difficult setup and stiff operation. Users will need to install several screws for a clamp or gromet mount. More screws may need to be adjusted once the arm is in place, as its default tension proved inadequate for supporting a 32-inch monitor.Each arm is rated to hold between 4.4 and 14.3 pounds. That’s not a lot: The Workstream by Monoprice arm is rated up to 20 pounds. Still, it’s enough to handle a huge majority of 24- and 27-inch monitors, and the monitor arms provided plenty of lift in our testing. The Huanuo HNDS12, like the HNDS6 (below), is a bit fiddly to set up. It has two clamps that need to be adjusted and roughly a dozen screws that need to be installed. The gas springs also require a bit of adjustment to reduce the force provide, at least when used with a 24-inch or 27-inch monitor. It provides a good range of adjustment, with 13.2 inches of height and 90 degrees of tilt, swivel, and rotation. The arm’s height and tilt adjustment are comparable to others on this list, but it can’t swivel in a full circle, which may prove annoying if you frequently move a monitor arm to share your screen with colleagues. While most mounts are pretty simple, you need to look out for certain things when deciding which one to buy.

Featuring innovations like Humanscale’s patented Weight-Compensating Spring Technology and Smart Stop functionality, M10 enables the personalisation and flexibility needed for today’s evolving workplaces.

More advanced options still, use gas springs to facilitate instantaneous adjustments without the need to loosen or tighten anything, but they almost certainly won’t be as strong as standard arms. Compatibility HUANUO hasn’t just gone above and beyond to match some of the specs and features you’d associate with more expensive products, their thoughtfulness is punctuated by handy little details such as underside padding on the base plate and detachable clips for cable management.

Creators required to run multiple programs at once, writers that need multiple sources visible at all times, and gamers that need a larger field of vision all rely on multiple-screen computer systems, but these expansive setups aren’t without their issues.

Monoprice lists the monitor as capable of supporting 20 pounds, but I felt the 32-inch monitor (which weighed 15 pounds) was pushing the Workstream to its limits. Monoprice also skimps on the warranty, offering just one year of coverage. Some more advanced arm types allow you to alter individual monitor angle and height, although all changes are secured manually which can be time-consuming. The other factor to keep a close eye on is the weight limit of the monitor mount. While most of the mounts on our list have comparable maximum weights, it’s important to make sure your monitor won’t put too much strain on the arm before purchasing it. These stands are fitted to the edge of your desk using C-clamps. They have a small footprint and are very secure, but they don’t suit particularly deep desks as your monitors will be too far away. Arm Type Minnesota-based Echogear is known primarily for making wall mounts, but they make a very nice desk-mounted triple-monitor stand. It lines up the monitors, but arranges them in an ergonomic and immersive curve, turning your three monitors into a single, gigantic curved display array. It’s an appealing option for anyone who wants to set it and forget it, and could be great for hardcore racing or flight-sim players.

Many monitor arms now have some form of cable management. This can either be in the form of a small clip on the arm itself to hide the cables from view, or more advanced internal systems which completely hide them from view. One of the most appealing benefits of having a monitor arm is how much it cleans up the look of your setup, so we’d highly recommend considering some of the more advanced cable management monitor arms out there. Price Additionally, some of the two monitor models have specific restrictions in regards to how wide the arms can go. This means that certain sizes of monitors, such as ultrawide monitors, might not be compatible with the dual arm models. Be sure to confirm that your monitors will fit on the arms even if they don’t exceed the weight limit. Ideal Ergonomics When it comes to the best dual monitor stand for adjustability we suggest the Varidesk dual monitor arm. This mount has 360 degrees of rotation and pivot and a wide range of height and reach adjustments. Built-in cable management This kind of stand is mounted to your desk through drill holes and secured underneath. These are the sturdiest mounts, but not necessarily the strongest. They have a very small footprint.

Products at a Glance

The monitor arm has an all-metal construction that in some ways feels sturdier than the Ergotron LX, as the Workstream doesn’t include as much plastic cladding. It’s not entirely a win, though, as the plastic that exists feels frail (and I even broke a small, though unnoticeable, bit while adjusting the monitor). Why it made the cut: Honestly, we’re surprised more manufacturers haven’t built USB hubs into their monitor stands. Two monitors are always better than one, and the same goes for monitor arms. It’s no surprise, then, that Ergotron’s LX Side-by-Side ranks as our best dual monitor arm. The Ergotron LX Side-by-Side pairs two LX monitor arms together on one mount. The look, feel, and specifications of each arm are close to its standalone sibling. Your first consideration should be the type of stand you need. There are three main designs: freestanding, grommet-mounted, and clamp-mounted. The Huanuo HNDS12 represents a middle ground for shoppers who want an upgrade in quality but need to respect their budget.