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You may be interested in buying an external monitor for countless reasons. Despite some obscenely large laptop screen sizes of well beyond 15 inches, there are plenty of tasks that require more room if you want to be able to keep your programs and projects open simultaneously. Whether you’re an avid gamer who needs to stay up to date with the whereabouts of a sworn digital enemy across the globe, a programmer who needs to test your apps as they’re written in a separate window, or a music producer who wants to take advantage of the split-screen function that virtually every DAW offers, having an external monitor can be an absolute necessity. But we dare say that there are some instances in which it’s actually necessary to have not one but two external monitors—either for explicit split-screening or to expand your viewing angles even further. In fact, split-screen monitoring is becoming all the rage in the realm of tech startups, with entrepreneurs and developers angling for who can have the most screens on their desk at once (often to the point of absurdity, we may add). Although you would be forgiven for thinking that purchasing two monitors of the same brand and style is the same as buying one, you’d be wrong. Finding the best monitors that lend themselves to the infamous dual setup requires a bit more research since there are several variables that you should take into consideration to make the dual setup run as smoothly as possible. First, you want to find a monitor whose borders are relatively thin (thinner than most) because when you place two of these monitors side by side, you want to minimize the screen interruption that will inevitably occur where they join. Second, you want to have a monitor that’s easy to daisy chain, which means you should look for models that have the types of connectivity options that don’t require third-party adapters and obnoxious drivers. So before you go out and buy a second version of your go-to monitor, check out our list of the best monitors in 2022 for a dual setup.
The Dell S2722QC is among the best monitors for a dual setup because of its stunning 4K display with high pixel density. This 27-inch monitor has ultra-thin bezels on three sides, so you will have minimal distractions when you put one beside the other. Users can expect a wide viewing angle and the most dynamic colors from the monitor because of its IPS technology and 99% sRGB color coverage. Its AMD FreeSync technology ensures you have smooth and tear-free gameplay, but not everyone will be okay with its 60Hz refresh rate. The monitor features an ergonomic design, so you can adjust its height, pivot, tilt, and swivel. We know most of you probably like charging your mobile devices while you’re on your computer, so you will find the Dell S2722QC’s USB-C port with 65W power delivery valuable. It also comes with two HDMI ports, two USB Type-A ports, and an audio line-out port. The monitor has built-in dual 3W speakers, but it still doesn’t compare to the sound quality you get from high-end Bluetooth speakers and soundbars. Dell cares about the environment, and it’s why they made the monitor with at least 25% post-consumer recycled plastics. They also make sure that it gets shipped to you with environmentally-friendly packaging. Customers will receive a free USB Type-C to USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 2 cable along with the monitor.
4K display with slim bezelsErgonomic designWide viewing anglesTons of portsAMD FreeSync technology
Color accuracy needs improvements60Hz refresh rate
The ASUS ProArt Display PA278CV is an outstanding monitor suitable for those working in the creative field. It features a 27-inch WQHD LED-backlit display with IPS technology. This monitor has a spectacular color performance because of its 100% sRGB and 100% Rec. 709 wide color gamut. You can expect top-notch accuracy with its colors since it’s Calman Verified. Users can conveniently adjust hue parameters and saturation because it comes with a 6-axis color adjustment. You can even get a quick color gamut adjustment by using different ASUS-exclusive ProArt presets. Artists will love this monitor because it comes with the ASUS QuickFit Virtual Scale, which shows you a preview of your projects in their actual sizes. You have a ton of flexibility in positioning your monitor because you can tilt, swivel, and pivot the display. The height of its stand is also fully-adjustable. Like many modern monitors, the ASUS ProArt Display PA278CV comes with Flicker-Free and Ultra-Low Blue Light technology, so you can avoid eye fatigue and strain. ASUS has an idea that their customers use their monitors for multitasking, and it’s probably why they added the Picture-by-Picture and Picture-in-Picture so you can easily maximize your display with a click of a button. The monitor comes with DisplayPort that supports daisy-chaining, connecting up to 4 monitors. It also has a USB Type-C port, two USB Type-A ports, an HDMI port, and an earphone jack. The freebies shipped with the monitor are an HDMI cable, DisplayPort cable, and a 1.5m USB Type-C to C cable.
Fantastic color performance27-inch WQHD LED-backlit display with IPS technologyASUS QuickFit Virtual ScaleTilt, pivot, swivel, and height adjustmentFlicker-Free and Ultra-Low Blue Light technologyPicture-by-Picture and Picture-in-PictureDaisy-chaining support via DisplayPortWide range of ports
No HDR supportContrast ratio could be better
You can’t go wrong with the LG 27QN600-B monitor because of its three-sided, virtually borderless design. It has a modern and stylish design that will look fantastic when you put two of them side by side. The best part is that the monitor comes with a budget-friendly price tag of $246.99. The LG 27QN600-B features a 27-inch QHD IPS display with HDR10 support that ensures you get more detailed visuals with vibrant colors. You can expect the monitor to display the most accurate colors because of its sRGB 99% color gamut and color depth of 16.7 million. The monitor will be great for work, but it can also give you an outstanding gaming experience because of its AMD FreeSync technology, 75Hz refresh rate, and 5 ms response time guaranteeing smooth and responsive gameplay. You can connect your PC or laptop to the monitor using its DisplayPort or one of its two HDMI ports. The monitor comes with a headphone jack, but it doesn’t have any USB ports. We know spending long hours in front of your computer screen can take a toll on your eyes, but you will love how the LG 27QN600-B has a Reader Mode for reducing blue light and a Flicker Safe feature that decreases onscreen flicker. Users can find the perfect position and angle for their monitor setup because of its tiltable screen. Unfortunately, it lacks pivot, swivel, and height adjustments.
Affordable27-inch QHD IPS display with 3-sided virtually borderless designAMD FreeSync technology and HDR10 support75Hz refresh rate, and 5 ms response timeReader Mode and Flicker SafeTiltable display
No USB portsCan't pivot, swivel, and adjust stand's heightNo built-in speakers
If you’re planning to have a dual monitor setup for your gaming needs, the ASUS TUF Gaming VG289Q monitor would be an excellent choice for you. This monitor features a 28-inch IPS display with a 4K resolution. You can expect impressive detail whether you’re playing a game or watching your favorite show on streaming services. The monitor promises enhanced contrast and a wide color range because of its HDR technology with DCI-P3 90% color gamut. Users will have options regarding the HDR performance on the monitor because it comes with multiple HDR modes. Its HDR10 support ensures you can get the best quality possible for your content. The monitor’s Shadow Boost technology makes dark scenes clearer without the risk of overexposure. Not everyone will know how to adjust the picture setting of their monitor, but the ASUS TUF Gaming VG289Q will make your life easier because its GameVisual Technology gives you seven pre-set display modes to choose from. Users won’t have to worry about eye fatigue even after long hours of gaming because the monitor features Ultra-Low Blue Light and Flicker-Free technology. The monitor has two HDMI 2.0 ports, one DisplayPort 1.2, and an earphone jack, but it lacks USB Type A/C ports. The ASUS TUF Gaming VG289Q has an ergonomic design, so you can pivot, tilt, swivel, and adjust the stand’s height.
Premium and solid build4K resolutionErgonomic designHDR technology with DCI-P3 90% color gamutGameVisual TechnologyUltra-Low Blue Light and Flicker-Free technology
Contrast could be betterNo USB portsHDR is entry-level
For those looking for an ultra-affordable option, you can choose the HP VH240a. This 23.8-inch monitor would only cost you less than $200. Its IPS LED-backlit display features a maximum resolution of 1080p, a 60Hz refresh rate, and a 5 ms response time. The display would be enough for work-related tasks, browsing, and streaming, but it might not be the best option for heavy gamers. The panel can produce more than 16 million colors and 2 million pixels. You can enjoy the monitor from any position because of its 178-degree viewing angle. Its stand is height-adjustable, and you can tilt and pivot the screen. The HP VH240a is ideal for a dual monitor setup because of its 3-sided narrow bezels. The monitor has a 72% sRGB coverage and a 10M:1 dynamic contrast ratio. It has built-in 2W speakers for a convenient listening experience, but those who are picky with their audio quality might still need more high-quality speakers. The monitor doesn’t have USB Type-A or Type-C ports, but users can connect their computers using the HDMI or VGA port. If you want to save more space on your desk, you can mount the monitor using a compatible VESA mount.
AffordableFantastic color coverage and contrast ratio for its priceBuilt-in speakersSlim bezelsErgonomic design
Needs more portsLow refresh rate
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