Choosing between one monitor and two is not just a matter of habit. It depends on the way you work. For some people, a single screen is enough to stay focused without cluttering the desk with extra equipment. For others, two monitors make it easier to switch between projects, keep key information visible and spread tasks across both screens.
The right choice depends on what you do, how you work and how your desk is set up. A second screen can make everyday tasks quicker and more comfortable, but it can also create unnecessary visual clutter if you do not really need it or if it is not positioned properly.
Before buying an additional monitor, it is worth understanding when a dual-monitor setup is genuinely useful, when one screen is enough, and how to organise your workspace so that it feels tidy, comfortable and ergonomic.
Who Should Consider a Dual-Monitor Setup?
A second monitor makes sense when you need to view two apps, documents or sources of information at the same time instead of constantly switching between them.
This is especially useful for:
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people who work with spreadsheets, documents, emails, CRM systems and reports;
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developers, engineers and analysts;
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designers, video editors and 3D specialists;
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writers, editors, marketers and students;
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anyone who regularly joins video calls, gives presentations or streams online.
In all these scenarios, a second screen can save a noticeable amount of time and make daily work feel more efficient.
When One Monitor Is Enough
If you spend most of your time in one window or one main app, a second display does not always bring a real benefit. In this case, it often makes more sense to improve your single-monitor setup: free up desk space, raise the monitor to the correct height, and adjust the viewing distance and angle.
A common option is to use a laptop together with an external monitor on a monitor arm. The external monitor can become your main screen, positioned at a comfortable height, while the laptop sits to the side as a secondary display. This gives you many of the benefits of two screens without having to buy another full-size monitor. You can use the larger screen for your main task, while keeping emails, messaging apps, your calendar, reference materials or a video call open on the laptop.
In other words, the best upgrade is not always a second monitor. Sometimes, a good monitor mount for one screen makes a bigger difference. For this type of setup, the ONKRON G80 is a practical option. It is a desk-mounted monitor arm for a single 13"–32" screen, with a load capacity of up to 10 kg. It helps free up the work surface and makes it easier to position the display exactly where you need it.
Why a Monitor Arm Is Key to a Comfortable Workstation
In practice, comfort depends not only on the number of screens, but also on how they are positioned.
A monitor holder helps you:
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free up space on the desk;
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set the screen at the correct height;
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adjust tilt, swivel and reach;
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bring the screen closer without relying on bulky stands;
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keep cables neatly organised.
What to Consider When Choosing a Screen Arm
To make a dual-monitor setup genuinely comfortable, think about both the layout and the technical specifications.
Pay attention to:
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monitor size and weight — if your monitor is heavy, curved or ultrawide, load capacity becomes especially important;
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VESA compatibility;
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mounting method — a desk clamp or grommet mount;
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adjustment range for height, tilt, swivel and reach.
For more details on choosing a desk monitor mount, read our article.
Layout Ideas: How to Organise a Workspace with Two Monitors
1. Classic Layout: Two Monitors Side by Side
This is the most common option. The main screen is placed directly in front of you, while the second screen sits next to it at a slight angle. This arrangement works well for most users and suits office, technical and home working environments.
For a classic dual-monitor workstation, monitor arms for two screens are especially convenient. For example, the ONKRON D221E is suitable for two 13"–32" monitors weighing up to 8 kg each, while the ONKRON G160 supports two 13"–32" screens with a load capacity of up to 10 kg per monitor.
These dual monitor arms are useful when you want to align both displays at the same height and create a clean, organised workspace.
2. Vertical Layout: One Monitor Above the Other
Another option is a vertical setup, where the displays are positioned one above the other. This layout is especially useful if your desk is limited in width or you want to keep the work surface as clear as possible.
In most cases, the lower monitor is used as the main screen, while the upper one is used for emails, chats, monitoring, documentation or secondary windows. For this type of setup, a good adjustment range and compatibility with the size and weight of both monitors are particularly important.
For example, the ONKRON D208E desk mount supports two 13"–34" monitors weighing up to 8 kg each. This makes it a suitable option for workspaces where you need to arrange two screens flexibly while making efficient use of desk space.
3. Portrait Mode
A monitor in a portrait mode can be useful for programming, long texts, task feeds, chats and documents. It is also a practical way to save space on the desk.
This setup works especially well when one screen remains your main display and the second is used as a secondary screen in portrait mode.
FAQ
Who is a vertical monitor arm suitable for?
A vertical monitor arm is suitable for people who have limited desk width but still need a second screen. It is a convenient option for work tasks where one monitor is used as the main display and the other is used for chats, emails, monitoring, documentation or secondary windows.
Do two monitors really make work faster?
Yes, if you regularly work with several windows and sources of information at the same time. In this case, a second monitor reduces the need to keep switching between tabs and windows.
When is it better to choose one monitor?
One monitor is the better choice if most of your work happens in one application, if you do not need to compare several windows constantly, or if desk space is limited.
In this situation, a single monitor arm is often more comfortable than two monitors. It frees up space and allows you to adjust the height, angle and distance of the display.
If you work with a laptop, you can use an external monitor on a monitor arm as your main screen and keep the laptop display as a secondary screen for emails, messaging apps or reference materials.
Can I use different monitors?
Yes, especially if one monitor is your main screen and the other is used as a secondary display. However, it is important to make sure that the monitor arm is suitable for each display’s weight and VESA standard.
To Sum Up
One monitor or two depends on your tasks. But in any setup, comfort comes down to how well your workspace is organised.
If you want a tidier desk, more freedom to adjust your screen and a setup that genuinely works for you, start with the right mount. ONKRON monitor arms help you build a workspace around the way you actually work.
View the full range of ONKRON monitor arms in our catalogue.
