Dual Monitor Productivity Setup Guide 2022

[@HelloDavid]

Great analysis! It's amazing to see how monitors & setups have progressed in the last 5 years (ultrawides, tvs, oleds...) but the classic SBS Dual Monitor setup will never go out of style.

[@ThisIsE]

Thank you David and thanks for stopping by 😊

[@siemakuba7]

Ah my two favorite desk setup channels in one thread!

[@fiftyent_]

Big fan of the Center Top Stacked. Used this method for some years but did it a bit different. I had a 40" 4k tv above my 27" monitor. This allowed me (or others) to watch tv/content above from any angle and i could continue working. Also since the screen was so big it allowed me to see bigger/more detailed content (or references) that i needed to view as i was working on 3D art/video editing. Few things i disliked about this setup, 10/10 would recommend if you have never tried!

[@JetskiDex]

Now this is as thorough as I'm ever going to get, all presented in a best package.

[@ThisIsE]

Thank you!

[@LuisMouraPT]

I'm a graphic designer. Tried many setups over time, and now I have my iMac on the front and an LG DualUp 16:18 on my left, and it totally changed the game. I think I found the perfect solution, for me of course :)

[@MasterOneMusic]

Best video on Internet, this should be at every Apple Store playing in Loop Great job! Thanks man!

[@ThisIsE]

I appreciate it!!!

[@briansheide8256]

Honestly just the idea of having a primary display was a huge lightbulb moment for me. I immediately shifted my setup to the left and finished watching the video on my now-centered primary display. Great video!

[@AbhinandanAryadipta]

Great video! Exactly the one I didn't know I needed. I have been using the SBS classic for a while and it definitely lowers my productivity due to head rotation and neck pain due to constantly staring towards the side monitor. The neck pain is noticeable especially after a few weeks of constant usage. I will be trying out the vertical stacked monitors and see how it goes. The vertical stacked laptop and monitor definitely seems to be a great option too. You're totally right when you say it comes down to what you use your secondary displays for. This will definitely help a lot of folks. Thanks again E!

[@ThisIsE]

Thanks man. I appreciate it.

[@paularaja]

Vertical stacked is definitely best. As well as having a third monitor to one side. This will add more space to view necessary windows

[@84BUrock]

I liked your recommendations quite a bit. As a developer, I have tried various setups for many years and ended up with mostly using 'vertical laptop stack' everywhere. I have a slight modification to this setup only at home where most of my work hours are spent. I have an extra monitor with vertical sbs alignment on top of vertical laptop stack. That extra monitor is turned off most of the times and I use it only when I need to do coding on 2 different but related code bases while using the laptop screen basically as a googling/stackoverflowing screen.

[@ThisIsE]

I bet that looks wicked 😊

[@elitedarklordjie]

Please do a triple monitor setup for the next one! Great vid!!!

[@ThisIsE]

I'll keep that in mind Joe!

[@BlackBeltBarrister]

I'm having exactly this problem right no - very useful to hear your thoughts, thanks!

[@ThisIsE]

My pleasure

[@Sola_Scriptura_1.618]

Double stacked with a verticle side monitor works best for me! Tripple monitor setup maximizes my productivity and minimizes the required real estate. I use the same model for all three monitors for esthetics and to reduce visual strain due to variations in color, intensity, and resolutions.

[@ThisIsE]

You are a beast 👊🏻

[@Gabriel-jg5wh]

im thinking of doing the same thing but still trying to find the best stand for the 2 monitor stacked.

[@Luqomiguel]

@@Gabriel-jg5wh if you find one can you link it? ive been looking for one aswell

[@gislo]

I have tried many setups, now i use 49" as main, and above a 27" - intentionally not bigger so I can easily share that screen in video calls etc. Works great. With this i have short keys for adjusting windows. the 49 houses 4 zones I work with. Creating almost a 3 monitor setup.

[@itsxris]

your thumbnails are always on point

[@ThisIsE]

Thanks Xris!

[@AvioInsane]

As a software dev who often has every inch of screen full with my IDE, database client, terminal, browser, etc, i have tried many of your suggested arrangements but there's just nothing like side by side. Not having a main display is actually pleasent to me. Having a lot of horizontal space gives me the option to arrange my apps according to my thought process, left comes first, then go right.

[@ThisIsE]

Ah...software developers...🙂 JK

[@skaaaaaaar]

Which monitors do you have please, 27“ with high refresh rate ? 120hz or more

[@stormwaker]

Have you considered ultrawide?

[@nabagata]

@@stormwaker ultrawide does the job too but its a pain while sharing your screen with colleagues. I don't want to share the screen with stuff which I usually put on my secondary monitor. I've read about partial screen sharing using OBS in ultrawide but separate secondary monitor handles it better.

[@stormwaker]

@@nabagata Maybe PBP? Where you plug 2 inputs from one ultrawide - so your computer treats it like two screens, but you have no bezels, better desk space, and normal ultrawide when you want to game for example.

[@Tutoelectro1]

I'm thinking about a 27" main at 1440p + a LG dual below set horizontally.

[@SoeYanPaing]

I love this type of analysis. Please do more like one 32 inch vs two 27 inch

[@ThisIsE]

I’ll keep that in mind. Thanks Soe!

[@BlackHoleInstitute]

Man, you did a hell of a job! Thank you for your big effort!

[@ThisIsE]

Few people realise it. Thank you!

[@QuantumOfSilence]

Great vid. I have a dual monitor setup myself and have one main monitor and the secondary one off to the right. It fits my workflow well, but it was nice seeing what other options are out there!

[@ThisIsE]

Nice 👍🏻

[@samanthazone1167]

Awesome analysis. I have been struggling with what setup is best for my particular scenario. I was limited by my own lack of creativity. Thank you for providing a solution.

[@ThisIsE]

My pleasure 😇

[@b25671]

I just set up my 2 16:9 monitors in a 1vertical 1horizontal setup. ... it's not about reading more code vertically ... it's about not creating a whiplash having these 2 monitors in a horizontal setup (which I've had for +10 years). ... and so reducing horizontal movement of your head and eyes. I'm glad I've discovered the 1v + 1h ... now I finally have a center screen again. Of course... a 1x 21:9 or wider monitor is probably better ... but at the moment don't want to pay for one. Also the use of fancy-zones is crucial to me ... I've got many overlapping zones derived from the default 16:9 and 4:3 ratio's. ... very handy Thanks for the video!

[@naaishshbwooi4441]

I WAS LITERALLY GOING TO SEARCH THIS !! Thank you !!!

[@ThisIsE]

I knew you would 😊

[@kazuto_x3964]

I’m glad my monitor setup seems to fit most of these boxes. I have a laptop screen far left, a 165Hz main monitor in the middle and a 60Hz vertical on the right. Looks even personally for me bc L snapped desk and three monitors gives a lot of freedom and info

[@seimeianri]

I always see people with the Left/Right Vertical Side-by-Side configuration using the vertical monitor with the bottom branding outwards, but you can hide the bottom bezel, which is sometimes thicker than the others, behind the horizontal main monitor, that way you eliminates one of the joining bezels.

[@ThisIsE]

That's indeed a good option.

[@ivovass195]

Multiple monitors can be of great help as long as they're setup correctly for one's needs, glad you pointed out the main aspects for multiple scenarios, personally I run a laptop on a stand and a monitor to the left and it's great for my cad work, don't imagine myself working on just one screen

[@ThisIsE]

I hear you…although sometimes, just the laptop is a breath of fresh air 😊

[@alflasalle]

Best Video so far! Played around a lot too and ended up with stacked up. 2nd Monitor is just for Sound-Setting and configuration parts... You just need to get used to it, then it's OK..

[@Rkcuddles]

Wow first time watching your channel. Didn’t expect so much insight. Thanks for covering a rather fresh topic.

[@jabon13]

I actually use a blend of your options. I use SBS with primary centered and a secondary to the left. Then I use the laptop as a lower monitor. Technically that’s 3 monitors, but I found it most optimal for me. For me, the lob sidedness doesn’t bother me since my desk setup is lob sided with a filing cabinet to the right and nothing to the left.

[@ThisIsE]

Awesome, thanks for sharing!

[@paularaja]

This is exactly my set-up. It is the most optimum and the one I have used for many years.

[@guillermoperez3614]

Thank you, my new job is going to using a dual monitor setup soon. I had an idea already but this video gave me some new inspiration to try other setups.

[@haxanshabbir]

I honesty was looking for a killer video like this on configuration topic. Shouout to Zhand for making a video initially on this idea

[@ThisIsE]

Thank you!

[@Beautybyjorge]

I love your channel!

[@viniziolive]

broooo, loved the video, i wish i could have my financial life as organized as this haha ¡keep te good work!

[@RobertSmith-ch9jj]

This video is 💯 All thriller, no filler. Exactly what I was looking for on the topic. 👏🏻

[@ThisIsE]

That’s a fantastic way to put it. Thanks 😊

[@LoFiSamurai308]

What mount is being used at 6:33 in the video? I am really liking that look of having the bottom monitor angled like that and want to make sure I get something that will allow me to achieve that.

[@chriscasillas]

Great video as always! I typically use one 24 inch monitor on an arm. If I need two, I'll setup my iPad on the desk underneath the main monitor, just like you described toward the end of the video. Universal Control is a dream for that!

[@ThisIsE]

Absolutely Chris!

[@aliabdaal]

Great video

[@ThisIsE]

Thanks Ali!

[@iwanhaniyoto]

Left Vertical SBS, this is my favorite dual monitor setup: 32 inch 2K main display on a landscape mode, with my secondary display 24 inch FHD on the left on a portrait mode, with this mode, the 2 monitor have a same height and identical scale for eyes, very comfort on a long term use.

[@tech.inspector]

Awesome video quality you have there !!!

[@TheTallMan67]

Awesome. I'm starting to design my new setup and this helps me think out of the box

[@DarKNG]

Personally i tested a lot of these and the most confy to me is a "normal" positioned monitor centered to me and a vertical monitor on the side lined up on the top, when im editing i can use the vertical monitor for explorer and the video preview and when gaming i can put twitch, discord, spotify, etc

[@griftgfx]

Old video but: I prefer having my monitors on separate arms so that I can move either into the center position, and move the other to either the left-or-right side. It just gives you a far larger range of motion than any dual arm does. It may be a niche requirement, but I need to be able to use my gaming display and my work display in the primary position if I need it.

[@devlokavenue8364]

Left / Right Horizontal setup was great for me , switched while watching this from left right center

[@AdamsTaiwan]

My company bought an ultra-wide LG monitor for me to use. I chose it so that I could switch part of the screen to use with another computer. I discovered that I could use it vertically and have always used it that way. I can remote into the other system and put the Remote Desktop app on it's own virtual desktop so I don't need to physically split anymore. I also got a Asus to use vertically at home and I prefer it to the ultra-wide one. So at home I have my notebook with a vertical on right. At work I have the notebook with a horizontal above and the ultra wide in vertical orientation on the left. When I got back to work I realized I really missed the horizontal above. So my favorite configuration is 2 horizontals stacked with a vertical on the side.

[@louisrosado3295]

I'm 3 months late to this vid, but I love the way you use Apple Numbers, looks a lot better than Excel. The 2 monitors stacked up on top of each other is my favorite. Great Video and Sound. Maybe you can show how you use the Apple Office Suite soon.

[@bikeman7982]

Vertical laptop stack: downside: the main monitor is too high and too far away for some people. Horizontal laptop side-by-side: you can use dual monitor arms - they make laptop stands that attach to the monitor arm. This lets you adjust the position of the laptop and also gives a clean look because its off the desk.

[@FraxVisuals]

Been really loving your channel recently!! Keep it up! 100k soon :)

[@ThisIsE]

Yep yep 😊

[@poketipscr]

I truly appreciate this last option you gave us in your video. I have a laptop plus 2 monitors set up and I have been struggling with the desk space for a while. Thanks!!

[@user-fi6hg8vq6c]

The vertical laptop setup is most likely the way I’ll go especially since I’m using a stand up desk converter. I currently have a 34” ultrawide but am seriously considering picking up an old thunderbolt monitor to go with my aging, more than capable, 2014 MacBook Pro. My secondary preference would be to have my macbook open to the right or left of my main monitor.

[@gentlemangeek]

Incredibly useful! Thanks.

[@ThisIsE]

Thanks Luis

[@HasanRasheed]

amazingly detailed video whether to use or not to use secondary display and what are the best ergonomics, wonderful video man!

[@mtbsam7756]

As always a great video, relevant and informative, given me a new twist to my setup. Thanks you E

[@ThisIsE]

Thank you too 😊

[@dalekim]

amazing content!!! your channel will become huge soon

[@Outrage82]

played around with this for a bit. I now have the 38" LG ultrawide as my main/centre monitor, then a 27" LG as a left horizontal SBS setup. I find this is amazing. I had the left monitor vertical originally but its so more useful in a horizontal setup.

[@ThisIsE]

That’s awesome Nick!

[@jate.photography]

Such a great video, have watched this multiple times now and keep coming back to it. I totally agree with your assessment of center-horizontal-SBS! It's the worst! I tried so hard to love it since so many desk setup videos/Instagrams show it like this but it's truly horrible.

[@jomendoz13]

I do structural engineering, use engineering program, excel and BIM programs - my setup is triple monitor. Left Monitor 32" 1440p, Main middle 43" 4k, right 27" 1440p vertical orientation.

[@jacplacek]

Great evaluation and run through. Thanks!

[@bhu987us]

This video is SUPER HELPFUL and INFORMATIVE. Thank you!!!

[@netcoin]

That was really helpful. Thank you! 👍

[@ThisIsE]

Glad it was helpful!

[@IvanGiivanov]

I personally use a combination of Vertical Laptop Stacked and Right Horizonal SBS - I have two monitors - a center one and one to it’s right and also my laptop on the bottom of the primary monitor. After a lot of experiments found out out that this way works best for my workflow. Chat and Music applications on the laptop and on both monitors I have excels and all other work related stuff

[@ThisIsE]

Thanks for your feedback Ivan 😊

[@deeeekoh]

Love your videos, very professional and informative. Thank you for these videos!

[@ThisIsE]

It’s an absolute pleasure 😊

[@-Jakob-]

I'm using the classical slightly angled horizontal side by side setup. As for me, I don't have to be always in front of between my two monitors. I move and turn my chair to my primary display. This can be the left one or the right one, often simply depends on what I'm using as the primary input device for the task, the keyboard (left monitor) or the mouse (right monitor)

[@kopilkaiser8991]

Amazing video to learn about dual monitor setup. I'm interested to get one for myself.

[@noradurst5317]

This was exceptionally helpful, thank you!

[@mikestone9129]

Lots of great info in one video, Thanks. I'm thinking of going dual monitors just because they look cool:-)

[@jeromerusselldemusicologist]

This is a great video... The information here is priceless...

[@ThisIsE]

Thanks Jerome!

[@aungsan7541]

The set up i use us a centre monitor with a vertical monitor on my left. In addition a small 10.5inch screen under the main centre monitor. similar to the stack set up but with a vertical off to the side.

[@vdviniciusdalmolin]

Great video, man! Some of the setups I never thought about. But I missed a complete overview of the diagram with all the setups :(

[@daniel_tenner]

Some interesting ideas! My current set up is: main monitor horizontal, secondary monitor vertical on the left, *with the laptop stacked underneath the secondary monitor*. Oh, and also a tiny monitor connected to my teleprompter on the right.

[@DanIel-fl1vc]

7:04 looks like the best one, I'd love to be able to look down at the 3d world I'm designing, up at reference, video or programming. But it would require some carpentry for the table and new monitors.

[@GamerZap]

Great video! I like the Center Bottom Stacked. Thanks for sharing:)

[@jackyjean-charles8628]

This video came at the perfect time. I am looking for a versatile monitor arm that allows me to test multiple configurations. Any thoughts on the Ergotron - LX Vertical Stacking Dual Monitor Arm?

[@ThisIsE]

I have an Ergotron arm. Although it’s not dual, it’s a beast!

[@Dewaalman]

Very cool video. Tell me - the Center Bottom Stacked layout - how is the bottom screen mounted to the bar?

[@Virru112]

Nice analysis.. I've got 2 stacked (32" G7 and a 24" on top) plus a portable 14" 4k monitor on the desk.. if I have my work laptop connected then that becomes the 4th screen to the side..I've previously tried the vertical side monitor, the SBS, and even 2 vertical monitors on either side (X-Wing formation)... The current setup works great for work purposes so I can reference different apps such as CRM, MS Notes, Outlook and the web browser

[@ThisIsE]

You are a productivity machine 👊🏻

[@rapaent]

Thank you for sharing all these setups!! I really like your setup n the vertical arrangement shown 6:34 with the bottom display tilted around 30 degrees. I looked at your Dual Monitor Setup Accessories, are you using the Single Computer Monitor and Laptop Desk Mount Combo? Just wondering due to the amount of tilt you have. Thanks again! 👍😊

[@sudd3660]

02:52 Left/Right Vertical SBS is my favorite. i need space for my speakers on the sides and some window light. but the problem is with content on the vertical monitor, 1440p resolution is minimum here, 4k recommended so you can fit a 1080p video and other programs.

[@ThisIsE]

Nice!

[@jeremyhodges923]

Thank you for these great videos! Its a huge help! One question: on the Center Bottom Stacked setup. Which mount do you recommend?

[@ThisIsE]

Thanks. I think I have some links in the description

[@Gibonsli]

Nice video! Helpful alot for my future setup. Btw are you from BG?

[@loubloom153]

What's the music in the beginning of video? Thanks

[@gerymoes4257]

Top video ! I use a 49 ultra wide moniteur with software splitting screen (display fusion) in 30/30/40 space.

[@ThisIsE]

Don’t you find it overwhelming? I sometimes feel my 38” is a bit much.

[@gerymoes4257]

Yes sometimes but before I had three screens solutions and that was too much ;) . I need always three programs open all the time

[@audrakoudellou7074]

This video is great! Exactly what I was looking for. Thank you for taking the time to explore the variety of set up configurations. I am going to reconfigure everything right now.😃

[@jamespaul4618]

Very Informative and useful information. Thanks.

[@chistisadaf]

Great video. Gave me a nice overview! This might inspire me to make a video on this topic too. Thanks again David and Iskren.

[@ThisIsE]

Thanks 😊

[@SandyS0und]

I appreciate the breakdown, its a tough balance to strike. Just settled on the Vertical stack myself. I require surround sound in my setup and the need for Center Left Right speakers gives a huge challenge, especially when my work benefits from having at minimum 2 screens. 4 would honestly be ideal, but damn thats too much. I have a solution I like by having the Center speaker horizontal and on the bottom of the monitor stack. The left and right speakers are on tall desk stands, which allows me to get a third smaller portable screen to the side and low, below the right speaker.

[@cutmass]

ive been going with sbs since my first setup but lately ive been thinking a single monitor layout would be the best. but after seeing this i need to try the laptop one

[@IAmConorr]

I use the Vertical Laptop Stack with my iPad Pro next to the MacBook. Feel like it works well having the camera in the middle of the displays so you can use the monitor for notes and just eyeball them, especially if they’re at the bottom of the monitor, gives a better sense of eye contact imo.

[@joemanco69]

thanks for the insight and experiment!

[@themiguelpt91]

Nice video! I personally can’t stand dual monitors with none of them centered! At the moment I’m using a triple monitor setup. I work remotely as a software developer and the job requires a lot of applications running all day long. Hence I have the new LG Dual Up 28” monitor at the center as my main display, a 2K Dell 27” monitor to the right in portrait orientar and an LG 4K 32” monitor to the left in landscape orientation. It’s pretty sweet to be able to have all the main applications running and visible at all times.

[@ThisIsE]

You are a machine 👊🏻

[@Justeego]

Never thought about Center Bottom Stacked, very interesting

[@qualityofliving]

Great video! Which desk mount did you use for the center bottom stacked set up? Thanks!

[@Joe7zn]

Great video! 👏🏼

[@vikas_vpm]

I actually use the vertical laptop stack but without a keyboard and mouse, since I really like navigating using the macOS trackpad gesture.

[@mariuszj3826]

I've always been okay with a 27 inch primary display and a 5:4 secondary display under the SBS setup. I'm tempted to try the stacked with a laptop at the bottom and see how it feels, it look sinteresting.

[@ThisIsE]

What 5:4 do you use?

[@mariuszj3826]

@@ThisIsE an old Acer VB191T.

[@CreativeRamy]

Wish there was a video like this that actually tested out display positioning for audio and video production - not just mention it but rather go through it with people who do this work in this niche not just coders

[@ThisIsE]

I will keep that in mind 🙂

[@jochoaus]

Two new LG Dual Ups vertical side by side for Windows business work with auto vertical screen stacking built-in,, with stand up Macbook Pro or iPad Pro 12" in the middle of the two screens, for music, videos and team meetings, is my new awesome go-to setup

[@ThisIsE]

Nice!

[@giogeezy]

Thank you for this video!

[@ThisIsE]

My pleasure 😇

[@MoMoadeli]

What arms do you use for the center bottom stacked configuration? Specifically how have you tilted the bottom large monitor? Many thanks. @thisise

[@frossetto]

Also wondering this. Can you share with us? @ThisIsE?

[@theecat3689]

The vertical laptop and monitor stacking is exactly what I was thinking of once I buy my monitor but felt iffy because I've never seen anyone do it. Usually it's 1 beside the other. Will have to buy an arm tho... and will have to seriously consider if I want to risk damaging my table with the clamps...

[@nicksdinosforkids6001]

Three monitors side by side work for me on my desktops along with one being vertical for document creation. Agreed you want to avoid excessive head movement. I also have a stack setup with my laptops below the three monitors.

[@whitehouse2974]

As a developer i worked for years with dual monitor side by side setup, but since the last 2 years i've been working with, which is what i think, the ideal setup. I use a triple monitor setup with primary 27inch monitor to the right. A secondary 19 inch monitor on the left, and below it (so stacked) my 15 inch laptop opened. I got the choice to receive a free extra 27 inch monitor but chose not to because i like this setup so much. Use laptop screen for chat/mail/conversation. Use one screen for browsing and one for developing with code. As an added bonus it doesn't take up all of my space on the desk.

[@dennissvensson6051]

I think you missed a good one, the laptop stack portet. The extra monitor mounted about 20cm behind the laptop, so you can have it quite low so the extra monitors center is still in eye level even when it's a wide model. I've also noticed less eye fatigue as you switch to different focal points regularly.

[@kidult9455]

Which monitor do you use for your set up? Texts look crisp!