Using two monitors in your setup has a few benefits, like making multitasking easier. Some brands and retailers sell two-in-one monitor bundles, but those are usually cheap displays that aren't special, so if your budget allows for it, getting two units of the same model is the best way to go. While you can get any size you prefer, 24- and 27-inch screens are common to use in a dual setup, as bigger displays can take up too much space.
There are some factors to consider when looking for monitors for your setup. Those with wide viewing angles keep the image consistent from the sides, which is useful if you aren't viewing the screen directly in front. Having versatile ergonomics also helps you adjust the two displays to your ideal position.
Also, think about how you'll connect to the two monitors. It's easiest if your computer has two video outputs or you have an adapter or dock with multiple video outputs, and most modern computers don't have any problems outputting two signals at once. That said, if your PC only has one output and you prefer not to use a dock or adapter, then one of the monitors you get needs to support daisy chaining, which lets you connect monitors to each other with a single cable going to your computer.
We've bought and tested over 335 monitors, and below are our recommendations for the best secondary monitor. See our recommendations for the best work monitors and the best vertical monitors. However, if you think a dual monitor setup isn't right for you, it may be worth looking for the best ultrawide monitors instead.
The Dell S2721QS is the best monitor for dual setup that we've tested. It's a 4k, 27-inch monitor that's extremely capable if you want to use it for productivity work. The large screen offers enough space for multitasking, especially if you place two side by side, and its high resolution helps deliver sharp text. It also has excellent ergonomics, which is ideal if you want to adjust both screens next to each other, including in a vertical mode.
It works well in brighter environments, as it has good reflection handling and is bright enough to fight glare. Its biggest advantage is its price, as you can get two of these monitors for the cost of one more expensive monitor while still having great clarity and image quality for productivity uses. However, it lacks the USB-C connectivity, daisy chaining support, and HDR color performance of higher-end models. If these things are important, check out the Dell U2723QE, which has a USB hub and KVM switch with up to 90W of power delivery and more vivid HDR colors. However, it also costs far more.
If you find the 27-inch screen of the Dell S2721QS too big for a dual-monitor setup, check out a 24-inch monitor like the Dell P2423D. The main advantage of getting a smaller screen is that placing two of them side by side takes up less space, and it's also something to consider if you want to get three monitors to use in your setup. It has a lower 1440p resolution than the S2721QS, so it requires less bandwidth from your computer to send two video signals at once, though it still has great text clarity.
It's similar to the S2721QS in terms of features, as it has remarkable ergonomics without many extras like a KVM switch or daisy chaining support. However, unlike the S2721QS, it does have a USB hub. That said, unlike the S2721QS, it doesn't support HDR.
If you find the 24-inch screen of the Dell P2423D too small and prefer looking for a 27-inch monitor like the Dell S2721QS, there are some good budget options. If that's what you're interested in, consider the Dell G2724D. It has a lower 1440p resolution than the S2721QS, meaning the text isn't as sharp, but that's the sacrifice you need to make for something cheaper. However, it still works well in bright environments, as it has good reflection handling and overcomes glare.
However, like the other monitors, it has fantastic ergonomics, including the ability to rotate it into portrait mode, making it easy to adjust next to another display. It also has fantastic image accuracy before calibration, so you don't need to calibrate it if you're a content creator. However, it doesn't have a USB hub. If you want a 1440p monitor with a few extras like a USB hub, 65W of power delivery, and daisy chaining support, check out the ASUS ProArt Display PA278CV. However, it costs considerably more than the Dell.
If you're looking for the best secondary monitor for cheap, check out the Dell P2425H. It's an entry-level monitor with a 24-inch screen like the Dell P2423D, but it has a lower 1080p resolution, so the text isn't as sharp. That said, it has better connectivity than most other cheap monitors because it features a USB hub with three USB-A ports and a USB-C port.
Although the USB-C port doesn't support DisplayPort Alt Mode, so you can't display a video signal from a laptop, you can still use it for data transfer or charging your devices. The monitor also has an extremely ergonomic stand, ideal for adjusting it in a dual or triple monitor setup.
The Dell S2722QC is an alternative to our best monitor for dual configuration, the Dell S2721QS. It has extra features like USB-C power delivery and a small USB hub. However, it costs more and otherwise delivers very similar productivity performance.
See our reviewThe ASUS ProArt Display PA279CRV has extra features compared to our top pick, the Dell S2721QS, like a USB hub and 90W of power delivery. However, it costs considerably more than the Dell.
See our reviewReplaced the Dell U2723QE with the Dell S2721QS as the 'Best Monitor for Dual Setup,' as it costs much less. Replaced the ASUS ProArt Display PA278CV with the Dell G2724D, as it has a lower cost. Removed the ASUS VG246H as a Notable Mention.
Sep 20, 2024: We replaced the Dell G2724D with the Dell P2425H, which has more office-oriented features. We also replaced the Dell U3223QE and the Dell S2721QS with the ASUS VG246H and the Dell S2722QC in the Notable Mentions to better match the scope of the recommendation.
Jun 28, 2024: Replaced the ASUS VG246H with the Dell G2724D as 'Best Cheap,' as the Dell has a larger screen, better text clarity, and better overall performance. Introduced the Dell P2423D as the 'Best 24-Inch Monitor,' as it has a high-resolution display and sharp text for a 24-inch monitor.
May 07, 2024: Removed the 'Best Upper Mid-Range' and 'Best Mid-Range' categories because they don't fit into the scope of the article, which focuses on cheaper displays at a lower cost. Replaced the Gigabyte M27Q P with the ASUS ProArt Display PA279CRV in the Notable Mentions.
Mar 12, 2024: Verified that all monitors are still available to purchase and updated text for clarity throughout.
Our recommendations are based on what we think are the best monitors for dual configuration. They are adapted to be valid for most people, in each price range. Rating is based on our review, factoring in price, and feedback from our visitors.
If you would prefer to make your own decision, here is the list of all of our monitor reviews. Be careful not to get too caught up in the details. Most monitors are good enough to please most people, and the things we fault monitors on are often not noticeable unless you really look for them.