Buying Guide

The Best Dual Monitor Arms

Six dual arms, including clamp, grommet and freestanding options.

By The PC Journal editorial team

12 min read6 products evaluated

Dual arms put two screens on one mount. These six differ in load, spring type and whether they clamp at all.

Load limits are per arm from each listing.

Quick Picks

Our 6 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.

  1. Best Premium

    Ergotron LX Dual Monitor Arm

    13 inches of lift and a low-profile clamp.

    Best for: 27-inch pairs.

    Our take Check price for Ergotron LX Dual Monitor Arm (opens in a new tab)

  2. Largest Screens

    HUANUO Premium Dual Monitor Stand with USB (13-40 in)

    Two 40-inch screens at 26.4 lb each.

    Best for: Big pairs.

    Our take Check price for HUANUO Premium Dual Monitor Stand with USB (13-40 in) (opens in a new tab)

  3. Best Gas Spring

    HUANUO FlowLift Dual Monitor Stand

    Gas-spring arms on a dual C-clamp.

    Best for: One-hand moves.

    Our take Check price for HUANUO FlowLift Dual Monitor Stand (opens in a new tab)

  4. Best Mechanical Spring

    VIVO Dual Monitor Stand with Mechanical Spring Arms

    Mechanical spring arms.

    Best for: Smooth moves.

    Our take Check price for VIVO Dual Monitor Stand with Mechanical Spring Arms (opens in a new tab)

  5. Best Budget

    Amazon Basics Gas Spring Dual Monitor Arm

    Gas-spring arms with a 4-inch clamp.

    Best for: Tight budgets.

    Our take Check price for Amazon Basics Gas Spring Dual Monitor Arm (opens in a new tab)

  6. Best No-Clamp

    VIVO Freestanding Dual Monitor Stand

    A freestanding base.

    Best for: Glass or lipped desks.

    Our take Check price for VIVO Freestanding Dual Monitor Stand (opens in a new tab)

Our Picks

Ergotron LX Dual Monitor Arm

Best Premium1 of 6

Ergotron LX Dual Monitor Arm on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

Ergotron's LX Dual holds two 27-inch screens from 7 to 20 lb each with 13 inches of lift.

Best for

27-inch pairs.

Skip if

Skip it if this is a deal-breaker for you: tops out at 27-inch screens.

Why we like it

Its clamp is low profile. On screen size limit it ties with the Amazon Basics gas dual and the VIVO freestanding at 27 in. On load rating it sits mid-pack at 20 lbs: the HUANUO 40-inch dual is rated for 26.4 lbs, and the Amazon Basics gas dual comes in at 15.4 lbs.

It is the only pick here with a two-piece clamp or grommet mounting; the FlowLift Dual has a dual C-clamp or grommet mounting instead. Check the back of your monitor for a 75x75 or 100x100 VESA pattern before ordering the Ergotron LX Dual; curved and some slim monitors need an adapter. Confirm your desk edge fits the Ergotron LX Dual's clamp range and has no rear lip or drawer rail in the way. Only the HUANUO 40-inch dual came close to it on price at the time of writing; it cost the most of the 6 picks.

Key dimensions & specs

  • Max screen size: 27 in
  • Max load per arm: 20 lbs
  • Monitors: 2
  • Mounting: Two-piece clamp or grommet

Pros

  • 7 to 20 lb range per screen
  • 13 inches of lift
  • Low-profile clamp
  • Load rating of 20 lbs, ahead of the FlowLift Dual

Cons

  • Tops out at 27-inch screens
  • Costs more than the VIVO freestanding at the time of writing
HUANUO Premium Dual Monitor Stand with USB (13-40 in)

Largest Screens2 of 6

HUANUO Premium Dual Monitor Stand with USB (13-40 in) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

HUANUO's premium dual stand takes two 13 to 40 inch screens at 26.4 lb per arm.

Best for

Big pairs.

Skip if

If budget leads, the VIVO freestanding was cheaper at our last price check.

Why we like it

USB ports sit in the base. Its 40 in screen size limit is the largest here; the FlowLift Dual comes next at 32 in. Nothing else here matches its 26.4 lbs load rating; the VIVO freestanding comes closest at 22 lbs.

It shares a dual C-clamp or grommet mounting with the FlowLift Dual; the VIVO freestanding goes with a freestanding base mounting. Check the back of your monitor for a 75x75 / 100x100 VESA pattern before ordering the HUANUO 40-inch dual; curved and some slim monitors need an adapter. Confirm your desk edge fits the HUANUO 40-inch dual's clamp range and has no rear lip or drawer rail in the way. Its price falls between the FlowLift Dual and the Ergotron LX Dual, based on our last check.

Key dimensions & specs

  • Max screen size: 40 in
  • Max load per arm: 26.4 lbs
  • Monitors: 2
  • VESA: 75x75 / 100x100
  • Mounting: Dual C-clamp or grommet

Pros

  • Takes ultrawides up to 40 inches
  • 26.4 lb load per arm
  • Built-in USB ports
  • Two 40-inch screens at 26.4 lb each

Cons

  • Costs more than the VIVO freestanding at the time of writing
HUANUO FlowLift Dual Monitor Stand

Best Gas Spring3 of 6

HUANUO FlowLift Dual Monitor Stand on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

HUANUO's FlowLift Dual uses gas-spring arms on a dual C-clamp.

Best for

One-hand moves.

Skip if

Price-first buyers should look at the VIVO freestanding, which cost less when we checked.

Why we like it

Each arm holds 4.4 to 19.8 lb. It matches the VIVO dual spring on screen size limit (32 in). It matches the VIVO dual spring on load rating (19.8 lbs).

It shares a gas spring tension with the Amazon Basics gas dual; the VIVO dual spring goes with a mechanical spring tension. It shares a dual C-clamp or grommet mounting with the HUANUO 40-inch dual; the VIVO freestanding goes with a freestanding base mounting. Check the back of your monitor for a 75x75 / 100x100 VESA pattern before ordering the FlowLift Dual; curved and some slim monitors need an adapter.

Confirm your desk edge fits the FlowLift Dual's clamp range and has no rear lip or drawer rail in the way. Set the FlowLift Dual's spring tension to your monitor's weight; a screen below the minimum load drifts upward. Its price falls between the VIVO dual spring and the HUANUO 40-inch dual, based on our last check.

Key dimensions & specs

  • Max screen size: 32 in
  • Max load per arm: 19.8 lbs
  • Monitors: 2
  • Tension: Gas spring
  • VESA: 75x75 / 100x100
  • Mounting: Dual C-clamp or grommet

Pros

  • Dual C-clamp for stability
  • Gas-spring arms
  • 4.4 to 19.8 lb range per arm
  • Screen size limit of 32 in, ahead of the Ergotron LX Dual

Cons

  • Costs more than the VIVO freestanding at the time of writing
VIVO Dual Monitor Stand with Mechanical Spring Arms

Best Mechanical Spring4 of 6

VIVO Dual Monitor Stand with Mechanical Spring Arms on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

VIVO's dual stand uses mechanical spring arms for 17 to 32 inch screens from 4.4 to 19.8 lb each.

Best for

Smooth moves.

Skip if

Skip it if price comes first: the VIVO freestanding cost less when we checked.

Why we like it

It mounts by clamp or grommet. On screen size limit it ties with the FlowLift Dual at 32 in. On load rating it ties with the FlowLift Dual at 19.8 lbs.

It is the only pick here with a mechanical spring tension; the FlowLift Dual has a gas spring tension instead. Like the Amazon Basics gas dual, it has a C-clamp or grommet mounting, while the FlowLift Dual uses a dual C-clamp or grommet mounting. You also get a 4.4 to 19.8 lb range per arm.

Check the back of your monitor for a 75x75 / 100x100 VESA pattern before ordering the VIVO dual spring; curved and some slim monitors need an adapter. Confirm your desk edge fits the VIVO dual spring's clamp range and has no rear lip or drawer rail in the way. When we checked, only the Amazon Basics gas dual and cheaper picks cost less, and the FlowLift Dual cost more.

Key dimensions & specs

  • Max screen size: 32 in
  • Max load per arm: 19.8 lbs
  • Monitors: 2
  • Tension: Mechanical spring
  • VESA: 75x75 / 100x100
  • Mounting: C-clamp or grommet

Pros

  • Mechanical spring arms
  • 4.4 to 19.8 lb range per arm
  • 17 to 32 inch screens
  • Screen size limit of 32 in, ahead of the Ergotron LX Dual

Cons

  • Costs more than the VIVO freestanding at the time of writing
Amazon Basics Gas Spring Dual Monitor Arm

Best Budget5 of 6

Amazon Basics Gas Spring Dual Monitor Arm on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

Amazon Basics' gas-spring dual arm holds two 15 to 27 inch screens from 4.4 to 15.4 lb each.

Best for

Tight budgets.

Skip if

Choose another pick if you can't accept this: tops out at 27-inch screens.

Why we like it

Its clamp fits desks up to 4 inches thick. On screen size limit it ties with the Ergotron LX Dual and the VIVO freestanding at 27 in. On load rating it trails the group at 15.4 lbs, while the HUANUO 40-inch dual is rated for 26.4 lbs.

Like the FlowLift Dual, it has a gas spring tension, while the VIVO dual spring uses a mechanical spring tension. Like the VIVO dual spring, it has a C-clamp or grommet mounting, while the FlowLift Dual uses a dual C-clamp or grommet mounting. Check the back of your monitor for a 75x75 / 100x100 VESA pattern before ordering the Amazon Basics gas dual; curved and some slim monitors need an adapter.

Confirm your desk edge fits the Amazon Basics gas dual's clamp range and has no rear lip or drawer rail in the way. When we checked, only the VIVO freestanding cost less, and the VIVO dual spring cost more.

Key dimensions & specs

  • Max screen size: 27 in
  • Max load per arm: 15.4 lbs
  • Monitors: 2
  • Tension: Gas spring
  • VESA: 75x75 / 100x100
  • Mounting: C-clamp or grommet

Pros

  • Gas-spring arms
  • 4.4 to 15.4 lb range per arm
  • Clamp for desks up to 4 inches thick
  • Gas-spring arms with a 4-inch clamp

Cons

  • Tops out at 27-inch screens
  • Lighter 15.4 lb limit
  • Load rating trails the HUANUO 40-inch dual (26.4 lbs)
VIVO Freestanding Dual Monitor Stand

Best No-Clamp6 of 6

VIVO Freestanding Dual Monitor Stand on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

VIVO's freestanding dual stand sits on a 13 x 10 inch base with no clamp.

Best for

Glass or lipped desks.

Skip if

Worth skipping when tops out at 27-inch screen is a problem.

Why we like it

Each arm holds up to 22 lb and 27 inches. It matches the Ergotron LX Dual and the Amazon Basics gas dual on screen size limit (27 in). Its 22 lbs load rating ranks second of 6 here, behind the HUANUO 40-inch dual (26.4 lbs) and ahead of the Amazon Basics gas dual (15.4 lbs).

A up to 100x100 vesa is unique to it among these picks, while the FlowLift Dual uses a 75x75 / 100x100 vesa. A freestanding base mounting is unique to it among these picks, while the HUANUO 40-inch dual uses a dual C-clamp or grommet mounting. It also offers a 22 lb limit per arm.

It undercut the Amazon Basics gas dual and every other pick on price at the time of writing. The trade-off is screen size limit; for more, the HUANUO 40-inch dual comes in at 40 in.

Key dimensions & specs

  • Max screen size: 27 in
  • Max load per arm: 22 lbs
  • Monitors: 2
  • VESA: Up to 100x100
  • Mounting: Freestanding base

Pros

  • Freestanding 13 x 10 inch base
  • No clamp or drilling
  • 22 lb limit per arm
  • Load rating of 22 lbs, ahead of the Ergotron LX Dual

Cons

  • Tops out at 27-inch screens
  • Screen size limit trails the HUANUO 40-inch dual (40 in)

How We Chose These Dual Monitor Arms

Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.

Load rating
We recorded the per-arm weight range each listing states, including curved-screen limits where given.
Adjustment
We noted gas, mechanical spring or pole-collar height adjustment.
Screen size
We noted the maximum screen size, including ultrawide figures.
Mounting
We checked clamp and grommet options and listed desk thickness ranges.

What to Look for in a Dual Monitor Arm

Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.

  1. Dual arms and desk depth

    Dual arms share one pole or clamp. Check the arm reach against your desk depth so both screens can sit at arm's length.

  2. Weigh the monitor without its stand

    Arm ratings are per arm and include a minimum as well as a maximum. Weigh the panel alone, since the stand is removed.

  3. Clamp or grommet

    C-clamps grip the desk edge within a thickness range. Grommet mounts go through a hole and suit desks with a back lip.

  4. Confirm the VESA pattern

    Most arms take 75x75 or 100x100mm. Larger ultrawides may use 200x100 or none at all and need an adapter plate.

  5. Screen size limits are about leverage

    A 34 or 49-inch ultrawide puts more leverage on the joint. Use an arm listed for that size, not only that weight.

  6. Gas and mechanical springs

    Spring-assisted arms let you move the screen with one hand. Pole-mounted arms adjust height with a collar and a tool.

How to Choose a Dual Monitor Arm

By priority

PriorityConsiderWhy
27-inch pairsErgotron LX Dual13 inches of lift and a low-profile clamp
Big pairsHUANUO 40-inch dualTwo 40-inch screens at 26.4 lb each
One-hand movesFlowLift DualGas-spring arms on a dual C-clamp
Smooth movesVIVO dual springMechanical spring arms
Tight budgetsAmazon Basics gas dualGas-spring arms with a 4-inch clamp
Glass or lipped desksVIVO freestandingA freestanding base

Scroll sideways to see every column.

Key specs side by side

Figures as each maker states them.

Monitor ArmMax screen sizeMax load per armMonitorsTension
Ergotron LX Dual27 in20 lbs2Not listed
HUANUO 40-inch dual40 in26.4 lbs2Not listed
FlowLift Dual32 in19.8 lbs2Gas spring
VIVO dual spring32 in19.8 lbs2Mechanical spring
Amazon Basics gas dual27 in15.4 lbs2Gas spring
VIVO freestanding27 in22 lbs2Not listed

Scroll sideways to see every column.

By price at the time of writing

Prices change often; these tiers reflect Amazon prices when this guide was updated.

Price tierMonitor Arms
Under $50VIVO freestanding, Amazon Basics gas dual, VIVO dual spring
About $50 to $100FlowLift Dual
About $100 to $150HUANUO 40-inch dual
About $250 to $500Ergotron LX Dual

Frequently Asked Questions

Do monitor arms work with curved screens?

Yes if the curved monitor has a VESA pattern. Some arms list a lower weight limit for curved panels.

Why does my monitor drift up or down?

The spring tension does not match the screen weight. Adjust the tension screw on the arm's elbow or base.

Should I get a monitor arm or a riser?

A riser lifts a monitor on its own stand and needs no VESA mount. An arm frees desk space and adds tilt and swivel.

How do I know if my monitor fits an arm?

Look for four screw holes on the back, 75mm or 100mm apart. If there are none, the monitor needs a VESA adapter or cannot be mounted.

What desk thickness do clamps fit?

Most ranges fall between about 0.4 and 3 inches. Check the exact range in the product details.

Can I clamp a monitor arm to a glass desk?

It is not recommended. Clamp arms concentrate force on the desk edge; use a freestanding base instead.

Bottom Line

Ergotron's LX Dual is the pick for 13 inches of lift and a low-profile clamp. HUANUO's premium stand takes two 40-inch screens, and VIVO's freestanding stand needs no clamp.