How to choose the perfect monitor arm for your multi-screen setup

If you spend hours working at a desk, having the best monitor arm setup is vital. We often need more than one screen to do our work effectively. For many workers, multiple screens are crucial for their roles. Studies show an improvement in performance with more than one screen, too. A monitor setup that is optimised and customised to your needs is one of the best ways of ensuring comfort and productivity.

What types of workplaces use multiple screens?

Control rooms: Enhancing operation through multiple screens

Control room operators face high-pressure situations. They need to continually monitor mission-critical information using a variety of applications and sources. Multiple screens help them process a wealth of information, ultimately improving operational efficiency. It's crucial to ensure their workstations are ergonomic. Viewing angles and sightlines must be considered to prevent eye strain and fatigue during long shifts.

Trading floors: Fast decision-making with multi-screen setups

Financial traders operate in fast-paced environments where quick analysis of vast data sets is crucial. A multi-screen setup lets them view market data, news feeds, and analytical tools. It helps with accurate trend analysis and informed decision-making. A robust monitor support setup is essential for maintaining an ergonomic viewing angle. This is particularly useful for traders spending long hours monitoring multiple screens. It can improve comfort and focus.

Offices: Dual monitors revolutionising productivity

Dual monitors have become a game-changer in office environments. They offer plenty of advantages for enhancing productivity and overall work experience. The doubled workspace allows users to have multiple applications open simultaneously. It minimises the need for constant tab or window switching.

For professionals like content creators, designers, or analysts, dual monitors provide an extended workspace. They help with multitasking and eliminate the need for constant zooming or scrolling. Embracing this setup fosters a more streamlined workflow and a comfortable work experience.

Ergonomic essentials: picking the right monitor arm

There are many factors to consider when choosing the right monitor arm for multiple screens. Monitors can weigh a lot, so selecting a robust and adjustable monitor arm is crucial. Make sure it supports the size and weight of your screens. It is also important for the monitor arm to be flexible so you can add additional monitors if required. Installation should also be straightforward.

The monitors should be configured in a way that is comfortable to look at. If you have to turn around too far to look at the screens, you'll start getting neck strain. A quality monitor arm will allow you to position your screens at eye level. They should also be at an optimal viewing distance (an arm's length away is ideal!). An ergonomic monitor arm An ergonomic monitor arm will help you stay comfortable and productive over extended periods.

A quality monitor arm will be easy to adjust for optimal and comfortable working. If you're working with multiple screens, you should be able to adjust each screen individually. Ideally, you'll be able to move each monitor up, down, left, right, forward, and backwards.

Your monitor arm should enable you to maintain a comfortable posture while working. If you're using a standing desk, you'll likely move between standing and sitting during the day. You should be able to adjust your monitors to a comfortable height for both positions.

Both the design of your desk and monitor configuration should be considered together. The desk must be large enough to accommodate the number of monitors used. A monitor arm design that allows flexibility is essential. It should allow you to try multiple monitor configurations and easily make changes with minimal disruption to your team.

Routing the monitor cables through the arm eliminates all desktop cables from the desktop. It provides a more spacious, better-performing work environment. Reduced desk clutter helps focus. An integrated docking station will further hide cables and allow more efficient working. The cable length should be enough to extend to a standing height if you're using a standing desk.

Ultrawide curved monitors

Ultrawide curved monitors are something of a game-changer for professions that use multiple screens. The curved design creates an immersive experience, and they are more ergonomic to use. All the information is in one field of vision, reducing eye and neck strain. They require a special mount as they are much heavier than standard monitors.

What types of monitor arms are best for multi-screen setups?

Post Mounted Monitor Arm

This type of monitor support offers complete flexibility. It is suited to environments with multiple tiers of screens, like trading floors and control rooms. It provides straightforward monitor removal and fine height adjustment. You can position it in either landscape or portrait orientation. This system allows monitor configurations to be easily changed. You can add new screens without disrupting existing monitors.

ZP6 Monitor Arm for 6 Monitors — Post mounted monitor arm

Dynamic Monitor Arm

Dynamic, gas or spring lift arms provide easy adjustment for the user. They are perfect for dual monitor setups. This monitor holder has a desk-mounted clamp, and cables are integrated with optional USB connectivity.

One monitor mount can support smaller screens. Larger monitors will need separate monitor arms.

What you need to consider when choosing a monitor arm

How much does each monitor weigh?

Check the weight of your monitor against the weight capacity of an articulating monitor arm. Each one will have a specific weight capacity, so the monitor arm must comply with this.

Is your monitor VESA compliant?

VESA is a technical standard referring to the distance between the mounting holes on the back of the monitor. The monitor bracket is attached to these. A VESA-compatible monitor usually has hole dimensions of 75mm x 75mm or 100mm x 100mm.

How many monitors are you using?

Deciding how many monitors need support will help you identify your ideal computer monitor arm. If you're using multiple screens, a post-mounted monitor arm is best. It will take much less space than other types of monitor holders.

Looking for the perfect monitor arm? Zgo stock a range of options to fit your needs. Take a look at our products here.