Dual monitor setups are pretty much standard for high productivity/multitasking focused desk setups. Investing in a monitor mount for those dual monitors will give you a huge amount of desk space back.
Larger monitors typically come with much larger factory stands. That means swapping those large monitor stands with an aftermarket stand will give you significantly more desk space.
In this article we’re going to cover dual monitor mounts specifically made for large monitors. By large monitors, I’m talking about monitors 32 inches or more in size.
We’re going to cover everything you need to know from the stand types, specific arm types, and what else you need to know before you buy that dual monitor stand.
Key Takeaways
- Before purchasing a dual monitor mount for 32 inch+ monitors, keep in mind your monitor’s weight and ideal arrangement.
- Mounts with a much higher weight rating compared to your monitor weight tend to be more stable
- There are several types of mounts that are driven by convenience, budget, and functionality. Keep reading so you know what mount is right for you along with our recommendations.
Things To Know Before You Buy
Here are some of the things you should keep in mind when shopping for large dual monitor stands.
Monitor Weight
First and foremost, your larger monitor will weigh more than typical 20 – 24 inch monitors. That means you need a beefier stand. It’s a good idea to find out what your monitor weighs before shopping for a stand.
Ideally, your monitor manufacturer will post the weight of the monitor with the stand as well as without the stand. We care about the weight without the stand, because the stand will be replaced with our new monitor stand.
You can find your monitor model number behind your monitor, or sometimes they can be found in the monitor settings menu. For example, I searched for my 34″ monitor model number (Dell U3417W), and clicked on the manufacturer’s product page.
Dell conveniently posted the weight for “panel only – for VESA mount” at 16.97 lbs.
Once you find your monitor weight for the panel only without the stand, keep that number in mind. All of the stands we look for will list the max weight capacity. Ensure your monitor without the stand weighs less than the max rating.
Give yourself a couple pounds of wiggle room. When you use a monitor at the max weight capacity, the stand will be struggling to hold your large monitors. All the joints in the arm will be at the edge of their capability, which makes for a cumbersome experience.
Here are some average monitor weights of different monitor sizes.
Dual Monitor Stand Types
Not all monitor stands are built the same. There are a handful of monitor stand types no matter what size your monitors are.
Stand Alone Mounts
Stand alone mounts are mounts that have a base platform. They can be similar to a factory stand in that they have a platform that takes up desk space. However, the ones we are looking at will be able to support dual large monitors.
They can support two monitors with a smaller overall platform compared to the two separate factory monitor mounts.
This is a good choice for those worried if their desks are too weak or thin for a desk clamping monitor mount. We have an article dedicated to monitor mount solutions for those types of desks here.
Desk Clamp Mounts
This is my favorite type of monitor mount. They fit most desks that have a relatively strong top surface, and are super easy to install. With those benefits, they also make the most dramatic reduction in desk footprint.
That means you get more desk space back when you use them. These are the ones I personally use, and highly recommend.
Grommet Mount
Desk clamp mounts usually also come with hardware to make them compatible with grommet mount monitor arms.
I recommend this for those who have an existing grommet hole in their desk and it’s in a location convenient for monitor mounting.
If you don’t already have a grommet hole, you will have to drill a huge hole in your desk yourself. Not everyone wants to take that task on and buy the necessary tools. If you want to drill your own grommet hole, I recommend checking out this video by BTODtv.
Wall Mount
If you want your larger dual monitor mount to take up ZERO space on your desk, a wall mounted monitor arm is the way to go.
This does have a higher difficulty installation process though. You have to locate the studs in your wall and mount them directly to the stud. Remember, we’re talking about heavier 32 inch plus monitors here.
If you are up to the installation task, these are a very elegant solution. Wall mounted monitors make your monitor look like it’s just floating in mid air!
I wouldn’t recommend this to people with a standing desk though. If you have a standing desk, you will be constantly adjusting the monitor which could get annoying. When you use a desk mount with a standing desk, your monitors only need to be adjusted the first time.
Dual Monitor Arrangement
We have an entire article dedicated to the various dual monitor arrangements. Definitely check out that article as we link to several real dual monitor setups that give off some serious desk setup inspiration.
The reason you have to think about this arrangement is because some monitor arms will be better or worse depending on your desired setup. As you look through different monitor mounts, keep in mind your arrangement.
Do you want horizontal monitors size by side? Do you want one vertical? What about two stacked monitors? Ensure the arm dimensions can support your desired setup.
Stand Arms Types
For the monitor mounts that have arms, there are two main types. Here are the pros and cons of each.
Static Height Arms
The more affordable arm type is a static height monitor arm. These arms have simple pivots which let you move your monitor in and out, side to size, as well as tilt. But the height is controlled by a bolt clamped on to a central pole.
Once you set your monitor height, it’s not super convenient to adjust on the fly. You need a tool to adjust monitor height.
Gas Spring Arms
The slightly more expensive option is gas spring monitor arms. Gas springs for monitor mounts have been tuned to hold a certain amount of weight. This makes them super easy to manipulate at any time.
You do pay a little higher of a price for monitor mounts with gas springs. If you want to be able to move your monitor around quickly and easily, this is the way to go.
Arm Space Requirements
The last consideration you need to make before pulling the trigger on a large dual monitor mount is the space required.
Most people have their desks up against a wall, and certain dual monitor mounts make it difficult to mount your monitors flush up against that wall.
Take a look at this image below:
You can see that if the monitors were pushed back further, the arms would go beyond the depth of a desk. This could be a problem if you have a shallow desk or have limited space behind your desk.
Dual Monitor Stands For Large Monitors
Now let’s get into our recommendations. We chose clamps from every category that will work for 32 inch monitors. We also chose the monitors that had a higher weight rating so they have a better chance of being a stable solution for you.
Don’t forget to confirm both of your monitor weights as this is critical to choosing the right dual monitor mount!
Desk Clamp Options
Premium Desk Clamp Option
If you’re looking for a high end monitor mount with top class stability, Ergotron is the brand for you. Though this is a super high end gas spring monitor mount, they will last as long as you have a dual monitor setup.
The Ergotron name is well known for monitor mounts, so this will also have a decent resale value as well. The mount above can support monitors up to 22 lbs each, which most 32 inch monitors will fall within.
This specific mount actually supports monitors up to 40 inches in size!
Gas Spring Desk Clamp Option
If you want a simpler desk clamp with a gas spring, this is a high value stand that can support monitors up to 20 lbs each. You can move your monitors on the fly.
This version has a central pole that clamps to the desk which makes each monitor arm a little shorter. Shorter arms typically result in higher stability because they are less reactive to movements.
Static Height Desk Clamp Option
If you want a large dual monitor mount clamp on a budget, then this one’s for you. This is a static height setup where you have to dial in your height one time during installation. Then it stays at that height until you take out the tools again.
Part of what makes this specific version affordable is the lower weight capacity of 17.6 lbs. Many 32 inch monitors weigh under 17 lbs, so this shouldn’t be an issue.
Stand Alone Options
Those who have any doubts in the built quality of their desktop should stay on the safe side with a stand alone dual monitor mount.
Stand Along Static Height Option
This version is another static height setup that keeps the price tag nice and low. Each arm is advertised to hold 32 inch monitors up to 22 lbs! That’s as much as the Ergotron desk clamp mount!
No desk clamping required here, simply mount your monitors and you’re done with the setup.
Stand Alone Stacked Option
If you know that you want to set up one monitor on top of another, this stack specific monitor mount will benefit you. The mounts made for stacked monitors will have an easier setup and will not run into any desk depth and wall gap issues.
Because this stacked setup doesn’t have arms, it has the highest weight rating of any other mount on this list! It can hold 32 inch monitors up to 33 lbs each!
I don’t think many 32 inch monitors weigh that much, but it does speak to the rigidity and stability this mount will likely have.
Wall Mount Option
This monitor arm is compatible with monitors up to 32" and has a heavy-duty wall plate that can be mounted to both brick walls and wood wall studs. It can be extended 17", tilted, swiveled, and rotated from landscape to portrait mode.
Last up is for those looking to install a sleek dual monitor wall mount. This version is a gas spring version which makes it easy to adjust at any time. So if you have a standing desk, moving the monitors up and down won’t require any tools.
This mount is rated for 32 inch monitors up to 20 lbs each. A solid option for a convenient wall mount.
Once you get your monitor mount, check out our guide to hiding all those monitor cables!
