A dual monitor setup without proper arms is a recipe for neck strain, desk clutter, and wasted space. The right monitor arm transforms your workspace by positioning screens at the perfect height and angle while freeing up valuable desk real estate.
This guide covers everything you need to know about choosing monitor arms for a dual screen setup.
Why you need a monitor arm (not just a stand)
Standard monitor stands lock your screens at a fixed height, usually too low. This forces you to look downward, creating forward head posture and neck strain. A quality monitor arm lets you position each screen at exact eye level, tilt it to reduce glare, and push it back when you need desk space.
The ergonomic benefit is significant: your eyes should meet the top third of the screen when looking straight ahead. For most people, this means raising monitors 10-15cm above where a standard stand places them.
Single arm per monitor vs. dual arm from one post
You have two options for a dual setup:
| Option | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Two single arms | Independent positioning, more flexibility, works with different desk edges | Two clamp points, slightly more desk intrusion |
| One dual arm | Single mounting point, cleaner look, less desk edge needed | Screens linked to one pivot point, less independent movement |
For most users, two single arms (like a pair of CBS Flo Singles) offer the best flexibility. If desk edge space is limited, a CBS Flo Dual consolidates to one clamp point.
What to look for in a monitor arm
1. Weight capacity
Check your monitor's weight (including stand removed). Most 27-inch monitors weigh 4-7kg. Ultrawide 34-inch screens can reach 8-9kg. Make sure the arm's range covers your monitor's weight.
2. Spring mechanism
The best arms use a counterbalance spring (like the CBS Flo's patented geometric spring) that holds the monitor at any position with zero drift. Cheaper gas-strut arms tend to sag over time.
3. VESA compatibility
Almost all monitors use 75x75mm or 100x100mm VESA mounting patterns. Confirm your monitor has VESA mounting holes on the back (some consumer monitors do not).
4. Cable management
Look for integrated cable routing that keeps power and display cables hidden within the arm's structure. This makes a significant difference to desk aesthetics.
Our recommendations by use case
| Use case | Recommended arm | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Standard dual (up to 7kg each) | CBS Flo Single x2 | Patented spring, fingertip adjustment, 15-year warranty |
| Heavy or ultrawide screens | CBS Ollin | Handles up to 9kg, deeper reach |
| Space-limited desk | CBS Flo Dual | Single mount point, independent arm movement |
| Budget-conscious | Humanscale M/Flex ZG1 | Solid build quality at a lower price point |
All monitor arms are available from Chair Dinkum with free delivery across Australia. Not sure which suits your setup? Send us your monitor model and we will recommend the right arm.
