A big trend in recent years in Cult of Mac‘s setups coverage has been ever-increasing displays — either bigger ones, more of them or both. Sometimes it seems like an arms race to create the most NASA-Mission-Control wall of screens ever. But sometimes it’s not about size, but variety and convenience, including portable monitors and device screens. Take a look at our best-multi-monitor-setup workstations below, along with top displays and other gear that makes them tick.
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Best multi-monitor setup: Top 15 workstations
In terms of displays, what might seem like huge overkill to one person barely makes the grade for someone else. And some great setups make sure to complement big external displays with genius use of device displays. So bigger isn’t necessarily better. Often a nice mix suits users best. In each case below, you can click on the linked headline to see the original setups post and all the gear in it.
Table of contents: Best multi-monitor setup: Top 15
- The biggest and the most: Many big external monitors
- Best use of device displays in screen mix
- Great smaller displays and portable options
- What makes multiple displays work well in a setup?
The biggest and the most: Many big external monitors
1. How much is too much screen space? This, maybe.
Photo: [email protected]
One of my favorite wall-of-screens setups recently might be too bold for many people. Not only does it pack in four screens, but they’re all really, really big. The two horizontal screens stacked in the center are gargantuan 57-inch Samsung curved gaming monitors, flanked by 32-inch 4K resolution Samsung monitors mounted in portrait mode (vertically) on either side. And they all run off an M2 Ultra Mac Studio desktop computer.
This big display is equivalent to dual 27-inch 4K UHD monitors. The 1000R curved gaming monitor features a 240Hz refresh rate, 1ms response time, DisplayPort 2.1 support, Quantum Mini-LED, DisplayHDR 1000 and AMD FreeSync Premium Pro (LS57CG952NNXZA, 2023).
- Massive screen real estate
- Great for gaming
- Fast refresh rate and response time
- Pretty pricey
2. Triple-display MacBook Air rig wows the crowd
Photo: [email protected]
In terms of pure aesthetics and seamless mounting, this setup takes the cake. Folks on social media love it. A MacBook Air drives a trio of 4K displays neatly joined end to end and mounted on the wall. The Wali TV wall mounts keep the monitors up off the desk and save space that stands or a riser would normally take. And the user employs a couple of tricks to keep the whole scene as neat as possible. Click through on the link above to find out more.
This UHD, or 4K resolution (3840x2160p) IPS computer monitor features AMD FreeSync, VESA mounting options, HDR 400, Reader Mode, Flicker Safe functionality, and HDMI and DisplayPort connectivity.
- Affordable 4K display
- AMD FreeSync
- VESA mounting options
- Larger, higher-resolution monitors commonly available
With full motion, 15-inch extension arms with tilt and swivel, these mounts fit most 13- to 32-inch flat-panel TVs and monitors.
- Fully articulating arm allows plenty of motion
- Fits variety of TVs and monitors
- Assembly required
3. 6-display rig rocks Sonos home-theater sound
Photo: [email protected]
This one could be in the device-screen section below because it incorporates iPad and MacBook screens. But it lives in our bigger-and-more section because of its assortment of four large external displays. And one of those is the highly coveted but beyond most budgets Pro Display XDR, Apple’s $5,000+ 6K 32-incher. That’s the class act in a field of six displays, which also includes an ultra-wide curved Philips monitor and a couple of 27-inch 5K Studio Displays.
There's no better monitor for your Mac than Apple's 32-inch Pro Display XDR. Apple even sells a variant with a nano-texture glass that helps cut down on unwanted glare.
- Incredible 6K resolution
- Generous screen space
- Nano-texture glass option
- Expensive, and options add more cost
The 27-inch Apple Studio Display packs an impressive panel coupled with a six-speaker system and studio-quality microphones.
It’s not as beautiful as Apple's Pro Display XDR, but the Studio Display costs thousands less.
- Crystal clear 5K resolution
- Excellent color accuracy
- 12MP Center Stage camera
- Expensive
- Lacks HDR
- Height-adjustable stand costs extra
4. Mantra behind orgy of screens: ‘Nothing exceeds like excess’
Photo: KipKang@Reddit
“That just seems so excessive that it isn’t even funny,” one Redditor commented on this MacBook Pro setup with four well-placed external displays mixed in with key lights that look like antennas. “I love it and I am jealous of it. Long winded way of saying NICE!”
“Thanks! ‘Nothing exceeds like excess,’” the user replied. And he claimed to use every inch of the screen real estate, from the Viotek 49-inch ultra-wide monitor in the center to the trio of screens around it.
This heavy duty, fully adjustable steel stand holds two computer screens. Comes in black, STAND-V002.
5. 3 loaded iMacs and a PC pump up 8-display workstation
Photo: Hoa Mai
It’s rare but not unheard of to see six-display setups. But how about eight displays in one setup? That’s today’s outfit. A post production worker on documentary films in Los Angeles sent Cult of Mac his massive setup. It features three iMacs, a PC and five Dell 4K monitors. Talk about Mission Control. It needs three CalDigit 4K docks for connectivity, too.
The affordable Dell S2725QC is a 27-inch, 4K (3840 x 2160p) monitor with 120Hz refresh rate,16:9 aspect ratio, AMD FreeSync Premium, sRGB 99% color gamut, integrated speakers,1500:1 contrast ratio and ComfortView Plus.
- Clear 4K resolution
- Speedy 120Hz refresh rate
- 1500: 1 contrast ratio
- Higher-resolution displays (5K) are becoming widely available
The versatile dock features 18 ports and 98W charging. Ports: 3x Thunderbolt 4 40Gb/s, 5 x USB-A, 3 x USB-C (10Gb/s), 2.5GbE, single 8K or dual 6K 60Hz displays. Compatible with Mac, PC, Chrome via 0.8m cable.
- 18 ports
- 98W charging
- 8x USB ports
- No 10Gb Ethernet port
Best use of device displays in screen mix
1. Odd-couple dual displays suit MacBook rig
Photo: [email protected]
We see many, many dual-display computer setups in our coverage, with the vast majority being two screens of the same size, whether they’re oriented differently or not. But that’s not always the case. This MacBook Pro and Windows laptop rig sports different-size dual displays that even have different resolutions, plus laptop and iPad Pro screens (and even an iPhone, if you want to count that).
The 43-inch Gigabyte Aorus display features a 144Hz refresh rate, 3820 x 2160p HBR3 resolution, NVIDIA G-SYNC compatibility, built-in noise reduction, 1ms response time and HDR 96% DCI-P3 color gamut.
Built for Apple Intelligence, Apple's top tablet features an Ultra Retina XDR Display, 1TB SSD, 12MP front/back camera, LiDAR Scanner, Wi-Fi 6E + 5G Cellular, Face ID, all-day battery life and more.
- Thin and light
- Beautiful display
- All-day battery life
- Expensive
2. 6-screen M1 Mac mini mission control looks like art
Photo: [email protected]
Some computer setups are so strikingly beautiful they look like art installations. That tends to happen more with multiple-display setups because the imagery on the screens really adds to the aesthetic impact. This Mac mini setup is a good example. And another striking aspect of it is that only two of the screens are large external displays. One is a small portable display, and the other three are devices, including two iPads.
This 35-inch curved ultra-wide screen features QHD resolution (3440p x 1440p), sRGB 99% Color Gamut, HDR 10, USB-Type C, AMD FreeSync and a 3-side virtually borderless design.
- Lots of screen real estate
- Good color coverage
- Not the biggest or best resolution available
The KYY 14" computer monitor is designed to be thin , slim & lightweight. Only 1.1 pounds in weight and 0.3 inches thick, just lightweight as your computer, easy to put it into your computer bag for your business trip or travel to improve your work efficiency.
3. Tricked-out MacBook Pro drives triple-4K-display outfit
Photo: [email protected]
In this setup, three LG 4K displays — one 32-inch monitor in landscape mode at center and two 27-inch screens in portrait mode on either side — are run either by a powerful 16-inch M1 Max MacBook Pro or by a custom PC (shown at right in the photograph). The laptop is the workstation’s fourth display and the iPad Air at center is its fifth.
This UHD, or 4K resolution (3840x2160p) IPS computer monitor features AMD FreeSync, VESA mounting options, HDR 400, Reader Mode, Flicker Safe functionality, and HDMI and DisplayPort connectivity.
- Affordable 4K display
- AMD FreeSync
- VESA mounting options
- Larger, higher-resolution monitors commonly available
iPad Air is powerful, versatile, and features the incredible performance of the M3 chip built for Apple Intelligence. This version also sports a stunning 13-inch Liquid Retina display.
Other highlights of the tablet include Touch ID, advanced cameras, blazing-fast Wi-Fi 6E and a USB-C connector.
- As large as the biggest iPad Pro without the hefty price tag
- Speedy M3 processor
- Lacks Face ID
4. See a triple-display workstation’s 11-year evolution
Here’s an unusual setup in that the user outlined all changes over 11 years — but kept the same Star Wars “TIE fighter” display orientation the whole time, with a landscape center display flanked by two portrait (vertical) displays. In the latest iteration, they use 32-inch LG 4K monitors. And they add eda big iPad Pro on a nice articulating arm so they can move it around. So it won a spot in our device-screen section.
This 4K resolution IPS display features HDR 10 compatibility and AMD FreeSync.
- Spacious screen
- 4K resolution
- HDR 10
- 5K displays becoming more common
This multi-angle adjustable tablet stand holds iPads and other devices with 4.7-inch to 13-inch screens.
- Makes tablet an adjustable computer setup screen
- Fits iPads up to 13 inches
- Easily clamps to desk
- Some people prefer stands
Great smaller displays and portable options
1. MacBook Pro drives wild stacked dual display with hinges
Photo: [email protected]
It appeared to be a first sighting ever in setups featured on Cult of Mac — stacked dual displays held together by hinges. As such, they’re actually one product, the Uperfect Delta Dual Portable Monitor. To say the least, it’s unusual to see one in a home setup, driven in this case by an M4 MacBook Pro through an Anker Prime TB5 dock. And those two screens make up just half the setup’s total of four, all well mounted.
This driver-free, stacked dual display comes in 18.5- or 23.8-inch sizes. Great as a laptop screen extender, featuring 1080P resolution and HDR 360. Comes with adjustable stand and VESA mounting capability.
- Stacked dual displays on hinges
- No driver needed
- Highly adjustable stand or VESA mounting
- Portable, but a bit large
- 1080p resolution
This 14-port Thunderbolt 5 docking station offers 140-watt charging, data transfer speeds up to 120Gbps, ambient LED lighting, a cooling system, and support for up to 8K dual displays.
- Fast Thunderbolt 5 connectivity
- 14 ports and support for dual 8K displays
- 140W charging
- Some new docks have up to 20 ports
2. Trio of small screens extend Studio Display in MacBook rig
Photo: [email protected]
Careful mounting of devices is a hallmark of light and clean computer setups because it lifts most of the gear up off the desk, making room for other gear or simply creating clean, open space. In today’s setup, the MacBook Pro sitting open on a stand is just one of three small screens, including a portable monitor, that nicely complement and expand the Studio Display.
This 3K resolution (2880x1800p) portable OLED display features 120Hz refresh rate and 0.1ms response time, plus USB-C and HDMI connectivity, plus a kickstand and speakers.
- Fast refresh rate and response time
- High contrast
- Kickstand
- 3K resolution (not 4K or higher)
This adjustable monitor arm works with 17- to 49-inch displays, including curved screens, holding up to 44 pounds. The gas spring arm includes C-clamp and grommet base.
- Works with flat or curved monitors
- Use it with a desk clamp or base
- Works with Vesa mounts
- Some customers report instability issues
3. M2 MacBook Air takes off like rocket with 3 external displays
Photo: [email protected]
For about as long as MacBooks have existed, confusion, questions and angst over how many external displays can run with them have plagued users. But at least some of the guesswork can be swept aside with a capable USB-C dock. In today’s M2 MacBook Pro setup, the powerful Ugreen Revodok connects multiple displays — three, to be precise — and other peripherals.
This is a DisplayLink 9-in-1 dual 4K@60hz monitor dock for MacBooks and Windows laptops. It includes these ports: 2 DP, 2 HDMI, 10 Gbps USB-C (1) and USB-A (2) data ports, 100W PD 3.0 and Gigabit Ethernet.
- DisplayLink USB-C dock with 9 ports for broad connectivity
- 100-watt power delivery for laptop
- Dual 4K@60Hz monitor compatibility
- Some similar docks feature even more ports and charging power
What makes multiple displays work well in a setup?
1. Good monitor arms ‘go a long way’
Photo: [email protected]
Sure, you can buy a computer monitor and set it up on the stand that came in the box. But what if you want to easily move the external display around? And what if you want to have multiple screens and move them around? Keeping monitors up off the desk and mobile can really improve a setup. And the best way to do that is to mount your screens on arms. This Mac Studio setup shows how, and why it’s worth it.
Each heavy-duty, full-motion VESA mounted arm fits one 17in to 49in monitor weighing up to 50.7 pounds. Allows height, swivel and tilt adjustment.
2. Flexible device and display mounts make this home office
Photo: [email protected]
If you’re not elevating your laptop, iPad and displays on mounts and arms, you’re limiting your computer setup. This MacBook Pro and iPad setup illustrates the point well by putting those devices and dual displays on four separate mounts, some with moveable arms. That makes all of those devices more flexible, and much easier to move around than they would be on stationary stands. It also frees up space on the desk.
This heavy duty, fully adjustable steel stand holds two computer screens. Comes in black, STAND-V002.
3. Why you need some sort of monitor light
Photo: [email protected]
This computer setup we feature today sports a powerful Mac Studio desktop computer and an impressive phalanx of external displays, yet commenters’ attention focused mainly on the monitor light. It’s actually an EppieBasic LED Desk Lamp rather than a typical monitor light bar. But it serves the same purposes.
This overarching desk lamp clamps to the back of a desk, working like a monitor light bar that never gets in the way. The 24-watt lamp features six color modes and stepless dimming.
If you would like to see your setup featured on Cult of Mac, send some high-res pictures to [email protected] (iPhone pics usually work fine). Please provide a detailed list of your equipment. Tell us what you like or dislike about your setup, and fill us in on any special touches, challenges and plans for new additions.
