One large monitor vs. two monitors

Users who need to have multiple windows open as they work may struggle when deciding between having one large monitor (ultrawide) or two separate monitors. This page goes over the pros and cons of each option to help you in deciding what option to choose.

Connections

One - Not all computers have multiple video connections for multiple displays. If you're using one large monitor, it only requires one connection.

Two - Desktop computers with more advanced video cards today often have at least two HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) connections which makes connecting multiple monitors as easy as connecting one monitor.

Bottom line: Not all computers have enough connections for multiple displays. Although you can get additional hardware devices like splitters or install another video card, these options require additional hardware and cost. If your computer doesn't have multiple connection choosing one large monitor would be your best option.

Cost

One - Unless you've already have an ultrawide monitor, purchasing a new large screen to use as one monitor can be expensive.

Two - If you've already got one smaller monitor and want to get a second smaller monitor it would be cheaper to use two smaller screens than one large screen. However, if you've got no monitors, purchasing two monitors may be more expensive or about the same cost as one large monitor.

Bottom line: Depending on what you may already have can determine which option may be most cost effective. If you have no existing monitors that can be used, one large monitor is often cheaper than two displays.

Resolution

One - When working with one large screen, you'll likely be using an ultrawide screen. These screens are a great substitute for two monitors but their bigger sizes require more from the video card. Because more pixels are displayed it requires more processing power from your video card, especially when doing anything graphically intensive like a game. Thankfully, most modern video cards have no troubles running even with the widest screens. However, you may not be able to run at the highest resolution or get the fastest response rate.

It's also important to realize that not all programs and games support ultrawide display resolutions. For programs without proper widescreen support you may have portions of the screen that only show black when running in full screen. However, for games that do support ultrawide screen displays it can be a more immersive experience.

Two - When using two monitors most users are using smaller screens that are not ultrawide screens. Because these screens are smaller they can support higher resolutions with a fast response rate, even with low end video cards.

Bottom line: PC wins this category when comparing all computers and hardware. If you compare only high-end hardware, a PC can be nearly as expensive in some cases.

Desk space

One - Using only one monitor usually take less desk space than two monitors.

Two - Having two monitors often takes more desk space. However, there are multi-monitor stands and arms that can be attached to a desk to help accommodate multiple monitors and reduce the space they occupy.

Bottom line: If you have limited desk space and purchasing a dual monitor stand is not in the budget, one monitor would be the best solution.

Positioning

One - Besides positioning the windows on the screen, having one monitor only allows one position.

Two - If you're using two monitors the second monitor can be positioned anywhere, especially if a multiple monitor arm is used. For example, you could place the second monitor above the primary monitor to show a security camera or place to watch YouTube videos.

Bottom line: Having two monitors gives you more options of where to place the windows you may want to keep visible at all times.

Separation

One - With one large screen you can separate programs by organizing the windows on the screen. Not many people realize that today's operating systems make windows management easy and that most ultrawide monitors include software to make managing windows even easier.

Two - A lot of users like two monitors because they find it easier to drag a window to the other monitor and immediately make it full screen. Some users also report having the separation between two monitors also helps reduce distractions if what is displayed on the second monitor doesn't need to be actively watched.

Bottom line: The separation of windows and screens can depend on the user preference.

Size

One - A large ultrawide screen supports two full screen windows and show four windows comfortably. However, if you need more than four windows open, it can begin to feel cramped.

Two - If the two monitors are the same size, you'll have the same size constraints as one. However, if one of the monitors is smaller than the other you'll have less available total screen size.

Having two screens that are different sizes can also be distracting for some users because of the different resolution and physical dimension.

Bottom line: One monitor may not be as distracting as two monitors of different sizes.

Power

One - Powering one monitor instead of two saves a small amount on power bills.

Two - Monitors are often one of the more power hungry devices and if you're using two or more monitors it's going to require more power.

Bottom line: If saving on power costs is important, you can save a small amount of money each year with one monitor instead of two.