Split-screen monitors are great for maximizing productivity. The best split-screen monitors have enough display real estate to let users have multiple windows open at the same time and make it easy to find different information without continuously switching between other tabs and applications. These monitors function well as the primary display for a desktop computer, a secondary screen for a laptop or tablet, and some even let you connect two PCs simultaneously and easily switch between them.

Ranging from standard aspect ratio monitors that are great for those that want dual-screen setups to ultrawide options that make having multiple windows open at once a breeze, there are plenty of excellent monitors to choose from. And like any tech, split-screen monitors cover the range of the feature and price spectrum. Whether you're a gamer, an artist, a designer, or are just looking for an excellent monitor to boost your work-from-home productivity, these are some of the best split-screen monitors currently available.

The Dell U2723QE is one of the best split-screen monitors you can get. It's a touch expensive, especially for a 27-inch monitor, but its excellent features, connectivity support, and viewing experience more than make it a worthy purchase. The 16:9 aspect ratio and 4K resolution ensure that users have enough room to do up to a four-way split screen with ease. And it's not so big that it takes up too much space on a desk. With a 60Hz frame rate and relatively high latency, it may not be the best option for gamers. But for artists, designers, or if you simply want to watch videos on it, the monitor offers an impressive 100 percent sRGB, 100 percent Rec 709, and 98 percent DCI-P3 color gamut.

There's no shortage of connectivity options, with multiple USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 and USB-A 3.2 Gen 2 ports, which include a USB-C port that features 90W pass-through charging. Port availability won't be an issue if a user plans to connect wireless keyboard and mouse adapters, other accessories like webcams, and even daisy chain monitors. There's an audio line-out to plug in external speakers or headphones, and the ergonomic stand lets you tilt, swivel, pivot, and rotate the monitor. If budget isn't a concern, the Dell U2723QE 4K monitor is the way to go.

The ViewSonic VX2785 is an excellent option for anyone looking for an affordable monitor. Its 2560 x 1440 resolution isn’t the highest, but it should be more than enough for most casual users. It may not be the best monitor for gaming, but the 75Hz refresh rate and AMD FreeSync make for a solid low-cost alternative, and its size and price point are ideal for anyone wanting a dual-monitor setup.

As far as connectivity options go, the VX2785 has a USB-C 3.2 port with 60W charging, an HDMI port, a DisplayPort, and a headphone jack. The monitor has two 3W integrated speakers that don’t offer the best sound quality but work in a pinch. And the impressive tilt and swivel stand lets users customize their viewing experience. It’s not the most color accurate, but the VX2785 is undoubtedly one of the best options in this price range.

If you want to go big, it doesn’t get much bigger than the LG 43UN700-B monitor without diving into television territory. Despite its huge 43-inch screen, it has a standard 16:9 aspect ratio, and the 3840 x 2160 resolution allows for easy multi-window screen-splitting. There’s no shortage of connectivity options, with four HDMI ports, a USB-C port with 60W Power Delivery, two USB-A ports, a DisplayPort, and a headphone out port. The headphone jack may not be necessary since it has two 10W speakers built-in.

While screen-splitting is available on Windows and Mac, the monitor's on-screen controls make it easy to set various multi-window modes. And if it’s mounted on a wall, controlling the display is possible with the included remote. The color accuracy isn’t as impressive as some of the other options on this list, but it supports HDR10 and is a great way to watch streaming content. The LG 43UN700-B is also not as expensive as its specs and features would suggest.

Ultrawide screens are the best option if a user plans to use split screens often, with the expanded 21:9 aspect ratio allowing for multiple windows that aren't cramped together. The LG 34WQ73A-B is one of the best ultrawide monitors available, with its wide 3440 x 1440 resolution ideal for multiple windows. It also takes split-screening one step further with a built-in KVM switch that lets a user control two computers connected to the monitor simultaneously.

Regarding connectivity options, the LG 34WQ73A-B has two HDMI ports, a USB-C port (with 90W Power Delivery), two USB-A 3.0 ports, a DisplayPort, and an audio-out line. It's not the most ports we've seen on a monitor, but it should be enough to run two PCs at the same time comfortably. It's also color accurate (99% sRGB) and supports HDR10, making it a good option for artists, graphic designers, and video editors, or if you simply want to stream movies and TV shows.

Screen-splitting works best with more display real estate, but there's a fine line between too small and too large. While 27-inch monitors work well, a 32-inch monitor is the better way to go. It won't take much more room on a desk but offers a lot more screen for the size. And one of the best 32-inch 4K monitors available right now is the BenQ PD3205U.

The PD3205U is a 32-inch monitor with a 4K resolution, which should be plenty for multi-window split-screening. It's highly color accurate with 99 percent sRGB and Rec. 709 color gamuts, comes with BenQ's AQColor tech for color accuracy, and is Calman and Pantone Skintone validated. Connectivity options include an HDMI port, two USB-C ports (one with 90W PD), two USB-A 3.1 ports, a DisplayPort, and a headphone jack. The monitor also lets you take productivity to the next level with a built-in KVM switch that allows users to connect to two systems simultaneously.

Anyone looking for a gaming monitor should consider the Corsair XENEON 32QHD240. The 32-inch monitor has a QHD resolution and a 16:9 aspect ratio. But what makes it an excellent monitor for gaming is its 240Hz refresh rate, 1ms response time, and support for both AMD FreeSync and NVIDIA G-Sync. It’s color accurate with 98% DCI-P3 and 100% sRGB and AdobeRGB, and HDR600 provides a bright and colorful experience.

There are plenty of connectivity options, with two HDMI ports, a DisplayPort, two USB-C ports, two USB-A ports, and a 3.5mm audio output port. The available stand offers different tilt and swivel angles for the best viewing experience and is VESA 100x100 mount compatible with desktop arms or wall mounts. Corsair offers a zero dead pixel guarantee during the three-year warranty period, which is a nice touch.

Which is the best overall split-screen monitor?

The monitor that is best for someone depends on their individual needs, which is why this list includes a variety of options. The Dell Ultrasharp U2723QE is our top pick because it offers a great balance of everything one might be looking for from a split-screen monitor. Its 27-inch size is big enough to allow comfortable multi-window split-screening while not taking up too much space on a desk. The high-end monitor has a 4K resolution and plenty of connectivity options including USB-C, and the color accuracy is ideal for artists and creators.

The Dell monitor is a little pricey, though, and its 60Hz refresh rate isn't the best for gamers. The ViewSonic VX2785 is the one to consider if budget is a concern. While its resolution isn't as high, the 75Hz refresh rate is better suited for gaming. And even though it doesn't have as many ports, it comes with one of every type of port you need. If you're looking for a split-screen monitor specifically for gaming, the Corsair 32QHD240 fits the bill, with its 2K resolution, 240Hz refresh rate, 1ms response time, and FreeSync and G-Sync support.

FAQs

Q: What size works best for a split-screen monitor?

A: With a single monitor setup, the bigger, the better to split the screen and use multiple windows. Monitors go up to 43 inches, but that may take up too much room on a desk and be uncomfortable to use when mounted on a wall. 27-inch and 32-inch monitors provide an ideal middle ground. 24-inch and smaller monitors are great for dual-monitor setups.

Q: What resolution do I need for a split-screen monitor?

A: High-resolution monitors are the way to go, especially when planning to use multiple windows. 4K monitors can be expensive, though. Budget-friendly 2K monitors are great if you want to save some money. We don't recommend monitors with resolutions lower than 1080p.

Q: Can I mount the monitor on a wall?

A: Yes, most monitors come with the option to mount them on a wall with a VESA-compatible wall mount. The only thing to watch out for is the size. Larger monitors require 200 x 200 wall mounts, while smaller options work with 100 x 100 mounts. Don't forget to check the wall mount compatibility before buying any third-party options.

Q: How do I split my screen on a monitor?

A: Some monitors, like LG, come with built-in split-screen options that let you divide the screen into six windows. You can split the screen on any monitor, though, when using Windows or Mac.

To split the on Windows, move the cursor to the "maximize" button in the top right corner of any open window. A menu will show the Snap Layout options to split the screen into two, three, or four windows. Larger, higher-resolution monitors will provide up to six windows. If the Snap Layout doesn't appear, go to Settings > System > Multi-tasking and enable Snap Windows.

On a Mac, hold the cursor over the green "full screen" button in the top left corner of any open window. You can also click and hold the button. Select either "Tile window to left of screen" or "Tile window to right of screen" to start Split View. To enable Split View, go to Apple menu > System settings > Desktop and dock and enable Displays have separate spaces.