Few items in computer setups flaunted online induce more envy than Apple displays, particularly the one many people find almost financially within reach — the 27-inch 5K resolution Studio Display. (And let’s just stop frightening our wallets with any talk at all of the vaunted Pro Display XDR, starting at $5,000). So what’s even better than one amazingly vibrant, color-accurate Studio Display? Well, two of them, of course. We found 12 setups that might make you green with envy — the best dual Studio Display setups.
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Best dual Studio Display setups
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
People who work with images and color, like graphic designers and video editors, know and love Apple’s Studio Display. For them, it’s worth the price. And so it, too, for lots of users. We managed to find a solid dozen great dual Studio Display setups. Each headline below links to the original Setups post with much more detail and links to the products. And you can see lots of other great multimonitor setups and dual-display workstations with other monitor options.
12. ‘So we’re doing dual Studio Display setups?’
Photo: [email protected]
Cult of Mac‘s coverage of user computer setups shows lots and lots of people love Studio Displays. And tons of folks love dual-display setups. But two Studio Displays in a setup? You’d think we’d see more of those. And this featured setup is right on point. Not only does it boast dual Studio Displays on a nice Vivo dual display desk mount, running through a CalDigit Thunderbolt 4 dock. It also sports two Macs — an M2 Mac mini and an M1 Pro MacBook Pro — in addition to a split mechanical keyboard and some 3D-printed parts.
This two-monitor mount with arms features an extra-tall 39-inch pole for a fully adjustable stand that holds two 27-inch screens. In white.
- Mounts two 27-inch monitors
- Option for extra-tall use
- Some dual monitor arms may have greater range of motion
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
11. Dual Studio Display workstation prioritizes open space
Photo: [email protected]
People who show off their computer setups often go for a clean, spare look without much, if any, clutter — from cables or anything else. But few have as clean and spacious a look as this featured MacBook Pro setup with two Studio Displays. There are many ways of making a setup minimalistic without simply leaving out the crucial gear. In this case, it has a lot to do with a very cool desk with some interesting features, plus cool mounted speakers and a great Shure microphone.
This USB/XLR mic for podcasting, recording, live streaming and gaming includes a built-in headphone output and all-metal construction.
- Popular multi-use mic from legendary maker
- Built-in headphone output
- All-metal construction
- Not cheap -- many lesser mics cost less
Suitable for music or gaming, Audioengine's compact but powerful desktop computer speakers can operate via wire or wirelessly via Bluetooth. Power level: 60 watts.
- Great for music or gaming
- Wired or wireless Bluetooth connectivity
- Some might prefer higher wattage
- Desk stands sold separately
10. Syncing audio and brightness with dual Studio Displays
Photo: [email protected]
So, as we’ve seen, dual Studio Displays are a popular-if-pricey choice among Mac users. In addition to making a case for going with the configuration in the first place, this Mac Studio setup offers some helpful tips for creating synced dual Studio Displays. And it suggests third-party tools to help sync audio and brightness levels across the two monitors:
This 2023 machines features an M2 Ultra chip with 24-core CPU and 60-core GPU, 64GB integrated memory and 1TB SSD.
- Tons of computing power
- Plenty of storage space
- Relatively small footprint
- Want smaller? Try Mac mini
9. Developer sees the light in dual Studio Displays
Photo: [email protected]
While the dual display setup has become so commonplace it seems standard, debate still rages over exactly what works best. In this MacBook Pro setup, a developer experiments with single- and dual-display configurations before coming to the conclusion, on the way to their one true configuration, that size really does matter more than most other considerations. And those are nice-looking Desky monitor arms match the cool NuPhy Air96 mechanical keyboard.
This 100-keys gaming keyboard supports Bluetooth 5.1, 2.4G and wired connection. It works with Mac and Windows PCs and laptops, featuring Grey Gateron Moss switches.
- Mechanical keyboard precision
- Broad connectivity options
- Grey Gateron Moss switches
- Not your choice of switches? Easily swap them out.
This stout arm fits 17-inch to 32-inch screens, with full motion -- adjustable tilt, swivel and rotation. Includes desk clamp and grommet base.
- Solid arm with full-motion capability
- 2 desk-mounting options
- Choice of colors
- You can find cheaper ones, but you may get what you pay for
8. If you have dual displays, try this neat wallpaper trick
Photo: [email protected]
Few people would dispute that the extra screen real estate of a second display can be a huge help in a computer setup. But let’s say you have two Studio Displays in landcape (horizontal) mode. Do you place them side by side perfectly straight or do you angle them in some way? This MacBook Pro workstation brought up the debate and surfaced a cool tip for getting wallpaper to appear half on one display and half on the other.
This solid wood desk shelf with eco-cork legs works great for holding displays, laptops, computers, TVs or printers. And it features storage underneath for accessories.
- Space for dual displays
- Plenty of room for accessories underneath
- For one monitor, try a smaller one
7. Dual Studio Displays present problems
Photo: [email protected]
A computer setup sporting a Mac Studio desktop computer and two Studio Displays is a marvel to be envied. And yet, the two gorgeous displays in this featured workstation present some problems, believe it or not. Given the bezels meeting in the middle and other concerns, they make the user wish Apple would just make a widescreen monitor. But then they probably wouldn’t need two of those great BenQ Screenbar Halo monitor lights.
Complete with a wireless controller, this glare-reducing monitor light bar lets you adjust brightness and color temperature.
- Glare-free front lighting
- Ambient back lighting
- Wireless controller
- Somewhat expensive
6. Two powerhouse MacBooks drive dual Studio Displays
Photo: [email protected]
Not many folks get to flaunt two late-model, powerhouse MacBook Pro laptops along with two Studio Displays in their computer setup — but it certainly becomes more likely when an employer contributes gear. This featured setup comes from an art director in just that situation. His Apple-all-the-way setup won much praise, but some commenters on social media had fits over a backward-facing MacBook Pro — and provided a fix for the flagrant flub.
With a sleek design and some sweet Apple magic, AirPods Pro Max headphones look great, sound exciting and reward those in the Apple ecosystem.
- Ideal choice for Apple ecosystem
- Solid construction
- Great features like Spatial Head Tracking
- Expensive
- Due for an upgrade
5. 13 ways to improve this dual-Studio Display workstation
Photo: [email protected]
Among the everlasting truths about computer setups, first comes “a setup is never finished.” And the second might be, “A setup can always be improved.” The user behind this one certainly found out about No. 2 when he asked for advice on how to improve his M1 Max MacBook Pro and dual-Studio Display workstation. Find all the advice in the original post — jokes ‘n’ all — as well as some excellent gear, like the Twelve South BookArc MacBook stand and HomePod mini.
This space-saving vertical stand for MacBooks and other laptops helps you organize your office. Comes with a choice of finishes -- chrome, matte black or matte white.
- Elegant, space-saving vertical stand
- Choice of finishes
- Not for multiple MacBooks
Apple's tiny but powerful smart speaker delivers surprisingly good audio for its size. Plus, it works well with the Apple ecosystem.
- Sounds sweet, especially in stereo pair
- Works great with Siri
- Comes in great colors
- More expensive than competition
4. Would this dual Studio Display rig be your ‘dream setup?’
Photo: [email protected]
You look at enough computer setups online and you realize people are never really done with them. There’s always something to add. It could be some gear got held up by shipping delays, or the setup’s owner got a sudden urge to try another type of input device or some other gadget. And people often take ages to tame the cable clutter. So you rarely see people claiming a setup’s done for good. Or it’s the best it can be. Or it’s the proverbial “dream setup.” Today’s setup got called a “dream setup” by its proud owner. Would you agree? We’ll take that Elgato Stream Deck and Philips Hue Play Bar smart lights.
This white version of the studio controller includes 15 macro keys, trigger actions in apps and software like OBS, Twitch, YouTube and more. Works with Mac and PC.
- Streamline workflows
- Trigger app actions
- Easy-to-use macro keys
- Not cheap
This kit includes two black Hue Play light bars, a Hue Hub and Power Supply. Compatible with Alexa.
- Create vibrant lighting displays
- Works with other Philips Hue products
- There are cheaper options
3. Dual Studio Display rig comes with a light show
Photo: [email protected]
This setup dates back to May 2022, just two month after Studio Display came out. And as you can see, the M1 Max MacBook Pro user loves color. Even without the brilliant pair of Studio Displays with their eye-catching wallpaper, the setup would pop with color because of the Nanoleaf Lines and Nanoleaf Canvas RGB lighting options. Also note the paired old-school HomePods.
This Wi-Fi Smart RGBW 16 million+ color LED dimmable gaming and home decor wall lights starter kit includes nine LED Light Lines.
- 9 lines of lights for versatile displays
- 16 million+ colors
- Dimmable
- Somewhat pricey compared to some competitors
This Wi-Fi smart RGB 16 million+ color LED dimmable gaming and home decor wall lights starter kit includes nine panels for versatile displays.
- 9 panels for colorful lighting displays
- Works with other Nanoleaf products
- A bit pricey
2. Mac Studio with dual displays boosts rendering a staggering 12x
Photo: [email protected]
The term “money pit” usually refers to an old house that needs a lot of expensive work that never seems to end. But it could actually refer to a computer setup, too. After all, it’s never really finished and the next round of irresistible gear is always about to come out. This Mac Studio setup is a good example. After years of saving and planning, a setup centered on a struggling 2015 iMac metastasized, at great cost, into a Mac Studio powerhouse with beautiful dual Studio Displays. And the main input devices are classic — Magic Keyboard, Logitech MX Master 3S wireless mouse.
Apple's popular keyboard is wireless, rechargeable and includes the popular Touch ID feature. Works with Mac computers with Apple Silicon; US English, white keys.
- Convenience of Touch ID login
- Fast and smooth typing
- Rechargeable
- Plenty of keyboards cost less
Logitech's flagship MX Master mouse stands out for its precision, features and ergonomic design. The 8K Darkfield sensor ensures the mouse can track on any surface, with the Quiet Click technology helping provide near-silent clicks. Take advantage of the customization buttons and electromagnetic scroll wheel to further boost your productivity.
- 8K DPI sensor
- Exhaustive set of features
- Customizable buttons
- Prone to connection dropping issues on Macs
1. Mac Studio-wielding designer adores dual Studio Displays
Photo: [email protected]
Two of the common laments among Mac users talking computer setups online? Too bad Studio Displays are so expensive, and when will Apple jack up that 60Hz refresh rate? But of course the monitors have legions of fans, especially among folks like designers. With today’s featured setup, a designer and video editor loves his pair of Studio Displays and says why. And other commenters get into a little dust-up defending Mac Studio from those who think the small-but-mighty M4 Mac mini is even better.
The M3 Ultra chip inside this Mac Studio delivers astonishing performance.
- Gorgeous Apple design
- M3 Ultra chip for extreme performance
- Lots of I/O capabilities
- High-performance computing comes at a high price
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
