Choosing The Best Trading Monitor – A Complete Guide

Extra monitors are a game changer for traders, enabling simultaneous tracking of key indicators like MACD, RSI, and OBV while keeping an eye on live trends and portfolio performance. Whether you’re focused on stocks, commodities, foreign exchange, cryptocurrency, or a mix of everything, the added screen space provides deeper insights and faster decision making to keep you ahead in the market. 

Keep reading for a breakdown of the best monitors for trading, what features to look for in a trading monitor, and our top picks for monitors to help you successfully day trade. Then visit our workplace solutions page for further insights into how to optimize the way you work.  

In this article, we explore why extra monitors are excellent for traders, what features to look for in a trading monitor, and our top picks to enhance your trading experience. 

Do You Really Need Extra Monitors for Trading? 

When it comes to trading, knowledge is power. 

Imagine a single solitary monitor for your trading. As a trader, you need to constantly study financial reports, track markets, watch the news, read up on pricing history, and so on. 

With regards to trading, it’s important to have access to key metrics for passive tracking. Fortunes are made and lost in a matter of seconds, and the ability to respond to events in a timely manner means the difference between success and failure. 

While you could get the job done on one monitor, the fact that you constantly need to switch between four or five different tabs means that you waste time and money. 

With additional monitors, you multitask with ease, simultaneously access your critical indicators, and avoid the eye strain that comes with staring at a single screen for multiple hours each day. 

How Many Monitors Do I Need for Trading? 

When you consider the number of extra monitors that you need, there’s no one right answer. While some traders use a dual monitor setup, other traders have been known to go as high as 20 monitors. 

One helpful rule of thumb is to calculate how many monitors you need based on the number of charts you want to keep track of at once. Except for ultrawide monitors (which we’ll get to later), most monitors can comfortably fit a maximum of four charts. 

If you want to track 12 charts simultaneously, you should have at least three monitors. If you want to simultaneously track 16 charts, you should use at least four. 

Should You Use an Ultrawide Monitor or a Multi-Monitor Setup for Trading? 

One of the most common questions traders face is whether to opt for one large ultrawide monitor or a multi-monitor setup with smaller screens. Both options have their advantages, and ultimately, the choice depends on your personal preference and trading style. 

Ultrawide Monitors for Trading 

Ultrawide monitors typically have a 21:9 aspect ratio, offering significantly more screen space than standard 16:9 monitors. Some ultrawide models are flat, while others come with a curved design to provide a more immersive viewing experience. Studies from researchers at Harvard Medical School suggest that ultrawide monitors reduce eye strain by engaging peripheral vision, which helps traders maintain focus during long trading sessions. However, keep in mind that ultrawide monitors are often more expensive and present challenges if you plan to mount them, as their curvature complicates the mounting process. 

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Multi-Monitor Setup for Trading 

On the other hand, a multi-monitor setup offers greater flexibility, allowing you to organize your trading tools, charts, and data across multiple screens. One of the key advantages of a multi-monitor setup is the ability to position monitors in a way that best suits your workspace. You can choose to stack them vertically or arrange them horizontally to track multiple data streams without information overlap. Additionally, multi-monitor setups are ideal for traders who prefer to keep different markets, indicators, and timeframes on separate screens.  

For even greater convenience in a multi-monitor setup, consider using daisy chaining technology. Daisy chaining, supported by DisplayPort (DP) and Thunderbolt, allows you to connect multiple monitors using a single cable between each, often via USB-C. This setup significantly reduces desk clutter and simplifies connectivity. Thunderbolt technology takes it a step further by transmitting video, data, and power through a single connection, offering even greater efficiency. Both options are excellent for traders looking to optimize workspace ergonomics in multi-monitor setups while maintaining a neat and organized desk. Another option is a multi-ultrawide monitor setup, but you’ll need software to manage split screens and layouts to keep everything organized. 

What to Look for in a Trading Monitor 

While some monitors are marketed specifically for traders, not all of them improve your trading experience. Take a look at some key features to keep in mind. 

High Resolution 

For traders, using a high resolution monitor is very important. 

The higher the resolution of your monitor, the better you’ll be able to read the sidebars, titles, and legends on graphs that quickly become fuzzy on lower resolution monitors. Having a high resolution also helps you see the chyrons on news shows more easily. 

Obviously, a resolution of 1920 x 1080 is mandatory, though you should go with 4K or even 5K if possible. To learn more about monitor resolutions, you can refer to this monitor resolution guide. 

Ergonomics 

Ergonomic monitors are monitors that adjust to the way you sit to make you more comfortable and productive. Try looking for ergonomic monitors with swivel, tilt, and height adjustment features. 

It’s important to be able to view your monitor at a comfortable distance without hunching over or straining your neck. For more tips on how to best position your monitor, check our guide. 

VESA Compatible  

VESA is the standard mounting interface for monitors and TVs. VESA mounts work by attaching multiple monitors to a single mount, so that you can have monitors on top of one another or side by side. 

Though not strictly necessary, placing your monitors on a VESA mount can make your desktop feel less cluttered. 

If you want to save desk space, try looking for monitors certified “VESA compatible.” 

Blue Light Filter 

Another good feature to have in a trading monitor is a blue light filter. Blue light is a type of high energy light emitted by computer screens that causes eye strain and has an adverse effect on sleep. 

For traders that use multiple monitors, blue light can seep into their vision not just from the front, but from the sides as well. Therefore, for traders or other professionals who use multiple monitors, having monitors with blue light filters is especially crucial. 

Search for a monitor that comes with a blue light filter to reduce eye strain and improve sleep. 

How Should You Set Up Your Trading Monitors? 

When it comes to your trading, there are multiple ways to set up your workspace. 

Traders using a three-screen setup will be fine using the monitors on their original stands. 

However, if you want to use more than four monitors, we recommend you use a VESA mount to make the most of your space. Some traders have a separate monitor connected to a Bloomberg terminal on one side, and a separate desktop or laptop connected to an array of additional monitors on the other side. 

Other traders work off a desktop or laptop, and group their monitors by market movers, trading time frame, and watchlist. To make sure they don’t miss anything, these traders also set up custom alarms that trigger whenever certain stocks cross a designated price threshold. 

Now, let’s explore how different monitor setups can be customized to suit the unique needs of different traders. 

Monitor Setup Recommendations for Traders 

Choosing the right monitor setup significantly enhances your trading experience. Whether you’re a beginner, day trader, or a seasoned trader, there’s a setup tailored to your needs. Here are a few recommendations for getting started. 

Basic Setup: Simplicity for Beginners 

A single ultrawide high resolution docking monitor with a 34-inch display and 21:9 aspect ratio is an excellent choice for traders. Its expansive screen provides ample space to display multiple windows side by side, making it easier to monitor live charts and market trends simultaneously on a single screen. Many ultrawide monitors also feature higher refresh rates, delivering smooth visuals for a seamless trading experience. For added comfort during long sessions, choose a model with an adjustable stand or consider mounting it on the wall. 

Key Features to Look For: 

• 34-inch ultrawide monitor with a 21:9 aspect ratio 

• High resolution (WQHD or higher) for clear visuals 

• Refresh rate of 75Hz or more for smooth performance 

• Adjustable stand or wall-mount compatibility for ergonomic comfort 

• Docking hub for easier access to peripherals and daisy chaining monitors, should you want that

Advanced Setup: Multi-Monitor Productivity 

For intermediate traders that work with multiple markets or indicators, a dual or triple-monitor setup offers enhanced productivity. Opt for a mix of 24-inch or 27-inch monitors with at least QHD resolution for seamless multitasking. One screen can focus on live trading charts, another on market news or portfolio performance, and the third screen on communication or additional research. The use of a monitor arm or stand keeps your workspace organized and ensures an optimal viewing angle. 

Key Features to Look For: 

• Dual or triple monitors (24-inch or 27-inch) 

• QHD resolution or higher for multitasking 

• Monitor arms or stands to optimize workspace 

• Configurations for specific tasks (e.g., charts, news, communication) 

Mac Setup: Optimized for Apple Users 

Mac users often prefer sleek and high resolution displays that integrate seamlessly with macOS. Consider a 4K or 5K Retina display for crystal clear visuals and precise chart analysis. The Apple Studio Display is an excellent choice, but this 4K monitor with Thunderbolt is a great alternative, fully compatible with Apple’s standards and delivering excellent performance. Pair these monitors with macOS-specific trading tools to maximize efficiency. 

Key Features to Look For: 

• 4K or 5K Retina display for high quality visuals 

• Thunderbolt compatibility for seamless integration 

• macOS-specific trading tools for efficiency 

• Sleek design to match Apple’s aesthetics 

Professional Setup: Maximum Efficiency for Power Traders 

For professional traders handling high frequency trading or multiple asset classes like stocks, forex, commodities, and cryptocurrencies, a setup with four or more monitors is ideal. Consider ultrawide monitors or a mix of vertical and horizontal displays to efficiently view complex data streams, charts, and news feeds simultaneously. Monitors with higher refresh rates (100Hz or more) and color-accurate displays are recommended for clarity and detail. Investing in a docking monitor with built-in multiple connectivity ports reduces cable clutter and ensures a cleaner, more ergonomic workspace. 

Key Features to Look For: 

• Four or more monitors for comprehensive data visualization 

• Ultrawide or mixed vertical/horizontal displays 

• High refresh rate (100Hz or more) for smooth performance 

• Docking monitor with multiple connectivity ports for less clutter 

Each of these setups can be tailored further based on your trading style and preferences. The key is to prioritize screen real estate, ergonomic comfort, and reliable monitor performance to make your trading experience more efficient and enjoyable. 

Final Thoughts 

When it comes to trading, a good monitor setup is one of the best investments you can make. 

A good monitor setup helps you work more efficiently by making it easier to organize and view data. It gives you the space to analyze different asset classes, check pricing history, and make better decisions when trading. 

Looking to upgrade your monitor setup for a better trading experience? Explore ViewSonic monitors to create a more efficient work environment. 

Frequently Asked Questions for the Best Trading Monitor