Document and spreadsheet multitaskers
If you compare documents or move between spreadsheets and browser windows, an additional screen can give those windows a separate place rather than requiring constant switching.
Who an external monitor may suit
One-cable desk users
A USB-C hub monitor may appeal if you want display, charging and possibly peripherals connected at your desk. Check the exact laptop, monitor and cable capabilities before planning around one cable.
Space-constrained hybrid workers
A small, shared or temporary desk makes the screen’s footprint and position as important as its viewing area. A portable display or a compatible mounting arrangement may be worth considering.
What matters when choosing
For laptop-based document and spreadsheet work, decide how you will connect the display before choosing its size. Treat an arm or stand as a separate desk-positioning decision, not as a substitute for checking the video connection.
HDMI or DisplayPort monitor
Consider it: When your laptop has a compatible video output and you chiefly want another screen.
Trade-off: A conventional video connection does not by itself combine laptop charging and peripherals into one cable.
USB-C hub monitor
Consider it: When the laptop supports USB-C video and the monitor’s Power Delivery suits its charging requirements.
Trade-off: The USB-C connector alone does not establish video, charging or cable compatibility.
Portable USB-C monitor
Consider it: When you need to move a second display between workspaces rather than leave one on a fixed desk.
Trade-off: Its smaller format provides a different viewing-area and positioning arrangement from a desktop monitor.
| Concern | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Visible workspace | Compare screen size and resolution with the space available for the monitor and its stand. | If I keep moving between a spreadsheet and reference documents, I want room to see more of my work at once. Around 27% of consumers would put visible workspace first. |
| Connection and charging | Check the laptop’s supported video output; for USB-C, also match its charging needs and the cable’s capabilities to the monitor. | I want to connect my laptop at the desk without discovering that video or charging needs another connection. Compatibility is the primary concern for around 33% of consumers. |
| Desk position and mounting | Measure the desk and stand footprint. For an arm, match the mounting pattern, monitor weight and desk attachment requirements. | On a shallow or shared desk, I need the display to sit where I can use it comfortably. Around 27% of consumers would make desk fit and positioning their first concern. |
| Portability | Check the display’s dimensions, weight, support arrangement and the laptop connection it needs. | If my workspace changes between rooms, I need a second screen I can move and set up again. Portability would come first for around 13% of consumers. |
Buying pitfalls
-
Assuming every USB-C port carries video and charging
A laptop, monitor and cable can have USB-C connectors without supporting the same display and power functions. Microsoft Support notes that USB-C-compatible cables do not all support the same features.
Check the laptop’s specified video output and charging requirements against the monitor’s video mode and Power Delivery rating, then choose a cable that supports the required functions.
Depending on that combination, you may still need a compatible cable, adapter, dock or separate charger.
-
Choosing screen size before checking the desk
More screen area is of limited use if the monitor cannot sit in a workable position. The Health and Safety Executive advises placing the screen directly in front of you, with its top around eye level and the screen about an arm’s length away.
Measure usable desk width and depth, including room for the stand, before settling on a size.
-
Choosing an arm by screen size alone
A monitor’s diagonal measurement does not tell you whether its mount, weight or desk attachment will work with a particular arm.
Match the stated VESA mounting pattern and monitor weight to the arm, then check the arm maker’s clamp or grommet requirements against your desk.
A mismatched arm or desk clamp may need replacing.
Relevant brands to consider
Dell
Dell’s P2425HE is an example of a fixed USB-C home-work display with a 23.8-inch Full HD IPS panel and HDMI, DisplayPort and USB-C connections.
- Dell UK specifies USB-C DisplayPort Alt Mode and up to 90W Power Delivery for this P2425HE variant.
- The referenced P2425HE configuration is listed without a stand. Check the supplied configuration and mounting arrangement; its specifications do not apply to every Dell monitor.
BenQ
The GW2790QT is a 27-inch QHD USB-C model with height, tilt, pivot and swivel adjustment.
- BenQ states that this model offers data connectivity and 65W laptop charging through USB-C.
- Check your laptop’s video and charging requirements, as well as its supported display arrangement, before relying on those functions.
Lenovo ThinkVision
The ThinkVision M15 illustrates the portable route: it is a 15.6-inch Full HD display with two USB-C ports.
- Lenovo describes Power Pass Through for the M15, a feature to consider if you move your setup between locations.
- Its portable format differs from a fixed desktop screen. Confirm USB-C video and power compatibility for your laptop.
Joybuy monitors for different setups
These monitors cover USB-C and conventional video connections, with a portable option alongside displays for a more fixed desk. Compare each one with your laptop’s output and charging specifications, then check the dimensions and positioning options against your workspace.
No image available
ASUS ZenScreen MB249C IPS USB-C
Consider this for a laptop workspace where a USB-C display connection is part of the plan. The product name identifies an IPS monitor with USB-C; confirm your laptop’s video and charging compatibility and the monitor’s actual weight and desk footprint before choosing its placement.
No image available
Samsung S40GD LS22D400GAUXXU 22-inch Full HD
Consider this screen for a fixed laptop desk where a 22-inch Full HD display is the intended format. Check that your laptop has a suitable video connection and that the monitor’s stand footprint and adjustment range work in the space available.
No image available
Dell P2425H 24-inch Full HD IPS
Consider this for a fixed desk if you intend to use a conventional video connection. Its product name specifies Full HD at 1920 × 1080, 100Hz, and HDMI, DisplayPort and VGA connections; check the laptop’s output and the desk footprint. Although USB-C appears in the product name, confirm its video and charging functions before treating it as a docking connection.
No image available
ASUS ZenScreen MB166CR FHD
Consider this for a second screen that moves between workspaces rather than staying on one desk. Confirm that your laptop and cable support the required USB-C video connection; if you rely on HDMI or expect laptop charging through the monitor, check those requirements separately before buying.
No image available
AOC Q32V4 31.5-inch IPS monitor
Consider this if a 31.5-inch display is the format you want for documents and spreadsheets. Check its actual dimensions and stand adjustment range against your desk and viewing position; for an arm, also confirm the mount and supported load.
Common questions
Will a USB-C monitor display video and charge any USB-C laptop?
No: the laptop must support the required USB-C video output, and the monitor’s Power Delivery must suit its charging requirements. Microsoft Support also notes that USB-C-compatible cables do not all support the same features, so check the cable as well as the two devices.
Where should I position an external monitor for laptop work?
Place it directly in front of you, with the top of the screen around eye level and the screen about an arm’s length away, in line with Health and Safety Executive guidance. Measure the desk and account for the stand before choosing a screen size.
Do I need a monitor arm?
An arm is worth considering if the stand and desk layout cannot give you a suitable screen position, or if you need to free desk surface. Check the monitor’s mounting pattern and weight against the arm’s specifications, then confirm how the arm attaches to your desk.
Does an employer have to provide a monitor for home working?
There is no automatic entitlement to a particular monitor model. The Health and Safety Executive says display screen equipment rules can apply to permanent or long-term home workers; where an applicable workstation assessment identifies equipment that is needed, the worker cannot be charged for it. Ask your employer how your workstation will be assessed.