Choose a fixed monitor if you mainly work at one desk and need more screen space, a portable monitor if that second screen must travel, or a laptop riser with a separate keyboard and mouse if screen position matters more than extra display area. A dock or hub can simplify desk connections, but only if it supports your exact laptop and intended displays. Check your employer’s workstation assessment and equipment arrangements before paying for a setup yourself.
If you regularly work from one home desk, compare the extra space of a fixed monitor with a riser and separate keyboard and mouse. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) advises considering the whole workstation, not just the screen.
A portable monitor may suit you if you need a second screen at several locations and are willing to carry and power it. Check that your laptop and the display’s required cable support video before choosing one.
A dock may suit a desk shared by displays, charging and peripherals. Its usefulness depends on the exact laptop model, operating system and display arrangement, not the shape of its USB-C connector alone.
Decide whether your main need is a more adaptable laptop position, more screen space, a screen you can carry or fewer connections to make at your desk. Then check the equipment and laptop requirements for that choice.
| Concern | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Prolonged laptop use | Allow room for a separate keyboard and mouse, and check where the raised screen will sit. Consider any workstation assessment findings. | If I use my laptop for long stretches, I want to raise its screen without having to type on the raised keyboard; around 31% of consumers put this setup need first. |
| Fixed-desk screen space | Confirm the laptop’s supported external-display count and video output, plus a compatible monitor input and connection. | When documents and calls stay open at one desk, I want a second display that remains set up there; around 25% of consumers prioritise fixed-desk screen space. |
| A screen that travels | Check the laptop’s video-capable port, the display’s cable requirements and how the display is powered. | If I work in changing locations, I need to judge whether carrying a second screen is worthwhile; roughly 19% of consumers put portability first. |
| Desk connections | Match the dock or hub to the exact laptop, operating system, intended display count and charging requirements. | I want to reconnect displays and peripherals without handling several desk cables each time; for around 25% of consumers, connection convenience is the primary need. |
USB-C connector shape does not establish video output, supported display count or charging capability. Apple’s display guidance and the cited Plugable and Targus product requirements each make compatibility dependent on the host device and connection.
Check your exact laptop model and operating system against the display or dock requirements, including the cable, intended display count and charging needs.
An unsuitable cable or adapter may need replacing before the intended connection works.
For covered workers, the HSE says a display screen equipment assessment may identify action the employer needs to take, and workers cannot be charged for that action. Acas advises agreeing who provides equipment, repairs and support.
Ask about the applicable workstation assessment, equipment provision and IT approval before placing an order yourself.
The HSE’s display screen equipment guidance considers screen position, input devices and the wider workstation. Adding a monitor does not settle how the laptop, keyboard and mouse will be positioned.
Plan the display and input devices together, with enough desk space for the arrangement you intend to use.
A dock brand to consider for a fixed desk with displays, USB peripherals and laptop charging.
A dock and adapter brand with different connection and multi-display approaches.
A portable-display brand relevant when a second screen needs to move between work locations.
A monitor brand to consider for a fixed desk where display and peripheral connections may be combined.
For workers covered by display screen equipment rules, the Health and Safety Executive says employers must assess workstations when screen equipment is used daily for continuous periods of an hour or more; its guidance also addresses home and hybrid arrangements. The Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland says its separate regulations can apply to home and hybrid work there. Ask your employer how the assessment covers the locations where you regularly work.
Not automatically. The Health and Safety Executive says workers cannot be charged where a display screen equipment assessment indicates that the employer needs to take action, such as providing equipment. Acas advises agreeing who provides or pays for equipment and support, so check your employer’s assessment and arrangements before buying.
No: a USB-C connector alone does not confirm video output, charging or the number of supported displays. Check the exact laptop’s specifications, the dock or monitor’s host and cable requirements, and operating-system support. Apple’s display guidance and Plugable’s portable-monitor requirements illustrate why the specific connection matters.
Choose a riser with a separate keyboard and mouse if your main need is to raise the laptop screen for prolonged desk use, rather than gain more screen area. The Health and Safety Executive describes that arrangement for laptop use; a separate display is another option if you also need workspace for documents or other applications.