Who needs to make this choice?

Laptop-only desk workers

If you routinely work at a home desk, check whether your screen position, available space and input-device placement suit your tasks before deciding on an external display or separate controls.

Hybrid workers reconnecting at each desk

If you move between home and office, a repeatable connection for a display, charging and peripherals may matter. Check your exact laptop model and port capabilities before choosing a hub or dock.

Home workers with frequent video calls

If meetings are the main difficulty, check camera, microphone, headset and meeting-software compatibility rather than assuming another monitor addresses it.

What matters when choosing equipment?

Start with the workstation assessment and the tasks you repeat at home. Identify the main limitation before comparing devices, then check laptop compatibility and who will provide the equipment.

Concern What to check Who this matters to
Display and input arrangement Check the assessed setup, desk space, display connections and whether the chosen screen position calls for a separate keyboard and mouse. If my laptop screen and controls cannot be positioned independently for routine desk tasks, I need an arrangement that suits the assessed workstation; around 34% of consumers put display and input arrangement first.
Connection compatibility Check the exact laptop model, supported video output and external-display limits, then compare the dock or monitor connection and charging requirements. When I reconnect a display, power and peripherals at my desk, I need them to work with my laptop; roughly 33% of consumers prioritise connection compatibility.
Portability between locations Check what you need to carry, the available ports at each desk and whether Bluetooth or a USB receiver works with both setups. Moving between home and office, I want equipment I can carry and reconnect without losing the functions my work requires; about 20% of consumers put portability first.
Equipment for calls Check camera and audio connections, operating-system support and compatibility with your work meeting software. For frequent calls, I need camera and audio equipment that works with my device and meeting software rather than another screen; around 13% of consumers prioritise call equipment.

What should you avoid assuming?

  • Assuming every USB-C port supports the same setup

    A USB-C connector alone does not establish video output, charging support or the number of external displays a laptop can run. Anker also specifies different Windows and macOS display behaviour for its Nano 8-in-1 hub.

    Check your exact laptop model against its maker's port and display specifications, then compare the intended hub, dock or monitor's connection requirements.

    If the connections do not match, a different cable, adapter, dock or charger may be needed.

  • Personally ordering equipment for an assessed work need without asking first

    For covered workers in Great Britain, the Health and Safety Executive says workers cannot be charged for action required by a display-screen-equipment assessment, including provision of necessary equipment. Acas advises agreeing who provides equipment and handles repairs.

    Discuss the assessment finding, equipment provision and IT support with your employer before placing a personal order to address that finding.

  • Choosing by screen size or product label alone

    The Health and Safety Executive's workstation guidance considers the whole setup, work conditions and individual requirements. A larger display or an ergonomically labelled peripheral does not, by itself, resolve the limitation identified for your desk.

    Identify whether the issue is screen placement, input position, repeated connections, portability or calls, then check physical fit and device compatibility.

Relevant brands for reference

Dell

Relevant when comparing fixed-desk displays, including USB-C hub monitors.

  • Dell lists a 23.8-inch Full HD IPS panel, an adjustable stand, Ethernet and up to 100W power delivery for its P2426HE monitor.
  • Those P2426HE specifications do not establish charging or video compatibility with every laptop; check the laptop's USB-C capabilities.

Anker

Relevant when comparing USB-C hubs and docks for display, charging, USB and network connections.

  • Anker lists two HDMI outputs up to 4K at 60Hz and up to 85W laptop charging for its Nano 8-in-1 hub, subject to its connection requirements.
  • For that model, Anker says Windows can extend different content across two displays while macOS mirrors it. Check the exact laptop and intended display arrangement before choosing it.

Logitech

Relevant when the identified need concerns a keyboard, mouse, webcam or headset rather than more display space.

  • Logitech's business range includes wired, wireless and Bluetooth input devices alongside webcams and headsets.
  • Connection requirements vary by model. Logitech lists a USB-A port requirement for the receiver used with its MX Master 3S for Business, so check the version and connection method you intend to use.

Joybuy products

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Does working from home mean I need an external monitor?

No. The Health and Safety Executive says home workers may not need additional equipment, but their existing workstation should be checked for suitability. Where display-screen-equipment rules apply, let the individual assessment and your regular tasks guide the choice.

Do the same assessment principles apply in Great Britain and Northern Ireland?

Both the Health and Safety Executive in Great Britain and the Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland describe assessment-led decisions for covered long-term home and hybrid display-screen-equipment work. Check the guidance applicable to your workplace and the needs identified by your assessment rather than assuming that every worker requires the same equipment.

Should I buy equipment myself if an assessment says it is needed?

Speak to your employer before buying equipment to meet an assessment finding. For covered workers in Great Britain, the Health and Safety Executive says workers cannot be charged for action required by a display-screen-equipment assessment, including necessary equipment; Acas also advises agreeing provision, repairs and technical support.

Will any USB-C dock run two different external displays?

No; the result depends on the exact laptop, its display limits and the dock's supported connection modes. Apple says external-display support varies by Mac model, while Anker says its Nano 8-in-1 hub extends different content on Windows but mirrors content on macOS. Check both devices' specifications for the display arrangement you want.