For an existing laptop used mainly at one desk, choose a desktop monitor you can position comfortably; a USB-C hub monitor can also connect desk accessories and charge the laptop if its video and power-delivery requirements match. Choose a portable monitor when the second screen needs to travel. A dock or adapter can help connect either setup, but it cannot remove the laptop’s own display-output limits.
If you spend long sessions reading documents, writing or working across windows, a monitor you can position at a permanent desk is worth considering. Which? includes home offices, study spaces and kitchen-table computing in its monitor guidance; the Health and Safety Executive advises on screen placement for prolonged work.
If you also connect a keyboard, mouse or wired network, a USB-C hub monitor or dock may simplify the desk connection. Check that your exact laptop can send video through the intended port and that any stated power delivery meets its charging requirement.
If a second screen needs to move with your laptop, a portable monitor is a more relevant route than a display left on one desk. Check its connection and power requirements before relying on a one-cable setup.
Decide where the screen will be used most often, then check the laptop’s display capabilities before choosing the connection hardware.
Choose it when: most work happens at one desk and you can leave a larger screen in a suitable position.
Allow for: desk space, mains power and a cable connection to the laptop.
Choose it when: a fixed desk needs a display connection alongside compatible laptop charging or connected accessories.
Check first: one-cable use depends on the laptop’s USB-C video support and the monitor’s stated power delivery.
Choose it when: the extra screen must move between study spaces, shared desks or travel locations.
Allow for: a smaller screen than a full-size desk monitor and model-specific connection and power requirements.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Display compatibility | Check the exact laptop model’s supported display count, resolution and refresh rate. Match its video-capable output to the monitor input, cable and any adapter or dock. Apple Support and Microsoft Support both tie external-display options to the device model and connection used. | I want the screen to work at the display setting I plan to use, whether I connect it directly or through a dock. |
| Screen position | For a regular desk, check stand adjustment, available depth and room for input devices. 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. | Long reading or document sessions call for a screen I can position without crowding my keyboard and mouse. |
| Desk connections | For USB-C video, confirm the laptop supports the required display mode, such as DisplayPort Alt Mode. Compare a monitor or dock’s stated power delivery with the laptop’s charging requirement; check separately for the USB ports or Ethernet you need. | I would rather connect my desk accessories without repeatedly plugging in several cables, but charging must suit my laptop too. |
| Portability | Check the portable monitor’s dimensions, carry weight, stand, video input and power arrangement. ASUS advises checking USB-C display functionality before using a compatible portable display through that port. | If my working location changes regularly, carrying a second screen matters more than leaving a full-size display set up at one desk. |
| Dock or adapter | Use an adapter to match an existing video-capable output to a display input; consider a dock when you also need several desk connections. Check the laptop’s documented display limits before selecting a multi-display dock. | For one screen, I may only need the right connection. For several accessories, I need to know what my laptop can actually support. |
A connector can fit a USB-C monitor or adapter without providing the video mode needed to show an image.
Check the exact laptop specification for external-display support and the USB-C video mode required by the screen, dock or adapter.
Multiple outputs on a dock do not establish how many displays the laptop can run, or at which resolution and refresh rate. Microsoft Support notes that some Surface Laptop dual-display configurations require a trade-off between resolution and refresh rate.
Confirm the laptop model’s supported display configuration, then match the dock’s outputs to it.
Stated USB-C power delivery varies by model. LG UK lists 15 W for the 27U631A-B, 90 W for the 27U730A-B, while Dell UK lists up to 100 W for the P2726HE.
Compare the chosen monitor or dock’s stated power delivery with your laptop maker’s charging requirement, and check video compatibility separately.
If the stated power delivery does not meet the laptop’s needs, you may still need to use its original charger at the desk.
A portable display can provide a second screen away from home, but portability alone does not address screen placement during long sessions at a fixed desk.
For a regular workstation, check screen height, desk depth and connections before deciding whether a portable or desktop monitor fits the space.
Dell UK lists fixed-desk USB-C hub monitors that combine a display connection with other desk connections.
LG UK lists USB-C desktop monitors in different screen configurations.
Lenovo’s ThinkVision mobile-monitor range is relevant when a second screen needs to travel with a laptop.
ASUS lists ZenScreen portable monitors for use as a second laptop display.
These options include monitors for a fixed laptop desk and a portable screen for moving between workspaces. Compare each model’s stated connections with your laptop before choosing.
No image available
A fixed-desk option for an existing laptop. The product name specifies a Nano Glossy IPS display and height-adjustable stand; check USB-C video support and whether the monitor’s charging output meets your laptop’s needs.
No image available
For a fixed desk where the stated screen size and USB hub are relevant. The product name lists USB-C 65 W; confirm video compatibility and whether that power delivery meets your laptop’s charging requirement.
No image available
A desktop screen for a laptop workstation. The product name specifies IPS, Google TV and USB-C 65 W; check the laptop’s USB-C video capability and charging requirement before planning a one-cable connection.
No image available
A fixed-desk screen to consider for document or visual work. Confirm the intended connection with your laptop; if you also want USB-C charging, check the monitor’s power-delivery specification against the laptop’s requirement.
No image available
A portable-screen option for using a laptop in different workspaces. Check the connection and charging requirements for your laptop. The listed weight figures conflict, so confirm the carry weight if you plan to move it regularly.
Check the exact laptop model’s supported external-display count, resolution and refresh rate, then identify its video-capable ports and match them to the screen and connection hardware. For a USB-C display connection, confirm the required video mode rather than relying on the connector shape; Apple Support and Microsoft Support both direct users to model-specific display capabilities.
Yes, if the chosen monitor supports both functions and the laptop can send video through that USB-C port. Compare the monitor’s stated power delivery with the laptop’s charging requirement: Dell UK and LG UK list different limits for different models, so the presence of USB-C alone is not enough.
Choose a portable monitor when the extra screen needs to travel with the laptop, rather than remain at one desk. Check its carry weight, stand and connection requirements; ASUS Support advises confirming USB-C display functionality before relying on that connection.
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. Check that the stand and desk depth let you do this while leaving the keyboard and mouse comfortably positioned.
A dock does not remove the laptop model’s documented display limits. Check the supported number of displays, resolution and refresh rate for your laptop first, then choose dock outputs that fit those limits; Microsoft Support notes that some dual-display configurations involve resolution and refresh-rate trade-offs.