For most laptop-based home workers who need more room for documents, calls or detailed desk work, adding an external monitor makes more sense than replacing a laptop that still meets their needs. Check the laptop model’s external-display limit, video-capable port and charging requirements before choosing a monitor or connection accessory, then make sure the screen, keyboard and mouse can fit comfortably on the desk.
You work with documents, browsers, spreadsheets or video calls and want more visible workspace without replacing a laptop that otherwise meets your needs. Which? identifies second screens, port availability and ergonomic adjustment as monitor-buying considerations for UK buyers.
You need a setup that can be reconnected regularly with a work laptop. The Office for National Statistics reported that 28% of working adults in Great Britain hybrid worked between January and March 2025, while HSE advises considering both home and office situations where applicable.
You need to fit a screen arrangement around a compact desk without leaving the laptop screen too low or the keyboard and mouse out of reach. HSE advises separate keyboard and mouse use when a laptop screen is raised, with the top of the main display around eye level and roughly an arm’s length away.
Start with the laptop you already use, then check the connection and the available desk space before settling on screen size or monitor features.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Extra workspace | Compare screen size and resolution together; check whether the display will fit at a workable viewing distance; consider how many documents, windows or call panels you need visible. | I want room for several documents, applications or call windows while keeping my current laptop as the main computer. |
| Connection compatibility | Confirm the laptop’s exact external-display limit, video-capable port and charging requirements; match HDMI, DisplayPort or USB-C inputs; check cables and adapters before ordering. | I want to avoid buying a monitor, dock or adapter that cannot deliver video, charging or the number of independent displays my laptop supports. |
| Desk positioning | Measure usable desk width and depth, including the stand footprint; check height adjustment or mounting options; allow room for a separate keyboard and mouse when raising a laptop. | I need the monitor, laptop, keyboard and mouse to work together without forcing an awkward screen height or cramped input position. |
USB-C hardware and software combinations can limit display functions. A monitor’s stated power delivery does not by itself show that a particular laptop accepts charging through that connection or that its port carries video.
Check the laptop manufacturer’s specifications for the exact model, then match the monitor input, power-delivery rating and cable to those requirements.
You may need a compatible cable, adapter, dock or separate laptop charger.
Microsoft Support notes that a display splitter duplicates the same signal rather than creating two independent screens.
For separate extended displays, verify the laptop’s supported display count and choose native outputs, a dock or an adapter documented for extended-display use.
A different dock or adapter may be required if the intended extended-desktop setup cannot be created.
A large display or fixed stand can leave too little room for the keyboard and mouse, or make it difficult to place the screen at a comfortable distance. HSE advises assessing the workstation as a whole.
Measure usable desk width and depth, account for the stand footprint, and consider height adjustment or a compatible mounting arrangement where needed.
Comfort depends on the combined workstation and work routine, not screen size alone. HSE identifies fatigue, eye strain, upper-limb problems and backache as possible consequences of overuse, improper DSE use and poorly designed workstations.
Set up the display alongside the keyboard, mouse, chair, lighting and breaks. Employees who meet the DSE-user definition should follow their employer’s assessment process.
Dell’s UK business-oriented monitor range includes USB-C hub models for desk setups where display connection and laptop charging may be combined.
Lenovo’s UK ThinkVision line includes USB-C docking monitors for laptop-based workspaces, including wide-format displays for a continuous large workspace.
Samsung’s UK business-monitor range includes compact QHD USB-C models and larger work-focused displays with ergonomic and connectivity features.
Joybuy product options for laptop-based home and hybrid work where an external monitor is being considered as a second screen.
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For a Mac-based desk setup needing a larger canvas for documents and detailed work.
Stated specifications include a 31.5-inch 3840 × 2160 IPS display, two USB-C ports, HDMI inputs, a USB hub, 90W USB-C power delivery, and height, pivot, swivel and tilt adjustment.
Check that the laptop supports USB-C video and accepts the charging arrangement; allow space and desk support for the stated 9.1 kg display.
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For detailed documents or creative desk tasks where positioning flexibility matters.
This 27-inch IPS monitor is stated to have 2560 × 1440 resolution, HDMI, DisplayPort, USB-C power delivery, a USB hub, VESA 100 × 100 mm support, and height, tilt, swivel and pivot adjustment.
Confirm USB-C video and charging compatibility with the exact laptop, and check the stated 614.6 mm width and 6.0 kg stand-mounted weight against the desk or VESA arm.
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For a compact home-office desk that needs a conventional second screen for documents and everyday work.
Stated specifications include a 24-inch 1920 × 1080 IPS panel, 100Hz refresh rate, USB-C, DisplayPort, HDMI and VGA inputs, plus height, tilt and swivel adjustment.
Check the monitor manual and laptop specifications to confirm what the listed USB-C port supports, and verify desk footprint or mounting details if depth is limited.
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For laptop-based detailed work where a large, high-resolution second display can fit on the desk.
Stated specifications include a 31.5-inch 3840 × 2160 panel, HDMI 2.1, DisplayPort 1.4, Type-C 65W, USB hub, 120 mm height adjustment, tilt, swivel and VESA 75 × 75 mm support.
Verify USB-C video output and 65W charging compatibility with the laptop; the stated 713.9 mm width and 6.5 kg net weight make desk space and support important checks.
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For hybrid workers who need an extra screen away from a fixed desk.
This portable display is stated to have a 15.6-inch 1920 × 1080 IPS panel, USB-C DisplayPort Alt Mode connection, anti-glare surface, 780 g weight and 11.8 mm thickness.
It requires USB-C with DisplayPort Alt Mode and has no HDMI input. Check how it will be powered and raised for sustained desk use, as no adjustable stand or VESA arrangement is stated.
Usually not. If the laptop supports an external display and still suits your work, an external monitor can add workspace without replacing the computer. Check the laptop’s exact external-display configuration before buying, particularly if you plan to use more than one external screen.
No. Microsoft Support notes that USB-C hardware and software combinations can limit functionality. Confirm the laptop model, port capability, monitor power-delivery rating and cable specification; Apple also says Mac display adapters need compatible DisplayPort Alt Mode, Thunderbolt 3 or Thunderbolt 4 support.
External-display support depends on the exact computer model. Apple says the number of displays supported by a Mac also depends on the model and the displays’ resolution and refresh rate, while Microsoft Support notes that a graphics adapter may not support more than one external monitor.
A stand can be useful when it raises the laptop screen to a workable height as a secondary display. For prolonged laptop use, HSE advises using a separate keyboard and mouse so the laptop can be elevated; place the main screen directly in front of you, with its top around eye level and roughly an arm’s length away.
Only choose this route when the dock explicitly uses DisplayLink technology and you accept its setup requirements. DisplayLink states that its macOS Manager application is required for DisplayLink-based products and needs Screen Recording permission to render mirrored or extended displays.