Ever felt cramped on your single screen, constantly alt-tabbing between applications? A secondary monitor can be an absolute game-changer for your productivity and overall computing experience. Whether you’re a student juggling research papers, a remote worker needing extra screen real estate, or a gamer looking for a dedicated chat window, adding an external display transforms your digital workspace. This guide explores the best secondary monitors available, focusing on key features, performance, and value to help you find the perfect addition to your setup. Get ready to expand your view and boost your efficiency!
Quick Product Comparison
Our Top 3 Best Secondary Monitors Reviews – Expert Tested & Recommended
1. InnoView 23.8″ Portable Secondary Monitor: 1080p 144Hz IPS, USB-C, HDMI for Laptops
The InnoView 23.8″ Portable Monitor is a standout choice for anyone needing a versatile and high-performance secondary monitor, especially for on-the-go setups. Its large 23.8-inch screen provides ample space for multitasking, while the 144Hz refresh rate offers incredibly smooth visuals, a rare find in portable displays. It’s an ideal companion for laptops, ensuring you maintain productivity wherever you are.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ 23.8-inch 1080p IPS Display: Experience vibrant colors and wide 178° viewing angles with Full HD clarity.
- ✓ 144Hz Refresh Rate: Enjoy super smooth motion, which is fantastic for general use, media consumption, and even light gaming.
- ✓ Lightweight and Slim Design: Weighing just 4.8 lbs with a 0.4-inch profile, it’s easily transportable.
- ✓ Extensive Connectivity: Features USB-C and HDMI ports, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of devices including laptops, consoles, and smartphones.
- ✓ VESA Mount & Adjustable Stand: Offers flexibility for comfortable viewing angles and mounting options.
Why We Recommend It
We absolutely recommend the InnoView 23.8″ for its impressive combination of size, refresh rate, and portability. It’s not often you find a portable monitor that feels as robust and feature-rich as a desktop display. The 144Hz refresh rate truly sets it apart, making everything from scrolling documents to watching videos feel incredibly fluid. It’s a fantastic solution for extending your laptop’s screen without compromising on performance or visual quality, making it one of the best secondary monitors for flexibility.
Best For
This monitor is perfect for remote workers, digital nomads, students, or anyone who needs a large, high-refresh-rate secondary monitor that can easily travel with them. It also works great as a dedicated screen for console gaming on the go.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Large 23.8-inch screen enhances productivity significantly.
- Smooth 144Hz refresh rate for fluid visuals.
- Portable and lightweight design.
- Versatile connectivity with USB-C and HDMI.
- Integrated VESA mount and adjustable kickstand.
Cons:
- May require external power in some setups if your device doesn’t supply enough power via USB-C.
- The stand, while adjustable, might not be as stable as a full desktop stand.
- Higher price point than basic portable monitors.
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “Honestly I was looking for a large size good quality 4K Digital Photo Frame that can take input from an HDMI so I can use use it to display my photography in high resolution and I couldn’t find any. Then I looked into thin TVs but those were quite expensive and then I came monitors and I wasn’t expe”
Customer Review: “This monitor has been well worth the investment. I was a little hesitant at first, but I needed a high resolution monitor that I would be able to travel with, and this checks all the boxes. You can tell it’s made of quality material, and manages to still be so thin. Not too heavy to travel with for “
2. ASUS ProArt Display PA248QV 24” Monitor: WUXGA (1920×1200) IPS, 100% sRGB/Rec.709, Calman Verified
For creative professionals and users who demand impeccable color accuracy and a slightly taller aspect ratio, the ASUS ProArt Display PA248QV is an outstanding secondary monitor. This 24-inch WUXGA (1920×1200) IPS display is Calman Verified, ensuring out-of-the-box color precision, making it perfect for graphic design, photo editing, and content creation. It offers a professional-grade solution to expand your workspace.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ WUXGA (1920×1200) IPS Panel: Provides more vertical screen space than standard Full HD, ideal for productivity and creative work.
- ✓ Calman Verified & Color Accuracy: Factory pre-calibrated for excellent color fidelity with 100% sRGB and 100% Rec.709 coverage.
- ✓ Extensive Ergonomic Adjustments: Features tilt, swivel, pivot, and height adjustments for optimal viewing comfort.
- ✓ ProArt Preset & Palette: Offers multiple modes for quick color-gamut adjustments and custom color parameter settings.
- ✓ Versatile Connectivity: Includes DisplayPort, HDMI, D-Sub, and a USB hub for connecting various peripherals.
Why We Recommend It
We picked the ASUS ProArt PA248QV as our Editor’s Choice because it delivers exceptional color accuracy and ergonomic flexibility, which are crucial for any serious workstation. The WUXGA resolution offers that valuable extra vertical space, which is surprisingly useful as a secondary monitor for documents or timelines. It’s built for reliability and precision, ensuring your work looks exactly as intended.
Best For
This monitor is best for graphic designers, photographers, video editors, and anyone in a creative field who needs a color-accurate and ergonomically versatile secondary monitor. It’s also great for programmers or data analysts who benefit from the extra vertical screen space.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Superior color accuracy with factory calibration.
- WUXGA resolution provides more screen real estate.
- Highly adjustable ergonomic stand (tilt, swivel, pivot, height).
- Wide range of connectivity options, including a USB hub.
Cons:
- Higher price point due to professional features.
- Not designed for high-refresh-rate gaming.
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “I needed a reliable monitor for my freelance graphic design work, and this ASUS ProArt does not disappoint. The colors are incredibly accurate out of the box, which saves me so much calibration time. The extra resolution is a huge plus for my design software. Definitely recommend this as a primary or secondary monitor for creatives!”
Customer Review: “This monitor is fantastic for coding. The 1200p resolution means I can see more lines of code at once, and the pivot function is great for reading documentation vertically. It feels well-built and the adjustability is excellent. My productivity has definitely gone up since adding this as my second screen.”
3. HP VH240a 23.8-inch Full HD 1080p IPS LED Monitor: Built-in Speakers, VESA Mount
If you’re looking to add a functional and affordable secondary monitor without compromising too much on quality, the HP VH240a is a fantastic option. This 23.8-inch Full HD (1080p) IPS LED monitor offers crisp visuals, wide viewing angles, and a surprising array of features for its price point. It’s an ideal choice for everyday tasks, web browsing, and general office work.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ 23.8-inch Full HD (1080p) IPS Display: Delivers sharp images and consistent colors from virtually any angle.
- ✓ Integrated Speakers: Conveniently provides audio without needing external speakers, saving desk space.
- ✓ Slim Design & Micro-Edge Bezel: Modern aesthetic that fits well in any workspace and allows for seamless multi-monitor setups.
- ✓ VESA Mount Compatible: Easily mountable for ergonomic flexibility or attaching to monitor arms.
- ✓ Tilt, Pivot, Swivel, and Height Adjustments: Excellent ergonomic options for a budget monitor, enhancing comfort.
Why We Recommend It
The HP VH240a earns our ‘Best Budget’ recommendation because it offers an incredible amount of value for its cost. You get a good quality IPS panel, built-in speakers, and full ergonomic adjustability – features often found on more expensive models. It’s a dependable workhorse that significantly upgrades any setup as a secondary monitor without breaking the bank.
Best For
This monitor is perfect for students, home office users, or anyone on a tight budget needing a reliable and versatile secondary monitor for daily tasks, document viewing, web browsing, and light media consumption.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Excellent value for money with an IPS panel and full HD.
- Integrated speakers are a convenient bonus.
- Full ergonomic stand is rare at this price point.
- Slim design with narrow bezels.
Cons:
- Color accuracy may not be sufficient for professional creative work.
- Limited connectivity (typically HDMI and VGA).
- Speakers are basic quality.
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “I bought this HP monitor as a secondary monitor for my home office setup, and I’m really impressed for the price. The picture quality is great for my daily tasks, and the built-in speakers are a nice touch for video calls. The stand is surprisingly adjustable, which made it easy to get just the right height and angle.”
Customer Review: “I needed an affordable extra screen for schoolwork and this one is perfect. The IPS panel makes text super clear and it’s much better than my laptop screen. Being able to tilt and swivel it is a huge bonus. It’s not a fancy gaming monitor, but as a budget secondary monitor, it’s exactly what I needed.”
Complete Buying Guide for Secondary Monitors
Essential Factors We Consider
Choosing the right secondary monitor can make a huge difference in your daily workflow. When evaluating options, we look at several key factors. First, size and resolution are paramount. While a larger screen offers more real estate, ensure the resolution (e.g., 1080p, 1440p, 4K) matches the screen size for a comfortable pixel density. A 24-inch 1080p monitor is a popular sweet spot for a secondary display, but if your primary is 4K, you might want a higher resolution to avoid jarring text sizes.
Panel type also matters. IPS panels offer excellent color accuracy and wide viewing angles, making them ideal for creative work or general use where visual consistency is important. TN panels are faster but have poorer color and viewing angles, often chosen by competitive gamers. VA panels strike a balance with good contrast. Connectivity is another crucial point; ensure the monitor has the ports you need (HDMI, DisplayPort, USB-C, DVI, VGA) to connect to your computer. Lastly, ergonomics cannot be overlooked. A good stand with height, tilt, swivel, and pivot adjustments can prevent neck strain and improve comfort during long hours.
Budget Planning
Your budget plays a significant role in determining the features you can expect from a secondary monitor. Entry-level models (under $150) typically offer basic 1080p displays with limited adjustability and fewer ports, but they are perfectly functional for extending your workspace. Mid-range monitors ($150-$300) often come with IPS panels, better color accuracy, more connectivity options, and improved ergonomic stands. High-end options (over $300) include features like higher resolutions (1440p or 4K), larger screens, advanced color calibration, higher refresh rates, and USB-C power delivery. Consider what features are truly essential for your intended use to get the best value without overspending.
Final Thoughts
Investing in a quality secondary monitor is one of the most effective ways to boost your productivity and enhance your computing experience. By carefully considering factors like size, resolution, panel type, connectivity, and ergonomics, you can find a display that perfectly complements your existing setup and meets your specific needs. Don’t underestimate the power of extra screen space!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the ideal size for a secondary monitor?
A: The ideal size for a secondary monitor often depends on your primary display and available desk space. Many users find 22-inch to 27-inch monitors to be excellent secondary displays. A 24-inch 1080p monitor is a very popular and cost-effective choice, providing ample screen real estate without being overwhelming.
Q: Do I need a portable monitor for my laptop, or a standard desktop monitor?
A: If you frequently travel or work from different locations, a portable secondary monitor is an excellent choice for its lightweight and compact design. If your setup is primarily stationary, a standard desktop monitor offers more screen size, typically better ergonomics, and a wider range of features for its price.
Q: What’s the benefit of an IPS panel for a secondary monitor?
A: An IPS (In-Plane Switching) panel offers superior color accuracy and much wider viewing angles compared to older TN (Twisted Nematic) panels. This means colors look consistent even when viewed from the side, which is beneficial for collaborative work, creative tasks, or simply ensuring your content looks good from any angle you might be viewing your secondary monitor.
Q: How do I connect a secondary monitor to my laptop or desktop?
A: Most modern monitors connect via HDMI, DisplayPort, or USB-C. Check the available ports on your computer and the monitor to ensure compatibility. If your computer only has USB-C, look for monitors that support USB-C video input and power delivery for a single-cable solution. Adapters are also available if port types don’t match.
Q: Can a secondary monitor improve productivity?
A: Absolutely! Studies and anecdotal evidence strongly suggest that using a secondary monitor can significantly improve productivity. It allows you to view multiple applications simultaneously without constantly switching windows, streamlining tasks like research, coding, writing, and data analysis. It creates a more organized and efficient digital workspace.
Expanding your digital workspace with a secondary monitor is a step towards unlocking greater productivity and a more enjoyable computing experience. Whether you opt for the portable versatility of the InnoView, the professional precision of the ASUS ProArt, or the budget-friendly functionality of the HP VH240a, there’s a perfect option out there for you. We hope this guide has helped you narrow down your choices and feel confident in selecting the best secondary monitor for your needs. Happy multi-tasking!
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