Having a second monitor can significantly enhance productivity and streamline workflows for professionals and enthusiasts. Whether you’re a designer, programmer, content creator, a second screen can provide ample space for simultaneous tasks, improving efficiency and reducing the need for constant window switching.
In this guide, we will explore the best monitors to use as a second screen and how they are suitable for this function.
During our selection process for the top monitor for use as a second screen, there are several key features we considered. Firstly, screen size and resolution are crucial. A larger display size allows for more content to be visible simultaneously, while a high resolution ensures sharp and detailed visuals. Additionally, an ergonomic stand with height, tilt, and swivel adjustments can provide optimal viewing angles, reducing strain on the neck and eyes during prolonged usage.
Connectivity options are another essential aspect that we took into consideration. Monitors equipped with multiple input ports, such as HDMI, DisplayPort, and USB-C, offer flexibility and compatibility with various devices, including laptops, desktops, and even smartphones.
The presence of built-in USB hubs can simplify cable management and provide convenient access to peripheral devices like keyboards, mice, and USB drives.
Color accuracy and display technologies play a significant role, particularly for professionals in fields like graphic design, photography, and video editing. We took into consideration monitors with high color gamut coverage, wide viewing angles, and accurate color calibration to ensure that images and videos are reproduced faithfully, enabling precise editing and content creation.
These are the best computer monitors for use as a second screen offering a range of essential features such as good connectivity, and ergonomics, tailored to enhance productivity and immersion:
- INNOCN 40C1R Ultrawide Monitor 40 WQHD 3440 x 1440p
- MSI MAG301CR2, 30 Gaming Monitor, 2560 x 1080
- GIGABYTE G24F 24 165Hz 1080P Gaming Monitor
- LG 24GQ50F-B 24-Inch Class Full HD (1920 x 1080)
- SAMSUNG S80A Computer Monitor, 27 Inch 4K , Vertical , USB C , HDR10
- Asus ROG Strix XG49VQ 49” Curved Gaming FreeSync Monitor 144Hz
- ASUS VG248QG 24 G-Sync Gaming Monitor 165Hz 1080p 0.5ms
- HP 27-inch QHD Gaming with TiltHeight Adjustment
- AOC C27G2Z 27 Curved Frameless Ultra-Fast Gaming Monitor
- LG UHD 27-Inch Computer Monitor 27UL500-W
- Acer Nitro XV272U Vbmiiprx 27 Zero-Frame WQHD 2560 x 1440
- Alienware 27 Inch 240Hz Gaming Monitor, 2560 x 1440p
- SAMSUNG 34-Inch Odyssey G5 Ultra-Wide Gaming Monitor with 1000R Curved Screen, 165Hz, 1ms
INNOCN 40C1R Ultrawide Monitor 40 WQHD 3440 x 1440p |
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| Screen Size | 40 inches |
| Resolution | 3440 x 1440 pixels |
| Refresh Rate & Brightness | 144Hz |
| Response Time | 1ms |
| Ports & Connections | HDMI, Display Port, USB type c |
| Mounting Type | Vesa |
| Other Features | AMD Freesync, Blue light filter |
| Weight | 35 pounds |
| Reasons to buy | Value for your money, excellent screen |
| Cons | Needs settings adjustments out of the box |
MSI MAG301CR2, 30 Gaming Monitor, 2560 x 1080 |
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| Screen Size | 30 inches |
| Resolution | 2560 x 1080 pixels |
| Refresh Rate & Brightness | 200Hz |
| Response Time | 1ms |
| Ports & Connections | HDMI, Display Port, USB C |
| Mounting Type | Desk |
| Other Features | Height and Swivel adjustment, HDR |
| Weight | 18.60 lbs |
| Reasons to buy | Excellent design, suitable for 1080p gaming |
| Cons | Resolution |
GIGABYTE G24F 24 165Hz 1080P Gaming Monitor |
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| Screen Size | 24 inches |
| Resolution | 1920 x 1080 pixels |
| Refresh Rate & Brightness | 165Hz |
| Response Time | 1ms |
| Ports & Connections | HDMI, Display Port, USB |
| Mounting Type | Desk |
| Other Features | Freesync |
| Weight | 16.87 pounds |
| Reasons to buy | Value for money |
| Cons | |
LG 24GQ50F-B 24-Inch Class Full HD (1920 x 1080) |
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| Screen Size | 24 inches |
| Resolution | 1080p |
| Refresh Rate & Brightness | 165Hz |
| Response Time | 1ms |
| Ports & Connections | HDMI, Display Port |
| Mounting Type | Vesa |
| Other Features | AMD Freesync |
| Weight | 11.47 pounds |
| Reasons to buy | Sleek design, good display, Value for money |
| Cons | No USB |
SAMSUNG S80A Computer Monitor, 27 Inch 4K , Vertical , USB C , HDR10 |
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| Screen Size | 27 inches |
| Resolution | 3840 x 2160 Pixels |
| Refresh Rate & Brightness | 60 hertz |
| Response Time | 4ms |
| Ports & Connections | USB, Display Port, HDMI |
| Mounting Type | Wall, Desk |
| Other Features | LED screen, Built in power supply for clutter free experience |
| Weight | 14.99 lbs |
| Reasons to buy | Great 4K HDR, Built in sound, Picture quality of text is good |
| Cons | |
Asus ROG Strix XG49VQ 49” Curved Gaming FreeSync Monitor 144Hz |
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| Screen Size | 49 inches |
| Resolution | 3840 x 1080 pixels |
| Refresh Rate & Brightness | 144Hz |
| Response Time | 1ms |
| Ports & Connections | HDMI, USB |
| Mounting Type | Vesa |
| Other Features | HDR, Eye care |
| Weight | 21.4 pounds |
| Reasons to buy | High refresh rate, excellent response times, high resolution |
| Cons | Quite large |
ASUS VG248QG 24 G-Sync Gaming Monitor 165Hz 1080p 0.5ms |
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| Screen Size | 24 inches |
| Resolution | 1080p |
| Refresh Rate & Brightness | 165Hz |
| Response Time | 0.5Ms |
| Ports & Connections | HDMI, Display Port, DVI-D |
| Mounting Type | Vesa |
| Other Features | Eye care |
| Weight | 11.50 lbs |
| Reasons to buy | High refresh rate, Good performance |
| Cons | None |
HP 27-inch QHD Gaming with TiltHeight Adjustment |
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| Screen Size | 27 inches |
| Resolution | 2560 x 1440 Pixels |
| Refresh Rate & Brightness | 165hz |
| Response Time | 1ms |
| Ports & Connections | HDMI |
| Mounting Type | Vesa |
| Other Features | Freesync |
| Weight | 13.89 lbs |
| Reasons to buy | High response rate, quality picture |
| Cons | Price is on the higher side |
AOC C27G2Z 27 Curved Frameless Ultra-Fast Gaming Monitor |
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| Screen Size | 27 inches |
| Resolution | 1080p |
| Refresh Rate & Brightness | 240Hz |
| Response Time | 0.5ms |
| Ports & Connections | HDMI, VGA |
| Mounting Type | Desk |
| Other Features | AMD Freesync |
| Weight | 9.04 lbs |
| Reasons to buy | Sleek, good picture quality |
| Cons | N/A |
LG UHD 27-Inch Computer Monitor 27UL500-W |
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| Screen Size | 27 inches |
| Resolution | 3840 x 2160 Pixels |
| Refresh Rate & Brightness | 60Hz |
| Response Time | 1ms |
| Ports & Connections | HDMI, Display Port |
| Mounting Type | Vesa |
| Other Features | HDR |
| Weight | 11.20 lbs |
| Reasons to buy | Excellent color reproduction, Sleek design |
| Cons | |
Acer Nitro XV272U Vbmiiprx 27 Zero-Frame WQHD 2560 x 1440 |
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| Screen Size | 27 inches |
| Resolution | 2560 x 1440 pixels |
| Refresh Rate & Brightness | 170Hz |
| Response Time | 0.5 ms |
| Ports & Connections | Display Port, Hdmi |
| Mounting Type | Wall, Desk |
| Other Features | AMD Freesync |
| Weight | 14.24 lbs |
| Reasons to buy | Good picture quality, suitable for gaming |
| Cons | No USB PORT |
Alienware 27 Inch 240Hz Gaming Monitor, 2560 x 1440p |
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| Screen Size | 27 inches |
| Resolution | 2560 x 1440 pixels |
| Refresh Rate & Brightness | 240Hz |
| Response Time | 1ms |
| Ports & Connections | HDMI, Display Port |
| Mounting Type | Desk |
| Other Features | HDR, Nvidi G sync |
| Weight | 13.89 lbs |
| Reasons to buy | Excellent display |
| Cons | Quite expensive |
SAMSUNG 34-Inch Odyssey G5 Ultra-Wide Gaming Monitor with 1000R Curved Screen, 165Hz, 1ms |
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| Screen Size | 34 inches |
| Resolution | 3440 x 1440 Pixels |
| Refresh Rate & Brightness | 165Hz |
| Panel Type | |
| Response Time | 1ms |
| Ports & Connections | HDMI, Display Port |
| Mounting Type | Wall mount, Desk Mount |
| Other Features | HDR 10, AMD freeSync Premium |
| Weight | 12.34 lbs |
| Reasons to buy | Excellent Display |
| Cons | None |
