Best Second Monitors for a Productive Dual Work Setup
What Are the Best Second Monitors of 2022?
Sceptre 20″ Second Monitor – Best Overall
This second monitor by Sceptre is a solid choice for anyone who wants a good-quality monitor that is fast and reasonably priced. It is packed with top-notch features and specs, including a 16:9 wide-angle panel for an immersive visual experience and a quick refresh rate of 75Hz for the smooth transitioning of images and documents. Thanks to its built-in speakers, you can enjoy punchy music without distortions. Equipped with anti-flicker features, this state-of-the-art monitor reduces glare and optimizes the backlight for a comfortable viewing experience.
The second monitor features an impressive response time and an adaptive sync technology that eliminates image tearing, stutter, and motion blur for a smooth experience. This monitor has multiple ports that seamlessly and efficiently connect all your devices, including an HDMI port that supports MHL Connectivity to charge your mobile devices while connected. One key feature of this product is that it is VESA-mountable, allowing you to wall-mount the display and save on desk space. This second monitor is our top pick with its exceptional performance and thin bezel.
Pros
- Fast processing system
- VGA and HDMI ports for seamless connectivity
- Exceptional graphics and color contrast
Cons
- It only comes with an HDMI cable
HP 24mh Second Monitor – Best Value
The HP 24mh FHD Monitor is your go-to display for increasing productivity and efficiency. The display’s 1920×1080 IPS technology delivers high-quality visuals and accurate color without distortion for an immersive visual experience. The monitor offers 178° ultra-wide viewing angles that provide an added layer of engagement by allowing you to exhibit your work at the center of attention.
The second monitor has been designed to reduce blue light emission without sacrificing color. It has built-in speakers that deliver rich, deep sound for watching videos, gaming, and listening to music. The monitor also features a row of connectivity ports, allowing you to seamlessly connect it with your existing PC. Its modern micro-edge display, combined with IPS technology and ultra-slim design, creates a stunning visual experience for both work and play.
Pros
- Ultra-wide IPS display panel for enhanced viewing angle
- Blue light technology reduces eye strain
- Built-in speaker for a better audio experience
- Fast refresh rate for unbeatable performance
Cons
- Some complaints about color bleeding
Acer SB220Q Second Monitor – Sleek Design
The Acer SB220Q second monitor is a great choice to accompany your desktop or laptop in your home office setup. This beauty boasts a full HD display with a wide viewing angle for a cutting-edge visual experience from every angle. Thanks to its quick response time of 4ms, this monitor guarantees fluid images and smooth graphics, even for high-definition videos or fast-paced games.
The AMD Radeon FreeSync technology syncs the refresh rate of your second monitor with the frame rate of your video card for smooth video playback without stutter or ghosting. The widescreen monitor is visually striking and has a zero-frame design that maximizes your screen area. Designed specifically for small businesses, the second monitor provides a broad range of connectivity options. The versatile stand can be adjusted to accommodate multiple monitors.
Pros
- Quick response time for smooth graphics
- Sleek and stylish design
- HDMI and VGA ports for efficient connectivity
Cons
- Only has one HDMI port
ViewSonic Second Monitor – Best Visuals
This 24-inch full HD second monitor packs a lot of functionality into a slim and attractive design. With FHD 1920×1080 resolution and a Mega Dynamic Contrast Ratio, this bad boy delivers stunning brightness and astonishing contrast for a detailed and crisp visual experience. This monitor also boasts an impressive 75Hz refresh rate, so you can play your favorite games at high frame rates without worrying about lag or stuttering.
The second monitor has VGA and HDMI input for flexible connectivity with high-definition multimedia devices, including Blu-ray disc players and game consoles. It comes with a pair of integrated speakers, so you can enjoy the clear sound without having to connect external speakers or headphones. Its flicker-free technology and blue light filters help to eliminate eye strain from extended viewing periods.
Pros
- VESA compatibility to attach the monitor to the wall
- Built-in speakers
- Exceptional color contrast for a cinema-style experience
- Flick-free technology to reduce eye strain
Cons
- Thicker bezel than other options
DELL SE2419Hx Second Monitor – Best Specs
Dell is known for having some of the finest screens in the industry. If you are in the market for a reliable second monitor, the SE2419Hx is your best bet. With a superb aspect ratio of 16:9, it offers a full HD resolution for clear and crisp visuals during work or play. The 178° ultra-wide viewing angle allows you to see the screen from any angle without worrying about color distortion. It is compatible with Windows and OS operating systems, making it an ideal choice for any office or home setup.
The built-in HDMI input and VGA port allow you to connect your laptop and desktop PC with ease. Plus, it features a flicker-free screen that reduces eye fatigue, allowing you to work comfortably at your desk. Unlike other bulky options, this second monitor has an ultra-thin bezel and is positioned on a sleek stand that maximizes your desk space without compromising its sturdiness. The best part is that the stand is tiltable so that you can adjust the screen angle as per your viewing needs!
Pros
- Ultra-wide viewing angle for better visibility
- Compatible with both Windows and iOS
- Tiltable stand for maximum optimization
Cons
- The screen saturation might need improvements
How to Choose an Ideal Second Monitor: Buying Guide
For most PC enthusiasts, a second monitor is an absolute must-have. Unlike processors and graphics cards, monitors are not that easy to upgrade. In this guide, we will help you understand their technical aspects so that you can buy a good one that suits your requirements.
Factors to Consider Before Buying a Second Monitor
If you want to get the best value for your money, consider the following factors before buying a second monitor:
Don't confuse response time with the refresh rate. Refresh rate is one of the most important specs to consider in a second monitor. It determines the smoothness of your gaming or video experience and eliminates performance lag. All monitors have a 60 Hz refresh rate by default, but if you have a GPU with high FPS potential (such as Nvidia GTX 1070), you should invest in a monitor with 144 Hz or 240 Hz refresh rate. If you don't have such a GPU, then 75 Hz is the best option.
On the other hand, response time indicates the time it takes for pixels to change from one color to another and back again. The lower your response time, the better the motion resolution in fast-paced games and videos. To determine the response time, look at its gray-to-gray pixel transition speed and opt for a monitor with a response time between 1 ms and 5 ms.
Screen resolution
The resolution of a monitor defines the number of pixels that can be displayed on the screen. A monitor with a higher resolution provides a profoundly calibrated screen with exceptional color contrast and image accuracy. The most common resolution on monitors is full HD (1920 x 1080). Other manufacturers are stepping up their display game by introducing 4K monitors, which have four times as many pixels as full HD monitors (3840 x 2160) for even more crisp graphics. However, 4K monitors are more expensive than their full HD counterparts, so you must keep your budget in mind while choosing the appropriate screen resolution.
Besides screen resolution, you should also check the monitor's aspect ratio. Most monitors today have a ratio of either 16:9 or 16:10, but you can find 21:9 ultrawide monitors. A 21:9 aspect ratio gives you a wider view than the traditional 16:9 aspect ratio for an immersive visual experience.
Checking what type of screen technology is available
There are three types of screen technology available on monitors: twisted nematic (TN), vertical alignment (VA), and in-plane switching (IPS). Conventional wisdom is that TN displays are for the budget-minded, IPS for the more stylish and conscientious, and VA for those who prioritize image quality, but that’s not the case.
In reality, TN panels offer faster refresh rates and shorter response times, making them better for gaming. On the other hand, VA panels offer better color contrast, but they have slower refresh rates and may suffer from motion blur or "ghosting." IPS panels offer the best of both worlds: better viewing angles, higher color accuracy, and a fast refresh rate compared to their counterparts.
Check the mounting options
Before buying a monitor, check whether it includes VESA and wall mounts. VESA mount allows you to connect your monitor with an arm or stand. This will help you change your monitor's height, position, or orientation at your convenience. Wall mounts let you hang the monitor on the wall, similar to a picture frame or television set.
Compatibility and connectivity ports
Besides the optical and structural properties of a monitor, make sure that it is compatible with your PC or laptop. For example, you can't connect a VGA (analog) cable to a DVI (digital) port. A standard computer monitor has one or two HDMI ports and one VGA port, while others come with audio input/output jacks. Make sure that there are enough connectivity options to connect your laptop or PC without any problem.
Flicker-free technology
Flickering is an annoying phenomenon when the monitor's brightness fluctuates at regular intervals, causing eye strain and headache over time. To have a comfortable viewing experience, opt for a monitor with advanced Flicker-Free technology, as it eliminates this problem by optimizing the brightness level on the screen, allowing you to use your monitor with zero to minimal glare.
