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10 Best Second Monitor 2025 in the United States

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Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

KYY Portable Monitor 15.6inch 1080P FHD USB-C, HDMI Computer Display HDR IPS Gaming Monitor w/Premium Smart Cover & Screen Protector, Speakers, for Laptop PC MAC Phone PS4 Xbox Switch

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,294
Connectivity
Adjustability

Most important from
11774 reviews

Connectivity
This monitor is highly portable, making it perfect for on-the-go use. It comes with all the necessary cords and is easy to connect to various devices, including laptops and smartphones.
Adjustability
Setting up the monitor is straightforward, especially after reviewing the instruction card. It takes only a few minutes to get a dual-screen setup, making it highly user-friendly.

The KYY 15.6-inch Portable Monitor is a solid option for those seeking a second monitor, offering Full HD 1080p resolution for crisp and clear visuals. The IPS panel ensures vibrant colors and wide viewing angles, making it suitable for various uses, including gaming, multimedia, and professional tasks. Its compact and lightweight design (1.7 pounds and 0.3 inches thick) makes it highly portable, ideal for users who need a second screen on-the-go.

Connectivity is versatile with two USB Type-C ports and a Mini-HDMI port, allowing easy connection to laptops, smartphones, gaming consoles, and more. However, it’s important to note that compatibility requires devices to support Thunderbolt 3 or USB-C 3.1. The monitor also includes built-in speakers and a durable smart cover that doubles as a stand, although the audio quality may not be as immersive as external speakers. The matte screen surface reduces glare, providing a comfortable viewing experience even in bright environments.

One downside is the lack of adjustable stand height or rotation, offering limited ergonomic flexibility. Despite minor drawbacks, the KYY Portable Monitor is a practical and high-performing choice for users needing a versatile and portable second screen.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,294
Connectivity
Adjustability

Most important from
11774 reviews

Connectivity
This monitor is highly portable, making it perfect for on-the-go use. It comes with all the necessary cords and is easy to connect to various devices, including laptops and smartphones.
Adjustability
Setting up the monitor is straightforward, especially after reviewing the instruction card. It takes only a few minutes to get a dual-screen setup, making it highly user-friendly.
#2

ARZOPA 16.1'' 144Hz Portable Gaming Monitor, 106% sRGB 1080P FHD Kickstand Portable Monitor with HDR, Ultra Slim, Eye Care, External Second Screen for Laptop, PC, PS5, Mac, Xbox-Z1FC

Rating
8.8
Refresh Rate
Connectivity
Adjustability

Most important from
3501 reviews

Refresh Rate
For gaming, the 144Hz refresh rate and FreeSync variable refresh rate make a significant difference, providing smooth and competitive gameplay.
Connectivity
Using a USB-C adapter with power delivery allows full utilization of the monitor's capabilities without sacrificing display features.
Adjustability
The picture quality is great, and the brightness is good, though the viewing angle could be better for multiple viewers.

The ARZOPA 16.1'' Portable Gaming Monitor offers several attractive features for those looking to expand their screen space or enhance their gaming experience. The 16.1-inch screen is large enough to provide a noticeable improvement in productivity or gaming immersion. With a Full HD resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels, it delivers clear and sharp visuals. The highlight of this monitor is its 144Hz refresh rate, which ensures smooth and fluid motion, making it particularly appealing for gamers who need fast response times, though it lacks adaptive sync technologies like FreeSync or G-Sync that can further enhance gaming visuals by reducing screen tearing.

The IPS panel type provides good color accuracy and wide viewing angles, and with 106% sRGB coverage, colors will appear vibrant and realistic. This makes it suitable for creative work as well as entertainment. Connectivity is straightforward with two USB Type-C ports and a Mini HDMI port, supporting plug-and-play use with laptops, gaming consoles, and other devices. The built-in kickstand adds convenience, allowing for tilt adjustment to find a comfortable viewing angle, though its adjustability might be limited compared to fully adjustable stands.

Weighing only 1.66 pounds, it's highly portable and easy to carry around. However, the glossy screen surface might be prone to reflections in bright environments. The monitor suits gamers and professionals who need a reliable second monitor for work or play on the go, with key strengths in high refresh rate and color accuracy, though it lacks some advanced gaming features and has some limitations in adjustability and screen surface reflectivity.

Rating
8.8
Refresh Rate
Connectivity
Adjustability

Most important from
3501 reviews

Refresh Rate
For gaming, the 144Hz refresh rate and FreeSync variable refresh rate make a significant difference, providing smooth and competitive gameplay.
Connectivity
Using a USB-C adapter with power delivery allows full utilization of the monitor's capabilities without sacrificing display features.
Adjustability
The picture quality is great, and the brightness is good, though the viewing angle could be better for multiple viewers.
#3

Philips 221V8LB 22 inch Class Thin Full HD (1920 x 1080) Monitor, 100Hz Refresh Rate, VESA, HDMI x1, VGA x1, LowBlue Mode, Adaptive Sync, 4 Year Advance Replacement Warranty

Rating
8.5
Resolution
Refresh Rate
Connectivity

Most important from
4123 reviews

Resolution
The picture quality is stunning—sharp, clear, and vibrant with 1080p resolution at 100Hz.
Refresh Rate
The picture quality is stunning—sharp, clear, and vibrant with 1080p resolution at 100Hz.
Connectivity
Very easy to set up with multiple input options, including HDMI and VGA.

The Philips 22-inch Class Thin Full HD monitor offers a solid choice for a second screen. With a Full HD (1920 x 1080) resolution, it provides clear and detailed visuals, making it great for everyday tasks, watching movies, or casual gaming. Its 100Hz refresh rate ensures smoother motion, which is a slight upgrade over the more common 60Hz monitors, benefiting fast-paced video content and gaming. Adaptive Sync technology further enhances this by reducing screen tearing and stuttering, creating a seamless viewing experience.

The VA panel used in this monitor delivers excellent contrast with deeper blacks and brighter whites, and it supports 16.7 million colors, ensuring vibrant and true-to-life images. Wide viewing angles of 178 degrees keep colors consistent even when viewed from the side, which is handy if you often move around your workspace or share your screen with others. Connectivity options include one HDMI and one VGA port, suitable for most setups. However, the limited ports might require an adapter if you have multiple devices to connect. The monitor also features LowBlue Mode to reduce eye strain during long use.

On the downside, it lacks advanced adjustability features such as height adjustment or pivot, which might be a consideration for ergonomics-focused users. The 4-year advance replacement warranty is a notable plus, providing peace of mind. In summary, the Philips 22-inch monitor is a dependable option for those looking for a secondary display with good color accuracy, a decent refresh rate, and solid visual performance.

Rating
8.5
Resolution
Refresh Rate
Connectivity

Most important from
4123 reviews

Resolution
The picture quality is stunning—sharp, clear, and vibrant with 1080p resolution at 100Hz.
Refresh Rate
The picture quality is stunning—sharp, clear, and vibrant with 1080p resolution at 100Hz.
Connectivity
Very easy to set up with multiple input options, including HDMI and VGA.

Buying Guide for the Best Second Monitor

Choosing a second monitor can significantly enhance your productivity, gaming experience, or creative work. The right monitor can provide you with more screen real estate, better image quality, and a more comfortable viewing experience. To make an informed decision, it's important to understand the key specifications and how they align with your specific needs. Here are the main specs to consider when selecting a second monitor.
Screen SizeScreen size refers to the diagonal measurement of the monitor's display area, usually in inches. This spec is important because it affects how much content you can see at once and how comfortable it is to view. Smaller screens (20-24 inches) are suitable for basic tasks and limited desk space. Medium screens (25-27 inches) offer a good balance for most users, providing ample space for multitasking without overwhelming your desk. Larger screens (28 inches and above) are ideal for gaming, design work, or if you need to view multiple windows simultaneously. Choose a size that fits your workspace and meets your viewing needs.
ResolutionResolution indicates the number of pixels on the screen, typically represented as width x height (e.g., 1920x1080). Higher resolution means more detail and sharper images. Common resolutions include Full HD (1920x1080), which is sufficient for general use and basic gaming. QHD (2560x1440) offers more detail and is great for multitasking and professional work. 4K (3840x2160) provides the highest detail and is ideal for video editing, graphic design, and high-end gaming. Choose a resolution that matches your primary use case and ensures text and images are clear and crisp.
Refresh RateRefresh rate is the number of times the monitor updates with new information per second, measured in Hertz (Hz). This spec is crucial for smooth motion in videos and games. Standard monitors have a refresh rate of 60Hz, which is adequate for everyday tasks and casual gaming. Higher refresh rates, such as 120Hz, 144Hz, or even 240Hz, are beneficial for competitive gaming and fast-paced action, providing smoother and more responsive visuals. Choose a refresh rate that aligns with your activities; higher rates are particularly important for gamers.
Panel TypePanel type affects the monitor's color accuracy, viewing angles, and response time. The main types are TN (Twisted Nematic), IPS (In-Plane Switching), and VA (Vertical Alignment). TN panels are affordable and have fast response times, making them suitable for gaming, but they have poorer color accuracy and viewing angles. IPS panels offer excellent color reproduction and wide viewing angles, ideal for creative work and general use. VA panels provide good contrast and color, with better viewing angles than TN but slower response times than IPS. Choose a panel type based on your priority: speed for gaming, color accuracy for creative work, or a balance for general use.
ConnectivityConnectivity refers to the types of ports available on the monitor, which determine how you can connect it to your computer and other devices. Common ports include HDMI, DisplayPort, USB-C, and VGA. HDMI and DisplayPort are widely used for high-definition video and audio. USB-C can transmit video, audio, and power, making it versatile for modern laptops. VGA is older and less common but still found on some devices. Ensure the monitor has the necessary ports to connect to your computer and any other peripherals you plan to use.
AdjustabilityAdjustability refers to the monitor's ability to tilt, swivel, pivot, and adjust in height. This spec is important for ergonomic comfort, allowing you to position the monitor at the optimal viewing angle to reduce strain on your neck and eyes. Basic monitors may only offer tilt adjustment, while more advanced models provide full adjustability. If you spend long hours in front of the screen, look for a monitor with good adjustability to ensure a comfortable and healthy setup.
Color AccuracyColor accuracy is the monitor's ability to display colors as they are intended to be seen. This is crucial for tasks that require precise color representation, such as photo editing, video production, and graphic design. Monitors with higher color accuracy often support wider color gamuts (e.g., sRGB, Adobe RGB) and may be factory-calibrated. If accurate color representation is important for your work, look for monitors with high color accuracy and consider those that come with calibration tools or are pre-calibrated.

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