Best External Monitors for Laptops in 2024: Portable and Ultra-Wide Options

Adding an external monitor to a laptop setup can be a transformative move for professionals, creatives, and multitaskers alike. In 2024, top monitors come in two primary forms: ultra-portable options for those who need mobility and expansive ultra-wide models that turn a home or office desk into a productivity powerhouse. Whether you need a screen that’s easy to travel with or a large display to handle complex projects, there’s an option suited to every workspace style. Here’s a comprehensive look at the best monitors this year, complete with quick bullet-point overviews for readers on the go.

Why Go Beyond Your Laptop Screen?

The limited screen space of a laptop can be challenging, especially for those working on detailed projects or juggling multiple applications. Adding an external monitor offers several benefits that significantly enhance workflow and productivity.

For professionals, these external monitors allow for a more comfortable workspace setup. With options ranging from portable monitors that add flexibility to ultra-wide screens perfect for at-home use, there are solutions that fit nearly any need.

• More Space: Expands visual real estate for managing multiple applications simultaneously.
• Boosted Productivity: Ideal for multitasking and complex workflows, minimizing the need to switch between tabs.
• Portability Options: Slim, lightweight monitors are perfect for remote work and travel.
• Immersive Home Office: Ultra-wide monitors create spacious work environments that are highly functional for intensive tasks.

Portable Monitors: Lightweight Powerhouses for On-the-Go Productivity

For digital nomads and mobile professionals, portable monitors offer dual-screen functionality that’s compact, lightweight, and ready to be taken anywhere. These slim displays deliver more screen space for on-the-go productivity without adding bulk to a backpack.

The Asus ZenScreen Series: Work Anywhere, Anytime

The Asus ZenScreen MB16AC is an ideal choice for portability, bringing high-quality functionality in an ultra-slim profile. This monitor is perfect for those who value convenience and need a screen that’s both powerful and easy to carry.

With its 15.6-inch Full HD display, the ZenScreen MB16AC offers vibrant visuals and a compact design that fits seamlessly into a travel bag. The USB-C connectivity allows for a one-cable setup, providing power and display in a single connection—cutting down on cable clutter and ensuring quick setup no matter where you are.

• Quick Take: 15.6-inch Full HD, ultra-slim design, USB-C connectivity.
• Display & Resolution: Full HD (1920x1080) for crisp visuals and wide IPS viewing angles.
• Portability & Flexibility: Weighs just over a pound and has a foldable stand for both horizontal and vertical setups.

For those seeking additional interactivity, the ZenScreen Touch MB16AMT adds touchscreen functionality, making it a perfect choice for creatives who need to draw, annotate, or navigate applications directly on the screen.

• Touchscreen: Responsive touch capability, ideal for drawing or annotating on the go.
• Built-In Battery: Frees users from needing a constant power source, enhancing portability.
• Creative Use: Perfect for designers, artists, and remote workers who benefit from interactivity and touchscreen functionality.

Lenovo ThinkVision M14: Sleek and Travel-Ready

Another excellent portable option, the Lenovo ThinkVision M14, stands out for its high adaptability and durability. The M14 is designed to be travel-friendly, fitting easily into most bags while still providing a reliable, sharp display for productivity on the go.

With a slim 14-inch Full HD display, this monitor is ideal for users who prioritize a lightweight design. The ThinkVision M14 includes dual USB-C ports, making it compatible with most modern laptops, tablets, and even smartphones. Its built-in tilt stand allows for easy adjustment, providing ergonomic viewing angles to reduce strain during prolonged work sessions.

• Quick Summary: 14-inch display, Full HD resolution, lightweight build.
• Dual USB-C Ports: Supports versatile connectivity for laptops, tablets, and smartphones.
• Ergonomics: Tilt stand allows customizable viewing angles for comfort and ease.
• Value: Affordable and compact, offering reliable display quality without breaking the bank.

Ultra-Wide Monitors: Expansive Screen Space for the Home Office

If portability isn’t the main concern, ultra-wide monitors provide unmatched screen space that can transform any home or office setup. With expansive screen real estate, they allow for seamless multitasking and immersive visuals, ideal for complex workflows like video editing, design, or large data projects.

LG UltraWide Series: The Ultimate Multitasking Display

The LG UltraWide 34WN80C-B brings productivity to a new level with its large screen and immersive curved design. For users who need more screen space to manage complex tasks, this 34-inch monitor delivers a panoramic view that improves both comfort and efficiency.

With a resolution of 3440x1440 and a 21:9 aspect ratio, the 34WN80C-B is perfect for side-by-side windows and timeline views, making it a popular choice for professionals in video editing, coding, and project management. Its curved design reduces eye strain, while the USB-C connectivity streamlines setup by reducing cables.

• At a Glance: 34-inch, 3440x1440 resolution with 21:9 aspect ratio, curved for immersive viewing.
• USB-C Connectivity: Simplifies setup by handling power and display connection in one cable.
• Perfect For: Users managing multiple applications side-by-side, like editors and coders.
• Comfort: Curved screen minimizes head movement, ideal for prolonged work sessions.

Dell UltraSharp U3818DW: Curved and Color-Accurate

For those seeking a premium option, the Dell UltraSharp U3818DW is a 38-inch curved monitor that combines an expansive screen with vivid color reproduction. Known for its factory-calibrated color accuracy, this monitor is ideal for photographers, designers, and video editors who require precision visuals.

This monitor provides a 3840x1600 resolution with an aspect ratio that accommodates multiple open windows without compromising visual clarity. The USB-C connectivity not only delivers display and power in one, but also reduces workspace clutter for a clean, organized setup.

• Key Features: 38-inch screen, 3840x1600 resolution, color-calibrated for professional accuracy.
• Connectivity: USB-C cable for power and data, reducing clutter in home offices.
• Best Suited For: Professionals in design, photography, and video editing needing a wide, accurate workspace.
• Immersive Setup: Curved screen provides panoramic views, offering a single-monitor solution for complex multitasking.

Conclusion

In 2024, external monitors are more accessible and versatile than ever, offering laptop users the flexibility and power they need. Portable monitors like the Asus ZenScreen and Lenovo ThinkVision M14 offer expanded screen space in compact, lightweight forms, making them perfect for remote or travel setups. For those looking to establish a fixed, productive workstation, ultra-wide monitors such as the LG UltraWide 34WN80C-B and Dell UltraSharp U3818DW transform the home office into a powerhouse for multitasking and creative work.

• Portable Monitors: Lightweight, ideal for remote work; expand your laptop’s capabilities with easy setup and compact designs.
• Ultra-Wide Monitors: Best for home offices, offering expansive workspace that’s perfect for managing multiple tasks without switching between screens.

With USB-C and Thunderbolt support now standard on many models, setting up an external monitor has never been easier. Whether your priority is portability or creating a wide, immersive workspace, these options in 2024 offer something for every professional and every budget.