Up your WFH game with CEO-approved second computer monitor picks

For a lot of us, working from home requires more than just a laptop: A more comfortable keyboard, raised screens, and a second monitor can all go a long way toward increasing focus and productivity–not to mention being better for our health overall, thanks to better ergonomics and easier-to-see displays. 

A second monitor is one of the easiest and most inexpensive additions you can make to take some of the strain out of your workday. To find out which second monitors hold up when it comes to ease, performance, and comfort day after day, we spoke with business leaders like CEOs and other C-suiters, who very likely get more than their share of screen time at the office and working from home. 

Whether you’re looking for a budget version, portable options for travel, or monitors made to be easy on your eyes, these are the eight best exec-approved second computer monitors to buy for your home office. (P.S. Some picks even work well for afterhours streaming and gaming.) 

C-suite picks for best second computer monitor

Best budget-friendly second computer monitor: Samsung 27-inch Essential S3 (S36GD) Series FHD 1800R Curved Computer Monitor, $180. Spacious curved display plus a speedy refresh rate for work, streaming, and everyday multitasking

Best portable second computer monitor: Lenovo ThinkVision 14-inch Portable Monitor - M14d, $300. Lightweight 14-inch 4.8K OLED display delivers crisp visuals and simple, USB-C connectivity

Best second computer monitor for eye strain: BenQ GW2790C 27-inch Eye-Care Home Office Monitor, $155. Helps reduce eye strain with flicker-free and low blue light technology for long computer sessions

Best second computer monitor for detailed review work: ASUS ProArt Display PA247CV 24-inch Monitor, $239. Monitor’s vertical viewing is a plus if your work is document-heavy.

Best 4K UHD second computer monitor: Dell UltraSharp U2723QE 27-inch 4K UHD WLED LCD Monitor, $599.Crisp 4K UHD display with a ton of ports for gadget- and device-heavy gigs.

Best second computer monitor for travel: ASUS ZenScreen MB16AC Portable USB Monitor-16 inch Full HD, $229. Ultra-portable 16-inch monitor designed for travel, remote work, and on-the-go multitasking.

Best UltraWide second computer monitor: LG 34WR55QK-B 34-inch UltraWide WQHD (3440 x 1440) Curved Computer Monitor, $350. Curved UltraWide display keeps multiple windows visible without feeling cramped, ideal for distraction-free multitasking

FAQs: What to think about when buying a second computer screen

Before buying a second computer screen, think about:

  • How you work day to day. Desk space, screen size, connectivity, and portability are important points to consider.
  • How you plan to use the display. Maybe you’re reviewing emails and documents, so you need portrait display support, or you might be doing creative work or even streaming your favorite show after hours and need a stunning landscape display. It really comes down to what will work best for you.

The best size of monitor depends on your setup. Portable monitors around 15 or 16 inches work well for smaller or flexible spaces and are great for folks who are always on the go.
Larger UltraWide monitors are better for those who want to view multiple windows at once without switching screens, but you’ll probably want a dedicated workspace to set one set up.

Portable monitors are a great option for a second screen if you want flexibility. They’re lightweight, easy to store, and ideal for adding a second screen without committing to a permanent desk setup. They’re especially ideal for remote work thanks to their travel-friendliness and best for smaller home offices or WFH setups at the kitchen table.

An UltraWide monitor can replace two screens by giving you one continuous workspace on a curved, elongated screen. Some people prefer this for cleaner setups and easier multitasking, but if you like to have a clear divide between your tasks, double monitors might be the right option for you.

For second monitors, USB-C connectivity is one of the most convenient options, since it can handle display, data, and laptop charging with a single cable. This helps reduce desk clutter and makes switching between setups faster and easier. 

That being said, you should always keep in mind how you plan to use the monitor: Someone doing video editing at home with graphics and audio might have different needs than a remote assistant working off Google Workspace. Double-check what ports your work laptop has compared to the second monitor to see how best to sync them up.

Yes, eye-care features are important in a second monitor, especially if you spend long hours at your desk. Features like blue light reduction and flicker-free technology can help reduce eye strain and make extended screen time more comfortable.

For many people, a second monitor can make work feel more productive and efficient. Keeping email, messaging apps, or reference documents visible can reduce distractions and help you stay focused throughout the day. Dual monitors are a great option for prioritizing work and multitasking.

Pricing varies based on size and features, so how much you spend really depends on what features you need. Portable monitors tend to be more affordable, while larger UltraWide displays cost more but can replace multiple screens. The right choice depends on your budget and how you plan to use it. Check with your employer to see if they offer any allowances for furnishing or equipping your home office, or aks your accountant to see if a second monitor used for work can be a tax deduction.

  • We narrowed our search down to CEOs and other business leaders with hands-on experience to recommend products for this article. 
  • All recommendations from the C-suite leaders are independently chosen. They don’t have any brand affiliation with featured brands or products.
  • We never pay experts for their recommendations.

If These Walls Could Talk” operates independently and exercises sole editorial discretion in all content decisions. While certain brands, products, or services referenced may have current or prior relationships with our affiliated marketing agency, such relationships do not influence our editorial content. We disclaim any liability for conflicts of interest, omissions, or outcomes arising from reliance on our content. All information is provided for general informational purposes only and should not be relied upon as professional or individualized advice.