Best monitor for Chromebooks Android Central 2021
Chrome OS makes it easy to use desktop peripherals. We've put together a list of the top Chromebook external monitors that can be used in any situation. While Chromebooks can be used as portable computers, many people prefer to use them for their main purpose. However, there are times when you want to just sit back and enjoy the large display. Regardless of what software is running on the laptop, almost all have a port that allows you to send video to an external display. We recommend the 4K LG 24UD58 as our top choice, but we also have other great options at lower resolutions and prices that can be used in conjunction with the best Chromebooks.
Source: LG
Although the LG 24UD58 might not be as attractive as some other options, LG has made every effort to provide a wonderful experience for its users. The monitor boasts a 4K UHD resolution which is great for gamers who need to work and play. While Chromebooks may not be the best for gaming but they have multiple preset modes that LG has included to ensure you can play in the best "conditions" possible. The 24UD58 will be an excellent companion for multi-tasking and grinding with Screen Split 2.0. You can adjust and customize a variety of settings using the on-screen controls, which allow you to get the best experience no matter what you're doing. The 24UD58 doesn't have USB-C connectivity so you will be stuck using HDMI or DisplayPort. The bezels are also a little larger than we'd expect from a desktop monitor, particularly with the competition getting thinner. If you are looking for an adjustable monitor stand, you will be disappointed. Convenient: Compatible with VESA mountings
Window management made easier with built-in software
Display pre-set modes available
Multiple connections Cons: There is no USB-C
Bezels larger than other options
The included stand is not adjustable
Best overall LG 24UD58B 4K UHD A solid, all-around 4K monitor. The LG 24UD58 monitor is great for multitasking on a larger screen. Amazon: $297
Best Buy: $300
$297 at B&H Photo
Best budget: Sceptre E248W-19203R
Source: Sceptre
If you don't need 4K for the second screen of your Chromebook, there are significant savings. The excellent Sceptre E248W-19203R monitor is a great example. It has a Full HD, IPS display with adaptive-sync technology and a refresh rate of up to 75Hz with a 5ms response. The monitor also features an LED backlight and a slim, frameless design. However, the near-bezel-less design of the 24-inch model is not available. Sceptre has included built-in speakers to allow you to still listen to music while working. Adaptive Sync will help reduce image tearing and stuttering by bridging the gap between the built-in GPU's 75Hz refresh rate and your GPU's built-in GPU. You can mount the adjustable stand to the wall or mount it on the wall using the VESA standard. Although there are only VGA and HDMI connectivity options, it is still a great monitor for the price. Pros: 24-inch frameless design looks great
A Full HD monitor is a great value
Compatible with VESA wall mountings
Pros: Built-in speakers only offer HDMI and VGA
Futureproof is not the same as a 4K Monitor
The Best Budget Sceptre E248W-19203R ultra thin 75Hz. This is a great choice if you don’t care about 4K. You don’t need to spend a lot of money to get a great monitor. ASUS shows it with the 27-inch HD monitor. Amazon: $140
Walmart: $150
Upgrade pick: BenQ EW3280U
Source: BenQ
Monitors made by BenQ are sure to be on your best-of lists. The EW3280U is available in both 27- and 32 inch sizes. It's one of the most impressive displays ever produced by the company. The EW3280U is designed for digital content creation. It includes HDRi technology which adds "intelligent optimization" on top of the solid HDR experience. This means that your monitor can analyze the surrounding lighting and project the best possible picture. The monitor also features special display modes that are useful for creators such as Darkroom or Animation. It also comes with Low Blue Light and ZeroFlicker protection to your eyes. The specs include a 60Hz refresh rate, 5ms response times, and a 99% standard. It is beautiful and includes two USB-C ports, which allow you to daisy-chain up to two monitors. There are also HDMI and DisplayPort inputs. The remote control allows you to switch inputs, adjust the quality of the image, and change the volume without ever having to touch the monitor. It's not surprising that the EW3280U is one of the most popular Chromebook monitors. However, the price tag is high. You can read our full review to learn more. The Pros: A full-featured 4K HDR display
High color accuracy
Creatives can create custom display modes
Built-in speakers
Remote Cons: Very expensive
Some people might find the sizes too big
Upgrade to BenQ EW3280U 32-inch 4K Monitor. This 4K monitor is a complete package. The BenQ EW3280U can switch between multiple sources, so your Chromebook can be docked as often as you need it. Amazon: $700
B&H Photo: $800
The best monitor and hub: DellU2520DR
Source: Dell
The Dell U2520DR monitor is an excellent example of why. The 25-inch monitor has a resolution of 2560x1440 and can be tilted, swivelled, and adjusted in height. You can mount the U2520DR on a wall or make your own stand by attaching 100 x 100mm VESA mountings. The best feature is the USB-C port that's built into the U2520DR. This provides power for laptops with a maximum of 90W. You can switch between Chromebooks and computers with ease thanks to this plug-and-play feature. Two standard USB 3.0 ports were also provided by Dell, as well as a USB-C and HDMI port, which allow the monitor to function as a hub for connecting peripherals. Although the U2520DR has a 3.5mm audio jack, we would prefer to have built-in speakers. Gaming will be disappointed by the 60Hz refresh rate, but it will be sufficient for most other applications. The USB-C port can provide power of up to 90W
ComfortView reduces eye fatigue
Monitor stand can be adjusted
VESA Wall Mount Compatible Cons: No built in speakers
Refresh rate limit to 60Hz
Only one size
This is the best monitor and hub Dell U2520DR. Ultra-slim bezels allow for more real estate. Set up your home office with this reliable 4K monitor. It's a great second screen that offers extra real estate. Amazon: $552
Dell: $400
$430 at B&H Photo
ASUS ZenScreen M16AC is the best portable monitor
Source: ASUS
Chromebooks can be taken with you wherever you go. The ASUS ZenScreen MB16AC is a portable 15.6-inch FHD monitor with an optional battery and a USB C port that's compatible with Thunderbolt 3-enabled devices. The Smart Cover folds up to act as a kickstand and can be used in landscape or portrait modes, depending on your preference. The MB16AC can only be connected via USB-C. However, there is a USB A port to connect peripherals. ASUS also offers a compatible smart pen that can be used with the mid-range model. It's portable but not as robust as your Chromebook. The pros: It's lightweight
Screen orientation is automatically detected
Also compatible with smartphones
Thunderbolt 3 compatible Cons: Not as rugged and durable as we'd like
Only USB-C is required for connecting
Penhole is a strange design choice
The best portable monitor ASUS ZenScreen ZenScreen MP16AC - 15.6 inch 1080P Portable Monitor. A monitor that is as portable as your Chromebook and as easy to use. It's so small and simple to use, the ASUS might be just as indispensable as your Chromebook. Amazon: $349
Best Buy: $229
The best monitor for 1080p is the Dell SE2722HX
Source: Amazon
The best thing about Chromebooks is that they are more affordable than other laptops, especially when compared with the MacBook line. It's great to know that you don't need to spend a lot in order to have a great monitor. The SE2722HX is an upgraded version the SE2719H monitor. You can also buy the smaller 24-inch SE2722HX depending on what size you prefer. It has the same specs as the 27-inch model. The SE2722HX was chosen by us because it offers more space and is slightly brighter (300 vs.250 nits). The traditional 16:9 aspect ratio of this 1080p monitor gives you a familiar picture. The response time is as fast as 5ms. This means that you will experience virtually no mouse cursor lag. It has an IPS panel, which makes it visible from all sides, up to 178 degrees. Also, anti-glare, blue light filters and anti-glare are included. To connect your Chromebook to an HDMI port, you will need a USB-C or USB-C adapter. It's limited to 1920x1080 at 60Hz. However, most Chromebook owners don't want to spend extra on expensive upgrades that they don't use. It's a practical, affordable display with thin bezels and a compact standing that takes up little space on your desk. Pros: Three sides of ultra-thin bezels
Wide viewing angle
VESA Wall Mount compatible
Great price Cons: There is no support for HDR or 4K.
For connectivity, only HDMI and VGA are available
The included stand can be adjusted in a limited way
Best monitor for 1080p Dell SE2722HX This is a great choice if you want to save money. The Dell SE2722HX proves that you don’t have to spend a lot on a 1080p display. Amazon: $188
Staples: $190
Best ultrawide monitor: Samsung SJ55W Ultra WQHD
Source: Samsung
You won't want to return to a regular monitor after you have used one of the top ultrawide monitors. The Samsung SJ55W has a WQHD resolution (3440x1440) and a 21-inch aspect ratio. It also supports AMD FreeSync. This monitor is designed to multitask. The SJ55W's Picture-by-Picture and Picture-in–Picture modes allow you to connect to another computer or make more work with the PIP screen. Many monitors have a glossy finish. This is great for some but can be problematic if you are exposed to glare. Samsung counters this by offering a matte finish so that you don't have to worry if glare is affecting any part of your monitor. DisplayPort is limited in its use. While AMD FreeSync support and the faster 75Hz refresh speed are both welcome, they're not required. While this won't be a major issue for most Chromebook users, it will mean that you have to use a DisplayPort cable rather than HDMI if you want to benefit from the faster refresh rate. You should also note that ultrawide monitors can be difficult to adjust to due to the additional screen real estate. The pros: Matte finishes eliminate glare concerns
Features PBP/PIP
Compatible with AMD FreeSync
The Stand can be adjusted easily.
It takes some time to get used to ultrawide monitors
It might be too much with a Chromebook
Samsung SJ55W UltraWQHD is the best ultrawide monitor. The SJ55W has more pixels, which allows for more windows. This makes it an excellent companion for Chromebooks that need to do work. Amazon: $358
Walmart: $400
$400 at Samsung
Best Curved Monitor: Sceptre C305W-2560UN
Source: Sceptre
The Sceptre C305W is admittedly a top-rated gaming monitor. This monitor is still an excellent option for those who want to experiment with curved monitors on their Chromebooks. This monitor has a resolution of 2560x1080, which should work well for most people. However, it will not be as sharp on a 30-inch monitor such as a 4K, or QHD monitor. The curve will allow you to be more involved in what you do with your Chromebook. Sceptre's Blue Light Shift mode helps reduce eye fatigue. The C305W can be mounted anywhere you like with compatible 100x100mm VESA mountings. You might want to look into VESA mounts as the stand included isn't the most stable. The stand is limited in tilt adjustment. It was nice to have a monitor with built in speakers. However, you will likely be better off using your Chromebook's built-in speakers or pairing the best Bluetooth headphones. The pros: Curved monitors provide an immersive experience
Blue Light Shift is a way to reduce eye fatigue
Edge-to-edge design
Compatible with VESA wall mountings
The built-in speakers aren't very impressive.
The included stand is not stable
Sceptre C305W-2560UN Best curved Chromebook External Monitor Sceptre C305W-2560UN You can't go wrong with the Sceptre C305W HD monitor. It has built-in speakers and a curving display so that you are fully immersed in what you're doing. Amazon: $245
Walmart: $230