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Get all the screen real-estate you can with these external monitors

Chromebooks are perfect on-the-go computers for a lot of people, but sometimes you just want to sit down, relax, and do your thing with a big display. That's why almost every laptop, regardless of what software is running on it, has some sort of port to send video out to an external display. Chrome OS makes using desktop peripherals dead simple, and we've rounded up the best monitors for any situation. Our top recommendation is the incredible 32-inch 4K ViewSonic VX3211, but we've also rounded up other great options with lower resolutions and price points.

Best Overall: ViewSonic VX3211 4K UHD

This 32-inch 4K monitor by ViewSonic features a beautiful design with minimal bezel along the sides and top of the display. While there are features aimed primarily at gamers, everyone can enjoy the color reproduction from this UHD display and a 60Hz refresh rate with just a 5ms response time.

While having a 4K monitor is a must in 2020, the ViewSonic delivers even further as the VX3211 is HDR10 compatible. This will give you the ultimate viewing experience while you're either relaxing with some Netflix or doing some photo/video editing. And if you want to switch over to a PC or Mac, this monitor takes advantage of AMD's Free Sync for even smoother refresh rates while gaming.

We would have liked to see the VX3211 more "future-proof" with USB-C, but instead, you are limited to either HDMI 2.0 or DisplayPort. Another point of contention is the limitation of 60Hz as there are other options on the market around the same price point (or less expensive) with much-higher refresh rates.

Pros:

  • Ultra HD 4K Monitor delivers sharp image clarity
  • Nearly bezel-free design
  • Compatible with VESA Standard Mount
  • HDR10 support

Cons:

  • Unimpressive 60Hz refresh rate
  • No USB-C
  • Expensive

Best Overall

ViewSonic VX3211 4K UHD

A reliable 4K monitor to use as a second screen

ViewSonic's 32-inch 4K monitor is an excellent option for gamers and creators alike with a sleek design and a gorgeous display.

Upgrade Pick: BenQ PD3220U 4K UHD IPS

You'll find monitors from BenQ on any best-of list even if you're not entirely familiar with the name, and the PD3220U, which comes in 27 and 32-inch sizes, is one of the best displays the company has ever built.

Designed for digital content creation, the PD3200U has a 20 million:1 dynamic contrast ratio to give you the blackest blacks and the whitest whites. It also has specialized display modes for creators, such as Darkroom and Animation modes, and also includes Low Blue Light and ZeroFlicker features to protect your eyes. Rounding out the specs, you get a 60Hz refresh rate and 5ms response time, which is pretty much the baseline standard.

The monitor is absolutely stunning and comes with two USB-C ports that let you daisy-chain two monitors together, along with HDMI and DisplayPort inputs (it has a Thunderbolt 3 port, but that's not supported by Chromebooks, yet). This monitor also includes a Hotkey Puck G2, a desktop accessory that lets you quickly swap between different sources or preset display settings without messing around in clunky menus. The monitor can even act as a KVM switch if you need to connect more than one computer of any kind.

Pros:

  • Full-featured 4K HDR monitor
  • Excellent color accuracy
  • Custom display modes for creatives
  • Hotkey Puck G2
  • Features to prevent eye strain and damage

Cons:

  • Quite expensive
  • Thunderbolt 3 not yet supported by Chromebooks
  • Sizes might be too large for some

Upgrade Pick

BenQ PD3220U 4K UHD IPS

A 4K monitor that does it all

BenQ's PD3220U easily switches between multiple sources so you can dock your Chromebook as needed without fussing with cables.

Best for a Curved Monitor: Dell S3220DGF

When it comes to monitors, Dell is a big name in the game and the S3220DGF is a great example as to why. This curved, 31.5-inch monitor not only sports a QHD resolution, but can support HDR. With AMD's FreeSync2 on board, it's perfect for gaming and productivity projects alike.

Speaking of gaming, the S3220DGF provides a refresh rate of up to 165Hz, which is perfect for just about any game you can think of. If you need to adjust the picture, there are 12 different preset modes, along with a Custom Color option to tune it for your eyes. While we would have liked to see some USB-C onboard, Dell gives you a few different video outputs with two HDMI ports and a single DisplayPort option.

Although the S3220DGF features a 3.5mm headphone jack on the back, Dell opted to not build in any speakers into this robust monitor. Additionally, we would have liked to see USB-C on board, as more Chromebooks and other laptops have pivoted to USB-C over "traditional" input options.

Pros:

  • 4K HDR display
  • 165Hz refresh rate
  • Ultra-slim bezels
  • Curved display

Cons:

  • No USB-C ports available
  • No built-in speakers

Best for a Curved Monitor

Dell S3220DGF

A 4K monitor for much less

Set your home office up with this huge 4K monitor, an ideal second screen for your Chromebook for far less.

Best Budget Monitor: Sceptre E248W-19203R

There are some significant savings to be had if you don't really care about 4K for your Chromebook's second screen. Case in point is the excellent Sceptre E248W-19203R, a monitor with a Full HD IPS display, adaptive-sync technology, and up to a 75Hz refresh rate with 5ms response time. There's also an LED backlight, and it's all crammed into a slim and frameless design (although the near-bezel less design is only available on the 24-inch model we've linked to below).

In addition to offering a sleek design, Sceptre packed in some built-in speakers so you can still pump some tunes while you're getting some work done. And with Adaptive Sync, this will assist in bridging the gap between your built-in GPU and the 75Hz refresh rate to reduce potential stuttering or image tearing.

The adjustable stand is also on the VESA mount standard, so you can choose to mount it to the wall if you want to save space in your home office. There's a lack of connectivity options — only HDMI and VGA — but if that suits the needs of you and your Chromebook, this is a heck of a lot of monitor at this price.

Pros:

  • 24-inch frameless design looks great
  • Great value for a Full HD monitor
  • Compatible with VESA wall mounts
  • Built-in speakers

Cons:

  • Only offers HDMI and VGA
  • Not as future-proof as a 4K monitor

Best Budget Monitor

Sceptre E248W-19203R

A great option if you don't care about 4K

You don't have to spend a lot to get a great monitor and ASUS proves it with this 27-inch HD monitor.

Best Portable: ASUS Zenscreen Go MB16AHP Full HD

Chromebooks are designed to be used on-the-go, so perhaps you want a second display that's just as portable as your laptop. Enter the ASUS Zenscreen Go, a 15.6-inch HD portable monitor with a 7,800mAh battery that's capable of delivering up to four hours of use on a single charge.

This monitor comes with a Smart Cover that folds up as a kickstand in either landscape or portrait mode, depending on how you want to use it. There's a USB-C and micro HDMI port available for connecting your Chromebook on the go.

We've linked to the mid-range model, but if your Chromebook features a touchscreen display and you want touch support for your secondary display, too, ASUS has got you covered with a model that also ships with a compatible smart pen. Just take care when transporting it — it may be portable, but it's not as rugged as your Chromebook.

Pros:

  • Features Type-C and Micro HDMI connections
  • Up to four hours of use on a full charge
  • Automatically senses screen orientation
  • Also designed to work with smartphones

Cons:

  • Not as rugged as we'd like
  • Pen hole is a weird design choice

Best Portable

ASUS Zenscreen Go MB16AHP 15.6-inch Full HD

A monitor that's as portable and easy to use as your Chromebook.

The ASUS is so slim and easy to use that it might become just as indispensable as your Chromebook.

Best 1080p: ASUS VE248Q

One reason people love Chromebooks is they're way more budget-friendly than other laptop options, especially when compared to the MacBook lineup. So its good to know you don't have to spend a lot to get a great monitor either, and ASUS proves it with the VE248Q.

This 1080p monitor features a traditional 16:9 aspect ratio, giving you a picture that you should be accustomed to. With the easy-to-access buttons on the bottom, you can make any necessary adjustments or turn off the monitor with ease. Although the VE248Q looks as basic as you can get, ASUS did build in six different preset modes, which can be switched between via the hotkey buttons.

Unfortunately, you will need to stick to a 1080p resolution, which can be a bit disappointing in times, especially in 2020. Plus, you are limited in adjusting the monitor, as the included stand only allows you to tilt the VE248Q and there's no height-adjustment available. That can be somewhat remedied if you opt to use a VESA mount, which will work with the VE248Q.

Pros:

  • Six different video modes
  • HDMI, VGA, and DisplayPort options
  • VESA Wall Mount compatible
  • Great price

Cons:

  • No support for 4K or HDR
  • Limited adjustment with included stand

Best Budget Monitor

ASUS VE248Q

A great option if you'd rather save your money

The ASUS VE248Q is proof that you don't need to break the bank on a solid 1080p display, with some added benefits.

Built-in Secondary Display: SideTrak Portable USB Monitor

If you want a monitor to take with you, why not get one that attaches directly to the back of your laptop? That's where the SideTrak Portable Monitor comes in, as you can mount the display right to the lid of your laptop and slide it out to the side. This gives you the extra screen real-estate you need without the need for carrying an additional device around in your bag.

And if you want to switch things up and flip the SideTrak Monitor into portrait mode, you can do that too with the included dock. After the SideTrak has been "unsheathed," you can rotate it up to 180-degrees, ensuring that you get just the perfect angle. Those worried about it adding to much weight or thickness won't have to worry as the SideTrak and mount measure in at less than an inch and weighs just 1.65 pounds.

While the SideTrak is compatible with Chromebooks (along with Windows and Mac), you will have to download third-party software to get it working. Another downside is that you will have to drain the battery on your Chromebook, as there is no dedicated power source included. Plus, this 1080p is limited to a 60Hz refresh rate, so don't expect to try and get any solid gaming sessions done with the SideTrak.

Pros:

  • Lighter than other monitors
  • Rotates 180-degrees
  • Can be used in portrait mode
  • Easily slides-out from holder

Cons:

  • No dedicated power source
  • Must install software to work
  • Refresh rate limited to 60Hz

Built-in Secondary Display

SideTrak Portable USB Monitor

It just attaches and slides out

The SideTrak attaches to the back of your Chromebook and gives you more real-estate with to get some work done.

Just a Solid 4K Experience: LG 27UD58-B 4K UHD

The LG 27UD58 may not look as pretty as other options, but LG has really gone out of its way to give users a great experience. This monitor sports a 4K UHD resolution, which is excellent for those who just want to get some work done or when it's time to blow off some steam in games. LG has included multiple pre-set modes so that you can game in the best "conditions" based on whatever you're playing.

With Screen Split 2.0 and the on-screen controls, the 27UD58 is sure to be a great companion for those times where you have to grind and do some multi-tasking. The on-screen controls give you a slew of different settings to adjust and customize, so you get the best experience possible, regardless of what you are doing.

Unfortunately, you'll be "stuck" using either HDMI or DisplayPort as the 27UD58 does not feature USB-C as a connectivity option. Plus, the bezels are a bit larger than what we would expect to see from a desktop monitor, especially when the competition is getting slimmer. Finally, those looking for an adjustable monitor stand will be disappointed, as you'll need to find a monitor stand of your own if you need to change the height of the 27UD58.

Pros:

  • Compatible with VESA mounts
  • Built-in software for easier window management
  • Various display pre-set modes included
  • Multiple connection options

Cons:

  • No USB-C
  • Bezels bigger than similar options
  • Included stand not adjustable

Just a Solid 4K Experience

LG 27UD58-B 4K UHD

An all-around, solid 4K monitor

The LG 27UD58 is a reliable 4K UHD monitor that will be great for gamers or those who need to multi-task on the bigger screen.

Bottom line

Chromebooks are flexible and easy to set up and use — so your second monitor should be too! Whether you're after a future-proofed 4K display for your home office, a second screen that's as portable as your Chromebook is, or a cheap and reliable 1080p display that just works as advertised, we hope we've helped you discover the perfect external monitor to fulfill your specific needs.

Our top recommendation is the 32-inch 4K ViewSonic VX3211 which offers an incredible selection of features that extends well beyond just using this monitor with your Chromebook. It's a monitor that will serve you well for years to come with features like the AMD Free Sync to improve your gaming experience, even if you want to use it with a Windows PC.

Credits — The team that worked on this guide

Jerry Hildenbrand is Future Labs' resident nerd and proud of it. There's nothing he can't take apart, but many things he can't reassemble. You'll find him across the Mobile Nations network, and you can hit him up on Twitter if you want to say hey.

Andrew Myrick is a regular freelancer at Android Central and iMore. He has been a tech enthusiast ever since the original iPhone was released and continues to flip-flop between devices. You might as well hook him up to an IV filled with coffee to get him through the day. If you have any questions, you can find him on Twitter, and he'll get back to you.