Chrome OS makes it easy to use desktop peripherals. We’ve put together a list of the top Chromebook monitors that can be used in any situation. While Chromebooks can be used as portable computers, many people prefer to use them for work. However, there are times when you want to just sit back and enjoy the view from an external display. No matter what software you use, almost every laptop has a port that allows you to send video to an external display. There are many great options available that can be used with Chromebooks.
Pick out the best monitor for your Chromebook
(Image credit: LG)
LG 24UD58-B 4K UHD
An all-around, solid 4K monitor
Reasons to buy
+
Compatible with VESA mounts
+
Built-in software for easier window management
+
Various display pre-set modes included
+
Multiple connection options
Reasons to avoid
–
No USB-C
–
Bezels bigger than similar options
–
Included stand not adjustable
The LG 24UD58 may not look as pretty as other options, but LG has gone out of its way to give users a great experience. The 4K UHD resolution is great for gamers who need to work and then relax with a game. Chromebooks may not be the best choice for gaming. However, you can use the multiple preset modes to ensure you are playing in the best “conditions”. “
With Screen Split 2.0 and on-screen controls, the 24UD58 is a great companion for when you need to multitask. You can adjust and customize the settings on your screen so that you have the best possible experience no matter what you’re doing.
Unfortunately, you’ll be “stuck” using either HDMI or DisplayPort as the 24UD58 does not feature USB-C as a connectivity option. The bezels are also a little larger than we’d expect from a desktop monitor, particularly with the competition getting thinner. 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 24UD58.
(Image credit: Sceptre)
Sceptre E248W-19203R Ultra Thin 75Hz
A great option if you don’t care about 4K
Reasons to buy
+
24-inch frameless design looks great
+
Great value for a Full HD monitor
+
Compatible with VESA wall mounts
+
Built-in speakers
Reasons to avoid
–
Only offers HDMI and VGA
–
Not as futureproof as a 4K monitor
(Image credit: Hayato Huseman / Android Central)
There are some significant savings if you don’t 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).
Sceptre’s monitor comes with built-in speakers so that you can listen to your favorite tunes while working. 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 also conforms to the VESA mounting standard. You can mount it on the wall if necessary to conserve space in your home office. This monitor is quite expensive, but it does have a few connectivity options. VGA and HDMI are the only options.
A 4K monitor that does it all
Reasons to buy
+
Full-featured 4K HDR monitor
+
Excellent color accuracy
+
Custom display modes for creatives
+
Built-in speakers
+
Comes with remote
Reasons to avoid
–
Quite expensive
–
Sizes might be too large for some
You’ll find monitors from BenQ on any best-of list even if you’re not entirely familiar with the name, and the EW3280U, which comes in 27- and 32-inch sizes, is one of the best displays the company has ever built.
Designed for digital content creation and enhancement, the EW 3280U features HDRi technology. This adds an “intelligent optimization”, to the already solid HDR experience. This means that your monitor will automatically detect 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 modes. It also includes Low Blue Light and ZeroFlicker protection options to help protect your eyes. Rounding out the specs, you get a 60Hz refresh rate and 5ms response time, which is practically the baseline standard. The monitor is beautiful and includes two USB-C ports, which allow you to daisy-chain up to two monitors. The remote control allows you to change inputs, adjust the quality of the image, and turn the volume all from your smartphone.
With all the features included in the EW 3280U it is no surprise that this monitor is among the most popular Chromebooks. However, the price tag is steep. You can read our full review to learn more.
(Image credit: Dell)
Dell U2520DR
Ultra-slim bezels for more real estate
Reasons to buy
+
USB-C port can deliver power up to 90W
+
ComfortView reduces eye fatigue
+
Monitor stand is adjustable
+
VESA Wall mount compatible
Reasons to avoid
–
No built-in speakers
–
Refresh rate limited to 60Hz
–
Only one size option
Dell is a big name when it comes to monitors, and the U2520DR is an excellent example of why. This 25-inch monitor not only sports 2560×1440 resolution, but also offers a range of viewing angles, including the ability to swivel, tilt, and adjust the height. The U2520DR is even compatible with 100 x 100mm VESA mounts, so you can put the monitor on the wall or use your own monitor stand.
The most significant feature is the built-in USB-C port, which provides power for laptops up to 90W. This gives you the plug-and-play functionality that matches what Chromebooks offer and makes switching between different Chromebooks and computers easy. Two standard USB 3.0 ports were also included by Dell, as well as a USB-C and HDMI port. This allows the monitor to function as a hub for connecting peripherals.
While there is a 3.5mm headphone jack, we would have liked to see some built-in speakers with the U2520DR. Also, gamers will be disappointed with the limited refresh rate of 60Hz, but it will still be more than adequate for just about everything else.
(Image credit: Lepow)
Lepow Z1
A monitor that’s as portable and easy to use as your Chromebook
Reasons to buy
+
Thin and lightweight
+
Built-in speakers
+
HDR mode for better viewing experience
+
Smart cover is included
+
Multiple port options
Reasons to avoid
–
Not as rugged as we’d like
–
Doesn’t get as bright as you might hope
Chromebooks are designed to be used on the go, so perhaps you want a second display as portable as your laptop. Enter the Lepow Z1, a 15.6-inch FHD portable monitor with plenty of ports to connect your favorite Chromebook and a few extra features to boot. This monitor is equipped with a Smart Cover, which folds up to act as a kickstand. It can be used in landscape or portrait modes depending on your preference. The Z1 has dual USB-C ports and a mini-HDMI port. It also has a 3.5 headphone socket. Lepow goes as far to state that the Z1 is a great monitor for gamers who are looking to play on the move with their consoles.
(Image credit: Dell)
Dell SE2722HX
A great option to save money
Reasons to buy
+
Ultra-slim bezels on three sides
+
Wide viewing angle
+
VESA Wall mount compatible
+
Great price
Reasons to avoid
–
No support for 4K or HDR
–
Only HDMI and VGA for connectivity
–
Limited adjustment with the included stand
People love Chromebooks because they’re way more budget-friendly than other laptop options, especially when compared to the MacBook lineup. So it’s good to know you don’t have to spend a lot to get a great monitor either, and Dell proves it with the SE2722HX, an upgraded version of the brand’s SE2719H monitor.
Depending on your preferred size, you can buy the cheaper 24-inch SE2722HX, which has very similar specs to the 27-inch model. We chose the SE2722HX because we like having the extra workspace, and it slightly beats its smaller counterpart in brightness (300 vs. 250 nits).
This 1080p monitor features a traditional 16:9 aspect ratio, giving you a picture that you should be accustomed to. The response time is as fast as 5ms. This means that you will experience virtually no mouse cursor lag. Like most Dell monitors, it has an IPS panel that makes it viewable from all sides up to 178 degrees, plus anti-glare and blue light filters. To connect your Chromebook to an HDMI port, you will need a USB-C or USB-C adapter.
Limited to 1920×1080 at 60Hz, it’s not the most beautiful or fast-refreshing display you can buy, but most Chromebook users aren’t interested in spending extra on upgrades they don’t need. It’s a practical, affordable display with thin bezels and a compact standing that takes up little space on your desk.
(Image credit: Samsung)
Samsung SJ55W Ultra WQHD
Enjoy the screen real estate
Reasons to buy
+
Matte finish removes concerns about glare
+
Features PBP and PIP
+
Compatible with AMD FreeSync
+
Stand is easily adjustable
Reasons to avoid
–
Faster refresh rate and FreeSync limited to DisplayPort
–
Ultrawide monitors take some getting used to
–
Might be overkill with a Chromebook
After using one of the best ultrawide monitors for the first time, you’ll never want to go back to a normal one. The Samsung SJ55W offers WQHD (3440×1440) resolution, combined with a 21:9 aspect ratio and AMD FreeSync support. This monitor is designed to multitask.
Thanks to the Picture-by-Picture (PBP) and Picture-in-Picture (PIP) modes, you can connect another computer to the SJ55W or be even more productive with the PIP screen. A lot of monitors have a glossy finish. This is great for some people, but can be problematic if there’s glare. Samsung has a matte finish to combat glare, so that you don’t have to worry about your monitor being ruined by glare.
While AMD FreeSync support is a welcome addition, along with the faster 75Hz refresh rate, you’re limited in using this with DisplayPort. While this won’t be a major issue for most Chromebook users, it will mean that you have to use DisplayPort cables instead of HDMI if you want to benefit from the faster refresh rate. Ultrawide monitors can be difficult to adjust to due to the additional screen real estate.
(Image credit: Sceptre)
Sceptre C305W-2560UN
Once you go curved, you don’t go back
Reasons to buy
+
Curved monitors offer an immersive experience
+
Blue Light Shift helps to reduce eye fatigue
+
Edge-to-edge design
+
Compatible with VESA wall mounts
Reasons to avoid
–
Stand only offers tilt adjustment
–
Built-in speakers are not impressive
–
Included stand is not stable
Admittedly, the Sceptre C305W falls under the category of best gaming monitors more than anything else. This monitor is still an excellent option for those who want to experiment with curved monitors on their Chromebooks. The monitor sports a 2560×1080 resolution, which should be fine for most, but it won’t be as crisp on a 30-inch monitor like a 4K or even QHD monitor. With the curve, Chromebook will make you more engaged in what you are doing. Sceptre’s Blue Light Shift mode helps reduce eye fatigue. Plus, the C305W is compatible with 100x100mm VESA mounts, allowing you to mount this wherever you want.
If you are looking for VESA mounts, the stand included isn’t the best. The stand is also limited in tilt adjustment. It was nice to have a monitor with built in speakers. However, you might be better off using your Chromebook’s built-in speakers or pairing the best Bluetooth headphones.
Back to the top ^
Pick the best Chromebook external monitors
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 a home office, a second screen that’s as portable as your Chromebook, or a cheap and reliable 1080p display that works as advertised, this round-up includes a selection of the best Chromebook external monitors you can find.
Our top recommendation is the 24-inch 4K LG 24UD58 which offers an incredible selection of features that extends well beyond just using this monitor with your Chromebook. This monitor will last for many years and has features such as AMD FreeSync that can improve your gaming experience even when you use it with Windows PCs.
Depending on your use, it might be worth considering other options, such as a premium upgrade or a smaller but still useful extra monitor.
Andrew Myrick works as a Senior Editor for Android Central. He loves all things technology, from smartphones and tablets to everything in between. His favorite pastime is probably collecting headphones, even though they end up in the exact same drawer.