Best External Monitors for Laptops in 2025: 4K, OLED & Portable

What’s New in External Monitors for 2025?

External monitors have come a long way, and in 2025, we’re seeing some exciting trends that are changing the game for professionals, gamers, and creatives alike. The biggest innovations include:

• Mini-LED & OLED Displays: Better contrast, deeper blacks, and incredible color accuracy make these displays perfect for creative professionals.
• Higher Refresh Rates: 144Hz and even 240Hz external monitors are no longer just for gamers—they’re becoming the standard for smooth workflow experiences.
• Portable Monitors with Enhanced Features: Ultra-thin, touchscreen, and foldable portable monitors are making remote work and travel setups easier than ever.
• USB-C and Thunderbolt Dominance: Monitors with full power delivery, data, and video support through a single USB-C or Thunderbolt 4 cable are now mainstream.

For more insights, check out our article on the Best Laptops of 2025 to find the perfect pairing for your new monitor.

Whether you need a 4K display for ultra-crisp visuals, an OLED panel for stunning contrast, or a portable monitor for working on the go, we’ve rounded up the best monitors of 2025 to suit every need and budget. External monitors have come a long way, and in 2025, we’re seeing some exciting trends that are changing the game for professionals, gamers, and creatives alike. The biggest innovations include:

How to Choose the Best External Monitor for Your Laptop in 2025

When selecting a monitor, here are the key factors to consider:

✅ Best Monitor Resolution for Work and Gaming

• 4K (3840×2160): Best for professionals and high-end users
• 1440p (2560×1440): Great for casual users and gamers
• 1080p (1920×1080): Budget-friendly, but less sharp for large screens

✅ Panel Type

• OLED: Best contrast and color accuracy (but more expensive)
• IPS: Great colors and wide viewing angles
• VA: Deep blacks, but slower response times

✅ Refresh Rate & Response Time

• 144Hz-240Hz: Perfect for gaming and smooth workflow
• 60Hz-120Hz: Standard for office and creative work

✅ Connectivity

• USB-C with Power Delivery: Essential for modern laptops
• HDMI 2.1: Needed for gaming and high refresh rates
• Thunderbolt 4: Best for Mac users

Top External Monitors for Laptops in 2025

Here’s a breakdown of the best external monitors available in 2025, categorized by key features.

1. Best Overall 4K Monitor: Dell UltraSharp U3223QE 31.5"

💰 Price: $919.99

📏Size: 31.5 inches

🔆Brightness: 400 nits

🎨Color Accuracy: 100% sRGB, 100% Rec 709, 98% DCI-P3

⚡Refresh Rate: 60Hz

🖇 Ports: Offers extensive connectivity, including HDMI, DisplayPort, multiple USB-C and USB-A ports, an audio line-out, and an RJ-45 LAN port, making it a versatile hub for various devices.

Why We Love It

Features IPS Black technology for deeper blacks and a 2000:1 contrast ratio, enhancing visual depth. Its adjustable ergonomic design (height, tilt, swivel, pivot) ensures comfort, while multiple USB-C and USB-A ports provide seamless connectivity.

Best For

• Creative professionals requiring high color accuracy and contrast for tasks like photo and video editing.
• Business users seeking a premium 4K display with versatile connectivity for multitasking.

Drawbacks

• The 60Hz refresh rate may not satisfy users seeking higher refresh rates for gaming or specialized applications.
• Priced higher than standard 4K monitors, reflecting its advanced features and performance.

2. Best OLED Monitor: LG UltraFine 32EP950

💰 Price: ~$2,500.00
📏 Size: 32 inches
🔆 Brightness: 400 nits (HDR)
🎨 Color Accuracy: 99% DCI-P3, 10-bit color
⚡ Refresh Rate: 120Hz
🖇 Ports: USB-C, HDMI 2.1, DisplayPort

Why We Love It

If you’re after deep blacks, infinite contrast, and vibrant colors, the LG UltraFine 32EP950 is unbeatable. It’s OLED, meaning no backlight bleeding, and it’s perfect for video editing, gaming, and high-end design work.

Best For

• Creative professionals who demand the best display quality
• Gamers looking for high refresh rates and low response times

Drawbacks

• Expensive compared to IPS panels
• OLED burn-in risk over time

3. Best Budget 4K Monitor: ASUS ProArt Display PA32UCX

💰 Price: ~$1,766.07
📏 Size: 32 inches
🔆 Brightness: 600 nits
🎨 Color Accuracy: 100% AdobeRGB, 97% DCI-P3
⚡ Refresh Rate: 60Hz
🖇 Ports: USB-C, HDMI 2.1, DisplayPort

Why We Love It

The ASUS ProArt PA32UCX delivers professional-grade color accuracy at a much more affordable price. It’s factory-calibrated for true-to-life color, making it great for photo editing, content creation, and casual media consumption.

Best For

• Budget-conscious creatives
• Office users needing a high-quality 4K display

Drawbacks

• No high refresh rate
• No built-in speakers

4. Best Portable Monitor: ASUS ZenScreen (MB16AC) 15.6

💰 Price: ~$202.57
📏 Size: 15.6 inches
🔆 Brightness: 220 nits
🎨 Color Accuracy: 72.4% sRGB
⚡ Refresh Rate: 60Hz
🖇 Ports: USB Type-C (with hybrid signal solution for compatibility with USB Type-A sources)

Why We Love It

Lightweight (0.78 kg) and ultra-thin (8 mm), the ZenScreen MB16AC is perfect for professionals on the go. Its hybrid signal solution ensures broad device compatibility, while the smart case doubles as a stand for flexible viewing.

Best For

• Business travelers requiring a lightweight, portable second screen
• Professionals seeking a simple plug-and-play external display

Drawbacks

• Lower brightness levels compared to standard desktop monitors, which may affect visibility in brightly lit environments
• Limited color gamut coverage, making it less suitable for tasks requiring high color accuracy

5. Best Gaming Monitor: Alienware AW3225QF (32" 4K QD-OLED)

💰 Price: ~$ 899.99

📏 Size: 32 inches
🔆 Brightness: 1000 nits (HDR Peak)
🎨 Color Accuracy: 99% DCI-P3, 10-bit color
⚡ Refresh Rate: 240Hz
🖇 Ports: USB-C, HDMI 2.1, DisplayPort

Why We Love It

The Alienware AW3225QF is a beast for gaming and multitasking, offering a 4K QD-OLED panel with 240Hz refresh rate. It has HDR1000, meaning ultra-vivid colors and deep contrast for immersive gameplay.

Best For

• Gamers who want smooth, high-refresh 4K visuals
• Power users needing a monitor for both gaming and work

Drawbacks

• Expensive
• OLED burn-in risk

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: What is the best resolution for an external monitor in 2025?

A1: The best resolution depends on your needs. For professionals and creatives, 4K (3840×2160) offers stunning detail. Gamers may prefer 1440p for better refresh rates and responsiveness at a lower cost.

Q2: Are OLED monitors worth it for everyday use?

A2: OLED monitors are ideal for creatives and gamers due to their superior contrast and color accuracy. However, they may not be necessary for general office tasks or casual use due to their higher price.

Q3: Can a portable monitor replace a desktop monitor?

A3: Portable monitors are excellent for travel and dual-screen setups but may lack the size and resolution of a full desktop monitor. They’re best as a complementary device rather than a replacement.

Final Verdict: Which Monitor Should You Buy?

🎨 Best for Creatives: LG UltraFine 32EP950 (OLED)
💰 Best Budget Pick: ASUS ProArt PA32UCX
🌍 Best Portable Option: ASUS ZenScreen OLED MQ16AH
🎮 Best for Gamers: Alienware AW3225QF (QD-OLED, 240Hz)

🔎 Still undecided? Consider what matters most: resolution, color accuracy, portability, or refresh rate. No matter your needs, 2025 offers better displays than ever before, making it the perfect time to upgrade!