Home Smart Home The Best Wireless Monitors (And Accessories)
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Gone are the days wherein monitors are only used by people with desktop computers. Millions of people also use them with their laptops to display content on their screens at larger sizes, making it far easier to produce visual content like photo manipulation or video editing. Others use external monitors as a way to add a second screen to your setup, keeping utilities and tools on the wide side of the setup while using your mouse to work between the two displays. Both macOS and Windows handle external and additional displays well, allowing power users to change the settings of each display while simultaneously keeping it accessible for anyone with a computer to plug and play without frustration. Unfortunately, there’s one problem: that pesky HDMI cable still exists. HDMI is a solid standard, with support for video and audio over a single cable. If your laptop doesn’t have an HDMI port, you will likely have to buy an adaptor or an HDMI to USB Type-C cable. Cables aren’t too much of a hassle, but sometimes you just want to wirelessly transmit your display from your laptop to a second monitor. You achieve a wireless connection by investing in a wireless monitor, but most display manufacturers have been slow to pick up on the tech. This is why only a few options are available, and the wireless technology still needs a ton of improvements. Another option would be to purchase pluggable accessories that can wirelessly cast or mirror the content of your laptop to your monitor. Here’s our guide to the best wireless monitors and accessories on the market in 2022.
Initially launched in 2017, Dell’s lineup of wireless monitors remains among the few monitors currently worth recommending when looking for the best screens with wireless connectivity already built in. The Dell S2317HWi is a decent option that uses a 23-inch 1080p IPS panel, which means you shouldn’t expect the highest pixel density you’ve ever seen from a display. Despite the age of the panel, the display itself looks stunning, with a thin-border appearance around the top, left, and right edges of the body and a thicker bottom panel that houses the components for the actual display. Unfortunately, the display isn’t very bright, with a peak brightness of just 250cd/m2. Color reproduction is solid, but the actual accuracy of the colors is a bit off. Anyone using the display to watch a movie or generally surf the web will likely find it acceptable, but if you’re looking to do some visual work on the monitor, you might want to skip this one. Response time is solid, especially for a monitor not designed for gaming. The monitor includes a single HDMI input, two USB 2.0 ports, and an audio output jack. It doesn’t have a VGA port, USB 3.0 ports, or USB Type-C ports. The S2317HWi has a Wireless Connect feature, which is the monitor’s wireless capabilities for transmitting a signal from your laptop to the monitor. The monitor can accommodate two devices simultaneously, so you can have both your smartphone and your PC on your screen. This monitor’s unique feature is the Qi wireless charging pad integrated into its base. If you don’t mind the resolution and screen size, the Dell S2317HWi is an exciting device, even if it’s not a new model anymore.
Fairly inexpensive monitorFull support for MiracastNice, bezel-free designBase has an integrated Qi wireless charger
Disappointing port selectionSmartphone option doesn't work well with modern phonesWireless connection doesn't work with Apple computers/laptopsLimited availabilityOld model
If you’re an Apple user who wants a wireless monitor with many innovative features, you will love the Samsung M8. This monitor just hit stores in 2022, and it’s an excellent choice for those with limited space since it also doubles as a smart TV. Its smart hub gives you access to top streaming services like Netflix, Disney Plus, etc. The monitor is counted as a wireless monitor because it has Apple AirPlay built-in. Users can easily cast their content from their MacBooks or iMacs. For Windows users, you can share your screen if your PC supports Wireless Display. You can also cast content from Samsung Galaxy phones or tablets to the monitor using DeX mode and even access Microsoft Office 365 directly on the monitor. The Samsung M8 measures 32 inches and has a stunning 4K UHD resolution. Its HDR10+ support and sRGB 99% color gamut ensure you get superb detail, contrast, and color accuracy. The monitor comes with a sensor that detects the lighting conditions of your room and automatically adjusts its brightness. Those who work at home will love this monitor because it comes with a SlimFit camera that’s perfect for making video calls. You won’t be too impressed with its ports because you only get micro HDMI and USB Type-C ports. Users might not need to purchase external speakers anymore because the monitor has 2.2-channel speakers that deliver rich sound. Its Adaptive Sound+ automatically adjusts its sound to the acoustics of your environment. For those who own several smart home devices that are SmartThings compatible, you can turn the monitor into a control center. You can control the monitor using its free remote, but you also have the option to use voice assistants like Amazon Alexa and Bixby.
4K UHD resolutionConnect wirelessly to compatible Windows PC, Apple computers/laptops/phones, and Samsung Galaxy phonesModern and stylish designSlimFit cameraDoubles as a smart TVAmazon Alexa and Bixby support
Can experience lag when connecting wirelesslyLimited port selection
For those who have a tight budget and think the Samsung M8 is still too pricey, you can go for its predecessor: the Samsung M7. It also has Apple AirPlay 2, screen sharing, and wireless DeX capabilities, so you can wirelessly cast content from your computer, laptop, or mobile devices. Unfortunately, you can expect it to be laggy since it’s still impossible to find wireless technology that has a performance that is at par with standard HDMI connections. The Samsung M7 features a 32-inch display with a 4K UHD resolution. It only has a refresh rate of 60Hz, so it’s not the best option for gamers. Those who love watching movies and TV shows will love this monitor because it has a built-in smart TV system. You can easily access apps like Netflix and Youtube and enjoy a hassle-free experience since the monitor also has built-in speakers. Like the M8, the monitor also has the Adaptive Picture feature that automatically adjusts brightness to the lighting conditions of your room. Users can use voice assistants like Google Assistant, Alexa, or Bixby for convenient hands-free control, or they can also use the SmartThings app. The monitor has a USB Type-C port, two HDMI ports, and three USB 2.0 ports, which are pretty decent, but some might be disappointed that it doesn’t have the latest USB 3.2 ports. It comes with a SolarCell Remote, which is unique because you can charge it with a USB Type-C cable or sunlight.
Can connect wirelessly to computers, laptops, and mobile devices4K UHD displayBuilt-in smart TV systemAdaptive PictureGoogle Assistant, Alexa, and Bixby supportSolarCell RemoteBudget-friendly
No USB 3.2 portsBuild quality isn't the bestNo webcamWireless connection is laggy
The HP U27 is another monitor on the market with wireless capabilities, but you can only connect wirelessly if you’re using a Windows computer. You will also have to ensure that your PC runs on Windows 10 version 1809 or later. It also needs to have 8GB RAM, an i5 processor, and Wi-Fi 802.11ac at the least. If you own a compatible computer or laptop, you must download the HP Quick Pair app. The HP U27 has a 27-inch 4K UHD display with IPS technology. It has a modern and stylish design, and you will love how its edge-to-edge glass panel will allow you to maximize your screen space. You can tilt the display and adjust the stand’s height, but it doesn’t have a swivel or pivot function. The monitor might only have a 60Hz refresh rate, but its AMD FreeSync technology still does a fantastic job of enhancing your gaming experience. Unfortunately, this feature won’t work if you connect to the monitor wirelessly. You can expect top-notch color accuracy from the monitor because of its 99% sRGB color space. The monitor has three USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A ports, one HDMI port with HDCP support, and one DisplayPort 1.2. Customers will get an HDMI cable and AC adapter with the monitor upon purchase.
Modern and stylish design4K UHD display with IPS technology99% sRGB color spaceTiltable displayHeigh-adjustable stand
Wireless connection only works with Windows computers/laptopsNo pivot or swivel functionAMD FreeSync technology only works with a wired connectionNo USB-C ports
While there are available wireless monitors on the market, there could be a chance you won’t be satisfied with its specs. The best solution would be to buy an adapter like the Microsoft Wireless Display Adapter. So how does it work? Well, it isn’t rocket science because it simply uses Miracast Technology. Users can only use this if they’re using a Windows PC, laptop, or phone, and you just have to ensure that their devices are running on Windows 8.1, 10, or later. You don’t need to worry about if you have an internet connection or not because this device will work without it. Setting it up is easy because all you need to use is plug both its HDMI and USB end into your monitor and then connect to the display adapter on your laptop or computer. You will see your screen reflect on your monitor in a few seconds. Its performance is pretty decent, and you will barely notice any lag. When you play music or a video, the audio will be played on your monitor instead of your laptop. The Microsoft Wireless Display Adapter has a maximum range of 23 feet.
Ultra-affordableEasy setupCompact and portableExcellent performance with minimal lag
Doesn't work for Apple users
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