Dual screen laptops are queer products. While the mere idea of accommodating two screens in a standalone form factor requires manufacturing brilliance, getting the concept to actually work is yet another triumph for the curious OEMs. Coming back to the dual screen laptops, these products are mostly loaded with features and focused at amplifying professional productivity.
As a matter of fact, if you are in the market for a dual screen laptop, it is necessary to consider the exorbitant price tags. Plus, you might also need to account for the chunkiness, heat generation, and the damage-prone design.
But then, if you are a professional graphic designer, audio engineer, or even a video editor, you might still want to persist with a computer with two screens, owing to the avant-garde technology, multi-mode operability, ability to manage multiple programs at once, and even the strategic placement of the keyboard.
Our Top Recommendation
If you have the funds to invest in the Asus ZenBook Pro DuoUX582, you wouldn’t need to read any further. Probably the most innovative laptop of the modern era, the ZenBook Pro DuoUX582 is a 15-inch behemoth, boasting a stellar keyboard, brilliant display, and also a second display that doubles down as the ScreenPad Plus.
Adding to the previous discussion about dual screen laptops, I feel that amid the lack of choices, there are some resourceful computers for specific users to invest in. During the course of this discussion, I would review 6 innovative laptops that have a second display for either better professional exposure or improved leisure experience.
OUR TOP CHOICEAsus ZenBook Pro DuoUX582 | Intel i7, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD15-inch Display with 6 Hours batteryOled display | CHECK PRICE → | |
BEST INTEL MODELAsus ZenBook Duo UX482 | Intel i7, 8GB RAM, 512GB SSD14-inch FHD Display with 8 Hours Battery LifeResponsive Stylus | CHECK PRICE → | |
BEST HP CHOICEDell Duet | Intel i9 Processor, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD13.4-inch FHD and 10 hours Battery Life.Foldable design | CHECK PRICE → | |
BESTHP Omen X 2S | Intel i7 Processor with 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD15-inch FHD with 4 Hours Battery Life144Hz refresh | CHECK PRICE → | |
Lenovo ThinkBook Plus | Intel i7 Processor, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD13.3-inch Display with 8 Hours Battery LifeInnovative screen placement | CHECK PRICE → | |
Asus ROG Zephyrus Duo | AMD Ryzen 9 Processor, 32GB RAM, 2TB SSD15.6-inch-inch Display with 5 Hours Battery LifeRAID 0 SSD | CHECK PRICE → |
Minimum Specifications
Note: Regardless of the dual screen gadget you choose to purchase, you should ensure that availability of the following specs to at least justify the price of your new buy:
- Processor: Intel Core i7
- RAM: 8GB
- Drive Capacity: 512GB
- Display: 13.3-inch FHD
- Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050
- Backup: 5+ Hours
- OS: Windows 10
Best Dual Screen Laptops – Individual Reviews
1. Asus ZenBook Pro Duo UX582
PROS
- Stellar screen
- Powerful GPU
- Ultra-fast processor
- Massive Storage
- Secondary display qualifies as a ScreenPad Plus with app switching capabilities
CONS
- Heavy
- Bulky
- Processor: Intel i7
- RAM: 16GB
- Drive Capacity: 1TB
- Display: 15.6-inch 4K
- Graphics: NVidia GeForce RTX 2060
- Backup: 6+ Hours
- OS: Win 10
Review
The Asus ZenBook Pro Duo is the laptop to splurge on, if you want a device for each of your diverse professional and personal requirements. While there are several surprises in order for the buyer, the brilliance of this device is led by the bundled stylus pen and a stellar palm rest.
Design & Display
The aesthetics associated with the Asus ZenBook Pro Duo do not disappoint despite the pronounced bulk, standing at 5.51 pounds. The metal-clad device also brings home a 4K UHD OLED screen as the primary interface. The secondary, keyboard-adhering display is also 4K but offers a 14-inch real-estate.
Also, while the 15.6 inches wide screen is lined by a matte panel to keep glares to a minimum, the secondary panel is glossy and therefore, a bit brighter.
Internals
You get hold of 16GB RAM for efficient multitasking followed by a sizable 1TB SSD unit, which is fast and rather perfect for booting up the Windows 10 Pro OS in no time.
Productivity
The Intel Core i7 processor persits, boasting 10th gen architecture. While it can easily handle most professional tasks like business management, audio processing, and more, the NVIDiA GeForce RTX 2060 graphics card lends a helping hand of sorts. Most importantly, you can even get the Asus ZenBook Pro Duo with an Intel Core i9 processor, albeit for a higher price.
Finally, the Asus ZenBook Pro Duo also brings in Wi-Fi 6 support, USB-C port with Thunderbolt functionality, and over 6 hours of autonomy into the mix.
2. Asus ZenBook Duo UX482
PROS
- Stylus usage feels like standard e-ink application on a touch screen
- Full-size keyboard
- Performance-oriented CPU
- Fast solid state drive
- 1080p panel is adequately bright
CONS
- No dedicated GPU
- Cannot be related to CAD apps
- Processor: Intel i7-10510U
- RAM: 8GB
- Drive Space: 512GB
- Display: 14-inch FHD
- GPU: Integrated
- Backup: 8+ Hours
- OS: Windows 10
Review
If the Pro Duo is way out of reach, you can even persist with the Duo model for experiencing similar innovations and perks of having a second screen by your side.
Design & Display
As far as the design is concerned, this dual screen laptop is strictly metal-clad, boasting Military grade chassis and a shock-proof form factor. The FHD screen is bright enough and serves right by you as one of the two displays. The second panel measures 12.6 inches and exhibits similar resolution.
Other innovative traits include the ErgoLift layout and the inventive ScreenPad Plus.
Internals
8GB RAM seems more than adequate for content creators and streamers. Plus, there is a 512GB SSD in play for storing almost all games, apps, files, and audio.
Productivity
There is a 10th gen Intel CPU onboard that lends adequate processing power to this ZenBook. However, unlike the Pro Duo, there isn’t a dedicated GPU to help you with gaming. Nor do you get hold of a model running the Intel Core i9 processor.
3. Dell Duet
PROS
- Perfect for designers
- SoC promises top-notch performance
- Folding tech is perfect
- Dell promises excellent battery life
CONS
- Placement of dual monitors can be a bit overwhelming
- Expensive
- Processor: Intel i9
- RAM: 16GB
- Drive Space: 512GB
- Display: 13.4-inch
- Graphics: RTX 3060
- Backup: 10+ Hours
- OS: Windows
Review
Introduced way back during the CES, this innovative laptop from Dell is all about your creative indulgence. However, I had the option to try out a prototype and I would say that the keyboard placement isn’t the most convincing on this laptop sporting dual displays.
Design & Display
The design is appropriately sleek and allows you to connect the keyboard magnetically to the chassis. The panels measuring 13.4 inches each do not offer the same surface area as 15.6-inch displays but can be reliable accessories if you want to put e-ink to use and draw illustrations.
Internals
You can expect 16GB of system memory on this device followed by at least 512GB of drive space. The Windows 10 OS is a significant resource, which furthers the responsiveness of the UI.
Productivity
The Intel i9 chipset makes an appearance, expected to work alongside the RTX 3060 GPU. While the configuration seems rather perfect for gaming, the sleekness of the chassis might not allow you to indulge for long.
4. HP Omen X 2S
PROS
- Gamer-friendly keyboard
- Dual memory slot
- Zero frame drops
- Durable
CONS
- Basic battery life
- Pricey
- Processor: Intel i7-9750H
- RAM: 16GB
- Drive Space: 512GB
- Display: 15-inch
- Graphics: RTX 2070 Max-Q
- Backup: 4+ Hours
- OS: Win 10
Review
The HP Omen X 2S is the perfect gaming laptop for dual screen admirers. In addition to a rather evolved specs sheet, this product also brings home several USB ports and a responsive OS.
Design & Display
HP sports a rugged design on this one, with heat dissipating vents placed rather strategically. Coming to the quality of the monitor, the 15.6-inch primary unit sports 1080p resolution and a refresh rate of 144Hz. The secondary 5.98-inch monitor is more of a dedicated controller.
Internals
As far as the system memory is concerned, you get 16GB, out of the box. Plus, the 512GB solid state drive is a standard addition, even for the more enthusiastic gamers.
Productivity
The i7 SoC seems like a good fit whereas the RTX 2070 GPU ensures excellent gaming performances. However, instead of the vanilla variant, you get hold of the Max-Q model.
5. Lenovo ThinkBook Plus
PROS
- One of the rarer devices to feature a screen as the top lid
- Can be related to graphic designing
- Multi-display unit with high resolution panels
- One of the lighter gadgets around
CONS
- Lacks dedicated GPU
- Lacks enough ports
- Processor: Intel i7
- RAM: 16GB
- Storage: 512GB
- Display: 13.3-inch
- Graphics: Integrated
- Backup: 8+ Hours
- OS: Win 10
Review
The Lenovo Thinkbook Plus is a wonderful dual screen laptop to have, owing to its stylus responsiveness and the ability to etch out some marvelous designs, digitally.
Design & Display
The metal-clad Lenovo Thinkbook Plus sports remarkable glass-like accents and weighs a manageable 3.1 pounds. The dual screen setup is foldable with each 13.3 inches wide panel exhibiting 1080p resolution.
Internals
You get 16GB of random access memory to work with followed by a 512GB SSD to save files, music, and other resources, with ease.
Productivity
The U-series i7 chipset persists, which is more than capable of making life easier for the designers. Coming to the GPU, you get hold of an integrated unit, good enough for handling visuals, with perfection.
Overall, the Lenovo Thinkbook Plus is a massive tech innovation with a pretty expansive clientele, which made quite an impression in the recently concluded CES event.
6. Asus ROG Zephyrus Duo
PROS
- Fast chipset
- Interactive UI
- RAID 0 SSD for better speeds
- Zero gaming stutters and lags
CONS
- Pricey
- Heavy
- Processor: AMD Ryzen 9
- RAM: 32GB
- Drive Capacity: 2TB
- Display: 15.6-inch
- Graphics: RTX 3080
- Backup: 5+ Hours
- OS: Windows 10
Review
The Asus ROG Zephyrus Duo trades Intel for AMD but can be considered as one of the best dual screen laptops for professional gaming.
Design & Display
The thick and durable product weighs 5.47 pounds and brings in two panels, with one measuring 15.6 inches. The secondary screen or rather the Screenpad+ supports touch and is one of the more responsive resources in play.
Internals
You get 32GB of system memory followed by a 2TB of drive capacity, allowing you to save almost every game, multimedia, and file there is.
Productivity
The Ryzen 9 chipset is fast and heats up a bit more than usual. However, the RTX 3080 GPU is a formidable ally, allowing you to handle professional AAA titles with ease.
Buyer’s Guide to Laptops with Two Displays
Now that you already have the best dual screen laptops in place, it is important to get a fair idea about the buying strategies. This aspect will cover you for the future, even when newer models start showing up.
Size
Most dual screen laptops are heavier as compared to the traditional counterparts. Therefore, it is necessary for you to evaluate the heft before moving ahead with the purchase. If you seek a portable laptop, one with a second display isn’t the right bet.
Touch Screen
Laptops with secondary displays will often have two touch panels for you to work with. While this might seem desirable, the responses are often way too quick for your comfort. Therefore, if you are more into desktop-like gadgets where it is advisable to play around patiently with the screens, a laptop with a secondary display comes in as useful.
CPU and other Components
Investing in laptops with two screens can be pricey. Plus, for these behemoths it is common to sport the likes of Intel Core i7, Intel Core i9, and other powerful processing resources. Therefore, if you are a standard user who only wants a device for fun and streaming, the second screen might not be as useful.
Design
Dual display notebooks exhibit innovative and creative designs. In most cases, these gadgets need to accommodate technology in its truest form, which then compromises the venting, slimness, and overall aesthetics. Still, if you want to prioritize innovation over anything else, I would recommend going for a model that doesn’t overheat, has a palm rest, dedicated screen access tab, strategically placed audio grillies, and other functional traits.
Display Configuration
It is obvious that you are paying a hefty price for the new two-screen laptop. But then, the two screens on offer should have the mettle to justify the higher price. Therefore, you must aim for Full HD resolution on both the screens as the bare minimum. However, certain notebooks might even make way for a 4K UHD screen, on each of the dual panels.
Also, it is recommended to get hold of devices that offer one glossy and one matte screen, precisely to keep the interference at bay.
Dual Screen Laptops vs. Traditional Laptops: Which one to Buy?
I understand that this is a conflicting question but still extremely important to discuss. While both traditional notebooks and dual display laptops have their place in the retail sector, you should let your profession dictate the final choice.
You should prioritize a traditional computer if your priorities include:
- Using basic apps
- Professional gaming
- Copywriting
- Budget-specific mindset
- Portability
- Excellent power backup
Dual screen gadgets make sense if you want a device for:
- Collaborative online gaming with chat functionality
- Multiple displays for checking references while creating
- Better business-specific utilities
- Reading news while working
- Creative work like audio processing
Final Verdict
Purchasing a dual screen laptop attracts a considerable pocket pinch. Still, if you are looking to set up an exhaustive workstation, getting one with an additional screen might not be an imprudent option, altogether.
While you can pick one from the aforementioned list of devices, the final choice depends on your preferences concerning features, price, operating system, overall performance, existence of USB ports, and screen size. Therefore, if you are still confused as to which laptop would be a good fit, the Asus ZenBook Pro Duo seems like an obvious choice, in 2022.