4 Ways to Use Chromebook as Second Monitor (Free and Paid)
Chromebook is a lightweight device that carries a small OS footprint. But when I am on my desktop using professional apps like photoshop, Microsoft Office, or Visual Studio Code, I havelittle to no use of a Chromebook. But with these third-party apps in handy, I can use the Chromebook as a second monitor to my primary computer. Thus helping my workflow and productivity with a dual monitor setup without the need to purchase an additional monitor.
Are you in a similar position and want to take advantage of your Chromebook’s screen real estate when working on Windows, Mac, or Linux? Here are the best apps (paid and free) that help you to use Chromebook as a second monitor.
Use Chromebook as a Second Monitor
1. Duet Display
Of all the apps tested, Duet Display came out on top for its seamless and reliable connection between devices. It is a paid app carrying a one-time cost of $9.99. Totally worth it. You only have to buy the app on the Chromebook, whereas Windows and Mac clients are free as long as you are paid customer. Google sometimes offers Duet Display as a perk for buying a Chromebook. So check out if the offer is eligible in the Explore app on Chromebook before buying.
Download theDuat Displayapp from the Play Store on Chromebook. Also,download the Windows or Mac clientand install it on the system. Click on yourProfileand enable the checkbox besideScreen Sharing Enabled.
Open the Duet Display on Chromebook and selectAndroidfrom the left sidebar. Then select theAiroption. Though Duet Display supports Wired connection, it won’t work with Chromebook.
If you have Duet display open on Chromebook, you should find your Chromebook IP address here. Click on it to connect. If it isn’t showing, click onConnect to IP Manuallybutton and enter Chromebook’s IP address manually.
That’s it, now you are all set.
2. Splashtop Wired XDisplay
Unlike the Duet Display, Splashtop is a free app and needs a USB cable to connect two devices. There is no way to connect wirelessly. Splashtop is on par with Duet Display if not better when it comes to reliability and lag between devices. Except for the fact that it supports only wired connections, it has all other features.
DownloadSplashtopon Chromebook and alsoinstall the desktop client on Mac or Windows. Now connect both the devices with a USB cable and launch the app on both devices.
Once done, on Windows, just pressWin+Pand selectExtend displaysoption. This will start mirroring your Windows desktop on your Chromebook. But we want to use Chromebook as a secondary display. To do that, select theAdvancedtab on the desktop and untickEnable Mirror modeoption. This will stop mirroring the screen and begin using the Chromebook screen as a secondary display.
On Mac, Click on theWiredXDisplayon the menu bar> Preferences > Arrangementand turn off theMirror Displaysoption here.
3. Spacedesk
The advantage of Spacedesk is that it supports both wired and wireless methods. you may use Wi-Fi or USB or even a LAN cable to connect both devices. Download theSpacedesk app on Chromebookand also on yourWindows or Mac device.
Then connect using a wire or wirelessly. Now when you open the app on Chromebook, you should find all the devices that are connected and have the app installed. Simply select a device to connect.
It will start showing the system display on the Chromebook screen. Now you can use native options in the Windows and Mac settings to adjust the display settings.
Spacedesk works great and has a lot of connectivity options, but when you connect wirelessly, you will experience lags and stutters every now and then. If you want to go wireless, Duet Display still holds the crown.
4. Deskreen
All the above apps work with Windows and Mac only. If you are a Linux user, here’s an open-source application that can help use your Chromebook as a second display. It connects wirelessly and has a lot of features like sharing app view, mirroring screen, teleprompter mode, etc.
Deskreen doesn’t have a separate app for Chromebooks. Just download it on yourWindows, Mac, and Linux desktopand complete the set-up process. Then connect both the devices to the same Wi-Fi.
On the Deskreen app on the desktop, you will find a QR code. Just scan that QR code with anyQR Code scanner appon your Chromebook. It will show you a link to the website. Open the link and it will display the second screen of the desktop on your Chromebook screen. Click on the full-screen button to use the Chromebook as a secondary monitor in fullscreen mode.
As it is an open-source alternative, it is also free. But the app can feel a bit laggy at times and occasional stutters are quite common.
One Stone, Two Birds
Duet Display is what you need if you are willing to pay a one-time payment of $9.99. It’s wireless, works fast, and is easy to set up. If not, Spacedesk and Splashtop can get the work done for free. If you are a Linux user, then your best bet is Deskreen which is open-source, free, and works on all platforms. Don’t have a Chromebook? You can also use yourAndroid phone as a second monitor.
Ravi Teja KNTS
Tech writer with over 4 years of experience at TechWiser, where he has authored more than 700 articles on AI, Google apps, Chrome OS, Discord, and Android. His journey started with a passion for discussing technology and helping others in online forums, which naturally grew into a career in tech journalism. Ravi’s writing focuses on simplifying technology, making it accessible and jargon-free for readers. When he’s not breaking down the latest tech, he’s often immersed in a classic film – a true cinephile at heart.
