If you have a tablet gathering dust in a drawer and a laptop with a barely adequate screen, you're missing out on a great opportunity: turn that tablet into a dual-screen portable workstationYou don't need to be a tech guru or spend a fortune on extra monitors, expensive docks, or anything like that.
The reality is that today there are a lot of apps, native features and little tricks that allow Use your tablet as an additional monitor, touch panel, control center, or even a pseudo graphics tabletFrom free options like Spacedesk to more pro solutions like SuperDisplay or Duet Display, you can set up a pretty serious setup both at home and when you're on the go with your laptop.
Why it makes sense to use your tablet as a portable workstation
Most of us think of an external monitor as a large, heavy gadget that stays permanently on the table, but For many everyday tasks, a few extra inches of screen are all you need.That's where a tablet shines: it's lightweight, fits in your backpack, has its own battery, and you can place it anywhere in seconds.
By repurposing an Android tablet or iPad as a second screen You gain space for windows, chats, documents, video calls, or statistics panels without having to constantly switch tabs. It's perfect for working remotely, studying, streaming, editing documents, or controlling auxiliary tools while the main screen focuses on the main task.
It also makes sense from the point of view of technological recycling: Those old tablets that are no longer updated or have limited performance are still perfectly valid as secondary monitorsAlthough they don't work well with modern games or apps, they are more than adequate for displaying email, dashboards, chats, or a PDF document.
However, it's best to go in with realistic expectations: It is not a substitute for a large, calibrated monitor for professional design or video editing.The size, brightness, and ergonomics aren't the same, and if you connect via Wi-Fi, there might be some lag or stuttering. Even so, as a portable, inexpensive, and flexible solution, it's a real bargain.
How to turn your tablet into a second monitor (basics)
Except in very rare cases, You can't plug an HDMI cable from your PC into your tablet and expect it to recognize it as a TV.The tablet doesn't have a video input as such, so we have to use software to bridge the connection between the two devices.
In practice, two pieces of software are always used: a program on the computer that captures the screen and sends it, and an app on the tablet that receives the signal. and displays it full screen. That's what Duet Display, Spacedesk, Splashtop, SuperDisplay, and others do.
The connection between PC and tablet can go through USB or via network (WiFi or LAN)Wired connections typically offer lower latency, greater stability, and better resolution, but not all apps support them, and on Android, USB debugging usually needs to be enabled. Wi-Fi is more convenient and universal; both devices simply need to be on the same network. However, a poor router or a congested public network can cause freezes and lag.
The tablet's hardware also plays a significant role: The newer the model and the more RAM it has, the better the experience.A very old model may work, but you'll notice more lag, resolution limitations, and even unexpected app crashes if you push it too hard.
Best apps to use your tablet as a second screen for your PC or Mac
In recent years, various specialized applications have emerged in Extend or duplicate your computer screen to tablets and mobile phonesSome prioritize simplicity and wireless connectivity, others focus on maximum fluidity via USB, and still others are geared towards drawing and creative work.
Normally you'll have to install one client on the computer (server) and another on the tablet (client)From there, you can choose whether to extend your desktop or simply mirror what you already see on your main monitor. Let's go app by app, because there are important nuances.
duet display
Duet Display is one of the veterans of the sector and it shows in its maturity and features: It works with Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS/iPadOSThis makes it very versatile if you combine several systems. It originated in the Apple environment to use the iPad as a second screen for the Mac, but today it also works for Android tablets.
Its greatest strength is that it offers Very good image quality, low latency, and solid touch supportespecially when the connection is made via cable. It also includes advanced modes such as remote desktop and the ability to use the tablet as a basic small drawing tablet.
The least user-friendly part is the configuration: The desktop program is quite large, requires creating a user account, installing drivers, and sometimes fighting with Windows.On older computers or those with outdated graphics drivers, the system may recognize the tablet as a generic monitor and limit the resolution to 1024x768, so it's crucial to keep everything up to date.
Duet Display is a paid service, usually offered on a subscription basis depending on the plan you choose, but If your hardware is compatible, it offers a very smooth and stable experience for working long hours.It's a serious contender for those who want something robust and high-quality.
Splashtop Wired X Display
If your priority is the feeling of using a "real" monitor, the Splashtop Wired XDisplay is one of the best options. The philosophy here is clear: No WiFi, everything via USB, precisely to minimize the delay between what you do on the mouse and what you see on the tablet.
The mobile app is available for Android and also for iPad/iPhoneWhile on the computer it supports both Windows and macOS. The business model is simple: a one-time payment in the mobile app (around 7-8 euros) and you don't have to worry about subscriptions, with a short 10-minute demo to make sure everything works smoothly.
The typical process consists of Install the driver on your PC from the Splashtop website, enable USB debugging on your Android tablet if necessary, and connect a good quality USB cable. (Ideally USB-C to USB-C or USB-C to USB). Once that's done, in many cases it's plug and play: Windows detects a new screen and you just have to choose in Display settings whether to extend or duplicate it.
In real-world testing, Splashtop Wired XDisplay It offers great stability, fluidity, and a feeling very close to having a physical monitor.It is especially recommended if you plan to work with animations, video, or simply want everything to run as smoothly as possible without WiFi network issues.
spacedesk
When the budget is tight, Spacedesk has an advantage because It's completely free at least until the end of 2025It is a very popular solution for Windows that allows you to use both Android tablets and iPads (and even other devices with a modern browser) as additional monitors.
Its flagship mode is wireless: You install the driver on the PC, the app on the tablet, connect both to the same network, and when you open the applications, the tablet instantly detects the computer.One tap to connect and you have your extended or duplicated screen ready to configure from Windows.
You can also try a wired connection, although The configuration is a bit more delicate and doesn't always work the first time.In any case, performance is better than WiFi, especially if your home network is weak.
Spacedesk works on Android tablets with version 4.1 or higher and on iPads with iOS 9.3 and later, and It also offers an HTML5 client accessible from browsers such as Chrome, Edge, Safari, or Firefox.If your tablet doesn't have access to the app store but does have a modern browser, this option can save you.
Super Display
SuperDisplay is the favorite app of many artists and designers because Turn your Android tablet into a second screen with stylus support and pressure sensitivityIdeal for Photoshop, Illustrator, Krita, and similar programs. It is designed exclusively for Windows.
It stands out because it offers a refresh rate of up to 60 fps, very fast response, and compatibility with styluses such as the Samsung S PenThis allows for fairly precise drawing and the use of pressure sensitivity. It can also be used via USB or Wi-Fi, although a wired connection is recommended for serious editing.
The payment model is a single license, with three-day trial to make sure everything works properly on your deviceOnce the demo is over, you pay a fixed amount and that's it, with no recurring fees.
The typical flow is simple: You install the app on the tablet from Google Play, and download the driver on the PC from the SuperDisplay website.You connect via USB or configure the Wi-Fi connection following the instructions, and in minutes, your tablet appears as an additional monitor. If you enable Windows Ink in the app, design applications will detect pen pressure seamlessly.
Other solutions: Chrome Remote Desktop, Deskreen, Pitikapp, and others
If you only need something specific or don't want to pay for a particular app, there are more generic alternatives that also allow you to do that. use the tablet as an auxiliary screen, although with certain limitationsThey don't always extend the desktop; often they simply duplicate the PC screen.
Chrome Remote Desktop, for example, It allows you to control your computer from your tablet via a browser or its own app.It's useful for connecting to your work PC from home, checking files, or helping someone remotely, but it's not designed to extend your desktop; it's meant to display the same thing as on your main monitor.
The configuration usually involves Install the extension and the app on your PC, register the device, follow a few security steps, and then connect from your tablet with your Google account.It's free, easy to use, and perfect for occasional use, as long as you accept that you'll only see an exact copy of the screen, not a separate second monitor.
Deskreen is another interesting tool: It installs on the PC, generates a link or QR code, and the tablet connects from any modern browser.You can share the entire screen or just a specific window, and since you only need a browser, it works for older devices or those without access to app stores.
There are also more specific utilities such as Pitikapp, focused on displaying PC monitoring panels on the tablet (CPU usage, FPS, statistics) while you play or work; or solutions like Air Display and iDisplay, heavily geared towards the Apple ecosystem but also supporting Android. They are usually paid services, but offer finely tuned performance and advanced options.
Practical use cases and when it's worthwhile
There's no point in bothering with installing apps and drivers if you're only going to use the tablet as a monitor two days a year. The strategy only pays off when Do you really integrate that second screen into the way you work or study? and you make it part of your routine.
In terms of pure productivity, the second screen is a real boon for have emails, company chat, video calls or documents on the tablet While on the main monitor you focus on the document, spreadsheet, or code, you avoid switching windows constantly, reducing mental strain.
If you edit photos or videos, You can leave the toolbars, layer panels, or timeline on the tablet. and reserve your main monitor for large-scale previews. In digital drawing, the tablet can literally be the canvas, with the large PC screen for references, asset libraries, or more advanced controls.
For gamers and content creators, the tablet works great as Control panel: Twitch chat, streaming statistics, music, Discord, or scriptEverything is visible without obstructing the game. And if you give presentations or online classes, it's very convenient to use it as an improvised teleprompter to view your notes while sharing slides on the main screen.
There is also a very clear profile of the traveling user: This is for anyone who works with an ultrabook and needs an extra screen in hotels, coworking spaces, or clients' homes.In those scenarios, carrying a lightweight tablet weighs significantly less than a dedicated portable monitor, and connecting it via WiFi or USB gives you a pretty decent dual monitor setup in a matter of seconds.
Using Android tablets, iPads, and Galaxy Tabs as monitors
Depending on the tablet you have, the options change slightly, because Apple, Samsung, and "pure" Android offer different toolsThe good thing is that almost any reasonably modern tablet has some way to become a second screen.
On general Android, it's common to use apps like Spacedesk, Splashtop, Duet Display or SuperDisplayYou can combine USB and/or Wi-Fi depending on your needs. The important thing is to install the server on the PC, the client on the tablet, and ensure both are on the same network if connecting via Wi-Fi.
If you have a relatively new Galaxy Tab, things get better because Samsung includes built-in features such as "Second Screen" and DeX modeWith Second Screen, a Tab S7, S7+ or S8 can act as a wireless monitor for a Windows 10/11 PC, without installing anything extra on the tablet.
The process is as easy as opening Second screen on the tablet, choose the mode (priority to smoothness or quality), press Win + K on the PC and select the Galaxy Tab From the list of available devices. Then, in the Windows projection options, you decide whether you want to duplicate or extend, and that's it.
In the Apple ecosystem, the iPad plays in a different league thanks to Sidecar: macOS detects the iPad and allows you to use it as an external display with full support for Apple Pencil and gesturesNo third-party apps are needed. You just need your Mac and iPad to be up to date, using the same Apple ID, and connected via Wi-Fi or cable.
If you work with Windows and an iPad, then you go back to the usual apps: Duet Display, Splashtop or Spacedesk They have versions compatible with Apple tablets, so the approach is the same as with Android: server on the PC, client on the iPad, and then combine screens.
USB-C docks, desktop mode, and drawing tablets with screen
Besides using the tablet as a PC screen, you can take it a step further and to make it the “brain” of the entire job thanks to USB-C docks and desktop modes like Samsung DeX.
These docks combine physical support for the tablet with USB ports, HDMI, card reader, audio jack and USB-C with pass-through chargingYou connect the dock to the tablet, and the large monitor, keyboard, mouse, and other peripherals hang from the dock. In Android with desktop mode, what you see on the external screen looks very similar to a classic windowing system.
This configuration allows you, for example, Use the large monitor as the main screen for office work or browsing. and reserve the tablet as a secondary touchpad for notes, multimedia control, or specific apps. All of this in a fairly compact unit that you can disassemble and put in a backpack without any problems.
If you come from the creative world, another very powerful option is to opt for drawing tablets with screen (XP-Pen, Wacom, Huion, etc.)Essentially, they are monitors with an advanced digitizer, designed for drawing directly on them with a high-precision stylus.
Larger models like the XP-Pen Artist 24 Pro or the Artist 22 Plus offer 21-24 inch panels, good resolution, vivid colors, and very fine pressure supportThis makes them perfect monitors for combining general work and artistic creation. They connect to your PC or Mac via HDMI/USB or USB-C, you install the manufacturer's driver, and the system detects them as another display, with the added advantage that the stylus replaces the mouse with great precision.
Safety, performance and ergonomics when working with the tablet as a monitor
When you start opening ports, installing third-party software, and granting remote access to your desktop, It wouldn't hurt to dedicate a minute to safety.It's not a paranoid issue, but it's wise to take care of the basics to avoid making a mess of things.
Whenever the apps allow it, enable Use two-step authentication for your accounts and use strong, unique passwordsAvoid relying on public WiFi networks at all costs for long sessions or when handling sensitive data; if you have no other option but to use them, consider using a decent VPN.
It's also a good idea to review the permissions that the applications request: A tool that only streams screen video shouldn't need access to your contacts, SMS, or microphoneFor example. And, of course, keep your operating system and programs updated on both your PC and tablet to close known security vulnerabilities.
In terms of performance and comfort, remember that Not all tablets are equally suitable for everything.Older versions might work fine as an email viewer, chat app, or for static documents, but they struggle with high-resolution video or fast animations. Adjust the resolution from the app or from Windows to prevent your tablet from becoming overwhelmed.
Finally, pay attention to ergonomics: Use a stable stand that allows you to position the tablet at eye level and at a comfortable angleAdjust the brightness to your surroundings and consider activating blue light filters if you're going to spend many hours in front of both screens. Your neck and eyes will thank you.
If you combine all these pieces well—apps like Splashtop, Spacedesk, Duet, or SuperDisplay, the native features of iPad and Galaxy Tab, a USB-C dock when appropriate, and a bit of common sense with networking and security— That forgotten tablet can be transformed into the perfect complement to your laptopgiving you a portable, flexible and inexpensive workstation that is suitable for both remote work and studying, light gaming or content creation without having to carry half your desk around.