Tablets Supporting External Monitors via USB C

If you're hunting for a tablet that can support an external monitor via USB-C, you’re not alone. More professionals—from designers to coders—are turning to tablets as laptop replacements, and one game-changing feature is the ability to connect to a second screen. But not all tablets can do it, and even fewer do it well.

Luckily, I’ve tested over a dozen models in the past two years, and I’m breaking down exactly which ones deliver real desktop-like multitasking—and which fall short.

Why Dual-Screen Matters on a Tablet

Let’s be real: a 10-inch screen is great for reading or sketching, but when you're editing spreadsheets or coding, space is everything. A study by Jon Peddie Research found that productivity increases by up to 42% when using dual monitors. That’s huge—especially if you're working remotely or on the go.

Top Tablets That Support External Displays via USB-C

The key is USB-C video output support with DisplayPort Alt Mode. This allows the tablet to push a full HDMI-quality signal to an external display. Here are the top performers:

As you can see, the Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra and Surface Pro 9 lead the pack. The iPad Pro may have high resolution, but iPadOS still limits true multitasking—you can’t run two full apps side-by-side on the external screen like you can with Android or Windows.

Pro Tips Before You Buy

• Check for DP Alt Mode: Without it, no video output.
• Use a quality cable: A passive USB-C to HDMI works for 1080p; for 4K, go active or certified.
• Watch out for software limits: Some tablets support video output but restrict functionality (looking at you, iPad).

If you want full flexibility, go for devices running full desktop OSes or those with robust desktop modes like Samsung DeX. And if you're serious about productivity, don’t skip the external monitor compatibility check before buying.

Bottom line? The tech is here—just make sure your tablet isn’t holding you back.