The best external monitors for the Dell XPS 17 can turn it into a multitasking powerhouse thanks to all the extra screen real estate. While the XPS 17's monster built-in display is exceptional in its own right, having a great monitor or two on a desk will absolutely alter your workflow for the better.

Picking up a monitor geared toward productivity makes a lot of sense for most people, and we've included a bunch of the best right here. But the XPS 17 is also capable of some gaming either with the internal hardware or with an external GPU. You can equip it with up to a Core i9-13900H processor (CPU) and NVIDIA RTX 4080 Laptop GPU, and the Thunderbolt 4 ports will handle the best external GPU enclosures. We've included gaming monitors as well as great options for creators and professionals to be sure you get the best display for your XPS 17.

  • Dell UltraSharp U2723QE
    Dell UltraSharp U2723QE
    Best for most people

    Dell's UltraSharp U2723QE is meant for professionals, power users, and creators who want to take things to the next level. Its IPS Black tech allows for an incredible 2000:1 contrast ratio, plus you get DisplayHDR 400, 98% DCI-P3, and 100% sRGB color. The monitor is packed with upstream and downstream ports, and you can connect with HDMI, DisplayPort, or USB-C.

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    HP 24MH FHD monitor
    Best budget

    This entry-level 24-inch monitor is very affordable and still delivers a quality 1080p picture. It's slim, it can be VESA mounted, it has an ergonomic stand, and it even has dual 2W speakers. Connect with HDMI, DisplayPort, or VGA. If you don't want to spend much and still get a great monitor, this is the way to go.

  • Asus ProArt PA278CV
    ASUS ProArt PA278CV 27-inch WQHD Monitor
    Great for creators

    This 27-inch monitor has a 2560x1440 (QHD) resolution with awesome color reproduction and a 75Hz refresh rate. It hits 100% sRGB and 100% Rec. 709, making it perfect for creators who've gone with the XPS 17 for the extra power. It has an ergonomic stand, slim bezels, and tons of ports. Connect with HDMI, DisplayPort, or USB-C, and take advantage of the built-in port hub.

  • Dell S2721QS
    Dell S2721QS
    Affordable 4K

    Those looking to get a great 4K monitor without overspending will want to check out Dell's 27-inch S2721QS. It offers 99% sRGB color, AMD FreeSync, a 60Hz refresh rate, and built-in 3W speakers. The ergonomic stand adjusts for height, tilt, swivel, and pivot. Connect with HDMI or DisplayPort.

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    LG 29WP60G-B

    Need the screen space of two monitors but don't actually want two monitors? LG's affordable ultrawide brings a 29-inch picture with 2560x1080 resolution, 21:9 aspect ratio, 99% sRGB color, and 75Hz refresh rate. This is a great all-purpose monitor that even includes AMD FreeSync and HDR10 for some gaming. Connect with HDMI, DisplayPort, or USB-C.

  • LG UW 38wn95c rendered image
    LG UltraWide 38WN95C-W

    Ultrawide monitors don't get much better than the LG 38WN95C-W. It's a 38-inch monster with a 3840x1600 resolution, 21:9 aspect ratio, 144Hz refresh rate, and 98% DCI-P3 color. It includes FreeSync and G-Sync compatibility, HDR10, DisplayHDR 600, and built-in speakers, to name a few high-end features. It's costly, but it's totally worth it.

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    HP E45c G5

    Sometimes a standard ultrawide isn't big enough. This 44.5-inch super ultrawide from HP has a boosted 32:9 aspect ratio and a 5120x1440 resolution that is essentially two curved QHD displays in one package. The collaboration tools are beyond helpful, and the picture is bright and colorful. It's pricey, but it's a great pick for dual-monitors users who want one screen on their desk. Connect with DP, HDMI, or USB-C.

  • LG Gram +View
    LG Gram +View

    Want a portable monitor to accompany your XPS 17 but can't go back to an FHD resolution? This LG gram +View screen has a 2560x1600 resolution, 16:10 aspect ratio, and 99% DCI-P3 color reproduction, making it perfect for casual or more intensive work. A cover doubles as a stand, and it connects to your laptop with USB-C.

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    INNOCN 27M2V Mini LED Monitor

    The Innocn 27M2V is one of the best mini-LED monitors out there right now, especially if you're looking for a great deal. It's a 27-inch 4K screen with 1,152 local dimming zones, DisplayHDR 1000 support, 160Hz refresh rate, and 1ms response time. It has outstanding color, brightness, and contrast, and it can be connected with USB-C, HDMI, or DisplayPort.

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    Samsung Odyssey G7

    Gamers splitting time between work and fun on their XPS 17 will want something that can keep up. Samsung's G7 Odyssey is a 27-inch gaming monitor with gorgeous QLED panel and 2560x1440 (QHD) resolution, 1000R curve, 1ms response time, and whopping 240Hz refresh rate. You get tons of ports, VESA mounting compatibility, and a modern design.

  • Angled view of the Asus TUF Gaming VG259QR monitor
    Asus TUF VG259QR

    The ASUS TUF lineup of gaming hardware includes some quality displays, including this 24.5-inch VG259QR. It has a 1920x1080 (FHD) resolution, 165Hz refresh rate, 1ms response time, and G-Sync compatibility, making it great for the XPS 17's native hardware. It even has dual 2W speakers built right in. Connect with HDMI or DisplayPort.

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    Samsung UR55 Series 28 UHD monitor

    Coming in at less than $300, this 28-inch 4K monitor from Samsung will no doubt be hard to resist for those who want a lot of pixels. It features an IPS panel, HDR10 support, a 60Hz refresh rate with 4ms response time, and FreeSync tech should you want to use it for gaming. Connect with HDMI or DisplayPort.

Choosing the right monitor for your Dell XPS 17

Any of the above external monitors will make a great addition to your XPS 17, but you probably only want one. If you're looking to go with a great 4K monitor and don't want to overspend, Dell's own S2721QS is a great pick thanks to its HDR support, built-in speakers, accurate color, and ergonomic stand. The Dell UltraSharp U2723QE is a step up when it comes to color reproduction and overall features, making it better suited for creators and professionals with deeper pockets. It's our top pick overall as long as you're OK with spending a bit bigger on a 4K resolution.

In our most recent Dell XPS 17 (2023) review, it was confirmed that it's a high-quality laptop made for creators and editors. In that case, something like the Asus ProArt PA278CV that we also reviewed favorably is a top pick. It's not as expensive as you think, and it features a 27-inch QHD resolution with refresh rate up to 75Hz and excellent color.

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Asus ProArt PA278CV

Our collection of the best budget 4K monitors has more high-res screens to choose from, but the Samsung UR55 is tough to beat at the asking price. Those who'd like an ultrawide screen, which is essentially two displays in one package, should check out the premium LG UltraWide 38WN95C-W, the much more affordable LG 29WP60G-B, or the super ultrawide HP E45c G5 that we favorably reviewed. There is a difference in resolution and overall features, but all will deliver a great oversized picture on a single stand.

And gamers out there should check out the budget ASUS TUF VG259QR or premium Samsung Odyssey G7. Both are set up well to handle the demands of gaming, and they'll also work well for productivity tasks. Be sure to check out our collection of the best gaming monitors for more options.