If you’re used to working on multiple screens, then having to switch to a single laptop screen when working away from your desk just won’t cut it. But the Maxfree S6 triple laptop screen extender can solve that problem.
Even if you have one of the best laptops, your screen size will still be limited to an 18-inch screen at best. And while some people can work with that, if you’re the type of worker who likes to have multiple apps open and likes to multitask and whizz between screens easily, then you’ll feel super limited by that.
The Maxfree S6 triple laptop screen extender is one of the best portable monitors that allows you to add up to two 15.6-inch screens with full HD resolution to your laptop with ease. You won’t have to find extra power points or worry about lugging around a heavy monitor; this lightweight, portable solution is ready for you to just plug in and start using.
I’m used to using a dual screen at home, but this is the first time I’ve used a laptop extender and I’ve got to say, I’m super impressed. I thought it would be a gimmick that I’d use once and then lock away in a drawer never to see the light of day again, but this is now a firm part of my set-up – especially when I’m working on the move. So if you’re looking for more screen real estate, read on to find out what I thought about this laptop screen extender and how it could be perfect for your next set-up.
Key Specs
| Resolution: | 1920x1080p |
| Screen size: | 2 x 15.6″ |
| Screen technology: | IPS |
| Weight: | 5.27lb |
| Dimensions: | 36x22x4.5cm |
| Refresh rate: | 60Hz |
| Input: | 3 x USB-C |
Design & Build
The Maxfree S6 triple laptop screen extender has a modular design. So instead of one solid device, it’s made up of two, 15.6-inch portable monitors and a separate stand that all come apart to fit neatly in a handy carry bag that comes with the product.
This design means that you don’t have to use the two monitors if the triple screen setup doesn’t suit you. Instead, you can just use one monitor, and it does come with a single monitor stand to make it a little easier.
Despite my initial belief, the laptop extender doesn’t attach itself to the back of your laptop, instead, it sits behind your laptop screen, which means it’s suitable for all laptop sizes. The monitor stand extends so you can adjust it to ensure a tight fit of the monitor screens on either side of your laptop. The arms of the stand fold out and the screens slot into place and are fixed on by a magnetic fixing. Everything is clearly labelled right and left so you don’t have to worry about getting the set-up wrong and the study kickstand means that it’ll stay stable on your chosen surface.
There are multiple ways you can position these monitors, whether you want them horizontal, stacked on top of each other or rotated 90º for a vertical screen. You can even have the two monitors facing different ways so that you can share your screen with others. I will admit that the first time I set this up it took me quite a while to figure out how it worked and how everything went together but once that initial set-up was done, the rest of the time it just flowed.
Whilst I think this is an extremely portable solution, it does weigh a little over 5lbs, so if you’re running across town and have your laptop in your bag at the same time, you may feel a little weighed down, but most of that weight comes from the stand because the monitors themselves are as light as a feather.
The power for each monitor is supplied individually and in total, each monitor has three USB-C ports. One of those ports is USB-C with DisplayPort (DP) functionality so if your laptop only has a single USB-C port you can use the included USB-C to HDMI cable to connect the monitor. But it’s worth noting that if you don’t have two fully functional USB-C ports you will need an alternative power source for the second monitor such as a power bank or AC adapter.
Features & Performance
The Maxfree S6 triple laptop screen extender features two 15.6” screens each with a 1980 x 1080p full HD resolution. One of the cool features is of course the freedom and flexibility of how you configure the layout. Whether you like to have all your monitors in a vertical line, you want to stack them or you need one monitor to sit in portrait mode, it can be done.
The screens themselves are pretty impressive, the IPS panels mean you can enjoy a 16:9 aspect ratio and wide viewing angles. The S6 boasts a wide colour gamut covering 97% sRGB and 72% NTSC. The colours are vibrant, accurate and consistent across both screens making it ideal for creative professionals and content creators. Professional image editors may find it doesn’t quite match up to their standards as it only covers 75% of Adobe RGB and 80% of P3 but this probably isn’t a product that will replace your regular external monitor but rather an add-on product you can use when you’re on the road.
Each monitor supports a max brightness of 300 nits which is plenty bright enough for almost any task. The screens also have a matte finish which reduces glare meaning you can use these monitors in pretty much any setting, which is good news if you like to decamp to the garden for work during the summer months. There is an OSD (On Screen Display) button on the rear of the monitors so you can adjust display settings including brightness and contrast. Since the monitors are standalone you will have to adjust each one separately.
The monitors perform well when doing general work tasks, web browsing and watching content. It also has a 60Hz refresh rate so even gamers will find this suits their needs too.
I tested this with a Windows laptop, my usual MacBook Pro and even an iPad and it worked well with all three machines so it’s a versatile piece of kit that is compatible with a range of devices from laptops to smartphones.
The portability of this laptop screen extender is also another cool feature. The stand folds within itself and the monitors can be stacked so when they’re in the small carry bag that’s included, it doesn’t take up much room at all. It certainly fits in a standard-sized backpack along with a laptop and plenty of room to spare.
Price
The Maxfree S6 triple laptop screen extender currently retails at $299/£152. It also comes with a one-year warranty, free shipping and a 30-day return window. This is an excellent price for this laptop extender, a quick look on Amazon shows similar products coming in at around the 400/£400 mark.
Who is it for?
The Maxfree S6 triple laptop screen extender is the ideal solution for anyone looking for a portable way to extend their laptop screen space. It’s a great fit for remote workers or frequent travellers but it’s equally as good for those who work at home and just don’t have the space for multiple monitors to be set up.
It’s not just a good product for those who are using it for work either, the multiple-screen options are great for casual users too, for example, being able to stream content and then place the monitors at different angles for multiple viewers to watch is perfect.
Buy if…
- You don’t have space for permanent monitors
- You need a portable monitor solution
- You switch between setups
Don’t buy if…
- You need professional colour accuracy
- You don’t have access to a power supply as the screens will drain your battery