Research-based review
Mobile Pixels Duex Plus Review: The Everyday Portable Second Screen
Updated
Dr Claude T
Hematologist & productivity researcher
Medical doctor, multi-screen ergonomics researcher.
About the author →
Verdict
The most defensible portable monitor purchase Mobile Pixels makes. 13.3" of usable screen, a single magnetic mount, and a price that's easy to justify to finance.
The Duex Plus is the centre of gravity of the Mobile Pixels lineup. It gives you a meaningful 13.3-inch second screen without the weight and cost premium of the Trio. For most multi-screen professionals, this is the right starting point.
Mobile Pixels Duex Plus
$269 – $329
Prices and availability may change.
Build and mounting system
The Duex Plus uses the same magnetic-plate system as the Trio but for a single panel. Once the plate is attached to the laptop lid, the monitor snaps into place and slides out horizontally. Rotation supports a 'presentation mode' where the panel faces a client across the table.
Display quality
13.3-inch 1920×1080 IPS panel with anti-glare coating. Brightness is rated at 300 nits — comfortable in office lighting, less ideal near direct window light. Colours are standard sRGB territory, fine for analytical work.
Daily workflow fit
The killer use case is pinning a watchlist, dashboard or reference document on the Duex Plus while keeping the primary application on the laptop screen. The 13.3-inch size gives you genuinely usable real estate — large enough to display a spreadsheet, small enough to remain truly portable.
Pros
- Generous 13.3" panel in a portable form
- Strong magnetic mount with low setup overhead
- Single USB-C cable on modern laptops
- Rotates for presentation mode
- Significantly lighter than the Trio
Cons
- Brightness adequate but not exceptional
- Magnetic plate is semi-permanent on lid
- Not color-calibrated for creative work
Mobile Pixels Duex Plus
Prices and availability may change.
You should buy it if…
- Analysts, consultants and finance professionals who need a serious second screen on the road
- Remote workers upgrading from single-laptop setups
- Anyone who wants a portable monitor without committing to triple-screen weight
Skip it if…
- Users who already need three screens — go directly to the Trio
- Color-critical creative professionals
- People allergic to attaching anything to their laptop lid
Specifications
- Screen size
- 13.3 inches
- Resolution
- 1920 × 1080
- Panel type
- IPS, anti-glare
- Brightness
- 300 nits (typical)
- Connectivity
- USB-C + HDMI
- Weight
- ~700 g
- Touchscreen
- No
Compatibility
- macOS. Plug-and-play via USB-C DP Alt Mode.
- Windows 10/11. Plug-and-play on modern laptops; driver fallback for older models.
- iPadOS. Full-featured external display on iPads with USB-C.
- ChromeOS. Plug-and-play on Chromebooks supporting USB-C video out.
Frequently asked questions
Does the Duex Plus support presentation mode?
Yes — the panel rotates to share content with someone facing you on the opposite side of the laptop.
Is the magnetic plate removable?
Technically yes, but it leaves adhesive residue. Treat it as semi-permanent on the laptop you choose.
Will it work on my MacBook Pro M3?
Yes. macOS recognises it as a standard external display with no driver required.
Can I use the Duex Plus with an iPad?
Yes, on iPads with USB-C. iPadOS treats it as a true external display in supported apps.
How does it compare to the cheaper Duex Lite?
The Duex Plus gives you a larger (13.3" vs 12.5") and brighter panel with better build quality. The Lite is the right call only if budget is the absolute priority.
Alternatives to consider
Mobile Pixels Trio
TripleTwo 12.5" slide-out panels turn your laptop into an instant triple-monitor setup.
$399 – $499
Affiliate link — commission earned at no cost to you.
Mobile Pixels Duex Lite
DualThe lightweight 12.5" entry point to portable dual-screen work.
$199 – $229
Affiliate link — commission earned at no cost to you.