If you use your iPad as a second monitor regularly, its well worth the price.

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But Sidecar is limited to certain Macs and iPads, which is a bummer if you have an older device (or a Windows PC).

Thankfully, a few third-party apps can help fill the void on other PCs, Macs, iPads, and Android tablets.

The Ideal Option: Sidecar on macOS Catalina Sidecar is arguably the best option for turning your iPad into a second display.

So if you have a Mac and an iPad from the past three or four years, youll want to try it first.

If your devices are older than that, skip down to the next section.) To connect your iPad as a display, either connect your iPad to your Mac over USB, orto do it wirelesslyensure Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and Handoff are turned on.

Youll also need to be logged in to the same Apple ID on both devices.

Then, click the AirPlay button in your Macs menu bar and select your iPad from the list.

The icon will change, and clicking the menu again will offer you a number of options.

You can mirror your Macs display or extend it, show or hide the Sidebar and Touch Bar that appear on the iPad, or disconnect your tablet.

Apple says it should work wirelessly as long as the iPad is within 10 meters (30 feet) of the Mac, and you can even use your Apple Pencil to sign documents and draw in supported apps.

The Cheap, Cross-Platform Option: Splashtop Wired XDisplay If your Mac or iPad isnt supported by Sidecaror youre a Windows and Android user Splashtop Wired XDisplay is a third-party app that can turn your tablet into a second monitor.

It only works when connected over USB, and isnt the smoothest option Ive used, but itll do the job adequately for not a lot of money.

It will establish a connection to your computer, and a blank desktop will appear on your tablet.

I recommend having a stand to keep it propped upsomething like this works great if youre using your tablet with a laptop, while a more adjustable stand like this is ideal for desktop usage.

Splashtop Wired XDisplay works decently well, at least in my experience using an iPad and a Windows PC.

There is some noticeable latency, and I did have some trouble with it getting stuck in Mirrored Mode on one of my computers, but for the price of free, its worth a shot.

The 7 Android app has more mixed reviews, and if youre going to pay money, I think its worth shelling out a few more and using our paid recommendation, Duet Display, below.) A Pricier, But Better Alternative: Duet Display Splashtop Wired XDisplay is decent for a free option, but if you want the smoothest experience possible, Duet Display is the best app Ive tested for turning an iPad into a second monitor.

Duet Displays desktop app is free, but the iOS and Android apps cost 10.

The standard version of the app only works when connected over USB, but adds a Touch Bar to any Mac, supports iPad keyboards, and adds touch control to your Windows or Mac apps on the tablet screen.

Once youve installed both the desktop and tablet apps, ensure the Duet Display desktop app is running in the background on your PC, then plug your tablet in via USB and launch the Duet Display mobile app.

It should connect to your computer right away, and youll see a desktop appear, ready for use.

Finally, click the Duet Display icon on your PC to gain access to a few other settings, like the frame rate and resolution your tablet uses.

For me, the default settings worked great, but if you find its being a bit sluggish on an older laptop, lowering the resolution, frame rate, or power usage from this window may help.

Your tablet should show up in the list, and you can click on it to connect.

If it doesnt show up, you can connect to it manually by typing in your tablets IP address.) Duet Display may be more expensive than its competitors, but in my experience, its been the smoothest experience by far.

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