mobile lcd monitors brands

The best portable monitors are great as a second screen for your laptop or tablet when you"re away from home. And you don"t have to worry about picture quality. These days, you"ll can enjoy Full HD (1920 x 1080) resolution, and IPS or OLED technology to give you excellent color, contrast accuracy and image quality, regardless of viewing angle.

And as the name suggests, these devices won"t weigh you down. Similar in size and thickness to a typical laptop screen, portable monitors can slide into a laptop backpack with ease. And most feature a tablet-style cover that folds into a stand, making them easy to prop up next to your laptop.

In short, these best portable monitors can help boost your productivity while you"re out and about. In this article, we reveal the best portable monitors on sale today, and explain what each has to offer.

The TD1655 can be conveniently powered straight from your laptop via a USB 3.2 Type-C connection, or even a mobile power bank, so you can use the screen alongside your phone without having to find a mains outlet. The Viewsonic VG1655 is a sister model for those who can live without the touchscreen functionality.

Short on desk space? With most portable monitors, you"ll need a large area to stand it alongside your laptop or smart device. This SideTrak monitor, though, attaches to the back of your laptop"s screen and hinges out to sit alongside, so it takes up much less space. You can even use your laptop as the name intends – on your lap – with the SideTrak securely supported by your laptop.

Portable monitors were some of the hottest tech products for Black Friday and Cyber Monday in 2022, and we expect them to be in demand this year as well. The lack of competition from well-known display vendors (LG, Samsung, Dell, HP) has led to a flurry of smaller and not-so-small players vying for a slice of an increasingly bigger pie. Four of the top 20 best-selling monitors at Amazon at the time of writing this column were portable monitors. Their versatility and portability - which standard business monitors do not offer - make them firm favorites for hybrid workers or commuting staff that yearn for extra productivity.

To narrow the list of portable monitors, we compared them across numerous aspects, like their size, weight, display type (1080p or 4K), and connectivity options (USB-C, USB-A, VGA, micro HDMI, etc.). We also looked at their latency, design, and stand and checked for touchscreen functionality, among other features.

These displays are much slimmer and lighter than traditional computer monitors. And, because they"re that much more portable, some can even be attached directly to the back of your laptop to flip open when you need them.

For those with complicated workflows when doing productivity work or graphic design, having that extra screen can help organize it. You can keep all your apps and tabs visible simultaneously and don"t have to scroll to find what you"re working on. And they"re straightforward to set up since most portable monitors connect using just one USB cable. They come in a few different resolutions and sizes, so no matter your needs, you"ll find something that works, even if you want one that can go head-to-head with the best 4K monitors.

The Asus ZenScreen MB16A Portable Monitor is one of the nicest-looking USB monitors we have seen, and it comes with several features and design considerations that make it an incredibly handy device and one of the best portable monitors.

However, it is heavy on the wallet, with the ZenScreen proving more expensive than many other portable monitors on this list. Nonetheless, the build and image quality of this screen makes it well worth the extra money. Fans of Asus" ZenBook laptops should be particularly interested in this device, as it has a design that compliments Asus" high-end laptops nicely.

Unlike some portable monitors on this list, the InnoCN Pu15-PRE comes at a premium. However, its 15.6-inch panel, aluminum frame, and three-year warranty help justify its cost. The included TPU sleeve protects this portable monitor while in transit and also doubles as a stand, but it does make the monitor a bit heavy.

That’s the most reliable way to connect a portable monitor and ensures both compatibility and plenty of bandwidth for any resolution a portable monitor is likely to offer. That said, many mobile screens also support old-school USB-A connectivity. Just be aware that it will require software and drivers, which could present a problem depending on your device to drive the display.

For most mainstream Windows PCs, that should be fine. For everything else, it could be more problematic. Running over USB-A can also limit resolution and color fidelity due to lower bandwidth. That said, some portable monitors support micro HDMI and even VGA.

Speaking of bandwidth and resolution, most portable monitors are 15.6-inch panels with a 1080p resolution of 1,920 by 1,080 pixels. But more compact models with 11-inch screens are available.

Battery or no battery is another critical question. You can get portable screens both with and without. Screens without a battery are cheaper and lighter. However, if you’re using a mobile screen away from the mains, they will drain your laptop’s battery pretty fast.

We’ve tested various monitors to arrive at the best portable monitors for you. We evaluated the monitors across many aspects, starting with how premium the design and build felt, how lightweight the monitor was, the screen size, and whether it offered full HD or 4K resolution.

We considered how many types of connections (USB-C, USB-A, VGA, etc.) the monitors supported and the number of connectivity ports they had. We looked at the display brightness and the viewing angle width.

If you have a large, permanent desk at your home or office, it’s cheap and easy to connect your laptop to one or more external displays. However, if you’re on the go, you can’t lug a 27-inch monitor in your bag, nor can you likely fit it on a tiny hotel or co-working table. That’s where the best portable monitors come in to save the day.

Portable monitors typically range from 13.3 to 17 inches, and most come with a 1920 x 1080 resolution, though some can hit 4K and the cheapest models may be just 1366 x 768. These monitors weigh just a couple of pounds, and many of them draw power directly from your laptop’s USB ports, meaning you don’t have to carry yet another power brick in your bag.

Most portable monitors are designed for productivity work, providing a helpful second screen for your laptop that’s often the same height as its built-in display. However, people also use portable monitors for console or PC gaming, with some operating at up to 144Hz. You can even connect one that uses HDMI to your Raspberry Pi.

Below, we’ve listed the best portable monitors you can buy right now. If you want to stay productive on the road, don’t leave home without one. For your permanent desk, check out our lists of best gaming monitors, best 4K gaming monitors and best budget 4K monitors.

Why you can trust Tom"s HardwareOur expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.Make sure it connects to your device(s). Some monitors connect over standard HDMI, which lets them work with almost anything, while others use USB-C’s alternate mode. A select few provide DisplayLink connectivity, which allows them to plug into any USB 3.0 capable port, even an old-fashioned type-A connector.

Pay close attention to monitor kickstands. A kickstand can be a make-or-break proposition for some portable monitors. The best portable monitors have a built-in kickstand that allows you to easily adjust the display for the best possible viewing angles. On the other hand, some monitors have separate, magnetic origami-style covers that double as a kickstand. These are rarely (if ever) better than a good built-in kickstand and can ruin an otherwise good display experience.

Battery or no battery? Most modern portable monitors draw power over USB-C, either via a dedicated wall charger or by drawing power directly from your laptop. However, some models, like the Asus ROG ROG XG16AHPE and XG17AHPE, have a built-in lithium-ion battery that allows you to game without being plugged into a wall. So, if you prefer to connect to your laptop via HDMI, you could do so with just a single cable with battery-equipped monitors.

Productivity or Gaming? Most portable monitors come with a standard 60Hz refresh rate, which is perfectly fine for productivity tasks and suits most consumers. However, some alternatives like the Asus ROG ROG XG16AHPE and ViewSonic VX1755 offer up to 144Hz refresh rates and support for Adaptive-Sync technologies for those that want to game on a portable display that’s larger than what their laptop natively offers.

For more guidance picking a monitor of any resolution – gaming or otherwise – check out our PC Monitor Buying Guide and list of the Best Computer Monitors.

When you think of displays with a 300Hz refresh rate, you typically picture desktop monitors with a Full HD resolution. However, Nexigo offers something on a smaller scale in the form of the NG17FGQ. This is a 17.3-inch portable monitor that offers a 300Hz refresh rate and connects to a laptop or desktop via HDMI or USB-C (DisplayPort Alt-Mode).

The Lenovo ThinkVision M14t comes in a bit on the smaller side compared to other portable monitors, measuring in at 14 inches across. It maintains a 1920 x 1080 resolution at 60Hz and features excellent image quality from its 8-bit IPS panel.

When it comes to connectivity, we should mention that the only way to connect the ThinkVision M14t to a laptop is by using USB-C (DisplayPort Alt Mode), which is a limiting factor. Many monitors in this price range (and cheaper) at least offer HDMI connectivity as an alternative.

However, no monitor is perfect, and the Zion Pro gets some demerits for its icon-based OSD and tedious adjustments needed for proper calibration. We"d also be remiss if we didn"t mention the price, which comes in at a hefty $600. But if you’re looking for a beautiful display that can match (or exceed) the color performance and clarity of the best built-in laptop monitors, the Zion Pro is hard to ignore.

Whether you"re shopping for one of the screens that made our list of best portable monitors above or something else, you may find savings by checking out our best monitor deals page, along with our lists of Dell coupon codes, Lenovo coupon codes, LG coupon codes, HP coupon codes, Monoprice coupon codes and Newegg promo codes.

The best portable monitor we"ve tested is the ASUS ProArt PA148CTV. It"s an okay choice if you want to use it for productivity and office work, but like most portable monitors, it doesn"t give you the same picture quality as a desktop monitor. Luckily, it"s still good enough overall to have as a second display for your laptop. With a 1080p resolution and 14-inch screen, there"s enough space to see a full window, and the text clarity is excellent due to the high pixel density. It also has excellent accuracy before calibration, which is better than most portable monitors and good enough if your work requires accurate colors.

Today"s best portable monitors provide a second screen experience for mobile devices. These add-on displays make it possible to multitask from anywhere.

Portable monitors are great for extending your laptop display, but are also excellent companions for tablet, smartphone, or camera. Creators, photographers, and business pros will benefit from the convenience portable monitors offer.

The Asus ProArt Display PA148CTV is one of the best portable monitors for creators. Photographers, video editors, and graphics designers will benefit from its useful pro-grade tools.

The Dell C1422H is among the most praised portable monitors out there. Its 14-inch LED-backlit panel offers a standard 60Hz refresh rate with 6ms response time. And with 300 nits of brightness, it allows for comforable viewing even in brightly lit environments.

Sidetrack offers this display in 14-inch and 12.5-inch screen sizes for anyone looking to invest in a smaller-sized portable display. Whereas many of today"s mobile monitors are freestanding, the Sidetrack Swivel HD securely affixes to the back of your laptop.

With a weight of 2 pounds, the MB16AMT is slightly heavier than competing portable monitors. It"s a small trade-off if you prefer a portable monitor with its own power source.Round up of today"s best deals

These small-form screens connect to laptops, tablets, and game consoles via mini HDMI or USB-C cables for fast, consistent video playback as well as power for the monitor. Some portable monitors even have integrated batteries for use without power over USB-C; and while their battery lives are on the short side (about 3 or 4 hours at most), they"re a great option for mobile professionals who can"t always be near a wall outlet for a typical desktop monitor or need USB-C connections for other peripherals as well as mobile gamers who want a quick round of Smash Bros. with friends.

I"ve gathered a list of the best portable monitors available, and I"ve broken down their features to help you decide which one is the best monitor for your needs as well as your budget.

The Lenovo ThinkVision M14t is a well-rounded portable monitor that"s great for creatives, mobile professionals, and typical office workers. The 14-inch screen delivers crisp 1080p HD resolution with a 60Hz refresh rate for smoother video playback, and it supports touch inputs so you can have better control over programs, apps, and presentations; a stylus is included, so you won"t have to worry about spending extra cash in order to get the most out of your new monitor. The display connects to your laptop via USB-C, and a second USB-C port allows you to connect other devices like storage drives, smartphones and tablets, or wireless mice and keyboards to complete your workstation. The integrated stand allows you to adjust the angle of your screen for more comfortable viewing, and the built-in blue light filter helps reduce eye strain during long days at the computer.

Mac and iOS device users aren"t left out when it comes to portable monitors. The ViewSonic TD1655 is designed to be a perfect fit for your Apple workstation, with a sleek, durable aluminum chassis to match your MacBook or iPad and a scratch-resistant touchscreen. It connects to your laptop or tablet via USB-C or mini HDMI, and the included stylus makes it easy to handwrite meeting notes, make precision edits to photos, or create digital paintings and drawings. The 15.6-inch screen weighs about two pounds and features an incredibly thin design that is perfect for slipping into a laptop bag; and the magnetic cover keeps the screen protected while in storage or during travel, while the integrated kickstand lets you adjust the viewing angle for more comfortable use.

We chose the Lenovo ThinkVision M14t on the strength of its touchscreen capabilities, adjustable stand, and USB-C passthrough. This table compares the best portable monitors on price, resolution, and screen size:Best portable monitorsPriceResolutionScreen size

While shopping for a portable monitor, you should keep in mind what screen size, refresh rate, resolution, and connectivity works best with your setup as well as keep mindful of the monitor"s power source. Portable monitors with integrated batteries have varying charging and battery life times while those that get power via USB-C connections can drain your laptop battery faster.

Aside from price, I chose portable monitors with varying screen sizes, connectivity capabilities, and power sources. I also chose portable monitors suited for different applications like office work, graphic design, and even gaming.

Portable monitors will consistently have much less real estate than their desktop counterparts, but you still have a variety of options when it comes to display size. Most screens will be somewhere between 14 and 17 inches, making them similar to a typical laptop display and therefore perfect for mobile professionals or anyone who doesn"t have a lot of desk space.

Portable monitors are great for anyone who may need extra screen space while working on the go or while using a smaller-than-average work desk. Since these mobile screens are about the same size as a laptop or tablet display, they"re great for slipping into a laptop bag for when you"re meeting an off-site client to go over project details or finishing up a presentation on your business flight.

They can also be great for mobile console or PC gaming, as long as you choose a portable monitor with a high enough refresh rate to provide smooth playback away from home.

Some portable monitors do have integrated batteries, like the Asus ROG Strix XG17AHPE. These models have decent enough battery lives considering their use cases and configurations; you can typically get anywhere from 2 to 4 hours out of your battery-powered portable monitor, which is perfect for playing Mario Kart with friends or finalizing commission details with a client during an off-site meeting.

Even if you have one of the best laptops, multitasking and having multiple windows open once can be challenging. This is when a versatile portable monitor comes in handy. These external second screens are light enough to go with your laptop, wherever that happens to be. The best portable monitors can increase your available screen real estate, which can boost your productivity.

“Portable monitors are mainly aimed at business travelers looking for enhanced productivity while on the road,” notes Paul Gagnon, vice president and industry advisor on consumer technology at research firm The NPD Group. “But they can also have utility for hybrid workers or students not looking to invest in a dedicated home office setup for space or financial reasons.”

Portable monitors typically come in sizes that pair well with laptop computers (mostly from 14 to 17 inches) and typically offer a baseline resolution of 1080p. The larger you go in screen size or the more screens you add, the heavier your remote work setup. Some monitors stand apart with 2K or 4K resolution—like our best overall pick, the SideTrack Solo 4K.

No matter which style of portable monitor you choose, these handy devices can help you do more in less space. To guide you in your search, we’ve done the testing and research to narrow down the best portable monitors available right now.

The Lepow Z1-Gamut has three display modes: Duplicate Mode (for mirroring what’s on your laptop’s screen), Extend mode (allowing the monitor to connect with a mobile device) and Second Screen mode (for multitasking via your laptop computer). This monitor is light enough to carry around with you and set up virtually anywhere. The monitor takes seconds to set up and folds flat with its stand, so it’s easy to transport with your laptop computer in your existing case. With its low price and versatility, you can’t go wrong with this monitor—especially if you’re on a budget.

The display works well for gaming thanks to its support for AMD FreeSync, despite its limited 60Hz refresh rate. The monitor comes with a USB Type-C cable, but your computer must support Thunderbolt (3 or later) or DisplayPort to use it. With a few quick adjustments, the Arzopa E1 Extreme has four display modes—mirror mode, extended mode, portrait mode and gaming mode. The whole setup weighs a mere 1.4 pounds, lighter than most portable monitors and easy to tote around.

Screen size: Two 10.1-inch displays | Screen type: LCD | Resolution: 1,920 x 1,200 pixels | Ports: USB Type-C, Mini-HDMI | Weight: 2 pounds |Dimensions: 7.5 x 12 x 1 inches | Speakers: None

The Xebec Tri-Screen 2 uses a mounting frame to attach two slide-out 10.1-inch displays to the back of your laptop’s existing screen. Each Xebec display slides out from behind your laptop—one on each side of your laptop’s display—thus creating a highly portable three-display work area. Installing these two monitors and its bracket requires the supplied frame clamps, but nothing extra, like magnets or glue.

The ViewSonic TD1655 is a 15.6-inch touchscreen portable monitor offered at a highly competitive price. This pick is also one of the few touchscreen monitors to work with both Macs and PCs—thanks to ViewSonic’s vTouch driver. This driver enables full touch and gesture control on the display when paired with macOS. The touchscreen works without the driver using Windows 10 or later on computers with USB Type-C connectivity.

Australian start-up Espresso Displays’ eponymous V2 model comes in 13- and 15.6-inch versions with a touchscreen, along with a 13-inch version without touch. Espresso’s prices are a bit more than some competitors, but all models share the same stylish design aesthetic, plus a bevy of features other portable monitors don’t have. Take the 15.6-inch touchscreen portable monitor, for example. It has a brushed aluminum and glass chassis and a super-slim (0.2-inch) design, with a 16:10 aspect ratio display and two USB Type-C ports. The maximum screen brightness is 300 nits.

Screen size: 12.5-inch | Screen type: LCD | Resolution:1080p (1,920 x 1,080)| Ports: USB Type-C, USB Type-A, Mini-HDMI | Weight: 1.3 pounds | Dimensions: 12 x 7.4 x 0.7 inches | Speakers: None

This version of the SideTrak Swivel Portable Monitor is compatible with Windows or MacBook laptops with a built-in display between 13 inches and 17 inches. It is not, however, compatible with Microsoft Surface devices that have their own kickstand, or with many 2-in-1 laptops whose screens contort into different positions. The 16:9 monitor’s refresh rate is 50Hz (most portable monitors are at least 60Hz), but its brightness is higher than others, at a maximum of 300 nits. The unit comes with the mounting plates needed to secure it to your computer.

Screen size: Two 10.1-inch displays | Screen type: LCD | Resolution: 1,920 x 1,200 pixels | Ports: USB Type-C, Mini-HDMI | Weight: 2 pounds |Dimensions: 7.5 x 12 x 1 inches | Speakers: None

The Xebec Tri-Screen 2 uses a mounting frame to attach two slide-out 10.1-inch displays to the back of your laptop’s existing screen. Each Xebec display slides out from behind your laptop—one on each side of your laptop’s display—thus creating a highly portable three-display work area. Installing these two monitors and its bracket requires the supplied frame clamps, but nothing extra, like magnets or glue.

The ViewSonic VP-16-OLED is a versatile monitor that produces vivid images and comes with a height-adjustable stand. Its OLED panel has excellent contrast (1,000:1), impressive brightness (up to 400 nits), a broad color range and a faster refresh rate than a typical LCD monitor. The monitor’s 178-degree viewing angle is in line with this model’s competitive set, and it’s useful if you’re sharing your screen with multiple people gathered around.

Screen size: 17.2-inch | Screen type: LCD | Resolution:1,920 x 1,080 pixels | Ports: USB Type-C, Mini-HDMI | Weight: 2.2 pounds | Dimensions: 0.7 x 15.6 x 9.7 inches | Speakers: Dual stereo

Screen size: 15.6-inch | Screen type: LCD | Resolution:1,920 x 1,080 pixels | Ports: USB Type-C, HDMI | Weight: 2 pounds | Dimensions: 14 x 8.9 x .5 inches | Speakers: Dual stereo

Portable monitors are small, compact and lightweight screens designed to expand the on-screen real estate available to run your favorite applications. A portable monitor makes multitasking on a laptop computer much easier and more efficient.

Most portable monitors rely on your laptop computer’s battery power to function—requiring just one cable to link it with your computer. Some portable monitors have their own built-in rechargeable battery. All are easy to transport and can likely fit within your existing laptop case, briefcase, or carry-on bag.

Maximum brightness, which is measured in nits, directly affects color perception and power consumption. The brighter the display, the more easily you can see the screen in a brightly lit area. A higher brightness also means the monitor requires more power to operate. Most portable monitors that rely on power from a laptop computer offer a lower maximum brightness than a monitor with its own power source, especially when it’s plugged into an electrical outlet (as opposed to using its own battery).

Most portable monitors rely on your laptop’s power, unless it comes with its own built-in rechargeable battery. Some monitors have a second USB Type-C port through which you can attach your own power source. If you’re using a monitor powered by your computer, expect your laptop’s battery charge to run low faster. And the monitor will drain power faster still if offers 4K resolution, since higher resolution displays typically require more power. Power is one reason brightness often suffers on a portable monitor.

While some portable monitors have two tiny, low-powered speakers built-in, chances are the speakers built into your computer offer higher-quality audio. For the best audio experience, consider using Bluetooth headphones or wireless earbuds with noise cancellation, as opposed to relying on the audio that some of these portable monitors can generate. Check out our picks for the best wireless headphones and earbuds.

All non-touchscreen portable monitors can work with a MacOS or Windows-based computer. While models can also work with other operating systems, such as ChromeOS or Linux, so double check the specs if you want to use the monitor with any of these operating systems.

Touchscreen portable monitors are sometimes trickier. All have Windows support, but only some support additional operating systems—including MacOS, ChromeOS and Android. If you want to use the monitor with a MacBook, look specifically for monitors with a dedicated driver or software to enable touch. ViewSonic, Espresso and SideTrak all come with some variation of Mac software.Use your Apple iPad as a second screen for your MacBook or iMac thanks to the SideCar feature.Apple

The best portable monitors come in a wide range of sizes. The size you choose is a matter of personal preference and should be based on your work habits and needs, as well as how much you want to spend.The SideTrak portable monitor attaches to the back of your laptop computer"s existing screen and ... [+]provides a second screen.SideTrak

Some portable monitors are extremely compact and provide an extra 12- to 14-inch display, although it’s more common for a portable monitor to offer at least a 15.6-inch display. A few displays go up to just over 17 inches. Displays larger still are more cumbersome to travel with and typically need to plug into an electrical outlet to function, making them less portable and more like a small desktop monitor.

Most portable monitors are less than 0.5 inches thick, and the monitors themselves weigh less than two pounds. Most come with a travel case or cover—making them very easy to transport with your laptop computer. Of course, this varies based on the screen size and model you choose.

If you’ll be using a portable monitor with your laptop computer, for the best experience, choose a monitor size that’s about the same as your laptop’s display and then position the two monitors side-by-side at the same height. If you’re using a three display portable monitor setup, or a specialty portable monitor, this suggestion does not apply.

Yes. Portable monitors typically include some cables, such as a USB Type-C to USB Type-C cable, a Mini-HDMI to HDMI cable and a USB Type-C to USB Type-A cable. As soon as you plug a portable monitor into your computer, Windows or MacOS identifies it as a display and it should work immediately. In some cases, however, you may need to download a free driver or adjust the System Display Settings (Windows) or Display System Preferences (Mac) on your computer for the portable monitor to function properly.

We believe a portable monitor is a must-have accessory if you’re a remote worker who needs to be highly productive from airports, hotels, at home, or even from a coffee shop. However, not everyone needs a 4K portable monitor. The most reasonably priced models are typically 15.6-inch 1080p monitors.

Though portable monitors may not offer as large a screen or as many features as a typical desktop monitor, they offer plenty of benefits for working and playing on the go. First off you’ll have more room for content creation, gaming, or just simple multitasking. Plus, portable monitors are easy to set up and come with a kickstand or mount to use from anywhere. So, we’ve picked some excellent portable monitor options for you ranging in price, size, and features that include impressive 4K resolution, a touchscreen, or a built-in battery. Take a look at our favorites - and click here to see them in the UK.

It’s hard to believe that any portable monitor can come packing all the features you need for a quality gaming setup from anywhere, but the Asus ROG Strix XG16AHPE may just offer everything you’d need. Like some of our favorite gaming monitors, this portable option boasts a 240Hz refresh rate with Nvidia G-Sync compatibility and low input lag, so you’re in for smooth, tear-free gameplay. You also get a plenty bright 15.6-inch 1080p display featuring an IPS panel for easy viewing from any angle.

Best Budget Portable MonitorScreen size: 14-inch | Resolution: 1920 x 1080 | Aspect ratio: 16:10 | Brightness: 300-nit | Refresh rate: 60Hz | Power: USB-C | Weight: 1.3lb

Portable monitors come in a wide array of price options, and the Dell C1422H is a perfect mid-range choice. With this monitor, you’ll be getting a totable 14-inch 1080p display that offers crisp, vibrant visuals. Plus, it offers a perfect view almost anywhere with its IPS panel that features a 300-nit peak brightness and anti-glare finish. The built-in tilt stand that goes from 10 degrees to 90 degrees, so you can pitch the monitor for comfortable viewing.

The Dell C1422H works great for mobile use or as an additional screen for your permanent workstation. It’s super simple to get started using this monitor, as a USB-C cable connected to your computer will transmit both power and image to the screen. Unfortunately, there is no built-in battery, but that allows it to be extremely lightweight and compact, making it easier to take with you anywhere. There’s a 60Hz refresh rate which is fine for getting work done, but it’s not the best for heavy gaming, especially with no G-sync or FreeSync support here.

Best 14-inch Portable MonitorScreen size: 14-inch | Resolution: 1920 x 1080 | Aspect ratio: 16:9 | Brightness: 300-nit | Refresh rate: 60Hz |Power: USB-C | Weight: 1.07lb

If you’re wondering about Lepow Lite H1’s connectivity, it offers a USB-C, which can help extend your mobile gaming display, and a micro HDMI to use with a gaming console. Even better, all the necessary cables come included. And, unlike many of the monitors on our list, this one even includes built-in speakers, though not the best, they will suffice when in a jam.

UHD monitors are few and far between, but we were able to find one that works great and doesn"t cost a huge chunk of change. The Desklab 4K Touchscreen offers a 15.6-inch display with 400-nit brightness and a True LED backlight . This makes it brighter and a bit more vibrant than most external displays. And, thanks to its 4K resolution and thin bezels, there is loads of screen space for all of your multitasking needs. And as an added bonus, this display comes with a responsive touchscreen.

Best 1440p Portable MonitorScreen size: 16in | Resolution: 2560 x 1600 | Aspect ratio: 16:10 | Brightness: 350-nit | Refresh rate: 60Hz |Power: USB-C | Weight: 1.48lb (2.18lb w/ folio cover)

Though technically not a 1440p monitor, the LG Gram +View is the perfect option if you"re looking for something higher res than FHD without jumping up to 4K. It"s joining the trend of monitors sporting higher resolutions and squarer aspect ratios. This 16-inch display rocks a 16:10 aspect ratio rather than your typical 16:9, adding a bit of extra vertical resolution at 1600p. As a result, you’re getting a little more crisp screen real estate to play around with for added productivity. The monitor also covers 99% of the DCI-P3 color space and is a plenty bright 350 nits, making it perfect for editing videos or graphic design. However, if you’re planning on using this display for gaming, the 30ms response time and 60Hz refresh rate aren’t the best you can find.

There are a whole lot of convenient features packed into the affordably priced Viewsonic VG1655, making it one of the best portable monitors on the market. The 1080p display is plenty bright and offers a solid contrast ratio, but like with most portable monitors, the colors lack some vibrancy. However, the on-screen display comes loaded with options that far surpass the usual brightness and contrast available on most models. Plus, there is a blue light filter and flicker-free technology to help with your daily viewing.

Brightest Portable MonitorScreen size: 14in | Resolution: 1920 x 1080 | Aspect ratio: 16:9 | Brightness: 400-nit | Refresh rate: 60Hz |Power: USB-C | Weight: 1.41lb

It seems like most portable monitors lack in display’s brightness and vibrancy, luckily the HP E14 G4 does not. Its 400-nit brightness is a rare find as most competitors struggle to get up to 300-nits. It also has a great contrast ratio of 800:1 and outstanding colors compared to other portable monitors. Plus, with an additional anti-glare coating, it can go anywhere and even outside on a sunny day – and, the integrated kickstand and compact design makes it even easier.

Okay, so portable monitors are great, but sometimes there isn’t enough desk space for you to place it anywhere like on a plane or train. That’s where you can really benefit from a mountable monitor, and the SideTrak Swivel is the perfect option. It can be attached to your laptop or PC, eliminating any need for extra space.

Next up, it’s important to pay attention to the screen itself. Most of the monitors on our list offer the standard 1080p resolution with an IPS panel. But, if you’re looking for it to be a bit more future-proof or want a better picture quality, then maybe invest in a 4K monitor. Also, some offer touchscreen capabilities as an added feature, but not everyone needs this and it often ups the price a bit.

The most important feature of all may be connectivity. It’s important to make sure that the monitor you purchase will work with the devices you bought it for. All of our picks offer the relatively universal USB-C connection, which is both speedy and provides power. However, if you’re looking to use it with a gaming console, some monitors also offer HDMI or microHDMI ports for more connection opportunities. And, it’s important to note that more powerful monitors may require a 10W USB-C.

If you work in an office (or a home office), you’re probably familiar with external monitors. But there’s an intriguing alternative that we’ve been seeing all over TikTok lately: portable monitors. These lightweight monitors are plug-and-play, so you can instantly connect your device, and require only one cable to use, thanks to USB-C ports that can transfer data and provide power at the same time. And since USB-C is becoming standard on new devices, portable monitors can be used with a wide range of devices beyond laptops, from smartphones to gaming consoles to tablets. That means with a portable monitor, you can bring a bigger screen anywhere.

There are still some technical advantages to standard monitors, which often provide better luminosity and refresh rates than their portable counterparts. However, those factors aren’t “really relevant for someone just wanting something basic for working at home,” says Sam Byford, formerly an editor at our sister site the Verge. For many people, it is worth a slight step down in image quality to be able to easily store their monitor away when they don’t need it or toss it in a bag to bring to a café, on a trip, or simply to another room. To help you find the best portable monitor, we consulted six experts on their favorites.

If a portable monitor feels like a brick or doesn’t fit in your bag, it’s not worth using. Portable monitors are designed to be very lightweight. Most of the options below weigh less than two pounds, with the lightest weighing 1.3 pounds and the heaviest weighing 2.2 pounds. They are also thin and sleek, measuring under an inch thick in most cases. They usually come with foldable cases that can also be used as a monitor stand (similar to what you might see on Apple’s iPad cases). The cases tend to allow for multiple viewing angles, and the case also protects the screen from scratches or abrasions while in transit.

If you’re mostly scrolling through the web, working in Google docs, taking a peek at some spreadsheets, or watching videos, 1080p HD resolution should be perfectly adequate for a portable monitor. There are ultrahigh-definition 4K portable monitors available, but the higher resolution won’t be as noticeable on their smaller screens.

Some portable monitors have internal batteries, which means they have their own power source. Other portable monitors draw power from the device they are connecting to through a USB-C port. Monitors that are device-powered will help to streamline the number of chargers you need for your setup. But having an internal battery means you won’t have to rely on your laptop or tablet for power, which could inconveniently drain your battery. Though having an internal battery will make your monitor a bit heavier, it will also maximize the time you can use both your monitor and the device it’s connected to while on the go. It may even be able to charge that device.

Portable monitors usually connect via a USB-C port, which is now standard across newer devices, including Android phones and tablets, Apple MacBooks and iPads, and Windows-based laptops and tablets. You can also connect an iPhone using a USB-C-to-lightning cable. Some portable monitors have an HDMI port, which will be useful if you want to connect to a digital camera or television. A few monitors even have an integrated speaker, which may be worth looking for if you’re going to be using the monitor for gaming or streaming. However, without speakers you’ll still be able to get audio from your device or use headphones.

“The big promise of USB-C for monitors appears to be finally arriving,” writes the Verge senior editor Tom Warren in his in-depth review of the Lenovo M14. This 1080p 14-inch display weighs only 1.3 pounds — making it the lightest monitor on this list — and comes with a protective cover. There’s no battery, which Warren says “means your laptop, tablet, or even phone is tasked with powering the display” via the included USB-C cable. The Lenovo also supports pass-through charging, so you can charge your device and power the monitor at the same time. “Lenovo has built most of the components into the base, which feels sturdy,” Warren writes. He also likes how the stand offers the ability “to raise the height of the monitor to better bring it in line with your laptop, which is a nice extra option.” The Lenovo also has a low-blue-light setting to reduce eye fatigue.

Portable monitors are “easy to set up and small enough to move to the side for extra desk space,” says TonyTechBytes, a TikTok creator who often clears off his desktop build PCs. At 1.76 pounds, the 15.6-inch, 1080p monitor is slightly heavier than the Lenovo, but Tony says the extra weight doesn’t bother him. The Z1 can be used in either landscape or portrait mode, so if you want to scroll vertically on Twitter and then view a lot of data horizontally on a spreadsheet, just rotate the screen. It has two built-in speakers, a USB-C port, a mini-HDMI port (a smaller version of the traditional HDMI port, used to save space on smaller gadgets), and it comes with both a USB-C-to-USB-C cable and a mini-HDMI-to-HDMI cable as well as a USB-C-to-USB-A cable for maximum versatility. “With its USB-C connectivity,” says Tony, “I can easily plug it into my smartphone and have a larger screen on the go.” The Lepow’s screen also has “eye-care protection,” which is supposed to help prevent eye fatigue.

The best portable monitors have their place more than ever nowadays. We are now more likely than ever to work or play in more than one place, so having screens that offer exceptional flexibility and versatility is a great boon to your tech setup. With one of these monitors, you"ll be able to set up and work - or play - pretty much wherever you please.

And the best portable monitors for gaming or home use are not just plain, simple screens made for spreadsheets only: you can find high refresh rates of up to 240Hz, HDR support, IPS image quality, low response times, adaptive sync - all can be found within portable monitors nowadays. And while they are inevitably small (typically measuring up to 17 inches), by most other metrics, portable monitors compare surprisingly well to conventional panels like the best gaming monitors and the best gaming TVs.

You may not get everything in a portable monitor, though, but it can be a great solution if you consider your options, know your parameters, and use a little due diligence. Then you can achieve a very sweet portable gaming setup. Adding high refresh or adaptive sync capability to an otherwise powerful laptop makes a lot of sense, and just being able to bundle a console with a truly portable screen into a shoulder bag or small backpack is pretty neat. The ability to game with those cutting-edge features purely on battery power is also a nice party trick. There are, in other words, a lot of reasons why you might want one of the best portable monitors.

Arguably the current daddy of portable gaming monitors, both in terms of stature and price, the Asus ROG Strix XG17 clocks in at 17 inches and around $600 / £600 depending on the configuration.

G-Story is rapidly carving out a niche as a leading maker of portable monitors. The G-Story GSV56QM is probably its most appealing all-rounder with a 15.6-inch form factor, IPS panel, 1ms response, HDR support and both 165Hz refresh and both Nvidia G-Sync and AMD FreeSync support. This gives it a great gaming edge, but also means it appeals for a whole range of uses beyond, too.

Exactly how much utility you’ll get out of touch for gaming is a reasonable question. But you might be surprised just how many PC games support touchscreens. Meanwhile, you get all the upsides of touch for non-gaming apps.Are portable external monitors worth it?Depending on precisely what you"re after, portable monitors are absolutely worth it. If you"re looking to keep your working setup flexible as you move between home and office, then the extra screen space that you can slot into a laptop bag can be a godsend. If you"re tight on space but want a 2nd screen then a portable monitor can be just what you need, and even if you"re after a gaming-focused screen that you can plug into any gaming device, then you can find something among the best portable monitors.What makes a portable monitor good for gaming?Well, a portable monitor can be good for gaming by allowing you to have a dedicated, take-it-anywhere screen that you can easily game on - that"s what makes a good portable monitor!

Though brand name and pedigree will definitely play a part, as will design and build - is it easy to carry? Is it heavy or light?. It"s all much like judging the best monitors for gaming, but on a smaller, more compact scale.Do portable monitors work?Yes! And it"s a resounding yes at that. The range of portable monitors now available is exceptional, and the depth of variety means there"s often something for you - even if you didn"t think so in the beginning of your search. Of course these are particularly great for working, as demonstrated from the last two years or so, but portable monitors are now equally adept as providing mobile gaming screens and extra screen space for entertainment. A great addition to any setup.

Yes! As our list of the best portable monitors shows, there"s a whole host of great portable computer monitors and screens that can provide a great service.

And it"s that portability that is key to their success, attraction, and function. Now, in times when we are more likely than ever to work in more than one place, having extra screen space which you can just throw in a bag and that only needs a couple of cables is excellent. As a result, brands have jumped on this rise too, meaning the spread of the best portable monitors is greater than ever. No matter what you need an extra screen for, there are most definitely portable computer monitors, and one is probably right here on our list.

Yes! You absolutely can play games on the best portable monitors! You"ll have to forgive the screens a few compromises due to, well, the portability they offer, but these can be life savers when you"re gaming on the go and need to set up temporarily.

If you"re happy to plug in your console to a laptop-sized screen - as the main compromise - then you can have great gaming experiences on a panel that you can throw in your backpack after. While only the most premium portable monitors will offer gaming specs, just having a solid, nice display at 1080p will suffice you for a temporary play - by default this is their niche and they own it.

And if you"re more monitors, then browse our guides to thebest PS4 monitors, thebest 4K monitor for gaming,best G-Sync monitors, and bestG-Sync compatible FreeSync monitorsto extend your research.

* Rewards 3% back excludes taxes and shipping. Rewards are issued to your online Dell Rewards Account (available via your Dell.com My Account) typically within 30 business days after your order’s ship date. Rewards expire in 90 days (except where prohibited by law). “Current rewards balance” amount may not reflect the most recent transactions. Check Dell.com My Account for your most up-to-date reward balance. Total rewards earned may not exceed $2,000 within a 3-month period. Outlet purchases do not qualify for rewards. Expedited Delivery not available on certain TVs, monitors, batteries and adapters, and is available in Continental (except Alaska) U.S. only. Other exceptions apply. Not valid for resellers and/or online auctions. Offers and rewards subject to change without notice, not combinable with all other offers. See Dell.com/rewardsfaq. $50 in bonus rewards for Dell Rewards Members who open a new Dell Preferred Account (DPA), or Dell Business Credit (DBC) account on or after 8/10/2022. $50 bonus rewards typically issued within 30 business days after DPA or DBC open date.

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While monitors have been technically “portable” for decades, lightweight models that fit into a carry case rather than a station wagon are a more recent invention. Versions that you’d actually want to use? They’re even newer still.

While the benefits of a second screen are undeniable, we didn’t recommend any portable monitors on this site for a long time. They were just too expensive, had dim displays, didn’t work very well, and were still too big and heavy to really want to take outside the house with you.

That’s all changed in the last few years, as screen technology got better and lighter, USB C got rid of the bulky cables and chargers, and competition drove the price down. Several companies are now making portable monitors worth owning, with sizes and features to suit a wide range of needs.

Whether you’re on a budget, looking for the lightest version, or need extra screen size or a touchscreen, these are the best portable monitors of 2023.

As for weight, it certainly plays a role when traveling, but the majority of the monitors fall into the same range of about 200-300 grams (7-11oz), give or take. Weight matters, but don’t make your decision solely based on that: the display size and other criteria and features are far more important.

While the monitor you choose needs to be portable, it also needs to meet your specific needs. While most models do a reasonable job of standard work-related tasks, gamers, photographers and graphic artists, and others have specific needs that makes certain monitors a better choice than others.

That doesn’t mean you can’t use those monitors for any other purpose: it only means they have particular features that make them more suitable for a specific type of user. Those features usually add to the total price, though, so make sure you’ll use them before spending the extra cash.

Anti-glare screen:choosing a monitor with a matte screen or anti-glare coating will make your life much easier if you plan to use your monitor outside or near a window. Considering that we’re talking about portable monitors here, this feature is more important than it first seems.

Touchscreen: touchscreen monitors are especially useful for creatives, and some come with a stylus that turns them into a (large) drawing tablet. Make sure that the touch component of whichever model you’re considering works with your operating system(s) of choice.

Stability: most portable monitors have some kind of stand that holds them in place on their own. Some also have tripod support, which provides even more stability (if you have a decent tripod, of course!). This is particularly important if you use the monitor outside or somewhere it can be easily knocked.

Health-friendly features: a blue light filter is a welcome feature, since it can help you sleep better and save your eyes from too much straining in dark rooms. The same goes for flicker reduction. Some monitors also have an anti-bacterial coating, which became a much more desirable feature in the last few years!

Color reproduction isn’t the strong suit of most portable monitors, but here again the M14 shines, with accurate colors across the range. It’s also nice and bright, and the anti-glare coating means you’ll still be able to see what’s on the screen even under harsh fluorescents or sunlight.

With that out of the way, there are a (very) few manufacturers that make the effort to build portable monitors with creatives in mind. Of the limited range on offer, the best we’ve found so far is the ASUS ProArt Display PA148CTV.

Given its target audience, it’s perhaps no surprise that color accuracy is significantly better than any of the other general-purpose monitors we mention above. Thanks to the higher pixel density that comes with its smaller size, text is also very crisp and clear, even at small font sizes.

Rather than the usual folio cover and stand that most portable monitors use, the PA148CTV has a fold-out metal kickstand that’s noticeably more stable. You can also mount the monitor on a tripod, which (assuming the tripod is sturdy enough) lets you raise the screen to a more ergonomically-friendly height.

The good bits don’t end there, however: like some of the other portable monitors in the Asus range, the XG17AHPE comes with stereo speakers and an inbuilt battery. Its 7800mAh capacity lets you run the screen for around two hours at max refresh rate and brightness, and up to five hours at lower levels.

The vast majority of portable monitors max out at FHD (1920×1080) resolution, and for many users, that’s perfectly fine. For those who want something better, however, options are quite limited, and good options are even more limited still.

Brightness levels are quite good, and color reproduction is ok, although not as good as the Lenovo model mentioned above. As with many other portable monitors, stereo speakers are built in, but you’re unlikely to use them in preference to headphones or the ones built into your laptop.

Pricing for this model is usually quite competitive, often not much more than some of the 15.6″ portable monitors. If you’re looking for something slightly different, UPERFECT also makes a touchscreen version that auto-senses whether it’s in portrait or landscape mode and rotates accordingly, but you’ll usually pay noticeably more for it.

Asus has been making portable monitors for years, and it shows. The company sells a wide range of different models, and four have made it onto our list. Of those, the Zenscreen Go MB16ACV is the best choice for those with older laptops who need USB-A support.

Brightness and contrast are above average for a portable monitor, but colors can be a little dull, especially in the red part of the range. It’s an issue common to many portable monitors, so if you need the best color accuracy, consider the Lenovo M14 (above) instead.