12 Best Portable Monitor Options for 2022

Want maximum portability? Then look no further. The ASUS ZenScreen MB16AC is the easiest display device to carry. 

It only weighs 780g, and it’s 8mm thin. As far as mobile computer monitors go, it’s light as a feather! 

The screen is not too small, though. The actual display size is 15.6 inches, so it can pair well with standard laptops today. It’s built with an IPS panel for wide viewing angles. Resolution is full HD 1080p with a 16:9 aspect ratio. And it offers a standard refresh rate of 60 Hz – perfect for setting-up two monitors anywhere you go! 

That’s totally doable since the top and side bezels are super thin. If you’re using it as a mobile monitor side-by-side with another, framing won’t be a problem.

The bottom panel houses the power button and two navigation ones. It also comes with a protective folio stand that doubles as a magnetic case. It snaps onto the surface, so the device is completely safe from falling off – almost like a tablet monitor! You can easily slide it in your briefcase or backpack when you’re traveling.  

Now. 

The visuals. 

Right off the bat, the portable screen is a little dim compared to laptops. But with a 220-nit peak brightness and 800:1 contrast ratio, it’s not too bad. As for the color spectrum, the sRGB coverage is at 72.4% NTSC. Not the most solid color accuracy, but still pretty good. 

The screen also features flicker-free technology. So, you can avoid eye strain for long sessions. Pro tip – download and install the DisplayWidget app. With this, you can calibrate the luminance using lots of picture presets like Darkroom, Reading, Gaming, etc.  

On that note, if you’re into esports, we have great news. This ASUS portable monitor has the exclusive GamePlus feature. This gives you access to several gaming tools on your On-Screen Display (OSD). That includes custom crosshairs, timers, sniper targets, and more! 

What about connections?

It only needs one USB-C connector for both the power and display. Yes, it’s the world’s first hybrid signal solution! 

Connection is through a single port, but for added flexibility, there’s a USB-C to USB-A adapter included. Just remember to download the driver from the ASUS website first in order to use it.

All in all, the design and features make the MB16AC an ideal option for multi-monitor workflows. It costs $223.99, so yes - it’s a little pricey. But our experts agree that it’s still the best portable monitor for laptop users! 

Like other small monitors, 14-inch screens don’t get a lot of love. But the HP EliteDisplay S14 is here to change that. 

Its high portability, ease of use, and impressive specs make the $399 price tag worth it. It only weighs around 1kg and is less than 9mm thick – the perfect outdoor computer monitor! It also comes with a magnetic cover which you can use as a folio stand. Protection and functionality - check!

Pair that fun size with an excellent build and you get the complete package. It uses an IPS panel, which provides a 178-degree viewing angle with a 16:9 display aspect ratio. Resolution is 1920 x 1080 with a 60 Hz refresh rate, so image quality is superb. And you don’t have to worry about input latency, as the response time is up to 5ms. 

Have we mentioned it has LED backlighting, too? Among other HP portable monitors, this one is the best performer in low-light areas. 

It isn’t the most impressive when it comes to brightness, however. It only reaches 200 nits, so it’s noticeably dimmer than your regular laptop. But on the bright side, the FHD resolution and 700:1 static contrast ratio make up for that. Images are clear and crisp in any light condition. The anti-glare display won’t give you eye problems either! 

This small computer monitor is a beast in color reproduction, too. It covers 71% of the sRGB color gamut, which is great for graphic designing or photo editing. It’s almost as good as the ASUS MB16AC in terms of color accuracy. 

With all these features, you’d expect this device is for techies only. It’s not. Ease of use is one of its greatest qualities, thanks to its quick connectivity - it’s a USB monitor, after all. You don’t even need to plug it into a power outlet to get it running. 

Overall, this portable laptop monitor is a solid upgrade for those looking for a bigger screen real estate. Aside from the brightness, our only gripe is that there is no orientation control. But if you plan to use it on a tabletop beside your laptop, this won’t be an issue! 

The Lepow Z1 Gamut is for users who want a complete portable display. It’s extremely handy, with impressive picture quality and flexible connectivity. This 15.6-inch monitor has it all! 

It features a Full HD 1080p resolution at 60Hz refresh rate for clear and sharp images. The screen uses an IPS panel, providing a 178-degree perspective. So, even if you’re not directly facing the monitor, there is no distortion. Its 1000:1 static contrast ratio adds that extra picture vibrance and richness, too!

When it comes to color management, this mobile PC monitor displays a wide spectrum. At 85% NTSC, it passed our standards for the optimal sRGB coverage. If you’re into multimedia work like digital art or video editing, this is good news for you.

If you’re going to use this device for watching movies or playing games, it has a nice feature too. That is, HDR mode. This cranks up your contrast and colors even further, so you get the most authentic and immersive visual experience.

And it weighs next to nothing! The slim and sleek profile allows it to slide easily in your suitcase or backpack. It’s purely designed as a mobile display device. Plus, the smooth metal body provides that added sturdiness and premium build. 

Now, if you plan to use it as a travel monitor for your laptop, you’ll be making the right choice. The top and side bezels are ultra-thin, which is what you need for increasing your screen space. And it comes with a smart cover that works as a folio stand. The package even includes a screen protector – now you can fully shatter-proof your display!

These specs make the Z1 Gamut a total standout. But that’s not all. 

It’s one of the most versatile displays on our list. 

Why? 

Universal compatibility. Not only does it work well with laptops, but it’s also compatible with other gadgets like your smartphone, PC, Xbox, PlayStation, Switch, etc. 

Multiple connection options make that possible. This small HDMI monitor has a USB-C port too. Along with the cables for these ports, there’s a Type C to USB A connector as well. 

On the low side, brightness seems to be a common weak spot for portable external monitors. You’ll notice its dimness in well-lit areas, but not to the point of zero visibility. Besides, it’s still a couple of nits brighter than other displays we’ve tested. 

And lastly, it comes with built-in speakers. 

All these features for $200 – it’s well worth the purchase!

Desklab’s new portable monitor has Ultralight and 4K in its name. This tells you what its most important features are right off the bat. 

Weighing as little as 1.3lbs, Desklab Ultralight Portable 4K is the lightest device in its class. The best part – the manufacturer made no sacrifices in terms of screen size to make the monitor ultra-lightweight. In fact, you get a large 15.6-inch WLED IPS display with a 60Hz refresh rate.

But this portable monitor isn’t only light, it’s also extremely slim. At 0.23 inches, it’s thinner than your average laptop or even an iPad mini.

Extra portability is a key reason why this 4K portable monitor is an excellent option for creative professionals, gamers, and anyone needing a large, lightweight screen on the go.

Not so long ago, 4K was reserved for large-screen TVs. That’s no longer the case. This monitor doesn’t only have a large display but a rather powerful one. It provides an absolutely brilliant 4K picture that looks much better than full HD.

Besides portability, the Ultralight Portable 4K is also very convenient. It automatically adapts to your device, no matter which connectivity method you choose. This means you can just plug it in, and you’re ready to roll. It comes with a Micro USB, HDMI, and two USB-C ports.

Like other top remote monitors, it can reach a brightness of 400 nits. Of course, that’s more than enough to use it both in and outdoors.

The screen also has touchscreen functionality, which can prove useful in various situations. When you connect it to your smartphone, the monitor automatically becomes a desktop-style interface you can control with your fingers. This means you can also use it as a touchscreen monitor for PC – something not many other portable monitors can offer.

In terms of design, bezels are quite slim and don’t impact the overall viewing experience. If you want, you can rotate and use it in portrait mode. However, you can’t set this option on the monitor itself, but only through your computer’s system settings.

There are two speakers at the monitor’s bottom edge, facing downwards. They’re a secondary feature on a device like this but can definitely come in handy. The sound is only okay, but if you want high-quality audio, you’ll probably have a separate Bluetooth unit ready anyway.

Not many touchscreen monitors offer 4K picture, let alone come in such a lightweight package. All that makes it obvious why this Desklab device belongs to the very top of this generation of portable monitors. Available at $399, it’s on the pricier side, though.

If you’re doing video or image work on the go and need a high-quality portable display, INNOCN manages to produce 100% of the sRGB color gamut. The natural profile also lends itself to watching movies and shows - it provides better clarity than most options on the market.

INNOCN also tops the ranks in brightness, supplying 400 nits to the 15.6-inch anti-glare IPS panel. Meanwhile, contrast is at the expected 1000:1 ratio. In short, this improves viewing angles and lets you see clearly in brighter environments.

Of course, brightness is not always good on the eyes, especially when you’re viewing the portable screen in the evening. So, this option uses low blue light technology to reduce strain and prevent the negative impact low blues have on sleep.

It’s full 1080p HD with a 60Hz refresh rate. It also has a 178° field of view and a 180° adjustable kickstand. So, whether you’re working, gaming, or relaxing with Netflix, you won’t have to sacrifice quality. 

Quickly switching between inputs is easy thanks to USB C and Mini HDMI slots. Plug-n-play with your laptop, smartphone, games console, and all other conceivable devices. It doesn’t even require a driver!

As far as audio, you’re covered with a 3.5mm input when using USB devices. Sound is output via surprisingly clear stereo speakers. You get the two USB C cables and a Mini HDMI in the box, but not an audio jack.

Also included is a 30w adapter and a cleaning cloth to keep the touchscreen computer monitor smudge and dust-free. All it’s really lacking is a carry case. 

At just 2lbs and 0.24-inches thick, it’s certainly easy to take with you wherever you go.

Moreover, we cannot fault the overall build quality. It’s a sturdy and simple design, with three buttons on the side – volume up and down, and power.

For $249.99, it’s not the cheapest monitor in this sector. Given its top-end specs, however, it’s not the most expensive either.

We say give it a go, even if just for the great color. Everything else is a bonus!

Need a second monitor for your laptop? Set your eyes on the Lenovo ThinkVision M14. This $229 display device isn’t the cheapest. But it offers an incredibly compact design with amazing visuals that’s worth the price! 

At 598g and 4.4mm thickness, it’s truly meant for mobile workstations. Whether you’re hopping on a train or working in a cafe, bringing this extra 14-inch screen won’t be a hassle.

Unlike most external displays with folio covers, this portable computer monitor has a unique swivel stand. You can just fold and flip it out when it's time to use it. And it can be tilted, so you can adjust your point of view. The hinges let you move the screen between -5° and 90° angles. With the kickstand, it’s almost like you have a second laptop! 

When it comes to picture quality, the M14 covers all the essentials. The screen uses an IPS panel for a wide viewing angle, which is complemented by the tilting stand. It offers Full HD resolution with a 16:9 aspect ratio. Plus, a 5 ms response time is there to eliminate all noticeable hints of input latency. Clearly, the best portable monitor for work and collaborations! 

Its excellent coverage of the color space is also a treat for designers and illustrators. It covers 72% of the NTSC color gamut. That’s the equivalent of almost 100% accuracy in terms of sRGB.

And the brightness is even more impressive. The M14 reaches 300 nits of brightness, which is more than what you’ll get in other expensive options. Don’t worry about too much luminance. It’s not a glossy display, so the screen is indeed anti-glare.

Let’s move on to connectivity. Like most USB portable monitors on our list, this one offers a Type C connection. The big difference - you get two ports. One is for powering the device, the other for transferring data. 

You can simply connect your Type C-enabled laptop to get it going. But, keep in mind that the port should be able to support DisplayPort 1.2 Alt Mode. Here’s the downside – you won’t be able to use it as an external display for your smartphone and other handheld gadgets.

That’s why we recommend this USB mobile monitor for office-related tasks or team collaborations. And if you only plan on using this as a secondary screen for your work, it’s a solid choice! 

If you’re on the hunt for a portable monitor for your Macbook Pro or Windows PC, we have a match. It’s the AOC I1601FWUX – the best secondary screen for those who like to multitask.

Weighing just 824g and 0.35 inches slim, this 15.6-inch monitor is the handiest tool for road warriors. It looks like your typical external display but made premium by the sleek and compact design. 

It comes with a smart cover with magnetic strips. This way, you can use it as a folio stand. 

And the best part? 

It supports both landscape and portrait orientations. It’s not a swivel stand, and the height isn’t adjustable. But you still get some tilting action. It leans back up to 5 degrees and moves forward for up to 20 degrees.

Its display features make it the ideal external monitor for a laptop. The use of an IPS panel gives you a nice 170-degree viewing angle – consistent in all points of view. Its Full HD 1080p resolution with a 5ms response time keeps everything crisp and smooth. When you’re doing some office tasks, trailing or ghosting won’t be an issue. 

But that’s the most you can do with the picture quality. While FHD is a good thing, its contrast ratio of 565:1 is way off the mark of the usual 1000:1. And it covers only 62% of the sRGB color space. With this level of color reproduction, sadly, the portable screen won’t be good for digital art or layouting.

That’s not much of a bummer, however, if you’re simply into document or content work. Its dull colors shouldn’t be a problem for professionals who are not into multimedia work. 

Max brightness reaches a peak of 220 nits – not the best but still good. The extra feature, LowBlue mode, also reduces the harmful blue light that causes eye strain.

Another high point to this USB-C external display is its ease of use.

It’s made with just one port for both power and video. No more bringing extra chargers or finding outlets! You only need a single USB-C cable to run the screen. Connect it to your laptop and you’re good, but heads up – it should support Display Alt Mode. It keeps the power consumption at a low level (8W), too, so your setup can stay on for long work sessions.

So, what’s the verdict? 

We say get this USB monitor for your laptop if you want extreme portability, easy connectivity, and great functionality. The image quality isn’t superb, but for $180, the AOC I1601FWUX still gets a thumbs up!

Whether you’re working, streaming shows, or playing games remotely, the Lepow 15.6-Inch USB-C Portable Monitor won’t let you down. It supports a mix of use cases!

The key to this is flexible connectivity options. There are two USB-C ports – one for power and one for video. You can charge it with the included 10W charger. Alternatively, you can just use a power bank or another host device like your laptop. 

This also means you can connect the bigger screen to your smartphone, tablet, Xbox, PlayStation, and other compatible gadgets. And here’s the added versatility – the portable monitor has an HDMI port. 

There’s also a 3.5mm jack for audio input. Yes, you can hook up your earphones or speakers to enjoy the sound on the display. Or not - it has dual built-in speakers that deliver clear and booming audio!

In terms of picture quality, the display forms the holy trinity. IPS panel, Full HD 1080p resolution, and 60 Hz refresh rate deliver clear and vivid images. Along with these features, the standard 16:9 aspect ratio makes it easy to set up dual monitors with your laptop or notebook.

Just note that the bezels around the screen are a little thicker compared to other options here. Thin bezels are better for multi-monitor setups to minimize framing. That’s why it works better for displaying content from other gadgets, instead of a laptop external monitor.

Is it the brightest screen out there? No, 280-nit peak brightness, goes way beyond what others can offer. Color reproduction is not its strongest suit, though - it only covers 62% of the sRGB color space. Photographers and visual artists usually require anywhere between 70-90% coverage to get the optimal color accuracy.

The most impressive aspect of this device is its variety of inputs. You may not be getting the most vivid and accurate colors, but versatility is guaranteed. 

Overall, it’s our best portable monitor option for a mix of use cases. For the price of $220, you get a well-rounded display device that’s great for work and entertainment!

If you’re a hardcore player stepping out of your gaming desk, this ASUS portable display is for you. It has all the features you’d want from a player’s monitor. And they’re all packed in a slim and lightweight device! 

The ROG Strix XG17 is a compact 17-inch Full HD IPS display. Like most IPS panels, it provides a 178-degree viewing angle. It keeps the picture consistent even in skewed perspectives! Its high pixel density of 127 pixels per inch (PPI) also gives that widescreen view with razor-sharp details.

Color depth is one of its strongest assets. It covers 100% of the sRGB color space, which is a gift to designers and multimedia editors. 

But the highlight here has to be the 240 Hz refresh rate and ultra-fast 3ms response time. This is a rare feature for remote monitors, which puts the XG17 way above others. With this, you get stunning and consistent visuals all the way through. And there’s no hint of motion blur or smearing.

Plus with the Adaptive Sync technology, you can unleash a more fluid and tear-free performance for your gameplay.

If there’s a common weak spot for handheld displays, it’s the brightness level. This one, though, makes a great exception. At 300 nits of peak brightness, you can see all the details on your screen, both in high and low light. There’s just one negative we’ve spotted – under direct sunlight, it has a bit of a glare.

Now, connection options prove this ASUS monitor is indeed for remote accessibility. There are multiple inputs available, including: 

• Two USB-C ports
• One micro HDMI port
• Headphone jack
• Dual built-in loudspeakers

This allows you to hook up your gaming headset and other accessories. Yes, you can play in full gear remotely! 

And did we mention it’s equipped with the ASUS GamePlus tools, too? On your On-Screen Display, you can set custom crosshairs, timers, sniper targets, FPS counters, and more. 

And don’t worry about power consumption – it has a built-in battery that can last for three hours. It works like a tablet monitor, which is ultra-convenient.

Hands down, the best portable gaming monitor on the market. But also the most expensive, considering the chunky $499 price tag. But for the solid and high-speed specs, it can be a worthy purchase for gamers who love the outdoors.

How do you set up dual monitors anywhere you go? Easy – get your laptop a second screen that’s portable and functional. One great example would be the SideTrak Portable Monitor.

This 12.5-inch Full HD IPS display latches onto the side of your laptop for bigger screen space. It’s called SideTrak for a reason! It has adhesive metal plates that safely attach the device to your laptop’s rear. These have sliding tracks, so you can easily slip the device on and off the plates.

No, it won’t fall off. Aside from the strong magnetic latch, the tablet monitor is also super light. It only weighs 1.6 pounds with 0.7-inch thinness.

Once it’s up, you can rotate the device for up to 270 degrees. This gives you the freedom to adjust your view through simple rotations. It’s good for collaborations! If you’re presenting a project face-to-face with a client, you can just rotate the display all the way back for simultaneous viewing. This maneuver also makes it the closest you can get to a curved screen.

Landscape view, however, isn’t the only orientation you get on this portable flat screen. You can use it in portrait mode, too! Just place the same dual sliding tracks on the surface, and use it as a stand. This comes in handy when you feel like watching a video on your laptop while scrolling a page on the other.

Powering it is as simple as it gets – just a quick USB-C connection and you’re good to go. But keep in mind that you must download and install the free DisplayLink software. Through this, you’ll be able to connect the USB portable monitor with any Mac, Windows, or Chrome laptop!

Now.

Let’s talk about performance. 

While the IPS panel provides good visuals and viewing angles, it falls short on the brightness department. It’s noticeably dimmer compared to a standard laptop. Its 800:1 contrast ratio is okay, but if you’re looking for incredibly vivid colors, this might not suffice. 

That’s why this mini monitor would work better for office-related tasks. For this use case, yes, the $299.99 price tag is a little outrageous. But if we’re considering build quality and usability, you’re still getting good value for your money!

Working remotely shouldn’t stop you from boosting your productivity. A second screen for your laptop solves this, and the ViewSonic VG1655 is one of the top options.

The monitor features a 16-inch IPS panel with Full HD resolution. This panel type is known to display images in amazing clarity and wide viewing angles. The VG1655 is no exception. It has a 16:9 aspect ratio, which is great for using the device in both landscape and portrait modes. 

Design-wise, it’s the perfect mix of style and function. It weighs just under 1kg with a 0.6-inch thickness – almost like carrying a notepad! The frameless edges look neat and premium. But most importantly, it gives you an even bigger screen space. This is a huge plus for setting up dual monitors, where those huge bezels tend to become an eyesore.

Unlike a typical travel monitor that comes with a folio stand, this one has a built-in stand. It’s quick and easy, plus you can tilt it for better viewing positions. The only downside to this is that you’re not getting that extra protection from a smart cover.

The 60 Hz refresh rate is pretty standard, and it does provide crystal clear visuals. The 14 ms response time, however, makes the display highly prone to motion blur and tearing. Not a good sign for gamers and binge-watchers. If you’re into graphic design, you might easily pass on the 800:1 contrast ratio and 62% sRGB coverage. Color accuracy is a little on the low side.

But back to the good stuff, it’s a couple of nits brighter than most portable external monitors around here. It reaches up to 250 cd/m2 of brightness, which lets you see the screen clearly under a harsh light.

It offers versatile connectivity options, too. The monitor comes with dual USB-C ports for power and video, plus a mini HDMI port for extra flexibility. You also get a 3.5 mm jack for headphones or external speakers!

Overall, this portable USB monitor is a solid choice for mid-range users. The device costs $255.99, which is a little expensive but reasonably priced for the features.

If you’re traveling a lot, it pays to have a good portable screen with uncompromised performance and image quality. Take the GeChic 1503H Portable Monitor, for example.

Weighing in less than 1 kg and being 0.4 inches thick, you wouldn't think it packs all the great features to a standard display device. But it does, and it goes beyond. 

It features a 15.6-inch screen made of IPS panel. As expected, it provides a 170-degree wide-viewing angle, vertically and horizontally.

Like the best portable monitors we’ve listed, the resolution comes at Full HD 1080p with a 16:9 aspect ratio. That means it’s great for switching between landscape and portrait orientations. The picture stays consistent!

Reaching up to 301-peak nit brightness levels, you also won’t have problems using it as an outdoor computer monitor. In terms of color reproduction, the 1503H covers 76% of the SRGB color space. Good color accuracy, but not good enough for professional photo editing or graphic design. But it’s a good thing that its variety of OSD controls let you calibrate the color settings to your liking.

The included plastic cover is enough to protect the screen, but not so much the rear. A sleeve or smart cover would’ve made it more scratch-proof, especially since you’re taking it on the road. It doubles as a kickstand. Although it’s a little fumbly, it holds the portable display in place. You can even position the monitor upright in three different positions!

Connection options include a USB-C port, two mini HDMI ports, and a 3.5 mm headphone jack. To power up the screen, just simply connect it to the host device’s USB port. It’s a plug-n-play experience, which makes it a great extra monitor for a laptop. 

The rear HDMI port is also a great touch. Wirings can be annoying, and the port being positioned at the back keeps your cables well hidden. Yes to clean workstations!

All in all, the GeChic 1503H exceeds its capacity as a small monitor with these features. Design is not that great, especially with those thick bezels. But if you’re after the performance and picture quality, the $299.99 price tag is totally worth it!