Portable monitors provide extra screen space for improved productivity when working remotely or on the go. With travel opening up again post-pandemic, having a portable monitor helps transform any workspace into an efficient office setup.
I tested and reviewed over a dozen top-rated portable displays to provide buying recommendations based on performance, features and budget.
What Are Portable Monitors and Why Do You Need One?
A portable monitor is a slim, lightweight secondary display that connects to your laptop to increase your screen real estate. It‘s powered either via USB from your computer or an internal battery.
Here are some of the benefits of having a portable screen:
Increased Productivity: View more applications at once instead of tabbing back and forth. For example, reference notes on one screen while writing an article on the other.
Better Ergonomics: Position the second screen at eye-level to avoid neck strain from constantly looking down at a laptop.
Presentations on the Go: Show slides, photos, videos and other media to clients without crowding around a 13-inch screen.
Entertainment Center: Turn any room into a entertainment zone by connecting consoles, streaming sticks and other devices.
So if you often work remotely or want more flexibility in your mobile setup, then a portable display deserves a spot in your gear bag.
Key Features of Portable Monitors
Here are some key specifications and capabilities to consider when choosing a travel monitor:
Screen Size: Portable displays come in sizes ranging from 10 to 17 inches. The ideal size comes down to your personal needs. Larger screens provide more real estate but aren‘t as portable.
Resolution: Look for a minimum of Full HD 1920 x 1080 resolution for sharp images and text. QHD and 4K UHD are better for graphics work. Match your laptop‘s native resolution when possible.
Aspect Ratio: Most portable monitors have a widescreen 16:9 ratio that‘s suitable for videos and gaming. A taller 3:2 or 16:10 ratio works better for scrolling websites and documents.
Weight: Lightweight is the name of the game with portable monitors. Look for slim, compact displays less than 2 pounds for travel. Some come with smart cases that double as a stand.
Connectivity: Portable displays connect to laptops via USB-C, Mini HDMI or DisplayPort Alt Mode. USB-C with power delivery is most convenient as a single cable handles both video and power.
Touchscreen: Touch displays enhance functionality but draw more power. Only essential if you plan to use drawing apps or need a tablet-like experience.
Battery Life: Monitors with built-in batteries are ideal for use away from outlets. However, expect only 2 to 5 hours of runtime for most portable displays before needing USB power.
Top 6 Portable Monitors Recommended
After extensive testing of 14 leading portable USB monitors, here are my top picks across various categories:
Overall Best Portable Monitor: ASUS ZenScreen MB16ACV
Key Specs:
- 15.6-inch Full HD IPS Display
- 1080P Resolution
- Hybrid signal solution for USB Type-C and Type-A
- Flicker-free, low blue light technologies
- Smart case with adjustable stand
The ASUS ZenScreen MB16ACV strikes the ideal balance of image quality, portability and features. It uses an IPS panel for rich colors and wide 178-degree viewing angles. Proprietary ASUS Eye Care technology also reduces eye fatigue.
This USB monitor connects and draws power through a reversible USB-C port. That means one cable for both video and power. The included smart case provides adjustable stand positions.
At just 1.76 pounds and 8mm thin, the sleek ZenScreen slips easily into any bag or backpack. It‘s compatible with Windows, Macs, Android phones and even gaming consoles.
If you want a very portable Full HD screen with eye care tech, the MB16ACV is a stellar choice. The only downside is the lack of a built-in battery for cord-free use.
Best Portable Monitor for Gaming: ViewSonic VG1755
Key Specs:
- 17-inch IPS Display
- Full HD 1080P Resolution
- 144Hz Refresh Rate / 3ms Response Time
- AMD FreeSync Premium Adaptive Sync
- 170° viewing angles
- Dual integrated speakers
Gamers need responsiveness, fluid visuals and low lag times from their displays. The ViewSonic VG1755 delivers superb gaming performance in a thin, lightweight shell.
It has an extremely fast 144Hz refresh rate and 3ms response time. That means silky smooth frame rates and pixel response for competitive online multiplayer.
The monitor also supports AMD FreeSync Premium for artifact-free gameplay by syncing the refresh rate with your GPU‘s. This prevents screen tearing and stuttering during fast-paced scenes.
Connect your laptop, PC or gaming console via micro-HDMI or USB-C video transmission. Dual built-in speakers complete the package for a phenomenal gaming experience anywhere.
Best Budget Portable Display: Lepow 15.6-Inch Full HD
Key Specs:
- 15.6-inch IPS Display
- 1920 x 1080 Full HD resolution
- 178° viewing angles
- Anti-glare matte finish
- Built-in dual speakers
- Micro HDMI & USB-C input
- Foldable smart case stand
Want an affordable extra screen for basic productivity on the go? The Lepow 15.6-inch monitor gives you crisp 1080p visuals at a reasonable price.
It uses a vibrant IPS screen with accurate color reproduction and visibility even at wide angles. The anti-glare matte coating helps reduce reflections in bright environments.
Lepow‘s smart case props up the screen and lets it fold down neatly for storage. It connects via USB-C or Micro HDMI ports with included cables. There are also built-in speakers, allowing you to transform any space into an entertainment hub.
While the Lepow misses out on some premium features, it nails the basics. For less than $200, it‘s a fantastic portable monitor that will supercharge any mobile setup.
Best Portable Touch Screen Monitor: ASUS ZenScreen Touch MB16AMT
Key Specs:
- 15.6-inch IPS FHD touch display
- 1080p resolution
- Capacitive 10-point touchscreen
- 7800 mAh built-in battery
- Micro-HDMI and USB-C connectivity
- 8mm thin / 2 lbs. weight
For artists, graphic designers and content creators needing a touchscreen, the ASUS ZenScreen Touch MB16AMT is perfect.
It builds upon theMB16ACV model with the addition of capacitive touch technology. The highly responsive 10-point touchscreen lets you draw, design, annotate and navigate intuitively.
The IPS panel renders accurate colors with wide viewing angles while ASUS Eye Care protects you from blue light. A large 7800 mAh battery delivers up to four hours of portable operation.
At just 8mm thin and 2 pounds, the metal-framed ASUS ZenScreen Touch matches ultraportable laptops. If you need robust touchscreen functionality in a monitor that moves with you, this display can’t be beaten.
Best Portable 4K Gaming Monitor: ASUS ROG Strix XG17AHP
Key Specs:
- 17.3-inch 4K UHD Display
- 3840 x 2160 Resolution
- 240Hz Refresh Rate + Extreme Low Motion Blur Sync
- USB-C with 90W Power Delivery
- Smart cover tripod stand
- 7800 mAh Battery
For top-tier gaming performance in an ultra-mobile form, only the ASUS XG17AHP fits the bill. It packs a gorgeous 17.3-inch 4K IPS screen into a super-slim 8.7mm chassis.
With an insane 240Hz refresh rate, blazing fast response time and Motion Blur Sync, gameplay feels astoundingly fluid. This level of speed previously required much larger desktop displays.
It supports HDR-10 content to boot. You can connect your phone, tablet, Nintendo Switch or other devices via USB-C. There‘s also a Micro HDMI port and 7800 mAh battery for up to 3 hours portable play.
If money is no object in your quest for a lightning-fast 4K gaming monitor, the ASUS ROG Strix XG17AHP blows away all competitors.
Best Triple Portable Monitor: Mobile Pixels TRIO MAX
Key Specs:
- 3 x 12.5-inch Full HD 1080p displays
- Patented 270-degree extension arm stand
- USB-C Laptop / USB-A Legacy connectivity
- Low blue light & flicker-free tech
- Total weight 4.3 lbs.
Sometimes one additional screen isn‘t enough. Power users can unlock next-level productivity with the ingenious triple portable monitor solution from Mobile Pixels.
Their Trio Max kit includes three matte 12.5-inch IPS screens, each with 1080p resolution. You can spread work across all monitors or dedicate specific tasks per screen.
The displays connect together in a triangle shape using an adjustable arm. It can extend, contract and rotate 270 degrees to achieve the perfect viewing angle. This lets you show presentations to groups, work ergonomically or game immersively.
The Trio Max works seamlessly thanks to automatic source detection. Just plug in one USB-C or USB-A cable from your laptop to get started. At 4.3 pounds total weight, it‘s phenomenally portable triple monitor bliss.
What To Consider When Buying A Portable Display
Follow this handy checklist when evaluating and choosing a portable monitor for your needs:
- Resolution – Look for Full HD 1080p or higher for clear sharp visuals
- Screen Size – 15 to 17 inches is the sweet spot; ultraportables have 11 to 13-inch displays
- Aspect Ratio – Wider 16:9 better for video, narrower 16:10 good for reading
- Brightness – 250 to 300 cd/m2 is decent; 500 cd/m2 works well outdoors
- Refresh Rate – 60Hz fine for work, 100+ Hz for gaming
- Weight – Sub-2 lbs ideal for frequent travel
- Battery life – Built-in batteries enable use anywhere from 2 to 5 hours
- Ergonomics – Adjustable stands important for neck comfort
- Protection – Smart cases that cover the screen prevent scratches
- Portability – Thinner panels around 10mm slip easily into bags
- Connectivity – USB-C most convenient, followed by Mini HDMI
- Warranty – 1+ years of coverage provide peace of mind
- Price – Set realistic budget; quality portable displays run $150 to $300
Tips For Using a Portable Monitor
Once you’ve selected the perfect portable monitor, here are my top tips for setup and usage:
Extend Your Display
In Windows, head to Display Settings > Multiple Displays and choose “Extend these displays” to span programs across monitors.
Match Orientation
Align portable monitor orientation (landscape vs. portrait) to match laptop screen.
Ergonomic Position
Place external display directly in front with laptop screen tilted back to prevent neck strain.
Keep It Steady
Set portable monitor on a stable surface or stack books on either side to avoid wobbling.
Carry Protective Case
Use monitor‘s smart case or bring your own carrying pouch to prevent display damage.
Bring Backup Cables
Pack mini-HDMI and USB-C cables so you’re covered for any laptop port combination.
Enable Auto-Rotate
Switch on auto-rotate in Display Settings if tweaking screen orientation frequently. Makes it easy to go from landscape to portrait mode.
Adjust Brightness
Crank up brightness when working in sunny environments to maintain visibility.
Utilize App Snapping
Snap app windows left or right across screens for efficient multitasking.
Conclusion
Adding a portable USB monitor to your mobile kit makes working and gaming on the go more manageable. You gain extra real estate for your open apps while avoiding endless tabbing that destroys productivity.
Hopefully these portable display recommendations and buying considerations help you choose the perfect travel monitor companion for your needs and budget! Let me know in the comments if you have any other questions.
