With so much information at our fingertips on the internet, the ability that we have to work away from the office, and the many bits of software that we can use to aid our productivity – there just never seems to be enough space on our screens to display it all adequately. Clicking through different tabs or minimizing and maximizing windows really starts to get a little annoying after a while as we’re sure you agree.
When we’re at home we can easily combat this by simply buying more monitors and hooking them up to our devices so that we get improved desktop space. However, when we’re working away from the office or home office, that same problem returns once again. Apart from packing up some additional bulky monitors alongside our laptops, previously there wasn’t too much we could do about it.
That’s until technology finally got to a level where portable monitors could be developed. Now we’re able to pack away ultra-thin and lightweight monitors that have high resolutions, can be connected to multiple devices, and in many cases, need nothing more than a single cable that takes both the power and video input from a device.
Once you’ve done your work, of course, you’ll also be able to hook these babies up to your games console or computer of choice for a bit of finger-clicking gaming action too. Ultimately, these things are starting to become more a necessity rather than a luxury these days and we’ve gone and found 12 of the best portable monitors for you so that you don’t have to lift a finger. How’s that for instant productivity?
In terms of value for money there are some great portable monitors on our list but if we had to pick one, it’d have to be the AOC e1659Fwu 16” Portable Monitor. It’s large in size, has a good resolution, requires just one cable to use, has USB 3.0, and comes with a 3-year manufacturer’s warranty.
Our premium choice is that of the GeChic 1303i 13.3” 1080p Touchscreen Monitor which is not only the most expensive portable monitor on our list but also one of the very best in our opinion. It might not be a big-name brand but it has thousands of positive reviews.
We had a tough time picking our Editor’s Choice from such a great list of portable monitors but we just had to go for the ASUS ZenScreen 15.6″ 1080P Portable Monitor. Even though it’s a gamer dream monitor, we don’t think you will be able to ignore what it offers.
With a 15.6-inch IPS display, full high definition 1080p resolution of 1920 x 1080, and a lightweight and slim design, the Asus MB169B+ Portable Monitor is an excellent choice to kick of our reviews of the best portable monitors.
This is a mid-range portable monitor with regards to cost compared to the others on our list and we have to say that this price fits just about right. You’re getting a well-known brand in Asus and a portable USB monitor that not only looks stylish but also gives you stunning detail clarity. This is due to the 160°/160° viewing angles it provides, a contrast ratio of 700:1, and a 25ms response time.
We adore the lightweight design of the MB169B+ and you can tell that there has been a heavy focus of making it as portable as possible. It weighs just 1.76lbs is amazingly thin at just 8.5mm. This sleek design is topped off with a smart looking metallic finish that will leave your friends and colleagues drooling.
It’s powered by USB cable which is also where the video signal will come from which means you’ll essentially need just one cable to get the monitor up and running. USB is the only option that you’ll have for video input too as there are simply no other ports on this monitor – that said, this was probably done so that it could be this thin.
All in all, this is a fantastic portable monitor which is probably best used for work rather than gaming although it will perform more than well enough with the latter. It’s just that there are other portable monitors out there right now that are a better fit for you gamers out there.
GeChic might not be a name that many of you are familiar with but you’d be surprised at the reputation that this Taiwanese company has built up because of its range of quality portable monitors. The GeChic 1303i is basically everything that the Asus MB169B+ is not. Obviously, they are both designed with different focuses in mind with this one being about functionality rather than portability.
It is thicker but still thin at 10.4mm, is heavier but still light at 2lbs but offers far more in terms of ports and features. It’s still powered by USB but the video input signal can come either from USB, HDMI, MiniDisplay, or VGA. This gives you a lot more options in terms of the devices that you can connect it to other than that of a laptop.
It’s compatible with all laptops and desktop computers that run Windows, Linux, or MacOS while it’s also compatible to run on games consoles and smartphones too. Where this really differs from the previous portable external monitor is that it has a slightly smaller screen size of 13.3 inches but is also portable touch screen monitor. This means that just like a tablet or smartphone, you’ll be able to use touch mechanics as one form of input.
The above is probably one of the main reasons why this is the most expensive portable HDMI monitor on our list. That said, the reviews that the 1303i has combined with its excellent functionality and the wide range of devices it’s compatible with, really does make it well worth that price. You’ll not even need to worry about installing drivers as the 1303i is fully plug & play.
From one end of the price scale with the GeChic 1303i being our ‘Premium Choice’ comes our ‘Budget Choice’ in the AOC e1659Fwu 16-Inch Portable Computer Monitor. AOC has been making a bit of a name for themselves by bringing good quality monitors and portable monitors into the market that are of very good value and this is yet another in their range that follows suit.
Of course, for that price, you should not be expecting anything groundbreaking and should just accept that this is a good budget choice if you’re somebody that travels a lot that would be able to take advantage of being able to hook up a second monitor to a laptop that’s powered by Windows or Mac.
For the money, you’ll be getting a resolution of 1366 x 768 on a lightweight & streamlined portable monitor that weighs just 2.4 pounds and measures 22.86mm in thickness. The screen size is decent at 15.6 “ and the panel used is the cost-effective Twisted Nematic otherwise known as TM, which is found in many portable monitors.
One nice surprise is that it uses USB 3.0 which is not something that is common in a monitor that’s usually found in this price range. This will ensure that the monitor is able to get all of its power from the device that it’s connected to as well as it’s signal. Just one cable is needed which really aids the portability of the monitor as you can imagine.
While the AOC e1659Fwu might not come with the bells and whistles of some of the more premium models, it serves its primary purpose more than adequately and is covered by a solid three-year warranty.
If you’re like us, you’ll really admire the sleek, slender, and fantastically designed portable USB monitors that Asus are renowned for. They have a strong focus on the portable aspects of their monitors as you would have seen from our first monitor on this list and with this ZenScreen MB16AC 15.6” HD Portable Monitor, it’s seen at an even greater level.
It’s thinner and lighter than its predecessor at 7.62mm and 1.7lb respectively while it also retains its 15.6” full HD 1920 x 1080 resolution IPS paneled screen. Featuring auto-rotation on the screen which allows you to flip it between portrait and landscape instantly, this really is going to be the perfect companion when working on your travels.
All power and video transmission are received via a USB connection between the monitor and the laptop or computer it’s being used on and via an adapter, you’re able to choose between a Type-C or Type-A USB connection.
The Asus ZenScreen MB16AC ditches using the cheaper TN panel screen and instead uses the more expensive IPS panel which offers better color and viewing angles. That combined with the implemented Asus Eye Care technology and a crisp full high definition resolution ensures that the quality of the picture is very high.
The MB169B+ and this MB16AC are very similar in many respects but this just about edges out the former albeit at a bit extra in cost. Either would be suitable for most of you but if you have a few more dollars to spend, this is certainly worth taking a look at.
Now admittedly, we fully expect that most of you’ll be as unfamiliar with Elecrow as we were when we first tested their 13.3” FULL HD Dual HDMI Portable Monitor. However, we also think that you’ll be as equally surprised as we were after purchasing it. Available at an affordable price, you’re actually getting quite an impressive portable monitor that suits both working and gaming.
It’s actually pretty portable too while not being able to compete with some of the more highly priced monitors on our list. Not as thin as others, especially those from Asus, at 15mm, this is still a very portable monitor that can be packed away and carried with ease the next time that you’re traveling.
What we really like is the fact that you’re getting an IPS paneled portable monitor at such great value. Throw in the fact that it has a full 1080p HD resolution and you’re getting some real bang for the buck with this 13.3” portable external monitor. That IPS screen allows for improved coloring and viewing angles that you’d normally get from a monitor in this price range.
As for connectivity, this is done via HDMI but you will need to use either the packed 5V/2A power adapter or a USB cable to power the portable monitor. This really is the only drawback as you’ll need two cables for this monitor to work compared to just the one for many others on our list. That said, what’s an extra cable between friends – especially at this price? You do have two HDMI ports which do go some way to make up for this as you can have two devices connected to it at once.
Another big positive though is that this monitor is compatible games consoles, laptops, computers, and many other types of devices. Want quality at a budget price, you really do not have to look much further than this solid portable HDMI monitor.
Another great little option for you to consider is that of the UPERFECT 12.3” a small but highly portable touch screen monitor. This IPS-paneled monitor provides a good resolution of 1600 x 1200, aspect ratio of 4:3, and a contrast of 700:1 that will look great no matter which of the compatible devices that you choose to use it with.
One area where the UPERFECT really does stand out is through the many connectivity options that you have. You have ports for USB, HDMI, DVI, VGA, and also in and out audio ports. This is great if you wanted to use it in a more extensive setup or have a variety of devices with different connections that you wanted to use the monitor on.
On top of that, you, of course, have to factor in that the UPERFECT is a touchscreen monitor too. This means that whether you want to enjoy gaming on a console, use it as part of a Raspberry Pi setup, or for some standard office work on your computer, you’re going to be able to make use of touch controls to make your desired use that so much more efficient.
With the monitor, you’re shipped a HDMI cable, monitor stand, DC power cable, USB power cable, and of course, a handy manual that will take you through everything that you need to know about the monitor and what it can. If your budget is on the small size but you really need a value for money portable monitor, we’ve no problems recommending this one to you.
Designed for those of you that like your gaming to be more mobile, the Eviciv 10.8” Full HD Portable Gaming Monitor might be just what you’ve been looking for. Able to easily fit into a tablet pocket in a bag or case due to its size of 10.8 inches and a thickness of 8mm, this monitor can be packed away within seconds and will give you a high-quality high definition image of 1920 x 1080 whenever the need arises.
Plug & play so no drivers needed, this portable gaming monitor can be plugged into most gaming consoles including the PS2, PS3, PS4, Xbox 360, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch. Alternatively, this portable HDMI monitor is also able to be connected to laptops, and computers.
An IPS panel is what provides you with the high definition output and this will give you improved viewing angles, quality coloring, and 1000:1 contrast ratio. As for the ports on this bad boy, there is a type-c USB port for the power, two HDMI ports that’ll allow you to connect two consoles at once, and an audio out port.
Once delivered, your package will contain the monitor, a mini HDMI cable, a type-c power cable, and a 5V/2A adapter which plugs into your power socket. You’ll also be happy to hear that you’re given a lifetime warranty with this product – that alone should give you some peace of mind with regards to the quality.
WIMAXIT is another brand that will not be recognizable for many of you in the same way that it wasn’t for us but we have to say that we’ve been very impressed with it in pretty much all areas. It’s lightweight, has a nice and portable screen size of 15.6”, a 1920 x 1080 full definition IPS-paneled screen, and it is a touch screen monitor to boot.
Another key selling point is that while you have plenty of different setup configurations available to you if you like to work light when on your travels, you could just opt to use a single USB cable to both power and connect the device to your laptop. Sure, if you wanted to plug any HDMI sources into it, you have that option but it’s the flexibility that we love.
Functionality does not end there with the Wixamit either, as you can connect anything from computers, consoles, and even mobile devices such as tablets and smartphones to this portable monitor. Want to enjoy some remote gaming, you can, want to be able to work more efficiently and with less cabling, you can.
Summing up, this is a great portable monitor if you plan to use it in a variety of different ways. If you wanted a monitor aimed primarily at gaming or working there might be others out there that suit you better. However, this will cover all bases extremely well which when combined with its portability, a 1-year manufacturer’s warranty, and a crisp and clear high definition picture, makes this a very interesting portable monitor for you to consider.
The G-Story 17.3” HDR 1080p Portable Gaming Monitor is our ‘Editor’s Choice’ and while it has been designed with a big focus on gamers, we think that it’ll also standout for many of you that’s looking for a monitor for your mobile office as well. This is because it’s still lightweight, thin, and portable while offering you all the additional benefits in terms of clarity, picture, and resolution that the gamers will be enjoying.
For the gamers among you, features including AMD Radeon’s FreeSync which improves gaming performance, a 120Hz refresh rate, the 1ms response rate, and a special FPS/FTS game plus function are going to be what appeals to you over anything else. This has been designed specifically for gaming and whether you want it connected to a PC, laptop, or console, your experience is going to be in ultra-high quality.
You’re not confined to using this excellent monitor with computers or consoles either as tablets and smartphones can also connect using one of the dual HDMI ports.
Up there with some of the more upmarket and high-end portable monitors on our list is the Eleduino 15.6” Full HD Touchscreen Monitor. This will give you a 1920 x 1080 resolution IPS-paneled screen, multiple connectivity options, touchscreen capabilities, and the ability to connect to a multitude of devices.
The first thing you’ll notice when you unpack this beauty is just that, its beauty. It has a sleek design, is only 9.5mm thick, and has a lightweight but solid bezel made from aviation aluminum. This means that whiles it small and compact enough to be highly mobile, it’s also made from strong stuff which makes it highly durable as well.
Another little bonus is that along with the many cables shipped with this portable monitor (2 x USB, 1 x HDMI to Mini HDMI, and OTG cable), you’re also given a cover that also acts as a handy stand for the monitor.
Whether you want to connect to a PC, laptop, games console, or smartphone, we’re pretty sure that this portable monitor from Elduino is going to have you covered. It might be a little pricier compared to some on this list but it’s hard to argue the fact that this is a quality monitor.
Rocking up us the penultimate selection on our list is the excellent UPERFECT 10.1” 2K HDMI Portable Gaming Monitor. This is the only portable monitor on our list with a staggering 2560 x 1600 IPS display and this is what makes it so good to be used for gaming. Whether you own a PlayStation, Xbox, or Nintendo Switch, your gaming experience is not going to get as good as this from a portable monitor.
Powered by USB, this portable monitor has an ultra-slim design which allows it to have a thickness of 9.9mm and a weight of just 0.72lbs. This makes carrying it around extremely easy as it can simply slot into any tablet pocket in a bag or carry case. The price of this monitor is another big selling point as for the money, you’re not going to be able to find anything that matches it in terms of picture quality, resolution, and functionality.
Shipping with this UPERFECT monitor is a mini-HDMI cable, micro USB power cable, a power adapter, monitor stand, and a manual that will teach you how to set it all up and operate it. A 1-year warranty is also in place from the manufacturer and that combined with the many good reviews that we’ve read would indicate that this is a product that has a good build quality.
While mainly aimed at you gamers out there, this portable monitor can be used for other purposes too. It can be hooked up to Windows, Mac, and Linux computers without problem or you could even use it as a UAV monitor if you’re into your drones.
For most of you that work at home or the office, a lot of the time a single monitor is not enough and you’ll have an external monitor or two set up. This is to allow you to extend your desktop and have more screens to display what you want to see rather than being confined to a single screen with tabs.
Portable monitors are just that, more portable monitors – they’re monitors that you can pick up, pack easily, and take with you on your travels. Whether you travel a lot for work and want to have a multi-monitor setup for your laptop, or want to enjoy some gaming when on your vacation, a portable monitor is going to be of great help to you.
Traditional monitors are much bigger, are not really designed to be carried around, and will usually require an external power source, something that most portable monitors do not need as they get their power via a USB connection into the device they’re used on.
What Types of Portable Monitors are Available?
No portable monitor is the same as another and your choice is going to come down to what type you’re going to need. Do you want a type of portable monitor that is a certain size, weight, or thickness? How about one that has touchscreen capabilities? Perhaps the resolution or type of screen is an important factor for you?
All of the above and more will have to be considered, which is why our buying guide and review was written in the first place – so that you can find all of that information and more without lifting too many of your own fingers.
Types by Resolution
As most of you’ll know, screens come in different resolutions with the higher these resolutions comes to a sharper and clearing picture on the screen. This might not be overly important to you if you’re just going to be using the monitors for work but if you want to watch movies or play games, you’re going to want the highest resolution you can possibly get.
Types by Screen Size
You’ll be able to find portable monitors that range from as small as 10/1” to as large as 17.3% on our list and generally speaking, these should offer you more than enough without affecting their portability and functionality too much. Normal monitors will be bigger but these are not designed to be carried with you on your travels.
Types by Screen Types
Portable monitors can also be categorized in terms of the panels that they’re using. There are a number of different panel types that are used in LCD monitors with the most common being Twisted Nematic (TN), In-Plane Switching (IPS), and Vertical Alignment (VA).
Each of these will have their own benefits and without going into much detail, TN are the cheapest and best for gaming, IPS have better viewing angles and colors, and VA has better contrast and image depth. So, with that in mind, if you’re going to be making presentations you might want the better viewing angles of IPS or if some gaming is going to be your main use for a portable monitor, TN might be the best option.
Touchscreen
If you prefer to have touchscreen capabilities on your portable monitor, you’ll be happy to hear that there are plenty of them out there for you to choose from. These will give you the ability to operate your computer or device through touch rather than through other input devices. Many of these monitors will provide 10-point touch capabilities which mean you’ll be able to use all the same tapping, swiping, and all the other commands that you can do on your tablets and smartphones.
What to Look for When Buying a Portable Monitor for Your Laptop or Computer?
The first thing to consider is exactly what it is that you’re going to be doing on your laptop or computer. If you’re simply working, you’re going to be more interested in its portability, connectivity options, and durability. On the other hand, if you want a high resolution to play games or watch movies, this is going to be high on your priority list.
Something else you’ll want to consider for a portable monitor for your laptop or computer is whether or not it’ll actually run on your operating system. Not all monitors are designed to work on all systems, so always make sure your one will be compatible before buying.
What to Look for When Buying a Portable Gaming Monitor?
If you’re buying a portable monitor specifically for gaming, the first thing you should be looking for is a high resolution. You’ll want at least full HD 1080p but if you can find a monitor that fits your budget with even higher, even better!
As well as the resolution, you’ll also want a portable monitor for gaming that gives you plenty of connectivity options. HDMI will be a must for any consoles and computers but you’ll also want to be able to plug in external speakers as most portable monitor built-in speakers suck a bit in this regard. If it’s mobile games you want to play, you’ll need to make sure that you can connect your monitor to your tablet or smartphone.
After that, your considerations will come down to what else you want. Do you want as large a screen as possible? How about the type of paneling used for that screen? You might even want a monitor that only requires one cable to operate.
Conclusion
So, did you find a monitor among that lot that you think could be a perfect fit for what you need?
If yes, great, if no, go back and look again as we’re sure you missed it. Jokes aside, we’re pretty confident that we have provided an extensive list that offers plenty of variety in terms of what you might need or the budget that you might have. Whether you’re looking for the best portable monitor for a laptop or for your consoles, tablets, or smartphones, any of the above will be worth consideration.
Just be sure to know what it is that you’re going to need from your monitor and what you’re going to be using it for before ultimately making a decision.
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