The Best Portable Monitors
Once you use a multi-screen setup, it's hard to go back. With twice the monitors comes twice as much screen space for documents, emails, videos, and everything else. That's why we love portable monitors, which let you take the extra screen with you when you're out and about. We've done the research and found some of the best models of portable monitors on the market to point you in the right direction.
What to Look For
In searching for the best portable monitors, we asked some key questions: Does it include a battery? Does it have touchscreen compatibility? Does it have a high-def and colorful screen? Does it connect to devices via HDMI, USB-C, or something else? For example, the ASUS ROG Strix monitor includes a high-capacity battery, so it works nicely for energy-intensive gaming sessions. Meanwhile, the ZenScreen from ASUS is our first choice for touchscreen capabilities thanks to its accurate responsiveness and plug-and-play functionality. We’ve reviewed the top-of-the-line options, so keep reading as we delve into the specifics.
Lepow 15.6-Inch FHD External IPS Display
The smart way to work
For our top portable monitor, we chose the Lepow 15.6-inch display because of its slim profile, crisp IPS screen, and wide viewing angle. We appreciate that it works with both HDMI and USB-C since not all devices are up-to-date with the latest inputs. Plus, it’s a plug-and-play monitor, so you won’t have to manually install any drivers for it to work. Just connect it to your laptop, tablet, or phone and you’ll be good to go.
Pros:
- Because of its slimness, this is the perfect monitor to add to your backpack with your laptop without adding bulk.
- While this monitor doesn’t include a built-in battery, you can use a PD power bank to supply power. You can also use a wall adapter or your computer’s USB power.
- Lepow includes a nifty screen protector to prevent scratches. We suggest installing it immediately so the screen underneath remains pristine.
Cons:
- Though perfectly functional, the wheel for adjusting brightness and other settings can be a bit finicky.
KYY 15.6-inch FHD Portable Laptop Monitor
Crisp colors for clarity
Two screens are better than one, and now you can have a multiple monitor setup anywhere you go. With the KYY 15.6-inch portable monitor, you can connect it to your laptop or tablet for a large extra screen with beautiful contrast, colors, and brightness to boot. You can use either HDMI or USB-C. And if your device supports powered USB-C output, it can double as power for the monitor. Otherwise, you can use a wall adapter or PD power supply. The included smart folio comes in handy to protect the screen and prop it up.
Pros:
- This is truly plug-and-play, so you don’t have to install drivers or a program to use this. It also comes with a couple of cables to get you plugged in right away.
- The large viewing angle lets you position this monitor at different vantage points, depending on your desk setup. Better yet, the screen quality won’t be sacrificed if viewed from an angle.
Cons:
- You may need an adapter for older phones for Lightning to HDMI or USB-C video output.
SideTrak Swivel 14-Inch Attachable Portable Monitor
Expand without the stand
Setting up a second monitor usually requires additional desk space, but not with this attachable display from SideTrack. It snaps onto either side of your laptop, providing 14 inches of crisp images, all without a stand. It’s the perfect way to double your monitors for those that like to use their laptops on their laps. It works equally well with Windows and Apple laptops, and it can even work with tablets and phones. This monitor includes a kickstand, too, so you can use it on a desk separate from your device. To power the device, you can use your laptop’s USB outputs, a wall adapter, or a PD power bank (not included).
Pros:
- The hinge lets you flip the monitor completely over, making this a great tool for teaching and presenting. The wide viewing angle makes it easy to see from multiple viewpoints.
- The magnetic attachment connects securely. Unlike other similar products, this screen won’t slip or fall due to the powerful magnetic force.
Cons:
- If your laptop has a weak hinge for its screen, this may be too heavy to attach directly.
ASUS ZenScreen MB16AMT 15.6-Inch Touchscreen Monitor
Ditch the mouse
If you’re looking to supplement your tablet with an extra screen that’s touch-compatible, the ZenScreen from ASUS is your answer. The screen itself boasts a large 15.6-inch IPS display with beautiful colors, and it works well for work, movies, and gaming. If you already have a good phone, this screen can essentially turn your phone into a large tablet. The included smart folio bundled together alone makes this worth the price. Oh, and did we mention it has a built-in battery and 20-point touch functionality? Anything you can do on an Apple or Android touchscreen device can be done on the ZenScreen.
Pros:
- We love the small hole in the corner that lets you use a pen as the kickstand — it’s an ingenious little touch that indicates the thought put into designing this device.
- The colors are top-notch, not washed out or faded, and the screen is so bright you might need to turn it down if used late at night.
- When connected to a Macbook Pro, the colors match up and the quality of the screen compares favorably to the Macbook’s screen — there’s no blurring or ghosting when gaming, for example.
- This screen is so lightweight that you can attach it to a laptop screen with a magnetic mount. Its lightness makes this the perfect monitor for traveling, too.
Cons:
- A monitor such as this one is a bit on the pricier side due to the extra features.
ASUS ROG Strix 15.6-Inch FHD Portable Gaming Monitor
Game on the go
The perfect second screen for laptop gamers has arrived, and it’s this portable monitor from Asus’ ROG Strix line. The specs speak for themselves, with a whopping 144Hz, 3ms response rate, G-sync compatibility, and a high-capacity built-in battery. Now those are features we can get behind, especially for action-packed games. The sleek aluminum build feels sturdy, yet lightweight. The bezels are thin enough to become almost unnoticeable. The speakers, while not very loud, work great in a pinch for watching some media.
Pros:
- The colors on this screen come pre-calibrated, so they’ll look similar to high-end screens. There are also multiple customization options available for fine-tuning the image.
- The fast refresh rate and low response time reduce blurring and ghosting. This allows for more precise gameplay.
Cons:
- There’s a tripod available, but it’s sold separately or as part of a bundle.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a PD power bank?
PD stands for power delivery and is essentially a charging specification that says a charger can output to fast-charging devices. PD means the charging device communicates with the power supply or battery pack, telling it which voltage to use. This allows for the best power output across a range of devices, like portable monitors.
What are response rate and refresh time?
Refresh rate refers to the number of images a monitor can display every second, so a 60Hz refresh rate means it outputs 60 images each second. Response rate refers to how quickly the pixels change from one color to another. Faster refresh rates and response times mean smoother images without blurring.
About the Author
Why Trust Us
With the constantly shifting landscape in the world of technology, GameRevolution seeks to provide gamers and tech-enthusiasts with the information they need to select the right products for their needs. Since 1996, our experts have used their knowledge on all the latest gadgets – everything from headphones to standing desks – to help millions of people navigate specs and answer common questions.