When it comes to your personal or work interface, having two monitors is always better. It simply helps you visualize, compare, and contrast everything that you are working on.
But not all work can be done on your home desktop; sometimes you need to be mobile and work with your laptop.
However, just because you’re working on the go doesn’t mean that you should stop having dual screens. You can take advantage of dual displays with portable monitors!
Here is a list of the best portable monitors currently available for work, gaming and other purposes.
Type | Monitor | Size | Resolution | Panel | Ports | Weight | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Best Budget Portable Monitors | 15.6” | 1920x1080 | IPS | USB 3.0 | 2.64 lbs | ||
15.6” | 1920x1080 | IPS | 2x USB-C, mini HDMI | 1.7 lbs | |||
Best Mid-Range Portable Monitors | 16.1” | 1920x1080 144Hz | IPS | 2x USB-C, mini HDMI | 1.7 lbs | ||
15.6” | 1920x1080 | IPS | USB-C, micro HDMI, built-in battery | 1.90 lbs | |||
14” | 1920x1080 | IPS | USB-C, mini HDMI | 1.50 lbs | |||
Best High-End Portable Monitors | 17.3” | 1920x1080 240Hz | IPS | 2x USB-C, micro HDMI | 2.34 lbs | ||
15.6” | 1920x1080 | OLED | 2x USB-C, mini HDMI | 1.60 lbs |
As you can see, there are quite a lot of portable monitors to choose from. They don’t only differ in screen size but also by panel type, resolution, connectivity options, and many more aspects.
That’s why you should follow our tips and guidelines to ensure you’re getting the best portable monitor for your needs.
Some of these displays are more handy than others; some are faster, and some have more features. We’ll provide you with all the information you need about each portable monitor!
If you want to view our changelogs for this particular buying guide, you can do so at the end of this article.
Best Budget Portable Monitors
Looking for the best bang for the buck portable monitor? In this category, you will find the most reliable and cost-efficient portable monitors.
AOC I1659FWUX
Best Portable Monitor For ~$100
Size: 15.6”
Resolution: 1920×1080
Panel: IPS
Ports: USB 3.0
Weight: 2.64 lbs
The Pros:
- Inexpensive
- Bright and crisp image quality
- Quick response time
- Wide viewing angles
The Cons:
- Bulky design
About The Monitor
If you want a good portable monitor for around $100, the AOC I1659FWUX offers the best value for the money and we don’t think you should get anything cheaper than this.
Image Quality
The AOC I1659FWUX portable USB display has a resolution of 1920×1080 (1080p), which will on its 15.6″ screen still provide you with crisp image quality due to the decent pixel density of 141 PPI (pixels per inch).
Moreover, if you have a weaker laptop, the lower resolution will be easier on its CPU and GPU.
With a peak brightness of 220-nits and a solid contrast ratio of 700:1, you get a bright picture quality with vivid details, no matter whether you’re working or gaming.
The IPS panel also provides you with 160° wide viewing angles, meaning that the image will remain consistent regardless of the angle you’re looking at the screen.
This AOC portable monitor offers a quick 5ms response time speed and a 60Hz refresh rate, which makes for responsive gameplay without visible trailing or ghosting of fast-moving objects.
Design & Connectivity
Moving on, the AOC I1659FWUX has a foldable stand, so it’s easy for transportation, and you can easily place it in either a portrait or landscape position. It supports auto-pivot, so the screen will automatically adjust according to the orientation of the monitor.
Using the exclusive DisplayLink software, you can connect additional USB monitors to the laptop for a multi-screen setup.
Turning to the connectivity, there’s a single USB 3.0 port for both power and audio/video signal. The power consumption amounts to less than 8W.
The AOC I1659FWUX weighs only 2.64 lbs (1.2 kg) and has a 75x75mm VESA pattern for a third-party stand. The monitor’s dimensions are 14.64″ x 9.16″ x 1.40″ (372mm x 232mm x 35mm).
Alternatives
In case you’re looking for the cheapest portable monitor, you should get or save up for the AOC I1659FWUX.
However, nowadays, you can get an excellent 1080p IPS portable monitor with additional features, connectivity options (USB-C, mini-HDMI, audio, etc.) and sleek design for just around $130, so we highly recommend investing in the following display instead.
Arzopa S1
Best Budget Portable Monitor
Size: 15.6”
Resolution: 1920×1080
Panel: IPS
Ports: 2x USB-C, mini HDMI, audio
Weight: 1.7 lbs
The Pros:
- Excellent value for the price
- Vibrant colors, wide viewing angles
- 1920×1080 screen resolution
- Rich connectivity options
The Cons:
- None
About The Monitor
If you want to kick it up a notch, for an extra ~$30, you can get the Arzopa S1 1080p IPS portable monitor with USB-C, mini HDMI, thin design and built-in speakers.
Image Quality
The IPS panel of the Arzopa S1 Full HD portable monitor offers wide viewing angles, which ensure that the picture will remain vibrant no matter the angle you’re looking at it.
It also boosts the monitor’s peak brightness to 300-nits and the contrast ratio to 1000:1 in comparison to the previous AOC monitor.
With a pixel density of 141 pixels per inch, which is more than enough for a display of this size, you get stunning detail clarity and plenty of screen space.
Check out our full Arzopa S1 Table review for more details.
Design & Connectivity
The Arzopa S1 is almost half the weight of the previously-mentioned AOC model at just 1.7 lbs (770g). It’s also significantly slimmer.
Connectivity options are abundant and include two USB-C ports (one for power, one for data/video/audio), mini HDMI and dual integrated speakers. So, you can easily pair the monitor with a smartphone, console, or PC.
Best Mid-Range Portable Monitors
Willing to spend over $200 on a portable monitor? The following displays will provide you with various bells and whistles for a higher price.
Arzopa Z1FC
Best Value Portable Gaming Monitor
Size: 16.1”
Resolution: 1920×1080 144Hz
Panel: IPS
Ports: 2x USB-C, mini-HDMI
Weight: 1.7 lbs
The Pros:
- 144Hz
- Vibrant colors, wide viewing angles
- 1920×1080 screen resolution
- Rich connectivity options
- HDR
The Cons:
- None
About The Monitor
Want a portable monitor that’s great for gaming? Look no further than the Arzopa Z1FC.
Image Quality
The Arzopa Z1FC has a slightly larger 16.1 screen than the usual 15.6″ models, but you still keep a high pixel density (136.83 PPI).
Further, the monitor uses an IPS panel that covers the entire sRGB color space, has a decent 1200:1 contrast ratio, a 300-nits peak brightness, wide viewing angles and even supports HDR!
Its main feature is the high 144Hz refresh rate that provides you with significantly smoother motion clarity in comparison to 60Hz!
Design & Connectivity
The stand of the monitor is sturdy and offers a ~80° tilt adjustment.
There are two 1W integrated speakers, two USB-C ports (only one with data and display, both with power delivery), a headphone jack and a mini-HDMI port.
ASUS MB16AHP
Portable Monitor With Integrated Battery
Size: 15.6”
Resolution: 1920×1080
Panel: IPS
Ports: USB-C, micro HDMI, built-in battery
Weight: 1.90lbs
The Pros:
- Wide viewing angles
- 1920×1080 screen resolution
- Integrated battery
The Cons:
- Not accurate enough colors for color-critical work
About The Monitor
If you’re looking for a portable monitor with an integrated battery, the ASUS MB16AHP is the cheapest model that’s actually good! The built-in battery comes at a cost though.
Image Quality
Based on the standard 15.6″ 1080p IPS panel with a 220-nit peak brightness, 60Hz, 5ms response time, 178° wide viewing angles and a contrast ratio of 700:1, you can expect a decent image quality.
At 100% brightness, the 7800mAh battery can last up to 4 hours, so you can squeeze a bit over that if you lower the brightness setting.
Design & Connectivity
The ASUS MB16AHP comes with a magnetic case as well as the ZenScreen pen that can be used as the stand when put through the hole on the bottom bezel of the screen.
Despite having an integrated battery, it’s still lightweight at 1.9 lbs, while the design is slim and has thin bezels.
Connectivity options include USB-C, micro HDMI and dual 1W integrated speakers.
Alternatives
ASUS also offers a touch-screen version of this portable monitor with the same specifications (including the 7800mAh battery) called the ASUS ZenScreen MB16AMT for $50 extra.
SideTrak Swivel
Attachable Portable Monitor
Size: 14”
Resolution: 1920×1080
Panel: IPS
Ports: USB-C, mini HDMI
Weight: 1.50 lbs
The Pros:
- Vibrant colors, wide viewing angles
- 1920×1080 screen resolution
- Rich connectivity options
- Unique design
The Cons:
- Expensive
About The Monitor
Looking for something a bit different and more practical? Check out the SideTrak Swivel, a portable monitor that you simply attach to your laptop!
Image Quality
This 14″ IPS portable display has a Full HD resolution, resulting in a tad higher pixel density of 157 PPI in comparison to the 15.6″ sized models, so you get slightly sharper details.
Other specifications include 178° wide viewing angles, a 250-nit peak brightness, a 1,000:1 contrast ratio and a 60Hz refresh rate.
The specified 25ms/30ms response time speed doesn’t imply gray-to-gray pixel transition, so it’s not comparable to the 5ms GtG or 8ms GtG measure of the other monitors included in this guide. On balance, there’s no prominent trailing visible behind fast-moving objects on the SideTrak Swivel, so you have nothing to worry about.
Design & Connectivity
The main selling point of this portable monitor is, of course, the fact that you can effortlessly attach it to a laptop via an adhesive steel plate and a mounting frame.
The hinge mechanism is also quite versatile, allowing you to rotate the screen by 270° and swivel by 360°. It can be attached to either side of a laptop, but if you want to mount it on the left side, the screen needs to be rotated upside down.
Further, the monitor weighs only 1.5 lbs and offers a USB-C port and a mini HDMI input.
Alternatives
- Teamgee S2
- SideTrak Swivel 12.5″ – A smaller 12.5″ version of the monitor
- OFiyaa P2 – two 11.6″ 1080p IPS attachable portable displays for ~$400
Best High-End Portable Monitors
Want the absolute best portable monitor? Take your gaming or work with you without any compromises when it comes to image quality or performance with these models!
ASUS XG17AHPE
Portable 240Hz Monitor For Hardcore Gamers
Size: 17.3”
Resolution: 1920×1080 240Hz
Panel: IPS
Ports: 2x USB-C, micro-HDMI
Weight: 2.34 lbs
The Pros:
- 240Hz
- Vibrant colors, wide viewing angles
- 1920×1080 screen resolution
- Rich connectivity options
- Built-in battery
The Cons:
- Expensive
About The Monitor
If you want the absolute best portable monitor for competitive gaming, there’s the ASUS ROG Strix XG17AHPE.
Image Quality
This portable display boasts a rapid 240Hz refresh rate for those who don’t want to waste a single millisecond while gaming on the go, away from their main gaming machines.
Now, the difference between 144Hz of the Arzopa Z1FC and 240Hz of the ASUS XG17 is not nearly as noticeable as going to 120Hz+ from 60Hz.
So, unless you’re a really hardcore or professional FPS gamer, the Arzopa Z1FC will do just fine.
Moving on, the ASUS XG17AHPE features a 17.3″ 1080p IPS panel with wide viewing angles, a static contrast ratio of 1,000:1, a 300-nit peak brightness, and a 100% sRGB color gamut.
It also supports AMD FreeSync (and G-SYNC Compatible via USB-C/DP) with a 48-240Hz dynamic refresh rate range.
Design & Connectivity
The design of the monitor is slim and lightweight while the connectivity options consist of a mini-HDMI port, two USB-C ports (both for power, only one with USB-C DisplayPort Alternate Mode), a headphone jack and integrated speakers.
Further, the XG17AHP features an integrated 7800 mAh battery, which can get you 3.5 hours of 240Hz gameplay! It also charges very quickly – up to 60% in just one hour.
Besides the necessary cables and the monitor, you also get a bag and a smart cover. You can also get a model that comes with the ROG height-adjustable tripod, the ASUS XG17AHP.
Innocn 15A1F
Best Value OLED Portable Monitor
Size: 15.6”
Resolution: 1920×1080
Panel: OLED
Ports: 2x USB-C, mini HDMI
Weight: 1.6 lbs
The Pros:
- Wide color gamut and viewing angles
- 4K UHD resolution
- Infinite contrast ratio
- Quick response time speed
- Rich connectivity options, built-in battery
The Cons:
- None
About The Monitor
Want a portable monitor with an OLED panel for amazing image quality? The Innocn 15A1F is definitely the best model for the money!
Image Quality
The main advantage of OLED panels is the infinite contrast ratio as each individual pixel can be completely switched off for true deep blacks.
Further, the Innocn 15A1F has a wide 100% DCI-P3 and 99% Adobe RGB color gamut for vibrant and lifelike colors and since it’s factory-calibrated, you can use it for professional color-critical work.
Next, it has a peak brightness of 400-nits and 10-bit color depth support, while the 1080p resolution ensures crisp details due to the high pixel density.
The Innocn 15A1F portable monitor will definitely give your main desktop monitor, even if it’s a much more expensive one, a run for its money.
Another big advantage of OLED displays is the instantaneous pixel response time speed of <1ms GtG, ensuring a smooth fast-paced gaming experience with no ghosting.
Check out our full Innocn 15A1F review for more information.
Design & Connectivity
The monitor is extremely slim (0.2″) and lightweight (1.6 lbs). Connectivity options include two USB-C ports, mini HDMI and integrated speakers.
Alternatives
- Innocn 13A1F – 13″ model
- Innocn 15K1F – sRGB/Adobe RGB color gamut clamps, but no HDR support. Slightly different design
- ASUS ZenScreen MQ13AH, MQ16AH – more premium models by ASUS, based on the same panel
Conclusion
Found the perfect portable monitor for you? If you have any questions, feel free to leave them below.
Overall, Arzopa’s models offer exceptional value for the money, whether you just need the Arzopa S1 for basic use or the Arzopa Z1FC for gaming.
For color-critical work and more immersive content consumption, we recommend the Innocn 15A1F with an OLED panel.
Updates +
- November 20, 2023:
– Replaced the AOC E1659FWU with the AOC I1659FWUX, the G-Story GSW56FM with the Arzopa S1 and the G-Story GSV56QM with the Arzopa Z1FC.
– Removed the G-Story GSV56UT and the Innocn PU15-PRE. - November 24, 2022:
– Added the Arzopa G1 and the Innocn 15A1F. - November 25, 2021:
– Checked up on the guide to ensure that our picks are still the best options available. - September 28, 2021:
– Revamped the guide completely to include the best models.