Almost all our devices are more portable than ever, but our monitors tend to stick where they are. Fortunately, there are portable monitors you can get that let you take your screens with you wherever you go. Whether you’re kitting out a Raspberry Pi or want a more immersive screen for your Nintendo Switch or MacBook, there are plenty of options to choose from. I’ve collected some of the best portable monitors across multiple use cases and budgets to help you simplify your decision.
FYI: Still confused? Learn what to look for when choosing a portable monitor.
- 1. Best Overall – Asus ZenScreen OLED MQ13AH
- 2. Best Large 4K – UPERFECT True 4K
- 3. Best Budget – ViewSonic VA1655
- 4. Best Gaming – Asus ROG Strix XG16AHPE
- 5. Best Lightweight 4K – Intehill U13NA
- 6. Best for Mac – LG Gram +view 2023
- 7. Best Touchscreen – Asus ZenScreen Touch MB16AMT
- 8. Best with Battery – Asus ZenScreen Go MB16AHP
1. Best Overall – Asus ZenScreen OLED MQ13AH
Price: $300
A portable monitor should excel at not just ergonomics but also display quality, connectivity, and flexibility. The 13.3″ Asus ZenScreen OLED MQ13AH combines a brilliant 1080p OLED display with a lightweight build that’s easy to use in multiple orientations. This is perfect for those who don’t just require extra screen real estate, as they also require value over quantity.
The OLED display is not just bright and capable of deep blacks, but also has 100% DCI-P3 coverage and 1ms response time. This portable monitor is ideal for creators as well as gamers. The MQ13AH weighs just a pound and is extremely thin and flexible, thanks to its built-in kickstand and tripod support.
You’re getting USB-C and Mini HDMI connectivity options, along with a proximity sensor to dim the display when unattended. Despite being a little pricey and having a suboptimal stand, Asus’s MQ13AH ticks a lot of my checkboxes.
Tip: get a good USB-C cable to go with your mobile monitor.
2. Best Large 4K – UPERFECT True 4K
Price: $390
The UPERFECT True 4K is a premium option suited for those unwilling to make any compromises with their secondary screen. The 15.6″ inch 4K IPS screen is super-bright at 600 nits and covers 100 percent of the Adobe RGB color space. Even the contrast ratio is pretty impressive at 1500:1.
UPERFECT’s portable monitor isn’t all about its screen. Its premium nature extends to its lightweight, 1.5-pound CNC aluminum frame with a near-frameless design. There’s a built-in smart case for flexibility, and you even get dual speakers and USB OTG connectivity besides the regular USB-C and Mini HDMI.
The UPERFECT True 4K also features FreeSync for smoother gaming, something that is rare in portable monitors. Despite its steep price, its stand is still a little flimsy. But, it’s an excellent secondary display, whether you’re on the go or using multiple monitors in Windows.
Tip: Buying a new monitor? Check out the definitive monitor buying guide to simplify the process.
3. Best Budget – ViewSonic VA1655
Price: $130
Portable monitors can get pricey, especially if you keep adding things like high-resolution and OLED displays to your desired features. But the ViewSonic VA1655 is an extremely affordable 1080p portable monitor with a 15.6″ screen that will likely do the job if all you want is a decent second display on the go.
The Full HD screen tops out at 250 nits of brightness, but it’s an IPS display with decent viewing angles. It weighs only around 1.5 pounds and comes with a travel case. You even get dual integrated speakers and dual USB-C ports (next to Mini HDMI), one of which supports 60W power delivery.
The VA165 might be short on fancy features, but it is a tried and trusted option, and ViewSonic’s three-year warranty ought to give you the peace of mind you’re looking for.
4. Best Gaming – Asus ROG Strix XG16AHPE
Price: $349
Portable monitors for gaming are still uncommon, but the Asus ROG Strix XG16AHPE does a pretty great job with it. If you aren’t satisfied with your laptop’s 60Hz display or need a bigger screen to enjoy your Nintendo Switch, this 15.6″ 1080p screen with a 144Hz refresh rate, G-Sync compatibility, and a 7800mAh battery can elevate your portable gaming experience.
The 3ms response time of the XG16AHPE further keeps gameplay fast enough, and the dual speakers are quite decent as well. The built-in battery can last for 3 hours at 144Hz, extending your laptop’s precious battery life. You also get a sturdy kickstand and a tripod socket. The 100% sRGB IPS screen delivers exceptional colors and viewing angles.
Although the brightness is around 300 nits, it’s more than sufficient for gaming or professional use. The ROG Strix XG16AHPE weighs almost 2 pounds, but it more than makes up for it with its breadth of gaming features.
Good to know: bored with flat screens? Check out the best curved monitors for every budget.
5. Best Lightweight 4K – Intehill U13NA
Price: $190
If you don’t want to sacrifice immersion for portability, the Intehill U13NA brings all the goodness of a 500-nit, 16:10, 4K screen in a 13.4″ form factor that weighs just 1.1 pounds. It features an anodized aluminum shell that’s only 0.35″ in thickness.
The 16:10 aspect ratio of the display provides extra vertical space for enhanced immersion, and due to the high PPI and 100% sRGB coverage, this monitor is excellent for creative professionals. The IPS screen has a high contrast ratio of 1500:1 and 8-bit color depth, meaning colors will definitely pop.
Dual speakers and all the necessary ports round up the value proposition of this feature-packed and affordable portable monitor. Intehill backs it up with a one-year warranty.
6. Best for Mac – LG Gram +view 2023
Price: $349
Whether you have an iMac in your WFH setup or a MacBook for your out-of-home adventures, the LG Gram +view 2023 can be a perfect companion to maximize your productivity. The highlights here are the 16″, 16:10, 2560×1600 display and the 1.45-pound lightweight build, making it highly immersive yet portable.
The IPS display of the +view 2023 covers 99% of the DCI-P3 color gamut, which, combined with the 16:10 aspect ratio and super-sharp 2K display, yields a thoroughly accurate and enjoyable visual experience. You’re even getting 350 nits of brightness, which is excellent, if not the best.
Just like LG’s Gram laptops, the Gram +view 2023 exudes a premium look and feel and goes perfectly with your MacBook Air or Pro. Connecting this portable monitor to your MacBook is super convenient, thanks to the dual USB-C ports.
Tip: facing issues with an external display? Try these 15 fixes for macOS.
7. Best Touchscreen – Asus ZenScreen Touch MB16AMT
Price: $349
The Asus ZenScreen Touch MB16AMT is a touchscreen portable monitor that is highly suitable for creative professionals on the go. Its large, 15.6″ IPS 1080p display is bright enough for regular use, as well as photo and video editing. The 250-nit display is anti-glare and features Asus’s EyeCare tech that offers blue-light protection for your eyes.
The 10-point touchscreen allows you to maximize productivity whether you’re editing your art or seamlessly switching between documents. Despite the touchscreen display, the MB16AMT doesn’t weigh more than 2 pounds and is only 0.3-inches thick. It has built-in speakers and a 7800mAh battery to help it last for hours without depending on laptop power.
You’re getting dual connectivity with USB-C and Mini HDMI. And while it may not be the finest touchscreen portable monitor, the ZenScreen Touch MB16AMT is highly competitive for what it offers at the price.
8. Best with Battery – Asus ZenScreen Go MB16AHP
Price: $279
You can easily pick portable monitors with superior displays, lighter builds, and more features, but the Asus ZenScreen Go MB16AHP offers a long-lasting battery, built-in speakers, and a thin frame at an affordable price. This combination is highly desirable, if all you need is a dependable 1080p IPS monitor with a large battery backup.
The 7800mAh battery can easily sustain the Asus EyeCare Full HD display for three to four hours. The display isn’t super-bright, but 220 nits will be enough for regular office and professional use. The monitor also comes with a smart cover and a pen hole that can result in an instant stand by using just a pen.
The ZenScreen Go MB16AHP weighs around 1.9 pounds and is only 0.35-inch thick. The dual USB-C and Mini HDMI connectivity allows you to connect it to a variety of devices. The automatic screen rotation might not be a unique feature, but it does help add to the value proposition.
If you want your screen to be as mobile as you are, a portable monitor can work wonders for your productivity. Whether your focus is on a killer display, a lightweight construction, gaming features, or a touchscreen, I’ve listed options for every use case. There are even budget and premium options for you to choose from. If you are going to be staring at your monitor for hours, it helps to keep in mind certain tricks to prevent eye strain.
FYI: confused about your next non-portable monitor? Find out which is the right option for you: curved or flat monitor.
Image credit: Flickr
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