Connecting a portable monitor to your laptop computer not only gives you a lot of additional screen space, but it also makes multitasking on the go much easier. Whether you’re working from your a hotel room or coffeeshop, the best portable monitors are meant for travel, so ideally it’ll fit in the same bag or carry-on that you transport your laptop with.
Portable monitors designed specifically for use with a notebook computer come in a wide range of screen sizes, with different resolutions and varying refresh rates. Some models also offer a touchscreen display, multiple ports and built-in speakers. The best of them do well to include USB-C connectivity for carrying both the display signal and power to cut down on cable clutter.
Some portable monitors use their own rechargeable battery for power, while others are powered by your notebook computer’s battery or an external power supply. You’ll also discover that some portable monitors have their own adjustable tabletop stands, while some have mounts that attach to the back of your computer’s existing screen.
When choosing a portable monitor, focus on your work habits and needs, and then focus on the features and functions you want from that monitor to achieve your ultimate productivity level. To help make your decision easier, check out this selection of the 10 best portable monitors currently available in 2022.
- Best Portable Monitor Overall: Lenovo ThinkVision M14 14” Full HD Monitor
- Best Budget Priced Portable Monitor: Newsoul 15.6” Monitor
- Best Portable Monitor for Easy Transport: Dell 14 Portable Monitor
- Best Portable Gaming Monitor: ASUS ROG Strix XG17AHP
- Best Portable Monitor for Work: ASUS ZenScreen 15.6” 1080p Portable Touch Monitor
- Best Portable Monitor for Photographers: ViewSonic 15.6” 1080p Portable Monitor with IPS Touchscreen
- Best Mid-Priced Portable Monitor: Espresso Displays 15.6” HP 1080p Ultra Think Touchscreen Monitor
- Best Portable Monitor For Laptops: SideTrak Slide Portable Monitor for Laptops
- Best Large Portable Monitor: Desklab Ultralight Portable Touchscreen Monitor
- Best Compact Portable Monitor: KYY 15.6 Inch FHD Portable Monitor
Best Portable Monitor Overall
Don’t Think Twice Before Buying This Lenovo ThinkVision Monitor
This 14-inch display offers 1920 x 1080 IPS resolution with a screen refresh rate of 60Hz and a 16:9 aspect ratio. It can display 16.7 million colors and offers low blue light technology, so it’ll help prevent eye fatigue. The ThinkVision offers compatibility with any computer with a USB-C port. Use it to mirror your laptop computer’s screen when presenting to clients, or as a second screen when you need to multitask.
One thing this monitor lacks is brightness, especially if you’ll be using it in well-lit environments. It relies on your computer’s battery or power source to power itself. Thanks to its two built-in USB-C ports, you can plug it into your computer from either side. While one USB-C port is needed to connect the monitor to your computer, the second can be plugged into a power adapter, so you’re able to simultaneously power both devices while recharging your computer.
The unit measures 12.72 x 8.23 x 3.82 inches and weighs just 1.30 pounds. It comes with a pouch for transport and has a built-in adjustable stand as its base.
Best Budget Priced Portable Monitor
This Newsoul Monitor Is A Great Deal At Less Then $200
Available on Amazon for $200 (regularly priced at $270), this 15.6” Full HD IPS LCD monitor offers 1920 x 1080 resolution with a refresh rate of 60Hz and a 16:9 aspect ratio. The monitor has built-in 2W stereo speakers, and it connects to a computer via a USB-C cable. On the side of the monitor are two USB-C ports, a Mini-HDMI port, and a 3.5mm audio input.
The Newsoul monitor is set up for either horizontal or vertical usage. With no special drivers or software required (it’s Plug & Play), this affordable monitor will work with either a Windows PC or MacBook. The unit measures 14 x 8.8 x 0.43 inches and weighs 1.99 pounds.
It comes with a wall mount and foldable screen cover which doubles as a stand. With no built-in battery, this monitor relies on power from your computer. Thus, if you’re using the computer and monitor while both are powered by the computer’s battery, this will reduce the computer’s battery life considerably. Of course, you can plug the computer and/or monitor into an AC power outlet when your work environment permits to prevent this.
Whether you’re using this monitor for everyday computing tasks, viewing photos or videos, or playing games, you’ll find it offers a really nice viewing experience with impressive color reproduction at a really attractive price.
Best Portable Monitor for Easy Transport
Check Out This Compact Dell Portable Monitor
You don’t need to be using a Dell computer to take advantage of the Dell 14 Portable Monitor, which works nicely with Windows PCs or MacBooks. This is a 14 inch monitor that connects to your computer via a USB-C cable using “plug & play,” which means you don’t need any special software to connect and use it as a second screen or to mirror your laptop computer’s monitor.
There’s a USB-C port located on both sides of the monitor. One port can be used to connect the monitor with your computer, while the other can be used to plug in a power adapter and utilize pass through power—for powering both the computer and monitor simultaneously. Otherwise, the monitor draws its power from your computer’s battery.
To help prevent eye strain, this monitor features ComfortView, which reduces potentially harmful blue light emissions. The Dell 14 is an LED monitor with 1920 x 1080 resolution at 60Hz, with a 16:9 aspect ratio. It can display 16.7 million colors, and measures 12.69 x 7.98 x 0.56 inches (with its built-in stand). Weighing in at a mere 1.3 pounds, it’s one of the lightest portable monitors you’ll find anywhere.
Using the monitor’s stand, it’s possible to adjust the viewing angle between 10 and 90 degrees. What this portable monitor lacks are built-in speakers and its own battery. What it offers, however, is impressive resolution and brightness, along with convenience and portability.
Best Portable Gaming Monitor
The Graphics From Your Games Will Come To Life Using This Monitor
This ASUS ROG Strix model is a stunning, rather large (17.3”) Full HD monitor that supports 1920 x 1080 ISP resolution at up to a 240Hz refresh rate and 3ms (GTG) for viewing extra-smooth gaming graphics. This is the highest refresh rate you’ll currently find in a portable monitor.
Connect this monitor to your computer via the monitor’s USB-C or micro-HDMI port. In addition to superior graphics (compared to other portable monitors), this one uses its own internal rechargeable battery as its power source. The battery lasts for up to 3.5 hours when taking advantage of the impressive 240Hz refresh rate.
Despite its large screen size, the actual size and weight of the entire unit is rather small and very thin. It measures 15.71 x 9.86 x 0.39 inches and weighs 2.34 pounds. The ASUS ROG Strix XG17AHP comes with a collapsible tabletop tripod mount, a separate Smart Cover that folds over to serve as a stand when the monitor is in use, and a carrying case.
A power adapter, USB Type-C-to-A adapter, USB-C cable, and Micro-HDMI to HDMI cable are included. For gamers on the go, this is the portable monitor you want to be using to complement your laptop computer’s primary screen. Of course, anyone will enjoy the superior graphics this monitor can showcase when viewing video content, business presentations, high-resolution digital images or any other graphic-intensive applications.
Best Portable Monitor for Work
Be More Productive Using This ASUS Portable Touchscreen Monitor
While this monitor doesn’t offer the superior graphics capabilities with the ultra-high refresh rate of the ASUS ROG Strix XG17AHP, this slightly smaller unit does have its own built-in rechargeable battery, two 1W internal speakers, and a Full HD IPS touchscreen display.
It’s extremely thin (0.3 inches), weighs less than two pounds, and adapts automatically to being positioned horizontally or vertically. Built into the monitor is Asus Eye Care technology with TUV Rhineland-certified flicker-free backlighting and blue light filtering.
Connect the ASUS ZenScreen 15.6 inch 1080p Portable Touch Monitor to your computer via a USB-C or micro-HDMI cable and take advantage of the internal battery to power the monitor for up to four hours of operation per charge. The monitor comes with a foldable Smart Case, which protects the screen during transport, but folds out to create a multi-position tabletop stand.
You’ll experience 1920 x 1080 resolution at a 60Hz refresh rate with a 16:9 aspect ratio from this LED portable monitor. It measures just 9 x 14.2 x 0.4 inches. This is a really useful, general-purpose monitor that offers a nice size screen, yet remains very portable.
Best Portable Monitor for Photographers
See Your Digital Images In Vivid Color While On-The-Go
What’s nice about this 15.6-inch Full HD portable monitor is that it offers a touchscreen that makes photo editing (using a finger or stylus), as well as swiping, writing and annotating directly on the screen a smooth and natural process. The monitor comes with a screen cover and a built-in stand, allowing it to be oriented either horizontally or vertically. Connect the monitor to your computer via its USB-C or Mini-HDMI port.
This is a great portable monitor for photographers on the go who need to preview, edit,or showcase their work in the field while utilizing a flicker-free screen with a blue light filter. While the monitor lacks its own built-in battery, it can either utilize your computer’s power supply or be plugged into an electrical outlet and power both the computer and monitor simultaneously. Two 0.8W speakers are built-into the LCD monitor.
Priced under $300, from this monitor, you’ll experience 1920 x 1080 resolution with a 60Hz refresh rate and a 16:9 aspect ratio. The unit measures 14 x 8.8 x 0.6 inches and weighs 2.2 pounds. It comes with a built-in protective cover/stand and wall mount, as well as a Passive Touch Pen (stylus). With free vTouch software, MacBook users can take advantage of the monitor’s touchscreen, as opposed to simply using it as a second display. The touchscreen works without extra software if you’re using a Windows 10/Windows 11 computer.
Best Mid-Priced Portable Monitor
This Espresso Display Is A Great Travel Companion
This 15.6-inch portable monitor also utilizes an ultra-thin (0.2-inch thick) touchscreen that can connect to your computer via a USB-C connector or Mini-HDMI cable. You’ll experience on-screen graphics and smooth animations that feature more than 16 million colors from the display’s 1920 x 1989 Full HD resolution (with a 60Hz refresh rate and 16:10 aspect ratio).
Using either the optional MountPro ($49) or MountGo ($69) stand (which work with magnets), it’s easy to rotate the screen for horizontal or vertical viewing. The monitor, however, has a built-in kickstand on the back.
To utilize the touchscreen aspect of the display with a Mac, the Espresso Mac Touch software is required ($39). These add-in products are available directly from Espresso’s website. No additional software is needed for Windows 10/Windows 11. Two speakers are built into the unit, which measures 14 x 10 x 0.2 inches. It weighs two pounds.
Best Portable Monitor For Laptops
This Monitor Attaches To The Back Of Your Laptop Computer’s Screen
One style of portable monitor for laptop computers is designed to attach to the back of a computer’s existing display and then slide outwards when the extra display is needed. This is as opposed to having its own stand so it can be positioned to the side of a computer (or anywhere the cable connecting the computer and monitor can reach).
The SideTrak Swivel Portable Monitor is an example of a 12.5-inch Full HD IPS monitor that attaches to your laptop computer’s existing screen and then slides outwards. It can then rotate 360-degress. Using SideTrack Swivel’s collapsible mounting frame also allows the monitor to stand on its own using a built-in kickstand.
This version of the SideTrak Swivel Portable Monitor is compatible with Windows or MacBook laptop computers that have a built-in display that’s between 13 inches to 17 inches. It is not, however, compatible with Microsoft Surface devices that have their own kickstand, since it’s designed to be mounted on the back of your computer’s existing screen using magnets.
From this monitor (which is powered by the computer it’s attached to), you’ll experience 1920 x 1080 resolution with a refresh rate of up to 50Hz and a 16:9 aspect ratio. The unit comes with the mounting plates needed to attach it safely and securely to your computer.
A USB-C cable with USB-A adapter is included to connect the monitor to your computer, although a supplied Mini-HDMI to HDMI cable can also be used. This monitor measures 12.2 x 7.4 x 0.66 inches and it weighs 1.3 pounds. It does not, however, utilize a touchscreen, nor does it have built-in speakers or a built-in rechargeable battery.
Best Large Portable Monitor
Get This Large Portable Touchscreen Monitor At A Really Big Savings
Built into a lightweight casing (less than one pound), this portable monitor offers a truly beautiful and bright 15-inch touchscreen display that features 4K (2160p) resolution. The monitor requires no setup whatsoever and can be plugged into an electrical outlet or your computer to function. Thanks to its low flicker, low blue light and anti-glare features, viewing this monitor for long periods of time will be easy on your eyes.
An optional (but highly recommended) kickstand which doubles as a screen protector can be attached, so you can position the monitor at a convenient location near the computer you’re working with, and then fold it up for easy and safe transport.
Whether you’re a business person looking to be more productive while on the go, a photographer who wants to view your images in crystal clarity on-location or you’re a gamer who wants to showcase vivid colors and detail, this is a really nice portable monitor that’s currently offered at a very attractive price for the quality.
Best Compact Portable Monitor
This Portable Monitor Weighs Just 1.7 Pounds
While you might not have heard of KYY as a brand, this company has developed a truly portable, lightweight and powerful monitor that is priced less than $200. The monitor offers a standard 1080p resolution with an HDR mode which is great for playing games or viewing photos. Thanks to its 178-degree viewing angle, you can clearly view the monitor from a variety of positions, and it has two decent quality (built-in) speakers so you can enjoy the sound associated with the games or applications you’re using.
As for portability, this KYY monitor is less than 0.3 inches thick and it weighs just 1.7 pounds. It comes with a smart cover that doubles as a stand when the monitor is in use. You’ll discover it also offers plug-and-play functionality and comes with a USB-C to USB-A cable, a USB-C to USB-C cable and a Mini-HDMI to HDMI cable, so you have multiple options for connecting it to your computer or mobile device. Overall, this is a good quality portable monitor being offered at a really great price.
Tips for Choosing a Portable Monitor That’ll Meet Your Needs
When choosing a portable monitor, consider what you’ll be using it for and your typical available workspace. This will help determine your resolution and screen size requirements. Also consider the overall size and weight of the monitor unit, especially if you’ll be carrying it along with your computer or want to use the extra monitor while sitting on an airplane or any limited workspace, for example. Depending on how you’ll be using the monitor, you’ll likely find a larger size, flicker-free display with its own power source is best if you’ll be presenting to others or playing games.
One thing to keep in mind is that many portable monitors that rely on your laptop’s power (or their own built-in battery) won’t have the brightness capability you may be accustomed to from your computer’s built-in display. While the resolution and refresh rate of the portable monitor may be as good (or even better) than what your laptop computer’s primary screen offers, it may appear dimmer, especially when you’re working in a well-lit environment.
As a secondary monitor for multitasking, you may find a smaller size display will accommodate your work habits and need for extra portability, while if your work requires photo editing, writing, drawing or annotating, choosing a second monitor with a touchscreen display will be likely be beneficial.
Another feature to be on the lookout for is called IPS (In-Plane Switching). This is technology used by LCD monitors to enhance the vividness, richness and authenticity of colors, and also widens your effective viewing anglees. Especially if you'll be playing games, viewing graphic or video-based content, or working with high-resolution digital images, this is a feature you'll want your portable monitor to have.
Also, while some portable monitors have two tiny, low-powered speakers built-in, chances are the speakers built into your computer offer higher-quality audio. For the best audio experience, however, consider using headphones or wireless earbuds with noise cancellation, as opposed to relying on the audio that some of these portable monitors can generate.
In general, you’ll pay more for a larger screen size and higher refresh rate. You’ll also likely pay a slight premium for a well-known brand name, like ViewSonic, ASUS, Lenovo or Dell. Mac users will probably need to utilize additional software to take advantage of the touchscreen capabilities that some of these external displays offer. In many cases this is free software, although some monitor companies charge extra for it.
However, if you’re a MacBook (or iMac) user, keep in mind that the Sidecar feature built into the latest MacOS and iPadOS 15 operating systems allow you to use your Apple iPad tablet as a second monitor for your computer—either with or without a cable.
What Is A Portable Monitor?
Portable monitors are small, compact and lightweight computer screens designed to be connected to your laptop computer to greatly expand the on-screen real estate you’ll have available to run your favorite applications. Because some portable monitors rely on your laptop computer’s battery power to function, they require just one cable to link it with your computer, but this option will reduce your laptop computer’s battery life between charges. However, some portable monitors have their own built-in rechargeable battery. All are very easy to transport and will likely fit within your existing laptop case or carry-on bag.
How Big Is A Portable Monitor?
As you probably discovered from this roundup of the best portable monitors, they come in a wide range of sizes. The size you choose is a matter of personal preference and should be based on your work habits, needs and budget.
Some portable monitors are extremely compact and provide an extra 12- to 14-inch display, although it’s more common for a portable monitor to offer at least a 15.6-inch display. You’ll even find a few displays as large as 22.5 inches, but these are more cumbersome to travel with and typically need to be plugged into an electrical outlet to function.
As for thickness, most portable monitors are less than 0.4 inches and the monitors themselves weigh less than two pounds. Most come with a travel case or cover—making them very easy to transport with your laptop computer. Of course, this varies based on the screen size you choose.
Can You Connect A PC To A Portable Monitor?
Yes. Depending on the portable monitor, it will likely include a USB-C to USB-C cable, a Mini-HDMI to HDMI cable and a USB-C to USB-A cable, so you’ll have no trouble connecting it to either an HDMI or USB port that’s built into your PC.
Thanks to “plug-and-play” (PnP) technology, as soon as you plug a portable monitor into your computer, it’ll be identified and should begin working immediately. In some cases, however, you may need to download a free driver or adjust the System Display Settings (Windows) or Display System Preferences (Mac) on your computer for the portable monitor to function properly.
