Portable monitors allow you to add extra screen real estate for your laptop, PC, or mobile devices wherever you need it – making them great productivity and entertainment accessories for travel, remote work, tight workspaces, or even gaming on-the-go. With so many options on the market sporting different sizes, features, and price points, it can be tricky to determine which portable display best fits your needs and budget.
This blog cuts through the clutter to showcase 15 top-rated portable monitors ideal for different uses. We break down key specs like panel size, resolution, refresh rate, connectivity, integrated features, price, and portability. Whether optimizing your workflow on a business trip, expanding your laptop’s screen space in a cramped apartment, or elevating your Nintendo Switch gaming experience, a portable monitor lets you take advantage of an additional display anywhere. Read on for reviews of the 15 best options in 2023 based on expert testing and customer reviews.
The ForHelp 15.6-inch portable monitor is an ultra-thin, zero frame IPS monitor that connects via USB-C or HDMI to laptops, PCs, phones, gaming consoles, and more. It features a 1080P Full HD display with excellent color accuracy and wide viewing angles.
This ForHelp monitor hits a sweet spot for portable monitors with its 15.6-inch screen size, 1080P resolution, and slim bezels. The USB-C and HDMI ports provide versatility for connecting to different devices. The included smart cover helps keep the screen protected when on-the-go. Overall, an excellent value portable display.
The MNN 15.6-inch portable IPS gaming monitor features a Full HD 1080P display with HDR support. Connectivity options include USB-C and HDMI. An ultra-slim design and built-in speakers make this a versatile pick.
MNN checks off the essential boxes for an on-the-go gaming and entertainment display. The 1080P resolution and HDR deliver vivid graphics and the USB-C connectivity makes it simple to use with laptops. While the speakers may lack bass, having audio built-in is a nice perk. The smart cover helps keep it protected during travel.
The FANGOR 15.6-inch 1080P portable monitor has an ultra-slim IPS panel display with HDR support. It can connect to laptops, PCs, phones, and gaming consoles via USB-C and HDMI. A smart cover is included for protection during travel.
FANGOR checks off key specs for a solid on-the-go monitor with its crisp 1080P resolution, versatile connectivity, integrated audio, and protective smart cover. The slim bezels and HDR capabilities make both games and videos pop with good colors and contrast. For the price, this FANGOR monitor hits the sweet spot.
The ARZOPA 15.6-inch 1080P portable monitor connects to laptops, PCs, phones, and other devices via USB-C and HDMI. It has an HDR IPS display panel optimized for eye care during extended viewing. The smart cover protects the screen when stowing or traveling.
The ARZOPA monitor provides the essential features for a solid on-the-go secondary display—Full HD resolution, both USB and HDMI connectivity, integrated audio, and smart cover. The low blue light and anti-glare technologies help reduce eye strain, a plus for productivity. While 1080P resolution is fine for a 15.6” screen, a QHD model would take it to the next level.
Uperfect’s updated 15.6″ portable monitor for 2023 features a 1920×1080 IPS display with HDR and Eye Care technology. Connectivity options include USB-C, HDMI, and VESA mount. Integrated dual speakers provide audio, while the smart case protects the display.
Uperfect checks the right boxes with their latest 15.6” portable monitor model. The Full HD screen incorporates helpful HDR and Eye Care capabilities, while connectivity options like USB-C and VESA mount provide versatility. The integrated speakers deliver surprisingly decent audio for casual listening on-the-go. If you prefer a larger screen, Uperfect also offers solid options in 17” and 18.5” sizes.
The Innoview 1080P portable monitor features an ultra-thin 18.5” IPS display with a 120Hz refresh rate and 120% sRGB color accuracy. It connects via USB-C or HDMI and has a metal kickstand for adjusting angles during use.
The Innoview monitor’s 18.5” screen size stands out for a portable display, offering more ample screen real estate great for entertainment and productivity. The color accuracy and smooth 100Hz refresh rate deliver an excellent picture for gaming or videos on-the-go. While the resolution tops out at 1080P as opposed to 2K or 4K, that helps keep costs down while retaining a quality HD image. For the price, those looking for a fairly large portable monitor will be pleased.
ARZOPA’s 16.1” portable gaming monitor has a 144Hz 1080P IPS display with 100% sRGB color coverage, HDR10, and Eye Care tech. The ultra-slim metal monitor connects via USB Type-C or mini HDMI and has an adjustable metal kickstand.
This ARZOPA monitor really brings excellent gaming specs in a highly portable form factor. The 144Hz refresh rate coupled with the fast response time provides super smooth visuals for fast-paced games, while the 100% sRGB color reproduction delivers accurate, vivid images. Connectivity is a breeze with USB-C and HDMI inputs. If you play games on-the-go, this monitor delivers a stellar experience without breaking the bank.
ZSCMALLS’ 15.6” portable IPS gaming monitor has integrated speakers and connects via USB-C or mini HDMI to laptops, phones, Raspberry Pi devices, and game consoles. The slim Full HD display provides a plug-and-play secondary screen option.
For those seeking an affordable extra display to use with a laptop or Raspberry Pi system, this ZSCMALLS monitor delivers. While the 1080P resolution and 60Hz refresh rate don’t provide the fastest gaming performance, the speakers allow for casual gaming and media entertainment without needing headphones. The dual inputs lend versatile connectivity options. Just don’t expect advanced features and you’ll be pleased for the low price.
aiuouog’s 18.5” portable monitor is designed for gaming on-the-go, with a 120Hz refresh rate IPS display. The 400nit peak brightness and 120% sRGB color accuracy provide stellar visuals. Integrated stereo speakers offer quality audio sans headphones.
This aiuouog monitor really delivers an excellent portable gaming experience thanks to its smooth 120Hz refresh rate, vivid 400nit display, and punchy integrated audio. While the resolution tops out at 1080P vs higher 2K/4K options, when it comes to serious gaming performance on an ultra-portable monitor, this one shines with gorgeous visuals and sound. For immersive gameplay anywhere, it hits the sweet spot on price and performance.
The c-force 15.6” portable monitor features a 1080p IPS display panel with 178-degree wide viewing angles and FHD 1920×1080 resolution. Covering 100% of the sRGB color gamut, it produces accurate and vibrant colors ideal for gaming, movies, photo/video editing and more. Its slim design offers excellent portability.
The c-force portable monitor hits all the right notes for those seeking accurate color reproduction coupled with Full HD 1080p resolution in a slim on-the-go display. For creative pros and casual users alike, the 100% sRGB gamut and IPS panel deliver excellent picture quality whether you’re editing media files or watching movies. The Eye Care tech helps reduce fatigue during long sessions. If you don’t require bleeding-edge gaming specs, the c-force monitor offers fantastic visuals for work and play.
The Asus ZenScreen MB166C portable monitor features a 15.6″ Full HD 1080P IPS display. It connects with a single USB Type-C cable that also powers the monitor. Additional features include Eye Care technology and an anti-glare treatment. The monitor is also tripod-mountable.
The Asus ZenScreen strikes all the key marks of a quality, versatile portable IPS display with its crisp FHD resolution, USB-C connectivity, Eye Care support and tripod socket. The USB power delivery makes it simple to use with laptops with just one cord—no AC adapter needed. While further specs may not rival pricier gaming models, for everyday work and entertainment on the go it provides fantastic image reproduction and travel-friendly functionality at a very reasonable price.
The ViewSonic VA1655 portable monitor has a 15.6″ Full HD 1080p IPS panel with wide viewing angles. Connectivity options include USB-C and mini HDMI. The monitor’s built-in stand offers 60 degrees of tilt for ergonomic viewing angles. A protective case is included for travel and storage.
The ViewSonic VA1655 gets top marks for combining solid 1080p picture performance with excellent adjustability thanks to the built-in stand offering 60 degrees of tilt functionality for ergonomic use anywhere. Connectivity is a breeze with USB-C and HDMI. While the display specs don’t match higher-priced gaming monitors, for work and entertainment on the move, the VA1655 delivers fantastic image quality in a highly adjustable, travel-ready package.
The UPERFECT portable gaming monitor packs a 16″ IPS display with WQHD 2560×1600 resolution and supports up to a 120Hz refresh rate. FreeSync support enables smooth variable refresh rate gameplay when used with compatible AMD GPUs. The monitor also features HDR and Eye Care technologies in a slim, lightweight profile.
With its 16-inch screen size, 2K QHD resolution, silky smooth 120Hz variable refresh rate courtesy of FreeSync support, and HDR visuals, this UPERFECT monitor delivers a superb portable gaming experience. Competitively priced against rival 2K portable gaming monitors, it packs premium performance and display enhancements like Eye Care tech in a slim, lightweight chassis ready for life on the move.
The ReHisk portable monitor features a 15.6″ 1920×1080 Full HD IPS display with dual stereo speakers and eye care technology to prevent eye strain. The external travel monitor connects via USB-C or HDMI and comes with a smart cover for protection.
This ReHisk portable display hits all the key specs for an on-the-go productivity and entertainment monitor. The inclusion of built-in speakers makes it easy to enjoy movies or gameplay anywhere without needing extra equipment while also keeping the slim profile intact. And the smart cover helps keep the display safe during transport. If you don’t require bleeding-edge gaming performance, it’s a quality package for work and leisure.
Uperfect’s portable 18.5” gaming monitor features a 100Hz 1920×1080 Full HD IPS display with 100% sRGB coverage and HDR support. The ultra-slim monitor includes both VESA mount compatibility and a height/tilt/swivel-adjustable metal stand for flexible setups on-the-go.
With its expansive 18.5-inch screen real estate coupled with 100Hz refresh rate, rich HDR visuals, and 100% sRGB color reproduction, this Uperfect monitor provides an excellent portable gaming experience. FreeSync variable refresh rate support enables super smooth gameplay when paired with compatible GPUs. And you can mount it virtually anywhere thanks to the versatile stand plus VESA capabilities. For immersive gaming on-the-move, it ticks all the boxes.
Product | Features |
---|---|
ForHelp 15.6″ | 1080P, USB-C/HDMI, IPS panel, Ultra-thin |
MNN 15.6″ | 1080P, HDR10, USB-C/HDMI, Ultra-slim |
FANGOR 15.6″ | 1080P, HDR10, USB-C/HDMI, Ultra-slim |
ARZOPA 15.6” | 1080P, HDR, Eye Care, USB-C/HDMI |
UPERFECT 15.6″ | 1080P, HDR, Eye Care, USB-C/HDMI, dual speakers |
InnoView 18.5″ | 1080P, 120Hz, 120% sRGB, USB-C/HDMI |
ARZOPA 16.1” | 1080P, 144Hz, HDR, USB-C/HDMI |
ZSCMALLS 15.6″ | 1080P, USB-C/HDMI, built-in speakers |
aiuouog 18.5” | 1080P, 120Hz, Stereo speakers |
c-force 15.6″ | 1080P, 100% sRGB, Eye Care |
ASUS ZenScreen 15.6” | 1080P, USB-C, Eye Care |
ViewSonic VA1655 15.6″ | 1080P, IPS, USB-C/HDMI, built-in stand |
UPERFECT 16″ | 2K, 120Hz, HDR, FreeSync |
ReHisk 15.6” | 1080P, IPS, Eye Care, speakers |
UPERFECT 18.5″ | 1080P, 100Hz, FreeSync, HDR |
The most common portable monitor screen sizes range from 13.3″ on the ultra-portable end to 15.6″, 16″, and 18.5″ on the higher end. A 15.6″ or 16″ screen usually hits the sweet spot balancing compact size with ample screen real estate. Larger 18.5″ monitors offer even more generous viewing space but aren’t quite as travel-friendly.
1080P Full HD (1920×1080) resolution is the most common among affordable portable monitors ranging in size from 13” to 18”. This provides a balance of image sharpness and clarity without the increased costs 2K and 4K resolutions demand or graphics capability required to power higher resolutions. For larger 17” to 18.5” monitors, a 2K QHD resolution is also popular and looks quite stunning while maintaining good performance with mid-range hardware.
Touchscreen capabilities are less common among portable displays and add cost, typically $100 or more compared to non-touch counterparts. Having touch integration can provide more intuitive interaction when using drawing apps or touch-based games. But for general productivity use cases, a standard non-touch display often provides the best value.
For portable gaming monitors, key specs to evaluate include higher refresh rate (100Hz-165Hz), variable refresh rate support like FreeSync/G-Sync, fast response time (under 10ms), and vibrant panel technology enhancing contrast and colors (OLED, QLED, HDR). Matching resolutions (1080P, 1440P, etc) and refresh rates to your computer’s graphics capability is also important for optimal performance.
When picking a portable monitor for travel, slim and lightweight constructions are ideal. Key things that improve portability include thinner panel depths (under 9mm thick), narrow bezels, and lightweight materials like plastic housings or metal alloy. Integrated stands with adjustable angles or VESA mounting support setup flexibility. Smart cases provide storage/protection. Connectivity like USB-C and HDMI inputs lend versatile device pairing. Battery-powered operation, while less common, enables use anywhere.
Modern portable monitors offer USB-C and/or HDMI input connections for plug-and-play use with laptops, phones, gaming consoles and more. USB-C connectivity only requires a single cable for both video transmission and power in many monitors. For non-USB-C devices, mini/micro HDMI cables connect video while built-in or separate AC adapters provide power. Setting up a portable display typically involves just connecting your device via USB-C or HDMI, then adjusting settings like brightness to your preference through monitor menus.
When shopping for the best portable monitor there are a few key deciding factors – screen size and resolution to meet your needs, connectivity options for your devices, slim/lightweight construction for travel, and features like HDR and variable refresh rate for gaming use. Out of all the excellent portable displays currently available, a few rise above as truly top-tier options thanks to hitting that ideal sweet spot combining performance, features, portability and affordability. Our top overall picks hit premium specs without costing a premium price. But every user’s needs differ, so evaluating your must-have requirements helps narrow down the perfect portable monitor to match your budget and demands.
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