15 Best Portable Monitor Models for Your Work-from-Home Setup

The AOC I1601FWUX is the best portable monitor for PC users if you want something large but easy to handle. That’s because the display’s size is at a whopping 15.6 inches, outdoing even regular 13-inch laptop screens. Moreover, it’s the best portable monitor for a Full HD viewing experience at an affordable price point.

However, this display isn’t the best portable monitor if you’re looking to work outdoors a lot. That’s because the max brightness caps at 220 cd/m2, making it sub-par in bright or direct sunlight. Moreover, while the viewing angles are decent, they’re not exactly ideal. The display’s color output isn’t the most accurate, either, so it’s best for non-creative work and casual entertainment.

The best portable monitor for Mac and Windows users on a budget just might be the AOC I1659FWUX. It has a crisp and clear 15.6-inch 1080p panel with a very color-accurate calibration. Moreover, the device only costs around $160. These make it the best portable monitor that’s both affordable and has great image quality.

However, the max brightness of this AOC device also only comes at 220cd/m2. Thus, it’s not ideal for taking with you outside during the peak hours of the day. Moreover, it’s got quite a weight to it so it’s not as portable as thinner and lighter alternatives out there. Lastly, it doesn’t have a USB-C, so your USB-C laptop might need a dongle to get it to work.

Some people might be fine with a heavy portable monitor depending on their work setup. However, the best portable computer monitor if you travel often should be thin and lightweight. If that’s what you’re looking for, then you might want to consider the Asus MB168B+. 

This monitor provides a solid image resolution at 1080p in its 15.6” size. It also rotates automatically to give you the best possible viewing angles no matter where you are. However, the only downside is that it only connects via a regular USB-A port. Hence, USB-C laptops would need a compatible dongle just to hook it up.

Nonetheless, it’s a decent purchase if you don’t mind the USB port. Moreover, because it outsources graphics processing to the main device, you can connect more than one on a single device. Just make sure to use USB 3.0 instead of 2.0 to minimize the latency.

What you consider the “best portable monitor” might depend on your situation. If you’re buying something for work, a simple display with decent portability and accuracy should do the trick. However, if you need a monitor for games, then you might need something more robust.

In that case, the Asus ROG Strix might be the best portable gaming monitor for you. It has all the necessary specs you might want in a regular gaming monitor. That includes a large, 17.3-inch display, a lightning-fast 240Hz refresh rate, and a 3ms response time. 

Moreover, the display uses a USB-C and mini HDMI port, making it versatile for various gaming platforms. You can hook it up to your PC or even a compatible console. The only catch is that the Asus ROG Strix is incredibly expensive, costing nearly $500 per unit.

Looking at screens for too long can be detrimental to eye health. Hence, it’s important to consider your eyes as well when you’re looking for the best portable monitor. That’s where the Asus ZenScreen 15.6” 1080p portable monitor comes in. Not only does this display provide flicker-free backlighting, but it also comes with a built-in blue light filter.

Moreover, the device comes with a handy stylus to help you navigate your work more easily and quickly. As for the other specs, it provides the basic 15.6-inch size you’d normally expect on portable monitors. The screen also comes in Full HD (1080p) so it should suit both work and entertainment.

The device is also fairly thin and rotates automatically. Hence, you can take it anywhere and use it in any orientation you like. It also comes with a USB-C port and a USB-A adaptor to solve all your connectivity needs. However, the only catch is that this device is pretty expensive, costing about $230 on Amazon.

Another one of the best portable monitor models on this list is the Asus ZenScreen Go MB16AP. The device, like other portable monitors, comes at 15.6 inches with a 1080p display panel. Hence, you shouldn’t have problems with viewing anything in HD, whether that’s work or movies.

On the other hand, the device also comes with multiple connection options such as micro-HDMI and USB-C. Thus, you should be able to connect it to almost anything you want. It’s also thin and light enough to carry around wherever you go. However, don’t expect it to perform well outdoors as it can only go up to 250 nits in brightness. Moreover, you should prepare to cough up a bit of money for this one as it costs nearly $300.

If you’re looking for the best portable monitor with a touchscreen, then look no further than the Asus ZenScreen Touch. It’s the best portable monitor with all the features you might expect. That includes a 15.6” 1080p screen, a thin and light build for portability, and a versatile stand-case. 

Moreover, the device also comes with a 7,800mAh battery that can last up to four hours on a charge. It’s also compatible with USB-C and micro-HDMI, although not every device is supported. More specifically, there’s very limited support for Mac devices and none at all for iOS. Nonetheless, if you have a Windows or Android device, this one’s a keeper. That is if you can afford the $400 price tag.

One of the best portable monitor models on the market right now is the AUZAI portable monitor. At less than $200, you can already access everything you might want from a portable monitor. That includes a slim and light build, multiple ports, and a slightly faster-than-average refresh rate.

Moreover, it comes in your standard 15.6-inch screen size with a 1080p resolution. The screen produces high-contrast images with vibrant colors, although the max brightness could be better. On the other hand, its built-in speakers are certainly convenient, but they do need some work as well.

A lot of the best portable monitor models only go up to 1080p. However, with display technology rapidly advancing in recent years, we’re seeing the 4K standard trickle down to more devices. If you want that kind of high-resolution display on the go, then perhaps the Desklab Ultralight Portable 4K Touchscreen might do.

As the name implies, the device outputs in 4K, is slim, and has touch capabilities. Hence, it’s the perfect device that incorporates beauty, versatility, and power without sacrificing portability. However, it is a little on the heavier side with the stand/case attached.

Nonetheless, it’s still a great device, especially for creators that value great visual output. However, you should be ready to empty your pockets as it costs $400 — and that’s on sale.

4K monitors are all the rage these days and the same goes for portable monitors. With a 4K portable monitor, you can view all of your work — and entertainment — in extremely high resolution. That’s exactly what the Eviciv 4K Portable Monitor provides.

However, apart from its 4K resolution, it also has many good things going for it. For example, it has a nice selection of ports that can accommodate any device you have. Moreover, the device also has a 300cd/m2 max brightness with a wide color gamut and HDR support. Hence, it’s the best portable monitor for photographers and creative professionals.

The only downside with this device is that it’s still stuck at 60Hz. For a 4K portable monitor that costs over $300, we would have wanted more. 

HP’s EliteDisplay S14 is one of the best portable monitor models for travelers. Although it’s heavier than some other alternatives, the 14-inch screen makes it smaller and easier to fit in bags. 

On the other hand, it has what you’d want on any portable display, including 1080p resolution and an anti-glare screen. It also has on-screen controls and a blue-light filter to make it easier to use and navigate. Moreover, the price caps at $200 on Amazon, so it’s not as expensive as higher-end models.

However, the device is a little lacking in the brightness department so it isn’t ideal for outdoor lighting. Moreover, it doesn’t have any other output options or built-in speakers. Hence, it’s largely just for presentations and office workers that don’t require anything but visuals. It is relatively affordable, though, so it’s still a good investment. 

Lenovo’s ThinkVision series has a lot going for it in terms of color accuracy. Hence, it’s no surprise that the Lenovo ThinkVision M14 also produces the same high-quality colors on a portable display. It’s the best portable monitor if colors are important to your workflow. Moreover, the two USB-C ports on either side make it versatile for both left and right-handed users.

The ThinkVision M14 is also ultra-portable, weighing in at only 1.4lbs. It has a small, unnoticeable stand at the back so you don’t need lots of space to set it up. Moreover, the screen also incorporates blue-light filters to reduce eye strain. It’s also built with the same Full HD resolution as most other portable monitors, so you’re not missing anything. However, it is very expensive, going for over $400 on Amazon.

If you’re looking for the best portable monitor for PS4 gaming then look no further than the Lepow Z1 Pro. Like its competitors, the screen offers a 15.6-inch panel with 1080p resolution. However, unlike its alternatives, this one comes with an HDR IPS panel, allowing for a more immersive viewing experience. 

Lepow’s Z1 Pro also offers multiple ports options like USB-C, USB-A, and even HDMI. Hence, it’s the best portable HDMI monitor Best Buy can offer for all-around connectivity. It’s also extremely light and thin, so you’ll have no problems working — or gaming — anytime, anywhere.

SideTrak’s Attachable portable monitor lives up to its name. Why? That’s because the monitor they’ve created doesn’t simply stand but attaches to your laptop. Hence, you won’t need a large desk or space to access a dual-screen. 

Of course, to do this, SideTrak did sacrifice the screen size in favor of compactness and portability. Hence, you’ll only get 12.5 inches of screen real estate, unlike the normal 15.6 inches on alternatives. Nonetheless, its innovative design doesn’t sacrifice in terms of viewing quality. With ample max brightness, a 1080p resolution, and an IPS panel, you’re guaranteed a satisfactory viewing experience.

However, there are a few cons to this device such as the disappointingly slow response time. Moreover, the actual device is pretty expensive for the screen size you get. Nonetheless, it’s a great option if you lack desk space while traveling.

The ViewSonic TD1655 Touch Portable Monitor is arguably the best portable monitor for laptop users. Why? That’s because it can be powered by your laptop without needing an outside source. Hence, you don’t have to worry about finding an outlet while you’re out and about.

Moreover, ViewSonic’s monitor checks all the boxes for what you might want in the best portable monitor. For example, it has the usual 15.6-inch screen with a 1080p panel for a pleasurable viewing experience. Furthermore, it also has a touchscreen for easy navigation. The display also boasts a high-contrast image quality, leaving nothing to be desired in terms of sharpness.

However, the max brightness, like its alternatives, could use a bump up. Moreover, despite its lightweight build, it’s not as thin as its competitors. It’s a decent choice for the price, nonetheless.