Having a portable monitor means you can bring an extra display wherever you choose to work. It’s also great if you like gaming while you’re on the go or expand the display of your mobile streaming device. As in any monitor, you want one with excellent image quality and color accuracy, especially if you do creative work. Screen size and thickness are also critical considerations as they will affect portability. We’ve rounded a variety of quality options below.
ASUS ROG Strix 17.3-inch Portable Monitor
Best Overall
The ASUS ROG Strix 17.3-inch Portable Monitor strikes a perfect balance between aesthetics and performance. Its ultra-slim design and thin bevel will help elevate your media consumption to greater heights, and it’s more enticing as it’s built for you to bring anywhere. Moreover, the device boasts of a full-HD display and a whopping 240 Hz refresh rate for ultra-smooth viewing. Plus, it has a versatile kickstand that allows you to view the screen either in landscape or portrait modes.
Why we love it:
- Universally compatible as it supports USB-C or micro-HDMI connection through a hybrid-signal solution
- Adaptive-sync feature can sustain visual quality at peak performance
- The built-in battery can enhance portability
Arzopa Portable Laptop Monitor
Best Value
If you want an affordable display without compromising quality, Arzopa’s portable monitor is an excellent choice. With a full-HD display and compatibility with HDR mode, this 15.6-inch monitor can show various colors and contrasts for more life-like visuals. The high clarity particularly suits graphics-intensive activities like gaming and film viewing, meaning you can have quality entertainment even remotely. Meanwhile, its Eye Care feature can help protect your vision from excessive blue light radiation.
Why we love it:
- Renders sRGB color that helps gamers view contents more vividly
- Offers duplicate, extend, and second screen modes for wider usability
- Built-in dual speakers help enhance the overall viewing experience
cocopar USB-C Portable Monitor
Best for Gaming
The cocopar USB-C Portable Monitor boasts a pixel-perfect display fit for gaming. It features HDR to help improve sharpness and contrast along with a wide color gamut. Furthermore, it uses FreeSync technology to deliver an ultra-smooth gaming experience. When these features are combined, the results are stunning: vivid and realistic visual content. Non-gamers can equally benefit from this monitor’s three other display modes.
Why we love it:
- High-quality color reproduction helps mimic human visual imaging
- Plug-and-play feature through full-featured USB-C port helps improve portability
- Smart Stand Case helps protect the monitor while serving as its kickstand
SideTrak Swivel Portable Monitor
Most Portable
SideTrak Attachable Portable Monitor is a clever solution to extend your display without the hassle of bringing it separately from your laptop. This 12.5-inch full HD portable monitor has device-safe magnets that you can attach to the side of your laptop’s screen. It has hinges, so you can swivel it to adjust it to your viewing mode preference. Moreover, you can detach it from its magnet attachment system and use the kickstand for portrait or landscape mode.
Why we love it:
- Comes with USB-C and mini-HDMI ports and a micro-USB adapter to help enhance connectivity
- Slim and lightweight design helps preserve the integrity of the laptop’s display while it is attached to its side
- The plug-and-play feature no longer requires drivers for installation
KYY 15.6 Inch Portable Monitor
Most Thin
This 15.6-inch portable monitor from KYY is a perfect choice if you don’t want a prominent bulge on your laptop bag. It’s strikingly slim at only 0.3-inch thickness and lightweight at only 770 grams. This monitor also has a slip-proof and waterproof advanced smart cover to keep it protected when you’re constantly on the move. The foldable cover made of PU material also serves as your monitor’s kickstand.
Why we love it:
- Enhanced connectivity by providing a mini-HDMI and two USB-C ports
- Smartphone compatibility helps bring valuable content in a larger display
- HDR feature with a 178-degree viewing angle can aid viewing in an indoor or outdoor get-together
To ensure you don’t waste money on a portable monitor you can’t use, you should always check if its built-in ports are compatible with the devices you plan to use them with. Most portable monitors on the market today are available with mini-HDMI, USB-A, and USB-C connectivity. These types may also give you a hint on the screen quality. Full-functioned USB-C ports are the most dependable in handling the latest and demanding display technology that provides more vivid colors, brightness, and contrast. With our top picks, you can get the most performance at different scenarios when you’re on the go.
About the Author
Robbie Jones has been a gamer for over 10 years. What started out as a way to pass some time with his friends turned into a full-blown hobby and obsession, and he’s figured out plenty of ways to use the knowledge for good. Whether it’s reviewing the latest game or accessory or checking out the best chairs and desks, he spends his time consumed by gaming industry news and now he’s here to distill it down and make it easy for everyone (including you) to understand.
Why Should You Trust Us?
The Digital Trends team prides itself in offering expert product recommendations in ways that everyone can understand. Our team of experts is constantly using and reviewing the latest and greatest consumer tech, smart home gadgets, televisions, and so much more to offer insights to help guide your purchasing decision. We have vigorously tested thousands of different products across these categories, and we’ve distilled our lists to bring you the best of the best. If we feel a product does not live up to our expectations, it doesn’t make the list. We are humans though, and realize that not every recommended product will be perfect for everyone, so we do our best to call out important features that may impact your choices. Below our top picks we’ve included additional product information to ensure that you are making the right choice for your unique needs.
The products in this guide have been carefully curated by our team of experts and enthusiasts who understand the value and quality needed for the best options.
