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The Best Portable Monitor

By Dave Gershgorn

Dave Gershgorn is a writer covering monitors, laptops, and tablets. He is a certified display calibrator through the Imaging Science Foundation.

Rolling up to a café with a laptop and a portable monitor lets the whole room know you’re a busy professional who needs to get work done. But aside from impressing the half-caff crowd, portable monitors are a useful way to add another screen to your laptop, especially when you’re on the go. We recommend the Asus ZenScreen MB16ACV , a quality 1080p monitor that can also work over USB-A if your laptop doesn’t have a USB-C port. And if you’re looking for a higher resolution option, the LG Gram +View has a fantastic 1440p display.

Everything we recommend

Asus ZenScreen MB16ACV

A simple, high-quality monitor.

The Asus ZenScreen MB16ACV has a sharp 1080p display that makes a great second monitor for work.

Buying Options

Asus ProArt PA148CTV

A touchscreen for windows users.

The Asus ProArt PA148CTV has 10-point touch capability and highly adjustable picture settings, making it great for creative uses.

Upgrade pick

LG Gram +View

More bells and whistles.

The LG Gram +View has a high-resolution 1440p display that's great for small text, and a magnetic cover that doubles as a stand.

If you want a simple, affordable portable monitor that’s easy to use, we recommend the Asus ZenScreen MB16ACV . It has a 15.6-inch display with a 1080p resolution, which looks equally good while typing up documents and watching videos. Its integrated stand means you can use it in landscape and portrait orientations, and it connects to your laptop via a USB-C cable. You can also download additional software that lets you use a full-size USB cable to transmit video to the portable monitor, so it can be used with older laptops or as a smaller secondary monitor for desktops.

Not many portable monitors add features to your computer, but Windows users can add a touchscreen to their laptop with the Asus ProArt PA148CTV . This 14-inch, 1080p portable monitor also has a great menu for adjusting color performance and a well-placed tripod mount for use in studio setups. And the software integrations with Adobe Creative Cloud allow you to use touch controls while editing your photos and videos.

For a higher-resolution display and great colors out of the box, we recommend the LG Gram +View. Its 1440p display is better than our other picks for working with small text, which is helpful if you spend a lot of time looking at spreadsheets and documents. Aside from its image quality, we liked the monitor’s magnetic cover that doubled as a stand.

The research

Why you should trust us, who this is for, how we picked and tested, our pick: asus zenscreen mb16acv, upgrade pick: lg gram +view, also great for media pros: asus proart pa148ctv, what about a tablet, why do portable monitors look blurry with macs, what to look forward to, the competition.

Dave Gershgorn has reviewed and covered technology since 2015 at publications such as Popular Science, Quartz, Medium, and now Wirecutter. He covers all computer displays for Wirecutter and is a certified display calibrator through the Imaging Science Foundation .

A portable monitor adds a second screen to your laptop if you frequently travel or don’t have a set place to work every day. Some portable monitors, like our top pick, can even be used as displays for a desktop computer or Steam Deck game console .

These portable monitors are a neat way to take a fully fledged work setup on the go, but they’re not the best option if you work at a desk. Standard monitors are typically about the same price, much larger, and a bit higher quality than their portable counterparts.

A great portable monitor has a sharp, bright screen and easily connects to a laptop with a USB-C cable. It should be a simple and reliable device that doesn’t need to be tinkered with often, and can be used in both landscape and portrait orientations. We used the following criteria while researching and testing dozens of different portable monitors, including top sellers on Amazon and those well-reviewed on other websites.

• Resolution: We only considered displays with a 1080p resolution or higher. However, it’s important to also check the visual sharpness of each model, as cheaper 1080p displays can often look fuzzy.
• Color: A great portable monitor should be color accurate out of the box and have menu options to match the color of the display to your laptop for a more consistent experience.
• Brightness: Since portable monitors will be taken out to coffee shops, parks, and beyond, it’s important to have a screen that’s bright enough to be usable in sunny conditions. We looked for displays that output at least 250 nits of brightness.
• Contrast: A monitor with poor contrast will look dull and faded, and images will look flatter. We prefer monitors that have at least a 1000:1 contrast ratio.
• Price: Portable monitors shouldn’t cost more than a desktop monitor, so we considered models in the $200 to $450 range.
• Stand: A stand can make or break a portable monitor. We prefer stands that allow the monitor to be used in either landscape or portrait orientation.
• Size: Most portable monitors range in size from 14 to 16 inches. When physically comparing models, the size difference between 14-inch and and 16-inch monitors didn’t change how we used or carried them. If you have specific size requirements or prefer a small backpack meant for 13-inch laptops, then you might want to consider a 14-inch model. Otherwise, most sizes are similar enough that we prioritized other metrics like color, price, and brightness.
• Ports: We required at least one USB-C port for video and power. Some models have extra USB-C ports for charging your laptop through the display, but unless your laptop only has one USB-C port and no other way of charging, this feature isn’t crucial.
• Extra features: Some displays have ¼-inch screw mounting points so they can be mounted on tripods or stands for filmmaking and other custom setups, touch support, or wireless connectivity.

We tested nine portable monitors, including models from Asus, Dell, HP, Innocn, Lenovo, and LG. We used each monitor for at least a day of work in a café away from our regular office, which included typing up documents, working with spreadsheets, watching videos, and chatting on Slack. To ensure that we picked the sharpest display with the best color, we ran side-by-side tests in which the same image was shown on two portable monitors for visual comparison.

We also checked that each manufacturer lived up to its claims by using the Calman Ultimate software and Calibrite ColorChecker Display Plus to verify the maximum brightness and contrast of each display, and to validate our visual assessment of each monitor.

The Asus ZenScreen MB16ACV is a basic, high-quality 15.6-inch portable monitor that’s easy to use in landscape or portrait orientations, and it isn’t too expensive. It has one USB-C port to connect your laptop (or other device) and an understated black design.

The ZenScreen is easy on the eyes. During our testing, the ZenScreen was sharper and text was more consistently legible compared with other 1080p displays. We found the screen easy to read on for a few hours of work, without feeling like our eyes were straining. Like all of the portable monitors we tested, we did have to adjust the “scaling” settings on Windows and MacOS to make text, buttons, and other parts of the operating system a comfortable size. But once we set the scaling, we didn’t have to adjust it again.

We found the ZenScreen’s color a bit green out of the box, but just a few seconds spent tweaking the settings easily fixed that issue. We prefer the Game Mode picture setting with the Skin Tone set on “Reddish.” This is one of the reasons we really like the ZenScreen MB16ACV: It has a comprehensive menu that allows for granular adjustments of how the display shows color.

It’s bright enough to get work done in an office or a coffee shop. The ZenScreen MB16ACV reaches 250 nits of brightness. If you have a MacBook or higher-end Windows laptop it will likely be a bit dimmer than your laptop screen, depending on your brightness settings. It’s bright enough to do work and casually watch TV, though. The monitor also has good contrast—we measured a contrast ratio of 1010:1, just above our threshold of 1000:1, which means the picture shouldn’t look washed out.

One of the standout features of the ZenScreen is its stand. The stand flips out from the ZenScreen’s bottom edge and has small rubberized feet to keep the monitor stable. It’s sturdy, and the hinge stays in place. The stand also has a small cutout on its right side, so that the monitor can be placed in a portrait orientation. In this setup, the display leans back slightly, enough for it to be stable without messing with image quality or making the monitor wobbly. The monitor also has a ¼-inch screw hole on its back, which is the standard screw size for tripods and photo gear, making it easy to mount as part of a mobile photo setup.

The ZenScreen’s one USB-C port is all you really need. If your Windows laptop or computer doesn’t have a USB-C port, you can also hook up the monitor over a normal USB-A port. You just need to download a DisplayLink driver from Asus’s website, and then the display will automatically connect when plugged in. We tested this by running the ZenScreen as a secondary monitor for a Windows desktop, and after installing the driver it worked just as seamlessly as with a laptop.

We also like that the ZenScreen comes with a soft case to protect the display while you’re traveling.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

Many other portable monitors have two USB-C ports. The Asus ZenScreen MB16ACV only has one USB-C port to connect it to a laptop or computer. Having two USB-C ports, one to connect to the computer and another for power to charge that laptop, is useful. But it isn’t totally necessary if your laptop has two USB-C ports of its own, or another way to charge. For most people, one USB-C port is fine, but it’s worth noting.

Some features on the ZenScreen, like auto-rotate and USB-A compatibility, require you to download extra software . This is something to be aware of, but we don’t think it’s a huge deal.

The LG Gram +View has a higher-resolution display than our top pick and looks great out of the box without the need to tinker with any settings. It also has a magnetic foldable cover that acts as a stand, making the +View a slim portable monitor that should slip into most backpacks and bags.

The Gram +View’s high-resolution display makes text sharper and images clearer. The monitor has a 2560×1600 resolution display, usually known as 1440p or 2K resolution. This means text and images are sharper than a 1080p display. Other monitors offer higher or similar resolutions for hundreds of dollars more, but the LG Gram +View is the cheapest high-resolution portable monitor we could find from a company we trust. It costs $350, so you’ll pay about $150 more than our main pick for better resolution and picture quality.

The +View displays natural-looking colors. It also doesn’t need the settings adjustments that we recommend on lower-cost monitors. This is a good thing, because the +View’s display settings can only be controlled by a Windows app. The app functions, but it’s just a bit slow. The display is also bright enough to easily use in a sunny café or office, with 350 nits of brightness. That’s about a third brighter than our top pick, the Asus ZenScreen.

The magnetic stand is also the monitor’s cover. It magnetically attaches to different points on the display, but these points aren’t marked, so it takes a bit of trial and error at first to line up the magnets. Once you have this down it becomes pretty easy to flip back the cover into being the stand. The stand is slightly less stable than some of our other picks, but perfectly usable.

The +View has two USB-C ports, one more than our top pick. It also supports passthrough charging, so you can charge your laptop with its own cable, or plug the power into the portable monitor and charge through it.

The Asus ProArt PA148CTV is built for creative professionals who need an additional monitor on set or as a part of a mobile editing setup. It’s a 14-inch, 1080p display with touch support and integrations with Adobe products, so you can use the monitor as a control panel for software like Photoshop and Premiere Pro.

It also has Asus’s fantastic on-screen menu. The menu offers a ton of options for tweaking the colors and image quality.

Touch input worked seamlessly when connected to a Windows laptop. Unfortunately, this monitor will not add touch functionality to macOS. Instead, we recommend our other pick to Mac users, as the extra price isn’t worthwhile if you can’t use the touch control.

An iPad can be a good second screen for someone who has a Mac, using the Sidecar feature (as long as the Mac was introduced in 2016 or later, and the iPad is 6th-gen or later). Sidecar lets you connect your iPad to your Mac as a second display, with just one or two easy clicks.

However, we’d recommend against getting an iPad if you only want to use it as a portable monitor. It does have a higher resolution than our picks, but it is physically much smaller. You’ll have less screen space to work with, and it generally feels cramped. A larger iPad Pro would be a better second-screen experience, but then you’re talking about spending $1,000 or more for a second display. But if you already own an iPad, or want to mostly do iPad things and occasionally use it as a second screen, then it’s entirely doable.

Our top pick is a bit cheaper than buying an iPad new, so this advice is best if you already have one, or if you’re choosing between a portable monitor and an iPad.

However, we’re not able to recommend a tablet as a second screen for Windows laptops. Apple’s devices work seamlessly together in a way that Windows devices don’t. Senior staff writer Joel Santo Domingo has used software like Duet Display for years and stands by it as a solution, but we haven’t yet tested these kinds of software solutions thoroughly. We’ll update this guide when we do.

While testing both portable and desk-based monitors, we found that some lower-resolution displays looked significantly worse when used with Macs rather than Windows laptops and PCs. After some research and testing, we think this has to do with the fact that all Mac displays use Apple’s Retina technology.

Mac computers tailor the image they send to an Apple-certified monitor with a process called display scaling. This process is meant to create a sharp, properly sized image, no matter the size of the display. However, newer Macs running Apple's M1 and M2 chips seem to have difficulty scaling for lower-resolution displays, providing us with results that looked worse than expected. This was most noticeable when using a portable monitor with a Mac running the older macOS Monterey, and though that blurriness improved on Macs running on the latest macOS Ventura, the operating system’s settings made it difficult to get a sharp, properly-scaled image. If you’ve plugged a monitor into your Mac and it looks blurry, we’ve noticed this issue too. We reached out to Apple about this issue, but the company didn’t offer a response.

We were able to find and test one workaround for this problem—macOS software called BetterDisplay. It essentially creates a fake monitor, called a dummy, that your Mac thinks is a shiny, expensive high-resolution display. The Mac sends its scaled-up version of the picture to your dummy, which passes it to your portable monitor where the image looks far sharper than before. The setup process takes a minute or two, but then it configures automatically every time you plug in the display. You’ll need to buy BetterDisplay for $15 for continued use, but if you want to try it out first the developer offers a two-week demo with all features enabled.

A few new portable monitors caught our attention at CES 2024, including one that folds.

Espresso Displays’ new 13-, 15- , and 17-inch portable monitors are already shipping. Each display magnetically attaches to their stands. The 13-inch display starts at $300, the 15-inch display is $450, and the 17-inch 4K display costs $750. They’re more expensive than what we currently recommend, but they’re touch enabled, appear to have quality displays, and come in larger sizes and higher resolutions than the competition.

We also saw Asus’ ZenScreen Fold OLED MQ17QH , which is a 17.3-inch OLED screen that folds in half to close when you need to store it. Lots of people have foldable phones now, but we’re still a bit skeptical of larger folding displays, especially how they hold up over time. We don’t know pricing or release date just yet, but it could be nice to tuck a 17-inch screen into a bag half the size. We look forward to testing it once it’s available.

We’ll test these portable monitors, as well as others that have been announced since our last round of testing, for an updated version of this guide.

If you want a smaller display to match a 14-inch laptop, the HP E14 G4 is a solid option. It has a 14-inch, 1080p display with a sturdy stand and basic on-screen menu for changing brightness, contrast, and color. It is smaller and more expensive, and has about the same image quality as our top pick, but if our top pick is out of stock, this is the model we’d recommend. However, it’s currently out of stock, so we can’t recommend it at the moment.

The Dell C1422H is extremely similar to HP’s E14 G4 in size and image quality, but it has fewer image settings and costs a bit more. We think HP’s version offers a bit more value for the price.

We tested two monitors from Innocn, the 13A1F and the 15K1F . The OLED displays in both models give great contrast and deliver appealing colors, but we found both of these monitors to be blurrier than the competition. When tested side-by-side against the other models using LCDs, it was unfortunately apparent that we couldn’t recommend the Innocn displays for most people.

Lenovo sent us its ThinkVision M14d , a 14-inch display with an impressive 2240×1400 resolution. It’s a nice monitor, but the $475 price tag is simply too expensive.

We also tested the Asus ZenScreen Go MB16AWP , a higher-end display with wireless connectivity and its own internal battery. This model has some really great promise, with the ability to connect it to your phone to use as a larger screen for watching TV or movies. However, when testing the wireless features we found that many popular streaming services limit how their videos are viewed, which includes streaming video locally to another wireless device nearby. When we were able to successfully stream video using Plex, the video was chopping and unwatchable. The wireless communication worked great for adding a second wireless display to Windows computers, though, so if you have those specific needs, this could be a good solution. Overall, an extra $250 for the battery and wireless features of the Asus MB16AWP didn’t seem worthwhile given the restrictions.

This article was edited by Caitlin McGarry and Arthur Gies.

Meet your guide

Dave Gershgorn

Dave Gershgorn is a senior staff writer at Wirecutter. He’s been covering consumer and enterprise technology since 2015, and he just can’t stop buying computers. If this weren’t his job, it would likely be a problem.

Further reading

The Best 4K Monitors

by Dave Gershgorn

If you’re a video-editing pro or love to watch high-res movies, the best 4K monitor is the Dell UltraSharp U2723QE .

The Best Monitors

We’ve spent hundreds of hours researching and testing monitors of all shapes and sizes to find the best one for any need (or budget).

The Best 27-Inch Monitor

For those who have the desk space, 27-inch monitors hit the sweet spot of screen size and resolution, and we have recommendations for almost every scenario.

How to Shop for a Desktop Computer, From Cheap Towers to Gaming PCs

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Best portable monitors of 2024

We check out the best portable monitors for extending your screen

• Best overall
• Best on a budget
• Best for gaming
• Best for MacBooks
• Best for creatives
• Best with battery
• Best triple display
• Best 17-inch
• How to choose
• How we test

1. The list in brief 2. Best overall 3. Best on a budget 4. Best for gaming 5. Best for MacBook 6. Best 4K 7. Best for creatives 8. Best with battery 9. Best triple screen 10. Best 17-inch 11. Best OLED 12. How to choose 13. How we test

The best portable monitors make it really simple to extend your phone, tablet, or laptop screen, whether you’re in the home, office, or on the go. 

Lightweight and slim enough to slip inside almost any laptop bag, portable monitors let you expand your screen real-estate with an additional screen, usually about 15-17in, making workflows and gaming more comfortable than on a cramped display. And just because they’re small, doesn’t mean they’re not powerful. In our experience, the very best portable monitors come fully equipped with high resolutions, fast refresh rates, impressive color space coverage, and excellent viewing angles for work and play. 

Our team of reviewers have tested everything from the best business monitors to the best monitors for photo editing . Now, we’re comparing the specs and performance of a range of Full HD, 4K portable monitors, touchscreen displays for creatives, and some of the best monitors for a dual set-up you can take with you on the daily commute.  

The quick list

When it comes to the best portable monitors, finding the right one for your needs is the key. You wouldn't want to end up, after all, with a work-focused display when what you really need is a gaming one, or vice versa. That's why we gathered the best ones below for every need and even budget. While we haven't written full reviews, our reviewer has already tested quite a few of them herself, so you can rest assured that they've been tried and tested by us.

Best portable monitor overall

Its bright, vibrant OLED screen, excellent color accuracy, and lightweight form factor make this a fantastic option for most users.

Read more below

Best budget portable monitor 

Though slim on features, this budget option is amazingly lightweight and deliver great picture quality for how much it costs.

Best portable monitor for gaming

Though only a 1080p panel, this comes with a 144Hz refresh rate and Nvidia G-Sync, which makes it ideal for fast-paced titles. 

Best portable monitor for MacBook

If you’re more of a business or productivity power user needing to extend your MacBook’s display, then this is the ideal choice. 

Best 4K portable monitor 

A must if you want a portable 4K display, it boasts 600 nits of brightness, 1500:1 contrast ratio, and 100% Adobe RGB.

Best portable monitor for creatives 

Its 100% sRGB, 100% Rec. 709 color gamut, and high color accuracy make this a great touchscreen portable monitor for creatives.

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Best portable monitor with built-in battery 

This one comes with a built-in battery that can last up to three and a half hours on a single charge, as well as wireless connectivity.

Best triple portable monitor setup

If you need a dual-screen portable monitor to complement your laptop screen, we found the very versatile Flex a good performer, especially for meetings and multitasking.  

Best 17-inch portable monitor 

This good-looking 4K model from Intehill is a bit of a unicorn as there just aren’t a lot of portable monitors with this screen size.

Best OLED portable monitor 

A portable OLED monitor with solid build quality and a vibrant panel, this is a top choice for those looking for one on a tight budget. 

The best portable monitors 2024

Why you can trust TechRadar We spend hours testing every product or service we review, so you can be sure you’re buying the best. Find out more about how we test.

The best portable monitor overall

1. Asus ZenScreen OLED MQ13AH

Specifications, reasons to buy, reasons to avoid.

There are many things about the Asus ZenScreen OLED MQ13AH that makes it a worthy top recommendation if you’re seeking a portable monitor for productivity and casual use. It’s a bit on the small side, but at least that means it’s the perfect size of that 1080p resolution. And its 1.08-pound weight means that you’ll hardly feel it in your backpack when traveling or commuting.

In terms of performance, you’ll be hard-pressed to complain. It’s got 100% DCI-P3 color gamut and a color accuracy of Delta E < 2, delivering excellent color performance. It also has a bright panel, topping at 360 nits, so you won’t have to squint through your eight-hour workday – although we wish the display itself isn’t so glossy and prone to annoying reflections.

The only complaint we have about its design is that its stand, which moonlights as its case, isn’t the most convenient to use. Hardly a big deal, if it wasn’t for the fact that it’s also not the cheapest option.

The best budget portable monitor

2. ViewSonic VA1655

Though a little slim on special features – it has a built-in stand, of course, and for travel purposes, it comes with its own travel case. It also has portrait mode for reading documents and coding, as well as two 0.8W speakers, but that’s about it. However, if you don’t really need anything fancy, it’s the best one out of all the budget portable monitors you’ll see on Amazon . 

This 15.6-inch 1080p display is a little dim, with its brightness topping at 250 nits, but it has two USB-C ports, one of which has 60W power delivery (plus a mini HDMI). It’s also very light, one of the lightest options on here, coming in at only 1.5 lbs – an advantage if you’re a digital nomad on an extended trip around the world.

We’re still working on testing and reviewing this display, but ViewSonic’s budget monitors haven’t failed us yet, and this one is also very highly reviewed by verified customers on Amazon.

The best portable monitor for gaming

3. Asus ROG Strix XG16AHPE

There aren’t a lot of portable monitors geared towards gamers. Luckily, Asus has us covered with its line of ROG portable gaming monitors. There’s a few of them worth looking at, but if you want the best, we suggest going for the Asus ROG Strix XG16AHPE, which we’ve gamed on ourselves (although we are still working on a review for it).

This 15.6-inch version comes with a versatile built-in kickstand that gives users the option to switch from landscape to portrait mode, which comes in handy if you’re also a coder. Though only a 1080p panel, it does come with a 144Hz refresh rate, which makes it ideal for fast-paced titles, as well as Nvidia G-Sync support.

There is a built-in battery, which also makes this a worthy proposition if that’s important to you, but it’s small and only gives you up to two hours of use (less if you’re gaming). There are speakers built-in as well, though you’d want to rely on a gaming headset instead.

The best portable monitor for MacBooks

4. LG Gram +view 16MR70

If you’re a MacBook user who is a photographer, videographer, or graphic designer by trade, we recommend checking out our best portable monitor for creatives suggestion further down this list. However, if you’re more of a business or productivity power user needing to extend your MacBook’s display, then the LG Gram +view 16MR70 is the ideal choice.

The LG Gram line is known for its super-lightweight nature, and you can expect the same from this portable monitor, sitting at only 1.45 pounds for a 16-inch display. It’s, in fact, lighter than many of the smaller options on this list. Naturally, it works beautifully with the MacBooks, especially with its two USB-C ports. And while its color accuracy isn’t anything to write home about, it does offer DCI-P3 99% color gamut, which is a nice concession.

While we have yet to get our hands on this display for a proper review, which we plan on doing soon, it’s been positively received by Amazon customers. It’s currently enjoying a 3.4 out of 5 rating, with some reviewers declaring it an impressive portable monitor despite its minor flaws.

The best 4K portable monitor

5. UPerfect True 4K

What makes the UPerfect True 4K portable monitor such a must for those seeking 4K in a portable package is its blinding 600 nits of brightness to go along with that UHD resolution. While the HDR support is not Vesa-certified, its 1500:1 and 100% Adobe RGB more than make up for it, providing a vibrant and dynamic image.

If only you didn’t have to reset the brightness every time the screen is manually powered off. It’s a minor quibble, but considering how much power this screen takes – you’ll need somewhat powerful hardware to make use of that higher resolution – and the fact that your laptop is as likely to be on battery power than not, it is worth noting.

The other minor issue is its cover, which also functions as its stand. As a cover, it’s fine. But, as a stand, it can sometimes be a little flimsy, a regular issue with portable monitors. That said, at least there are more than enough ports on hand.

The best portable monitor for creatives

6. Asus ProArt Display PA148CTV

Content creators who often travel for work don’t always have the convenience of having access to a screen real estate big enough for a comfortable creative workflow. Luckily, some manufacturers have seen to it that they too have options in the portable monitor scene, and the Asus ProArt Display PA148CTV may be the best one we’ve seen and tested.

Though we haven’t done the review on it just yet, one of our Computing editors has had a proper hands-on experience with the monitor, and it truly delivers in color coverage and color accuracy. With 100% sRGB and 100% Rec. 709 color gamut, as well as Calman verified color accuracy, this is truly better for video and photo editing than all others on this list. That’s without mentioning its other features that simplify your workflow.

First is its touchscreen capability, which allows you to make adjustments to your work directly onto the screen. Then there’s the built-in integrated dial you’ll find in the rear of the monitor. It works seamlessly with several Adobe editing software, allowing you to fine-tune your work while minimizing your use of the trackpad or mouse.

The best portable monitor with built-in battery

7. Asus ZenScreen Go MB16AP

You might not feel comfortable with spending quite the asking price of the Asus ZenScreen Go MB16AP since it is pretty pricey. However, that’s probably the biggest strike against it. Outside of that and the fact that it is a bit on the chunky side, there’s much more to love than not.

While we haven’t reviewed it here at TechRadar just yet, one of our Computing editors has already put this display through its paces, and it truly does deserve to be on every top portable monitors list. To start, it comes with a built-in battery that can last up to three and a half hours on a single charge. That alone is pretty impressive. But, it also comes with wireless connectivity, though it only functions through screen mirroring.

As far as the panel itself goes, it’s not right for any serious photo or video editing but good for productivity work with a 1080p resolution and bright enough 220 nits. Colors look good for most regular work as well as streaming. But, the star of the show here is not the screen but the features, especially the battery, making this perfect for the digital nomad who needs extra screen real estate.

The best triple portable monitor for laptops

8. The Portable Monitor Flex 14

Our expert review:

If one extra screen is good, two must be better - and that’s where a fold-out portable monitor like the Flex 14 comes in. A versatile device powered by a single cable, you can set both  14-inch 1080p dual-screen portable monitors flanking your laptop. But you can also use a single display in landscape or portrait mode, or in a triangle formation for teams.. 

Given its weight, this is more suited for when you’re working from home or hot-desking in the office than using on the commute. In our hands-on testing, we found the build quality felt solid, the aluminium providing real stability, and overall flexibility was very welcome. Set-up was fast and simple, and performance was good. Images were clear and crisp, with good control over settings. 

Color space coverage is only 72% sRGB - so the focus here is on expanding your screen real-estate over color-accuracy for content creators. If you use a laptop that’s between 11in and 18in and need a three-screen set-up for meetings and multitasking, this is a very flexible option. 

Read our full The Portable Monitor Flex 14-inch review  

The best 17-inch portable monitor

9. Intehill 4K

This 17.3-inch 4K model from Intehill is a bit of a unicorn as there just aren’t a lot of portable monitors at this size with this resolution. Thankfully, it’s also a good looking one. Just be aware that you’ll have to spend a hefty sum for this larger display as well as buy a PSU separately, that is unless you have a Thunderbolt port which can fully power it.

While we found its backlighting to be somewhat center-focused during our testing, the color coverage is good for most with 100% Adobe RGB and 93% DCI-P3. HDR is on offer as well though its 400 nits is not quite bright enough for strong results – not to mention that it didn’t quite hit its advertised peak brightness when tested.

Back on the plus side, there’s plenty of connectivity on hand with the ability to use either USB-C, mini-DisplayPort, or a full-fledged HDMI port. The Intehill 17.3-inch Portable 4K monitor also comes with Vesa mounts as well as a smart case that doubles as a stand. 

Read our full Intehill 17.3” Portable 4K Monitor review

The best affordable OLED portable monitor

10. Innocn 15A1F

Graphic designers and videographers may want to look elsewhere. But, for everyone else interested in a portable OLED monitor and on a budget, the Innocn 15A1F should be in the running. 

That might seem strange considering that the colors here are pretty spectacular. When tested, we found the monitor to have a fairly wide color gamut to the tune of 176.3% sRGB and 124.9% of DCI P3. Plus, OLED panels offer a very consistent image across all sections. All this makes for a vivid display. However, it is held back for professional work somewhat by its 1080p resolution at 15.6 inches. And, it doesn’t quite have the brightness to fully take advantage of true HDR. That said, it still looks great.

And, while it doesn’t come with a carrying case – you’ll have to get one separately to keep the monitor from getting scratched up – it is well built and comes with a magnetically attached support foot that solves the problem that we find with a lot of portable screens by keeping it steady on its feet. We also appreciated the inclusion of both USB-C and Mini HDMI connectivity.

How to choose the best portable monitor for you

Choosing portable monitor hinges on your use case and to what device you are connecting. The very concept of a portable monitor makes the most sense with a USB-C-equipped laptop.

That’s the most reliable way to connect a portable monitor and ensures both compatibility and plenty of bandwidth for any resolution a portable monitor is likely to offer. That said, many mobile screens also support old-school USB-A connectivity. Just be aware that it will require software and drivers, which could present a problem depending on your device to drive the display.

For most mainstream Windows PCs, that should be fine. For everything else, it could be more problematic. Running over USB-A can also limit resolution and color fidelity due to lower bandwidth. That said, some portable monitors support micro HDMI and even VGA.

Speaking of bandwidth and resolution, most portable monitors are 15.6-inch panels with a 1080p resolution of 1,920 by 1,080 pixels. But more compact models with 11-inch screens are available.

Battery or no battery is another critical question. You can get portable screens both with and without. Screens without a battery are cheaper and lighter. However, if you’re using a mobile screen away from the mains, they will drain your laptop’s battery pretty fast.

The final significant factor is brightness. If you plan to use your portable display outside, you want as much of that as humanly possible. Most are limited, only topping out at a little over 200 nits. Aim for the brightest you can get while considering that more glowing screens will use up even more battery when powered by your laptop.

How we test the best portable monitors

We've tested a range of professional displays, including the best monitors for video editing , the best monitors for MacBook Pro , and the best gaming monitors . So, we know what to look out for when you need a second screen to take with you. 

When it comes to testing the best portable monitors, we evaluated the displays across many aspects, starting with how premium the design and build felt, how lightweight the monitor was, the screen size, and whether it offered full HD or 4K resolution. 

We considered how many types of connections (USB-C, USB-A, VGA, etc.) the monitors supported and the number of connectivity ports they had. We looked at the display brightness and the viewing angle width. 

Importantly, we assessed how minimal the latency was and how good the display looked, in terms of the color accuracy and saturation. We also analyzed how ergonomic the monitor stand/cover was and what type of user the monitor would be best suited for. 

We tested the best monitors for graphic design - and these are the ones we recommend

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Michelle Rae Uy is the former Computing Reviews and Buying Guides Editor at TechRadar. She's a Los Angeles-based tech, travel and lifestyle writer covering a wide range of topics, from computing to the latest in green commutes to the best hiking trails. She's an ambivert who enjoys communing with nature and traveling for months at a time just as much as watching movies and playing sim games at home. That also means that she has a lot more avenues to explore in terms of understanding how tech can improve the different aspects of our lives. 

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The 8 Best Portable Monitors of 2024

Improve your productivity and playtime on the road with one of these lightweight second screens.

In This Article

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• Our top picks
• Tips for Buying
• Why Trust T+L

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more .

Travel + Leisure / Kristin Kempa

Arguably one of the most frustrating things about being on the road is giving up your precious double- or triple-monitor setup and making do with only a small laptop, tablet, or smartphone display instead. If you see your productivity taking a nosedive — or even your pleasure in watching movies or playing games diminishing — then it’s time to add a portable monitor to your bag to reclaim the screen space you’re missing. 

The best portable monitors instantly extend your visual workspace, increasing your options for blazing through emails while simultaneously playing reruns of your favorite show, or working on a tedious spreadsheet that requires multiple browser windows instead. Best of all, these options all weigh less than 3 pounds, so you won’t have to worry about adding too much bulk either.

Best Overall

Asus zenscreen go 15.6" ips lcd fhd monitor.

It lasts 3.5 hours on a single charge, delivers wireless mirroring support, and has a blue-light filter to help minimize eye strain.

While it’s quite thin with built-in speakers, it’s a bit heavier than other models. 

Go ahead and extend your workspace on business, or personal, trips with an additional 15.6-inch, full HD display with the ASUS ZenScreen Go. This sleek and portable design has an adjustable kickstand for 178-degree viewing angles with vibrant color and clarity. The wireless mirroring feature (which supports iOS, Android, Chrome OS, and Windows devices) comes in handy for pulling up something on your phone and instantly displaying it on the monitor. It also easily adapts whether your phone is in landscape or portrait mode thanks to a built-in G-sensor that automatically senses display orientation. 

One major selling point you’ll quickly appreciate is the blue-light filter technology to help protect your eyes from this harmful light . The package includes a Micro Mini HDMI-to-HDMI adapter, USB-C cable, and power cord and adapter, plus the unit itself has two USB-C ports. There’s also a 3.5-mm headphone jack on the display. 

The Details: 13.7 x 5 x 1.7 inches | 2.4 pounds | LED | 1920 x 1080 resolution | 3-year warranty

Best Attachable

Sidetrak swivel attachable portable monitor.

The SideTrak Swivel fits any laptop size and doesn’t require a table so it’s ideal to use outdoors or on the couch.

The display is not as bright as we’d like and it’s not compatible with laptops that have a kickstand.

No table to rest an extra monitor on? That’s no problem for the SideTrak Swivel and its patented 360-degree swivel design that securely attaches to the back of your laptop with a device-safe magnetic plate. (It's also possible to adjust the built-in kickstand if you want to use it freestanding or in portrait mode as well.) It can even remain attached as you walk around or put your laptop away in your work bag or personal item and hit the road. 

This product is compatible with Microsoft, Google, and Apple laptops, and easily rotates 270 degrees for your viewing needs or swivels 360 degrees for collaboration with others. There are two sizes available — 12.5 or 14 inches — with only a nominal weight increase between the two, too.

The Details: 12 x 7.4 x 0.7 inches (12.5-inch) or 13.38 x 8.1 x 0.7 inches (14-inch) | 1.3 pounds (12.5-inch) or 1.5 pounds (14-inch) | LCD | 1920 x 1080 resolution | 1-year warranty

Best Budget

Mnn portable monitor 15.6inch fhd.

This monitor is a budget-friendly way to expand your productivity on the road plus it includes a lifetime warranty.

There is no battery, so you’ll need to charge it with your laptop or the included wall charger.

The price of portable monitors is coming down and this model from MNN can a real steal (especially on sale). No, its display and features won’t rival some of the pricier models on the market, but it does deliver a very usable second screen that travels well. It works in both landscape and portrait mode and comes with a scratch-proof smart cover to help keep it protected when not in use. Gamers will love that it’s even compatible with Xbox One, PS5/PS4, and Nintendo Switch, so it’s ideal for work and play. You’ll only need one USB-C cable to connect to the power supply and display video, too. 

The Details: 14.48 x 8.85 x 0.3 inches | 2.1 pounds | LCD | 1920 x 1080 resolution | Lifetime warranty

Best Widescreen

Dell 14 portable monitor.

This 16:9 widescreen resolution makes for great gaming, movie-watching, and multitasking on projects.

It only supports USB-C connectivity (read: no HDMI) and there are no integrated speakers.

Dell decided to get in on the portable monitor game with its debut, the Dell 14 Portable Monitor. We’re glad they did because this product ticks a lot of boxes for the average traveler, starting with the fact that it weighs less than 1.5 pounds and is less than a quarter-inch thick at its slimmest point. While display controls are limited, the display is big and bright with a sturdy hinged stand that bends from 10 to 90 degrees for adjustable viewing. It’s also easy on your eyes with ComfortView technology that reduces blue-light emissions. Top it all off with two USB-C ports for extra connections. 

The Details: 12.7 x 8 x 0.6 inches | 1.3 pounds | LCD | 1920 x 1080 resolution | 3-year warranty

Best Triple-screen

Xebec tri-screen 2.

It’s so easy to install, you’ll be up and running with three screens on Mac, Windows, Linus, or Chrome in 15 seconds.

M1 and M2 Macbook Air and Pro chips that only support one extra display will require an adapter.

Why settle for just one or two screens when you can have three? With the Xebec Tri-Screen 2, you can pull up a spreadsheet on one, have another dedicated to research, and not miss a beat in your email inbox with the third. This setup fits any laptop that’s 12 to 17 inches, and attaches via a resistance band and grips (so no magnets or adhesive needed). The kickstand provides a little extra support, and extends for use with heavier laptops. The dual screens each rotate 180 degrees, have adjustable brightness, and connect via the included USB-C. However, each one is 10.1 inches wide so it’s better for extended-view use.

The Details: 12 x 7.5 x 1.0 inches each | 2 pounds | LCD | 1920 x 1200 resolution | 1-year warranty

Best Lightweight

Lenovo thinkvision m14 portable monitor.

At just 1.26 pounds, you’ll never have to think twice about packing your Lenovo ThinkVision M14.

There are limited display customization options and only two USB-C ports.

Anyone tired of flimsy kickstands on portable monitors will embrace the Lenovo ThinkVision M14 with open arms. Its built-in kickstand and flip-out foot deliver the perfect height to line up with your laptop and tilting options offer optimal viewing — it even feels secure in portrait mode. Plus, the monitor is ultra-slim and ultra-lightweight, so you’ll never have to second-guess if there’s room for this handy accessory. The power pass-through is another helpful feature, and allows you to charge both the M14 and your laptop with one single adapter. 

The Details: 3.82 x 12.72 x 8.23 inches | 1.26 pounds | LED | 1920 x 1080 resolution | 3-year warranty

Best Touchscreen

Sidetrak solo 4k touch 15.6-inch.

With crystal-clear 4K resolution and 10-point touch, this is the ideal portable monitor for creative professionals.

At 2.9 pounds, this model is on the heavier end of the spectrum.

The SideTrak Solo 4K Touch offers exceptional picture quality plus everything you need at the swipe of a finger, including adjustable brightness, a blue-light filter, and volume and display settings. With USB-C ports and a Mini HDMI port, it’s compatible with Windows, Chrome, Mac, Linux, PS4, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, iPhones, and Androids — and the plug-and-play design means you’ll be up and running in no time on all your favorite devices. You’ll likely also appreciate the freestanding monitor’s magnetic cover that doubles as a stand when traveling (though it does prevent you from using it in portrait mode).

The Details: 14.5 x 8.9 x 0.4 inches | 2.9 pounds | LED | 3840 x 2160 resolution | 1-year warranty

Best for Gaming

Asus rog strix 15.6-inch.

Gamers will welcome the built-in battery with up to 3 hours of runtime and a dedicated gaming menu of on-screen display settings.

The awkward kickstand design limits tilt angle options.

Take your gaming to the next level with the ASUS ROG Strix 15.6-inch portable monitor, which offers a 144Hz refresh rate and 3ms response time for fluid visuals. This full HD monitor has an aspect ratio of 16:9 and a built-in high-capacity battery with a quick-charge feature that’ll give you two hours of playtime after just a one-hour charge. You’ll receive a USB-C cable, a USB C-to-A adapter, and a micro HDMI-to-HDMI cable for easy connection to a smartphone, tablet, laptop, or game console while traveling or at home. When not in use, place it in the handy sleeve for protection. If you’d like to take your set-up to the next level beyond the kickstand, there’s a universal tripod socket, too (tripod not included).

The Details: 8.88 x 14.19 x 0.46 inches | 1.98 pounds | LCD | 1920 x 1080 resolution | 3-year warranty

Tips for Buying a Portable Monitor

Consider the connections and power source.

A portable monitor is only a welcome addition to your electronics collection if it can properly hook up to your devices, and that means you’ll need to understand which connections you have. You’ll notice that USB-C and micro-HDMI connections are the most common, so if your device doesn’t have those, then you’ll need to purchase an adapter. You’ll also want to check whether the portable monitor has a built-in battery (and how long that life is, if so), so you know how it will get power. If there’s no built-in battery, you’ll need to draw charge from your laptop (through a USB-C cable) or rely on an AC power outlet.

Know your use cases

Are you planning to use your portable monitor to watch movies? Is it mostly for business trips with no standalone monitor for work or presentations? Will it be used primarily for after-hours gaming? There are plenty of jack-of-all-trades portable monitors that can handle all three of those scenarios with ease, but some brands and models truly excel at just one of those use cases; if you are focused on mainly using it for one specific task, make sure you’re choosing a model that shines in that area.

Choose a size that makes sense for you

Even though we’re somewhat conditioned to think bigger is better with certain displays — like a big screen TV or larger smartphone — that may not necessarily be the case for your portable monitors. If you plan to mostly use it as an extra monitor while working remotely at home, larger sizes may be appealing. But if your plan is to take it on the road for vacations, business trips, or a generally nomadic lifestyle, a more compact option would be ideal for space-saving purposes. 

It depends on the model, but the most common ways are through USB-C, USB-A, or HDMI cables. Usually the product will come with the essential cables for most setups, but you may find it necessary to buy an adapter depending on which ports your device has. Some portable monitors also offer screen mirroring, which allows you to wirelessly duplicate or extend your phone or tablet screen to the portable monitor.

Portable monitors are designed to extend your display — whether that’s from a phone, laptop, or tablet. However, like a desktop monitor, a portable one has no independent functionality as it’s not a computer or a television.

Some portable monitors gain “pass-through” power through the USB cord that links the monitor with your laptop. Others come with an AC adapter or power brick that you can connect to an outlet. Finally, some portable monitors have built-in rechargeable batteries that you can operate independently without the need for a power source as long as they are charged up — but know that battery life is typically only a few hours on these.

Yes, bringing a portable monitor on a plane is no different than bringing a laptop, tablet, or portable keyboard in your carry-on or personal item — these electronics are of no concern to TSA or airlines. However, you’ll want to be sure you have enough room to use it without encroaching on your seatmate’s space. With limited tray-table space, you may discover there just isn’t enough surface area for your portable monitor in-flight and only at your final destination.

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

Jill Schildhouse  is a Phoenix-based travel writer who spends roughly 90 nights a year on the road, and her biggest gripe about traveling is leaving her two huge desktop monitors behind — one small laptop screen really dampens her ability to multitask. Now that she’s discovered the power of portable monitors, she’s stressing less about deadlines.

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Best Portable Monitors 2024: Gaming and Laptop Productivity

These are the best portable monitors to consider if you're looking to expand real estate for your laptop.

Best Overall Portable Monitor

Best portable monitor value, best portable monitor for productivity, best portable gaming monitor, best small-screen portable monitor, best dual screen portable monitor, best portable wireless monitor.

• Shopping Tips

1. Best Overall 2. Best Value 3. Best for Productivity 4. Best for Gaming 5. Best Small-Screen 6. Best Dual Screen 7. Best Wireless 8. Shopping Tips 9. Discounts

A portable monitor can provide an extra screen for your laptop when you travel, serve as a compact display for a Raspberry Pi project, help you test a desktop that’s still on your workbench, or even connect to a game console when you take it on vacation. The best portable monitors offer a combination of good image quality, light weight, strong usability, and plenty of connectivity options.

With prices ranging from under $100 to well over $700, screen sizes going from 10 inches all the way up to 18.5+ inches and beyond, resolutions that reach as high as 4K and options such as high refresh rates, wireless connectivity, and touch input, there are a ton of options to choose from. To help you find the best portable monitor for your needs, we’ve conducted extensive testing on various makes and models.

Our top choices are below, followed by some portable monitor shopping tips and details on how we benchmark. If you’re looking for a screen that stays on your desk, check out our list of the best gaming monitors .

The Best Portable Monitors You Can Buy Today

Why you can trust Tom's Hardware Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test .

1. InnoCN 15A1F

Our expert review:

Specifications

Reasons to buy, reasons to avoid.

The Innocn is a mold-breaker in the portable monitor space. We typically expect OLED panels to come with a hefty price premium over their IPS rivals, but the Innocn 15A1F delivers OLED goodness for under $400. Not only is this pricing comparable to IPS panels in the 15.6-inch size class, but the color, brightness, and contrast are far superior on the 15A1F.

The 15A1F measures 15.6 inches diagonally and features a 1920x1080 resolution with a refresh rate of 60Hz. Brightness is rated at 400 nits, and we came remarkably close to that figure in our instrumented testing. sRGB and DCI-P3 color gamut performance were admirable, and it's hard to beat the contrast made possible with an OLED panel.

On the other hand, we weren't too thrilled about the ever-present reflections with the glossy panel and the large bottom bezel might be off-putting to some. But with an MSRP of $349, those downsides are easy to overlook. The monitor has even dipped below the $200 price point in recent months, which makes it an unbeatable value in this space.

Read: Innocn 15A1F Portable Monitor Review  

2. Elecrow CrowView

Sometimes, you just need an everyday workhorse that can get the job done, but won’t break the bank. That’s where Elecrow’s CrowView steps up to the plate to knock it out of the park. It hits all the right notes with a lightweight chassis, good build quality and various ways to use the monitor.

For example, you can use the CrowView as a traditional portable monitor, with it sitting beside your laptop using its built-in stand. Or you can clamp the monitor to the back of your laptop’s lid for some dual-screen action. You can even use it separately in a portrait orientation. You get HDMI and DisplayPort connectivity, and the monitor supports physically attaching to laptop screens measuring 13 to 16.5 inches.

It's not perfect: the OSD is a bit cumbersome to navigate due to the placement of the buttons, but that’s the only major misstep here. And given that it’s priced at less than $150, it gets an easy recommendation.

More: Elecrow CrowView review  

3. Espresso 17 Pro

The Espresso 17 Pro is undoubtedly a pricey portable monitor, but you get a lot for your money with this monitor. Not only does it measure an expansive 17 inches across, but it features a 4K resolution and a glossy finish, which helps boost contrast and makes colors pop. The monitor also comes with a robust stand that allows the 17 Pro to be used in portrait or landscape modes. It also tilts and includes a provision to lock that display at an 18-degree angle, which is optimal for writing and drawing.

Perhaps more impressive is that the 17 Pro’s touchscreen works in Windows and macOS. Apple never designed macOS to support touch input, but Espresso has deftly added the functionality and includes software that makes navigating and interacting with macOS using your finger (or a pen) seem almost natural.

The $749 price tag might seem high for a portable monitor, but the breadth of features, color performance, and overall versatility of this monitor and its stand is currently unmatched.

More: Espresso 13 Touch and 17 Pro review  

4. Nexigo NG17FGQ

The Nexigo NG17FGQ achieves a feat that we don't often see in the portable monitor realm: it offers a tantalizing 300Hz refresh rate in a 17.3-inch form factor and connects to a laptop or desktop via HDMI or USB-C (DisplayPort Alt-Mode).

However, you'll need to connect the monitor to a PC with a USB-C cable to reach that 300Hz threshold. Connecting via an HDMI cable limits you to 240Hz, which is still not bad for a portable monitor. 

Thanks to its good build quality, excellent color representation, and great performance while gaming, the NG17FGQ is hard to beat for mobile gamers looking for a step up in performance. If that wasn't enough, a remote is included in the box to make it easier to navigate the OSD (instead of fumbling with sometimes poorly-placed physical buttons on the actual monitor) along with built-in speakers.

More: Nexigo NG17FGQ Review  

5. Feelworld DH101

Feelworld may not be a name familiar to the general public, but the company’s DH101 portable monitor is a real winner. Portable monitors typically measure 13.3 to 17.3 inches in size. However, the DH101 bucks that trend with a relatively small 10.1-inch diagonal.

Despite its small size, Feelworld has infused the DH101 with plenty of features, including a robust and adjustable kickstand. All of the monitor's ports are located on the kickstand, which prevents cables from hanging off the display, which is a huge plus. In addition, the monitor supports touch, which is a nice bonus for this value-priced offering. Other features include integrated speakers and an extra USB-C port to connect low-power devices like keyboards, mice, and USB sticks.

It’s hard to find any significant deficit with the Feelworld DH101, other than the speakers being a bit disappointing in audio quality. However, with a price tag of around $130, it easy to overlook that flaw. 

Read: Feelworld DH101 Review  

6. Limink LK14

Limink truly has a standout product with its LK14 portable monitor. While we’re used to seeing single-screen portable monitors in various sizes, the LK14 bucks that trend with dual screens. You get multiple screens flanking your laptops, and the whole unit is built with high-quality materials and precision.

Each 14-inch monitor offers a 1920 x 1200 resolution, 60Hz refresh rate, and a maximum brightness of 400 nits. In addition to providing excellent overall image quality, the LK14 is also actually useful as an everyday accessory for your laptop. You get a huge increase in available screen real estate for your daily productivity needs.

Even though Limink bills the LK14 as a portable monitor, its 3.22-pound weight blunts its effectiveness there. However, the unit at least folds up into an easily transportable package and slips into a nice, book-style pleather case.

However, the Limink LK14 doesn’t come cheap, given its $700 MSRP. However, regular sales see the LK14 dip below $600 for those who can truly take advantage of its capabilities.

Read: Limink LK14 Review

7. Asus ZenScreen Go MB16AWP

Asus pulled out all the stops with the ZenScreen Go MB16AWP, which is an impressive 15.6-inch Full HD portable monitor. At first glance, the ZenScreen Go MB16AWP seems like your run-of-the-mill entry in this segment with its Full HD IP panel and 60 Hz refresh rate, but Asus has baked in plenty of features that make it unique.

For starters, there's an integrated 7,800 mAh battery that is good for three hours of runtime before a recharge is needed. Our testing also showed that the battery could be juiced from 0 percent to 100 percent in just over two hours. The other standout feature of the ZenScreen Go MB16AWP is integrated Wi-Fi connectivity.

With Wi-Fi enabled, you can mirror your device's screen to the ZenScreen Go MB16AWP without plugging in a USB-C or HDMI cable. When you couple this with the integrated battery, you have a completely wire-free experience with this portable monitor. Asus provides broad compatibility, with support across Windows, macOS, Chrome OS, Android and iOS operating systems.

Other features include a built-in accelerometer that allows the ZenScreen Go MB16AWP to switch from portrait to landscape mode with ease, two USB-C ports, and a single Mini-HDMI port. Throw in excellent color performance across sRGB and DCI-P3 color spaces, and it's hard not to recommend the ZenScreen Go MB16AWP.

At $469, the Asus ZenScreen Go MB16AWP doesn't come cheap, but it offers a lot of bang for the buck when it comes to features and performance.

More: Asus ZenScreen Go MB16AWP Review

Shopping Tips for Best Portable Monitors

• Make sure it connects to your device(s). Some monitors connect over standard HDMI, which lets them work with almost anything, while others use USB-C’s alternate mode. A select few provide DisplayLink connectivity, which allows them to plug into any USB 3.0 capable port, even an old-fashioned type-A connector.
• Pay close attention to monitor kickstands . A kickstand can be a make-or-break proposition for some portable monitors. The best portable monitors have a built-in kickstand that allows you to easily adjust the display for the best possible viewing angles. On the other hand, some monitors have separate, magnetic origami-style covers that double as a kickstand. These are rarely (if ever) better than a good built-in kickstand and can ruin an otherwise good display experience.
• Battery or no battery? Most modern portable monitors draw power over USB-C, either via a dedicated wall charger or by drawing power directly from your laptop. However, some models, like the Asus ROG ROG XG16AHPE and XG17AHPE, have a built-in lithium-ion battery that allows you to game without being plugged into a wall. So, if you prefer to connect to your laptop via HDMI, you could do so with just a single cable with battery-equipped monitors.
• Productivity or Gaming? Most portable monitors come with a standard 60Hz refresh rate, which is perfectly fine for productivity tasks and suits most consumers. However, some alternatives like the Asus ROG ROG XG16AHPE and ViewSonic VX1755 offer up to 144Hz refresh rates and support for Adaptive-Sync technologies for those that want to game on a portable display that’s larger than what their laptop natively offers.

For more guidance picking a monitor of any resolution – gaming or otherwise – check out our PC Monitor Buying Guide and list of the Best Computer Monitors .  

Discounts on the Best Portable Monitors

Whether you're shopping for one of the screens that made our list of best portable monitors above or something else, you may find savings by checking out our best monitor deals page , along with our lists of Dell coupon codes , Lenovo coupon codes , LG coupon codes , HP coupon codes , Monoprice coupon codes and Newegg promo codes .

MORE: Best Gaming Monitors

MORE:  How We Test Monitors

MORE:  All Monitor Content

MORE:  HDMI vs. DisplayPort: Which Is Better For Gaming?

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Brandon Hill is a senior editor at Tom's Hardware. He has written about PC and Mac tech since the late 1990s with bylines at AnandTech, DailyTech, and Hot Hardware. When he is not consuming copious amounts of tech news, he can be found enjoying the NC mountains or the beach with his wife and two sons.

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• imsurgical I believe the specs for the Zion Pro and Lenovo ThinkVision are incorrect. You have the specs copied from the Asus ROG Strix XG17AHPE for both. Reply
• Co BIY Never even knew this was a product category before this article. Sounds like a a total need for anyone working off a laptop. I love my multi-monitor setups. Laptop manufacturers should be selling matching monitors to go with their laptops, Reply
• svavar79 If you have a Mac laptop and an iPad, you can use the iPad as a second screen. Reply
• Awev I noticed that all of the mentioned displays have a category called Touch: none So, none of these monitors support touch sensors? Are there any that do, that are worth considering? Reply

Awev said: I noticed that all of the mentioned displays have a category called Touch: none So, none of these monitors support touch sensors? Are there any that do, that are worth considering?

Co BIY said: Never even knew this was a product category before this article. Sounds like a a total need for anyone working off a laptop. I love my multi-monitor setups. Laptop manufacturers should be selling matching monitors to go with their laptops,

• View All 6 Comments

Most Popular

The best portable monitors in 2024

Shop the best portable monitors for productivity and gaming

Chances are you're looking for the best portable monitor if you want a non-stationary second screen for your laptop. These add-on displays make it possible to multitask from anywhere. When it's time to get things done, a portable monitor can level up your workflow. It instantly expands your screen's real estate and gives you the flexibility of using it in your home office or on the move. 

Portable monitors are great for extending your laptop display, but are also excellent companions for tablet, smartphone, or camera. Creators, photographers, and business pros will benefit from the convenience portable monitors offer. 

Whether you're video editing, touching up photos or working with documents, an extra screen helps streamline your productivity. 

If you want a compact display that easily fits in a backpack or small workspace, here are the best portable monitors you can get.

What is the best portable monitor?

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The Asus ProArt Display PA148CTV is the best portable monitor available today, despite the cumbersome name, it is a sleek 14-inch multi-touch 1080p display that delivers superior image quality to many of the other options on the market. If you're a creator looking for some extra screen real estate without sacrificing too much in the way of color accuracy or color gamut, the Asus ProArt is the clear choice. 

If you are looking for the best value for screen size the Viewsonic VG1655 delivers an unbeatable deal with its $179 price point for the cheapest 15.6-inch model. Creatives that want a stylus to use with their portable monitor should consider the Lenovo ThinkVision M14t, giving you a budget Cintiq experience with its included active stylus.

On-the-go gamers could benefit from the 144Hz 15.6-inch IPS display offered by the Asus ROG Strix XG16AHPE. It's a rare high-performance portable monitor that with Nvidia G-Sync compatibility, could be the perfect add-on to your gaming laptop.

If you want something that feels integrated into your laptop, then you might want to consider the SideTrak Swivel HD. Available in either 12.5-inch or 14-inch display sizes, it clips onto your laptop and can then be maneuvered with its hinge in portrait or landscape mode. 

Here's a closer look at the best portable monitors available right now.

1. Asus ProArt Display PA148CTV

Specifications, reasons to buy, reasons to avoid.

The Asus ProArt Display PA148CTV is one of the best portable monitors for creators. Photographers, video editors, and graphics designers will benefit from its useful pro-grade tools. 

It features a 14-inch FHD (1920 x 1080) anti-glare 10-point touch screen and is pre-calibrated to meet Calman verification standards. With a 100% sRGB wide color gamut and Delta E < 2 color accuracy, this ProArt display ensures rich, life-like reproduction of every hue.

One feature that makes this ProArt Display stand out from competing portable monitors is Asus Dial. This rotary mechanism works in conjunction with Adobe creative apps. It enables precise, on-screen control of color balance and tone, time axis adjustment, brush smooth modification, and more. 

2. Dell portable monitor P1424H

The Dell P1424His among the most praised portable monitors out there. Its 14-inch LED-backlit panel offers a standard 60Hz refresh rate with 6ms response time. And with 300 nits of brightness, it allows for comfortable viewing even in brightly lit environments. 

This 1080p display easily connects to your laptop via USB and supplies you with 2 x USB Type-C ports. At just 1.3 pounds, it easily fits into your bag or backpack. It's the perfect companion for your Dell XPS or Dell Insprion laptop. 

3. ViewSonic VG1655 Portable Monitor

The ViewSonic VG1655 is suitable for travelling professionals and remote workers alike. It sports a 15.6-inch (1920 x 1080) anti-glare IPS panel with 250 nits of brightness and a 60Hz refresh rate. Depending on the specific options you choose the display offers touch screen support in mirroring mode only. 

The portable monitor's built-in stand allows for portrait or landscape mode viewing. 

Although we didn't test this monitor, ViewSonic VG1655 reviews on Amazon average 4.3 out of 5-stars. Feedback from well-pleased owners praise its lightweight design, bright panel, and touch screen support for Samsung Dex .  

Port-wise, you get a Mini HDMI, two USB Type-C ports, and a headphone jack. And with 2-way powered USB-C connectivity, the VG1655 can be powered by the connected laptop. The VG1655 works with just about every operating system including Android , Apple iOS , Chrome OS, Linux, macOS, and Windows . 

4. Lenovo ThinkVision M14t

Our expert review:

Lenovo's ThinkVision M14t combines flexibility and style into an ultra-portable display. It's a great tool for designers, animators, presenters, and anyone else who wants a compact extra screen. The included pressure-sensitive Active Pen allows for precise sketching. 

It features a 14-inch FHD (1920 x 1080) 10-point touch screen with 300 nits of brightness for picture-perfect clarity even when you're outdoors. The display's barely-there bezels, tilt function and great viewing angles ensure comfortable viewing.

In our ThinkVision M14t review, we gave it a 4 out of 5-stars, citing its color-rich display, lightweight design, nifty stylus, and sturdy stand.  

At just 1.5 pounds 14.8 x 10.5 x 2.7 inches, the ThinkVision M14t easily fits into a travel bag or backpack and won't hog up too much workspace. Two built-in USB-C ports on either side of the portable monitor connect to USB-C-compatible laptops and phones. 

Read our full Lenovo ThinkVision M14t review

5. Asus ROG Strix XG16AHPE

If you are looking to boost your gaming performance on the go, rather than just your productivity, the Asus ROG Strix XG16AHPE is the best portable gaming monitor around. The 15.6-inch IPS display features a 1080p resolution and 144Hz refresh rate with Nvidia G-Sync compatibility. 

The built-in battery should give you up to 3 hours on a single charge at 144Hz, which is probably more than you're gaming laptop will get on a charge while playing any of the best PC games . The built-in kickstand handles portrait or landscape alignment, but it doesn't allow for different angles, so hopefully you're happy with the default tilt.

The $399 price tag is not bad considering the high-end performance you are getting from this display and Asus even tosses in a handy carrying case to keep it protected in your laptop bag. Ports include USB-C for power delivery, micro-HDMI and a headphone jack.

6. SideTrak Swivel HD

SideTrak's appropriately named Swivel HD swivels and rotates 360 and 270 degrees, respectively. It features a 1920 x 1080 panel with 300 nits of brightness and a 60Hz refresh rate. 

Sidetrack offers this display in 14-inch and 12.5-inch screen sizes for anyone looking to invest in a smaller-sized portable display. Whereas many of today's mobile monitors are freestanding, the Sidetrack Swivel HD securely affixes to the back of your laptop. 

At just 1.3 pounds and 12 x 7.4 x 0.7 inches, the SideTrack Swivel HD is one of the lightest portable monitors out there. It works with Windows, Chrome OS, and macOS laptops via Thunderbolt USB-C or USB-A and HDMI connectivity. 

7. Asus ZenScreen MB16AMT Portable Monitor

Asus ZenScreen MB16AMT is the best portable monitor for power users. It packs a built-in high capacity 7,800mAh battery so it doesn't sap juice from connected devices. 

It features a 15.6-inch FHD (1920 x 1080) 10-point touch screen at 60Hz with 250 nits of brightness. Automatic screen orientation switches to portrait or landscape mode while connecting to your laptop. This ensures comfortable viewing whether you're presenting, viewing documents, books or browsing the internet.

Hybrid-signal USB-C and micro-HDMI connectivity lets you display content from a range of devices. It connects to laptops, tablets, phones, cameras and game consoles like the Nintendo Switch . 

Incorporated into the ZenScreen MB16AMT's design is a foldable smart case to protect it from dust, dirt, dings and scratches. And when you're not using the case, a unique smart pen hole lets you prop the display up on a flat surface. 

With a weight of 2 pounds, the MB16AMT is slightly heavier than competing portable monitors. It's a small trade-off if you prefer a portable monitor with its own power source. 

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Hilda Scott uses her combined passion for gadgets and bargain shopping to bring you the best prices on all things tech. She has a bachelor’s degree in film and media studies from Hunter College and 11 years of tech and entertainment journalism. Her work has been featured on Tom’s Guide, iTechPost, Examiner.com, Parlemag, Enstars, and Latin Times. When she's not scouting for the best deals, Hilda’s catching up on her favorite TV shows and pro-wrestling matches.  

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Recent updates, all reviews, the 4 best portable monitors - spring 2024 reviews.

Although standard desktop monitors are what most people need for working at home or at the office, a different type of monitor is beneficial if you work on the go. Known as portable monitors, these displays are about the same size as a laptop screen, give you extra screen space to work with, and one of the main benefits is that they're easy to carry. Like laptops, they can deliver sharp text thanks to their high pixel density, which can be even better than some desktop monitors.

However, portable monitors have some drawbacks as they don't have as good picture quality as desktop monitors, which is why they're better to use as a secondary display next to your laptop. Most of them still require power from an external source, so you'll need a cable powering the display and another charger handy for your laptop, but some do have built-in batteries.

We've bought and tested over 305 monitors, and below, you'll find our recommendations for the best portable monitors. For more options, check out our recommendations for the best USB-C monitors , the best monitors for MacBook Pro and MacBook Air , and the best office monitors .

Best Portable Monitor

The espresso Display 15 Touch is the best portable monitor we've tested. Overall, it's a decent portable monitor with a few neat features to improve your workflow. You can connect to it via one of its two USB-C ports, and it works with various devices, including smartphones that support external displays. It has a responsive touchscreen that works well with Windows and macOS PCs, letting you easily complete work that requires touch movements. It also has a few extra features, like a rotation lock that adjusts the image into portrait mode when you turn the display.

What makes this better than most portable monitors is that it's available with different accessories. One of those is its stand, which offers decent ergonomics, letting you place the screen in a few different ways. You can also get a case with a kickstand if you prefer. On top of that, it has good picture quality for a portable display with great color accuracy and displays a wide range of colors in SDR, resulting in life-like images.

See our review

Best Portable Monitor For Gaming

Although portable gaming monitors are less common than portable monitors for work, you can still find some options if you want a high refresh rate for gaming on the go. The ASUS ROG Strix XG16AHPE is a great choice for mobile gaming or if you need something on the side of your main gaming monitor. It has a faster response time than the espresso Display 15 Touch , resulting in crystal-clear motion with almost no noticeable blur behind fast-moving objects. It even has a 7800 mAh battery, lasting nearly three hours of gaming.

It supports FreeSync variable refresh rate technology with G-SYNC compatibility, ensuring a nearly tear-free gaming experience from almost any source. It has a 144Hz refresh rate, which is high enough for casual gaming, but if you want something with a higher 240Hz refresh rate, the ASUS ROG Strix XG17AHPE is a good alternative. However, it costs more, so only consider it if you're going to take full advantage of the high refresh rate.

Best Mid-Range Portable Monitor

If you don't need a gaming monitor like the ASUS ROG Strix XG16AHPE and don't want a premium monitor like the espresso Display 15 Touch , a mid-range option like the Lenovo ThinkVision M14 is a good alternative. It's different from the espresso monitor because it doesn't have a touchscreen or as good picture quality, but this is what you have to expect for a cheaper portable display. That said, it also has two USB-C ports, which each support DisplayPort Alt Mode. This means you can connect your laptop to either port, and if you connect a power source to the other input, the monitor can pass power through to your laptop, so you won't need a separate charger.

Aside from that, it has a built-in kickstand that offers tilt adjustment and even has a small height adjustment to set it to the same screen height as your laptop. It also offers decent picture quality for a portable laptop thanks to its alright peak brightness and satisfactory color accuracy, but it's limited in extra features.

Best Budget Portable Monitor

When getting into budget portable monitors, you can't expect premium performance and picture quality, as these displays are meant to give you extra screen real estate more than anything else. If that's what you want, the ViewSonic VG1655 is an alright, budget-friendly portable monitor with lower peak brightness and a much more narrow color gamut than the Lenovo ThinkVision M14 . This means it doesn't display as many colors, and while it's fine for browsing through the web or reading documents, you won't get life-like images when watching videos.

Besides that, it has a slightly larger 15-inch screen than the Lenovo and still displays sharp text thanks to its high pixel density. It has one Mini HDMI port and two USB-C ports, and they even support power delivery up to 60W with a power source connected to the monitor. This means you only need one power cable to power up both your laptop and portable monitor.

• ASUS ProArt PA148CTV: The ASUS ProArt PA148CTV is a mid-range portable monitor with more features than the Lenovo ThinkVision M14, like a touchscreen, but it costs more for minimal difference in performance. See our review
• ASUS ZenScreen OLED MQ16AH: The ASUS ZenScreen OLED MQ16AH delivers better picture quality than most portable monitors, like the espresso Display 15 Touch, as it displays deep blacks thanks to its OLED panel. It's a good choice if you want something with such great picture quality, but it also risks permanent burn-in with exposure to static elements over time. Untested - Join the discussion
• LG gram +view 16MR70: The LG gram +view 16MR70 has a higher resolution than the espresso Display 15 Touch, which is great for office work. However, it has fewer features as it lacks a touchscreen. Untested - Join the discussion

Mar 19, 2024: Made sure that all monitors are still available for purchase, and updated text for accuracy.

Jan 30, 2024: Removed the Lepow Z1 and the Lepow Z1 Gamut as they're hard to find; added the ASUS ZenScreen OLED MQ16AH and the LG gram +view 16MR70 to the Notable Mentions.

Nov 08, 2023: Replaced the ASUS ProArt PA148CTV with the Lenovo ThinkVision M14 because it's cheaper and added the ASUS to Notable Mentions.

Oct 12, 2023: Removed the Lenovo ThinkVision M14 because it's becoming harder to find, and it's similar to the ASUS ProArt PA148CTV; updated text for clarity throughout.

Sep 14, 2023: Verified that the monitors are still available to purchase and updated text for clarity throughout.

Our recommendations are based on what we think are the best portable displays currently available. They're adapted to be valid for most people in each price range. Rating is based on our review, factoring in price, and feedback from our visitors.

If you would prefer to make your own decision, here is the list of all of our monitor reviews. Be careful not to get too caught up in the details. Most monitors are good enough to please most people, and the things we fault monitors on are often not noticeable unless you really look for them.

'ZDNET Recommends': What exactly does it mean?

ZDNET's recommendations are based on many hours of testing, research, and comparison shopping. We gather data from the best available sources, including vendor and retailer listings as well as other relevant and independent reviews sites. And we pore over customer reviews to find out what matters to real people who already own and use the products and services we’re assessing.

When you click through from our site to a retailer and buy a product or service, we may earn affiliate commissions. This helps support our work, but does not affect what we cover or how, and it does not affect the price you pay. Neither ZDNET nor the author are compensated for these independent reviews. Indeed, we follow strict guidelines that ensure our editorial content is never influenced by advertisers.

ZDNET's editorial team writes on behalf of you, our reader. Our goal is to deliver the most accurate information and the most knowledgeable advice possible in order to help you make smarter buying decisions on tech gear and a wide array of products and services. Our editors thoroughly review and fact-check every article to ensure that our content meets the highest standards. If we have made an error or published misleading information, we will correct or clarify the article. If you see inaccuracies in our content, please report the mistake via this form .

The best portable monitors you can buy

At ZDNET, we know two screens are always better than one, and just because you are working on the go doesn't mean you need to compromise your efficiency. A portable monitor can help you embrace the benefits of both  remote  and effective work (or even play if you're an avid  gamer ).  

Also:  How to choose the right monitor layout for working from home

The best portable monitors connect to your laptop , tablet , and game consoles via mini HDMI or USB-C cables for fast, consistent video playback, and productivity power. 

After hands-on testing various monitors, ZDNET found our top choice for the best portable monitor overall, the Duex Plus monitor , which fits all these requirements while also delivering an ultra-lightweight form factor, easy UI, and clear display. Read on to see how other top portable monitors from Lenovo, Asus, and more compare. 

The best portable monitors of 2024 

Duex plus monitor, best portable monitor overall.

• Beginner-friendly
• Lightweight design
• Clear 1080p display
• Mediocre construction
• Could be brighter

Duex Plus by Mobile Pixels tech specs: Size: 13.3 inches | Panel type: IPS | Resolution: 1080p | Touchscreen: No | HDR: No | Refresh rate: 60 Hz | Power: USB-C

After going hands-on with the Duex Plus portable monitor, we can say that its lightweight build, surprisingly easy set-up, and slide-out mechanism make it June Wan's "productivity secret weapon." 

"Portable monitors come in all shapes and sizes, but the Mobile Pixels Duex Plus' slide-out mechanism is the most seamless way I've found to integrate a second screen with my laptop," said Wan in his full review . "If you want a dual-screen setup without the hassle of carrying a separate monitor, then this is as good as it gets," he says of its ultimate portability feature. 

Review:  Duex Plus by Mobile Pixels

The 1080p full HD display has anti-glare technology for greater clarity with a 16:9 aspect ratio. In all, the screen measures 13.3 inches, making for a manageable size, and is adjustable, thanks to a special G-sensor that is responsible for its auto-rotation design. There is both USB A and Type-C connectivity to keep your monitor more easily powered. And, with a plastic and aluminum alloy build, it's both portable and fairly durable.  

Hongo 16.1-inch portable monitor

Best budget portable monitor.

Hongo   portable monitor   tech specs:  Size:  16.1 inches |  Panel type:  IPS |  Resolution:  1920 x 1080P |  Touchscreen:  No |  HDR:  No |  Refresh rate:  60 Hz |  Power:  USB-C

A second display doesn't need to break the bank to provide quality imaging. Whether you are using it for gaming or remote work, the Hongo 16.1-inch portable monitor is a quality portable monitor that provides a bright and crisp display at a relatively affordable price. 

For just $160, it offers 144Hz refresh rate, USB-Type C, USB, and HDMI connectivity, and you can switch between horizontal and vertical modes. If you are interested in a portable monitor that can connect to various types of devices and does not leave a hole in your pocket, then the Hongo 16.1-inch may be the monitor for you.

When ZDNET contributor Jack Wallen got his hands on this monitor, he was surprised at how much brighter this under-$200 monitor was in comparison to his over-$1,000 Dell 34-inch monitor. "Not only has the extra screen made a huge difference, but the monitor is a significant improvement over what past portable monitors I've used. It's clearer, brighter, and less prone to flicker than my portable monitor of the past," he writes. 

Review: This monitor made my $1,000 Dell look ancient

Lenovo ThinkVision M14t

Best portable monitor stand.

• Touchscreen with stylus included
• USB-C passthrough
• Adjustable stand
• Only 2 USB-C ports
• No integrated speakers
• No HDR support

Lenovo ThinkVision M14t tech specs:   Size: 14 inches | Panel type: IPS | Resolution: 1080p | Touchscreen: Yes | HDR: No | Refresh rate: 60 Hz | Power: USB-C

The Lenovo ThinkVision M14t is a well-rounded portable monitor that's great for creatives, mobile professionals, and typical office workers. The 14-inch screen delivers crisp 1080p HD resolution with a 60Hz refresh rate for smoother video playback.

It also supports touch inputs so you can have better control over programs, apps, and presentations; a stylus is included, so you won't have to worry about spending extra cash in order to get the most out of your new monitor. The display connects to your laptop via USB-C, and a second USB-C port allows you to connect other devices like storage drives, smartphones and tablets, or wireless mice and keyboards to complete your workstation. 

The integrated stand allows you to adjust the angle of your screen for more comfortable viewing, and the built-in blue light filter helps reduce eye strain during long days at the computer.

Asus ROG Strix XG17AHPE

Best portable monitor for gaming.

• Adaptive sync
• 240Hz refresh rate
• Decent battery life

Asus ROG Strix XG17AHPE tech specs:   Size: 17.3 inches | Panel type: IPS | Resolution: 1080p | Touchscreen: No | HDR: No | Refresh rate: 240 Hz | Power: Integrated battery

Laptop or console gamers looking for extra screen space or a reliable display for on-the-go gaming will love the Asus ROG Strix portable gaming monitor. It has a 17.3-inch screen that provides crisp 1080p resolution and a truly impressive 240Hz refresh rate for buttery smooth action, and the 3ms refresh rate provides near-instant reactions to your inputs. 

It features adaptive sync compatibility to match the screen's refresh rate to your console or laptop to prevent screen tearing and stuttering as well as USB-C, micro DisplayPort, and micro HDMI ports for connectivity options. The integrated battery gives you up to 3 hours of playtime on a single charge, and a quick-charge feature gives you 60 percent power on 1 hour of charge. 

This screen also has a headphone jack for private listening while you game on the go, and the integrated kickstand allows you to use the screen in either landscape or portrait mode for more play options.

Also: The best gaming PCs

Dell C1422H

Best 14-inch portable monitor.

• Good refresh rate and response time
• Dual USB-C inputs
• Good screen brightness
• Not touchscreen
• Can't use in portrait mode

Dell C1422H tech specs :  Size: 14 inches | Panel type: IPS | Resolution: 1080p | Touchscreen: No | HDR: No | Refresh rate: 60Hz | Power: USB-C 

The Dell C1422H is a great option as a portable monitor for anyone who wants a screen on the smaller side. The 14-inch display features an incredibly thin and lightweight design that is great for slipping into a laptop or carry-on bag when you want a second screen for working on the go. 

With 1080p resolution, a 60Hz refresh rate, and 6ms response time, it's a well-rounded display for typical office work. It connects to your laptop via USB-C, and an extra USB-C input lets you charge devices, connect external storage drives or connect peripherals like mice and keyboards. 

The integrated stand lets you adjust the viewing angle for more comfortable use, and with a peak brightness of 300 nits, you'll be able to easily see your screen in almost any lighting environment.

ViewSonic TD1655

Best portable monitor for mac users.

• Touchscreen
• Stylus included
• Aluminum chassis with magnetic cover

ViewSonic TD1655 tech specs :  Size: 15.6 inches | Panel type: IPS | Resolution: 1080p | Touchscreen: Yes | HDR: No | Refresh rate: 60Hz | Power: USB-C 

Mac and iOS device users aren't left out when it comes to portable monitors. The ViewSonic TD1655 is designed to be a perfect fit for your Apple workstation, with a sleek, durable aluminum chassis to match your MacBook or iPad and a scratch-resistant touchscreen. 

It connects to your laptop or tablet via USB-C or mini HDMI, and the included stylus makes it easy to handwrite meeting notes, make precision edits to photos, or create digital paintings and drawings. The 15.6-inch screen weighs about two pounds and features an incredibly thin design that is perfect for slipping into a laptop bag.

And the magnetic cover keeps the screen protected while in storage or during travel. Meanwhile, the integrated kickstand lets you adjust the viewing angle for more comfortable use. 

Also: Want a touchscreen MacBook? This portable monitor makes it possible

What is the best portable monitor?

We chose the Duex Plus monitor on the strength of its ultra-lightweight form factor, easy UI, and clear display.

This table compares the best portable monitors on price, resolution, and screen size.

 *Lowest price at the time of writing. Please note that prices may vary based on retailer and available promotions, sales, or discounts.

What is the right portable monitor for you?

Once you've locked down the best budget for your portable monitor, you then have to identify what you want the display to do for you. Do you want to play games while out and about, or do you want a secondary screen for easier multitasking while tackling work projects and presentations? 

While shopping for a portable monitor, you should keep in mind what screen size, refresh rate, resolution, and connectivity works best with your setup as well as keep mindful of the monitor's power source. Portable monitors with integrated batteries have varying charging and battery lifetimes, while those that get power via USB-C connections can drain your laptop battery faster.

This table shows which portable monitor might work for you based on purpose:

How did we choose these portable monitors?

There are several factors to keep in mind when choosing the best monitor for your needs. These are some factors we considered when choosing the best portable monitors.

Size: It is critical that you find not only the best portable monitor for the type of computer you have but also one for the type of computer size that you have. Most portable monitors range from 13 inches to 16 inches, but you can find some models available outside that range.  

Display : One of the most important things to consider is the quality of your display, such as the resolution that determines how sharp and focused your picture will be. Be sure to also check specs for brightness and color to ensure that you have the best computer display possible. 

Construction: Durability is a must when you are taking your portable monitor on the go with you. Look at the materials used to construct each portable monitor so you can be sure that your new monitor will be able to withstand regular travel.

Power: Most portable monitors are battery-powered, but models are increasingly converting to USB charging for easier, more convenient charging on the go. Check your computer to see what kind of ports are available before matching a portable monitor to your computer or laptop.

Price: The cost of portable monitors can vary significantly, ranging from a couple hundred to a thousand or more. We found that the best portable monitors are rather affordable, ranging in cost from $270 to $470, respectively. 

What is a portable monitor?

These small-form screens connect to laptops, tablets, and game consoles via mini HDMI or USB-C cables for fast, consistent video playback as well as power for the monitor. Some portable monitors even have integrated batteries for use without power over USB-C; and while their battery lives are on the short side (about three or four hours at most), they're a great option for mobile professionals who can't always be near a wall outlet for a typical desktop monitor or need USB-C connections.

What screen sizes do portable monitors come in?

Portable monitors will consistently have much less real estate than their desktop counterparts , but you still have a variety of options when it comes to display size. Most screens will be somewhere between 14 and 17 inches, making them similar to a typical laptop display and therefore perfect for mobile professionals or anyone who doesn't have a lot of desk space. 

However, there are a few, like the Asus ProArt PQ22UC, that are closer to 22 inches, making them better suited for creative professionals and digital artists who may need more room to edit photos and video or create digital drawings and paintings.

Why should I get a portable monitor?

Portable monitors are great for anyone who may need extra screen space while working on the go or while using a smaller-than-average work desk. Since these mobile screens are about the same size as a laptop or tablet display, they're great for slipping into a laptop bag for when you're meeting an off-site client to go over project details or finishing up a presentation on your business flight. 

They can also be great for mobile console or PC gaming, as long as you choose a portable monitor with a high enough refresh rate to provide smooth playback away from home.

Do portable monitors have batteries?

Some portable monitors do have integrated batteries, like the Asus ROG Strix XG17AHPE. These models have decent enough battery lives considering their use cases and configurations.

You can typically get anywhere from 2 to 4 hours out of your battery-powered portable monitor, which is perfect for playing Mario Kart with friends or finalizing commission details with a client during an off-site meeting.

Are there alternative portable monitors worth considering?

There are a lot of options out there if you're in the market for a portable monitor. Here's a shortlist of products that are also excellent options for the best portable monitor.

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ViewSonic VA1655 15.6 Inch 1080p Portable IPS Monitor with a Built-in Stand, Mobile Ergonomics, USB C, Mini HDMI and Protective Case for Home and Office,Black

Purchase options and add-ons, about this item.

• ULTRA-PORTABLE MONITOR: 15.6 Inch Full HD (1920x1080p) IPS portable monitor with 60Hz refresh rate.Specific uses for product - Business
• SMALL AND COMPACT: With a weight of 1.5 lbs and a thickness of 0.7 in, this portable monitor slips easily into backpacks and purses
• LESS CABLE CLUTTER: USB-C connectivity for fast data, audio and video transfer, and 60W charging over one cable
• STAND COVER & SCREEN PROTECTOR: Comes with protective sleeve and a built-in stand for orientation in both portrait and landscape modes
• INDUSTRY-LEADING WARRANTY: 3-year coverage with access to our US-based customer service team
• FLEXIBLE CONNECTIVITY: The VA1655 supports laptops, PCs, and Apple/Mac operating systems and more with Mini-HDMI, and USB-C inputs

Buy this product as Renewed and save $24.00 off the current New price.

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With over 35 years of experience as a world leader in visual display solutions, ViewSonic inspires the world to see the difference between the ordinary and the extraordinary. From curved monitors to ultrawide displays to portable projectors, ViewSonic is proud to offer one of the most complete lineups of innovative solutions for work, play and learning

Product guides and documents

From the manufacturer.

ViewSonic VA1655

Productivity-enhancing monitor.

Portability Meets Productivity

Ultra-Portable Design

Measuring a mere 0.7” thick and weighing about 2 pounds, this compact monitor can be easily packed and transported wherever you go.

Extended Screen for Mobile Devices

With built-in USB Type-C connectivity, this monitor delivers additional screen space for your Windows, Android, Chrome, MacOS, and iOS devices.

Stunning HD Resolution

Enjoy a premium viewing experience with stunning Full HD resolution – more than 2x more pixels as standard HD resolution.

IPS Panel Technology

With IPS technology, this monitor delivers consistent, accurate images no matter what angle you’re looking at the screen.

2-Way Power with USB Type-C

Dual USB Type-C ports provide single cable connectivity and two-way power.

*A connected laptop can power the monitor, or the monitor can power a laptop via USB-C power bank or AC adapter and outlet.

Versatile Connectivity

In addition to dual USB-C ports, this monitor also features mini HDMI and a 3.5mm headphone jack for plug-and-play connectivity.

*Dual USB-C ports include one port for power and one data port.

Gaming On The Go

Take your games with you on the go. With a portable monitor, you can experience entertainment everywhere.

*Connect via USB C or mini HDMI

Portrait Orientation

See content in portrait mode for easier viewing of tables, code, photos, gaming and more.

Built-In Stand

A convenient built-in stand enables you to orient the screen in both portrait and landscape modes.

Flicker-Free and Blue Light Filter help to combat eye fatigue over extended periods of viewing.

Can I connect my MacBook or iMac to the monitor?

Yes, this monitor works with both MacBook and iMac. Before proceeding, please make sure that the connectivity ports on your MacBook or laptop are compatible with your ViewSonic monitor.

Does this monitor come with a built-in web camera?

No. This monitor does not come with a web camera.

Does the monitor come with speakers?

Yes, this portable monitor comes with dual 0.8W speakers.

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Looking for specific info, product description.

The ViewSonic® VA1655 is a portable 15.6” monitor designed for productivity on the go. Built for business travelers, remote workers, and digital nomads, the VA1655 can serve as a complementary screen to a laptop or tablet for boosted productivity. With an anti-glare screen and Full HD 1080p resolution, this monitor delivers a crystal-clear viewing experience so users can see more and do more for a more efficient workflow. A USB Type-C port enables quick and easy transmission of video, and audio. A second USB Type-C port also delivers two-way power: a connected laptop can power the VA1655, OR the VA1655 can power a connected laptop via a USB-C power bank or AC adapter and outlet. Measuring less than an inch thick and weighing under two pounds, the ultra-slim VA1655 perfectly fits into any bag, briefcase, or backpack so you can work wherever life takes you.

Product information

Technical details, additional information, warranty & support, videos for this product.

Click to play video

Quick Look at ViewSonic Portable Monitor VA1655

ViewSonic Portable monitor unboxing and setup

Tools. Electro. DIY

Customer Review: Totally worth it!

QQH and ViewSonic Compared #thisorthat

Portable Monitor Compared QQH and ViewSonic #thisorthat

What's in the box.

• Portable monitor
• mini HDMI to HDMI Cable
• USB Type-C Cable
• Quick Start Guide
• Sleeve case

Customer reviews

Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.

To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.

Customers say

Customers like the quality, color, ease of use, and picture quality of the monitor. For example, they mention it's simple to use, has a great display, and is easy to set up. Some appreciate the portability. That said, opinions are mixed on the cord and performance.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

Customers find the monitor lightweight, slim, and easy to carry around. They also say it's a good portable monitor that fits in their backpack easily.

"...Weight and Sturdiness:The Viewsonic VA1655 display is lightweight , which feels nice...." Read more

"...This monitor is LIGHT ! So it works well in my backpack along with my laptop and gear. The USB-C connector powers the monitor...." Read more

" Lightweight , convenient extension monitor. Great for travel and flexibility. Nice display and image quality...." Read more

"...But it's portable so, that's about what you'd expect. I've only used the USB C connection so far, I imagine that's what most people will need though." Read more

Customers like the quality of the monitor. They say the features are very good, the build is nice, and it's a great product. Some say the screen isn't very bright and the display isn’t very good. Overall, most are satisfied with the quality and ease of use of the product.

"...No metal frame to sturdy it up. However, It does not feel flimsy . I keep it in the included pouch when not in use.iPad as a MacBook:..." Read more

"Lightweight, convenient extension monitor . Great for travel and flexibility. Nice display and image quality...." Read more

"...The brightness is poor and you cam certainly feel the quality isn't great . Ok kind of okkish product and strictly for work and not for multimedia" Read more

"...put it in my backpack with my computer and it fits fine, and it's sturdy enough (and light enough) to carry around the airport...." Read more

Customers find the monitor easy to use. They mention it's simple to set up, lightweight, and convenient to plug in only the USB C. They also say it'll work great with their laptop and is easy to turn on with a single button. Customers also appreciate the straightforward design and the helpful tech support.

"...The USB-C connector powers the monitor. Easy on with a single button . The kickstand is adjustable and supports this light monitor just fine...." Read more

"I take this screen with me wherever I travel. It is so easy to use - just plug it in (to your phone, your computer, your tablet....) and it turns..." Read more

"...Connects with a usb-c to usb-c and no power cord needed. Plug and play! Simple . And makes my tablet more efficient when working. Great product." Read more

"I love this monitor. It is so easy to add to your laptop and works great...." Read more

Customers like the picture quality of the monitor. They mention that the resolution is very good, the picture seems more clear, and the display is full HD. Some say that the screen is great for those that may need a bit larger text and the picture.

"...Sharpness:The display is full HD , so it looks fairly sharp. It won't be as sharp as the retina displays of my 14-inch MacBook Pro M!..." Read more

"... Resolution is very good . I haven’t tried to use the speaker on this monitor yet and don’t plan to but I’m glad it is there...." Read more

"...Great for travel and flexibility. Nice display and image quality . Bought at a reduced price, so also a plus. Would buy another if needed." Read more

"...It's super lightweight and so easy to pack and set up. Its not as high of resolution as a full monitor so would recommend if if you are a designer..." Read more

Customers are satisfied with the color of the monitor. They mention that the screen looks great, has a great display, and has slick, professional look. The color and brightness are good, and the screen seems pretty responsive. The case is nice, and it has - a nice matte finish and a sleek slim design with an inbuilt stand.

"...It looks decent side-by-side . Not bad!iPad Pro:..." Read more

"...Great for travel and flexibility. Nice display and image quality. Bought at a reduced price, so also a plus. Would buy another if needed." Read more

"... Color and brightness are good and the screen seems pretty responsive, though I've only used it for web browsing, business apps, Zoom calls, and a..." Read more

"...The display is fine for "office work "; the sound is pretty bad by any standard but still fully functional...." Read more

Customers are mixed about the performance of the monitor. Some mention that it works great, it even has a speaker built into it, and it works well in their backpack. However, others say that they cannot get it to work, the screen was cracked, and unable to use it at their desk in daylight.

"...The kickstand works well , the little rubber feet grip smooth surfaces well (in landscape orientation)...." Read more

"...This works off your device's power and limits the brightness to 15 which is not acceptable unless you are in a low light level area...." Read more

"...This monitor is LIGHT! So it works well in my backpack along with my laptop and gear. The USB-C connector powers the monitor...." Read more

"... Very handy for an emergency or portable monitor .Biggest problem is it's so light and the kickstand is so small, it's pretty flimsy...." Read more

Customers have mixed opinions about the cord of the monitor. Some mention that the USB-C connector powers the monitor, making it simple to use. Others say that the power supply is inadequate and the monitor doesn't include a power plug.

"...Not bad!iPad Pro:The USB-C connection works fine , although I had to find the right Settings and turn on Stage Manager to make the..." Read more

"... HDMI connections don't provide power , so a power adapter is needed when using the HDMI port...." Read more

"...The USB-C connector powers the monitor . Easy on with a single button. The kickstand is adjustable and supports this light monitor just fine...." Read more

"...Fits in my backpack easily. Connects with a usb-c to usb-c and no power cord needed . Plug and play! Simple...." Read more

Customers are dissatisfied with the durability of the monitor. They mention that it seems fragile, cracks during transport, and is physically damaged. The build quality is not the best, and the screen fractured in their backpack. The case quality is disappointing and the back is convenient, but a little precarious.

"... No metal frame to sturdy it up . However, It does not feel flimsy. I keep it in the included pouch when not in use.iPad as a MacBook:..." Read more

"...problem is it's so light and the kickstand is so small, it's pretty flimsy . But it's portable so, that's about what you'd expect...." Read more

"...Even when having it at the suggested angle it isn't very sturdy and you have to be extra careful to make sure it wont just topple over...." Read more

"...I have owned mine for 6 months and the screen cracked . This was probably my fault for leaving it in my backpack but I do think it happened too easily." Read more

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The Best Portable Monitors, Based On Six Weeks Of Testing

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If you need a little more screen real estate but don’t want to compromise mobility, the best portable monitors offer a lightweight solution. This can be especially helpful if you don’t work in one spot or desk space is at a premium. After spending six weeks testing eight portable monitors with various strengths (some for gaming, others for productivity), we chose the SideTrak Solo 4K as our best overall pick. It presents a high-quality 4K display, a thoughtful built-in stand, a protective cover and the flexibility to work and play on your laptop.

We put eight screens to the test to find the best portable monitors of 2024.

Although the SideTrak Solo impressed us most, it certainly isn’t our only favorite. Whether you’re looking for a monitor for work or a vivid 4K monitor , we tracked down a variety of portable options with touchscreen capability, outstanding picture quality, high refresh rates (great for gaming and media viewing) and easy connectivity options (many via a single USB-C cable). Ahead, the best portable monitors according to our hands-on testing. And for a stationary option, we have a guide on the best desktop monitors , too.

• Best Portable Monitor Overall: SideTrak Solo 4K
• Best Mid-Range Portable Monitor: Asus ZenScreen OLED MQ16AH
• Best Budget-Friendly Portable Monitor: Arzopa G1 Game
• Best Lightweight Portable Monitor: Asus ProArt Display PA148CTV

Best Portable Monitor Overall

A well-rounded choice for most people, sidetrak solo 4k.

Screen size: 15.6 inches | Screen type: LED | Resolution: 4K (3,840 x 2,160 pixels) | Refresh rate: 60 Hz | Maximum brightness: 340 nits | Aspect ratio: 16:9 | Ports: 2x USB-C, USB-A, HDMI, 3.5 mm audio | Touchscreen: No | Power: Laptop | Speakers: None | Dimensions: 14.5 x 8.9 x 0.4 inches | Weight: 2.5 pounds | Case/cover: Smart cover

• Daily, general use
• Media streaming
• Use with MacBooks
• Gaming is a big priority

Of all the monitors I tested, the SideTrak Solo 4K presented the most complementary experience with my 14-inch M3 MacBook Pro because of its size and overall quality— it also looked and performed well with a Windows laptop. The 4K 15.6-inch LED offers a matte, glare-free view in very bright light. The thin top and side bezels give the impression of a larger viewing area that felt like a natural extension of my MacBook’s display. The 60Hz refresh rate and maximum brightness of 340 nits also kept routine tasks like web browsing and word processing smooth, though the 25-millisecond response time did become obvious with a lot of scrolling. It wasn’t egregious, but I saw a slight dragging on the screen that I don’t see on my MacBook.

Speaking of functionality, the three-button interactions were easy to understand without a user manual (that can’t be said of every portable monitor I spent time with). The three primary buttons sit on the lower right side of the monitor: the middle button controls the power and brings up the menu, while the top and bottom buttons navigate the menu and serve as volume controls for pass-through audio via headphones, which don’t sound great but are nice to have if you prefer wired audio.

Typical of most portable monitors, the SideTrak 4K offers control over brightness, contrast and saturation, as well as various picture modes, including Game, Movie and Photo. Game mode resulted in a fine experience when playing Apple Arcade games and more intensive gaming on a PC. It’s not a gaming monitor, but the SideTrak 4K does offer that flexibility with FreeSync and HDR support—though I can’t say I saw much of a difference when turning on FreeSync mode. I also enjoyed Movie mode when watching 4K Apple TV content like Fingernails and Lessons in Chemistry , which looked infinitely better than on other monitors I tested. I was also satisfied with the default Eco color mode for all of my primary uses: word processing, web browsing and streaming media.

For MacBook users like me, the SideTrak 4K could be a win-win for portability and picture quality, but it’s also a system-agnostic choice that is versatile enough for Windows and ChromeOS too. If you’re interested in everything this model offers with the bonus of touchscreen functionality for Windows, it comes in a touchscreen version, too.

Forbes contributor Jason R. Rich also reviewed the SideTrak 4K and found it to be the best portable monitor you can get right now.

The 2024 Forbes Vetted Best Product Awards are here: Explore our 150 top-recommended items across categories after extensive research and testing.

Best Mid-Range Portable Monitor

Bold and bright oled appeal, asus zenscreen oled mq16ah.

Screen size: 15.6 inches | Screen type: OLED | Resolution: FHD (1,920 x 1,080 pixels) | Refresh rate: 60 Hz | Maximum brightness: 400 nits | Aspect ratio: 16:9 | Ports: 2x USB-C, 3.5 mm audio | Touchscreen: No | Power: Laptop | Speakers: None | Dimensions: 14.1 x 8.9 x 0.4 inches | Weight: 1.4 pounds | Case/cover: Smart cover

• Daily computing
• Creative tasks
• Windows users
• You want a touchscreen
• You prefer a kickstand

If you don’t need a 4K display but want top-notch brightness, color quality and a generously sized display, the Asus ZenScreen OLED MQ16AH checks those boxes. The monitor is a slim 0.4 inches (just like my top pick, the SideTrak Solo 4K), but the MQ16AH nixes the smart cover/stand for a folding magnetic case akin to an iPad folio cover that lends to the slim and attractive look of this device. That being said, it’s not the most user-friendly design. I spent a good 5 to 10 minutes working through the five configurations, which was a slightly frustrating setup that I wasn’t expecting. However, the payoff was viewing flexibility. I appreciated the ability to situate the monitor in a near-flat orientation for reading and for getting close to text or photos. Even without a touchscreen interface, it was a great screen for working in Photoshop, helped by the generous 15.6-inch screen space and thin bezels.

Besides the cover, a lot of the appeal of this FHD model’s performance is how great colors look, and that’s due to the certified Delta E < 2 color-calibrated OLED technology. In theory, that rating means the ZenScreen can render super accurate colors (beyond what the human eye picks up) and dramatic contrasts with nearly delay-free performance. I couldn’t fault this monitor’s image quality or responsiveness—minimal adjustment was necessary. When comparing it to my MacBook Pro, it outperformed it on the grayscale spectrum, especially for very dark scenes. Streaming Apple TV+ shows like Ted Lasso or enjoying Apple Arcade games presented a viewing experience very similar to my Mac. Game mode allowed me to enjoy smooth action and punchy colors, and gave games like Sayonara Wild Hearts and Gris an even more arcade-like and immersive look on both a MacBook and PC.

Another unique feature of this model is the proximity sensor that conserves energy by turning on a power-saving setting when idle. Like most portable monitors, the ZenScreen draws power from a laptop, so I liked this feature for conserving my laptop’s battery. I also used the box the device came in as a hood, a sort of neat sustainability effort that repurposes this monitor’s packaging. It’s easy to set up and offers something in the way of focus by blocking out ambient light, but it’s less practical as far as portability is concerned.

While the smart cover and price aren’t for everyone, the overall feature set and slim build could be great for those who want a portable OLED. I found the display to be bright and high quality, the menu was intuitive and easy to use and the added rotation flexibility on Windows is a boon. I’d hesitate to recommend it for heavy-duty gaming, but it passed with flying colors for light gaming and all-around creative and general tasks. You can read more in my review of the Asus ZenScreen monitor.

Best Budget-Friendly Portable Monitor

For affordable gaming on the go, arzopa g1 game.

Screen size: 15.6 inches | Screen type: IPS LCD | Resolution: FHD (1,920 x 1,080 pixels) | Refresh rate: 144 Hz | Maximum brightness: 300 nits | Aspect ratio: 16:9 | Ports: 2x USB-C, Mini HDMI, 3.5 mm audio | Touchscreen: No | Power: Laptop | Speakers: Yes | Dimensions: 14.4 x 8.7 x 0.3 inches | Weight: 1.7 pounds | Case/cover: Smart cover

• Portable gaming
• Doubling your display real estate without breaking the bank
• You want a monitor with FreeSync

The Arzopa G1 Game is a gaming accessory, but in my testing—which involved some light gaming and a lot of general tasks—like web browsing, media streaming and working in Google Workspace and Apple Pages—I found this model to be a capable, budget-friendly multitasker. The G1 comes with a solid aluminum build with a built-in magnetic smart cover that doubles as a kickstand, but you certainly get what you pay for as it’s limited in its positions and doesn’t feel as sturdy as other smart covers.

The on-screen display itself also isn’t as extensive as those of other models. The G1 offers the typical customization of brightness and picture mode, including contrast and brightness levels from 0 to 100. The default Standard mode puts the brightness at 15, which I found to be too low in a room without much ambient light. At night, I found myself increasing its brightness considerably. The picture quality is solid, though I wasn’t as much of a fan of its Standard mode as I was of other models’ like the SideTrak and Asus ZenScreen because of the brightness issue.

That said, everything I played on a laptop (Sayonara Wild Hearts , Gorogoa , Gris and Star War s Jedi: Fallen Order) delivered impressive visuals. Viewing these games on the G1 was more appealing than on the built-in 17-inch screen of my Windows laptop, thanks to a wider display and slim bezels. I also tried plugging it into a Nintendo Switch. The Switch is limited to a 60Hz refresh rate so I didn’t get the full effect of the 144Hz performance with that device, but USB-C hookup was seamless, and more screen space without the bulk of a full laptop was a huge plus. Outside of gaming, I also enjoyed streaming Apple TV+ content ( Lessons in Chemistr y and Ted Lasso ) on my Mac, which looked great, although darker and less vibrant (without some adjustments) compared to other models I tested.

Because I’m an iPhone user, I couldn’t test its mobile compatibility, the Arzopa G1 does work with Android smartphone brands like Samsung and OnePlus. If you have a compatible phone, this monitor can offer the right amount of flexibility on a mobile device. I can’t speak to heavy-duty gaming, but for lighter gaming and productivity, the G1 is a nice bargain for gamers on the move and for general use, too.

Best Lightweight Portable Monitor

Nimble touchscreen convenience and creative power, asus proart display pa148ctv.

Screen size: 14 inches | Screen type: IPS LED | Resolution: FHD (1,920 x 1,080 pixels) | Refresh rate: 60 Hz | Maximum brightness: 300 nits | Aspect ratio: 16:9 | Ports: 2x USB-C, Micro HDMI, 3.5 mm audio | Touchscreen: Yes | Power: Laptop | Speakers: Yes | Dimensions : 12.8 x 8.1 x 0.5 inches | Weight: 1.6 pounds | Case/cover: ProArt Sleeve

• Creative tasks on a Windows machine
• Those who need extra ports
• You’re an exclusive Mac user

The Asus ProArt Display PA148CTV is by far the most portable option I tested. This 14-inch monitor is light at 1.6 pounds and still feels substantial despite being less than 13 inches long. I could very comfortably fit my 14-inch MacBook Pro and this ProArt monitor in the internal laptop sleeve of a backpack while leaving plenty of room in the main compartment.

Aside from the ultra-portable design, the PA148CTV’s main draws are its outstanding color accuracy (performed by Calman, a definitive name in the game when it comes to color calibration software), a touchscreen and integration with Adobe products. It’s a creative powerhouse in a small build, which was limited to an extent on a Mac but less so on a PC—the kind of machine you need to enjoy the touchscreen and software integration.

I found colors to look vibrant and realistic, and grayscale performance surpassed my MacBook. Media streaming looked nearly as good as it did on my Mac, with a slightly fuzzier look. While word processing, I saw no issues with darkness or blurry/blocky text, regardless of scale. And it was great for light gaming on my PC, especially when using the display’s touchscreen. Replacing clicks with taps made things more enjoyable and immersive.

I also did some light photo editing on my MacBook Pro, and I thoroughly enjoyed the process. The highlight was the tilting kickstand that allowed me to lay the monitor down in “drafting” mode and get a closer look at my work. Overall, my testing showed this monitor to be a really enjoyable accessory, regardless of OS. While Windows offers more creative power, it was helpful as a general-use second display on a Mac. I also reviewed the Asus ProArt Display PA148CTV .

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The best bassinets to better soothe baby, after testing 10 top models, other portable monitors i tested and liked.

When selecting my top choices, my testing favored more general-use models with strong all-around performance. These three portable monitors fell a bit short but presented some appealing niche solutions:

NexPad Portable Monitor ($199) : I appreciate the NexPad’s potential as an ergonomic companion to a MacBook, but I wasn’t a fan of the execution. The display wasn’t very bright (nits aren’t disclosed on the manufacturer’s site), colors looked a bit oversaturated and I noticed some text blockiness.

Asus ROG Strix XG16AHPE ($350) : The Asus Strix XG16AHPE is the only model I tested with an onboard battery, and it delivered the performance Asus said it would. The battery lasted through about 3.5 hours on both a MacBook Pro and on a Windows gaming laptop. However, it’s pricier than other gaming options like the Arzopa G1, which has a more solid, metal feel compared to the Strix’s plastic construction.

Xebec Tri-Screen 2 ($499) : The Xebec Tri-Screen 2 offers a worthy multi-screen option for workers on the go if your machine is compatible and you don’t care about having large displays. However, with all the ports on the bottom, accessing everything via adapters is a little clunky. Plus, the bezels on the slim display are a bit distracting, and the reflective screens tend to catch a glare and easily get smudged.

How I Tested The Best Portable Monitors

I used each portable monitor as a dedicated external screen for daily word processing, browsing, streaming a variety of media ( Spiderman Into the Spiderverse , Fingernails , Lessons in Chemistry and The Great British Baking Show, to name a few) and light Apple Arcade gaming on a MacBook Pro ( Gris , Sayonara Wild Hearts ) and gaming on a PC ( Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order , Gorogoa ). I used Photo Friday, Online Screen Test and W4zt Screen Color Test to compare the monitors’ brightness, contrast, clarity and gamma value to my primary testing machine, an M3 14-inch MacBook Pro . I also tested on a 12-inch MacBook running VenturaOS, a 13-inch HP laptop running Linux as well as a Nintendo Switch and an Acer Gaming Laptop running Windows 11.

I primarily used a USB-C setup, but I also tested HDMI and USB-A to USB-C connections, where applicable. I tested all the configurations available per model: on-screen display options, contrast, brightness, onboard and passthrough audio, touchscreen interactions (when available) and special features like FreeSync and dynamic contrast ratio. I spent more time testing the gaming quality of monitors aimed at gamers, the creative tasks (Adobe Lightroom, Adobe Photoshop and Photoshop Express) of creative-focused monitors like the ProArt Display , and spent a roughly equal amount of time online browsing, media streaming and word processing on every model, using each as a supporting character in my daily work and leisure computing routine.

I tested the portability of each model by gauging how well it fit in the laptop sleeve of a 20-liter backpack, my most petite and portable travel pack. I used the provided carrying cases and covers and played with various configurations of built-in kickstands and smart covers.

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What To Consider When Buying A Portable Monitor

A portable monitor shouldn’t cost more than a desktop monitor, but they can still run you a few hundred dollars. Most quality options are priced between $150 and $450, and the higher price tag is typically associated with more premium features and a sturdier construction.

When it comes to portable monitors, mobility should be a top priority. Look for an option that can comfortably pair with your laptop and fit in whatever backpack or bag you travel with. In most cases, a screen that measures between 12 and 16 inches is a safe bet.

Portable monitors range from 4K to 1,920 by 1,080. Both resolutions deliver high-definition images, but 4K options are generally sharper and more detailed. However, 4K portable monitors are also more expensive than more modest resolutions.

Connectivity

A portable monitor won’t do you much good if it can’t connect to your laptop, so it’s important to check that it offers the right number of USB-C, USB-A and HDMI ports to fit your needs. Some laptops only have one USB-C port, so a portable monitor with more ports can assist with charging.

Orientation

Some portable monitors can switch between a landscape (horizontal) and portrait (vertical) orientations. This feature boosts the overall versatility of the screen and is especially useful when photo editing. Keep in mind though, that seamless transitions between orientations can sometimes be limited to either Mac or Windows laptops.

What Is The Best Portable Monitor?

The best portable monitor is one that works well with your existing laptop, is lightweight and offers excellent resolution. That’s why we recommend the SideTrak Solo for most people. It features a high resolution 4K display, built-in speakers and multiple viewing modes that allow you to switch between working and streaming.

Are Portable Monitors Worth It?

It all comes down to what you use your computer for, whether being able to multitask is important to you and how much physical space you have to set up your equipment on a desk or flat surface. Most people discover that having two or even three screens can be beneficial for increasing their productivity and making workflow easier.

A portable monitor is a must-have accessory if you’re a remote worker who needs to be highly productive from airports, hotels, at home or even from a coffee shop. However, not everyone needs a 4K portable monitor. The most reasonably priced models are typically 15.6-inch 1080p monitors.

Can You Connect A Desktop PC To A Portable Monitor?

Yes. Portable monitors typically include some cables, such as a USB-C to USB-C cable, a Mini-HDMI to HDMI cable and a USB-C to USB-A cable. As soon as you plug a portable monitor into your computer, Windows or MacOS identifies it as a display and it should work 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.

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7 Best Portable Laptop Monitors for Travel and Remote Work

Ever tried working on that tiny laptop screen during those long remote working sessions in a coworking space on the other side of the world? Yeah, we have been there too. All of us mobile professionals and remote workers know the pain of squinting at a 13-inch display while hustling on the go.

That's where second screens come in to save the day! With the right second monitor, your laptop’s tiny screen won’t cramp your workflow, no matter where you touch down.

But the thing is that regular portable displays can be still very clunky for travel. So we hit the road to test which compact options are legit screen sidekicks for life in motion.

We run a thorough research to track down for you the 7 portable laptop monitors that are suitable for travel scenarios, and we're gonna break down the awesome, the pretty good, and the "meh" about these ultra-transportable displays. No fancy tech jargon, no fluff - just honest insights to help you stay productive during your location-independent lifestyle.

Stick with us, and let's see the best options you've got to choose from.

1. Asus ProArt Display PA148CTV1

Best overall laptop monitor for travel.

We gotta say, the Asus ProArt monitor hits a real sweet spot between quality and portability for getting work done on the road. Its 14-inch full HD screen gives you enough real estate without taking up too much space. Plus, with 100% sRGB colors and great accuracy, images pop nicely. The USB-C port makes it super easy to hook up to your devices, and at 0.6 pounds , you'll have no problem tossing it in your backpack. We're fans of the included calibration tools and stylus support as well, which makes it perfect for you creative remoters. Now, it's not quite 4K, but for most remote professionals who need to travel light, we think the Asus ProArt might be the Goldilocks "just right" monitor.

Specifications

• Display size: 14 inches
• Resolution: 1080 FHD, 1920 x 1080
• Connectivity: USB-C, micro HDMI
• Refresh rate: 60 Hz
• Brightness: 300 cd/m2
• Weight: 0.6 lbs / 0.74 kg
• Support: Laptops, PCs, and Macbooks that have a USB Type-C port that supports DisplayPort Alt Mode and Power Delivery

Pros and cons:

Price: $399.00.

2. ViewSonic ColorPro VP16 - OLED

Best portable 4k monitor for creatives.

If you simply gotta have the best, most true-to-life images, though, the ViewSonic ColorPro VP16-OLED is for you. That OLED 4K display with almost 100% Adobe RGB coverage makes colors so vivid and rich that images leap off the screen with insane 1500:1 contrast - way better than standard monitors. It's super slick for photography, video, and design work . Plus, it's still thin and portable, thanks to the foldable USB-C hookup . Just know you’ll pay big time for the primo quality, and battery life isn't quite as long as cheaper options. But if color accuracy matters most, it really can't be beat.

• Display size: 15.6 inches
• Resolution: 4K OLED, 1920 x 1080
• Connectivity: 2 Way Powered 40W USB-C, mini HDMI, 3.5 mm audio out
• Brightness: 400 cd/m2
• Weight: 2.2 lbs / 0.98 kg

Price: $349.00

3. mnn portable monitor 15.6inch fhd, best budget portable monitor for general use.

If you want to save some money without completely skimping on visuals, you should check out the MNN Portable Monitor . This 15.6-inch display brings a solid 1080p screen and sleek design without gouging your wallet. You get a nice selection of ports too, with dual USB-C and mini HDMI inputs to hook up your gear, plus it tosses in the cables to get rolling quickly. It handles different display mode s, has built-in speakers , and reduces eye fatigue for long working sessions. Now, the plug may run hot with extended use, and compatibility isn't flawless across devices. But if you just need a quality 1080p travel second screen without paying through the nose, the MNN gets it done.

• Resolution: 1080p FHD, 1920 x 1080
• Connectivity: 2 USB-C ports, 1 mini HDMI port
• Brightness: 250 cd/m2
• Weight: 1.76 lbs / 0.95 kg
• Support: Laptops, PCs, phones, Macbooks, PS5/PS4, Xbox, and Switch

Price: $99.97

4. lenovo thinkvision m14d wled - 16:10, best portable monitor for taller-screen (16:10) laptops.

If you need to maximize viewing space when traveling, a slick 16:10 option like the Lenovo ThinkVision M14d might be perfect. Its slightly taller 14-inch display serves up 2240 x 1400 res that's easier on the eyes for working longer, and lets you see more spreadsheet rows or web pages without excessive scrolling. The adjustable stand provides plenty of ergonomic flexibility to match your setup. And while brighter lighting might wash things out some, the low blue light mode lets you work comfortably without as much eyestrain. Downsides are not many extras beyond the USB-C charging - no touch, battery, or speakers limits it as a standalone. But for stationary productivity at your hotel desk or a cafe, it brings the visual goods at a reasonable price.

• Resolution: 2.2k / 2240 x 1400
• Connectivity: USB-C
• Weight: 1.3 lbs / 0.6 kg
• Support: laptops, PCs, and Macbooks that have a USB Type-C port that supports DP1.2 Alt mode and PD2

Price: $353.03

5. asus zenscreen touch (mb16amt), best portable monitor with touch-screen functionality.

For those who like touching and tapping their display instead of just staring, the Asus ZenScreen Touch brings 15.6 inches of responsive fingertip control powered by a built-in battery, so you aren't chained to a wall. The smart folio case and speakers round out a respectable package for entertainment, too. Just know the 1080p resolution doesn't pop quite as sharply as 4K panels, and color performance lags a bit behind higher-end monitors. But if you crave touchscreen functionality in a portable form factor that can still serve up video and graphics reasonably well, it's a flexible solution worth considering.

• Weight: 1.98 lbs / 0.9 kg

Price: $379.00

6. espresso display (15-inch), thinnest portable monitors for nomad presenters.

If you're someone who needs to present or showcase work on the go, the 15.6-inch espresso Display is primed for that portable wow factor. The decent Full HD resolution and huge 178-degree viewing angles make it easy to huddle around and be impressed by what's on screen. And for such a super slim panel (they claim to be the thinnest in the world!), it pumps out vibrant, accurate color too, thanks to the IPS display . Remote workers and business travelers will love the Gorilla Glass protection and magnetic mounting options to arrange it just right in tight spaces like planes and hotels. Support for touch, styluses (sold separately), and wireless connectivity across devices makes operation smooth as well. Just know it commands a premium price tag, and the brightness doesn't totally eliminate glare. But if you want a gorgeous 4K screen to showcase work that turns heads during client meetings, this should do the trick nicely.

• Weight: 1.9 lbs / 0.9 kg
• Support: Laptops, PCs, and Macbooks that have a USB Type-C port that supports DisplayPort Alt Mode

Price: $499.00

7. asus rog strix xg16, best portable monitor with battery for nomad gamers.

Lastly, if fast-paced gaming and movies are more your speed when traveling, the Asus ROG Strix XG16 is primed for fun on the run. The 15.6-inch 1080p screen pumps out a smooth 144Hz refresh rate with AMD FreeSync for fluid gameplay without the choppiness. The built-in battery gives you around 3 hours away from an outlet, plus the kickstand and speakers make it easy to set up your own little entertainment center wherever. Now, it may not have the color pop and durability of pricier models, but with USB-C and HDMI, it hooks up to pretty much all your gear. This monitor is truly a sweet portable rig for gamers who refuse to leave the action at home.

• Refresh rate: 144 Hz

Price: $339.00

You may also be interested in:.

The Best Travel Monitor for Laptop: How to Pick the Right One for Your Travels

When trying to pick out the best portable monitor to keep you company on work adventures, there are some things we would personally take into account.

You'll want something that isn't too gigantic or heavy to transport around , so make sure the screen size plays nicely with your laptop's display. Super tiny, and you'll have to squint, but too large might mean hauling extra cables and stands. The lighter, the better for tossing inside your luggage without strain.

Eye-candy visuals make a difference, too. A high resolution gives you crisp, sharp images, while accurate colors take presentations and creative projects next level. Whether you're perfecting graphics on the go or trying to wow clients, a portable monitor that reflects your vision well is so important.

Don't overlook connectivity, either! You need something that easily hooks up to your machine through HDMI, USB-C, or other ports . And if you can get built-in touches , speakers , or battery power , then that's just icing on the cake. The key is seamless plug-and-play without technical difficulties.

Having the flexibility to adjust the tilt and viewing angle is also prime for cramped spaces. A stable stand that holds the screen firmly in place yet folds away for packing wins big points.

And lastly, make sure the performance , warranty , and price tag all align nicely with your budget . The right portable companion display doesn't require breaking the bank if you keep the key factors in mind while shopping.

How to Use a Portable Monitor as Second Screen While On The Go

Hooking up a portable monitor to expand your on-the-go workspace can take things to the next level pretty quickly. But only if you get that compact second screen set up just right . Let's take a look at how to make a portable display feel like it was always part of your remote office. Here's your step-by-step guide:

Grab the necessary cables like HDMI or USB-C to hook up your portable display to your Macbook or PC . Some portable monitors have built-in batteries, others may need external power—just be sure everything stays powered on and connected.

Tweak your display settings so your machine recognizes that new sidekick screen.

• For Windows , press the Windows key + P to configure options. Either mirror your default display or extend things to increase the workspace. Adjust resolutions, brightness, and orientation, too, for best sync.
• For Mac , click the Apple menu , then System Preferences > Displays . Here, you can change resolutions, refresh rates, arrange displays, and more. If the display isn't Apple, check its menu system for more customization options.

Position your portable display to prevent neck soreness and glare. Prop it at eye level with an arm's length distance for comfort . Use built-in stands and tripods or improvise with books and stuff. Tilt, rotate, or raise the display to match viewing needs.

Enjoy managing windows and apps across your expanded screen space! Use shortcuts and tools to smoothly transition workflows between displays based on the task.

Let the productivity-boosting begin!

Ready to Pick the Best Portable Monitor for Laptops?

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The 7 Best Portable Monitors for Smartphones, Laptops, and Dual-Screen Gaming

Expand your screen real estate for 4K streaming, working, or gaming.

Gear-obsessed editors choose every product we review. We may earn commission if you buy from a link. Why Trust Us?

A portable monitor can turn you into a pro multitasker, with an additional display for smoothing out your workflow or streaming video for a little YouTube action at work. The best ones link to your phone or computer in an instant, providing seamless dual displays with a simple cable. These monitors also come in handy when gaming on the go, connecting to your game console for a seamless play experience. If you’re looking to expand your workstation, enlarge YouTube videos, or game on the go, we tried out several portable monitors to find the best.

Link up with these other laptop options. Check out our picks for the best laptop docking stations , computer mice , and fast chargers .

The Best Portable Monitors

Best Overall

Viewsonic 15.6-in. portable monitor.

Best Budget

Arzopa portable monitor.

Best Touchscreen

Asus zenscreen mb16amt portable monitor.

Best for Gaming

Asus rog strix portable gaming monitor.

Best Attachable

Sidetrak slide portable monitor for laptop.

Best for Macbooks

Asus proart display portable touchscreen monitor.

Brightest Display

Lepow z1-gamut portable monitor, what to consider, compatibility.

Check your portable monitor’s inputs and ports to see if it’ll work with your laptop, smartphone, or gaming console.

Most portable monitors link to laptops via a USB-C, HDMI, or Thunderbolt cable. Some portable monitors are powered by the laptop via the USB-C or Thunderbolt cable, while others require a separate power source like a wall outlet.

HDMI connections smoothly output video with a steady frame rate, making them great for game consoles and working. USB-C rivals the quality of HDMI with the added benefit of power, but note that only USB-C 3.1 and above can output video as well. USB-C 3.0 and earlier will require a separate video cord, such as an HDMI or mini HDMI.

Thunderbolt 3 and Thunderbolt 4 connections are the fastest of the bunch—the latter can transfer at speeds as fast as 40 gigabytes per second, which is twice as fast as the typical USB-C.

Some premium options, like those from Asus, use rechargeable batteries for a few hours of use without the need for a power cable. Consider grabbing a rechargeable portable monitor if you plan on using your monitor without a power source nearby.

Always refer to your laptop’s port specs when searching for a portable monitor. Some USB-C ports, for example, may not provide a video signal or support pass-through charging, which charges your device while plugged in. Just because a portable monitor supports a specific feature doesn’t mean it will work on your laptop.

Although you can find portable monitors that connect via USB-A or VGA, we recommend avoiding them because they have slow transfer speeds that lead to low resolution. UCB-C, Thunderbolt, HDMI, and mini-HDMI provide the fastest transfer speed between your device and portable monitor.

The standard portable monitor size is 15.6 inches, with a 1080p (1920 x 1080) resolution, though size and display vary between products and brands. If you’re looking for a seamless portable monitor, find one with the same size and resolution as your laptop screen. If your laptop’s native resolution is 1080p, find a portable monitor with the same output to keep your connection simple and easy on your eyes.

Theoretically, you’ll only run into issues when mismatching aspect ratios. Stick with the basic 16:9 widescreen ratio to avoid having to adjust your device’s settings.

If you’re using a portable monitor for gaming, consider reaching for one with a high refresh rate. Refresh rate refers to how frequently the display draws a new image each second, measured in hertz. We recommend a monitor with a refresh rate of at least 120 hertz for smooth, uninterrupted gaming.

How We Selected

To find the best portable monitors, we consulted reviews from expert sources as well as customers. We also called in a few portable monitors for hands-on testing, using them as second monitors for our laptops at home and work. We considered factors like price, resolution, refresh rate, and use cases to find a balanced list of portable monitors. Whether you’re looking for a second screen for gaming or smoothing your workflow, these are the best out there.

A seemingly universal favorite, this ViewSonic portable monitor earns high marks for its screen quality and portability while remaining competitively priced. The 15.6-inch display has a 1080p resolution and 16:9 aspect ratio. It is also has Full HD resolution, a.k.a. 1080p, which should match most laptop screens.

There is also an adjustable riser so you can set the screen at the same height as your laptop’s display. This ViewSonic weighs just 1.5 pounds, so you can easily carry it with your laptop in your bag.

Frequently available for $200 or less, this Arzopa portable monitor has many of the same features as more expensive monitors.

This 15.6-inch IPS display gives you full HD resolution, a 60-hertz refresh rate, and a plethora of input options (one USB-C, one USB-A, and a mini HDMI). It’s also super portable—it’s only 0.2 inches thick and weighs just 1.4 pounds.

I’ve tried this monitor with my 2023 MacBook Pro, and it connected without issue. I could plug in with a USB-C to USB-C cable without adjusting any settings, and the lightweight, thin design makes it easy to stow away between uses. Although the speakers sound tinny and aren’t as bright as I’d hoped, this panel is still an excellent value at its price.

If you need touchscreen capabilities and have the budget to pay for it, this Asus ZenScreen is the way to go. The 15.6-inch display supports 10-point touch gestures like pinching, swiping, dragging, and scrolling on most newer Windows and Android machines. Plus, it has a 7800mAh battery built-in that lasts for four hours—a boon for travel and remote working.

The 1080p screen has a 178-degree viewing angle while the stand, which doubles as a case when you’re not using the monitor, lets you orient it horizontally or vertically. With USB-C, USB-A, and mini-HDMI inputs, it also has plenty of connectivity options.

With the highest refresh rate on this list, USB power delivery, and a bright, crisp screen, the ROG Strix is the best portable monitor for smooth, lag-free gaming.

It can connect to game consoles, smartphones, and laptops with USB-C and micro-HDMI ports, while its built-in battery gives it a three-hour lifespan on max settings. It also comes with a cover that limits dust buildup and scratching, and props the screen vertically or horizontally depending on what you’re playing.

Many user reviews say it’s the best portable gaming monitor available due to its fantastic performance and solid speaker quality, though it’s much pricier than other options on this list.

Of course, it makes sense that if you’re going to use a second monitor with your laptop, you will want the two displays to be side by side.

SideTrak has taken that idea one step further with a monitor that attaches directly to your laptop. The 12.5-inch monitor has magnets that stick to your laptop, and while it can be easily removed, you won’t need to do that often—the display slides into the frame on the back of your computer when you aren’t using it.

The IPS display boasts a 1080p resolution, though it isn’t as bright as some other monitors, nor does it have as wide of a color gamut. Still, weighing just 1.5 pounds, it is a very convenient way to add a second monitor to your laptop.

Frequently cited as an excellent display for MacBooks, the ProArt Display is a 14-inch screen that seamlessly pairs with devices. It features a touchscreen for responsive controls and whiteboard planning, plus micro-HDMI and USB-C ports connect to Apple products and other devices.

Several users say this is an excellent external monitor for artwork and workflow. It also has a mount for attaching it to tripods for a more stable display than its included foldable case. Several users say this portable monitor has terrific brightness and display quality, and love that it doesn’t require tinkering with Mac menus to adjust.

Another value-driven monitor, the Lepow Z1-Gamut is one of Amazon’s best-sellers. It’s with good reason as it gives you a lot of bang for the buck. At 320 nits, it’s a very bright screen, and such vibrance is coupled with a wide color gamut. The 15.6-inch IPS display is Full HD and supports HDR, which can be handy for viewing or editing photos.

Even better, bundled with three cables (USB-C to USB-C, mini HDMI to HDMI, and USB-C to USB A), it has everything you need to start using it right out of the box.

Kevin Cortez is an editor for Runner's World, Bicycling, and Popular Mechanics covering reviews. A culture and product journalist for over ten years, he’s an expert in men’s style, technology, gaming, coffee, e-bikes, hiking, gear, and all things outdoors. He most recently worked as the Style Editor for Reviewed, a top product recommendation site owned by USA TODAY. He also helped with the launch of WSJ's Buy Side commerce vertical, and has covered the music and podcast industries for Mass Appeal, Genius, Vulture, Leafly, Input, and The A.V. Club. Equally passionate about leisure as he is his penmanship, Kevin dedicates his spare time to graphic novels, birding, making cold brew, and taking long, meandering walks.

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The Best Portable Computer Laptop Monitors for Travel

When traveling on business with a laptop , having a portable monitor can sometimes be a great necessity. Portable travel monitors allow you to have a second screen that can extend from your notebook. It can be very helpful when you are working on larger, more thorough projects that require a lot of your time and attention during your travels.

What to Look for in a Portable External Monitor for Laptop?

A portable monitor is not suited for travel if it isn’t lightweight , easy to carry , compact , or thin . You want to have one that can fit in a carry-on , is comfortable enough for you to hold it, and has a size that can easily be slipped into a backpack and not be too heavy to carry around.

You should also look for one that is powered by a USB . These travel monitor for the laptop are perfect for Internet connection, better for data transmission, and are easier to connect to your notebook.

While the picture quality and overall image do not have to be one hundred and ten percent perfect, it should still be of high quality at the very least. After all, you’re going to be using these monitors for tech jobs, so ensuring that you have one that can get the job done and look great at the same time gives you the best of both worlds.

In fact, you should be looking for a full HD(1080p) LED portable monitor . They are more advanced than any other, sit comfortably between being very affordable and somewhat expensive, and feature a frame that is of high-resolution.

Portable LED Monitors offer best display vs power consumption ratio.

If you need to have any extra features, such as a charging port for other devices, for example, then you should also look into those, as well. It’s critical that you get a travel monitor that will suit all of your needs and wants before you make the purchase, especially considering that they are not all dirt cheap.

Universal Travel Adapter

Where to buy Portable Monitor?

You can purchase a monitor at you local electronics store or online retailers like Amazon. You can test the screen at your local store, but if you buy online, you might get huge discounts.

How to connect Portable Monitor to Laptop?

There are various ports like VGA, HDMI, USB , etc. Most monitors support HDMI and USB. Some monitors also allow connection via WiFi if you are on the same network. Instruction for each method is different for different devices, consult the user manual for more.

Portable Monitor with HDMI Input should be easily connected everywhere.

The Top 4 Portable Monitors for Travel

We have taken a look at multiple portable monitors for laptops on Amazon to figure out which ones are the ultimate monitors to bring with you on your trip. The three monitors within this review are the best ones that Amazon has to offer.

HP ELiteDisplay High-Resolution LED Monitor

You can fold it backward and add a second screen using your laptop, notebook, tablet, or whichever device can be successfully connected using a single USB cable. It comes with a proprietary USB cable .

The stand can be difficult to use at first, but it’s important to know that there is a magnetic strip on the back of the monitor that will fit directly into the stand position. It’s crucial to read the manual and practice standing it a couple of times to ensure that you get the hang of it. This way, the monitor will not fall over and receive any damage. The manual outlines how you are to use the stand.

Because of the simplicity of this travel monitor for laptops, it’s perfect for freelance writers, editors, and other simple travel careers that don’t need too much in the way of design and overall graphic support systems.

Asus MB168B+ USB Portable Monitor

Do not let these monitors fall over because USB connector can be temperamental if you’re not gentle with it.

AOC Portable LED Monitor with Case

This 17” LED portable monitor comes with a case for easy storage and travel and boasts a 1600x900 high-definition resolution display. It’s powered by a USB and does not require a power cable. However, it does require USB 3.0 technology.

The ultra slim design allows for easy, on the go presentation and is great for those who travel quite often. You can mount it on the wall, thanks to the VESA 75 x 75 mm Mount Compliant feature, but only if you have the proper bracket and arm to mount it on the wall.

The widescreen monitor allows for the receiving of both signal and power through one USB cable. This ensures that you can plug it in and it’ll be ready to go automatically. Once it is connected to your laptop for the first time, it will install on its own into your laptop and will then work flawlessly from there.

This travel monitor is ideal for those who work in careers that need ultimate display and graphics , such as programmers and developers of games, applications, software, etc.

GeChic Portable Laptop Monitor with HDMI

This portable travel monitor boasts full HD at 1080p resolution with a wide viewing panel display. It’s incredibly light, only weighing 1.75 pounds , and has a 11mm thickness to it. It includes anti-glare, HDMI, built-in speakers for sound and VGA connections.

It’s powered by a USB, very thin and lightweight , and is completely portable thanks to the included storage case for easy traveling.

Unlike most monitors, you will notice right away that there is zero lagging across the screen, which is great to have in a presentation or screen sharing, for example.

Like the previous monitor that was reviewed, this monitor is fantastic for those with careers that need a monitor of extreme quality for programming, software development, and even the creation of video games.

Thanks to the high 1080p full HD resolution , and the lack of lag , of course, it’s a great monitor that is extremely impressive.

Travel Monitor Alternatives

If you use Apple devices, then use an app called Duet which allows you to use iPad as the second monitor. If you have an Android tablet, you can use an app to use the tablet as a separate monitor. The app is called TwoMon USB . Another option is to connect to tablet via WiFi/Bluetooth , but there are screen lags when there are lots of signals in the air. For Android use iDisplay. It’s also possible to connect the TV in the hotel room with HDMI connection if you have the cables.

Some coworking spaces also allow you to rent monitors for a fee.

If you’re going to live for long-term (3 months or more), then you can also consider buying a used monitor (or even new) and sell it before moving out. You could also post it to your new location if there’s an option available.

Some people claim to use projectors as the second monitor while traveling. But don’t do that. The resolution will not be sharp enough, and light will bleed out around the room (they are only effective in near complete darkness). Projectors are noisy and will always be blowing hot air. They make too many concessions to allow for portability.

The Best Portable Travel Monitors

Finding the best portable travel monitor for your laptop, and your career choice is very easy. Remember that if a monitor is not light, easy to carry around, and easily connected to a laptop without much of a struggle, it’s not a travel monitor.

Best Travel Laptop

Written By Noah Smith

Noah is a freelance writer who has traveled over 32 countries so far. Onebagger is the place where he shares trip details, travel itineraries, planning and booking tips and travel tales. His aim- to help you plan your travel adventure on your terms, choose best travel gear and to your budget.

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USB-C explained: How to get the most from it (and why it keeps on getting better)

Usb-c and other high-speed protocols can push data to warp speeds. here’s how to make the most of the current standards and what lies ahead..

Now that you’re used to seeing co-workers, family, and strangers at coffee shops, offices, and planes using the oblong USB-C connector, it’s time to see just what this promising standard can do today and tomorrow. As we approach its 10th birthday, the USB-C plug is now part and parcel of just about every new laptop, phone, and tablet made. Even MacBooks, iPads, iPhones, and Chromebooks now have USB-C ports, at least living up to the first part of its full name: Universal Serial Bus.

In other words, the older rectangular USB Type-A plugs we are so used to are slowly going the way of the dinosaur. This evolution is happening faster in some arenas than others. For example, the latest Mac Pro desktop has no fewer than eight USB-C ports for anything from sending video to a display to charging a phone.

The Acer Swift 1’s right side holds two USB-A and one USB-C ports, a full HDMI port, plus an audio jack. 

Melissa Riofrio/IDG

What is USB-C?

Without a doubt, USB Type-C, commonly referred to as USB-C, is becoming the standard connector for moving data and power to and from a wide variety of computing devices. Its symmetrical design means it can be inserted either way — up or down — eliminating many of the frustrations of earlier USB ports.

This alone makes it a hit for me. No more fumbling with plugs that always seem to be upside down.

Because it is a connector specification and not a data transfer protocol, USB-C has been a constant as the underlying technology for moving data and powering devices has evolved. It’s closely linked to several powerful new technologies, including Thunderbolt and Power Delivery, that have the potential to change how we think about our gear and how we work in the office, on the road, and at home.

What is USB Type-C used for?

Like USB Type-A connectors, Type-C USB ports and cables are used to transfer power and data between devices, from charging a phone to backing up data on an external drive. But USB-C’s support for newer USB protocols and other technologies makes it much more powerful, capable of charging larger devices and delivering up to 8K video to an external display.

USB protocols and what they mean

It’s when we start talking about protocols that things get messy. The five main USB protocols in use today are confusing, to say the least, creating an alphabet soup of standards that could muddle the most technical among us.

Here is a breakdown of the USB specifications, where it’s best to concentrate on the data flow levels:

• Today, the most popular USB spec is the  USB 3.2 Gen 1 protocol that allows a maximum throughput of 5Gbps to travel over a single lane of data. It can use an old-school Type-A rectangular plug or the oblong USB-C connector.
• The next step up has two alternatives: the use of double speed lanes of data that abide by the 5Gbps speed limit ( USB 3.2 Gen 1×2 ) as well as a single-lane variant that operates at twice the speed ( USB 3.2 Gen 2×1 ). Generally compatible with each other, the result is 10Gbps peak throughput.
• The USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 protocol uses two lanes of double-speed data traffic to top out at 20Gbps.
• USB4 (no space between “USB” and “4”) is the newest protocol and incorporates the Thunderbolt 4 spec. Within USB4, there are several variants that provide 5, 10, 20 and 40Gbps of peak flow.

What’s in a name? USB specs and speeds

The final contemplated step up is USB4 v2 , which takes data transfer speeds to new heights by using PAM-3 pulse amplitude modulation technology. Derived from 10Gbps Ethernet wired networking, PAM-3 tops out at 80Gbps in symmetric mode and gets to the spec’s top speed of 120Gbps in asymmetric mode. Unfortunately, these speed upgrades are off in the future.

Next up: Thunderbolt 5

Using USB4 v2 as a starting point, the next stage of USB-C’s development will incorporate Thunderbolt 5 , which was debuted by Intel last fall. Under normal circumstances, it can move a maximum of 80Gbps, double the rate of Thunderbolt 4 and USB4. This will help with everything from moving data onto and off flash drives to running backups of company data and multipurpose docking stations.

But if more throughput is needed — such as for 8K video, which can require 50Gbps — it uses a clever technique known as Bandwidth Boost. This pushes its speed limit to 120Gbps when needed. It can also be useful for feeding video to a screen at a refresh rate of up to 544Hz, which might find a home with a company’s CAD designers, traders, or video editors.

It’s another case of hurry up and wait. With Thunderbolt 4 gear just coming to market, expect to see computers with TB5 in 2024 and the first round of accessories in 2025. At the moment, there is no corresponding USB5 spec.

Gear up for new USB-C capabilities

Despite the confusing name-game, older devices continue to work with the newer specs. In other words, that two-year-old USB-C flash storage key will work with your newest laptop, although not always at top speed.

To take full advantage of USB-C today, though, you’ll need to get some new gear. Be careful, because not all USB-C devices on the market support all the latest USB specs. For instance, just about every USB-C flash drive sold today supports the earlier USB 3.2 Gen 1 protocol, and some tablets and phones don’t support Alt Mode video (more on that in a moment). It’s best to read the spec sheet carefully so you know what you’re getting before you buy.

I tried out some newer USB-C accessories to see the latest capabilities for myself. Here’s what to expect.

Docking station

In the here and now, the first USB4 devices flooding the market are docking stations that can make a laptop feel right at home on a desktop, moving data while charging the system. The $290 Plugable TBT4-UDX1 dock is connection central, with 11 ports and the ability to stream up to 96 watts to charge a laptop. It includes four USB Gen 2 Type A ports capable of 10Gbps, two USB-C connections that can push 40Gbps, and a 2.5Gbps networking port. There are also more mundane amenities like an SD card slot, a headphone jack, and HDMI for video.

The Plugable TBT4-UDX1 docking station.

By using a combination of the USB-C and HDMI ports, the UDX1 can drive up to two 4K monitors or a single 8K screen — that is, if you have the right cables and adapters.

Getting it set up on my desk was a snap, because it didn’t require any extra software. I plugged in the dock’s power adapter, connected it with the included Thunderbolt 4 cable to my Acer Swift Edge 16 notebook, and it immediately started charging my system as fast as its included AC adapter. The dock worked smoothly with my keyboard, mouse, and wired Ethernet connection, as well as an Epson PowerLite L260F projector and my Logitech game controller, because 9 to 5 only lasts until 5PM.

Fast data storage

The UDX1 came into its own with the Kingston XS2000 USB 3.2 2X2 flash drive plugged in and connected to the Acer Swift Edge 16 laptop. Somewhat larger and heavier than the typical flash drive, the XS2000 measures 2.7 x 1.3 x 0.5 inches and weighs 1 ounce. It fits into a pocket but requires a USB-C cable to connect.

The Kingston XS2000 external SSD.

The XS2000 read data at 7.90Gbps, as measured by the CrystalDiskMark benchmark software — that’s less than half the spec’s 20Gbps speed limit but a huge increase from the 1.23Gbps that I got using a SanDisk USB 3.1 flash drive. Kingston sells XS2000 drives for $86 (500GB), $140 (1TB), $246 (2TB) and $450 (4TB).

Unfortunately, USB4 is so new that there weren’t any external drives available for my tests. So, I made one myself. Using the $120 Satechi USB4 NVMe SSD Pro drive enclosure, I plugged in a Crucial P3 Plus 500GB SSD module. It upped the data reading rate to an exceptional 29.5Gbps, about three-quarters of the 40Gbps spec and one of the fastest drives available anywhere. Stay tuned: I’ll show you how to make the drive later in the story.

Power Delivery

While a USB 2.0 port could deliver just 2.5 watts of power, about enough to slowly charge a phone, USB 3.1 upped this to about 4.5 watts, and the initial uses of USB-C topped out at 15 watts of power. Today, a single USB-C cable can handle both video and power using USB’s Power Delivery spec.

Happily, USB4 increases this output to 100 watts for the base protocol and as much as 240 watts with the Extended Power Range specification. For practical reasons, most devices limit this to between 96 and 100 watts. Still, this opens up a brave new world of laptop-powered projectors based on USB-C.

Today, though, Power Delivery is being used mostly for chargers, external battery packs, and small displays such as  Ricoh’s Portable Monitor 150 . Built around a 15.6-inch OLED screen, the $575 monitor not only shows 1920 x 1080 resolution but adds the convenience of 10-point touch control and can be powered by a laptop or phone via the same USB-C cable that delivers video. It weighs just 1.2 pounds, has a fold-out stand, and comes with a slipcase; Ricoh sells an $80 stylus as well. 

The Ricoh Portable Monitor 150.

Brian Nadel / IDG

It displayed everything from web pages and emails to memos and Word documents from a Windows 11 notebook, but it really came into its own with a Samsung Galaxy Note 20 phone, allowing me to leave the laptop behind for a day trip. When it was time to present, I plugged the PM 150 into a USB adapter and to my phone with USB-C cables and pointed the display at the small group. The monitor mirrored my phone’s content, allowing me to give the full presentation while maintaining eye contact with the audience. Later, we huddled over the touchscreen to modify a design using our fingers.

Alt Mode displays

The newest USB-C cables are capable of delivering video using USB-C’s Alternate Mode , or “ Alt Mode .” At the moment, a Thunderbolt 4/USB4 cable can push 8K video or supply several 4K displays. This breakthrough can neaten a desk by getting rid of at least one cable.

For instance, Samsung’s 43-inch M70B display can use a USB-C cable to not only send video from a laptop to the screen but also send power the other way to charge the system. The $430 model I looked at has a resolution of 3840 x 2160 pixels and was able to charge my Acer Swift Edge 16 and my Google Pixel 7 phone.

Samsung’s 43-inch M70B display uses USB-C to receive video from and charge my laptop.

To get the most out of the new specs and the gear, you’ll need the right cables. Happily, after a proliferation of cable types, there’s a convergence going on. All Thunderbolt 4 cables will get the most out of USB4 devices, as well as all the specs that came before it. In fact, it’s so much of a no-brainer that all I buy these days are TB4 cables. They work well for anything from moving data off my phone to feeding video to a display or backing up data to a drive.

The reason they work with all specs is that each USB cable has an identification chip inside that senses the hardware’s capability and sets the speed and power abilities accordingly. Called e-marker, the integrated circuit is at both ends of the cable so that the USB device can query the cable’s capabilities and adjust the top speed to suit it. Older USB-C cables will generally work, just not always at top speed and might not work with the newest equipment.

Most of these cables are available in up to 2-meter lengths (about 6.6 feet), which is more than twice the standard 0.8-meter (31-inch) length of earlier USB-C cables. That said, there are also one-meter cables from Satechi and Plugable for $30 and $29. By contrast, Apple pushes Thunderbolt 4 cabling to 3 meters (9.8 feet), but its Thunderbolt 4 Pro cable is pricey at $159.

Apple Thunderbolt 4 Pro Cable.

One of my favorite USB-C cables is the Baseus Free2Draw Mini Retractable USB-C Cable 100W . Inside the Free2Draw’s small circular cable winder is a 3.3-foot USB 2.0 cable that can be spooled out at 1.1-, 1.9-, 2.7- or 3.3-foot lengths without getting tangled. Capable of delivering 100 watts to charge a phone, tablet, or laptop, it tops out at only 480Mbps of data.

Making USB-C work for you

To get the most out of these new specs, I’ve had to make some changes and buy some accessories. My older USB flash drives, keyboards and mice still work, though, even if they can’t take advantage of the new speeds.

Here are some tools, tips, and DIY projects that will help make USB-C work for you.

Make a USB-C travel kit

The good news is that USB-C ports can be used with older USB 2.0, 3.0, and 3.1 accessories. The bad news is that you’ll need a drawer full of adapters and cables. So far, I haven’t seen anything close to a complete ready-made kit. So, I’ve made my own USB-C survival kit with key cables and adapters that fits into an old Dopp bag.

Here’s what’s inside:

• A small male USB-C to female USB Type-A and a male USB Type A to female USB-C adapter.
• Short and long adapter cables with a USB Type-A male plug on one end and a male USB-C on the other.
• A USB-C AC adapter that’s capable of delivering 30 watts.
• A Thunderbolt 4 cable with USB-C male plugs at each end for using accessories.
• A USB-C Ethernet adapter and short Ethernet jumper cable for when a wired connection is available.
• One HDMI cable.
• A small microfiber cloth for screen cleaning.

The center of attention is Satechi’s Thunderbolt 4 Slim Hub , which squeezes lots of connections into a small and light device. It delivers three 40Gbps Thunderbolt 4/USB4 connections as well as a 10Gbps USB 3.2 Gen 2 port, while supplying up to 15 watts of power to charge my phone. It can run an 8K screen or a pair of 4K ones but needs a fairly large and heavy 20-volt AC adapter that makes it a tight fit.

The essential travel companion: my homemade USB-C adapter kit.

There’s one additional adapter I’ve found essential on the road because, sadly, many phones and tablets now lack a headphone jack. I have USB-C earbuds but usually can’t find them when I need them. When that happens, I use a headphone jack adapter so I can use any inexpensive wired headphones with my Pixel 7 phone. They cost about $10 each.

Make an inexpensive (and fast) homemade SSD drive

USB4 may yield fast data speeds, but flash drives that support the spec have been slow to market. Using Satechi’s USB4 NVMe SSD Pro Enclosure , I made my own. It tops out at 40Gbps and is compatible with all the older USB-C and Thunderbolt specs, although at 4.4 x 2.7 x 1.0 inches and 7 ounces, it is larger and heavier than the typical flash drive.

The Satechi USB4 NVME SSD Pro Enclosure.

The Satechi enclosure can be used with a B or B+M NVMe storage card up to 4TB. In addition to the $120 enclosure, I used a 500GB Crucial P3 Plus module that cost me $30.

The best part is that it doesn’t require tools to put together.

I started by sliding the enclosure’s lock open, freeing the lid.

Next, I slid the NVMe module into the connector and locked it in place with the soft silicon plug; it allows the use of three different-sized cards.

I finished by applying the included thermal pad and replacing the lid.

I snapped the case shut and was done.

It was worth the effort, because after I plugged it into the Plugable dock, it was able to move nearly 30Gbps. Not bad for a few minutes of work.

Be a power traveler

I travel a lot for work and pleasure, and it always seems as though my phone’s battery is at 20%. My latest trick to keep from being cut off from the world is the $30 Anker Nano Power Bank . It’s small, only adds 3.5 ounces to the weight of the phone, and has a unique swiveling USB-C connector that has worked with every phone I’ve tried. There’s also a port on the side for charging it and as an alternate way to charge a device.

The Anker Nano Power Bank can juice up my phone anywhere.

Available in five colors, the Nano Power Bank’s 5,000 miliamp-hour battery can put out 18 watts — about what the typical AC adapter delivers. Able to provide hours of extra juice, the five-dot LED charge gauge shows how much power is left.

There’s one more USB-C power trick I use every day with my Android work tablet that makes connecting and disconnecting much easier. The  iSkey Magnetic USB C Adapter  is a knock-off of Apple’s MagSafe design, where one part plugs into the tablet and the other into a USB cable. Inside, these two parts have powerful magnets that snap together to make a physical and electrical connection when they’re within a couple inches of each other. Later, when it’s time to move around the office, I pull the two apart. The best part is that it costs about $20.

iSkey’s Magnetic USB C Adapter imitates Apple’s MagSafe connector.

Brian Nadel/IDG

Troubleshooting USB-C

The fact that there isn’t much to adjust or configure with USB (C or otherwise) is a testament to its technological success. New or old, in almost all cases, it just works. That is, until it doesn’t. At that point, there are several angles of attack for troubleshooting.

My first step is to  take a look at what the cable is doing, or not . For instance, I was having problems with my MacBook Air not reliably charging. To see what was going on with the USB-C charging, I inserted Plugable’s USBC-METER3-1MF diagnostic cable ($20) between the AC adapter and the notebook.

The cable meets the USB 3.1 Gen 2 10Gbps spec and can handle up to 240 watts of power; its built-in OLED screen shows how much electricity is flowing. In my case, it was 1 or 2 watts, not the 20 watts it should be. After jiggling the cord to see the power flow jump to a more normal level, I concluded that the charging cable had an intermittent short. Replacing it did the trick and I haven’t had any problems since.

The Plugable USB-C cable with multimeter tester.

My second step is to  use Windows’ built-in USB tools . In addition to notifying me of a problem, the Settings screen in Windows 10 and 11 has a way to bring unresponsive USB devices back to life. If you’re having USB problems on a Windows 10 or 11 device, try these tips:

• Go to the Device Manager by right-clicking on  This PC in File Explorer and then clicking  Properties . Under “Related settings,” click  Device Manager near the bottom to bring up a list of devices. In the Device Manager, double-click  Universal Serial Bus controllers  in the list to reveal the actual controller. It should read something like “USB 3.0 eXtensible Host Controller.” Give that a right-click, then choose  Properties . In the Power Management tab, uncheck the box next to  Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power  to keep the port powered up. But be warned: your battery might drain faster because of this change.

Keep the USB port powered up by unchecking the box.

• While there, updating the USB drivers couldn’t hurt. You can do this by choosing the USB device that’s not working, right-clicking, and choosing  Update driver from the drop-down list.
• Finally, check the specs of the computer, device, and cable to make sure they all match.

With Thunderbolt the underlying transfer technology for USB4, the Thunderbolt Control Center can provide insight . The app, which generally appears in the Windows Start menu apps list (and can also be downloaded from the Microsoft Store ), interrogates the system’s Thunderbolt controller chip to maximize throughput and shows what Thunderbolt devices are online. At the bottom are details on whether it’s connected and how it’s powered. Click on the About section on the left to see a deeper level of detail. This includes the Thunderbolt version the controller supports.

Get details about connected Thunderbolt devices via the Thunderbolt Control Center.

Finally, when all else fails,  try cleaning the physical USB-C port , because dust, dirt, and debris might be preventing an electrical connection. Try using compressed air to blow out the loose stuff and then gently clean the port with a soft plastic toothpick. I use the Oral-B Expert Interdental Brushes , which are the perfect size for extricating everything from pet hair to pocket lint. At $3 for 20, you can’t go wrong.

Give a malfunctioning USB-C port a good spring (or winter) cleaning.

You’d be surprised at what comes out. Hopefully you now have a clean machine, ready for work.

This article was originally published in August 2014 and most recently updated in April 2024.

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Brian Nadel is a contributing writer for TechHive and Computerworld and is the former editor-in-chief of Mobile Computing & Communications magazine.

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146,000 cameras monitor Moscow streets. And the government is just getting started.

If you're walking a dog in Moscow, make sure you clean up after it.

Moscow's government is upgrading its network of 146,000 cameras to better monitor city streets and make sure residents, businesses and visitors are staying in line.

Moscow's government has steadily built out the massive network of cameras over the past five years. They're posted along streets, giving the government a 24-7 view of street activity. They are mounted on everything from street lights to buildings and construction sites.

As governments around the world plant more eyes on the streets, people may have no choice but to be upstanding citizens. Crime might drop. But questions about privacy and civil liberties will also be raised. How much surveillance will people put up with? And what happens if camera data falls into the wrong hands?

In Moscow, the technology is a double-edged sword, according to Mark Galeotti, a senior researcher at the Institute of International Relations in Prague.

"It's this funny combination of big brother in both the negative and the positive sense of the word," Galeotti told CNN Tech. "It's an authoritarian regime that wants to have all the capabilities for a security state. At the same time, [the Moscow government] is genuinely committed to providing public services, and is committed to a wired up city and pushing the various ways that new technology can actually make it better."

Galeotti said he's been struck on his visits to Moscow by the number of city services that can be accessed on a smartphone.

Currently, the cameras are used to check if the trash is picked up, crack down on speeding and red-light running, make sure on-street advertising is legal and track snow removal. Roughly 75,000 violations are caught per day, according to Andrey Belozerov, senior adviser to the Moscow city government's chief information officer. Violators generally receive a fine.

But the local government isn't content with its success. It sees far more potential in the cameras, which have cost $250 million, according to Belozerov. It's working to make its system more intelligent so that video footage can be analyzed more deeply. Computer programs could analyze footage, automatically doling out tickets.

"For the future, we would like to have more algorithms, starting from whether a seat belt is fastened or not, or is a person talking [on] a mobile phone," Belozerov told CNN Tech.

Related: This company offers U.S. cops free body cameras

Moscow's experimentation is possible due to recent breakthroughs in computer vision. Engineers in the field are highly sought after.

"If you see a computer vision person walking down the street, you grab them by the neck," said Andrew Moore, dean of Carnegie Mellon University's school of computer science. "So many products depend on having great computer vision engineers."

The dream of computer vision researchers is to one day empower machines to see as well as humans. It's unclear when this may happen, but the implications of computers' new abilities will be vast.

And that's why dog walkers in Moscow should get used to cleaning up after their animals. In a matter of years, governments will be able to monitor and enforce good behavior like never before. Belozerov can foresee using cameras to automatically identify when a person doesn't clean up after their pet. Leave your dog's waste behind, and you risk getting a ticket in the mail.

In theory, a government could do this already. But it would require humans manually monitoring thousands of video feeds. That would be too expensive. But by automating the task with computer vision algorithms, it would become an affordable option for identifying bad behavior.

Related: New Nest camera zooms in and recognizes faces

Earlier this year, Belozerov did a pilot test of facial recognition technology outside Moscow subway stops. Some cameras were able to recognize faces with 95% accuracy. Belozerov envisions making the technology available to the police department to aid in looking for criminals.

For now, the technology is still a work in progress. Some cameras in the pilot proved ineffective, due to the lighting or the vantage point.

As the cameras have proliferated, the city has had to address privacy concerns.

"The technology is relatively neutral. The real question is what is the political, economic and social context in which that technology is deployed," said John Verdi, VP of policy at the Future of Policy Forum.

There are more than 15,000 people in Moscow's local government who can access the video footage, some with restricted access, according to Belozerov. For example, school officials can only access video from the cameras outside schools. The police department gets first dibs if it wants to point a camera in a given direction, or zoom in on something. All of Russia's federal agencies can receive camera footage upon written request.

Video recordings from the cameras are stored for five days.

"If we had more money," Belozerov said. "We'd probably buy more storage."

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