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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 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

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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

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We researched and tested more than a dozen monitor arms and stands to find the best options to raise your screen and free up space on your desk.

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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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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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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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• Best Monitor
• Best Gaming
• Best Mid-Range
• Best Budget

Notable Mentions

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.

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?

Why you can trust Laptop Mag 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 .

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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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

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The Best Portable Monitors for Home and Remote Work

Traveling and want to bring an extra display to use with your work laptop? Get a portable monitor.

By Tucker Bowe

Every product is carefully selected by our editors. If you buy from a link, we may earn a commission.  Learn more

Whether you’re working from home or the office, chances are you have a laptop and monitor setup . It allows you to have the big screen when you need it, but also the flexibility to take your work on the road. The problem with this is if you have to work away from your monitor setup for too long, you start to miss it. And you become less productive.

If you need an extra screen for your laptop more than you need it for your desk, a portable monitor could be the solution. It’s cheaper than buying a tablet (many of which can double as portable monitors) and it provides the extra screen space that you’re used to with the external monitor. It’s also thin, lightweight and travel-friendly, so you can take it anywhere.

Products in the Guide

Lenovo thinkvision m14, dell c1422h, asus zenscreen go (mb16awp), viewsonic vx1755, asus rog strix xg16ahpe, what to look for.

Size: The vast majority of portable monitors come in similar sizes to most laptops. On the low-end, you can get a 13-inch portable monitor. And on the high-end, you can get a 17-inch monitor. The larger the screen, the more expensive it’s likely to be.

Connectivity: Most portable monitors these days connect to your laptop via USB-C, but there are some that require a HDMI connection. Some can do both, too, which could free up an extra port on your laptop (specifically if you have a Windows laptop).

Kickstand: This is a low-key, really important thing to consider before buying a portable monitor. Some come with integrated kickstands right in their body, which is really convenient. Other portable monitors, however, come with attachable stands that are less ideal because they aren’t always the easiest things to figure out.

Battery: Portable monitors can come with or without built-in batteries. The ones with built-in batteries are a little more expensive, but they can last for several hours before stealing power from your laptop. Portable monitors without built-in batteries need to be plugged into a power source. This can mean your laptop, of course, but it will cause your laptop to lose power faster.

Screen: As with laptops, portable monitors vary in their display quality. You can get ones that have a higher resolution, higher refresh rate or even have a touchscreen — but all those add to the price. The majority of portable monitors max out at a 1080p display.

Speakers: Some portable monitors come equipped with their own built-in speakers. It’s a nice feature, especially if you have an older laptop with not-so-great speakers or you’re using the monitor with a gaming console (like a Nintendo Switch). However, if your laptop does have built-in speakers, you might find it annoying when the audio keeps switching to the portable monitor’s speakers (in which case, you can just adjust this in your laptop’s settings).

How We Tested

The below portable monitors were used mostly in a work capacity — as a replacement for the external monitor in a setup with a laptop and portable monitor. We tested the portable monitors in split-screen and mirroring modes and judged them on brightness, image quality, ease-of-use (connectivity), their kickstand and any other features (like speakers and Wi-Fi connectivity). All the below monitors were tested with either a 2017 MacBook Pro or 2022 MacBook Air.

To learn more about our testing methodology and how we evaluate products, head here .

The Best Portable Monitors

• $174.84 at Amazon $189.99 (8% off)
• Very travel-friendly
• Great kickstand
• Very easy to use with any USB-C laptop
• No built-in battery or speakers
• Not feature-packed
• Size: 14-inches
• Resolution: 1920 x 1080
• Connectivity: USB-C
• Battery: No
• Speakers: No

The Lenovo ThinkVision M14 is a small and lightweight, portable monitor. It’s got a bright and vibrant screen and has a highly adjustable kickstand. And it’s relatively affordable, although it lacks an integrated battery and varied port selection of higher-end options. It’s a simple option that’ll work with most USB-C laptops. The kicker is that it can be mounted (via a 100×100 VESA), which could come in handy if you want to use it even when not traveling.

• $339.99 at Amazon
• Can be VESA mounted

The Dell C1422H is actually nearly identical to the ThinkVision M14 (above). Again, it’s a smaller portable monitor that’s fairly straightforward to use and will work well with most USB-C laptops. It delivers maybe a little brighter picture in our option and does a better job at blocking out reflections. But other than that, it has the same ports and a great integrated kickstand. It doesn’t have a built-in battery, however, meaning it’ll take power from your laptop or it’ll need to be plugged into a wall outlet (power adapter not included) while you’re using it.

• $449.00 at Amazon
• Huge display
• Built-in battery and speakers
• Supports wireless connectivity
• It ain't cheap
• Size: 15.6-inches
• Connectivity: USB-C or HDMI
• Battery: Yes
• Speakers: Yes

Asus makes several different models of its ZenScreen Go — so be aware of which one you’re buying — and its MB16AWP is one of the nicest (and most expensive) ones you can buy. It’s a 15.6-inch monitor with a 1080p display (and 60Hz refresh rate) and it has an integrated battery that can last between three and four hours. Maybe the neatest thing about this ZenScreen Go is that it has built-in Wi-Fi, so you can extend or mirror your laptop’s screen without using a wired USB-C or HDMI connection.

• $239.99 at Amazon
• Huge 17.2-inch display
• Supports high-refresh rate and gaming features
• Not super portable because of its size
• No built-in battery
• Quite pricey
• Size: 17.2-inches

The ViewSonic VX1755 is portable monitor that’s ideal for gamers who are looking for a big extra screen. It’s 17.2-inches, making it one of the biggest portable monitors you can buy. IT also supports several much-have gaming features such as a very high refresh rate (144Hz) and support for AMD FreeSync Premium Adaptive-Sync (to fight latency when playing FPS and fast-moving action games). It is definitely on the pricey side, but the ViewSonic VX1755 makes a great partner for smaller gaming laptops or even people who bring their consoles with them on the road.

• $409.24 at Amazon
• Large 15.6-inch display
• Supports high refresh rate and gaming features
• Large built-in battery
• Very expensive

The Asus ROG Strix XG16AHPE is another high-end yet pricey portable monitor that’s optimized for gaming. Like the ViewSonic VX1755 ( above ), the Asus ROG Strix XG16AHPE has a high refresh rate panel (144Hz) and supports AMD FreeSync Premium Adaptive-Sync, which are two must-haves for gaming. The difference is that this portable monitor is slightly smaller and more expensive, but it does have a built-in battery — and at 7,800mAh, it’s pretty sizable — meaning it won’t such the juice from your laptop when using it.

Notable Portable Monitors Not on This List

• Asus ZenScreen Touch (MB16AMT) : This is a portable monitor that’s basically a touchscreen version of the Asus ZenScreen Go (MB16AWP) that’s on this list. The catch is, however, it’s not compatible with Macs.

• Lenovo ThinkVision M14t : This is essentially a higher-end, more expensive and touchscreen version of the non-“t” ThinkVision M14 that’s already on this list.

• Desklab 4K Touchscreen : This is one of the few portable monitors out there that has a 4K display (max) and a touchscreen. It’s also quite expensive.

Related Topics

Every product is independently selected by (obsessive) editors. Things you buy through our links may earn us a commission.

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The Very Best Portable Computer Monitors

In this article

• Best overall
• Best dual orientation
• Best for gaming
• Best for eye fatigue
• Best with built-in battery
• Best for photo and video editing
• Best for using with Android smartphones

If you work in an office (or a home office ), you’re probably familiar with external monitors . But there’s an intriguing alternative that we’ve been seeing all over TikTok lately: portable monitors. These lightweight monitors are plug-and-play, so you can instantly connect your device, and require only one cable to use, thanks to USB-C ports that can transfer data and provide power at the same time. And since USB-C is becoming standard on new devices, portable monitors can be used with a wide range of devices beyond laptops, from smartphones to gaming consoles to tablets . That means with a portable monitor, you can bring a bigger screen anywhere.

There are still some technical advantages to standard monitors, which often provide better luminosity and refresh rates than their portable counterparts. However, those factors aren’t “really relevant for someone just wanting something basic for working at home,” says Sam Byford , formerly an editor at our sister site the Verge . For many people, it is worth a slight step down in image quality to be able to easily store their monitor away when they don’t need it or toss it in a bag to bring to a café, on a trip, or simply to another room. To help you find the best portable monitor, I conducted my own testing and consulted six experts on their favorites.

What we’re looking for

Size and portability.

If a portable monitor feels like a brick or doesn’t fit in your bag, it’s not worth using. Portable monitors are designed to be very lightweight. Most of the options below weigh less than two pounds, with the lightest weighing 1.3 pounds and the heaviest weighing 2.2 pounds. They are also thin and sleek, measuring under an inch thick in most cases. They usually come with foldable cases that can also be used as a monitor stand (similar to what you might see on  Apple’s iPad cases ). The cases tend to allow for multiple viewing angles, and the case also protects the screen from scratches or abrasions while in transit.

Most portable monitor screens measure between 12 and 17 inches diagonally — about the size of a standard sheet of letter paper on the smaller end of that range. If you’re using your portable monitor for light tasks and simple web browsing, anything larger than 17 inches can feel like overkill and be clunky to carry, and you may be better off investing in a larger, stationary monitor.

Screen resolution

If you’re mostly scrolling through the web, working in Google docs, taking a peek at some spreadsheets, or watching videos, 1080p HD resolution should be perfectly adequate for a portable monitor. There are ultrahigh-definition 4K portable monitors available, but the higher resolution won’t be as noticeable on their smaller screens.

Byford also recommends finding a monitor with an IPS, or in-plane-switching panel, which will give you a clearer image and improved response time. Without an IPS, you might see a slight lag between your device and the display. And Miguel Melendez, a PC expert at B&H Photo Video, says, “IPS also offers the widest viewing angles and best color accuracy.”

Power and ports

Some portable monitors have internal batteries, which means they have their own power source. Other portable monitors draw power from the device they are connecting to through a USB-C port. Monitors that are device-powered will help to streamline the number of chargers you need for your setup. But having an internal battery means you won’t have to rely on your laptop or tablet for power, which could inconveniently drain your battery. Though having an internal battery will make your monitor a bit heavier, it will also maximize the time you can use both your monitor and the device it’s connected to while on the go. It may even be able to charge that device.

Portable monitors usually connect via a USB-C port, which is now standard across newer devices, including Android phones and tablets, Apple MacBooks and iPads, and Windows-based laptops and tablets. You can also connect an iPhone using a  USB-C-to-lightning cable . Some portable monitors have an HDMI port, which will be useful if you want to connect to a digital camera or television. A few monitors even have an integrated speaker, which may be worth looking for if you’re going to be using the monitor for gaming or streaming. However, without speakers you’ll still be able to get audio from your device or use headphones.

Best portable monitor overall

Size and portability: 1.3 pounds, stand included | Screen resolution:  14” IPS screen, 1080p resolution | Power and ports: Device-powered, USB-C port, integrated speaker

“The big promise of USB-C for monitors appears to be finally arriving,” writes the Verge senior editor Tom Warren in his in-depth review of the Lenovo M14. This 1080p 14-inch display weighs only 1.3 pounds — making it the lightest monitor on this list — and comes with a protective cover. There’s no battery, which Warren says “means your laptop, tablet, or even phone is tasked with powering the display” via the included USB-C cable. The Lenovo also supports pass-through charging, so you can charge your device and power the monitor at the same time. “Lenovo has built most of the components into the base, which feels sturdy,” Warren writes. He also likes how the stand offers the ability “to raise the height of the monitor to better bring it in line with your laptop, which is a nice extra option.” The Lenovo also has a low-blue-light setting to reduce eye fatigue.

Best dual-orientation portable monitor

Size and portability: 1.7 pounds, stand included | Screen resolution:  15.6” IPS screen, 1080p resolution | Power and ports: Device-powered, USB-C port, mini HDMI port, integrated speaker

Portable monitors are “easy to set up and small enough to move to the side for extra desk space,” says TonyTechBytes , a TikTok creator who often clears off his desktop build PCs. At 1.76 pounds, the 15.6-inch, 1080p monitor is slightly heavier than the Lenovo, but Tony says the extra weight doesn’t bother him. The Z1 can be used in either landscape or portrait mode, so if you want to scroll vertically on Twitter and then view a lot of data horizontally on a spreadsheet, just rotate the screen. It has two built-in speakers, a USB-C port, a mini-HDMI port (a smaller version of the traditional HDMI port, used to save space on smaller gadgets), and it comes with both a USB-C-to-USB-C cable and a mini-HDMI-to-HDMI cable as well as a USB-C-to-USB-A cable for maximum versatility. “With its USB-C connectivity,” says Tony, “I can easily plug it into my smartphone and have a larger screen on the go.” The Lepow’s screen also has “eye-care protection,” which is supposed to help prevent eye fatigue.

Best portable monitor for gaming

Size and portability: 1.7 pounds, stand included | Screen resolution:  15.6” IPS screen, 1080p resolution | Power and ports: Device-powered, USB-C port, integrated speaker

Grace Kim , a TikTok tech creator, has been using her Z1-Gamut for about a month. “The setup process was super-simple; it connects to my laptop through HDMI,” she says, and it also has a USB-C port if you prefer to connect that way. (Like the Lepow monitor above, the Z1 comes with both a USB-C-to-USB-C cable and a mini-HDMI-to-HDMI cable as well as a USB-C-to-USB-A cable.) The Z1-Gamut also has dual orientation and a brighter screen designed for gamers who might want to plug in their Playstation, Xbox, or Nintendo Switch consoles. It’s durable, too, Kim says, noting that hers has survived at least one drop. It has a 15.6-inch screen and weighs 1.71 pounds.

Best portable monitor for eye fatigue

Size and portability: 1.72 pounds, stand included | Screen resolution:  15.6” IPS screen, 1080p resolution | Power and ports: Device-powered, USB-C port, no integrated speaker

“The Asus ZenScreen MB16AC is a 15.6-inch full HD display that comes in at just 8-mm. thick and features a foldable smart case that can act as a stand,” says former Verge news editor Micah Singleton . Like the Z1-Gamut, the Asus monitor “can auto-rotate between landscape and portrait modes.” Plus, “it comes with a ZenScreen stylus and a USB-A adapter for users without USB-C ports.” It also has a flicker-free backlight and a blue-light filter to reduce eye fatigue.

Best portable monitor with built-in battery

Size and portability: 2.2 pounds, stand included | Screen resolution:  15.6” IPS screen, 1080p resolution | Power and ports: Rechargeable internal battery, USB-C port, micro HDMI port, integrated speaker

The AOC has a built-in battery that can last up to four hours and can also charge your smartphone or tablet. That battery contributes to its 2.2-pound overall weight — making it the heaviest option on this list — but if you don’t mind a little extra heft, having a monitor that is self-sufficiently powered can be very convenient if you’ll be using it far from an outlet. It also has internal speakers and a micro-HDMI port (which functions similarly to a mini HDMI port; though the monitor comes with a USB-C-to-USB-C/A cable, if you want to use the micro-HDMI port, you’ll need to supply your own cable). But where the AOC really stands out with its touch-compatible screen. For example, if you connect a touchscreen tablet via USB-C, you can also use the AOC as a touchscreen.

Best portable monitor for photo and video editing

Size and portability: 3.6 pounds, stand included | Screen resolution:  16” WQXGA display, 2560 x 1600 resolution | Power and ports: Device-powered, two USB-C ports, integrated speaker

Although a portable monitor with a 1080p resolution (like those listed above) is perfectly fine for editing documents and sending out a few emails, you may want a higher resolution for things like photo or video editing on the go. LG’s gram +view packs a resolution of 2560 x 1600, which is crisp enough to pick up on finer details. It has two USB-C ports, one on each side of the display, so you can place the monitor on either side of your computer without cables getting in the way, and it can be used in either portrait or landscape mode.

Best portable monitor for use with Android smartphones

Size and portability: 1.6 pounds, stand included | Screen resolution: 12” IPS display, 1920×1080 resolution | Power and ports: Device-powered, three USB-C ports, integrated speaker

If you have an Android phone that can dock into desktop mode, like Samsung’s DeX mode, the NexPad doubles as a second monitor for your laptop and a dock to turn your phone into a tablet or desktop (if you have a keyboard and mouse handy, as using your phone can be cumbersome). We recently tested the NexPad, using it as a second display for getting work done, and found that it’s big enough to show a good amount of information onscreen while being light and compact enough to fit in a backpack and accompany you to a coffee shop. It has a 12-inch multi-touch display with 1080p resolution, a mini HDMI port, and two USB-C ports on the left of the display, with an additional USB-C port on the right side. It also comes with a kickstand that you can use to prop the display up at nearly any angle, and there’s even a mode to attach the NexPad above your laptop’s screen to bring it closer to eye level, though that requires an additional magnet to be attached to your laptop’s display and may put some strain on the device’s hinge.

Our experts

• Sam Byford , former Verge senior editor • Grace Kim , TikTok tech creator • Miguel Melendez, PC expert at B&H Photo Video • Tony O, TikTok tech creator at TonyTechBytes • Micah Singleton , former Verge news editor • Tom Warren, Verge senior editor

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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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10 Best Portable Monitors In 2022 (USB, HDMI)

Workings from your laptop can be a nightmare. Especially if it’s really small – you can’t even split a screen properly without wanting to head to the eye doctor for new glasses! And switching between desktops and tabs? Don’t get me started.

At A Glance: Our 4 Picks for Best Portable Monitors

• Best Portable Monitor ASUS MB169B+/MB168B USB Portable Monitor Jump To Review
• Best Touchscreen Display GeChic On-Lap 1503I Portable Monitor Jump To Review
• BEST FOR GAMING Elecrow 13.3 Inch Portable Monitor Jump To Review
• 4K Option Desklab Ultralight Portable Touchscreen Monitor Jump To Review
• ULTRA LIGHTWEIGHT AND PORTABLE EleDuino Portable Gaming Monitor Jump To Review

So, if you are frustrated working on the go (even if you have a great travel laptop ) then you are in for a treat. I have spent a few hours or so looking for the best portable monitors for your laptop to make your life and work on the go oh so much easier. (You’ll love it when you can fit it in your luggage !)

First, I’ll show you what makes a good portable monitor, and then we’ll check out the best ones that are currently available. Whether you use a portable monitor as your primary screen or a handy secondary screen is up to you.

Top Product Overview

The best portable monitor in 2022, asus mb169b+/mb168b usb portable monitor.

We’re kicking off this review in style, with this 15.6” Asus monitor . It is available in both  HD and Full HD resolutions , and you should choose one that is best suitable for your work needs. Just keep in mind that the HD version is about $40 cheaper than the other one.

This budget portable monitor is equipped with a USB A port , and you need just  one USB cable to get it working . It works with Windows devices that are running Windows 7 or later, and Mac devices with at least OS X 10.8.3 (Mountain Lion) . There are some issues with Mac compatibility, but as long as you download the right  DisplayLink driver , the screen should work fine with your device.

This 15.6-inch portable monitor is incredibly slim at  8.5 millimeters , and it also weighs only 1.76 lbs,  making it one of the lightest portable monitors around. Overall, it is one of my top choices, especially when you also consider the price and everything you get for your money.

A great alternative to this is the Asus Zenscreen Go MB16AHP . It is more expensive but comes with a USB C port and a mini HDMI port, great viewing angles to make the most of that full HD – 1920 x 1080 display.

• USB cable and Asus case included in the purchase
• Lightweight and really slim
• Auto-rotation and automatic lighting sensor for adjusting brightness
• Not compatible with MacBook and MacBook Pro
• There is some lag
• Lousy customer support

Product Information

• Refresh Rate: 76 Hz
• Brand: ASUS
• Screen Size: 15.6 Inches
• Minimum System Requirement: Windows 7 with 1.4GHz Core 2 Duo, 1GB RAM, Mac OS X 10.8.3* (not compatible with MacBook and MacBook Pro);
• Recommended Requirement: Windows 7 with 2.4GHz Core 2 Duo or above, 2GB RAM

AOC e1659Fwu LED Portable Monitor

This portable monitor is probably the best value for money you can find. It is  really affordable  and if you’re looking for something under $100, then this is my top recommendation. It has a  15.6-inch screen size, with a maximum resolution of 1366×768 (HD). And it requires just one USB cable for both power and video, which makes it ultra-portable.

The portable monitor has built-in speakers, auto-brightness control as well as autorotation. It is also compliant with VESA 75 mm wall mounts , which is handy for home mounting.

Compatibility is a mystery – the manufacturer simply states that the AOC portable monitor is compatible with both Windows and Mac  devices. You have to install  a DisplayLink driver to get it working on Windows 10. A lot of satisfied customers have confirmed that they got it to work with their Mac devices with the proper driver.

This particular portable monitor is  lightweight at 2.4 lbs, although not as light as the Asus Zenscreen. But the difference isn’t huge, and it’s light enough to be considered portable. Overall, it might not be the best around, but it is certainly the best in its price range.

• Compatible with Windows, Linux, and Mac devices
• Quick and easy to set up
• Great value for money (neoprene case and USB cable included in the purchase)
• Full HD version a lot more expensive
• Not great for gaming due to mouse lag
• Actual size with bezels is 16”, so it’s slightly bulky
• Refresh Rate: 60 Hz
• Screen Size: 16 Inches

SideTrak Slide Portable Monitor

The SideTrak portable monitor is a unique and somewhat novel idea for a second screen. It basically attaches to your laptop screen and can travel with you.

If you are wondering if it will fit your laptop, they have stated that it is compatible with most Mac, Linux, and Chromebook laptops.

Another cool feature is that this portable monitor extends out and rotates up to 270 degrees. So it is great as a presentation device or when using it while collaborating.

In terms of specs, it is a 12.5” FHD IPS portable monitor with a 1920 x 1080 resolution. The brightness is not on the “awesome” side of things, but decent at 300 cd/m and it weighs in at 1.65 lbs, which is light enough.

It comes with a USB C cord with a USB A adapter to power it from your laptop – with an overall power usage of 4.5W it is very efficient. Just be aware that it is not providing even an extra single USB C port to work with.

Overall, this is a handy portable monitor that will suit those looking for a lightweight way to extend your screen.

• Attaches to your laptop
• 270 degree rotation
• Small and light
• Image brightness could be better
• Only a 12.5 inch screen
• Screen Size: 12.5 Inches

GeChic On-Lap 1503I Portable Monitor

This portable monitor is very similar to the previous one, but there is a large difference. This particular GeChic is a portable touchscreen monitor – a 10-point Multi-Touch capacitive touchscreen , to be more precise. So, if you’re looking for the best portable monitor that comes with a touchscreen, I believe that this is your top choice.

It is compatible with both Mac and Windows and most gaming consoles, as well as wireless devices such as Chromebox or Microsoft Wireless Display Adapter. And it features HDMI and VGA ports. Just keep in mind that Mac devices are not compatible with the touchscreen function . So, if you’re looking to get a screen for your MacBook, you’re better off getting something else.

The image quality is great for a 15.6” monitor with 1920×1080 resolution . The built-in speakers are slightly better than on the previous model, but not by a lot – earphones or a Bluetooth speaker are still a must if you really need the sound.

The main benefit of this great portable monitor is in its weight and size. It is slightly thicker than most portable monitors, coming in just under 1/2 an inch . Additionally, it  weighs 2.34 lbs, so it is also heavier than some. So overall, it is a really good product that you will not regret getting.

• Excellent image quality with Full HD resolution at 15.6 inch
• Touchscreen display
• Anti-glare monitor is easy to see in all lighting conditions
• OS X (Mac) is not compatible with the touchscreen function
• Sound quality is not the best
• Pretty expensive
• Hardware Interface: VGA, USB, HDMI
• Brand: Gechic
• Wattage: 10 watts
• Display resolution: 1920 x 1080
• Item Weight: 2.4 Pounds

ASUS ZenScreen 15.6" 1080P Portable Touch Monitor

The ASUS ZenScreen 15.6 inch portable touchscreen monitor (Model MB16AMT) is another popular choice.

This is still quite a portable monitor at 15.6 inches, and it comes with a decent 1920×1080 resolution. Asus has included an internal battery, which is great if you are working somewhere where power is limited (no laptop drain).

Although this is truly a portable touchscreen monitor be aware that it is not always fully compatible with every device. Windows devices get full support, as do some Android devices but Macs have limited abilities.

This ASUS Zenscreen portable monitor comes with a pen in case you really want to take advantage of the touchscreen abilities, and at the bottom is a joystick/button for controlling all of the functions.

In terms of connectivity, it has a few options – micro-HDMI and USB C, or you can also opt for USB A if you want. Of course, all the cables you need come provided by Asus.

• Great for gaming
• Lightweight for its size
• Extremely affordable laptop monitor
• No built-in speakers
• Not a traditional portable monitor
• Not compliant with VESA mounts
• Weight: 1.98 pounds / 0.9 kg
• Resolution: 1080p (Full HD)
• Ports: micro-HDMI, USB C or USB A

HP ELiteDisplay G8R65AA#ABA Portable Monitor

If you’re not looking to get a huge monitor, then maybe this one is just right for you. This HP EliteDisplay is a 14” monitor, with a resolution of 1600×900 . Unfortunately, it is not Full HD, but 720p is still high definition and will give you good image quality.

One upside of this monitor is that it requires  a single USB cable to connect to your device . But, you will have to install the right drivers for your device, and it takes some time to set up the EliteDisplay. But when you manage to get it working, you can expect to see some really crisp colors.

This portable monitor has a cover that is integrated with its design – so, it doubles as a stand . It will not only protect your portable monitor but also allows you to set it up without having to use any additional accessories.

It is about 1.3 cm thick and weighs about 2.75 lbs , which is heavier than most portable monitors. Note: this HP monitor is not officially compatible with Mac devices . But you could get it to work on your Mac if you install the proper drivers. However, I cannot guarantee that.

• Protective cover doubles as a stand
• Good image quality
• Three-year warranty from HP
• Not officially Mac compatible
• No information about speakers (presumably there are none)
• Heavier and thicker than some other, larger monitors
• Screen Size: 14 Inches
• Series: G8R65AA#ABA

Elecrow 13.3 Inch Portable Monitor

If you are used to smaller screens and are looking for a  13.3” portable monitor , then definitely consider getting this one. It is  extremely lightweight at only 1.41 lbs , it has  built-in speakers and the image quality is amazing. The Elecrow portable monitor is a great choice for gaming because it has  Full HD resolution (1920X1080) and a response time of only 5 ms – the fastest so far.

This monitor features several different ports –  USB and HDMI ports, as well as an earphone jack (3.5 mm) and a separate power port. So, you will need at least two things to get it working – an HDMI cable and an adapter that will supply it with power. So, it is slightly less portable than a monitor that works with just one cable.

It is compatible with any device that has an HDMI output. Windows, Mac, Linux, PS 4, Xbox, etc. Additionally, the Elecrow also comes with a metal rack in the box,  which I am not a fan of. But at least it is compliant with VESA 75 wall mounts. And at 1.5 cm, it is the thickest monitor in this review so far.

Overall, this is a good portable monitor if you’re looking for something smaller. It has excellent image quality, 170-degree viewing angles, and is easy to set up because (no drivers). Plus it is not heavy and it’s under $150, so it’s quite a bargain.

• Built-in speakers
• Compatible with anything that has an HDMI output
• Excellent image quality and quick response time make it great for gaming
• Large bezels
• Pretty thick at 1.5 cm
• No instructions provided with the monitor
• Brand: ELECROW
• Screen Size: 13.3 Inches
• Model Name: SF133
• Hardware Interface: HDMI

Desklab Ultralight Portable Touchscreen Monitor

Another option worth checking out is the Desklab Portable Monitor from a company based in Hong Kong. Their portable touchscreen monitor comes with 4K resolution, which is impressive for such a monitor. However, if you want to save a few bucks, there is a cheaper 1080P version as well.

It is quite slim in profile, although the bottom does have a bit of a chin because of all the ports they have provided. Speaking of which, there are 2 USB C ports, an HDMI port, and a standard USB A port. There is also a 3.5mm audio out so you can watch movies on the go without disturbing those around you.

I actually use this portable monitor with my Macbook Air and it is super easy to attach. All you need is an HDMI cable (and a dongle for a Mac of course) and you are good to go. The Desklab monitor is also compatible with almost any other device too – from gaming consoles and tablets to laptops and desktops.

A couple of other nice features worth mentioning are the built-in stereo speakers and the fact that it is a touchscreen, which offers a lot more flexibility than a standard monitor.

• Touchscreen
• 4K resolution
• Compatible with everything
• Lots of input/output ports
• A cheaper 1080p version available
• Not the cheapest option
• Weight: 725 grams / 15. lbs
• Width: 3.5 mm / 0.14 inch
• Resolution: 1080p (FHD) / 4K (UHD)
• Panel Size: 15.6”
• Response Time: 20 ms
• Luminance: 400 cd/m2
• Ports: USB C ports/ mini HDMI / Micro-USB
• Color Range: 16.7 M
• Viewing Angle: 178°
• Contrast Ratio: 1200:1

GeChic 1306H 13.3" 1080p Portable Monitor

GeChic is really popular in this particular market because they have such a wide array of products. So, I have to include at least one other portable monitor of theirs – this time a 13.3” one. And just like the other two GeChics, this portable monitor has  built-in speakers, HDMI and VGA input ports, and an incredibly compact and light design. With  only 1.32 lbs , it is the lightest monitor so far.

It’s  compatible with Mac, Windows and various gaming consoles – basically, if your device has an HDMI output, you will be able to connect it to this GeChic monitor. And when you do so, you will get great image quality, since it features  Full HD resolution . You can also adjust the colors and brightness of the screen however you like, which is a big plus.

The monitor comes with a USB C cable to get it working, and even a  micro HDMI adapter  so that you can connect it to your DSLR. In addition to that, you will also  get an aluminum stand in the box . This can be handy if you use this as your main or second screen.

However, this portable monitor does have the same issue as the previous two GeChics – lousy sound quality . But you can always play the sound from your laptop, or connect it to an external speaker to get a better listening experience. And at least you don’t have to bother with any drivers – because it uses an HDMI input, this monitor powers up as soon as you plug it into your device.

• Plug and Play – no drivers needed
• Very portable at only 1.32 lbs
• Compatible with all devices that have an HDMI output
• Bad sound quality
• Cover not included in the purchase
• On the expensive side
• Hardware Interface USB, USB Type C, Micro-HDMI, HDMI
• Connectivity Technology USB Type C, HDMI

EleDuino Portable Gaming Monitor

Would you like  a portable gaming monitor with a 2K resolution for under $125? If the answer is yes, then this is the monitor for you. The EleDuino is a 10.1” portable monitor that  weighs mere 0.77 lbs . The 2560X1600 resolution will give you excellent image quality, and crisp and bright colors.

In general, smaller monitors have the advantage of using little electricity. This basically means that you power them up with a power bank or even your phone’s charger . And you might just be forced to use it since you do not get a charger for this portable monitor – just a power cable.

It would be fine if the EleDuino required only a single cable but it doesn’t; you will need to use the HDMI adapter to connect it to your device . But at least that means that it’s compatible with pretty much any device you could think of – that has an HDMI output, of course.

This portable gaming monitor is equipped with  two built-in speakers , which give you decent sound quality. If you’re not satisfied with it, you can always  plug in your headphones or external speakers into the headphone port.

The downside? If you’re using it as a dedicated gaming monitor, it is pretty small. Sure, it’s larger than your smartphone and tablet, but if you’ve ever tried gaming on an 11” laptop, you’ll know what I’m talking about. However, as a second monitor, the size is pretty decent. Additionally, you don’t really get a lot of items in the box. Neither a stand nor a cover is included , so you have to purchase those separately.

• Great image quality at 2K resolution
• Highly portable at 0.77 lbs
• No need for drivers – just plug in the HDMI cable
• Kind of small to be your only monitor
• You don’t get a lot of equipment in the box
• Not compliant with VESA mounts or tripods
• Brand: Eleduino
• Screen Size: 10.1 Inches
• Total HDMI Ports: 2
• Hardware Interface USB, HDMI
• Connectivity Technology USB, HDMI

AOC e1759Fwu 17-Inch Portable Monitor

One of the first featured products in this review was an AOC portable monitor. And this one is very similar to it, with the largest difference being in the size of the screen. This particular monitor features a  17.3” screen with a 1600 x 900 resolution . And it is large enough to be your only monitor, which I absolutely love.

Additionally, if you already own a 17” laptop, this would make a great second display and allow you to really personalize your display setup. And in terms of portability, this AOC  monitor weighs only 2.8 lbs, which is great considering its size. But it is on the bulkier side, with a  thickness of 1.8 cm .

This monitor features  a USB 3.0 port and it requires just one cable for both device connectivity and power supply. This also means that you have to install the proper drivers for your device .

But if you manage to do that, you should not experience any issues with its performance. And the AOC portable monitor is compatible  with both Windows and Mac devices , along with your smartphones and various gaming consoles.

A really cool thing about this monitor is that it has  a built-in flexible stand , which will hold it in place both horizontally and vertically. Also, although it may appear like a really attractive gaming monitor due to its size, it has a response time of 10 ms .

That is too slow for some more demanding games, and you will experience mouse lag. But if you want to use it for work or for other purposes, you will barely notice it.

• Built-in flexi stand
• Very lightweight for its size
• Large display with great image quality
• Response time not fast enough for demanding games
• You have to manually install the correct drivers
• Screen Size: 17 Inches
• Hardware Interface USB, USB 3.0

What Makes A Good Portable Monitor?

There are a few things that you want to have in a really good portable monitor.

Size (Well, duh!)

First of all, it needs to be large enough so that you can work properly. Especially if you own an 11” or a 13” laptop – you will want to get a monitor that is larger than that. Otherwise, what’s the point, right?

Keep in mind that although bigger is better, it also needs to still be portable. So have a think about what kind of bag, purse, or backpack you are going to be carrying it around in. What size laptop can that fit for example? No idea? Check out the product page from the manufacturer and look for the internal length/width or any mention of laptop sizes. Worst case, send them an email.

Weight (Do You Want To Carry That Much Weight?)

It needs to be lightweight, of course!

If you’re dragging around a 10lb monitor, you might take your desktop computer with you, right?

A really good portable display should weigh less than 3lbs. That way, it will be easy to carry around, and it won’t add too much weight to your luggage for travel.

Even if you are never going on a plane with it, imagine adding a large rock to your bag every time you head out the door to work!

But if you need a really large monitor, you will have to compromise on weight. However, you will struggle to find a true portable monitor that is 20″ or bigger. But you can find a regular monitor that is extremely slim and lightweight.

Connections (Does It Work With Your Gear?)

It should also be easy to connect to your laptop, preferably with a regular USB port. That will allow you to pack lighter since you won’t need all those cables. it requires

If you own a MacBook Air, you don’t even have an HDMI port, and getting a portable display with one would be a waste of money. However, there are certain advantages to a monitor with HDMI input, for one there is no need for drivers.

So this one is up to you – you might want a monitor that can work with just one cable, but it’s a bit more difficult to set up, or a monitor that requires a few more cables, but requires nothing other than them.

The Other Specs (Is It Good Enough?)

And since we’re more about travel than about tech, that’s what we will be focusing on in this particular review. You should also pay attention to the general specs of the portable monitors that are featured in this review –

• Overall Size
• Color performance
• Device Compatability (Windows, Mac, Linux, Gaming, or Smartphone)

So, with all of that in mind, I think you now have a pretty good overview of what your ultimate portable monitor should look like. And I’m sure that you’ll love at least one of these top ten portable monitors in 2022!

What’s The Best Portable Monitor For You?

So out of all these portable monitors, what are your top choices? That slightly depends on what you need the portable display for. And that’s how we’re going to rank them.

If you’re just looking for  the most portable monitor ever , one that you can carry in your purse or in your hands because it’s so small and lightweight, I would suggest  the EleDuino 10” Portable Gaming Monitor .

With a weight of only 0.77 lbs, it is definitely the winner in this category. And it has excellent image quality, with a 2K resolution. The only downside is that you don’t really get anything except the monitor and a couple of cables, but that’s not a big deal considering the price.

• This 10.1 Inch TFT Screen Monitor With 2560x1600 Resolution, 1000:1 Contrast Ratio ,aspect ratio: 16: 10 viewwing You A Crystal-Clear Viewing Experience Of All Your Content .
• Portable & Mini Size：This Small Monitor Only Weight 0.75lb/0.35Kg, 10MM Thin Super Slim Design Convenient For You To Carry It In Your Handbag And Take Use

If you are in need of  a good, gaming monitor, I have to recommend the Elecrow 13.3 Inch Portable Monitor . It is by far the best one for gaming because it has the quickest response time – only 5 ms.

Additionally, the monitor has Full HD resolution, it is compatible with all devices that have an HDMI output and it is still really portable since it weighs less than 1.5 lbs. Pretty much the only downside is that you won’t have instructions on how to set it up, but I’m sure you can figure that out yourself. And if not, Google is your best friend.

• 1. 【13.3" Monitor】Elecrow 13.3-inch portable monitor features an IPS screen with a resolution of 1920x1080, brings clear and beautiful color images, and a wide viewing angle. It is extremely lightweight at only 1.41 lbs and with durable aluminum material design.
• 2. 【Compatible Multiple Devices】This portable monitor works with most HDMI-compatible devices like Windows PC, mini PC, SBC, game console.

In terms of touchscreen portable monitors, we only reviewed one here. That’s because they aren’t really compatible with Mac devices since OS X doesn’t work on a touchscreen. But if you’re dead-set on getting a portable touchscreen monitor, then the GeChic On-Lap 1503I Portable Monitor is the best choice for you . It’s sleek, lightweight, and has Full HD resolution. Just be prepared to invest in a pair of external speakers, because the sound quality of the monitor is pretty disappointing.

• PORTABLE TOUCH MONITOR: 15. 6", 1080P Full HD, IPS monitor with HDMI, VGA, USB inputs
• SENSITIVE PROJECTIVE CAPACITIVE TOUCH SCREEN: supports ten-finger multi-touch and Windows 8. 1/10 touch gestures for perfect digital interaction

And last but definitely not the least is a monitor that I consider to be the best portable money in terms of value for and just the overall best package . It is the ASUS MB169B+/MB168B USB Portable Monitor .  It is slim, lightweight, affordable and you only need one USB cable to get it working.

Of course, that also means that you have to install the proper DisplayLink drivers, but that’s just a couple of minutes of your time (if you know what you’re doing). Plus it has a protective case that doubles as a stand, which will definitely come in handy when using it as a second screen.

• Auto-rotating Display bundled with the Asus Smart CASE – a two-way adjustable stand and protective sleeve
• High Quality output

And those are my top choices. Of course, you should still get the monitor that you loved at first sight – all of the ones that we checked out in this review are the best that Amazon has to offer. So go ahead and check them out there, compare the prices – that’s usually one factor that most people aren’t willing to compromise on.

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What’s the best option for a 2nd screen while traveling?

Very few things help productivity quite as much as having more screen real estate. It’s the reason so many professionals have elaborate multi-monitor displays in their offices. But as more people are choosing to work remotely, many are wondering if it might be possible to get that same experience, but be able to take it on the road.

There are definitely newer and shinier portable monitors out there, but for the money, this one is an easy recommendation as my pick for most people. The 15.6" screen is plenty big enough to give you more room to work without being so big it's hard to pack, and while a 1080p screen doesn't exactly wow you in the era of 8k screens, I doubt you're looking at this as a replacement for your TV.

If you have the room in your bag, larger monitors are great. But if you're backpacking across Southeast Asia and every bit of space matters, smaller monitors like this one allow you to travel a bit lighter without sacrificing your extra screen space.

If I'm being honest, this one isn't the one I'd recommend for most people, because of the price. But if you are one of those people who need an Ultra-High Def 4k OLED Screen for your portable monitor, well, you won't find much better than this.

Using an external monitor is one of the simplest ways around to increase your ability to be productive while working. Extra space means less flipping between tabs searching for information, less chance of losing your place, and lots more space to keep important information front and center. But when you’re traveling, extra screen also means extra cargo.

Fortunately, it’s fairly simple to make sure that trade-off ends up being worth it. Keep reading to find out today’s best options for travel monitors that will boost your productivity when working remote.

Looking to stay productive while on the road?

Also check out…

Work from Anywhere – Setting up a Portable Desk Experience

Power Anywhere – Keeping a Laptop Powered while Camping or on the Road

Best “On the Go” Internet for Long-term Campers in America

Best Portable Monitor for Laptop – Travel Screens

Unsurprisingly, using a dedicated travel monitor is easily the best option for most people. These lightweight monitors are specifically designed to be portable and are easy to fit into your luggage, even if you’re only traveling with a carry-on.

There are a ton of different manufacturers out there that make travel monitors, and most of them do a good enough job for everyday use. However, if you have specific needs for your monitor, it can be worth shelling out a little extra cash to get the best of the best.

• Lightweight
• Low Power requirement
• Go anywhere
• Inexpensive (relatively)
• Not as large as a full-sized monitor
• Usually has a lower resolution (1080P FHD)

I originally grabbed a travel screen as something to plug a media stick into so my kids could watch TV while I got some writing done. However, I’ve loved having the extra screen space so much that I don’t think I’ve ever actually let my kids use it!

I typically use my screen in portrait mode, since that gives me more space for reading and editing documents, or as a place for keeping my research tabs and music player on while write. Not having to flip back and forth between tabs has been a gamechanger for keeping the info I need at hand without getting distracted.

If your workflow is similar, this one from MNN is currently my personal top pick. It’s capable of working with a single USB-C cord to keep everything simple, but it can also work with an HDMI input, if your device only works over HDMI or you just want to keep your ports open for other things.

Of course, while this is the one that I would suggest for most people, that doesn’t mean it’s the best option for you . If you need a specific feature for a monitor to be useful to you’re workflow, it’s worth spending a bit more to get what you need. Here are some of my favorite options for users whose needs set them apart from the pack.

It can use a single USB-C cable for power and video ( this is a good one ) OR it can use HDMI so you can connect a game console or media stick to it in a pinch. Plus, with a sub-$100 price, it won't break the bank!

4K Resolution for Amazing Detail Anywhere

If you’re mostly looking at text, 1080P is plenty good enough. However, if you need 4K resolution, an average travel monitor isn’t going to cut it. This 4K monitor from ViewSonic combines crisp ultra HD resolutions with all the best aspects of a regular travel monitor, all from a brand that you trust.

Portable Touch Screen for Keeping Your Content at Hand

I personally don’t use touchscreen functionality with my laptop pretty much ever. I just prefer navigating with a mouse and keyboard over poking the screen. However, if you do want touchscreen functionality on your monitor, this portable display from Casking is a decent choice.

It has pretty similar specs to my “for-everybody” pick, but the added touch-screen capabilities does bump the price up a bit.

Extra-Large Travel Screen for Even More Space

Most travel screens stick to the 15.6″ screen size. It’s small enough to be portable but still large enough to be useful for most people. But if you’re one of those travelers that needs as much space as you can get, you might be looking for something a bit bigger.

Larger portable monitors come in a variety of larger screen sizes. Here are a few of the better rated ones I’ve seen:

• UPERFECT 17.3″ Portable Monitor
• InnoView Portable Monitor 18.5 inches
• ASUS ZenScreen 24″ Portable Monitor

These larger monitors definitely provide more space, but as someone who uses my 15.6″ monitor on a daily basis, I would encourage you to really consider how big is too big.

My monitor fits well in my backpack so I can keep it with me when I fly instead of trusting it to the belly of the plane, but these larger ones would not fit well. Just something to consider.

Even MORE Screen Space

If you’re set on maximizing your screen space, then you may want to look into a triple screen setup.

One way to do that is simply to buy two of whatever monitor you want to use and a USB-C Docking Station that will allow you to hook up more than one screen. But this does mean more cords to carry, and more things to organize.

Instead, it might be better to consider buying a single product that combines 2 screens into one compact package. Something like this.

I have to say, this looks like an absolute monster of a screen to be traveling with, but it does fold up for easier transport.

I think it looks super neat, but for the moment it’s going to go on my wish-list instead of into my bag. If you decide to get one, let me know how it goes!

Using AR or VR Glasses as a Display (New for 2024)

While I still swear by my portable external monitor and use it daily, I have to admit that this year’s selection of AR and VR displays are extremely tempting for a traveling technophile like myself. The idea that I could fit a multi-display setup for my computer or a huge virtual TV screen in a pair of glasses that would fit in my day bag almost seems to good to be true!

And the fact that some of these displays, like the Xreal Air 2 , are already on the market and being used by real people every day just completely blows my mind! However, as with any new technology, these virtual displays do come with some caveats that might make them a less desirable option for many. At least for now.

Note: As much as I would welcome the chance, I have not had an opportunity to use any of these devices yet. But I have been following reports and reviews for them closely. I’m basing this off of my research until I can get my hands on a pair myself.

• The equivalent of multiple large monitors
• Extremely portable
• Small profile means you can use them in tight spaces, like on a plane.
• Only one person can see screens
• Can be expensive
• Not very stylish
• May require additional hardware for all features
• Very new hardware often has bugs to work out

Because I haven’t had the chance to use any of these, I can’t in good conscience recommend them to you as a full replacement for an extra monitor. But they are so dang cool that I definitely suggest you give them a try, if you have the funds to throw at them.

Xreal Air 2 Pro AR Glasses

These are the AR glasses I would recommend at the moment. At least until the Xreal Air 2 Ultra glasses come out next month.

While the Pro glasses require the Xreal Beam hardware to do things like pin screens to specific locations in your room, the new Ultras are capable of doing that on their own, thanks to some new sensors.

Basically, if you need a pair of XR glasses now , say, for a long haul flight, then you should get the Pros. But otherwise, wait til next month a pick up a pair of the Ultras.

Rokid Air AR Glasses

The Rokid Air AR Glasses aren’t quite as fancy as the Xreal Air 2 Pros, but they are a good deal less expensive.

If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly way to project a huge screen into the air in front of you, these are well-reviewed display glasses that will connect to a wide range of devices via USB-C or HDMI.

If your device doesn’t support wired display out, you can add on the Rokid Station to allow you to screencast. Plus it doubles as a Google TV device that uses your AR display as a screen. However, it adds quite a bit to the price.

There are a handful of other AR glasses that are either already on sale or will be soon, like the Legion Go Glasses and the ASUS AirVision M1, but at this moment in time, Xreal is really the main player in the space, unless you go full mixed-reality/virtual reality.

Meta Quest 3

If you’re wanting to jump into the mixed reality scene at this moment, the Meta Quest 3 is really the best option you have.

This is…. absolute overkill. As far as having a display to travel with goes. You’ll need to enable pass through mode to be able to see your keyboard or other things around you, which drains the battery pretty quick. But it does get the job done, and also provides you with a full-on VR platform to play with in your off time.

To make the most out of the Quest 3, you will need to buy other accessories, as well, which boosts the already high price. Basically, don’t do this, if all you want is some extra screen real estate.

Facebook has been in the VR/XR space for a while now, and while they haven't perfected their headset, they are quite a bit closer than many of their competitors.

Apple Vision Pro

This is the newest VR/XR headset on the market, and if you have any interest in tech at all, you’ve probably already seen all the reviews coming in.

I’m about as far from being an Apple user as you can be, but I also recognize that a lot of people really love their Apple devices. So, this one gets an honorable mention here.

I can’t really recommend the Apple Vision Pro headset for most people, though, for 3 main reasons:

• It’s really expensive. Coming in at $3500+, this is not a device I would feel comfortable traveling with.
• It’s heavy. Product reviewers who have had a chance to wear one all say the same thing. It’s cool, but not great for getting a full-day’s work done because of neck strain.
• It’s just not flexible enough – yet. App support is limited, and while you can use it as an external display, other AR glasses do close to the same thing, but better.

Using a Full-Sized Monitor while Traveling

While monitors purpose-built for travel are often the best choice, in some cases you might want to take the monitor that you already have with you. A full-sized external computer monitor provides a ton of screen space, making it an excellent choice while at home, but there are some serious drawbacks when traveling that make them a little less attractive. That’s not to say that it’s impossible, just that it’s going to take some doing.

• Large Screen
• High definition
• High Quality

There are two main ways that people manage to use full-sized computer monitors while traveling. The first is to bring their regular monitor with them, while the second is just to purchase a new monitor on arrival at their destination. While either option can work, it should be noted that both options have challenges that make them less than ideal solutions.

Plane Travel with a Computer Monitor

Traveling on a plane with a large computer monitor can be tricky.

As with any delicate piece of equipment, it is typically better to take the monitor as a carry-on so it can avoid the rigors of being packed in the plane’s belly. I have never tried this myself, but I have it on good authority that it is possible.

If you decide to go this route, I would suggest purchasing a carrying case with substantial padding. If you do a quick search on Amazon, you can find a number of soft carry cases in the sub-$100 that should be able to get the job done.

This one from Trunab has excellent reviews, and should be able to protect monitors up to 27″.

This can work for getting an especially important monitor to wherever you are going, but if you’ll be traveling with any sort of regularity, I honestly wouldn’t recommend it. For the money and the effort, there are better options out there, unless you absolutely need your specific monitor.

Buying a Monitor at your destination

Purchasing a new monitor at your destination is actually a surprisingly elegant solution. Increasingly, there are monitors available almost anywhere in the world that can work well to create a modern workspace. However, that “ almost ” tends to be the sticking point.

Some places will either not have external monitors for sale at all, or will have to order them, which means waiting anywhere from a few days to a few weeks to get set up. Not ideal.

If you want to go this route, it may be possible to call ahead to see if this is even an option. Or, if you know your address ahead of time, you could even ship one to your stay before you even step onto the plane! Just be sure that there will be someone available to pick up your package. A monitor is not the sort of purchase you want to leave on the doorstep.

Using Your Hotel’s Television as a Monitor

You may be wondering, if I’m looking for extra screen space, why not use the huge screen that’s already available in my hotel room? And with a little preparation you absolutely can!

However, it should be noted that using a TV as a computer monitor comes with some significant drawbacks when compared to dedicated monitors. Still, if you want to travel light or are on a budget, a hotel’s TV can work in a pinch.

• Really Large Screen
• Many locations already have them!
• Hard to Move
• Not all TVs will work
• Not all locations have one
• Not portable
• Requires an HDMI port on your laptop

Using a TV has some obvious things going for it. Since most stays will have a TV available for your use, the cost of the TV is already included in your housing fees. Depending on the TV’s size, it can provide a ton of screen real estate, and HDTVs can provide a great picture.

There are some things to be careful of, though.

One is simply that not every place will have a TV. In fact, my family often ends up in Airbnbs that don’t have one. If there’s no TV available, this just straight up isn’t an option.

Another problem is that TVs are often wall-mounted in areas that aren’t particularly helpful from a productivity standpoint. Even if your next stay does have a TV that could work as a second display, its location might not be as helpful as you would like.

Yet another problem is that many modern laptops, like the Surface Pro, don’t have an HDMI out, making it much harder to use with a TV. It is still possible, but it will likely require an adaptor , or setting up the TV as a wireless display.

Of course, while not every hotel set up will work for this, there are times when it is nice to have the option. And since all you need is an HDMI cord, it never hurts to be prepared.

Note: I prefer shorter cords for shorter distances, but a longer cord might be preferable if you’re leaving the TV on the wall.

Note number 2: If you need help getting a TV set up properly to work as a monitor, check out the troubleshooting section of this video.

• USB-C to HDMI Cord – This is technically designed as a travel dock for a Nintendo Switch, but it works to connect a laptop without HDMI to a television screen, too!

Using a Second Device as a Monitor in a Pinch

While the portable travel monitor is my personal preference, there’s a lot to be said for traveling light. With that in mind, you may want to consider using a tablet or second laptop as a possible second screen.

In the past, I have not had a ton of success with this method. However, I recently had my portable monitor break while traveling and ended up using a spare laptop as a second screen until I could replace it. And it worked!

Specifically, I used the Windows Wireless Display app with a Surface Pro 8 laptop that we were using for my kids’ school activities. So long as I was on a decently fast WiFi network, it worked almost as well as a wired monitor would, with a few caveats.

• Sometimes I would experience a bit of lag on the secondary screen.
• I would need to cast to the second screen ( Windows+K ) each time I woke up my computer.
• I needed to keep both devices charged, which means I often had the computers both plugged in, despite it being a wireless connection.
• Light weight
• High Quality Screen
• Touch input
• Requires set up
• Smaller screen size
• Distractions
• Often doesn’t work as well as it should

Tablets seem to have a few advantages over the other options on this list, the most obvious being that they are full-fledged devices in their own right. That means that if you’re doing something small, like checking email, you could be fine to just pull out your iPad or Kindle and not have to worry about a computer in the first place.

However, if you regularly need extra screen real estate, using a tablet as a second screen is definitely not the best way to go about things.

Even when using a wired USB connection, I’ve found the screen mirroring experience to feel slow and glitchy. Things just don’t work well right out of the box. Ultimately, I think this method is more trouble than it’s worth.

• Fire OS Tablets
• Other Android Tablets
• Chromebooks
• Windows Tablet or Laptop

If you plan on using your tablet as a monitor, Apple’s iPad is probably your best option .

Mac User? Use Apple’s built-in Sidecar feature . Windows User? Check out Duet Display for the best cross-platform experience (paid option)

Kindle Fire Tablets run on a fork of Android called Fire OS. They are great for consuming media on a budget, but a smaller amount of memory and a limited app store keeps this tablet from really excelling. Still, we have several in our house, and use them for our kids’ schooling.

Mac User? Check out Duet Display for the best cross-platform experience (paid option) Windows User? Duet Display is still the best option -or- try SpaceDesk (Appstore) as a no cost option

I have had a lot of trouble getting my Fire Tablets to display at a useful resolution using SpaceDesk, though if you’re willing to go through the troubleshooting process, there are plenty of people who say it’s great. I just don’t have that sort of patience.

Android tablets historically haven’t been all that great, though the ones available today, like the Galaxy Tab S8+ , are significantly better than many from the past.

Mac User? Check out Duet Display for the best cross-platform experience (paid option) Windows User? Duet Display is still the best option -or- try SpaceDesk (Play Store) as a no cost option

Chromebooks have risen in popularity in recent years, especially as many schools have added remote learning activities to their schedules. Like some of the other devices on this list, Chromebooks can be used as a second screen for your laptop in a pinch!

If you don’t want to buy a travel monitor and already have a second Windows 11 laptop around, it is possible to use it as a second display for your main machine.

Mac User? Check out Duet Display for the best cross-platform experience (paid option) Windows User? Windows 11 Laptops have a Wireless Display Optional Feature that you can install! This allows you to cast the screen of a laptop (or other device) onto your laptop’s screen over WiFi. The downside is that this requires a WiFi Network to work, though it doesn’t require internet, just a network.

Again, this isn’t the best option, but can still be really helpful in a pinch.

More Reading… How to use a Laptop as a Second Display (Wired) How to use a Laptop as a Monitor (Trusted Reviews)

If you already own a second device that will work, this could be a great, inexpensive option for getting a bit more space, but I’m reluctant to recommend it as the go-to option for a few reasons.

First and foremost, most tablets aren’t really big enough to do a good job as a second screen. Desktop monitors offer a ton of extra space, and are often more than 20″ across. Portable monitors are typically smaller, and a typical one will give you around 15″ of screen. Tablets, on the other hand, can range from only 7 or 8 inches for a small Kindle Fire up to around 13 inches for a large iPad. It’s not a lot of screen.

Secondly, while tablets are powerful devices and a great way to get some work done, they can also be a powerful vehicle for distraction . We all know how easy it is to flip over to Facebook when we should be working. Introducing a tablet to the mix just introduces a new vector for that.

But if you’re in serious need of a second screen for say, a presentation, and don’t have any other options, then having this trick up your sleeve might just save the day.

As the number of people working remotely continues to rise, it’s not surprising that so many are looking for ways to be productive while on the go. Adding some screen real estate to your travel bag can be an easy and affordable way to make sure you have what you need to get your work done no matter where you end up.

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The ULTIMATE Traveling Office & Digital Nomad Setup (2024)

If you purchase through links on this page, I may earn a commission (at NO additional cost to you). I only recommend bomb-dot-com products I’m in love with. (See  full disclosure )

I’ve searched far and wide for the perfect digital nomad work setup. 

A traveling office that: 

(1) is lightweight and compact (2) has a second monitor (3) is affordable (4) improves my posture so I won’t grow up to be a hunchback

After some trial and error, I finally landed on a lightweight digital nomad setup that barely takes up any extra space in my backpack.

In this guide, I’ll show you why this portable home office is the bee’s knees — plus alternative gear options for Mac/Windows users, or anyone on a budget. 

Whether you’re looking for an entire digital nomad desk setup or you just need ideas and recommendations for how to mount multiple screens, this will help.

But if you’re in a hurry, here’s the TL;DR version…

Just starting (or struggling) with digital nomad life? Check out this ginormously detailed guide on how to become a digital nomad and this mega list of best travel jobs . You will come away with new ideas, guaranteed. And if you still need a place to store your traveling office, here are the absolute best digital nomad carry-on bags .

Table of Contents

TL;DR — The Ultimate Traveling Office for Digital Nomads

The keyboard and mouse (or trackpad), the second screen, the second screen stand, the second screen mount, the dual-screen connection, the internet, the headphones, the posture, what does your portable home office look like.

Shopping online for your portable office setup can be a pain. Without being able to test components out together, you could end up with a janky setup.

To save you the hassle of ordering things that suck, here’s every piece of my remote work setup (plus alternative options I’ve vetted):

The Basics ▶ Laptop stand ▶ Magic keyboard ▶ Magic trackpad 2 ▶ Magic mouse 2 ▶ Alternative budget-option keyboard (PC/Mac) ▶ Alternative budget-option mouse (PC/Mac) ▶ Case for keyboard and mouse ▶ Tripod for tablet or iPad ▶ Mount for tablet ▶ Budget iPad (I use the generation prior to this. Refurbished is a great way to save.) Extras ▶ International eSIM for data worldwide ▶ Sony noise-canceling headphones (I use the version prior to this, which is cheaper.) ▶ Jabra sweatproof earbuds ▶ Cell signal booster for van/RV

Best Digital Nomad Setup, Explained

Your travel desk setup should not be an afterthought.

Whether you’ve been working digital nomad jobs for years or are brand spanking new, these portable office ideas will make work more comfortable on the road. 

We’ll start with the obvious. Your laptop is the most important tool in your digital nomad toolkit. It’s the only piece of equipment you actually need . Everything else is a bonus.

Choose your laptop based on your unique needs and preferences (versus just getting what everyone else has).

I personally use a Macbook Air with the M1 chip , but there are a handful of other awesome options as well, both PCs and Macs.

For help determining which is right for your needs, check out these detailed guides: ▶ Best laptops for digital nomads ▶ Best laptops for teaching online

A laptop stand lifts your laptop to eye level and helps you maintain a healthy posture while working.

The most popular digital nomad laptop stand is called “The Roost”.

If you’re an I-only-use-name-brand-stuff kind of person, grab a Roost.

They’re compact, super sturdy, and have easy height adjustments.

This is where your digital nomad accessories may vary. Since your laptop sits up higher on a stand, you need to add a Bluetooth keyboard and mouse (or trackpad) to your toolkit.

For Mac users, the best digital nomad keyboard and mouse combo is the Magic Keyboard and Magic Mouse 2 (or Magic Trackpad 2). 

The 2nd generation models allow you to recharge via USB-C cable. This is convenient compared to the 1st generation trackpad , mouse , and keyboard — which require AA batteries. 

If you’re on a budget, you may be able to pick up any of these second-hand on Facebook Marketplace or in “renewed” condition on Amazon.

The decision between mouse and trackpad comes down to personal preference. I have both, but I mostly use the trackpad. The mouse is nicer if your job requires a lot of precise click-and-dragging.

If you use Windows, I recommend this combo:

Both of these also work with Mac and are great budget alternatives. 

The Protection

Don’t just cram your accessories in your traveling office bag — they will break. This is especially true for the Magic accessories. I learned this the hard way when my $100 trackpad shattered inside my backpack…

To protect your accessories, grab one of these affordable cases:

This particular case is the perfect size for the keyboards and trackpads mentioned above (apart from the Logitech mouse, which is pretty sturdy on its own). If you have a different keyboard, measure it to make sure it fits. 

Constantly changing and resizing windows on a small laptop screen is annoying and inefficient. To fix this, you can add a second screen and instantly boost your productivity.

There are two main screen options:

• A designated portable external monitor

I simply use my handy-dandy digital nomad iPad . It’s something I travel with anyway, so I’m not adding any extra bulk to my setup.

While a portable external monitor might be a little cheaper, it only has one function. A tablet has many functions. And when you live out of a backpack, multi-functionality is key. 

Work is more comfortable when your two screens are at the same level. 

Most portable external monitors and tablet cases have some sort of built-in stand. When you’re not using your laptop stand, this works perfectly.

But if you put your laptop on your laptop stand, now there is a huge difference in level — your eyes have to make a big jump every time you move screens.

If you’re ok with this, you can simply lean your digital nomad monitor against the front of your laptop stand, like so:

But if you want both screens at the same level (which I recommend), you need another stand. This can get tricky because not just any old stand will work.

It has to be sturdy enough to hold your screen, with enough adjustable height to match your laptop screen. 

The best solution I’ve found is this GorillaPod .

The best part is, it’s multifunctional. We also use this as a tripod for our phones to take pics and videos while sightseeing. Since it’s something we use anyway, it’s not adding any extra bulk to our pack.

Note : To attach your phone, you also need a phone mount. We use this Ulanzi mount because it allows you to attach a light and/or microphone to the top (handy for Youtube). But if you don’t care about that, any old mount will do. 

To attach your second monitor to the Gorillapod, you need a mount. 

Now, the mount you use really depends on the type of screen you have. If you use an iPad (or any tablet with similar thickness), you can use this cheap-yet-sturdy mount .

The best part is, depending on your tablet’s thickness and case, you may even be able to mount your tablet with the case on. My iPad (basic 7th generation) and case fits perfectly. If you had to remove the case all the time, it’d get old fast.

Now all you need to do to finish your digital nomad office setup is connect the two screens.

There are several ways to do this, and some work better than others. 

If you have a new-ish Macbook and iPad (see exact requirements here ), you can use Sidecar for free. This is what I’m currently using, and it’s super slick.

If you use Windows or have older Apple equipment, you can install the Duet app on your tablet and laptop. I used this method before upgrading my laptop, and it works pretty well. It’s a one-time purchase (~$20) for the wired connection or $20/year for wireless. 

Even if you do have Sidecar-compatible equipment, Duet still comes in handy if you ever have a spotty wifi connection.

Lastly, if you buy an external portable monitor, it’ll come with instructions on how to connect to your laptop. Some monitors connect via cables, while others have wireless capabilities. 

Unless you like stress, I would not recommend depending on cafes or your accommodation’s wifi to get work done.

Always have a Plan B.

Whether that be tethering to a data plan on your phone or one of these other fancy digital nomad wifi hotspot options , you need to bring the internet with you.

Think of these hotspot devices as your very own portable “digital nomad router”.

If you have a van life job and need internet in your vehicle while traveling, a WeBoost cell booster helps you get usable cell service in places you normally wouldn’t.

You can then use your phone’s data plan and tether to your laptop. We used the Unlimited Everything phone plan from Visible in the U.S., which can be as cheap as $25/month.

While traveling, I use international eSIMs. I’ve tested out Holafly (see my Holafly review here), which offers unlimited data plans in many countries. Unfortunately, their unlimited plans don’t allow tethering.

If you want to be able to tether to your phone (which you probably do as a digital nomad), I recommend other eSIM companies like Nomad eSIMs . I tested Nomad out in Thailand, and it worked like a charm. To see how easy it is to set up, check out my full Nomad eSIM review .

If you work from public wifi or unsecured networks (which you will), you also need a VPN.

I’ll spare you the details of how they work (mostly because I have no idea), but they basically serve two purposes:

• Protect your sensitive info from hackers (e.g., when logging into your digital nomad banking )
• Allow you to make it look like you’re accessing the internet from a different location

This second perk is handy for accessing websites only available in certain countries; when you get locked out of accounts for being abroad; or to stream movies on Netflix, Hulu, etc.

If you don’t care about streaming or bouncing to specific locations, TunnelBear is a great free VPN I’ve used for years. This would be if you just want something to protect you when logging into your bank account periodically.

For something a little faster and more flexible, Surfshark is probably the best bang for your buck. To test it out, use their free 30-day trial . 

A good pair of noise-canceling headphones is a digital nomad’s best friend.

Sitting at the airport in a crowd of people? Put on your headphones and block ‘em out.

People jabbering and trying to be friendly at a hostel? Put on your headphones and block ‘em out. (jk, be friendly.)

Living in Colombia next door to an inconsiderate b-hole who has never heard of earbuds and blasts salsa music for the whole barrio to hear? Put on your headphones and block ‘em out. (Literally what I’m doing right now).

My go-to pair are the Sony WH1000XM3s . They’ve since released the newer WH1000XM4s , but the 3s work fine for me (and are cheaper).

I also carry around these Jabra sweatproof earbuds . These are my exercise headphones, but they also come in handy when I don’t want to lug around the bulky, over-the-ear headphones.

If you’re on a budget, you don’t have to buy fancy headphones to be a digital nomad. They certainly make work more comfortable, but you can always upgrade later.

A basic pair of earplugs works just fine.

Everyone has different tastes, but I’ll just throw my favorites into the ring.

I’m a big fan of Lofi Girl on Youtube. You can also find her playlists on Spotify. 

If you can’t concentrate well with music, I also like the free White Noise Lite app. If you don’t have noise-canceling headphones, just choose the Airplane white noise, crank it up, and it’ll block everything out.

Lastly, if you need something more upbeat to give you energy, try listening to music in different languages. Since you can’t understand what they’re saying, it’s not as distracting.

It doesn’t matter how fancy your traveling office is if you continue to use poor posture.

And even with all the gear, sometimes it’s still difficult. Unfortunately, there’s no such thing as a digital nomad office chair that you can carry around with you (that’d be cool though). And if you’re not sitting at the correct height, it throws everything else out of whack.

In an ideal world, you want to have:

• Top of screen at eye level
• Shoulders relaxed
• Arms and back supported
• Elbows, knees, and hips at 90 degree angles
• Straight, supported wrists
• Feet flat on the floor

This rarely happens when working on the road. But for your body’s sake, try your best.

Every digital nomad’s needs are unique. While this guide covers several options, it’s impossible to cover them all.

So, have you discovered anything I’m missing?

Leave a comment below – I’d love to hear what you use at your setup!

Mitch is your typical nomadic backpacker. Or at least, he was . But after stopping in Colombia to take “one week” of salsa lessons, his life took a sharp left turn. He met a cute Colombian girl in dance class, fell in love, and got married. Over half a decade has passed since he left his career to travel the world as a digital nomad, and he’s never looked back.

Nowadays, he’s the blogger behind Project Untethered — where he runs an awesome email newsletter and Youtube channel teaching adventure-craved wanderlusters how to escape the rat race, earn money from anywhere, and build an “untethered life”.

His advice has been featured in Forbes, USA Today, Yahoo, MSN, Reader’s Digest, Condé Nast Traveler, and more.

Mitch's Travel Recommendations: Travel Planning Resources - Everything you need to plan your trip on one convenient page. Going Cheap Flights Newsletter - Get flight deals from your airport up to 90% off sent straight to your inbox. Safetywing Insurance - This cheap travel insurance has saved me over $15,000 in medical bills. Booking.com - Book accommodation without adding your credit card (in case you need to cancel). Trusted House Sitters - Take care of pets in exchange for free (sometimes luxury) accommodation. Flexjobs - Find remote jobs without having to sift through crappy ones. Skillshare - Free trial to take unlimited classes that teach digital nomad skills. Wise - Send and receive money abroad cheaply (great for freelancers).

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7 Best Outdoor Projectors of 2024, Tested & Reviewed

Who said movie nights have to be indoors?

We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.

Best Overall Outdoor Projector

Anker solar portable.

Best Value Outdoor Projector

Goodee hd outdoor movie projector.

Best Outdoor Projector for Sports

Viewsonic px701hd.

Best Outdoor Projector for 4K

Anker nebula cosmos laser 4k projector.

Best Portable Outdoor Projector

Xgimi mogo pro portable projector.

Best Mini Outdoor Projector

Kodak luma 350 portable smart projector.

Best Outdoor Projector for Beginners

Anker mars ii pro portable projector.

The tech experts and engineers at the Good Housekeeping Institute test all types of home cinema equipment, from theater-like home projectors to the best TVs , outdoor speakers and more. Ahead you'll find our pros' favorite outdoor projectors to get before summer is over, based on extensive testing in the Media & Tech Lab as well as rave feedback from our at-home testers.

Once you’ve checked out the best outdoor projectors, don’t forget to consider these budget projectors under $500.

This projector from Anker tops our list thanks to its versatile, portable design that makes it super easy to host a movie night practically anywhere with a screen. It features a built-in rechargeable battery that delivers up to three hours of power on a single charge — plenty of juice for most feature films. Plus, the 120-inch screen size should be large enough for comfortable viewing and our tech experts love that there are several ways to project content, including casting from your Android or iOS device or streaming through a laptop via the HDMI connection. Also notable is that the projector uses Google TV for easy access to all your favorite streaming apps.

While this model doesn't get quite as bright as some projectors, our testers love that it comes with built-in speakers and a projector stand to help you get set up outside without having to carry around additional equipment. Other online reviewers rave about the projector's ease of use, value and overall quality.

Outdoor movie nights don't have to cost you a fortune! Our experts like this bargain-priced projector that offers many of the same features as much pricier models, including full HD 1080p resolution and a massive 200-inch image size. With more than 6,500 reviews on Amazon and an average 4.4-star rating, it's hard to go wrong. Just keep in mind that it doesn't feature built-in Wi-Fi so it's not the best choice for movie nights in the park (we recommend staying within range of your home's Wi-Fi network).

While we haven't yet tested this model in the Lab, several online consumers single out the projector's bright picture quality and solid sound from the pair of built-in speakers. We also appreciate that it's versatile when it comes to connectivity, whether you want to hook up your smartphone, laptop or streaming stick.

While movie buffs will find plenty to like about this ViewSonic projector, backyard gamers and sports fans will especially appreciate its low lag time and zippy refresh rate that make it ideal for projecting action-packed images. The resolution is exceptionally crisp and the 3,500-lumen brightness holds up even when there’s still some light left in the night sky. Last but not least, the image size can go as high as 300 inches, so the crowd of onlookers won’t miss any of the gaming action. Just keep in mind that a power cable is required to power the projector, and Bluetooth or Wi-Fi aren't built-in.

Serious cinephiles insist on best-in-show picture quality, even when watching their favorite features in the open air. These days, 4K takes the prize, as you’ll experience with Anker's portable projector. Though it's heavy, it features a built-in handle so you can move it from your living room to your outdoor space with little to no hassle.

Our product analysts were impressed by the screen's impressive brightness on top of the sharp 4K resolution. We also like that it uses Android TV 10 to give you access to the most popular streaming platforms, but it's just as easy to cast from your phone. Our pros do point out, however, that you'll have to keep this projector plugged into an outlet as it doesn't run off of standalone batteries.

About the same size as the average smartphone, this super lightweight projector couldn’t be easier to transport. Our pros love that it features a built-in battery that should last around two hours so you don’t always need access to an outlet, but if it dies you can just connect it to a power bank. We also like that the projector is operated by Android TV so you can easily access all your favorite streaming platforms like Disney+ and Hulu on its large, 120-inch screen. Plus, its 1080p resolution is impressive for its size.

Our test engineer, who tested a similar XGIMI model, appreciated the projector's automatic focus and keystone correction. "I used it with a projector screen, and it automatically found the projector screen and adjusted to fit its size," says GH Test Engineer Alec Scherma . Another bonus: speakers are built-in. "You could literally use this instead of a TV, we played indoors — outdoors on a screen it was really great," raved one tester.

A Family Travel Awards Winner , this mini projector is a must-have for road trips, camping vacations and entertainment on the go. Weighing less than a pound, its ultra-compact design easily makes it one of the most portable projectors around. Our pros love how easy it is to mirror content from your smartphone or laptop up to 150 inches , thanks to the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity.

Though the resolution could be better, we love that you don't always need the projector's charging cable on you since it has a built-in battery that lasts around an hour. Not only does this projector include a handy remote, but it's powered by Android so you can access your favorite streaming apps without having to grab your phone.

"I like the size and portability of the projector, along with the picture quality," said one tester, who used it during a family vacation outdoor movie night. "The sleek design is also an added bonus."

Even tech-challenged users should find the Mars II Pro easy to operate. For starters, the Nebula app allows you to turn your smartphone into a remote control for the projector. You can then easily mirror content from your phone onto the screen , with its maximum image size of 100 inches. If you prefer, you can also use the USB and HDMI connections to hook the projector up to any compatible laptop, tablet or gaming device.

The carry handle is a nice design touch that highlights the projector’s user-friendliness and portability. If you're looking for a slightly more affordable alternative that's super compact and even easier to transport, our pros also like the Anker Nebula Capsule (just don't expect the same image quality and brightness as you'll get with the Mars II Pro).

How we test the best outdoor projectors

Our product experts start by surveying the current marketplace to identify the best outdoor projectors that you’re most likely to find at stores and online. We also attend trade shows and industry events, like the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) to stay on top of the latest innovations in home entertainment technology. Next, we identify brands that have performed the best and proved the most reliable through more than a decade of testing at the Good Housekeeping Institute . We also consider newer brands with unique features or innovations.

To test the best outdoor projectors, our pros logged dozens of hours of viewing time to assess ease of use, picture quality and audio quality on close to two dozen projectors. Our product experts also spent more than 20 hours reviewing product specs, technical data and user manuals.

Based on our expertise built up over years of testing A/V equipment, we focused on models that meet specific technical requirements, for example, 1080p resolution, which our tests have found delivers better picture quality than the 720p found on some outdoor projectors. We also looked for models that deliver at least 2000 lumens, since a brighter picture is needed for outside viewing. Lastly, we reviewed each projector for ease of setup, intuitiveness of its controls, media interface, ports, battery life and more.

Whenever possible, we sent testers home with projectors to try in their own backyards and outdoor spaces, sharing feedback on their experience, the projector's image and sound quality, portability and more.

What to look for when shopping for an outdoor projector

Keep these factors in mind as you shop for an outdoor projector:

✔️ Connectivity: Think about where your content will come from. If your home’s Wi-Fi signal is strong enough to reach outside, you can connect the projector to a laptop, Blu-ray player or streaming stick via USB or HDMI. Adding a mesh network to your home's Wi-Fi can help extend the signal outdoors. Alternatively, you may need to look for a model with built-in Wi-Fi, sometimes referred to as all-in-one or one-box systems.

✔️ Power source: Some outdoor projectors have built-in batteries, eliminating the need for power cords, but most need to be plugged in. The safest practice is to have an outdoor outlet installed by a professional; its ground fault circuit interrupter (or "GFCI") will protect against electrical hazards. If you must use an extension cord, make sure it's a surge protector rated for outdoor use, and watch out for tripping hazards, especially after nightfall.

✔️ Screen: Sure, you can watch on an old sheet tacked to the side of the house or garage. But for the best viewing experience, invest in a proper projector screen, since brightness and picture quality will be vastly improved. You can find high-quality pop-up screens with their own stands for between $100 and $200. It might be worth spending more on a 4K-rated screen since the technology is becoming more common — even if your current projector doesn't feature it, your next one might.

✔️ Screen size: Screen size is critical since there’s likely to be a large crowd gathered around and much less than 100 inches will start to feel small and cramped. You also want to make sure the screen size is the right shape, which is usually measured by aspect ratio (16:9 is the norm for outdoor projectors).

✔️ Throw distance : This is the distance between the projector and the screen. Standard throw projectors need to be about 10 feet from the screen, while short throw projectors can be placed a couple of feet or closer to the screen, which can be helpful in tight outdoor spaces.

✔️ Brightness: Brightness is important because even on a moonless night it’s not going to be pitch black out there. Brightness is measured in lumens: Between 2,000 and 2,500 lumens should provide adequate brightness in most outdoor settings. If there's a lot of competing light from street lamps or the neighbor's house, you might want to go as high as 3,000. One important note: Some manufacturers use ANSI lumens, which are proportionally brighter than standard lumens. For example, if you see a projector with 900 ANSI lumens, that's generally comparable to 2,200 standard lumens.

✔️ Resolution : This is the overall picture quality, measured in pixels (p). For a satisfactory outdoor viewing experience, you want a minimum of 720p. A resolution of 1080p is even better. Or go big on 4K, which delivers exceptional picture quality but at an extremely high price.

✔️ Sound/audio source: Onboard built-in speakers are helpful, though you’ll probably want to spend on separate speakers, given all the ambient outdoor sounds. Bluetooth-enabled speakers are a good option, including smart speakers like Amazon Echo , Apple HomePod and Google Nest Audio that can double as digital assistants.

✔️ Portability: Since you’ll be bringing the projector inside and out, look for one that’s lightweight and easy to transport. A built-in projector stand to adjust the angle of projection is a helpful feature, especially if you plan on traveling with it.

Why trust Good Housekeeping?

Writer and Product Analyst Olivia Lipski has tested and reviewed the latest gadgets and gear in tech, travel, fitness, home and more. She updated this piece with the latest outdoor projectors vetted by the Good Housekeeping Institute. Not only does she bring years of product review experience to GH, but she loves an outdoor movie night.

Dan DiClerico is the director of Home Improvement & Outdoors at the Good Housekeeping Institute. For more than two decades, he has written about all things home-related, from big-ticket remodeling projects to routine home maintenance. Dan has reviewed thousands of consumer products across a wide range of categories, including appliances, building materials, fixtures, outdoor power equipment, home technology and more.

Having written thousands of product reviews and how-to articles on all aspects of home ownership, from routine maintenance to major renovations, Dan (he/him) brings more than 20 years of industry experience to his role as the director of the Home Improvement & Outdoor Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute . A one-time roofer and a serial remodeler, Dan can often be found keeping house at his restored Brooklyn brownstone, where he lives with his wife and kids.

Olivia (she/her) is a media and tech product reviews analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute , covering tech, home, auto, health and more. She has more than five years of experience writing about tech trends and innovation and, prior to joining GH in 2021, was a writer for Android Central, Lifewire and other media outlets. Olivia is a graduate of George Washington University, with a bachelor's degree in journalism, political science and French, and she holds a master’s degree in communications from Sciences Po Paris.

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Original National Parks of the USA Bucket List Travel Water Bottle with Waterproof Stickers and Straw | Ocean 32 oz Screen Printed | Insulated Stainless Steel Vacuum Sealed | Leak Proof

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• The ORIGINAL National Parks Bucket List Bottle: No need to settle for replicas! Track all of your National Park adventures with our intricately developed water bottle and corresponding colorful souvenir stickers
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The Moscow Metro Museum of Art: 10 Must-See Stations

There are few times one can claim having been on the subway all afternoon and loving it, but the Moscow Metro provides just that opportunity.  While many cities boast famous public transport systems—New York’s subway, London’s underground, San Salvador’s chicken buses—few warrant hours of exploration.  Moscow is different: Take one ride on the Metro, and you’ll find out that this network of railways can be so much more than point A to B drudgery.

The Metro began operating in 1935 with just thirteen stations, covering less than seven miles, but it has since grown into the world’s third busiest transit system ( Tokyo is first ), spanning about 200 miles and offering over 180 stops along the way.  The construction of the Metro began under Joseph Stalin’s command, and being one of the USSR’s most ambitious building projects, the iron-fisted leader instructed designers to create a place full of svet (radiance) and svetloe budushchee (a radiant future), a palace for the people and a tribute to the Mother nation.

Consequently, the Metro is among the most memorable attractions in Moscow.  The stations provide a unique collection of public art, comparable to anything the city’s galleries have to offer and providing a sense of the Soviet era, which is absent from the State National History Museum.  Even better, touring the Metro delivers palpable, experiential moments, which many of us don’t get standing in front of painting or a case of coins.

Though tours are available , discovering the Moscow Metro on your own provides a much more comprehensive, truer experience, something much less sterile than following a guide.  What better place is there to see the “real” Moscow than on mass transit: A few hours will expose you to characters and caricatures you’ll be hard-pressed to find dining near the Bolshoi Theater.  You become part of the attraction, hear it in the screech of the train, feel it as hurried commuters brush by: The Metro sucks you beneath the city and churns you into the mix.

With the recommendations of our born-and-bred Muscovite students, my wife Emma and I have just taken a self-guided tour of what some locals consider the top ten stations of the Moscow Metro. What most satisfied me about our Metro tour was the sense of adventure .  I loved following our route on the maps of the wagon walls as we circled the city, plotting out the course to the subsequent stops; having the weird sensation of being underground for nearly four hours; and discovering the next cavern of treasures, playing Indiana Jones for the afternoon, piecing together fragments of Russia’s mysterious history.  It’s the ultimate interactive museum.

Top Ten Stations (In order of appearance)

Kievskaya station.

Kievskaya Station went public in March of 1937, the rails between it and Park Kultury Station being the first to cross the Moscow River.  Kievskaya is full of mosaics depicting aristocratic scenes of Russian life, with great cameo appearances by Lenin, Trotsky, and Stalin.  Each work has a Cyrillic title/explanation etched in the marble beneath it; however, if your Russian is rusty, you can just appreciate seeing familiar revolutionary dates like 1905 ( the Russian Revolution ) and 1917 ( the October Revolution ).

Mayakovskaya Station

Mayakovskaya Station ranks in my top three most notable Metro stations. Mayakovskaya just feels right, done Art Deco but no sense of gaudiness or pretention.  The arches are adorned with rounded chrome piping and create feeling of being in a jukebox, but the roof’s expansive mosaics of the sky are the real showstopper.  Subjects cleverly range from looking up at a high jumper, workers atop a building, spires of Orthodox cathedrals, to nimble aircraft humming by, a fleet of prop planes spelling out CCCP in the bluest of skies.

Novoslobodskaya Station

Novoslobodskaya is the Metro’s unique stained glass station.  Each column has its own distinctive panels of colorful glass, most of them with a floral theme, some of them capturing the odd sailor, musician, artist, gardener, or stenographer in action.  The glass is framed in Art Deco metalwork, and there is the lovely aspect of discovering panels in the less frequented haunches of the hall (on the trackside, between the incoming staircases).  Novosblod is, I’ve been told, the favorite amongst out-of-town visitors.

Komsomolskaya Station

Komsomolskaya Station is one of palatial grandeur.  It seems both magnificent and obligatory, like the presidential palace of a colonial city.  The yellow ceiling has leafy, white concrete garland and a series of golden military mosaics accenting the tile mosaics of glorified Russian life.  Switching lines here, the hallway has an Alice-in-Wonderland feel, impossibly long with decorative tile walls, culminating in a very old station left in a remarkable state of disrepair, offering a really tangible glimpse behind the palace walls.

Dostoevskaya Station

Dostoevskaya is a tribute to the late, great hero of Russian literature .  The station at first glance seems bare and unimpressive, a stark marble platform without a whiff of reassembled chips of tile.  However, two columns have eerie stone inlay collages of scenes from Dostoevsky’s work, including The Idiot , The Brothers Karamazov , and Crime and Punishment.   Then, standing at the center of the platform, the marble creates a kaleidoscope of reflections.  At the entrance, there is a large, inlay portrait of the author.

Chkalovskaya Station

Chkalovskaya does space Art Deco style (yet again).  Chrome borders all.  Passageways with curvy overhangs create the illusion of walking through the belly of a chic, new-age spacecraft.  There are two (kos)mosaics, one at each end, with planetary subjects.  Transferring here brings you above ground, where some rather elaborate metalwork is on display.  By name similarity only, I’d expected Komsolskaya Station to deliver some kosmonaut décor; instead, it was Chkalovskaya that took us up to the space station.

Elektrozavodskaya Station

Elektrozavodskaya is full of marble reliefs of workers, men and women, laboring through the different stages of industry.  The superhuman figures are round with muscles, Hollywood fit, and seemingly undeterred by each Herculean task they respectively perform.  The station is chocked with brass, from hammer and sickle light fixtures to beautiful, angular framework up the innards of the columns.  The station’s art pieces are less clever or extravagant than others, but identifying the different stages of industry is entertaining.

Baumanskaya Statio

Baumanskaya Station is the only stop that wasn’t suggested by the students.  Pulling in, the network of statues was just too enticing: Out of half-circle depressions in the platform’s columns, the USSR’s proud and powerful labor force again flaunts its success.  Pilots, blacksmiths, politicians, and artists have all congregated, posing amongst more Art Deco framing.  At the far end, a massive Soviet flag dons the face of Lenin and banners for ’05, ’17, and ‘45.  Standing in front of the flag, you can play with the echoing roof.

Ploshchad Revolutsii Station

Novokuznetskaya Station

Novokuznetskaya Station finishes off this tour, more or less, where it started: beautiful mosaics.  This station recalls the skyward-facing pieces from Mayakovskaya (Station #2), only with a little larger pictures in a more cramped, very trafficked area.  Due to a line of street lamps in the center of the platform, it has the atmosphere of a bustling market.  The more inventive sky scenes include a man on a ladder, women picking fruit, and a tank-dozer being craned in.  The station’s also has a handsome black-and-white stone mural.

Here is a map and a brief description of our route:

Start at (1)Kievskaya on the “ring line” (look for the squares at the bottom of the platform signs to help you navigate—the ring line is #5, brown line) and go north to Belorusskaya, make a quick switch to the Dark Green/#2 line, and go south one stop to (2)Mayakovskaya.  Backtrack to the ring line—Brown/#5—and continue north, getting off at (3)Novosblodskaya and (4)Komsolskaya.  At Komsolskaya Station, transfer to the Red/#1 line, go south for two stops to Chistye Prudy, and get on the Light Green/#10 line going north.  Take a look at (5)Dostoevskaya Station on the northern segment of Light Green/#10 line then change directions and head south to (6)Chkalovskaya, which offers a transfer to the Dark Blue/#3 line, going west, away from the city center.  Have a look (7)Elektroskaya Station before backtracking into the center of Moscow, stopping off at (8)Baumskaya, getting off the Dark Blue/#3 line at (9)Ploschad Revolyutsii.  Change to the Dark Green/#2 line and go south one stop to see (10)Novokuznetskaya Station.

Check out our new Moscow Indie Travel Guide , book a flight to Moscow and read 10 Bars with Views Worth Blowing the Budget For

Jonathon Engels, formerly a patron saint of misadventure, has been stumbling his way across cultural borders since 2005 and is currently volunteering in the mountains outside of Antigua, Guatemala.  For more of his work, visit his website and blog .

Photo credits:   SergeyRod , all others courtesy of the author and may not be used without permission

Claudia Looi

Touring the Top 10 Moscow Metro Stations

By Claudia Looi 2 Comments

Komsomolskaya metro station looks like a museum. It has vaulted ceilings and baroque decor.

Hidden underground, in the heart of Moscow, are historical and architectural treasures of Russia. These are Soviet-era creations – the metro stations of Moscow.

Our guide Maria introduced these elaborate metro stations as “the palaces for the people.” Built between 1937 and 1955, each station holds its own history and stories. Stalin had the idea of building beautiful underground spaces that the masses could enjoy. They would look like museums, art centers, concert halls, palaces and churches. Each would have a different theme. None would be alike.

The two-hour private tour was with a former Intourist tour guide named Maria. Maria lived in Moscow all her life and through the communist era of 60s to 90s. She has been a tour guide for more than 30 years. Being in her 60s, she moved rather quickly for her age. We traveled and crammed with Maria and other Muscovites on the metro to visit 10 different metro stations.

Arrow showing the direction of metro line 1 and 2

Moscow subways are very clean

To Maria, every street, metro and building told a story. I couldn’t keep up with her stories. I don’t remember most of what she said because I was just thrilled being in Moscow.   Added to that, she spilled out so many Russian words and names, which to one who can’t read Cyrillic, sounded so foreign and could be easily forgotten.

The metro tour was the first part of our all day tour of Moscow with Maria. Here are the stations we visited:

1. Komsomolskaya Metro Station  is the most beautiful of them all. Painted yellow and decorated with chandeliers, gold leaves and semi precious stones, the station looks like a stately museum. And possibly decorated like a palace. I saw Komsomolskaya first, before the rest of the stations upon arrival in Moscow by train from St. Petersburg.

2. Revolution Square Metro Station (Ploshchad Revolyutsii) has marble arches and 72 bronze sculptures designed by Alexey Dushkin. The marble arches are flanked by the bronze sculptures. If you look closely you will see passersby touching the bronze dog's nose. Legend has it that good luck comes to those who touch the dog's nose.

Touch the dog's nose for good luck. At the Revolution Square station

Revolution Square Metro Station

3. Arbatskaya Metro Station served as a shelter during the Soviet-era. It is one of the largest and the deepest metro stations in Moscow.

Arbatskaya Metro Station

4. Biblioteka Imeni Lenina Metro Station was built in 1935 and named after the Russian State Library. It is located near the library and has a big mosaic portrait of Lenin and yellow ceramic tiles on the track walls.

Lenin's portrait at the Biblioteka Imeni Lenina Metro Station

5. Kievskaya Metro Station was one of the first to be completed in Moscow. Named after the capital city of Ukraine by Kiev-born, Nikita Khruschev, Stalin's successor.

Kievskaya Metro Station

6. Novoslobodskaya Metro Station  was built in 1952. It has 32 stained glass murals with brass borders.

Novoslobodskaya metro station

7. Kurskaya Metro Station was one of the first few to be built in Moscow in 1938. It has ceiling panels and artwork showing Soviet leadership, Soviet lifestyle and political power. It has a dome with patriotic slogans decorated with red stars representing the Soviet's World War II Hall of Fame. Kurskaya Metro Station is a must-visit station in Moscow.

Ceiling panel and artworks at Kurskaya Metro Station

8. Mayakovskaya Metro Station built in 1938. It was named after Russian poet Vladmir Mayakovsky. This is one of the most beautiful metro stations in the world with 34 mosaics painted by Alexander Deyneka.

Mayakovskaya station

One of the over 30 ceiling mosaics in Mayakovskaya metro station

9. Belorusskaya Metro Station is named after the people of Belarus. In the picture below, there are statues of 3 members of the Partisan Resistance in Belarus during World War II. The statues were sculpted by Sergei Orlov, S. Rabinovich and I. Slonim.

10. Teatralnaya Metro Station (Theatre Metro Station) is located near the Bolshoi Theatre.

Teatralnaya Metro Station decorated with porcelain figures .

Taking the metro's escalator at the end of the tour with Maria the tour guide.

Have you visited the Moscow Metro? Leave your comment below.

January 15, 2017 at 8:17 am

An excellent read! Thanks for much for sharing the Russian metro system with us. We're heading to Moscow in April and exploring the metro stations were on our list and after reading your post, I'm even more excited to go visit them. Thanks again 🙂

December 6, 2017 at 10:45 pm

Hi, do you remember which tour company you contacted for this tour?

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Your last-minute guide to Monday's total solar eclipse

A total solar eclipse will cross North America on Monday , offering millions a rare opportunity to see afternoon skies temporarily darken as the moon blocks the face of the sun.

Tune into NBC News NOW as Lester Holt hosts a two-hour special at 2 p.m. ET Monday from Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

The eclipse's path fortuitously cuts across Mexico, 15 U.S. states and a small part of eastern Canada. In all other states in the continental U.S., viewers will be treated to a partial solar eclipse, with the moon appearing to take a bite out of the sun and obscuring part of its light.

Here’s everything you need to know about the rare celestial event.

What is a solar eclipse?

Solar eclipses occur when the sun, moon and Earth align. The moon passes between Earth and sun, temporarily blocking the sun’s light and casting a shadow on Earth.

A total solar eclipse is when the moon fully obscures the sun, whereas a partial solar eclipse means it blocks just a portion of the sun’s face.

Solar eclipses occur only with the new moon. Because the moon’s orbit around Earth is tilted, the three bodies don’t always line up in a way that creates an eclipse.

“Imagine if the moon’s orbit were in the plane of Earth’s orbit around the sun — if that were the case, then every new moon, you’d have a total solar eclipse and every full moon, you’d have a lunar eclipse,” Neil DeGrasse Tyson, director of the Hayden Planetarium at the American Museum of Natural History, told NBC News. “So, because things don’t always align, it lends to the rarity of the event and the specialness of the event.”

Where and when will the eclipse be visible?

This year’s eclipse will follow a slightly wider path over more populated areas of the continental U.S. than other total solar eclipses have in the recent past.

NASA estimates that 31.6 million people live within what’s known as the path of totality, where the total solar eclipse will be visible. An additional 150 million people live within 200 miles of the path, according to the agency.

The path travels through Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine. Tiny parts of Michigan and Tennessee will also be able to witness totality if conditions are clear.

After the eclipse crosses into Canada, it will pass over southern Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Cape Breton, at the eastern end of Nova Scotia.

Those outside the path of totality can still take part in the astronomical event by viewing a partial solar eclipse — visible throughout all 48 states of the contiguous U.S. — or a NASA livestream.

The timing, including how long totality lasts, depends on the location, but some spots will see the moon fully cover the sun for up to 4 minutes and 28 seconds.

Below is a list of timings for some cities along the path of totality, as  provided by NASA . A number of other resources, including NationalEclipse.com  and  TimeandDate.com , can also help people plan.

• Dallas: Partial eclipse begins at 12:23 p.m. CT and totality at 1:40 p.m.
• Little Rock, Arkansas: Partial eclipse begins at 12:33 p.m. CT and totality at 1:51 p.m.
• Cleveland: Partial eclipse begins at 1:59 p.m. ET and totality at 3:13 p.m.
• Buffalo, New York: Partial eclipse begins at 2:04 p.m. ET and totality at 3:18 p.m.
• Lancaster, New Hampshire: Partial eclipse begins at 2:16 p.m. ET and totality at 3:27 p.m.

How to safely view a solar eclipse

It is never safe to gaze directly at the sun, even when it is partly or mostly covered by the moon. Special eclipse glasses or  pinhole projectors  are required to safely view solar eclipses and prevent eye damage. Failing to take the proper precautions can result in severe eye injury,  according to NASA .

Eclipse glasses are thousands of times darker than normal sunglasses and specially made to enable wearers to look at the sun during these kinds of celestial events.

Sky-watchers should also never view any part of the sun through binoculars, telescopes or camera lenses unless they have specific solar filters attached. Eclipse glasses should not be used with these devices, as they will not provide adequate protection.

However, during the few minutes of totality, when the moon is fully blocking the sun, it is safe to look with the naked eye.

Beware of fake eclipse glasses. On legitimate pairs, the lenses should have a silver appearance on the front and be black on the inside. The manufacturer’s name and address should be clearly labeled, and they should not be torn or punctured. Check, as well, for the ISO logo and the code “IS 12312-2” printed on the inside.

If you don’t have eclipse glasses, you can make a homemade pinhole projector, which lets sunlight in through a small hole, focuses it and projects it onto a piece of paper, wall or other surface to create an image of the sun that is safe to look at. 

All you need is two pieces of white cardboard or plain white paper, aluminum foil and a pin or thumbtack. Cut a 1- to 2-inch square or rectangle out of the center of a piece of white paper or cardboard. Tape aluminum foil over that cut-out shape, then use a pin or thumbtack to poke a tiny hole in the foil.

During the eclipse, place a second piece of white paper or cardboard on the ground as a screen and hold the projector with the foil facing up and your back to the sun. Adjusting how far you hold the projector from the second piece of paper will alter the size of the image on the makeshift screen.

What to look for while viewing the total solar eclipse

For people along the path of totality, there are some fun milestones to keep track of as the total solar eclipse unfolds.

As the eclipse progresses and the sun gets thinner in the sky, it will start to get eerily dark, according to Tyson.

When the last beams of sunlight are about to become obscured, look out for the “diamond ring effect”: The sun’s atmosphere will appear as an illuminated halo, and the last light still visible will look like the diamond of a giant ring.

As the sunlight decreases even further, an effect known as Baily’s beads will be created by the moon’s rugged terrain. Tiny “beads” of light will be visible for only a few seconds around the dark moon, as the last bits of sunlight peer through the moon’s mountains and valleys.

When the moon is fully blocking the sun, it is safe to remove eclipse glasses and look at the total solar eclipse with the naked eye.

Some lucky sky-watchers may even catch a glimpse of a comet .

Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks — nicknamed the “ devil comet ” because an eruption last year left it with two distinct trails of gas and ice in the shape of devil horns — is currently visible from the Northern Hemisphere as it swings through the inner solar system.

The comet can be seen in the early evenings by gazing toward the west-northwest horizon. During the eclipse, when skies darken during totality, it may be possible to see the comet near Jupiter, but its visibility will depend on whether it’s in the middle of an outburst and thus brighter than normal.

Most likely, all eyes will be on the alignment of the moon and sun.

“Most people won’t even notice,” Tyson said. “But if you know to look, it’s there.”

When is the next solar eclipse?

The next total solar eclipse will be in 2026, but it will mostly pass over the Arctic Ocean, with some visibility in Greenland, Iceland, Portugal and northern Spain. In 2027, a total solar eclipse will be visible in Spain and a swath of northern Africa.

The next total solar eclipse visible from North America will be in 2033, but only over Alaska. Then in 2044, a total solar eclipse will cross Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, parts of Canada and Greenland.

The next total solar eclipse to cross the continental U.S. coast-to-coast in will occur in 2045. The path of totality for that eclipse will cut through California, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Kansas, Texas, Arkansas, Missouri, Mississippi, Louisiana, Alabama, Georgia and Florida.

Denise Chow is a reporter for NBC News Science focused on general science and climate change.

Lucas Thompson is a content producer for the NBC News Climate Unit.

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Solar eclipse 2024: Follow the path of totality

Solar eclipse, what you need to know to watch monday's total solar eclipse.

The NPR Network

A stunning celestial event is visible across the country Monday, when the moon crosses directly in front of the sun: a total solar eclipse. For those in the path of totality, there will be a few brief moments when the moon completely covers the sun and the world becomes dark.

Traveling for totality? Skip ahead.

This will be the last chance to catch a total solar eclipse in the continental U.S. for about 20 years, so here's what you need to know to safely enjoy!

When is the eclipse?

April 8, 2024 there will be a total solar eclipse that crosses from the Pacific coast of Mexico through the United States.

What is totality and why it matters

According to NASA , totality will start around 11:07 a.m. PDT/1:07 EDT in Mexico and leave Maine at around 1:30 pm PDT/3:30 pm EDT.

Here's what time the eclipse will be visible in your region

Check out this table for when the partial eclipse and totality are visible in each region or check by zip code here.

A partial solar eclipse will be visible across the contiguous United States, so even if you're not directly in the path, you should be able to see something special, weather permitting.

Unable to get to totality? We'll be sharing highlights here from across the NPR Network throughout the day Monday if you can't see it in real time.

Where to see totality?

More than 30 million people live in the path of totality for Monday's eclipse, and many more in nearby areas.

Here's what we know about Monday's weather forecast.

Why totality matters

As NPR's Neil Greenfieldboyce explains , "During a total eclipse, the sky darkens suddenly and dramatically . The temperature drops. Stars come out. Beautiful colors appear around the horizon. And the once-familiar sun becomes a black void in the sky surrounded by the glowing corona — that's the ghostly white ring that is the sun's atmosphere."

Eclipse Science

For april's eclipse, going from 'meh' to 'omg' might mean just driving across town.

A partial eclipse, while still a fun experience, is hardly as dramatic. Those with a view of the partial eclipse will see crescent-shaped shadows like those seen here in 2017.

How to watch safely

If you plan to look directly at the eclipse (partial or totality), you're going to need eclipse glasses handy because looking directly at the sun without proper protection ( traditional sunglasses don't count! ) can be harmful to your eyes.

The perfect celestial soundtrack to the total solar eclipse

As NPR's Joe Hernandez explains, "Proper eye protection must be worn throughout a total solar eclipse — except for the roughly 3 1/2 to 4 minutes when the moon fully obscures the sun, a brief period known as 'totality.' (You will need to take your glasses off during totality to actually see it.)"

If you don't have access to eclipse glasses, you can get crafty with things you have around the house ( like some of us did back in 2017!) More on that here.

Traveling for totality?

The celestial event is driving a ton of domestic travel to the path of totality. If you're headed out of town to view the eclipse, here are some NPR Network resources for areas in the path of totality:

Texas The path of totality crosses through the Lone Star State, with some areas expecting a possible influx of visitors in the hundreds of thousands to catch prime viewing. Our member stations across the state have gathered local resources to help you navigate the region and the eclipse!

• San Antonio: Check out the latest from Texas Public Radio
• Dallas: Explore KERA's coverage for the latest
• Austin: Head to KUT for the best local resources

Arkansas The eclipse will be cutting through the state, putting Little Rock in the path of totality. Check out Little Rock Public Radio for local resources.

The southwestern edge of the state will be well-positioned to witness the total solar eclipse this year. Kentucky Public Radio is covering the eclipse throughout the region, from Kentuckiana eclipse mania to the University of Louisville's free class about the celestial event. Keep an eye on WKMS for the latest local updates.

Missouri The southeastern corner of the state will be in the path of totality, crossing across towns like Whitewater and Ste. Genevieve. Head to St. Louis Public Radio for local coverage and resources. Illinois Carbondale seems to have won the eclipse lottery, being in the path of totality both in 2017 and for this year's eclipse . For resources from across the state, check out Illinois Public Media .

Indiana A huge portion of the state will be within the path of totality, giving cities across Indiana, including Bloomington and Indianapolis, prime viewing of the eclipse.

• Bloomington: Check out Indiana Public Media
• Indianapolis: Head to WFYI for the latest
• Fort Wayne: Just north of the path of totality, WBOI has resources for the Allen County area

Ohio The Buckeye State is getting bisected by this year's path of totality, plunging a number of the state's most populous areas into darkness for a few minutes on Monday.

• Cleveland: Head to Ideastream Public Media for the latest.
• Columbus: With the capital city just south of totality, head to WOSU for regional resources.
• Cincinnati: Totality will just miss the border town. Here are some tips from WVXU on how to navigate the eclipse in the region.

Pennsylvania Only the northwestern-most corner of the state will catch totality, with views from the lakeside in Erie being particularly well-positioned for a stunning viewing experience. WESA has more from across the region.

Plan to watch the eclipse from a wild mountain summit? Be ready for harsh conditions

New York Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse and Plattsburgh will fall under the path of totality on Monday. If you're planning to travel to the region for the best views, here are some local resources to stay safe and informed:

• Buffalo: Head to WBFO for the latest
• Syracuse: WAER has more on plans in the Salt City
• North Country: NCPR has the latest from across the region, as well as information on local viewing events to check out

Vermont The Green Mountain State will see totality across its most populous region, including Burlington and Montpelier, as well as the Northeast Kingdom on the Canadian border. Vermont Public has everything you need to know to navigate your time in the region to enjoy the eclipse safely. New Hampshire The northernmost region of the Granite State will be in the path of totality, providing prime viewing to those in Coos County. NHPR has info on local events, travel updates as well as special coverage with New Hampshire Public Television. Maine The last state in the path of totality in the U.S., much of Northern Maine will be positioned for prime viewing. The rural region is preparing for an influx of visitors, and safety officials are encouraging visitors and locals alike to be prepared. Maine Public will be covering the eclipse and has everything you need to know to navigate the region safely.

How to document the eclipse safely

With the ease of cell photography , it can be tempting to reach for your phone to document the eclipse and the moments of totality, but make sure to do so safely.

As NPR's Scott Neuman explains , "For starters, you'll need to wear eclipse glasses or similar protective eye gear while aiming your camera or even just observing the eclipse."

Feeling ambitious? Here are a few more tips.

Or if you're not inclined to capture the moment visually, you lean into some other forms of creative expression. Indiana, for example, has named Linda Neal Reising the official poet in the state for this year's eclipse.

As former NPR reporter and eclipse superfan David Baron shared with Life Kit , viewing totality "[is] like you've left the solar system and are looking back from some other world."

So consider focusing on being present in the moment to enjoy the celestial spectacle.

More resources to enjoy the eclipse

• Sharing the eclipse with tiny humans? Check out these kid-friendly total solar eclipse learning guides from Vermont Public's But Why, and this great explainer from KERA Kids on the difference between a solar and a lunar eclipse.
• Want to see how a solar eclipse alters colors? Wear red and green on Monday
• Plan to wander into the wild for the best view? Here are some tips from outdoor experts.
• Tips from Bill Nye on the best ways to enjoy the eclipse.

NPR will be sharing highlights here from across the NPR Network throughout the day Monday if you're unable to get out and see it in real time. NPR's Emily Alfin Johnson compiled these resources.

• 2024 eclipse