Best Portable Monitors for Laptops in 2024

Are you tired of jumping between several tabs on your laptop or computer? Or do you need multiple screens at a time, which your device fails to provide? Then you are on the right page.

Full HD Resolution Monitor

Regardless of your occupation, if you encounter computer screens daily, there is a time when you want to have more than one screens to assist you in your job and save you from constantly switching between tabs.

Would it not be ideal to have an extra screen instead of a full computer? It would especially be great for graphic designers, engineers, and programmers, as they need ultra-efficient tools.

To make that a reality, electronic companies like Asus, HP, Gechic, AOC, ViewSonic, and several others, have introduced portable monitors with HDMI. These HDMI monitors are great to carry around regularly. You can use them in a park, hotel, restaurant, train, or almost any place where you can set up two screens. They are highly useful and practical for professional use.

For instance, while working on a spreadsheet, it can be convenient to have the data open on a separate screen so that you do not have to change pages, which can be annoying and also increases the chances of mistakes.

10 Best Portable Monitors For Laptops

Now, since you have read the article till here, let’s give you a deeper ride into the portable monitors’ world. Further, in the article, you’ll find HDMI portable monitors available in the market and a complete guide to help you buy one. You can also check Monitor under $200

1. ASUS ZenScreen MB16AC

Best Monitor For Laptop
  • Full HD Travel Monitor Touch Screen
  • Built-in Battery and Speakers
  • Hybrid-signal USB-C and micro-HDMI connectivity
  • Foldable Smart Case
  • Interactive 10-point touch screen
  • Compatible with Thunderbolt 3

ZenScreen MB16AC Is a 15.6-inch wide 1080p/FHD portable monitor by ASUS. This beauty undoubtedly has an amazing display and picture quality. It has a super sleek body, which is just 0.3 inches thick and can fit in almost any traveling bag. This ultra-light monitor weight about 1.7 lbs., making it portable. Just make sure you have covered it with the provided protective magnetic case, and you can take it anywhere you want.

The smart magnetic case can be turned into a stand when the screen is in use. It also has a pen to operate the screen other than your fingers. When not in use, the pen can also serve as a stand for the monitor.

The device has a single USB port that is compatible with Type-C and Type-A USB sources. This makes it easy to connect to almost any laptop though USB Type-A requires DisplayLink driver to set up a connection. The IPS display offers perfect colors, even on extended screens. The device is energy-efficient with a power consumption of less than 8W.

Pros

  • Slim and lightweight
  • High resolution
  • IPS display
  • High contrast ratio
  • Screen auto-rotation
  • Can be connected to almost any laptop

Cons

  • Does not have built-in speakers
  • Expensive

2. UPERFECT Portable Computer Monitor

Best 4K Computer Monitor
  • 4K Gaming Computer Monitor
  • Portrait and Landscape Mode
  • 3-in-1 signal port:HDMI, Mini DP,Type-C
  • Anti-blue protector film
  • Output interface: 3.5mm headphone jack
  • CNC Metal Wire Drawing Process

The UPERFECT portable monitor is a 15.6-inch display with an exceptional 4K resolution for gaming. It has a built-in speaker and an audio output jack to enhance your gaming experience. Its IPS screen offers massive viewing angles. The response rate is 4 ms, which makes it even more suitable for gamers.

The anti-blue film protects the eyes of the user from harmful rays at night or from prolonged usage of the screen. It is super-light in weight, weighing only about 1.9 lbs. This monitor is for gaming has a 3 in 1 USB port that supports HDMI, USB Type-C, and Mini DP so that you can connect it to a variety of laptops and PCs. It also has four holes to enable you to mount it on the wall.

It comes with a smart case made up of leather, which can turn into a stand when not in use. The multi-language feature is unique and quite practical for a USB cable monitor.

Pros

  • 4 ms response rate
  • 4K Ultra HD display
  • Lightweight
  • 3 in 1 USB port
  • Can be mounted on the wall
  • Built-in audio jack and speakers

Cons

  • Expensive

3. Lepow Portable Monitor

1080p Monitor review
  • FHD HDR 1080P IPS Screen
  • Wide Connection & Portrait Mode
  • 3-in-1 signal port:HDMI, Mini DP, Type-C
  • Output interface: 3.5mm headphone jack
  • Frame-less infinity display

Lepow Z1 is an excellent portable monitor with its compact screen of 15.6 inches and an IPS system that displays strikingly clear and beautiful images, highlights every detail and great color range. It offers a viewing angle of 178 degrees. These features make it suitable for gaming too because of a screen resolution of 1080p/ FHD.

It offers wide connectivity with its USB Type-C and Mini HDMI input adapters that enable it to connect to Mac, PC, smartphone, PS4, and so on. It also has a headphones jack. The device has a special portrait mode that can be customized according to your needs. Lepow has made some advancement in this monitor, enabling wider connectivity and smooth functionality.

This portable monitor for laptops by Lepow is made up of aluminium alloy, which grants it exceptional strength and protects it from scratches that ensures its durability.

The monitor is super slim with its 0.3 inches thin body with a weight of 1.76 lbs, which makes it incredibly light. These specs enable you to carry the device around easily. You can keep it in your laptop bag without putting any extra weight on the bag. The product comes with a protective leather case that offers multiple positioning options.

Its double sound speakers convey clear and vivid sound with profound and precise bass. The blue light feature decreases eye fatigue by reducing harmful rays from the display.

Pros

  • Light and compact
  • Built-in speakers and headphones jack
  • Can be used for gaming
  • Cover can be set to different positions

Cons

  • The audio system needs improvement

4. HP Business S14

HP Business Monitor
  • HP Elite display S14 USB portable monito
  • Affordable Monitor For Notebook or Tablet
  • Easily Customize brightness; contrast; and Response time
  • Native resolution: FHD 1920 x 108
  • Staticbrightness: 200 CD/Pixel
  • Response time: 5 ms

HP Business S14 is a professional portable monitor with its 14-inch display that offers 1080p FHD. It creates super amazing displays, which makes it suitable for gaming too. The IPS technology of the device grants its good viewing angle, amazing color display, and brightness. You can customize the brightness and contrast through the blue light mode, which filters the blue light coming from the display and turns to a warmer color spectrum to offer you a comfortable and protected view.  

The monitor weighs around 2.2 lbs. and has a thickness of less than 9 mm that makes it suitable to carry around. You can easily place it in your laptop bag and would not need another one to carry it separately.

It has a single USB port, which supports the Type-C source that is used for both the power and data transfer. It also has a cool cover for its body that can be swiftly turned into a stand for the device when in landscape mode. However, you’ll have to buy cable and a cover separately as they are not included in the package.

Pros

  • 5 ms response rate
  • Suitable for gaming
  • Has an anti-glare coating
  • Single port for data and power transfer

Cons

  • Little heavier than others
  • Does not support USB Type-A

5. AOC I1601FWUX Monitor

USB-C powered portable monitor
  • USB-C powered portable monitor
  • Full HD 1920×1080 IPS Display
  • Extremely slim (8. 5mm) and lightweight (800 grams)
  • Smart cover that protects the display
  • Flexible screen holder in portrait or landscape orientation
  • AOC LowBlue Mode technology

I1601FWUX is a super-affordable monitor by AOC. It has a large display of 15.6 inches, equipped with IPS technology for greater viewing angles and color depth to display accurate colors. It has a full resolution of 1080p with a peak brightness, which greatly enhances the image quality. The display has a high contrast ratio along with a response rate of 5ms, which makes it suitable for gaming too.

This monitor offers smooth functionality and does not lag at all. The screen also has an anti-glare coating along with the Low Blue Mode technology that protects your eyes from harmful rays at night without affecting the color quality.

This portable monitor requires USB Type-C Alt mode to connect to your laptop, tablet or PC and does not have HMDI or USB 2.0 or 3.0 adapters. This USB port is used for power and data transfer as well.

The device is quite slim, with a width of 0.33 inches only. It is also ultra-light with a weight of 1.7 lbs. This makes it highly portable and easy to carry in almost any laptop bag. This amazing monitor comes accompanied by a smart cover for protecting it, which can turn into a stand for the screen in both portrait and landscape mode.  

Pros

  • Affordable
  • Lightweight and slim
  • High resolution
  • 5 ms response rate

Cons

  • Restricted connectivity

6. UPERFECT 4K Gravity Sensor Monitor

Dual USB C Portable Monitor
  • 4K Portable Monitor Touchscreen
  • Gravity Sensor Automatic Rotation
  • Slimmest Bracket Integrated Second Screen
  • Frameless Bezel Glass HDMI Laptop Display
  • Compatible via type C or micro HDMI port
  • No Splash + Low Blue

This 15.6 inch 4K UHD offers a stunning display with great details and clarity. It has an IPS system that grants it a 178 degrees viewing angle and 16.7M display colors. This monitor is perfect for gaming based on its quick response rate. It has a superior contrast ratio with the Low Blue Mode. The Low Blue Mode protects your eyes from the right blue rays that might be harmful to night users. So you can use the monitor for even long hours tension-free.

The device is ultra-thin with its 5mm body, which makes it suitable to carry and travel with. It has multiple input ports including 2 USB Type-C ports and a Mini HDMI port. These adapters are compatible with any device, having a fully-featured USB Type-C adapter.

This beast was the first portable touch screen monitor to be granted a gravitation sensor. The sensor takes three seconds to sense the screen direction of the device that it is connected to and turns according to it; which improves efficiency and ease of use. The maximum rotation angle is 90 degrees at once. The touchscreen is only compatible with full feature USB Type-C feature on either gaming devices or smartphones.

Pros

  • Great for gaming
  • Sleek and lightweight
  • High contrast ration, Ultra HD
  • Gravity sensor

Cons

  • Expensive

7. GeChic 1503H Monitor

1080p Portable Monitor
  • 1080P Full HD, IPS portable monitor with HDMI, VGA, USB
  • Weighs only 798g with 1. 1cm in thickness
  • 170 degree vertical and horizontal viewing angle
  • LED Backlight Exquisite Brightness
  • Authorized Protection: HDCP Compliant
  • LED-backlit: 15,000 hours (Brightness Declines 50%)

This HDMI monitor comes with a detachable smart stand that can be set at three different vertical and horizontal positions. It weighs about 1.75 lbs., making it light in weight and easy to carry around. Its sleek design makes it easy to adjust the device with your laptop in the same bag.

It can be mounted not only on the wall but also on a camera tripod stand. GeChic has also included a built-in speaker and a headphones jack with three connectivity adapters, i.e., VGA, HDMI, and USB Type-C. This enables you to connect it to a number of parent devices. 

The IPS panel of the device offers 300-nits peak brightness and 170 degrees of viewing angle. It has a high contrast ratio but a slow response rate of 12.5 ms, which results in ghosting while gaming.

Pros

  • Great brightness
  • Various connectivity adapters
  • Built-in speakers and headphones jack
  • Mounting kit
  • Adjustable stand

Cons

  • Expensive
  • Low response rate
  • Not suitable for gaming

8. Helium PCT2235 by Planar

Full HD Resolution Monitor
  • Projected Capacitive touch technology
  • Compatible with Windows 7, 8, 10
  • Operating Temperature: 0 to 40°C
  • Power requirements 100-240 VAC, 50/60 Hz
  • The multi-touch monitor boasts multiple video inputs
  • Incorporates blue light reduction

This HDMI monitor by Planar is not portable because of its 22-inch huge display. Not only that, but it also weighs much more than any other portable monitor does with its 7.9 lbs weight.

The screen resolution of 1080p FHD makes it a super amazing viewing monitor. It is equipped with a superior touch technology that offers up to ten touchpoints. The screen can be swiftly moved from 15 degrees to 70 degrees in both landscape and portrait modes.

Moreover, the device does not require any drivers for touchscreen functions. The monitor is quick for office work but cannot be used for gaming because of its slow response rate of 14 ms. Another prominent drawback is the placement of the power and menu buttons as they are almost invisible.    

It is compatible with multiple input sources, including HDMI, VGA, and DisplayPort. This portable monitor comes with built-in speakers. The device is compatible with Windows 7, 8, and 10.

The blue light reduction feature ensures a safe screen encounter by filtering the bright harmful rays from the display that enables you to use the device for long hours easily.

Pros

  • 1080p FHD
  • Built-in speaker, Unique Stand
  • Touchscreen does not require any driver

Cons

  • Heavy and Large
  • Not suitable for gaming

9. ViewSonic TD2230

Touch Screen Monitor Review
  • 22-Inch Full HD 1080p (1920×1080)
  • LED Touch Screen Monitor with HDMI
  • Freestanding slim bezel tablet design
  • 50M:1 Dynamic Contrast Ratio
  • Physical Dimensions: 19.3” x 11.8” x 5.1”
  • 3-year Limited Warranty

The ViewSonic TD2230 is a 22-inch wide portable monitor with an FHD display. The width of the monitor makes it a little less portable. Its IPS system displays amazing colors and brightness regardless of the angle from which you are viewing it. Its Blue Light filter protects your eyes from harmful rays by reducing their emission.

It has a capacitive touch technology that offers ten touchpoints that you can access at once for quick and smooth operations. The screen has a durable faceplate that is resistant to scratches.

This portable monitor offers multiple mounting options, which enable you to mount it even on a monitor stand or a wall. It has several connectivity ports, including USB 3.0, DisplayPort, HDMI, and even VGA. It is compatible with Windows 10 and with certain Android and Linux versions too.

Pros

  • Scratch-resistant
  • Good for gaming
  • Wider connectivity options
  • 3-years warranty

Cons

  • Not sleek

10. G-STORY 17.3 Inch Monitor

ye-Care Portable Gaming Monitor
  • Eye-Care Portable Gaming Monitor
  • FPS/FTS Game Plus function & Eye-Care
  • 120Hz Refresh Rate & 1ms response time
  • 100% sRGB and Type-C & USB
  • FPS/FTS Game Plus Function

The last one comes in our list is G-story with a 17.3-inch full HD display screen. Its IPS system offers it a great viewing angle, great colors, and brightness. It has a USB Type-C connectivity port, but it can also support type-A adapters with an appropriate driver.

This portable monitor is ultra-thin with a depth of 0.3 inches, weighs around 2 lbs. Which makes it ideal for carrying around. The monitor can connect to Windows 7, 8, and 10, Android 6.0, Linux, and some others too.  It has built-in speakers that offer great audio quality along with an amazing touch screen system.  

The Smart Cover protects the screen from dust and scratches. It also includes a pen opening on its base corner, where you can embed a pen to prop the screen up when not utilizing the case. G-story Eye Care innovation protects your eyes specifically by filtering the harmful blue rays.

Pros

  • Flexible connectivity
  • Innovative protective case
  • 5 ms response time
  • Higher contrast ratio

Cons

  • Expensive
  • Speakers need improvement

Connect Monitor with laptop

Features to Consider Before Buying Portable Monitor

All the portable monitors are designed with almost the same purpose of helping the user in increasing their productivity and efficiency. Still, some features make one product desirable than the other. You must check all the following features in a portable monitor, to lay your hands on the one most suitable for you.

Screen Resolution

The resolution of a portable monitor is a very significant factor to consider. A low-resolution monitor will display low-quality images, which might not be up to the mark. In contrast, a high-resolution monitor can display clear, bright, and crisp images to let you enjoy your work. Therefore, it is recommended to look for higher resolution monitors like 1080p or beyond.

Although higher HD or FHD monitors are expensive than lower HD displays, they are worth the price tag. You’ll be annoyed by the low-quality display of a cheaper monitor, which can contribute to losing the purpose of the product.

Size

The size of the portable monitor should be according to your work requirements. However, it is suitable to have a screen bigger than your laptop’s screen. For example, if you already have an 11-inch laptop, then you’d want to have a bigger screen that can help you further with your task. The most sought after portable monitor sizes these days are 15.6 inches and 17.3 inches.

It is crucial to make sure that the size you choose for your portable monitor does not affect its portability. For that, you have to consider the bag in which you’ll be carrying your monitor around.

Weight

It is not convenient to carry around a heavy portable monitor when you already have a laptop. So your monitor must be light in weight. An ideal weight for a portable monitor is 3 lbs. or less. This gives some ease to your back and shoulders that might be in sheer pain otherwise.

Compatibility

An important aspect to look for in a portable monitor is its compatibility with other devices. If it isn’t compatible with your laptop or desktop, then it would not be as helpful as it should be. Not only devices, but it should also be compatible with their operating systems like Windows, iOS, Linux, etc.   

Connectivity

Connectivity is an essential aspect as it offers ways to connect your portable monitor to your laptop. Currently, most of the portable monitors have a USB or HDMI ports and are generally sufficient. However, if you do not have these two ports and you require some older versions of connectivity, then make sure your portable monitor has the required connections.  

It is useful if you can connect your two devices with a regular USB cable so that you do not have to carry around multiple cables in your bag. It is noted that HDMI cables are usually long and difficult to manage.

Some devices offer a single port for various connections. They are entirely feasible and practical.

Power

You can power your portable monitor through your laptop, smartphone, or power bank when on the move. So make sure you check out its power consumption. If it drains a lot of your device’s battery, then it isn’t the one. You must have to maintain the battery until you are at a place where you can charge your device, or you’ll end up with both the things shut down.

Contrast Ratio

Among all the other aspects, the contrast ratio cannot be ignored. It is an essential feature for portable monitors that are frequently used for presentations throughout the day. It is preferred to have a high contrast ratio with the ease of changing it according to your needs.

Speakers

For some users, checking the quality of speakers might not be as important as the display, but it cannot be overlooked in any case. These monitors do offer enough audio-quality to let you listen to whatever you want, but some of them provide great audio-quality too. So why not get a full package when you are paying for it? Therefore, you must check the sound quality of your portable monitor.

Some manufacturers also offer headphone jacks, which make them suitable for gaming too.


Frequently Asked Questions

Are portable monitors worth it?

Portable monitors are a go-to for everyone stuck with a PC or a small laptop screen wanting desperately to expand without being bothered by the overburdening PC set up, or the expense of a new laptop.

For designers, it is a blessing as they can keep the messy editing stuff in one place and display the results on the other wider screen without any disorientation. It is foremost recommended for researchers who need thousands of applications and articles opened simultaneously.

Portable monitor serves the purpose by letting web developers and coders have extra space for the stack of files to be edited and tested concurrently. Provides extra space for you and, at the same time, saves extra space from your table. Plugs and unplugs in a device as easy as a mobile charger. All you have to do is to grab a USB cable and connect your portable monitor with your laptop.

Can a tablet be used as a monitor?

Portable monitors are specifically designed to serve as secondary displays to help you increase efficiency and productivity. Tablets, on the other hand, are made to serve as portable laptops. The two devices have different purposes and features due to which they aren’t ideal alternatives. To prove that, we have here some valid reasons.

One of the biggest reasons is the tablets’ incompatibility. Many tablets lack an HDMI or USB port, which prevents you from connecting them to your laptop or PC. This is where portable monitors come into view.

Moreover, the tablets’ display size is usually between 7 to 12 inches, while portable monitors are available from 3.5 inches to 22 inches. This range enables you to choose the one that best helps you with your task depending upon your laptop or PC. Furthermore, portable monitors are more energy-efficient than tablets. Tablets consume about 15 watts of power, whereas a portable monitor consumes between 2.9 to 7 watts.

There are other prominent features that make portable monitors better secondary displays than a tablet. However, if you still want to use a tablet as a portable monitor, then you may give it a try.

What is the best portable monitor for a laptop?

If you are looking for a luxurious portable monitor that looks alluring, then The Asus ZenScreen MB16A Portable Monitor is the best choice for you. This powerful and captivating technology comes with numerous features that put it on the top of the list of the most portable monitors.

It serves as the most delicate yet handy device. Its pixel resolution is 1920 x 1080. It is well designed to deal with the tasks of a dual monitor. Having the perfect design and quality, buying such a masterpiece leaves you spending around 300 dollars. ZenScreen is more costly than most other portable monitors, but the excellent user experience that is provided is worth all the money.

How can I hook up a portable monitor to my laptop?

Setting up your portable monitor is an interesting task. It requires a little shopping, detective work, and some technical moves. 

Here are the things you’ll need for the task: 

  • laptop to which you’ll connect your portable monitor
  • USB cable to connect the two devices 
  • A portable monitor 
  • Required software or drivers 

Step 1: Before buying a USB cable, it is necessary to determine the type of video input your laptop has. Once done, move on to finding the right port to set up the connection. Some laptops offer a variety of ports, while others provide just one that might support one type of cable or multiple. Some devices have older versions of these adapters like the VGA and DVI, while the latest devices have HDMI and DisplayPort, etc.

Step 2: Determine the video input port of your portable monitor. It will also be done like the previous step. You’ll most likely find an HDMI, DisplayPort, or a USB-C port. 

Step 3: If both the devices have the same adapters, then they can be easily attached. However, if that’s not the case, then you’ll need to buy an adapter to connect the two. You can easily find a cable to connect two different types of ports.

Step 4: Connect your laptop to the portable monitor then connect your portable monitor to the power source. Turn on your devices and press the button as asked by the device, and that’s all.


Conclusion

Portable monitors for laptops can be a lifesaver for some people. Often complex tasks get even more complex on a single screen. This article should be sufficient enough to help you find the most suitable portable monitor. Make sure you do not miss out on any point from the guide. They are all equally important and decide the value of the device for your money.

The Asus ZenScreen MB16AC is excellent overall. It has all the desired features that will make anyone consider it in the first place. You can look through the rest as each one is unique in its way.

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