Whether you want to add a compact screen for your home computer setup, extend your laptop workstation to another monitor, or see everything on your smartphone on a bigger display, a portable monitor can do all of that. Those extra inches of precious screen real estate can hugely improve your work productivity or just make your viewing experience a whole lot better.
Though portable monitors may not offer as large a screen or as many features as a typical desktop monitor, they offer plenty of benefits for working and playing on the go. First off you’ll have more room for content creation, gaming, or just simple multitasking. Plus, portable monitors are easy to set up and come with a kickstand or mount to use from anywhere. So, we’ve picked some excellent portable monitor options for you ranging in price, size, and features that include impressive 4K resolution, a touchscreen, or a built-in battery. Take a look at our favorites - and click here to see them in the UK.
TL;DR – These are the best portable monitors
- Asus ROG Strix XG17AHPE
- Dell C1422H
- ASUS ZenScreen MB166C
- Asus ZenScreen MB14AC
- Desklab 4K Touchscreen
- LG Gram +View
- ViewSonic VG1655
- HP E14 G4
- Asus ProArt Display PA148CTV
- SideTrak Swivel
- ViewSonic ColorPro VP16-OLED
- Wacom One
Asus ROG Strix XG17AHPE
Best Portable Gaming Monitor
It’s hard to believe that any portable monitor can come packing all the features you need for a quality gaming setup from anywhere, but the Asus ROG Strix XG16AHPE may just offer everything you’d need. Like some of our favorite gaming monitors, this portable option boasts a 240Hz refresh rate with Nvidia G-Sync compatibility and low input lag, so you’re in for smooth, tear-free gameplay. You also get a plenty bright 15.6-inch 1080p display featuring an IPS panel for easy viewing from any angle.
The Asus ROG Strix XG16AHPE has tons of portability behind its solid display. You can truly use it from anywhere thanks to a quick-charging battery, which should last about three hours, and built-in speakers to boot. Plus, the thin kickstand supports the monitor either portrait or landscape orientations. When you’re all done, it easily stows away in the included case. Lastly, it’s a bit more versatile than other options thanks to its micro-HDMI and a USB-C ports.
Dell C1422H
Best Budget Portable Monitor
Portable monitors come in a wide array of price options, and the Dell C1422H is a perfect mid-range choice. With this monitor, you’ll be getting a totable 14-inch 1080p display that offers crisp, vibrant visuals. Plus, it offers a perfect view almost anywhere with its IPS panel that features a 300-nit peak brightness and anti-glare finish. The built-in tilt stand that goes from 10 degrees to 90 degrees, so you can pitch the monitor for comfortable viewing.
The Dell C1422H works great for mobile use or as an additional screen for your permanent workstation. It’s super simple to get started using this monitor, as a USB-C cable connected to your computer will transmit both power and image to the screen. Unfortunately, there is no built-in battery, but that allows it to be extremely lightweight and compact, making it easier to take with you anywhere. There’s a 60Hz refresh rate which is fine for getting work done, but it’s not the best for heavy gaming, especially with no G-sync or FreeSync support here.
Asus ZenScreen MB166C
Best 15-inch Portable Monitor
If you’re looking for a 15-inch monitor that looks great, travels well, and won’t cost a fortune, look no further than the ASUS ZenScreen MB166C. This 1080p LED monitor is ultra-thin and lightweight, but it still has decent picture quality makes it work perfectly as a second screen for your computer or laptop. It comes with flicker-free technology, an anti-glare surface, and a blue light filter to put less strain on your eyes and give you a more enjoyable viewing experience. Plus, the display automatically adjusts its orientation when you turn it between landscape and portrait modes, similar to your phone.
The ASUS ZenScreen MB166C is easy to take on the go thanks to its foldable, protective sleeve, which can also be used as a stand. And, there’s an embedded tripod socket for loads of viewing angles. It also conveniently plugs in and powers up through USB-C. Though there aren’t built-in speakers or a battery, and the refresh rate is limited to 60Hz, this portable monitor still comes loaded with lots to love.
Asus ZenScreen MB14AC
Best 14-inch Portable Monitor
Sometimes you don't want a large, 15.6-inch monitor, and you’re happy to have a slightly smaller option, and that’s where the Asus ZenScreen MB14AC steps in. Clocking in at 14 inches and weighing just over a pound, this compact monitor is easy to tote around anywhere. It’s rocking a Full HD display with anti-glare IPS technology to make for easy viewing from a 178-degree wide-area perspective. Unfortunately, it doesn’t have the best contrast ratio, and the color gamut is narrow, but it’s still great for reviewing documents.
Connecting the display to your devices is simple using an included USB-C cable, and it comes with a USB-A adapter if needed. You also won’t need to worry about buying a case, as the ASUS ZenScreen MB14AC is accessorized with a folio cover that doubles as a stand, letting you place the monitor in either landscape or portrait mode. There’s even a tripod mount on the back to get a better view of the screen.
Desklab 4K Touchscreen
Best 4K Portable Monitor
UHD monitors are few and far between, but we were able to find one that works great and doesn't cost a huge chunk of change. The Desklab 4K Touchscreen offers a 15.6-inch display with 400-nit brightness and a True LED backlight . This makes it brighter and a bit more vibrant than most external displays. And, thanks to its 4K resolution and thin bezels, there is loads of screen space for all of your multitasking needs. And as an added bonus, this display comes with a responsive touchscreen.
The Desklab 4K Touchscreen is not lacking in connectivity either thanks to its two USB-C ports, micro USB port, HDMI port, and 3.5mm aux. You should be able to get most of your devices connected to this monitor. There are even speakers loaded in. The only aspects really lacking on this monitor are there isn’t a solid integrated kickstand and the device doesn’t remember its settings.
LG Gram +View
Best 1440p Portable Monitor
Though technically not a 1440p monitor, the LG Gram +View is the perfect option if you're looking for something higher res than FHD without jumping up to 4K. It's joining the trend of monitors sporting higher resolutions and squarer aspect ratios. This 16-inch display rocks a 16:10 aspect ratio rather than your typical 16:9, adding a bit of extra vertical resolution at 1600p. As a result, you’re getting a little more crisp screen real estate to play around with for added productivity. The monitor also covers 99% of the DCI-P3 color space and is a plenty bright 350 nits, making it perfect for editing videos or graphic design. However, if you’re planning on using this display for gaming, the 30ms response time and 60Hz refresh rate aren’t the best you can find.
The LG Gram +View is ready to go along with you. It features a slim design, measuring less than one-third of an inch thick and weighing under one and a half pounds. A folio cover is even included, which protects the screen from scratches, but doubles as a stand when you’re using the monitor. Connecting to your laptop or computer is also simple through one of the two USB-C ports, and those ports are available on both sides of the monitor for easy access. As an added convenience, the screen auto rotates from landscape to portrait mode — just like your smartphone.
ViewSonic VG1655
Best 1080p Portable Monitor
There are a whole lot of convenient features packed into the affordably priced Viewsonic VG1655, making it one of the best portable monitors on the market. The 1080p display is plenty bright and offers a solid contrast ratio, but like with most portable monitors, the colors lack some vibrancy. However, the on-screen display comes loaded with options that far surpass the usual brightness and contrast available on most models. Plus, there is a blue light filter and flicker-free technology to help with your daily viewing.
The overall form factor of the Viewsonic VG1655 offers a lot to love too. It comes in a solid, robust chassis that includes an integrated kickstand with easy tilting. Connectivity isn’t an issue either, as it’s loaded up with ports for connectivity. And, there is even a cover that doubles as a mat to prevent scratching. Plus, its unique five-way joystick helps contribute to the greater overall functionality of this device.
HP E14 G4
Brightest Portable Monitor
It seems like most portable monitors lack in display’s brightness and vibrancy, luckily the HP E14 G4 does not. Its 400-nit brightness is a rare find as most competitors struggle to get up to 300-nits. It also has a great contrast ratio of 800:1 and outstanding colors compared to other portable monitors. Plus, with an additional anti-glare coating, it can go anywhere and even outside on a sunny day – and, the integrated kickstand and compact design makes it even easier.
There’s a lot more that we love about the lightweight, premium-designed, HP E14 G4. First off, with overdrive, it has an impressive 5ms response time so you’ll never see your mouse cursor lag.. There’s also a 65W power pass-through USB-C that will let you charge your PC or other devices through your monitor and a connected power brick. And, with a mid-range price point, it’s hard to beat the value here.
Asus ProArt Display PA148CTV
Best Portable Monitor for Creatives
If you’re a photographer, graphic designer, videographer or any creative, you can benefit from using a portable monitor. The only problem is many lack the color and vibrancy required to make accurate edits, and that’s where the Asus ProArt Display PA148CTV comes in handy. The 14-inch display totes 100% sRGB and 100% Rec. 709 color gamut with Calman verified color accuracy, so your finished work should look as vibrant as intended.
On top of the color accuracy, the Asus ProArt Display comes loaded with other features that make it easier to get creative. The integrated dial on the rear makes display setting adjustments easy, and it even works seamlessly with Adobe programs to help make fine tune edits on your work. You can also use the ten-point touch screen capability to to bring your fingers into your creative workflow. And, most important, it is highly portable thanks to its compact design, integrated kickstand, and protective sleeve.
SideTrak Swivel
Best Mountable Portable Monitor
Okay, so portable monitors are great, but sometimes there isn’t enough desk space for you to place it anywhere like on a plane or train. That’s where you can really benefit from a mountable monitor, and the SideTrak Swivel is the perfect option. It can be attached to your laptop or PC, eliminating any need for extra space.
This is a wildly versatile portable monitor. It comes with 270-degree rotation, so you can see the screen from a wide variety of angles, whether you want to use it as a side monitor or flip it to the front for a presentation. A simple setup via magnets located on the mount allows the monitor to be placed on either side of your device. And, the mount doubles as a kickstand that can be used in both landscape and portrait settings. The 12.5-inch screen itself is decently bright at 300 nits, and its IPS panel will make for easy viewing at any angle.
ViewSonic ColorPro VP16-OLED
Best Portable OLED Monitor
OLEDs are known for their high contrast and brightness, and the ViewSonic ColorPro VP16-OLED packs that technology into a lightweight, ultra-thin full HD monitor. You’ll get a 100,000:1 contrast ratio delivering deep blacks and up to 400 nits of brightness, ensuring easy viewing from just about any angle. And this 15.6-inch display especially excels in color performance, as it covers 100% of the DCI-P3 color gamut and is even Pantone-validated for some insanely accurate colors, making it ideal for creatives.
Adding to the convenience of the ViewSonic ColorPro VP16-OLED is a built-in, height-adjustable stand to get the monitor in an ideal position no matter where you are. It even comes with a detachable hood to block ambient light for easier viewing. You’ll also be good to connect this device to your laptop, PC, or Mac, as it offers a micro HDMI port and dual USB-C ports, with the USB-C ports delivering power too.
Wacom One
Best Portable Monitor for Artists
When you make digital art or enjoy doodling, you need a display you can easily take out into the world to get your creative juices flowing, and the Wacom One is the best option. With it comes an extra 13.3 inches of screen real estate, but our favorite feature is the included stylus. The stylus runs without a battery and offers 4,096 levels of pressure sensitivity, giving you far more precision to bring a more pen-and-paper feel.
Beyond the stylus that gives the screen a tablet-like functionality, you get handy foldable legs and a colorful Full HD display, though it only hits a 200-nit brightness. It’s also fairly simple to connect to your computer thanks to the four-way adapter called the Wacom One X-Shape Cable, and you can even use it with some Android smartphones with an additional adapter. If you’re interested in trying the Wacom with different design software, its compatible with most and offers free trials of programs like Magma Studio, Clip Studio Paint, and Bamboo Paper Pro
Where to Get the Best Portable Monitor in the UK
Choosing the best portable monitor
Though they might not have all the features of a full-fledged desktop monitor, there is still plenty to consider when purchasing a portable monitor. Sometimes, the cheapest or simplest to setup option might work, but there are other factors that should be looked at to meet your specific needs.
First off, size does matter. Our picks range in size from 12.5-inches all the way up to 17.3-inches. You might benefit from a larger screen if you’re using this as your main display for completing work or maybe doing a bit of gaming. The most common size seems to be 15.6-inches, which is a happy medium between size and portability which should work for most. However, if you’re hoping to use this screen in smaller spaces like on a plane, a 12.5-inch or 14-inch screen might be a better fit. Also, you may want to take weight into account as that’ll impact your ability to travel.
Next up, it’s important to pay attention to the screen itself. Most of the monitors on our list offer the standard 1080p resolution with an IPS panel. But, if you’re looking for it to be a bit more future-proof or want a better picture quality, then maybe invest in a 4K monitor. Also, some offer touchscreen capabilities as an added feature, but not everyone needs this and it often ups the price a bit.
The most important feature of all may be connectivity. It’s important to make sure that the monitor you purchase will work with the devices you bought it for. All of our picks offer the relatively universal USB-C connection, which is both speedy and provides power. However, if you’re looking to use it with a gaming console, some monitors also offer HDMI or microHDMI ports for more connection opportunities. And, it’s important to note that more powerful monitors may require a 10W USB-C.
Overall, those are some of the most important features on a portable monitor to make note of. However, diving deeper into contrast, brightness, refresh rate, and response time may also be to your benefit.
Michelle Rae Uy is a freelance tech and travel writer, part-time production editor, and a full-time traveler from Los Angeles, California. She currently splits her time between Los Angeles, London and the rest of the world. Follow her on Instagram @straywithRae.
Danielle Abraham is a freelance writer and unpaid music historian.
