The Best Portable Monitors For Working and Gaming on the Go
Whether you're a student, digital nomad, gamer or creator, these travel-friendly screens let you expand your workspace.
By Thomas Hindle, Danielle Directo-Meston
September 7, 2022 1:00pm
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For some, nearly two years of remote working has changed the way we think about our office space. Single screens and a mousepad have given way to multiple monitors and tablets as users are looking to expand their digital workspace, whether it’s at home, at a coffee shop or in a cubicle. And although in-person, office-based work has returned for some, there’s still a need for a more techy setup.
A crucial part of that is a trusty portable monitor, something that can mirror or extend your main display and can be swiftly packed up and moved from one place to another. It’s quite a crowded market — many companies have bought into the game since the pandemic. Still, there are a few easily transportable screens that stand out.
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Whether you’re a student, a digital nomad, a gamer, a content creator or anyone else simply looking to make work life more flexible, we’ve rounded up some of the best portable monitors for every use and budget.
All of our picks are Mac and PC compatible, and several on the list require only one cable for both the video signal and power, making them truly plug-and-play. Most of our top portable displays have 1080p (or full HD) resolution, with some featuring 4K for those looking for the best video quality.
See our recommendations for the best travel-friendly monitors below — and if you’re looking for more tech essentials, check out our roundups of the best portable chargers, laptop bags, work-friendly backpacks and comfortable earbuds.
1. SideTrak Solo Touch 4K 15.6-inch Portable Monitor
BEST TOUCH SCREEN 4K PORTABLE MONITOR
- Screen size and aspect ratio 15.6 inches (16:9)
- Panel and display type IPS LED
- Touch screen Yes
- Dimensions 14.5 x 8.9 x 0.4 inches
- Max resolution 3840×2160 (4K)
- Peak brightness 340 nits
- Color depth 8-bit
- Contrast ratio 1000:1
- Refresh rate 60Hz
- Response time 25 milliseconds
- Ports USB-C, USB-A, HDMI
- Audio None
- Weight 2.9 pounds
MORE BUYING OPTIONS SideTrak | Amazon | Best Buy
Productivity enthusiasts, gamers and on-the-go streamers alike will find that SideTrak’s Solo Touch 4K monitor checks off every box, from the brightness and resolution to the color depth and contrast ratio. It boasts a responsive 10-point touch screen and a slim 0.35-inch profile, and we like that the magnetic cover doubles as a built-in stand. Gamers will particularly love the HDR, FreeSync and DCR modes, allowing users to play seamlessly from their PlayStation, Xbox or Nintendo Switch.
Sidetrak
Sidetrak Solo Touch 4K 15.6-inch Portable Monitor $500
2. Uperfect Truly 4K Portable Monitor
BEST 4K PORTABLE MONITOR
- Screen size and aspect ratio 15.6 inches (16:9)
- Panel and display type IPS LED
- Touch screen No
- Dimensions 14.5 x 8.9 x 0.4 inches
- Max resolution 3840×2160 (4K)
- Peak brightness 300 nits
- Color depth 8-bit
- Contrast ratio 1000:1
- Refresh rate 60Hz
- Response time 4 milliseconds
- Ports USB-C, HDMI/Mini DP, micro USB, 3.5mm audio input
- Audio Dual 2W speakers
- Weight 1.9 pounds
Screen quality is important in any screen, and that’s certainly the case for the Uperfect True 4K portable monitor, which is equipped with HDR 10 and FreeSync for easy gaming. The 15.6-inch screen can be used on the go or mounted using a VESA bracket, and it can be used in either portrait or landscape mode to extend or mirror your laptop, desktop, smartphone, tablet or gaming console screen.
But it’s not just a pretty picture for working, gaming or streaming. This portable screen includes a headphone jack and a standard USB plug, so you can connect a wired mouse or keyboard. It comes with a smart leather stand case and screen protector, and it’s on sale at Amazon for $286 when you clip the $20 off coupon on the product page. For those who want a more lightweight upgrade, Uperfect also makes a slim 15.6-inch 4K touch screen portable monitor that also happens to be on sale.
Amazon
3. Espresso Display 15 Touch Portable Monitor
THINNEST PORTABLE MONITOR
- Screen size and aspect ratio 15.6 inches (16:9); also available in 13.3 inches
- Panel and display type IPS
- Touch screen Yes
- Dimensions 14.06 x 10.04 x 0.22 inches
- Max resolution 1920×1080 (Full HD)
- Peak brightness 300 nits
- Color depth 8-bit
- Contrast ratio 1000:1
- Refresh rate 60Hz
- Response time Not specified
- Ports USB-C
- Audio Dual speakers
- Weight 2 pounds
MORE BUYING OPTIONS Espresso | Amazon
Australian startup Espresso touts its lightweight touch monitor as the world’s thinnest portable display, and they’re not wrong, At just 0.22 inches thick and made from aeronautical grade aluminum, the sleek screen is easy to stash in a backpack and can take a few knocks. Ultra-convenient features include the single USB-C cable for both video signal and charging, stylus compatibility (perfect for note-takers and artists) and the automatic vertical and horizontal rotation.
Espresso offers a myriad of setup options and magnetic accessories, including an adjustable stand, VESA-compatible mount and a two-in-one stand and cover — note that you’ll need to buy one of those if you need a way to prop it up.
Amazon
Espresso 15.6-Inch Full HD Ultra Thin Touchscreen Portable Monitor on Amazon.com
4. Asus ZenScreen MB165B 15.6-inch Portable Monitor
BEST BUDGET PORTABLE MONITOR
- Screen size and aspect ratio 15.6 inches (16:9)
- Panel and display type LED
- Touch screen No
- Dimensions 8.8 x 14.2 x 0.5 inches
- Max resolution 1366×768 (standard)
- Peak brightness 220 nits
- Color depth think8-bit
- Contrast ratio 500:1
- Refresh rate 60Hz
- Response time 10 milliseconds
- Ports 1 USB
- Audio None
- Weight 1.72 lbs
MORE BUYING OPTIONS Asus | Amazon |
Student life is hectic enough, and these days it might involve switching from a classroom to a dorm workspace to a coffee shop. The Asus ZenScreen MB165B portable monitor is a perfect option for those on a budget who want a travel-friendly display that won’t break the bank, and we like that it needs just one USB cable for the video signal and power. (You can also upgrade to the MB16ACE model — also available at Best Buy — with USB Type A and C ports).
The Zenscreen offers impressive color depth for the price, but what we really love is the anti-glare technology that the brand says offers relief for tired eyes. It also has a 1/4-inch threaded hole on the back so you can mount it on a tripod.
Amazon
Asus ZenScreen MB165B 15.6-inch Portable Monitor on Amazon.com
5. Lepow Z1 Pro Portable Monitor
BEST VALUE
- Screen size and aspect ratio 15.6 inches (16:9)
- Panel and display type IPS LCD
- Touch screen No
- Dimensions 8.8 x 14.5 x 0.34 inches
- Max resolution 1920×1080 (Full HD)
- Peak brightness 300 nits
- Color depth 8-bit
- Contrast ratio 1000:1
- Refresh rate 60Hz
- Response time Not specified
- Ports USB-C, HDMI, 3.5mm audio input
- Audio Built-in dual 1W speakers
- Weight 1.7 pounds
Lepow’s Z1 Pro full HD portable monitor is among the top-rated portable monitors on Amazon, and it’s easy to see why. Casual gamers and entertainment enthusiasts say this 15.6-inch screen with HDR mode offers impressive brightness and responsiveness for the price, and the built-in speakers and blue light filter (for reducing eye strain) are added bonuses.
The Lepow is also notably practical. It’s under two pounds, has a slim 0.3-inch profile and comes with its own case and screen protector.
Amazon
Lepow Z1 Pro 15.6-Inch Portable Monitor (reg. $250) on Amazon.com
6. Lenovo ThinkVision M14 Portable Monitor
BEST COMPACT PORTABLE MONITOR
- Screen size and aspect ratio 14 inches (16:9)
- Panel and display type IPS LED
- Touch screen No
- Dimensions 3.82 x 12.72 x 8.23 inches
- Max resolution 1920×1080 (Full HD)
- Peak brightness 300 nits
- Color depth 8-bit
- Contrast ratio 700:1
- Refresh rate 60Hz
- Response time 6 milliseconds
- Ports 2 x USB-C
- Audio None
- Weight 1.3 pounds
MORE BUYING OPTIONS Lenovo | Amazon | Best Buy
If you want to expand your screen real estate but you’re tight on space, Lenovo’s ThinkVision M14 portable monitor is one of the best displays for the job. The USB-C ports on both sides allow both left- and right-handers to use it with ease, and the brightness and color depth are also impressive for the price tag. The blue light shielding feature also comes in handy for those long hours of screen time.
Amazon
Lenovo ThinkVision M14 Portable Monitor $251.99 on Amazon.com
7. Cocopar 17.3-inch FHD Zero Bezel Portable Monitor
BEST LIGHTWEIGHT LARGE PORTABLE MONITOR
- Screen size and aspect ratio 17.3 inches (16:9)
- Panel and display type IPS LED
- Touch screen No
- Dimensions 15.5 x 9.6 x 0.39 inches
- Max resolution 1920×1080 (Full HD)
- Peak brightness 340 nits
- Color depth 8-bit
- Contrast ratio 1000:1
- Refresh rate 60Hz
- Response time 4 milliseconds
- Ports USB-C, USB-A, HDMI
- Audio Dual speakers
- Weight 1.97 pounds
One of the most versatile 17-inch screens out there is Cocopar’s FHD zero bezel portable monitor. The 3mm bezel makes the screen significantly bigger than that of most standard laptops and comes with all of the most advanced trimmings, including built-in speakers, six display modes (standard, game, photo, movie, vidid and user), VESA mount compatibility and a durable metal frame.
This portable monitor’s calling card, though, is its speed of use. While it is perfectly functional as an extra business screen for your laptop or smartphone, Cocopar has designed it specifically with gaming in mind. It can easily sync with a Nintendo Switch, Xbox or Playstation — and with that little bit of extra screen size, it could be a terrific option if you’re gaming on the go.
Courtesy of Amazon
Cocopar Portable Monitor $219.99 on Amazon.com
8. ViewSonic VX1755 17-Inch FreeSync Portable Gaming Monitor
BEST PORTABLE MONITOR FOR GAMING
- Screen size and aspect ratio 17.2 inches (16:9)
- Panel and display type IPS LED
- Touch screen No
- Dimensions 15.6 x 9.7 x 0.7 inches
- Max resolution 1920×1080
- Peak brightness 250 nits
- Color depth 8-bit
- Contrast ratio 800:1
- Refresh rate 144Hz
- Response time 4.48 milliseconds
- Ports 2 x USB-C, mini HDMI, 3.5mm audio input
- Audio Built-in dual 0.8W speakers
- Weight 2.2 pounds
MORE BUYING OPTIONS: Amazon | Best Buy | ViewSonic
Once you’re done working, you can switch over to streaming 4K videos or loosening up in the virtual world with ViewSonic’s FreeSync-equipped 17-inch portable monitor. Designed specifically for gaming, the anti-glare, flicker-free screen boasts built-in speakers, a response time of 4.48ms and clear and bright color. The low blue light setting also makes the display easy on the eyes, and the built-in stand and cover make it travel-friendly. It’s also available in 15.6-inch touch, standard and premium options.
ViewSonic VA1655 15.6-Inch Portable Monitor on Amazon.com
9. SideTrak 12.5-inch Swivel HD Attachable Monitor
BEST PORTABLE MONITOR FOR SMALL LAPTOPS
- Screen size and aspect ratio 12.5 inches (16:9); also available in 14 inches
- Panel and display type TFT LCD
- Touch screen No
- Dimensions 12 x 7.4 x 0.7 inches
- Max resolution 1920×1080
- Peak brightness 300 nits
- Color depth 6-bit
- Contrast ratio 600:1
- Refresh rate 60Hz
- Response time 30 milliseconds
- Ports USB-C, mini HDMI
- Audio None
- Weight 1.3 pounds
MORE BUYING OPTIONS SideTrak | Amazon (14-inch size) | Best Buy | B&H Photo
Available in 12.5- or 14-inch sizes, SideTrak’s Swivel HD portable monitor conveniently attaches to the back of your laptop for ultimate portability. It comes with magnetic metal plates so you can easily remove the display from your main screen, or you can use the built-in kickstand.
It’s got a peak brightness of 300 nits and weighs only 1.3 pounds, so you get a lightweight and vibrant display for watching movies and TV shows on the go. Rounding out the features are the automatic screen rotation (so you can use it in portrait mode) and the 270-degree rotation for adjusting it to your liking.
SideTrak
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