Are you looking for the best portable monitors? Look no further, we have them all here.

With the change that so many have had to go through and take our work home with us (literally), many of us have found our monitors cut down from two to one, costing us real estate and making every job function a struggle to see two things at one time on a laptop. That’s why we thought it would be a great idea to highlight the pandemic’s unsung hero – the portable monitor.

Now, in all seriousness, a portable monitor can be a great device to add some landscape to your workspace or present a new client with your ideas so you can land that big contract. These portable monitors are great for graphic designers, creatives, photographers, photo editors and anyone working from home.

Now let’s jump in to the best portable monitors and USB screens.

 

What is the best portable monitor in 2022?

Asus ZenScreen MB16AC is the best portable monitor. Check out the table to see a comparison of the other best portable monitors in 2022 and choose what is right for you.

Protect your gear from electronic power surges with best surge protector –  check out our list of the best surge protectors.

 

Top 3 Best Selling Portable Monitors

These are the three most popular portable monitors on Amazon right now:

 

What’s a portable monitor?

While not exactly new, the idea of having a portable monitor has started to catch on in the last year or so. So much so that a lot of the big monitor manufacturers offer at least one portable monitor option.

Why such a sudden interest? The adoption of USB Type-C connectivity with its capability to transfer power, data, and video through a single cable has opened the door for portable displays to be valuable to people. Like you though, we always have questions before we buy anything and want to share what we found out:

What qualifies as a portable monitor?

While that small desktop monitor you have can technically be portable if necessary, an actual portable monitor is defined as and sold as such. Portable monitors can range from 3.5 to 22 inches in size and can be designed for personal, business, general use, or even panels for artists.

For use with a laptop, the perfect size is generally between 12 and 17 inches. While many users will simply want to match the size of their laptop to their portable monitor, the market also has many options available at 10 and 7 inches, used for gaming and Raspberry Pi respectively.

Are the screens any good?

While many users will opt to choose a portable monitor that is relative in size to the laptop they are using, choosing to use a slightly larger monitor won’t cause any issues as long as you keep the aspect ratios of both screens the same.

In terms of resolution, while many recent releases that are laptop appropriate are starting to come with a native resolution of 1080p, some will go higher.

Connectivity, audio, and on-screen display

As alluded to earlier, portable monitors are typically powered through the use of a USB Type C port and nearly all monitors are easy to operate. Simply plug and play and you’re ready to go. The monitor’s menu system allows you to customize the usual settings such as brightness, contrast, color, and more and is usually controlled by a single button or switch.

When it comes to audio, it doesn’t tend to be much of a consideration when choosing a portable monitor. Many options won’t come with built-in speakers or audio jacks and those that do, tend to have weak speakers. When connected to your laptop, you can always switch from the display’s speakers to the laptops for better audio quality.

 

 

How to Pick the Best Portable Monitor

Monitor Size and Display

Most portable monitors come within the same size range, the build, and the screen size can vary depending on the monitor you choose to opt for. Most portable monitors range from 14-15 inches, while the largest ones are around 17.3 inches.

While there may not be a significant difference in monitor size, depending on your priorities and usage, monitor size is worth keeping in mind.

 

When it comes to displays, refresh rates and color gamut play a vital role. The priority of these depends on whether your needs are lean more towards either gaming or design. For the most part, the average user can make do any typical IPS monitor with a reasonable sRGB.

That said, gamers should focus more on refresh rates and designers on color gamuts (although good refresh rates are also required).

 

Weight

For those traveling a lot, it’s important to ensure sure things stay portable and lightweight. With portable monitors, you’ll be glad to know. Most of the lighter monitors weigh around 1.5 to 2 pounds while the heavier ones are anywhere around 2 to 3 pounds.

And although the weight may vary depending on the features the monitor offers, it’s important to pick one that suits your needs best.

 

Audio and Accessibility

One perk with portable monitors is that you need not opt for a Bluetooth speaker as many of them come with one included. While most monitor speakers may not be the most spectacular, looking at the watts, is one way to measure how powerful it is. Typically, most portable monitors have speakers that are 1 to 2 watts.

One more important thing to keep in mind is the overall ports and accessibility of the monitor. Generally, the best portable monitors come with a two USB type C ports, a mini HDMI port, and an audio jack. As most of these monitors are powered by USB-C ports it’s important to ensure there are two. Why? Having one port available can definitely help immensely.

 

Top 15 Portable Monitors & USB Screens

1. Asus ZenScreen MB16AC (Editor’s Choice)

Best portable monitor overall and best for Mac

Pixel-resolution: 1,920 x 1,080

An incredibly handy monitor, the ZenScreen from Asus is one of the nicest looking USB monitors available that is packed with features that help make it one of the best available.

While it can be more expensive than someone may be used to, the build and image quality makes the extra cost worth it. If you’re already a fan of the ZenBook line from Asus then the ZenScreen makes it a perfect choice as the design compliments the high-end laptops from the manufacturer nicely. It also works perfectly with Apple iOS making this the best portable moniter for Macbooks.

Pros	Cons
➕ Thin and light	➖ Low brightness
➕ Works with both USB-C and USB-A ports
➕ Excellent image quality

 

Latest Price on Amazon:

 

Asus ZenScreen MB16AC Review

Want a closer look at this fine laptop? Check out this Asus ZenScreen MB16AC review video:

Video credit: Windows Central/YouTube

 

2. ASUS ZenScreen Touch (MB16AMT)

Best touch screen portable monitor runner-up

Pixel-resolution: 1920 x 1080

ASUS ZenScreen Touch MB16AMT is the best portable touch screen monitor that comes with a resolution of 1920×1080 on a 15.6″ display. Although, powering a portable display depletes a laptop’s battery much faster, the MB16AMT has an internal battery that can last up to four hours.

That’s not all, you’ll get full touch functionality on Windows and some Android devices, but the downside is that there’s limited support on macOS and none on iOS.

Pros	Cons
➕ Gesture-based multi-touch and stylus input	➖ Limited touch support on macOS and none on iOS
➕ Built-in battery
➕ Easy-to-navigate menus

 

Latest Price on Amazon:

 

3. HP Business S14

Best for those with small laptops

Pixel-resolution: 1,920 x 1,080

A travel monitor that is business-oriented, the S14 from HP comes with some impressive specs right out of the box thanks to its USB Type-C port. With a full HD resolution, the S14 uses an IPS panel and while the static contrast ratio of 700:1 isn’t the best, the physical aspects of the monitor help make up for it.

With a thin bezel on three sides of the screen plus a magnetic cover that also doubles as a stand, the S14 is a portable moniter that is easy to take anywhere. While it’s disappointing that you can use the monitor only in a horizontal format, the specs and sleek line make this a great portable monitor at a great price.

Pros	Cons
➕ Slick design	➖ No screen rotation
➕ One-cable connectivity	➖ No touch screen
➕ Anti-glare display

 

Latest Price on Amazon:

 

4. AOC I1601FWUX

Lightweight portable monitor

Pixel-resolution: 920×1080

Despite its affordable price, the 15.6-inch display has a Full HD 1920 x 1080 resolution and is equipped with IPS technology offering wide viewing angles. A USB-C connection is also included for powering the monitor at the same time.

Downside? Unfortunately, a peak brightness of 220 cd/m2 is a little  low while in direct sunlight, but hey, you can’t have everything at this price point.

Pros	Cons
➕ Great viewing angles	➖ Works only with USB-C laptops
➕ Lightweight	➖ Narrow color gamut
➕ Works with Windows, MacBook and Chromebooks	➖ OSD menu navigation is awkward

 

Latest Price on Amazon:

 

5. ViewSonic VG1655

Best portable monitor for work-at-home warriors

Pixel-resolution: 1,920 x 1,080

With the current global landscape, many people have been forced to work from home, and depending on your career, in the office, you may have been used to having multiple screens and now you’re reduced to one. This is where the VG1655 from Viewsonic makes its living. With a fold-out stand that gives you a wide tilt range, the Viewsonic monitor also adds some unique features such as a five-way mini-joystick that takes the place of the more commonly seen buttons.

The monitor comes with two USB Type-C ports for power, data, and video transfer as well as a mini HDMI port. The 15.6-inch screen comes with 1080p resolution and an IPS panel but has limited color coverage making this better for business rather than entertainment.

Pros	Cons
➕ Five-way mini-joystick	➖ Response time is slow
➕ Bright screen with high contrast	➖ No internal battery
➕ Lightweight

 

Latest Price on Amazon:

 

6. Lenovo ThinkVision M14

Best for personal and business uses

Pixel-resolution: 1920 x 1080

With a small screen, the Lenovo provides a 14 inch FHD and various tilt angles. The monitor is highly beneficial for business people and personal users due to its portability. With a high pixel density, the monitor results in great and crisp images. 

Along with the high quality panel, the monitor has other features like brightness, high color fidelity, and low blue light technology. Lenovo has ports for 2 x USB Type-C ports supporting DisplayPort 1. 2 alt. The monitor has arrow buttons to control the brightness of the panel. 

Pros	Cons
➕ Light weight	➖ Limited OSD controls
➕ Wide range of tilt angles	➖ Only has USB connectivity
➕ Great color fidelity

 

Latest Price on Amazon:

 

7. Asus MB169C+

The first USB-C portable monitor still impresses

Pixel-resolution: 1,920 x 1,080

Packed with a 15.6-inch screen, the MB169C+ from Asus, there will be times you’ll think you’re using a traditional monitor. With 1080p resolution, it is a perfect choice to stream full HD video, run two applications side-by-side, or if your laptop is powerful enough, gaming. Simple to use thanks to its single cable USB-C connection.

Wrapped in a protective sleeve that also does double duty as a carrying case, the monitor uses IPS technology which means you can offer your friend quality angles for watching a video.

Pros	Cons
➕ A single USB-C cable for both display and power	➖ A little on the dim side
➕ Good color saturation	➖ Consumes a lot of your laptop’s battery
➕ Effective viewing angles

 

Latest Price on Amazon:

 

8. SideTrak Portable Monitor

Best for those with a lack of real estate

Pixel-resolution: 1,920 x 1,080

With its unique design and functionality, at first glance, you wouldn’t think the Portable Monitor from SideTrak would work but it does. Housed in a hard plastic case, the case attaches to your laptop through the use of magnets and when needed, slides out to the right and visible next to your laptop’s screen.

You can even rotate the case 180 degrees and have it appear on the left-hand side if you prefer. The monitor connects via USB-C and comes with a USB-C to USB-A connector if you need one.

Tailored towards the business crowd, the color gamut of 69.4% is similar to many other portable monitors on the market. This means while it may be good for presentations and day-to-day work, it’s not really meant for gamers. While it is a nice option to be able to pull out a second screen when needed, the movement of the frame could be smoother and the color range and brightness could be better but it is still a quality monitor in a pinch.

Pros	Cons
➕ Quick to set up	➖ No OSD
➕ Can stay attached to laptop	➖ Panel is on the dim side

 

Latest Price on Amazon:

 

9. Cocopar Portable Monitor

Pixel-resolution: 1920 x 1080 | Screen size: 17.3 Inches | Weight: 1.97 lbs | Display: 1080P FHD IPS HDR 100% sRGB FreeSync | Refresh rate: 60 Hz 

This is one of the lightest portable gaming monitors on the market. The Cocopar Portable Monitor is an excellent choice for gaming and streaming videos. With the largest screen size currently in the market, this frameless monitor is sleek and VESA mountable.

This Cocopar monitor comes with a smart case to prevent it from getting scratched from surfaces. Meanwhile, its CNC aluminum build ensures durability while being light and easy to carry around. The travel monitor comes with 6 display modes and its mini HDMI allows you to connect PS5s, laptops, and smartphones.

Users who are looking for the biggest monitor size for gaming will definitely enjoy this one. It is one of the best portable monitors in terms of screen size.

Pros t	Cons
➕ Lightweight and durable build	➖ Blacks can look a little washed out
➕ Largest screen available for a portable monitor	➖ The customizable settings have don’t save and have to keep being set
➕ Comes with AMD Radeon FreeSync

 

Latest Price on Amazon:

10. Arzopa 15.6 Inch USB-C Monitor

Best ultra-slim portable monitor

Pixel-resolution: 1920 x 1080 | Screen size: 15.6 Inches | Weight: 1.44lbs | Display: 1080P FHD IPS | Refresh rate: 60 Hz 

The Arazopa USB-C Monitor is the best choice for users who are working with a limited budget. One of the more popular affordable monitors on this list, the Arzopa 15.6-inch USB-C Monitor comes with 3 modes (duplicate mode, extend mode, and second screen mode). Weighing only 1.44 pounds and with a max width of 0.35 inches, this device is both extremely sleek and lightweight.

With IPS angle view of 178 degrees and 300cd/㎡ and 72% NTSC color gamut, this portable external monitor can meet most visual requirements. Its 1000:1 contrast ratio, 300cd/㎡ , and wide color gamut ensure vivid colors and brightness. This makes it a great go-to choice for designers and graphic artists.

Pros	Cons
➕ Affordable price	➖ The screen resolution could be improved
➕ One of the lightest monitors	➖ Requires you change settings manually to suit preferences
➕ Impressive color accuracy

 

Latest Price on Amazon:

 

11. Asus MB168B+

Full HD resolution over USB-A

Pixel-resolution: 1,920 x 1,080

With the advent of USB-C ports, not everyone has been able to upgrade and that’s why the MB168B+ from Asus is a perfect option. Connecting through a USB-A port, it will work with both USB 2.0 and 3.0, though significantly better on the latter. With a slim and attractive design, Asus’ EzLink technology offloads the graphic processing from the PC and into the hardware in the monitor.

If you haven’t upgraded to Type C just yet, the portable moniter from Asus could be the answer you’re looking for and if you have enough ports, you could hook up five of them at once.

Pros	Cons
➕ Lightweight	➖ USB cable can seem too short in some cases
➕ Mac and USB 2 compatible

 

Latest Price on Amazon:

 

12. Lepow 15.6-Inch USB-C Portable Monitor

Best portable monitor for working from your favorite coffee shop

Pixel-resolution: 1,920 x 1,080

With more inputs than you would normally find on a portable monitor, the Portable Monitor from Lepow is one of the better larger-screen options out there. With a 15.6-inch display, it certainly comes with enough real estate for you to work on any project such as a graphic design project.

While the colors can look flat, which is a common issue with many portable monitors, it is still good enough for watching videos casually. With two USB-C ports and a mini-HDMI, the monitor can be powered by either the laptop connected to it or through an included AC adapter. The only downside to this affordable monitor is the color range can be dull making reds and purples feel lackluster.

Pros	Cons
➕ Convenient OSD menu	➖ Image quality is not so good with dull colors
➕ USB-C and mini-HDMI inputs are available

 

Latest Price on Amazon:

 

13. ASUS ROG Strix 15.6  

Best monitors for gamers

Pixel-resolution: 1920 x 1080

If you are in search of monitors for serious gaming, Asus ROG Strix is the best pick. With a display of 15.6 inch, the monitor has a well-rounded display. The monitor has other gaming centric features like high refresh rate and NVIDIA G-SYNC compatibility.

The monitor also has built-in battery, speakers, and kickstand. It provides ports for USB Type-C cable, USB Type-C to A adapter, Micro HDMI. 

Pros	Cons
➕Built-in-battery	➖ Expensive
➕High refresh rate

 

Latest Price on Amazon:

 

14. ASUS ZenScreen MB16AP

The best portable monitor with built-in battery

Pixel-resolution: 1920 x 1080

ASUS ZenScreen MB16AP is a 15.6-inch portable monitor that is designed to keep you productive. It is the world’s first portable moniter that comes with a hybrid-signal solution. The built-in battery makes it a perfect companion on the go to keep it connected with laptops and mobile devices. It comes with accurate contrast and the 1080p resolution makes it further great for editing, viewing, and even casual gaming. If you are specifically looking for a monitor to connect with your laptop or  mobile phones, then this is the perfect budget-friendly pick.

Pros	Cons
➕ 1080p IPS screen	➖ Display colors are slightly dull
➕ Easy to navigable OSD
➕ Cover doubles as a foldable stand

 

Latest Price on Amazon:

 

15. Wacom Cintiq 16

The best affordable portable monitor

Pixel-resolution: 1920 x 1080

Wacom Cintiq 16 is probably the most affordable tablet for graphic designers. The 15.6-inch beauty comes with a full HD resolution and is great for creatives to level up their game. It boasts 8,192 levels of pressure sensitivity and that gives a feeling of drawing on paper. As for the build quality, Wacom is impressive on that front. So, if you are looking for a delightful drawing and editing experience on a tablet, then it is a good pick for creatives and students.

Pros	Cons
➕ Will get the best pen of Wacom	➖ Doesn’t feel like a big step forward from the previous model

 

Latest Price on Amazon:

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

Best Portable Monitors in 2022

Portable monitors can make a great addition to anyone’s toolbox. From office workers, graphic designers to gamers, and beyond, the versatility and portability make them worthy of your consideration. We hope that our list of the best portable monitors in 2022 has helped you in your search for the portable moniter that suits your needs.

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