Portable monitors have never been more common with so many people working remotely. The best portable external monitor for laptops is portable and adequate to carry with you anywhere.
Having an external monitor will further improve productivity by letting you spend less time task switching. A portable external monitor will help to increase your screen space. A portable monitor can even be used to make your smartphone work more like a computer.
Benefits of Portable External Monitor
Study shows that the utilization of multiple screens can boost productivity.
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With the rise in technology, portable monitors are becoming more essential to own and also more affordable to buy. There are numerous benefits of portable monitors in the modern era of technology and advancements that are significant.
They are lightweight and more comfortable to carry as compared to a standard PC. It is handier to fit into backpacks and carry with you and even comes with aesthetically appealing designs nowadays. In addition to their durability, they are more budget-friendly, making it easier for more people to get portable monitors.
These systems are also highly compatible with other systems and programs and can adjust their requirements to the user. They can work with different system specifications, creating compliance and functionality for the user. It is mandatory to follow the various software and hardware requirements for your specific system.
They can easily link with any gadget or device supported by the USB port. Whether it’s a tablet, PC, or gaming console, these portable monitors can be attached as extra screen space for other systems. They are versatile and flexible to fit the necessities of the user. These monitors require no additional AC adapters, as they can be charged via USB cables.
Portable monitors provide maximum functionality that will benefit you at work and also in your leisure time. Users can utilize these monitors to play games, watch movies, or even recordings at home or out and about.
Portable External Monitor Buying Guide
Portable monitors provide freedom, great functionality, and convenience. They support us to bring our work with us, improve our creativity, and achieve more.
- Benefits of Portable External Monitor
- Portable External Monitor Buying Guide
- Best Portable External Monitors
- Best Portable Monitor for Travelers
- Top rated Portable External Monitor for At-Home Workers
- Best For Laptop Users and Mobile Presentations
- Portable Touchscreen Monitor with HDMI
- Perfect Portable Monitor For Work and Gaming
- Full HD Portable IPS Monitor
- Overall Best Portable Monitors
- Premium Display for Business & Entertainment
- Top Rated Portable Gaming Monitor
- Ideal Portable External Monitor for Travelers
- Other Recommended Products
Choosing a portable monitor can be very intimidating if you have never bought one before. There are many models, sizes, and various options to consider while looking for a portable monitor. We shall discuss some pointers to easily recognize the best suitable portable external monitor for your specific needs.
Weight
The prime objective of a portable monitor is to have a screen that you can carry with you. Hence, choosing a model with a significant weight isn’t exactly a smart decision. The more beneficial features you need in your model, the more it is going to weigh. Try to find a reasonable spot between the features and the weight.
Connectivity
The connectivity of the portable monitor is a fundamental thing if you are looking to connect a secondary monitor to your laptop. The initial step in buying a portable monitor for your laptop is to check the ports on your laptop and monitor to make sure they match.
If you do not have matching ports on the monitor and laptop, then you will have to get an adapter to connect them, or you may not be able to connect them at all. Most of the latest models provide a UDMI port, the most effective in connecting your laptop to any kind of secondary screen.
The UDMI port is considered a universal port, rendering the same frame rates on the secondary display as what is rendered on your laptop. The USB port is the other option.
Resolution
Portable external monitors are made with outdoor use and functionality in mind, which devises the need for high resolution. If you want really clear images on the portable monitor, go for the highest available resolution – Full HD (1920 x 1080). If you are looking for seamless use, make sure to get a model whose resolution is the same as the one on your laptop. The apps will look the same on both screens, and that will encourage you to stay concentrated while working.
Orientation
Just like the latest smartphones, some models will rotate the screen as you turn them around. The landscape orientation, for instance, is perfect for watching movies, while the portrait orientation is the one you want to use while browsing web content or working on documents or coding. If you are intending to use your external monitor for all sorts of jobs, you should absolutely get a monitor that can automatically rotate the on-display content.
Plug & Play
If you want to set up a new monitor without worries, you should buy the models with Plug & Play compatibility. This will allow you to use the screen within seconds of connecting it to your laptop. In most cases, the OS will automatically install the appropriate drivers.
Protection
You must consider the protection of your portable monitor since it will spend a lot of time in backpacks, suitcases, and other kinds of containers. Several models arrive with stands that further act as protective sleeves. The protective sleeve can do a great job when it comes to securing the device from breakages, scratches, and dents.
Best Portable External Monitors
With dozens of different models on the market, choosing the best portable external monitor that will satisfy your needs can be a real chore. We have tried to go over the main features of the most popular models that are currently on the market.
Best Portable Monitor for Travelers
AOC I1659FWUX 15.6″
- The AOC I1659FWUX is a portable external monitor made for travelers, and for all those looking for an additional screen that will take up less space in their bags.
- It is sleek in design. The USB 3.0 achieves high transfer rates and delivers high-quality images while powering the monitor with just one cable. Designed with a piano-black glossy finish, this USB monitor has a 16” diagonally viewable image.
- The I1659FWUX offers a 700:1 contrast ratio, 25ms response time, and a 1920 x 1080 Full HD resolution.
- This Monitor has a foldable Flexi-stand for viewing in landscape or portrait mode.
Pros
- Power and signal delivery via a single USB 3.0 cable
- Plug-and-play in Windows & Mac
- Wall mountable
- A built-in stand that works in both portrait and landscape modes
Cons
- No way to control brightness or contrast
Top rated Portable External Monitor for At-Home Workers
ViewSonic VG1655
- Weighing just under 2 lbs., this 15.6-inch portable monitor can be easily packed and carried with you wherever you go.
- With dual USB-C Ports, the VG1655 can deliver data, video, audio, and power over a single cable, with laptops able to power the monitor via two-way power.
- Each monitor comes with an enduring screen cover and a built-in stand for orientation in both portrait and landscape modes. Connect your gaming devices to play games anyplace.
Pros
- Ultra-portable.
- Flicker-free technology and a blue light filter.
- 2-way power with USB type C.
- Flexible connectivity.
- Stunning HD resolution.
Cons
- Few colors are dull in images and videos.
Best For Laptop Users and Mobile Presentations
ASUS MB168B
- 15.6″ HD portable USB-powered monitor with a single USB 3.0 cable for power and data transmission.
- The monitor features a beautiful 15.6″ display that sports a resolution of 1366 x 768 as well as an aspect ratio of 16:9.
- With a slim 8mm (0.3-inch) profile and tipping the scales at just 800g (1.76 pounds), the MB168B is the world’s slimmest and lightest companion screen. Ideal for a simple on-the-go dual-monitor setup and mobile presentations.
Pros
- Lightweight and low-overhead
- Blue light filter
- Solid metal/plastic construction
- Easy to use adjustment settings directly on the device
Cons
- Doesn’t have the ability to auto-rotate on MacOS
Portable Touchscreen Monitor with HDMI
Gechic 1503I
- 15. 6″, 1080P Full HD, IPS monitor with HDMI, VGA, and USB inputs
- Supports ten-finger multi-touch and Windows 8. 1/10 touch gestures for precise digital interaction
- 1503 series is provided with a unique rear dock connector consisting of power, display, and system configuration signals at the rear side of the monitor. 1503 can be used in conjunction with a variety of HDMI-compatible devices including laptops, gaming consoles, mini-PCs, compute sticks, and more.
- 170-degree vertical and horizontal viewing angle, LED Backlight Exquisite Brightness
Pros
- Lightweight.
- Vertical & Horizontal Detachable Stand.
- Supports ten-finger multi-touch.
- Rear dock expansion.
Cons
- Pricey.
Perfect Portable Monitor For Work and Gaming
Deco Gear
- A 15.6” high-resolution 1920 x 1080 IPS panel is packed into an incredibly thin screen. Measuring just 0.6” thick and 3.6 lb with the given case.
- Play your favorite mobile game on the big screen and see it like never before. Improve out-of-office business meetings with presentations from your phone. Enhance gameplay with your Nintendo Switch so there’s less squinting and more playing.
- A built-in 10,000 mAh battery powers the monitor when you’re not near an outlet, and charges automatically when you plug it into an outlet.
Pros
- Stunning display
- Variety of input options
- Built-in 10,000 mAh Battery
- Built-in Dual Speakers
- Versatile protective cover
Cons
- Powers off when locking the PC
Full HD Portable IPS Monitor
Acer PM161Q
- In meetings, in the classroom & anywhere in between, Acer’s PM Series portable monitor is the go-to choice for people on the move.
- It is ideal for use on the go, takes up minimal desk space, and is perfect for use as a secondary monitor during presentations.
- Movies and games appear more real and exciting, and small details and text are clear with 1920 x 1080 resolution in a 16:9 aspect ratio.
- With an easy adjustment, the display tilts from 15 to 35 degrees letting you choose the best sightline for your presentation or media.
- Response Time: 7ms (G to G)
Pros
- Versatile and Portable
- Single-cable simplicity
- Ergonomic tilt
- Wide viewing angle
Cons
- Both USB-C and micro USB cables are very short
Overall Best Portable Monitors
Lenovo ThinkVision M14
- This 14″ Monitor weighs just 570g and is compatible with any device with an advanced USB-C port.
- The M14 has an unusual design, with the screen connected to a fold-up base via a fancy hinge mechanism. The display itself is just 0.17″ (4.4m) thick and can be set to any angle anywhere from -5 to 90 degrees. The base unit holds all of the ports and circuitry.
- 16. 7 million colors, 300 nits typical, 6ms with old – 60 Hz refresh
- 2 x USB Type-C ports that support DisplayPort 1. 2 Alt Mode and Pd2. 0
- Low Blue Light Technology, Kensington lock slot
Pros
- Incredibly lightweight
- The base acts as a sturdy stand
- Adjustable screen angle
- Excellent color reproduction and brightness
Cons
- USB-C only. No USB-A or HDMI support for older machines
Premium Display for Business & Entertainment
Lepow Z1 Pro
- Lepow USB C monitor is truly handy and portable in 1.7lb and 0.34 ln. It’s 15.6″ 1920 x 1080 resolution full HD screen offers you a wide horizon and awesome visual clearness. If you feel narrow screens and heavy devices limit your life quality, Lepow portable monitor will be your one-stop solution.
- Lepow USB C display can be connected to most smartphones such as Type-C smartphones and iPhones.
- A 178° visual angle realizes quality viewing even sharing the monitor with several people.
Pros
- Easy & Stable Connection
- Advanced Eye-care IPS Panel
- Built-in dual speakers
- Flexible Display Mode
- HDMI support as well as USB-C
Cons
- Poor color reproduction
- The stand doesn’t support portrait mode
Top Rated Portable Gaming Monitor
msi Optix MAG161V
- The Optix MAG161V is MSI’s first portable gaming monitor, which connects with a range of gaming consoles, smartphones, and computers.
- The MAG161V measures 8.9 x 14.1 x 0.43 inches (HWD), and it weighs right about two pounds. The maximum thickness of the panel itself is 11mm, which is the bottom section, where the ports reside. This part extends about two inches up the panel, and the rest of the screen above that is an amazingly thin 0.2 inch (about 5mm) thick. The bottom bezel is an inch high, while the top and side bezels are just 0.2 inches.
- Frameless bezel- glass surface (Non-Touch)
Pros
- Slim screen
- Built-in speakers
- Easily toggle through advanced display settings
- Broad contrast ratio
- Port selection
Cons
- Awkward folding stand
Ideal Portable External Monitor for Travelers
ASUS ZenScreen Go (MB16AHP)
- ZenScreen Go MB16AHP with a large 7800 mAh built-in battery is intended to keep you productive, wherever you are. It weighs only 0.86 kilograms and is 9 millimeters thin.
- USB-C and micro-HDMI connectivity enable displaying content from a wide range of portable devices.
- It can automatically sense its orientation and switch the display between landscape and portrait modes.
- This monitor highlights a Full HD panel that delivers stunning 1920 x 1080 resolution visuals. It uses IPS technology to give you more flexibility when extending your screen.
- Asus Eye Care technology with TUV Rhineland-certified flicker-free backlighting and blue light filter minimize eye fatigue.
- Ideal for use as a secondary monitor for dual-monitor presentations.
Pros
- Built-in battery and speakers.
- USB-C and micro-HDMI connectivity.
- Slim and stylish ultraportable design.
- Wide viewing angles.
- Works with a wide range of devices.
Cons
- Not for iPhone.
Other Recommended Products
1. Mobile Pixels Duex Max Portable Monitor 1080P FHD Dual Screen, 14 Inch External Display with 1.7lbs Screen, Laptop Monitor with USB-C & HDMI, Gunmetal2. Mobile Pixels Duex Max Portable Monitor 1080P FHD Dual Screen, 14 Inch External Display with 1.7lbs Screen, Laptop Monitor with USB-C & HDMI, Gunmetal
3. Mobile Pixels Duex Max Portable Monitor 1080P FHD Dual Screen, 14 Inch External Display with 1.7lbs Screen, Laptop Monitor with USB-C & HDMI, Gunmetal
4. Mobile Pixels Duex Max Portable Monitor 1080P FHD Dual Screen, 14 Inch External Display with 1.7lbs Screen, Laptop Monitor with USB-C & HDMI, Mallard
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