I've rounded up the best portable monitors based on our comprehensive tests - and as with our full reviews, I'm looking for a good screen size, good resolution, with a bountiful port selection for connecting extra devices. Bonus points, too, for those with a built-in battery or power delivery for charging laptops, tablets, and phones. For gamers, I've checked for high refresh rates, while for creative professionals, I always look for high color accuracy and a wide color gamut for the most faithful reproductions.
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Overall, the Arzopa Z1RC stands out as the best option for most people - this is a 16in display that boasts a 2.5K resolution that in our testing offered a crisp, detailed picture quality with vibrant colors. And it's definitely on the affordable side, too.
If you're looking for a portable monitor for business, I recommend the Lenovo ThinkVision M14t Gen 2 or the 27in (but surprisingly portable) Asus ZenScreen MB27ACF. And for cheap portable displays, I especially like the KYY K3 and the AOC 16T3EA, which have their flaws, but price isn't one of them.
Every model featured in this round-up has been extensively tested by my team and I, and I've included good portable monitors for everything from streaming movies and presentations to content creation and gaming.
The Arzopa Z1RC is the best portable monitor for most people thanks to its clear 16-inch, 2.5K display, and USB-C and mini HDMI connectivity - all at a reasonable price.
Generally well-reviewed, Arzopa’s range tends to be cheap, portable, and powerful enough. A display like the Z1RC might not have every bell and whistle, but like most of the company’s line-up, it’s affordable and suitable for most uses, like working, streaming, presenting, and light gaming.
The IPS panel on the Z1RC features x resolution, 60Hz refresh rate, two USB-C ports and a mini HDMI port. Dimensions run to 356 x 240 x 9mm, weighing 763g. Color coverage is fair, and we recorded 100% sRGB, 89% AdobeRGB, 95% P3, and 69% of Rec . We did find the viewing angle to be somewhat narrow at 85 degrees. Nor is it the brightest portable screen we’ve tested. Despite claims of 500nits peak brightness, it’s arguably closer to 400, with our own tests showing the backlight hit around 337nits with a contrast of :1. We also felt a protective case is a necessity if you plan to use this portable monitor for travel.
Overall, there may be better portable monitors out there, but not at this price. Top lternatives we like include the gaming-focused Arzopa Z1FC and the 15.6in Arzopa S1 Table.
Read our full Arzopa Z1RC review
The KYY K3 may not be the best portable monitor in the world, but for the extremely low price, it delivers everything we’d expect from a cheap, lightweight display - and a few features we didn’t expect. The handful of flaws we found can be pretty much overlooked considering the cost.
Design is nice - nothing ground-breaking, but simple and practical, and very easy to use. Power button, menu select wheel, and an audio jack can be found on the left. There’s even a set of built-in speakers, although as you’d expect from a budget device, audio quality is tinny. Port selection is fine. Along the right-hand side, you’ll find two USB-C and a mini HDMI input, making it pretty straightforward to connect a laptop, mobile device, or games console. You’ll also get a range of cable adapters for more connectivity.
What we really liked is the inclusion of a full OSD menu, letting you tweak the likes of color temperature, contrast levels, and Eco modes - not every portable monitor has this, so to see it on a low-cost display is a nice touch. Speaking of color, though, the gamut here is pretty woeful. We measured 64% sRGB and 49% for both AdobeRGB and P3, which rules this out for use by creative professionals. Still, for a sub-$100 portable monitor that comes with power supply, cables, and case that doubles as a stand, and with a p resolution, this little screen ticks a lot of boxes.
Read our full KYY K3 review
Part of Lenovo’s Think series, the M14t Gen 2 is a 14in touchscreen portable business monitor that’s overall optimal for working, watching, and low-level photo and video editing.
We’ve used plenty of ThinkPads in our time, and while the laptops’ keyboard and build quality are outstanding, the screens never stood out against the likes of Apple MacBook Pro. So, how does the ThinkVision M14t Gen 2 measure up?
This iteration boasts p resolution, 16:10 aspect ratio, 100% sRGB color gamut, and :1 contrast ratio. At $400 / £400, it’s around a hundred bucks cheaper than the Gen 1 was on release (as an older model, it’s decidedly cheaper now). So, in every way, it addresses the issues we had with the otherwise perfectly acceptable predecessor.
Image quality is excellent, and we had no issues editing videos and photos, or watching YouTube videos. Text was crisp, colors were accurate, vibrant, blacks were deep. Using the touchscreen and included stylus was simple and snappy - although it’s not going to be your go-to drawing tablet. Nor will it meet serious gaming needs due to high input latency. If that’s not an issue, the Lenovo ThinkVision M14t Gen 2 is one of the best portable computer monitors you can get.
Read our full Lenovo ThinkVision M14t Gen 2 review
A 17.3in full HD display with a 240Hz refresh rate gives the Asus ROG Strix XG17AHPE the edge. The best portable gaming monitor we’ve tried, this device is focused, offers no compromises, suitable for the most dedicated players.
Even with its broad screen, the device is just 0.4in thin, weighing around 1kg, with a USB-C and miniHDMI ports along the side. In our hands, the well-built ROG Strix XG17AHPE showed no signs of bend or flex. It comes packages with a case and compact tripod, which is a thoughtful touch.
In use, the large portable display is vivid, crisp. When we tried games like Overwatch, Valorant, and Call of Duty, colors were popping off the screen without oversaturation, remaining distinct even in darker areas of the game. And we loved the smoothness that came with a higher refresh rate, with no ghosting and blur. Audio is loud and clear, too.
Yes, it’s a bit overkill if you’re presenting or Netflix-ing the night away (although it’s perfectly capable of doing it). Also, while current-gen consoles are only capable of 120Hz, the refresh rate here offers in-built future-proofing, and the Switch and PlayStation still felt smooth during our gameplay tests.
Read our full Asus ROG Strix XG17AHPE review
The AOC 16T3EA may have some minor limitations, notably the color accuracy, it’s well-priced for a portable full HD display.
With its 15.6in p IPS display and a slim, lightweight design, we found it a very effective multi-tasking companion for on-the-go professionals. We were impressed by the 14mm profile and 870g weight, even with two built-in kick-stands tucked away around the back for portrait and landscape orientation. Helping to maintain that compact form is the inclusion of a single USB-C connection. Just plug it into any compatible Windows or Mac laptop and you’re away.
And this may be the first deal-breaker. There are no other ports along the display. Not even an audio jack. We also noted the disappointing brightness (just 250cd/m²), while color coverage is effectively non-existent (56% sRGB, 41% Adobe RGB, and 41% DCI-P3). And the lack of anything beyond OSD controls means we can’t recommend this for content creators and photographers. But for anyone looking for a smartly designed portable second-screen, there’s a lot to like.
Read our full AOC 16T3EA review
Despite its 27in QHD IPS panel, the Asus ZenScreen MB27ACF is surprisingly slim and relatively lightweight. For me, this is ideal for a single-station set-up or use across an office where you need to key into the details or collaborate with others. I wouldn’t like to be carrying this on the commute everyday, especially since it doesn’t come with a case or sleeve for protection.
The screen is clear, with a matte anti-glare covering but no touchscreen capabilities. Specs-wise, you’re looking at 2.5K resolution, :1 contrast ratio, 300 nits brightness (so about average), and 99% sRGB. That feels about right, but I would've loved to see a wider color gamut so creators could benefit from the large-screen portability, too. It does have built-in speakers along the bottom. They sound nice enough, although I’d still recommend external speakers or headphones for almost any portable monitor.
Around the back is a fold-out kick-stand, which I initially found a little stiff but otherwise works well (for security, I’d advise using both hands on either side of the stand to pull it into position). You can effectively set this up anywhere. Better still, Asus also supplies a monitor arm and hooks for hanging the monitor in the box. There’s no battery built in, so you’ll need to run it off the mains. Port selection is standard - HDMI, USB-C with DP Alt Mode, and an audio jack. It also features a 70W USB-C power delivery, too. Right now, this is a solid pick for anyone who needs a large-sized portable monitor, particularly for business-use.
Read our full Asus ZenScreen MB27ACF review
The espressoDisplay 15 is our pick for best portable for Mac,MacBook Pro, and Mac mini devices. True, most displays here are compatible with Apple devices, but the espressoDisplay’s sleek design fits well with the Mac aesthetic - and it showed outstanding performance when we hooked it up to our MacBook Pro 16in. With two USB-C inputs, though, you’ll find it works well with most Windows laptops, too.
Attached to the magnetic stand, you can smoothly switch from landscape to portrait mode quickly - an essential feature for photographers and designers. There’s also a Creator screen protector, adding a matte finish to the glass screen, which we found made it easier to view in direct sunlight, and write on using the espresso stylus.
Using the screen for everything from work communications to review writing and photo editing, the portable display never missed a beat. It felt a natural fit for a more productive and efficient working environment. We’re not saying we got obsessed with the espressoDisplay, but we did find multiple reasons during the review period to work from home, just to have an excuse to use it. We also like the option of choosing a 13- or 15-in version depending on how portable you need it to be.
Read our full espressoDisplay 15 review
The Innocn 15A1F is one of the best portable monitors around - light, compact, a well-sized 15.6in screen at p, it covers most bases. It’s not the only portable OLED display out there, but it’s a great option if you’re looking for a crisp, bright screen at a relatively affordable price.
Along the device you’ll find two USB-C ports (one for 45W power) and a HDMI 1.4 port. This means you can easily connect it straight to a laptop or games console. However, the 60Hz refresh rate will have limited appeal to serious gamers. Using it on a Windows computer, the desktop appeared remarkably punchy, boasting inky blacks and highly saturated colours. Our only real complaint is the reflective nature of the glossy glass screen.
400nits is the stated brightness for this panel. In our tests, it hit 406.2nits at 100% brightness setting. Impressive, but not bright enough for true HDR output. Base color coverage runs to 100% sRBG, 98.3% Adobe RGB, and 100% DCI-P3 - so, if you don’t mind the limited screen size, there’s potential here if you’re a designer or working with color.
Read our full Innocn 15A1F review
If you're a content creator or creative professional who needs a portable monitor while working across multiple locations, the ViewSonic VP16 OLED is a top pick. What really caught our eye during review is the wide color gamut and overall accuracy.
This display boasts DCI-P3, sRGB, REC.709, and DICOM color modes that impressed us during review. it's also really easy to switch between them all using the on-screen display or the buttons located at the foot of the screen. There's Pantone validation and DisplayHDR 400 certification here, too, and ViewSonic guarantee average Delta E of less than two - in our tests, we measured it at just 0.5.
So, what didn't we like? Our biggest issue is that it's not a 10-bit display but 8-bit plus FRC. Resolution sits at just p, which may be a deal-breaker for some. However, under review, text, photos, and videos all looked sharp, so don't let that put you off. On paper, it's pretty average brightness, too, but although we measured brightness at 402cd/m2, it's difficult to imagine anyone having problems using this even in direct sunlight. And, as usual with even some of the best portable monitors, the speakers aren't great.
But that's not why you'd buy a display like this - it's for the excellent color accuracy. And on that score, it's difficult to find fault.
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Read our full ViewSonic VP16 OLED review
The Maxfree S6 is a dual-portable monitor with two 15.6in screens that unfold, sitting either side of your Windows or Mac laptop. Best for business use and multi-tasking, it’s really easy to set up, with a standard-issue 15.6in IPS panel featuring x resolution, 16:9 aspect ratio, and 60Hz refresh rate. A fairly low :1 contrast ratio and 300cd/m² brightness, and a very low 72% NTSC colour gamut round out this portable screen.
What really sets this unit apart from other triple-monitor units is the flexibility over positioning the two screens. Each one is independent of the other, letting you place either in portrait or landscape orientation, using just one or both. Each monitor will also require its own power supply, so make sure your laptop has enough ports or you’re using a USB hub.
Ideal for use in the office or home office, given its size and weight (360.7 x 216.6 x 45mm / 2.3kg), it’s certainly portable - but it’s undeniably bulky, and we found using the supplied case a necessity over cramming it into a laptop bag. For a smaller, more portable option, check out our The Portable Monitor Flex 14-inch review. It's also not the cheapest laptop screen extender we’ve seen out there. For low-cost alternatives, we recommend looking at models from brands like Arzopa and AOC.
Read our full Maxfree S6 Triple Laptop Screen Extender review
The CrowVi portable monitor from Elecrow has all the bells and whistles of a modern screen while being simple and small. The glossy 13.3in FHD IPS panel is bright at 300 nits and offers an 800:1 contrast level. Being thin at less than 10mm and weighing around 350 grams, the monitor can easily be moved around. The IPS technology also provides a great viewing angle and faithful color reproduction. The supplied plastic cover doubles as a stand while protecting the screen.
We found the display worked right out of the box, providing superb image quality and a touch interface. The low power consumption and built-in speaker make it an essential accessory for crowded spaces like desktops. Its best feature is that it works with only one Type-C connection, providing power, display, and touch input.
Our biggest issue using the CrowVi is its glossy screen, which can distract from serious work. The bezel isn’t the smallest found on a portable display, and while using only a slide button for the menu might be economical, this renders navigating the settings time-consuming. But, perhaps, that's the trade-off for a cheap portable monitor that's on the small side compared to most. See our Read our full CrowView Note review for a larger alternative from the same makers.
Read our full CrowVi review
The Delta Pro Touch from monitor-makers Uperfect is a pretty impressive device, all told. Here, you get two 16in 2.5K monitors, each covering 100% of the sRGB color gamut, and both supporting touch interface. There's even a stylus included in the box, which makes it one of the best portable monitors for creators, photographers, and anyone editing images.
After unboxing our review unit, we gave it the once over. Design-wise, it's fairly compact, but it's not one for everyday carry - better to set it up in one location, rather than carting around multiple locations in a day (although that's absolutely a possibility). The included kickstand also felt stable and was versatile in use.
Testing this portable monitor for over two weeks, we connected it to a range of devices, including a MacBook Pro, iPad Pro, Dell Precision and ThinkPad laptops, and even set it up to display Apple TV on one screen and a Mac on the other. Throughout this time, we had no issues with performance at all. Thanks to the built-in screen rotation tool, it also served as a good presentation unit, letting others see what you see when folded over.
Ports selection is straightforward enough but hardly generous, with just a USB-C and mini HDMI port, but there's already two screens here, so we wouldn't
It's not as widely available as I'd like - you can get it shipped worldwide from the Uperfect website, of course, but beyond AliExpress, I can't see many options out there for the UK, Europe, and Australia. Still, at the time of writing it's been heavily discounted on both sites, which may swing it for you.
Read our full Uperfect Delta Pro Touch review
Not every portable monitor we test can be considered the best, but each of these deserve an honorable mention.
In general, portable monitors connect to devices via USB-C - a single cable carrying output and power, making it better-suited for portability. Plug one end into your device, the other end into the display, and head into your operating system's display settings for further configurations like mirroring.
Some portable monitors also connect to devices via USB-A, mini-HDMI, micro-HDMI, and VGA. Check your manual for full details.
You'll find the best portable monitors are compatible with laptops, tablets and gaming consoles like the Nintendo Switch. Depending on the portable monitor model, it may be possible to hook up to display to a desktop, but if you have the space for a second full-sized monitor, this will be usually be the better option for productivity gains.
Some of the best portable monitor models do feature built-in speakers. However, when it comes to internal speakers, we find audio quality varies greatly. Lower-priced portable monitors often having a shallow, tinny sound to them, lacking in bass. These speakers will be fine for presentations or in a pinch, but pale in comparison to those with dedicated audio systems or external speakers.
It depends on the model. Some portable monitors feature a built-in rechargeable battery, while others will draw power from the connected device.
Both have pros and cons. A portable monitor with a battery means you can use it for longer on the go, but it will be heavier. They're also more expensive. A display without a battery is lighter to carry, but will drain your device faster if you're not connected to the mains.
Choosing portable monitor hinges on your use case and to what device you are connecting.
Hardware & connections
When selecting the best monitors for a dual set-up, most people pair a portable monitor with a USB-C-equipped laptop. When it comes to plug-and-play simplicity, these are usually the top option, ensuring both compatibility and plenty of bandwidth for any resolution a portable monitor is likely to offer. That said, many mobile screens also support mini-HDMI, micro-HDMI, USB-A, and VGA. Just be aware that it may require software and drivers, which could present a problem depending on your device to drive the display.
Screen size & resolution
Screen size is an important deciding factor - big enough to complete tasks, small enough to carry with you. Most of the best portable monitors are 15.6-inch panels with a p resolution of by pixels - although 4K portable monitors are becoming increasingly prevalent, with better color accuracy and color space coverage for creatives. However, 10 to 13in screens are available for true portability.
Refresh rate & response time
Most of the portable monitors we review have a refresh rate of 60Hz - standard for most monitors, except for the best gaming monitors. if gaming if your prime concern, and where every millisecond counts, check for a screen that refreshes the on-screen image faster. Look for 120Hz or 240Hz. Response times refer to how long it takes for a pixel on your monitor to change - the quicker, the better, especially for games.
Battery
Battery or no battery is another critical question. You can get portable screens both with and without built-in power. Cheap portable monitors tend to come without a battery, and are lighter. However, if you’re using a mobile screen away from the mains, they will drain your laptop’s battery pretty fast.
Brightness
Brightness is a significant factor, particularly for creative work and gaming. If you plan to use your portable display outside, you want as much of that as humanly possible. Most are limited, only topping out at a little over 200 nits. Aim for the brightest, highest luminance you can get - although brighter displays will use up even more battery when powered by your laptop. We always test the luminance of a device to see how well it holds up against the manufacturer's claims.
Budget
The best portable monitors range in price, from as little as $50 up to hundreds of dollars for premium displays - so it's easy to find one that does everything you need at the right price. Don't forget to check Black Friday portable monitor deals and Prime Day portable monitor deals when the seasonal shopping sales are on.
We've tested a range of professional displays, including the best monitors for video editing, the best monitors for MacBook Pro, and the best monitors for photo editing. We've also reviewed the best monitors and best business monitors. So, we know what to look out for when you need a second screen to take with you.
All devices featured in this round-up have been tested by us. We evaluate these displays across many aspects, starting with the design and dimensions, exploring weight and overall portability. Build quality is essential for the best portable monitors, and we're looking for robust devices that are designed for travel, the commute, and multi-location set-ups.
For screens, we look at size, avoiding - and noting - any signs of glossiness and reflectiveness when used in bright rooms or outdoors in sunlight. We also compare each display's resolution, and whether it's capable for the use. For example, we'd expect higher resolutions for photo editing than for streaming movies or presentations at work.
We also check brightness and viewing angles - and we always test the manufacturer's claims of brightness. In many cases, peak luminance in a real-world setting is lower than the stated specs, and we'll note this in our review. Where available or relevant, we'll evaluate color accuracy and color coverage to identify the screens with the best image quality.
For more, see our guide How we test, review and rate professional and business monitors on TechRadar Pro.
We also tested the best monitors for graphic design - and these are the ones we recommend
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