Best Portable Monitor 2025: Top Picks for Laptops, Travel & Gaming

Updated December 2025 | By TestBeforeYouBuy Team

Quick Summary

Portable monitors have become essential for remote workers, digital nomads, and gamers on the go. The best portable monitors offer USB-C single-cable connectivity, IPS panels with accurate colors, and weigh under 2 pounds for easy travel. Whether you need a second screen for productivity or a gaming display for your Switch or Steam Deck, this guide covers the top picks for every use case.

Affiliate Disclosure: We may earn a commission when you purchase through links on this page. This doesn't affect our recommendations - we only recommend products we've thoroughly researched and believe provide good value.

Top Portable Monitor Picks

Best Overall

ASUS ZenScreen MB16ACV

15.6" FHD IPS, USB-C, 780g ultra-slim, hybrid signal solution, flicker-free with eye care technology.

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Best Budget

Lepow C2 15.6" Portable Monitor

15.6" FHD IPS, USB-C & mini-HDMI, smart cover stand, great value under $150 with solid build quality.

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Best 4K

INNOCN 15.6" 4K OLED Portable

15.6" 4K OLED, 100% DCI-P3, 1ms response, USB-C PD, perfect for creative professionals and HDR content.

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Best Gaming

ASUS ROG Strix XG16AHPE

15.6" FHD 144Hz, built-in 7800mAh battery, G-SYNC Compatible, ideal for Steam Deck and Switch gaming.

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Best Touchscreen

ViewSonic TD1655 Touchscreen

15.6" FHD IPS, 10-point multitouch, USB-C, great for presentations, artists, and interactive work.

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Best Ultralight

Lenovo ThinkVision M14

14" FHD IPS, only 570g, dual USB-C pass-through, foldable tilt stand, perfect for frequent travelers.

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Why Get a Portable Monitor?

Portable monitors have exploded in popularity for good reason. Studies show that dual-monitor setups can increase productivity by up to 42%. For laptop users, a portable second screen provides the same benefit without being tied to a desk.

Key Benefits

  • ✓ Productivity Boost: Keep reference documents, chat, or email visible while working in your main application
  • ✓ Travel-Friendly: Modern portable monitors weigh under 2 lbs and fit in laptop bags
  • ✓ Console Gaming: Play Switch, Steam Deck, or PS5 Remote Play on a bigger screen anywhere
  • ✓ Single-Cable Setup: USB-C monitors get power and video from one cable
  • ✓ Flexibility: Use at coffee shops, hotels, client sites, or as a desktop monitor when needed

Key Features to Consider

Size & Weight

  • 13-14": Most portable, fits any bag, matches smaller laptops
  • 15.6": Sweet spot, matches most laptop screens
  • 17.3": Maximum screen space, less portable
  • Weight: Aim for under 2 lbs (900g) for easy travel

Resolution

  • 1080p FHD: Standard, sharp enough for 15.6", best battery life
  • 1440p QHD: Noticeably sharper text, good middle ground
  • 4K UHD: Professional work, photo/video editing, more power hungry

Connectivity

  • USB-C (DP Alt Mode): Single cable for power + video - most convenient
  • Mini-HDMI: Universal compatibility with any device
  • USB-A Display: Works with older laptops via driver software
  • Pass-through charging: Charge laptop while using monitor

Panel Type

  • IPS: Best colors and viewing angles - recommended for most
  • OLED: Perfect blacks, vibrant colors, premium option
  • VA: Good contrast, less common in portable monitors

Best Overall: ASUS ZenScreen Series

The ASUS ZenScreen lineup remains the gold standard for portable monitors. The MB16ACV offers their hybrid signal solution that works with virtually any USB-C port, solving compatibility issues that plague cheaper monitors.

Why It's Our Top Pick

  • Hybrid Signal: Works with USB-C DP Alt Mode AND USB-A via included adapter
  • Build Quality: Premium aluminum construction, slim 8mm profile
  • Auto-Rotate: Built-in sensor switches between portrait/landscape
  • Eye Care: TUV-certified flicker-free with low blue light mode
  • Smart Cover: Doubles as an adjustable stand with multiple angles

Best for: Professionals who need reliability and broad device compatibility. Works with MacBooks, Windows laptops, and even some tablets.

Best Budget: Lepow C2 & ARZOPA A1

You don't need to spend $300+ for a capable portable monitor. Budget options under $150 have gotten remarkably good, with decent IPS panels and reliable connectivity.

What to Expect Under $150

  • 15.6" 1080p IPS: Same size and resolution as premium options
  • USB-C + mini-HDMI: Good connectivity for the price
  • Build Quality: Plastic instead of aluminum, slightly heavier
  • Color Accuracy: Adequate for productivity, not for color-critical work
  • Stand: Usually includes magnetic smart cover that works as stand

Best for: Students, casual remote workers, and anyone wanting to try a second screen without major investment.

Best 4K: INNOCN 4K OLED & ASUS ProArt

For creative professionals who need accurate colors and sharp detail on the go, 4K portable monitors with OLED panels deliver desktop-quality visuals in a portable package.

4K OLED Advantages

  • Resolution: 3840x2160 provides incredibly sharp text and detail
  • OLED Benefits: Perfect blacks, infinite contrast, wide color gamut
  • Color Accuracy: 100% DCI-P3 coverage for video editing
  • HDR Support: True HDR capability with local dimming
  • Response Time: 1ms OLED response, great for video work

Best for: Photographers, video editors, and designers who need accurate colors and sharp detail for on-location work.

Best Touchscreen: ViewSonic TD1655

Touchscreen portable monitors add another dimension of interactivity, especially useful for presentations, digital art, and Windows tablet mode.

Touchscreen Use Cases

  • Presentations: Navigate slides and annotate directly on screen
  • Digital Art: Use with stylus for drawing and sketching
  • Kiosk/POS: Interactive displays for business applications
  • Windows Tablet Mode: Full touch experience on second screen
  • Gaming: Touch-compatible mobile games and emulators

Best Gaming: ASUS ROG Strix XG16

Portable gaming monitors with high refresh rates have become popular for Steam Deck, Nintendo Switch, and laptop gaming on the go. The ASUS ROG Strix XG16 leads the pack with its built-in battery.

Gaming-Specific Features

  • 144Hz Refresh: Smooth gaming well beyond 60fps
  • Built-in Battery: 7800mAh powers 3+ hours of gaming without outlet
  • Adaptive-Sync: G-SYNC Compatible and FreeSync support
  • Low Input Lag: Essential for competitive gaming response
  • HDMI Input: Direct connection to Switch dock or consoles

Best for: Steam Deck users wanting a bigger screen, Nintendo Switch players, or anyone gaming on laptops during travel.

Best Ultralight: Lenovo ThinkVision M14

For frequent flyers and digital nomads where every gram counts, the ThinkVision M14 at just 570g (1.25 lbs) is remarkably light while maintaining excellent build quality.

Why Weight Matters

  • Carry-on Friendly: Easily fits in any laptop bag without adding bulk
  • All-day Carry: Noticeable difference over heavier 1kg+ monitors
  • Airplane Use: Light enough for tray table use
  • Durability: Less weight = less momentum damage from drops

USB-C vs HDMI: Which Do You Need?

Feature USB-C (DP Alt Mode) HDMI/Mini-HDMI
Cable Count Single cable (power + video) May need separate power
Compatibility Modern laptops with DP over USB-C Universal - any HDMI output
Console Support Limited (Steam Deck works) Full (Switch, PS5, Xbox)
Setup Speed Instant - plug and go Requires power connection

Tip: Get a monitor with BOTH USB-C and HDMI inputs for maximum flexibility. Most mid-range and above models include both.

Best Use Cases for Portable Monitors

Remote Work

The most common use case. Having a second screen for Slack, email, or documentation while your main app runs on your laptop dramatically improves workflow efficiency.

Travel & Hotels

Turn any hotel room into a productive workspace. USB-C single-cable setup means minimal unpacking. Evening entertainment on a bigger screen than your laptop.

Gaming On-the-Go

Steam Deck, Nintendo Switch, and laptop gaming all benefit from a bigger screen. Look for 120Hz+ models with low input lag for the best experience.

Presentations

Use as a confidence monitor while presenting, or share your screen in small meetings without needing a projector setup.

How to Test Your Portable Monitor

Before committing to keep a portable monitor, test it thoroughly using our free tools:

Essential Tests

Essential Portable Monitor Accessories

USB-C Hub with PD

Pass-through charging while connecting multiple devices including your portable monitor.

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Monitor Carrying Case

Padded sleeve protects your portable monitor during travel.

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Portable Monitor Stand

Adjustable stand for better ergonomics than built-in covers provide.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Are portable monitors worth it?

Yes, if you work remotely, travel frequently, or need a second screen for your laptop. They significantly boost productivity by giving you extra screen real estate for multitasking, and modern USB-C models are incredibly convenient with single-cable connectivity.

What size portable monitor is best?

15.6 inches is the sweet spot for most users, matching typical laptop screen sizes. For maximum portability, 13-14 inches is better. For more screen real estate, 17.3-inch models exist but sacrifice portability.

Can portable monitors be used for gaming?

Yes, many portable monitors support 120Hz or 144Hz refresh rates and have low response times suitable for gaming. Look for models with HDMI input for console gaming or USB-C/DisplayPort for PC gaming on the go.

Do portable monitors need to be plugged in?

Most USB-C portable monitors can be powered directly from your laptop through a single USB-C cable. Some models have built-in batteries for completely wireless operation. Larger or higher-brightness models may need separate power.

What should I look for in a portable monitor?

Key features: USB-C connectivity for single-cable setup, IPS panel for good viewing angles, resolution (1080p minimum, 4K for professionals), weight under 2 lbs for travel, and an included cover/stand for protection.

Will a portable monitor work with my MacBook?

Yes, most USB-C portable monitors work with MacBooks via a single USB-C cable. M1/M2/M3 MacBooks support one external display natively (M1/M2 Pro/Max/Ultra support more). Third-party DisplayLink adapters can add additional screens.

Can I use a portable monitor with Nintendo Switch?

Yes, but you need a portable monitor with HDMI input and the Switch dock. Some USB-C monitors work directly with Switch in tabletop mode using third-party dongles, but HDMI through the dock is most reliable.

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