Boost your productivity and teleworking experience with a portable monitor perfect for on-the-go tasks. These compact and lightweight monitors are ideal for those who don't have space for a traditional monitor at home. With so many options on the market, it can be tough to choose the right one.
We've compared seven bestselling portable monitors available online and tested them to recommend the best portable monitor for you.
We tested each product for the following:
Which product ended up being the best of the best? Our buying guide will also tell you how to pick the best portable monitors, so read on for more shopping tips.
After graduating from university and working for a video production company, Kohei Otsuru joined mybest in 2020. After comparing and verifying white goods, such as refrigerators and microwaves, he became the manager of black goods, such as televisions and headphones, utilizing my experience in video and audio. As a person in charge of comparison content, he tackled tasks such as wireless earphone sound quality measurement using dummy heads and tuneless TV image quality measurement using calibration software. In addition, he also handled gadget products such as mobile batteries and smartwatches. He was involved in more than 100 types of products. We aim to spread convenient gadgets that make daily life comfortable. We value first-hand information that can only be understood by actually using them in our content production.
It's crucial to position your portable monitor at the right height to match your chair and desk. We paid particular attention to the stand, a crucial component that significantly influences the simplicity of setup, looking for products that can be set at a comfortable viewing angle both at home and in any other workspace.These are the features we evaluated.Whether the cover doubles as a standIf the stand allows angle adjustmentsWhether the stand takes up desk space
Since most portable monitors have similar shapes, we focused on weight to evaluate portability. We measured the weight of the cover and the device separately, giving high portability ratings to devices lighter than a standard laptop.
While resolution remains consistent across products, panel performance can lead to differences in color output. To measure color reproduction, we used high-precision professional equipment commonly found in video production studios and digital display manufacturers. Devices with crisp images for accurate video and photo editing were given a high rating.Accuracy of color reproductionWe examined the grayscale, a key component of color reproduction that spans various shades of gray from black to white, at 11 separate points. Using D65 as the reference, we used a color management system CMS to gauge how closely each of the six colors (red, green, blue, cyan, magenta, and yellow) approximated the intended output.Color space coverageWe sent HDR signals using the BT.2020 color gamut to determine how much of the BT.2020 color space was covered.Computer:SONY VAIO VJS12590111BAnalyzer:Konica Minolta CA-P427Pattern generator:Portrait Displays VideoForge PROSoftware:Portrait Displays Calman 2022Notes on measurements:The numerical values aren't absolute, considering the individual differences in shipped products and color and brightness variations on the screen.We measured the color temperature in the mode set at shipment time, without adjusting brightness or contrast.Manufacturers may set the color temperature to their liking, so D65 is not the absolute benchmark.We conducted measurements from a point near the screen center, viewed head-on.
We used the same high-precision equipment for color reproduction to measure brightness and contrast. Devices with clear visibility, even in bright outdoor areas, were rated highly.These are the features we measured.BrightnessWe measured the brightness of the screen at maximum brightness using the ANSI 4x4 checkerboard pattern.ContrastWe measured the maximum and minimum brightness that could be displayed on the screen at one time using the ANSI 4x4 checkerboard pattern.
We also tested whether gameplay was smooth, which can offer an advantage in games like Apex and Valorant, as it allows the player to more accurately track moving objects. We evaluated each display's supported refresh rate. Devices capable of capturing character movements easily in FPS and TPS games at 120fps or higher were rated highly.
When connecting to gaming consoles, ports such as HDMI and DisplayPort are required on the display. We gave high ratings to devices with ample ports for entertainment purposes like gaming and watching videos, without the need for an adapter.These are the ports we looked for:HDMI (mini HDMI, micro HDMI)DisplayPort (Mini DisplayPort)USB Type-CAUX port
All product tests
were conducted in-house at mybest
Table of Contents
Portable monitors are compact and easy to carry, making them perfect for boosting productivity on the go. These versatile screens are powered by a single USB Type-C cable, making it easy to expand your workspace without carrying multiple cords.
But portable monitors aren't just for taking on the road. They're also great for use at home. While moving a stationary monitor can be a hassle, a portable display lets you effortlessly switch up your workspace.
Thanks to their compact size, you can efficiently work while relaxing in your living room or watch a quick video from the comfort of your bed. When not in use, stash your monitor in a drawer or bookshelf, keeping your space tidy and clutter-free.
Since portable monitors aren't fixed in place, finding one that easily adjusts to your preferred position is essential. Look for a stand that's user-friendly and customizable.
Many portable monitors come with covers for protection when not being used. The cover typically attaches to the main body using magnets. Sometimes the cover can be used as a stand as well. Flip the side covering the display and prop up the monitor to quickly transform it into a stand.
The adjustability and stability of the stand make a significant difference in the user experience. In our testing, we came across models offering either two-step angle adjustment or infinite adjustability. When using a portable display, the ones with infinite angle adjustment were the most user-friendly.
Given that the height of your desk or chair can vary depending on where you're using the portable display, it's crucial to adjust the screen angle each time for an optimal, reflection-free view. With a fully adjustable stand, you can tweak the screen angle for comfortable viewing no matter where you're set up. So, if you plan on using a portable display across different locations, we recommend choosing one that offers infinite adjustment angles.
Stands with fixed angles require the monitor to be secured into a groove in the folded cover, which eats up extra desk space. In contrast, fully adjustable stands use the cover folded at the back of the monitor for support.
The result is a clean, clutter-free space in front of your monitor. So, not only is the screen easier to view, but it's also a top pick for those keen on keeping their desk tidy. Remember, a clean workspace is a productive workspace!
The refresh rate is a vital monitor specification for gaming, particularly for first-person shooter (FPS) or third-person shooter (TPS) games. Let's delve into the importance of refresh rate in gaming.
The refresh rate measures how often a monitor can update the screen per second. A higher refresh rate provides smooth and stutter-free visuals, creating a more enjoyable gaming experience.
Higher refresh rates are particularly beneficial when playing action-heavy games like FPS or TPS. You'll notice improved aiming, less eye strain, and a more comfortable gaming session overall.
Portable monitor prices typically range from $150 to $500. When comparing the specs of displays with the same form factor, all featured a 1920x1080 Full HD resolution, meaning equal visual clarity for all devices.
However, the refresh rate is where they differed. Gamers who enjoy action titles like Apex Legends or Valorant should consider investing in devices with higher refresh rates, even if it means spending more money.
A monitor with a high refresh rate can give you a smoother viewing experience, but only if your device supports it.
With the PS5, you can output visuals at up to 120fps, so a monitor with a minimum refresh rate of 120 hertz is recommended for smooth gameplay. PCs, depending on their specifications, can output 300fps or more. Select a refresh rate of 120 hertz or higher for an exceptional FPS or TPS gaming experience on PC or PS5.
For Nintendo Switch or PS4 users, which can only output up to 60fps, a 60-hertz monitor will suffice.
Most portable monitors have Full HD resolution, offering similar visual clarity. However, our tests revealed significant differences in color accuracy. Choose a display with accurate color reproduction for photo and video editing purposes.
Portable monitors offer various picture modes, but the sRGB mode is the best setting for photo and video editing. Because it’s an internationally recognized color standard, using sRGB ensures accurate color reproduction across various devices such as digital cameras, printers, and image editing software. When using a portable monitor for tasks like photo and video editing, adhering to the sRGB standard is crucial.
We tested the sRGB mode accuracy of all products. For models without an sRGB mode, we assessed the closest mode. The ASUS ROG Strix emerged as the most color-accurate display. With only minor deviations from the standard, this display can accurately represent colors when working with camera-captured data. The ASUS ROG Strix is highly recommended for tasks requiring precise color handling.
When using your portable monitor outdoors, you'll probably consider the size and weight of the device. However, paying attention to the brightness level and whether it can run on a battery is also essential.
Weight is often the first concern when carrying a device around. While manufacturers may provide the device's weight on their official websites, remember that the actual weight needs to include the cover.
Among the devices we tested, the heaviest was the Nexigo NG17FGQ, weighing in at three pounds and six ounces when paired with its cover. On the other end of the spectrum, the lightest was the FOOWIN Z1, at two pounds seven ounces, including the cover.
The difference between the heaviest and lightest was roughly 14 ounces. However, in practical terms, this weight difference was barely noticeable. As such, weight shouldn't be a decisive factor in your decision-making process.
When using your portable monitor outdoors, ambient light can vary significantly. In rooms with lots of natural light or on sunlit patio seats, the sunlight can overpower the monitor, making it difficult to see. We measured the maximum brightness of each monitor using the same high-precision professional equipment used for color measurement.
Most devices met the benchmark 250 nits maximum brightness, which is suitable for indoor use. However, some devices had a peak brightness of over 300 nits. To avoid a dark and hard-to-see screen when using a monitor outdoors, we recommend choosing a device with 300 nits or higher brightness.
Resolution | Full HD |
---|---|
Refresh rate | 240 Hz |
The ROG Strix series is produced by Taiwan-based computer electronics company ASUS. The monitor has a built-in battery that allows for two hours of use with just one hour of charging, thanks to its quick charge feature. It also features dual speakers.
The included cover can be removed or used as a stand. The angle can be adjusted freely by folding the cover, making it easy to find the perfect viewing angle for any location. In image quality testing, the maximum brightness was relatively high at 270.76 nits (candelas per square meter), which is more than enough for indoor gaming or watching videos.
The color gamut coverage is not particularly wide at 57.4 percent, but the color reproduction is extremely accurate. Games and movies can be viewed in colors very close to what the creators intended, and the monitor is also suitable for video and photo editing.
The refresh rate supports up to 240 hertz, making it easy to spot enemies in fast-paced games like FPS and TPS. The monitor is equipped with a USB Type-C port for video output, as well as a micro HDMI port, allowing video output not only from PCs and gaming consoles, but from smartphones as well.
Width | 15.7 in. |
---|---|
Depth | 0.3 in. |
Height | 9.8 in. |
Weight | 2.3 lbs. |
Monitor size | 17.3 in. |
Contrast ratio | 1000:1 |
Monitor ports | Micro HDMI, USB Type-C |
Blue light filter | - |
Reachargable with PC | ‐ |
Touchscreen | ‐ |
Resolution | Full HD |
---|---|
Refresh rate | 60 Hz |
Arzopa's A1 GAMUT features built-in dual speakers and blue light reduction. The cover that’s normally protecting the LCD screen can be folded to the back of the device, allowing it to be used as a stand. The screen angle is fully adjustable, so it's easy to find a comfortable viewing angle to fit the height of your chair or desk.
Maximum brightness is very high at 317.54 nits, allowing you to adjust the brightness to suit different environments, such as lowering it indoors or increasing it when working outdoors in sunlight. The color performance is also good, with a color gamut coverage of 57.6 percent and natural, accurate colors. This monitor can display colors with minimal deviation from reference data when editing videos or photos.
The refresh rate supports up to 60 hertz, which is sufficient for playing games on devices like the Nintendo Switch or PS4. Video output is compatible with USB Type-C and mini HDMI, allowing connection to a variety of devices in addition to PCs.
Width | 14 in. |
---|---|
Depth | 0.31 in. |
Height | 8.75 in. |
Weight | 1.44 lbs. (2.58 lbs. with cover) |
Monitor size | 15.6 in. |
Contrast ratio | 1000:1 |
Monitor ports | mini HDMI, USB Type-C |
Blue light filter | ✓ |
Reachargable with PC | ‐ |
Touchscreen | ‐ |
Resolution | Full HD |
---|---|
Refresh rate | 240Hz (USB Type-C) 300 Hz (HDMI) |
The NG17FGQ portable monitor is made by PC accessories maker Nexigo. It features built-in dual speakers and comes with a remote control for the monitor. The cover can be attached to the back of the device with magnets and can be flipped over to use as a stand. Although the range is limited, the position can be adjusted freely within that range, making it easy to find a comfortable viewing angle to fit the height of your desk or chair.
In terms of image quality, although the whites were slightly off from benchmark, it was not noticeable when viewing images on the web. Other colors showed no significant deviation, and with a color gamut coverage of 62.5 percent, it offers a vivid image for games and videos. Its 262.9-nit maximum brightness is sufficient for indoor use.
The monitor supports a refresh rate of up to 300 hertz via USB-C and 240 hertz via HDMI. With smoothness equivalent to high-performance gaming monitors, it is suitable for high-intensity FPS and TPS gaming. This monitor is recommended for those who want to play games requiring fast-paced action.
Width | 15.7 in. |
---|---|
Depth | 0.39 in. |
Height | 9.25 in. |
Weight | 5.7 lbs. |
Monitor size | 17.3 in. |
Contrast ratio | 1,000:1 |
Monitor ports | HDMI, USB Type-C |
Blue light filter | ✓ |
Reachargable with PC | ‐ |
Touchscreen | ‐ |
Resolution | Full HD |
---|---|
Refresh rate | 60 Hz |
The Foowin Portable Monitor Z1 can reduce blue light and is equipped with dual speakers. The cover attaches to the device with magnets, and when folded, has grooves that can be used as a stand. However, it can only be adjusted to two positions, and if the height of the monitor does not match your eye level, it may be difficult to see. Additionally, the cover takes up space in front of the monitor, which may get in the way when working on a narrow desk.
In image quality tests, the color gamut coverage was fairly wide at 62.4 percent, but the overall image was tinted slightly, making white backgrounds appear somewhat blue. Maximum brightness measured 243.6 nits, sufficient for using indoors. The monitor supports video output via USB Type-C and mini HDMI, so it can be connected to PCs without a USB Type-C port. With a refresh rate of up to 60 hertz, it is suitable for playing RPGs or simulation games.
Width | 14 in. |
---|---|
Depth | 0.35 in. |
Height | 9 in. |
Weight | 1.74 lbs. |
Monitor size | 15.6 in. |
Contrast ratio | 1000:1 |
Monitor ports | Mini HDMI, USB Type-C |
Blue light filter | ✓ |
Reachargable with PC | ‐ |
Touchscreen | ‐ |
Resolution | Full HD |
---|---|
Refresh rate | 60 Hz |
The STTL14B portable monitor from monitor maker SideTrak features a unique design that attaches directly to a laptop. To connect the monitor to the laptop, attach a magnet to the laptop body and fit the monitor's metal plate onto it. The monitor can be mounted right next to the laptop screen without a stand, but it is prone to tilting over due to its weight and feels quite unstable. Additionally, since there is no cover, a separate protective cover for the display will be necessary when carrying it around.
The maximum brightness measured an impressive 409 nits, so the display is easy to see even outdoors. The color gamut coverage is also high at 59.5 percent, providing sufficiently accurate colors without any discomfort. The refresh rate is 60 hertz, which is not great for FPS and TPS games like Valorant or Apex Legends. Also, since there’s only one USB Type-C port, when powering the monitor via USB Type-C, video output can only be done through mini HDMI.
Width | 13 in. |
---|---|
Depth | 0.7 in. |
Height | 8 in. |
Weight | 1.5 lbs. |
Monitor size | 14 in. |
Contrast ratio | 1000:1 |
Monitor ports | Mini HDMI, USB Type-C, USB Type-A |
Blue light filter | - |
Reachargable with PC | ‐ |
Touchscreen | - |
Resolution | Full HD |
---|---|
Refresh rate | 60 Hz |
The MDS-15608 portable monitor is made by PC accessories manufacturer Newsoul. The monitor features VESA mount-compatible screw holes on the back, allowing it to be attached to a small arm. The case can be folded back and used as a stand. But with only two angle adjustments and wide intervals between them, the display tilts back too far, making it hard to see. Also, part of the folded case sticks out in the front, which may feel obstructive.
On the plus side, the measured maximum brightness of 246.5 nits is sufficiently bright for indoor use. With 62.8 percent color gamut coverage, it can reproduce a relatively wide range of colors, but the overall color tone has a noticeable blue tint. As a result, it’s not the best choice if you want accurate colors, as white walls and clouds appear slightly blue. The monitor supports video input via USB Type-C and miniDP. When connected via miniDP, be aware that window and icon layout may change if the monitor's power is turned off. Its 60 hertz refresh rate means it should be sufficient for casual gaming.
Width | 14 in. |
---|---|
Depth | 0.17 in. |
Height | 8.75 in. |
Weight | 1.99 lbs. |
Monitor size | 15.6 in. |
Contrast ratio | ‐ |
Monitor ports | HDMI, USB Type-C, Mini DisplayPort |
Blue light filter | ✓ |
Reachargable with PC | ‐ |
Touchscreen | ‐ |
Resolution | Full HD |
---|---|
Refresh rate | 60 Hz |
The INVPM406-02B from InnoView, a monitor manufacturer founded in 2007, has become a best-selling low-cost portable monitor on e-commerce sites. The foldable case attaches to the body with magnets, and allows the monitor to rest on the grooves in the case to act as a stand. However, it only has two levels of adjustment and the display is prone to slipping out of the shallow grooves, making it difficult to use.
In image quality tests, the monitor covered only 40.6 percent of the color gamut. In particular, the coverage range for blue was narrow, resulting in blues that lack depth. On the other hand, the maximum brightness recorded was 286.6 nits, which is plenty for indoor use. With a refresh rate of up to 60 hertz, it offers adequate performance for devices such as the Nintendo Switch and PS4. The monitor supports video output via USB Type-C and mini HDMI, allowing connections not only to PCs but also smartphones and tablets.
Width | 16.5 in. |
---|---|
Depth | 2.6 in. |
Height | 11 in. |
Weight | 1.64 lbs. |
Monitor size | 15.8 in. |
Contrast ratio | ‐ |
Monitor ports | Mini HDMI, USB Type-C |
Blue light filter | ✓ |
Reachargable with PC | ‐ |
Touchscreen | ‐ |
For this review, we've rounded up seven popular portable monitors from online marketplaces to determine which product we most recommend. At mybest, we define a superior portable monitor as one with excellent image quality that's easy to use indoors and outdoors.
We evaluated products on the following criteria.
Products we tested
These are the features we evaluated.
Since most portable monitors have similar shapes, we focused on weight to evaluate portability. We measured the weight of the cover and the device separately, giving high portability ratings to devices lighter than a standard laptop.
These are the features we measured.
We also tested whether gameplay was smooth, which can offer an advantage in games like Apex and Valorant, as it allows the player to more accurately track moving objects. We evaluated each display's supported refresh rate. Devices capable of capturing character movements easily in FPS and TPS games at 120fps or higher were rated highly.
When you purchase products mentioned in the article, part of the sales may be returned to mybest.
Apps
Business apps, Cooking apps, Dating appsHome goods
Bath supplies, Ceremonial occasion supplies, Cleaning suppliesHome electronics
Air conditioners and coolers, AV accessories, Blenders and food processorsPC
Computer supplies, Desktop computers, TabletsCamera
Camera bags and backpacks, Camera supplies, Digital single lens camerasBeauty
Blushes, Bronzers, CleansersHealth
Body care products, Health accessories, Health foods and supplementsFood and drinks
Alcohol, Breads and jams, Cocktails and ready-to-drink alcoholic beveragesKitchen
Coffee and tea products, Cooking utensils, CupsFashion
Footwear products, Men's shoes, SandalsShoes
Accessories
Wristwatches, Accessories and jewelry, Umbrellas and parasolsKids and baby
Baby carriers, Baby food, Baby formulaInterior
Beds, Beds and bedding, ChairsHobbies
Aromatherapy products, Art supplies, Arts and collectiblesOutdoor
Barbecue grills and fire pits, Camping beds and cots, Camping gearHome, garden, and tools
Agricultural materials and gardening supplies, Exterior and garden furniture, Materials and repairing agentsSports and fitness
Sports shoes, Surfing supplies, Badminton suppliesPets
Bird and small animal supplies, Cat supplies, Dog suppliesMedia
Books and magazines, CD, Children's books, picture books and illustrated encyclopediasGames
Gaming accessories, Nintendo Switch games, PC gamesAutomotive
Car accessories, Car navigation systemsGifts
Christmas gifts, Father's Day gifts, Gifts for childrenMobile devices
Mobile phone and smartphone accessories, Wearable devices and smart watches