Connecting a portable monitor to a laptop is typically a straightforward process, though the exact method can vary based on the ports available on your laptop and the portable monitor. Most common portable monitors connect via USB-C, HDMI, or DisplayPort. For a USB-C connection, if both your laptop and monitor have USB-C ports that support video output and input, you can simply use a USB-C cable to connect them, which may also power the monitor if the laptop supports Power Delivery. For an HDMI connection, you'll need an HDMI cable to connect the monitor to your laptop's HDMI port, although you may also need an adapter if your laptop only has USB-C or other types of ports. Once connected, the laptop should automatically detect the monitor, but if it doesn't, you might need to adjust the display settings on your laptop. On Windows, this can be done by pressing the Windows key + P to change the display mode, while on a Mac, you can go to System Preferences and then Displays. If the portable monitor has additional features like touchscreen functionality or built-in speakers, you might need to install drivers or adjust additional settings for full compatibility.
Best Portable Monitors of January 2025
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Rating is 5 out of 5
VisionOwl Large Portable Monitor-18.5 Inch Computer Gaming Display 100Hz 125% sRGB FHD 1080P USB-C HDMI IPS Screen for Laptop Mac Surface PC PS4/PS5 Xbox Built-in Kickstand, Speakers, VESA Mountable
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18.5-inch Large Screen, Lightweight: Equipped with an 18.5-inch 1080p FHD IPS large screen, the VisionOwl portable gaming monitor was designed to create a larger viewing experience. Weighing only 2.7 Lb, 0.24-inch in minimum thickness, and 0.55-inch in maximum thickness, the VisionOwl portable monitor can also be easily carried for travel, work, or relocation
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100Hz High Refresh Rate Monitor: Compared to low refresh rate monitors, the VisionOwl external monitor for laptop with a 100hz high refresh rate features 125% sRGB (88%NTSC) and 8-bit color depth with 16.7M colors. It is able to provide a smoother and more exciting gaming experience by displaying more frames per second and reducing lag and motion blur, allowing you to gain an advantage over opponents in the game
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Wide Compatibility, Well Designed: With two USB-C ports and one upgraded standard HDMI port, the VisionOwl portable screen can be easily connected to any major device on the market, such as all Apple MacBooks, Surface, laptops, PC, Xbox, PS5, and more. If your device has a Thunderbolt 3/4 or Full-Featured USB-C port, all you need is a single USB-C to USB-C cable to connect without any hassle
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Rating is 4.9 out of 5
ForHelp Portable Monitor 15.6inch,1080P USB-C HDMI Second External Monitor for Laptop,PC,Mac Phone,PS,Xbox,Swich,IPS Ultra-Thin Zero Frame Gaming Monitor/Premium Smart Cover
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Extensive Compatibility - Forhelp portable monitor features 2 full-featured Type-C ports and 1 MINI HDMI port. You can easily access your favorite devices with just one USB Type-C or MINI HDMI cable. NOTE: Your device should support Thunderbolt 3.0/4.0 or USB 3.1 Type C DP ALT-MODE. It is compatible with all devices equipped with HDMI and USB Type-C ports like laptops, PS, XBOX, SWITCH game consoles.
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Full HD Portable Monitor - 15.6inch portable laptop monitor with 1920*1080 resolution, advanced IPS Matte screen support 178° full viewing angle, it renders accurate and bright color, draws you into the video or game with lifelike colors and amazing detail.It can effectively reduce blue light radiation damage, no flickering, eye-care, and make it easier to watch for a long time.
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Ultra-slim Portable Monitor - As a portable external monitor, Forhelp portable laptop monitor's body is made of aluminum alloy, the weight of the whole machine is 1.8lb, 0.3" ultra-thin profile, can easily fit into your bag, so you can carry it with you. With our magnetic smart holster, you can use and store it anytime.
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Rating is 4.8 out of 5
VILVA Portable-Monitor-for-Laptop - 15.6'' 1080P FHD IPS Display USB-C HDMI Portable Monitor for Laptop with Cover and Speakers External Monitor for Laptop/PC/Mac/Phone/Xbox Switch/PS4/
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Experience Unrivaled Visuals: Get the ultimate viewing experience with the VILVA Professional Portable Monitor! With its incredibly sharp 15.6 inch FHD IPS Screen, you'll get a 1920 x 1080 resolution that viewing experience. Get it now and start working smarter, not harder and get yourself the professional portable monitor today.
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Truly Wide Compatibility: Lets you connect your laptop, PC, MAC, tablet, phone, XBOX, PS3/PS4/PS5, switches, and more via USB-C or HDMI Port-- deliver a stable connection and steady data transmission. Enjoy great sound with the built-in dual stereo speakers, perfect for your business trip, travel, or home entertainment gaming setup.
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Rating is 4.7 out of 5
ALLVIA Laptop Screen Extender 14" 1080P FHD IPS, Portable Monitor for Laptop 13-17", Triple Monitor Extended for laptops with Dual Speakers, Plug-Play with Type-C/HDMI/USB-A for Wins/Mac/Chrome
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Important Notes: The laptop multiple screens attachment works with Windows, ChromeOS, Linux, and Full-Featured Type-C phones. Note 1: For Mac series or laptops lack sufficient HDMI+USB A/C ports, search "B0CY8CLGYY" for the special cable. Note 2: If one screen displays "No Signal," it means the laptop output power is insufficient, requiring extra power for that screen. Note 3: If you have compatibility concerns with our S2 tri-screen for laptops, contact us before purchasing.
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Let's turn your laptop display into 3 monitors, with the additional 2 screens capable of extension/mirror mode to expand your laptop's multi-screen synchronization and differentiation, enabling multitasking simultaneously and boosting productivity by up to 300%.
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Better Visuals from 14” Screen: ALLVIA laptop monitor extender, with 1920*1080 resolution and 300 nits brightness, ensures clarity even in well-lit environments. The 72% NTSC color gamut offers lifelike colors, while the 1000:1 contrast ratio sharpens images. HDR technology enhances the dynamic range for realistic visuals and immersive viewing. Efficient backlighting boosts brightness overall. The double screen for laptop features anti-vertigo and low blue light to protect your eyes
5
Rating is 4.6 out of 5
ARZOPA Portable Monitor, 15.6'' 1080P FHD Laptop Monitor USB C HDMI Computer Display HDR Eye Care External Screen w/Smart Cover for Mac Phone Xbox Switch PS5-S1 Table
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Second Monitor: The ARZOPA portable monitor can very well act as your secondmonitor and improve your work efficiency. You can work and perform multiple taskssimultaneously while using this monitor
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FHD IPS Screen: Designed with a 15.6-inch display, the screen features 1080P, FHD,IPS and anti-glare display. The 60Hz high resolution brings excellent richness in color ofpictures, videos, work and screen quality
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Plug and Play: There is no need of app and drivers, you only need one USB-C cable toset the portable monitor for its video signal and power to deliver a full HD resolutionviewing. (Phones need full-featured USB port)
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Rating is 4.5 out of 5
ViewSonic VA1655 15.6 Inch 1080p Portable IPS Monitor with a Built-in Stand, Mobile Ergonomics, USB C, Mini HDMI and Protective Case for Home and Office,Black
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ULTRA-PORTABLE MONITOR: 15.6 Inch Full HD (1920x1080p) IPS portable monitor with 60Hz refresh rate
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SMALL AND COMPACT: With a weight of 1.5 lbs and a thickness of 0.7 in, this portable monitor slips easily into backpacks and purses
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LESS CABLE CLUTTER: USB-C connectivity for fast data, audio and video transfer, and 60W charging over one cable
7
Rating is 4.4 out of 5
CIDETTY Laptop Screen Extender, 14'' FHD 1080P IPS Ultra-Thin Dual/Triple Monitor Display, HDMI/USB-C Plug-Play Portable Monitor for Laptop, Built-in Speakers(Mac, Win, Android)
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【High-quality Screen】CIDETTY portable monitor features a 14-inch FHD 1080P IPS screen that delivers excellent color rendering and provides a bright and high-quality viewing experience. The screen is equipped with blue light filtering and anti-glare technology, ensuring eye protection and a more comfortable viewing experience, even during prolonged use.
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【Broad Compatibility】CIDETTY laptop screen extender is plug-and-play. It is compatible with Windows, macOS, Linux, and works with Laptops, PS, Xbox, and Switch. Please note that it is not compatible with Macbook with M1, M2, or M3 chips or Surface devices with only one Type-C port. If you encounter any connection issues, please contact our customer service for assistance.
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【Ultra-slim Portable Display】CIDETTY USB-C monitor features built-in speakers and has a screen thickness of only 0.24 inches. It comes with a dedicated protective case for easy portability, making it ideal for dual monitor setups during travel or work on-the-go, as well as for extending phone screens for watching movies.
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Rating is 4.3 out of 5
ARZOPA 16.1'' 144Hz Portable Gaming Monitor, 106% sRGB 1080P FHD Kickstand Portable Monitor with HDR, Ultra Slim, Eye Care, External Second Screen for Laptop, PC, PS5, Mac, Xbox-Z1FC
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16.1" 144Hz Display: Arzopa Z1FC 16.1" portable monitor has 144Hz ultra-high refresh rate for higher motion clarity and smoother gaming visuals. The 144Hz high refresh rate brings lower input latency and higher videos, work and game screen quality（no adaptive sync or freesync）
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Portable Monitor with Kickstand: The portable gaming monitor comes with a built-in stand that allows for easy adjustment of the tilt angle to accommodate different usage needs. Lightweight and easier to carry
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106% sRGB IPS Screen: The 16.1" portable monitor features 1080P FHD high-definition resolution and 106% sRGB gamut brings clear picture quality, immerse yourself in vibrant colors and crisp details
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Rating is 4.2 out of 5
UPERFECT 2K 120Hz Portable Gaming Monitor, 16" 2560x1600 QHD Portable Monitor HDR FreeSync Laptop Monitor w/VESA & Smart Case Matte IPS Eye Care External Second Screen for PC Phone Game Console
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Optimized for Portable Gaming: 2K QHD resolution and amazing 120 Hz refresh rate give you the edge in all your gaming quests; Equipped with FreeSync technology and HDR function to eliminate image tearing and stuttering for higher motion clarity and smoother gameplay
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16" 2K Portable Laptop Monitor: UPERFECT 16 inches portable monitor with 2560 x 1600p resolution, clearer than 1080P; Provide you with a clearer, more realistic and more vivid image for the ultimate experience; Slim at 0.4" and weighing 1.7lbs, easy to carry and helps you be productive on the go or connect your gaming device to play anytime, anywhere; Four-side ultra-narrow bezel design brings you an immersive visual experience
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IPS Matte Screen with 100% sRGB: Compared with ordinary LCD screens, the IPS screen has a wider viewing angle - 178°, higher contrast ratio - 1200:1, wider color gamut - 100% sRGB, color depth - 8 bits/16.7 million color support; Compared with the glossy screen, the matte screen eliminates the trouble caused by reflection and protects the eyes to a certain extent; Anti-fingerprint, the best choice for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
10
Rating is 4.1 out of 5
ASUS ZenScreen 16” (15.6 inch viewable) 1080P USB-C Portable Monitor (MB16AHV) - Full HD, IPS, Blue Light Filter, Anti-glare, Mini HDMI, Kickstand, Tripod Mountable, Protective Sleeve, 3 year warranty
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15.6-inch Full HD portable anti-glare IPS display with an ultraslim and thin design helps you get things done more efficiently when you’re on the go
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Kickstand design prop the monitor up in either portrait or landscape mode easily
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Standard tripod socket allows the display to be easily mounted for comfortable eye-level viewing
11
Rating is 4 out of 5
Laptop Screen Extender Monitor Portable: 14" Triple Screen Laptop Monitor Extender, 1080P FHD IPS Laptop Monitor Extender with Stand Compatible, Plug & Play Laptop Screen Extender for Wins/Mac/Chro
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Wide Compatibility for Multiple Devices: The laptop screen extender works with 13"-16" laptops and is compatible with Windows, Mac (excluding M1/M2/M3 chip models), Chrome, and Switch. It adapts seamlessly to home office setups, business travel, online meetings, and more.
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Triple Screen Sync for 3x Productivity: This triple screen laptop monitor extender instantly transforms your laptop with two additional screens, enabling extended and mirror modes to manage multiple tasks at once. Ideal for busy professionals, developers, designers, or anyone who needs multiple windows open, it significantly boosts productivity.
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Plug and Play, Easy Setup: No drivers needed—this portable laptop screen extender supports USB-A/C and HDMI connections for a simple, fast setup. The plug-and-play design lets you expand your screens effortlessly, saving time and hassle with no complex setup required.
What is a USB-C connection?
USB-C, or USB Type-C, is a type of connector that is used in various electronic devices for transmitting data and power. It is part of the USB (Universal Serial Bus) standard, which is designed to simplify connections between computers and peripheral devices. Here are some key features and benefits of USB-C:
- Reversible Design: Unlike previous USB connectors, the USB-C connector is symmetrical, which means it can be plugged in either way. This makes it more user-friendly.
- Compact Size: Its small and compact design makes it suitable for modern devices that are getting thinner and lighter, such as smartphones, laptops, and tablets.
- High Data Transfer Rates: USB-C supports high-speed data transfer rates. The USB 3.1 version offers speeds up to 10 Gbps, while USB 3.2 and USB4 can go up to 20 Gbps or more.
- Power Delivery: USB-C supports USB Power Delivery (PD), which allows for higher power transfer than previous versions. This means it can be used to charge larger devices like laptops and other electronics quickly.
- Versatility: It can carry a variety of protocols using "Alternate Modes," allowing adapters to output HDMI, DisplayPort, and more from a single USB-C port.
- Universal Adoption: USB-C is broadly adopted across various devices, promoting a universal standard for power and peripherals and reducing the number of cables and chargers needed.
Overall, USB-C has become a popular standard due to its versatility, speed, and efficiency, serving as a one-size-fits-all solution for data and power connectivity.
How to troubleshoot connection issues with a monitor?
Troubleshooting connection issues with a monitor can be tackled with a systematic approach. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help resolve common problems:
- Check Power Supply:
Ensure the monitor is turned on.
Verify that the power cable is securely connected to both the monitor and the power outlet.
Try a different power outlet or test the outlet with another device.
- Inspect Cables and Connections:
Check that the video cable (HDMI, DisplayPort, VGA, DVI) is firmly connected to both the monitor and the computer.
Examine the cable for any signs of damage. If possible, try using a different cable.
If you’re using adapters, ensure they are compatible and properly connected.
- Switch Input Sources:
Use the monitor’s menu buttons to make sure the correct input source is selected (e.g., HDMI 1, DisplayPort 1).
- Test with Another Device:
Connect the monitor to a different computer or device to determine if the issue is with the monitor or the original device.
- Check Display Settings:
On Windows: Right-click on the desktop, select "Display settings," and ensure the monitor is detected. Adjust the resolution, if necessary.
On macOS: Go to System Preferences > Displays and check for any display discrepancies. Use the “Detect Displays” button if the monitor is not recognized.
- Update or Rollback Drivers:
Update your graphics card drivers to the latest version from the manufacturer’s website.
If the issue started after a driver update, try rolling back to a previous version.
- Test Different Ports:
If your device has multiple output ports (e.g., HDMI, DisplayPort), try using a different one.
On laptops, sometimes you may need to use a function key (e.g., Fn + F4) to toggle between internal and external display outputs.
- Reset Monitor Settings:
Use the monitor’s on-screen menu to reset it to factory settings, which may resolve any configuration issues.
- Hardware Malfunction:
If possible, try connecting a different monitor to your computer to rule out a faulty monitor.
If the monitor’s power or menu buttons do not work, consider a hardware issue.
- Consult Support or Professional Repair:
If nothing resolves the issue, consult the manufacturer's support for further guidance or consider professional repair services.
By following these steps, you should be able to identify and resolve most common monitor connection issues.
What is the difference between HDMI and VGA?
HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) and VGA (Video Graphics Array) are both standards used for video transmission, but they have several key differences:
- Signal Type:
HDMI: Transmits digital signals. It can carry both video and audio signals in a single cable, which simplifies connections and reduces clutter.
VGA: Transmits analog signals. It only carries video, so a separate audio cable is needed if audio is required.
- Quality of Video:
HDMI: Generally supports higher video resolutions and refresh rates. It can handle HD, Full HD, 4K, and is compatible with modern displays and TVs.
VGA: Limited to lower resolutions compared to HDMI. It is a legacy system that can degrade in quality, especially over longer cable runs.
- Connections and Ease of Use:
HDMI: The connectors are smaller and have a latchless design, making them easier to plug and unplug without screws.
VGA: Uses larger connectors with screws to secure the connection, making it more cumbersome and less convenient to connect and disconnect.
- Audio Support:
HDMI: Can carry multiple audio channels in addition to video, supporting advanced audio formats like Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD.
VGA: Does not support audio, meaning separate cables are required for audio transmission.
- Usage and Compatibility:
HDMI: Widely used in modern consumer electronics, including TVs, computer monitors, projectors, and gaming consoles. It's also the standard for connecting devices that support high-definition video and audio.
VGA: Mostly found on older computer monitors and projectors. It's less common in newer devices but still used in some business and education settings for compatibility with older equipment.
- Encryption Support:
HDMI: Supports HDCP (High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection), useful for preventing unauthorized copying of digital content.
VGA: Does not support HDCP or any type of encryption.
Overall, HDMI is a more modern and versatile standard compared to VGA, offering better video and audio quality, greater convenience, and broader compatibility with contemporary devices. VGA is largely considered outdated, but it remains in use in some environments due to existing older hardware.
