Setting up a portable monitor for dual-screen use involves a few straightforward steps. First, ensure your portable monitor is compatible with your computer by checking the connection options, such as USB-C, HDMI, or DisplayPort. Once you have confirmed compatibility, connect the portable monitor to your computer using the appropriate cable. In most cases, the device should automatically detect the new display. If your computer doesn't automatically detect the monitor, you may need to access the display settings on your operating system. For Windows, you can do this by right-clicking on the desktop and selecting "Display settings," while on a Mac, you can go to "System Preferences" and then "Displays." From there, you can arrange the displays to your liking, decide on the orientation, and choose the primary display. Make sure both screens are functional and the content displays as desired. Lastly, if your portable monitor requires external power, make sure it is also connected to a power source to avoid any interruptions during use.
Best Portable Monitors of February 2025
1
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
2
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.
3
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)
6
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.
8
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
9
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 the advantage of using a portable monitor?
Using a portable monitor can offer several advantages:
- Increased Productivity: A portable monitor provides additional screen real estate, allowing you to multitask more efficiently. You can easily reference documents, conduct research, or manage multiple applications simultaneously without constantly switching between tabs or windows.
- Convenience and Flexibility: Portable monitors are lightweight and easy to carry, making them ideal for on-the-go professionals, students, or digital nomads. You can set up a dual monitor workspace anywhere, whether you're in a café, hotel, or co-working space.
- Easy Setup: Many portable monitors connect via USB-C or HDMI, allowing for quick and hassle-free integration with laptops, tablets, or smartphones. Some models even come with their own built-in battery, reducing reliance on external power sources.
- Versatility: Portable monitors can be used for a variety of purposes beyond work, such as gaming, watching movies, or displaying presentations. They often have features like touchscreen capabilities, built-in speakers, or adjustable stands to enhance the user experience.
- Collaboration: In group settings, a portable monitor can be an effective tool for sharing information or presentations with colleagues or clients, making it easier to collaborate and discuss projects.
- Compact Design: Despite offering larger screen sizes, portable monitors often have slim profiles and sleek designs, which minimize bulk and make storage straightforward.
Overall, portable monitors can greatly enhance the user experience by offering additional display space in a highly flexible and convenient format.
What is an HDR display in the context of portable monitors?
An HDR display in the context of portable monitors refers to a screen that supports High Dynamic Range (HDR) technology. HDR is a video and display technology that enhances the contrast and color range of the display, allowing for more vivid and lifelike images. Key aspects of HDR include:
- Increased Brightness and Contrast: HDR displays can achieve higher levels of brightness which contribute to greater contrast between the brightest whites and the darkest blacks. This leads to a more dynamic image quality.
- Enhanced Color Range: These displays support a wider color gamut, meaning they can display more colors than standard dynamic range (SDR) displays. This results in more realistic and vibrant colors, which is particularly beneficial for media consumption, gaming, and graphic design.
- Detail in Shadows and Highlights: With HDR, viewers can see more detailed images, with enhanced details in both very dark and very bright areas, improving the overall visual experience.
- Supported Formats: There are different HDR standards, such as HDR10, Dolby Vision, and HLG. HDR10 is the most common and widely supported standard, but some portable monitors might support other formats as well.
In portable monitors, HDR can significantly enhance on-the-go media consumption by providing a more immersive viewing experience even with a smaller screen size, making it appealing for professionals in creative fields as well as entertainment enthusiasts. However, to fully experience the benefits of HDR, the content being viewed must also be produced in HDR.
What is a dual-screen setup?
A dual-screen setup involves using two monitors in conjunction with one computer to expand the visual workspace. This setup allows users to display different applications or documents simultaneously across two screens, which can enhance productivity and multitasking. For instance, you might have a web browser open on one screen while editing a document on the other. Dual-screen setups are commonly used in professional environments like programming, graphic design, video editing, and financial trading, among others, to provide more screen real estate and improve workflow efficiency. Setting up this can typically be done by connecting the monitors to a computer using HDMI, DisplayPort, or other connection types, and then configuring the display settings in the computer's operating system to extend or duplicate the display across the two monitors.
How do you secure a portable monitor for travel?
Securing a portable monitor for travel involves protecting it from physical damage and ensuring its safe transport. Here are some steps to consider:
- Use a Protective Case:
Invest in a sturdy, padded case specifically designed for your portable monitor's size. This will protect it from scratches, bumps, and drops.
- Screen Protector:
Apply a screen protector to prevent scratches and minor abrasions. This can also reduce the risk of screen damage from dust or accidental contact.
- Cable Management:
Use cable organizers or ties to keep all required cables neatly stored. This will prevent tangling and potential damage.
- Packing Technique:
Place the monitor in the center of your suitcase or bag, surrounded by soft clothing or padding for extra cushioning.
Ensure the screen is facing a flat, firm side to minimize pressure on it.
- Secure Straps:
If your travel bag has internal straps, use them to secure the monitor in place, minimizing movement during transit.
- Avoid Overpacking:
Do not overstuff your bag, as excessive pressure can damage the monitor.
- Carry-On Luggage:
If flying, keep the monitor in your carry-on luggage to reduce the risk of damage from baggage handling.
- Label Fragile:
If possible, label the container as "fragile" to ensure careful handling by anyone else who may be handling your luggage.
- Environmental Considerations:
Avoid leaving the monitor in extreme temperatures for prolonged periods to prevent damage to internal components.
- Insurance:
- Consider insuring your portable monitor, especially if it’s valuable, to cover potential loss or damage during travel.
By following these steps, you can better ensure that your portable monitor remains safe during your travels.
How to troubleshoot a portable monitor not displaying?
Troubleshooting a portable monitor that's not displaying can involve several steps. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you identify and resolve the issue:
- Check Connections:
Ensure that all cables are securely connected. If you're using USB-C, HDMI, or DisplayPort, confirm that the cables are fully inserted into both the monitor and the device.
Try using different cables or ports if available. Sometimes ports or cables can be faulty.
- Power Supply:
Verify that the monitor is powered on. Some portable monitors have a separate power button or require an external power source.
Check if the power light indicator is on. If the monitor uses a USB connection for power, make sure the port being used can supply enough power.
- Source Selection:
Make sure the monitor is set to the correct input source. Some monitors have buttons or on-screen settings to switch between inputs.
- Device Settings:
On your computer or device, ensure that the monitor is recognized. On Windows, press Windows key + P and select "Duplicate" or "Extend" to use the external monitor.
On macOS, go to "System Preferences" > "Displays" to check if the monitor is detected and adjust the arrangement and display preferences.
- Driver and Software Updates:
Check for any necessary driver updates for your graphics card or the portable monitor. These updates can often be found on the manufacturer’s website.
Occasionally, a device firmware update may be required for compatibility or performance improvements.
- Resolution and Refresh Rate:
Ensure that the resolution and refresh rate settings of your device are compatible with the portable monitor specifications.
- Hardware Issues:
Test the monitor with a different device to determine if the problem is with the monitor or the original device.
Inspect the ports and cables for any visible damage, such as fraying or bent connectors.
- Reset Monitor Settings:
If the monitor has an on-screen display menu, try resetting it to factory settings.
- Check for Interference:
Sometimes, electromagnetic interference from other devices can affect display. Try moving the monitor away from such sources.
- Contact Support:
If none of the above steps resolve the issue, consider contacting the manufacturer’s customer service for further assistance.
By following these steps, you should be able to diagnose and potentially fix the issue with your portable monitor not displaying. If the problem persists, it might be a hardware fault requiring professional repair or replacement.
What is the refresh rate of most portable monitors?
Most portable monitors typically have a refresh rate of 60Hz, which is suitable for general productivity tasks, media consumption, and casual gaming. However, there are some portable monitors that offer higher refresh rates like 120Hz or 144Hz, which are more suitable for gaming and applications requiring smoother motion. The specific refresh rate can vary based on the model and manufacturer, so it's always good to check the specifications of the particular monitor you are considering.
