The ideal screen size for a portable monitor largely depends on individual needs and usage scenarios. For most users seeking a balance between portability and usability, a screen size ranging from 13 to 15 inches tends to be the most convenient. This range provides enough screen real estate for efficient multitasking and enhanced productivity while still being lightweight and compact enough to carry easily in a laptop bag. However, some users may prioritize larger displays for graphic design or gaming, opting for sizes up to 17 inches, while those who need maximum portability might consider smaller screens, such as 12 inches or less. Ultimately, the best screen size is determined by the user's specific requirements, including portability, workspace, display quality, and intended 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.
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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.
How do I troubleshoot connection issues with a portable monitor?
Troubleshooting connection issues with a portable monitor can involve several steps to identify and resolve common problems. Here's a guide to help you get started:
- Check the Connections:
Ensure that all cables (HDMI, USB-C, DisplayPort, etc.) are securely connected to both the portable monitor and the device (laptop, desktop, etc.).
Try different cables to rule out a faulty one.
If using an adapter, ensure it is compatible and properly connected.
- Power Supply:
Confirm that the portable monitor is receiving power. Some monitors require an external power source, while others draw power through a USB-C connection.
Check the power cable and any power indicators on the monitor.
- Source Selection:
Verify that the portable monitor is set to the correct input source. Most portable monitors have an input selection button or menu setting.
Navigate the on-screen display (OSD) menu to ensure it matches the connection type in use.
- Driver and Software Updates:
Update graphics drivers on your device as outdated drivers can cause compatibility issues.
Check if the portable monitor manufacturer provides a driver or software update.
- Display Settings:
On your device, go to display settings and make sure the monitor is detected. For Windows, this might be under "Settings" > "System" > "Display". On macOS, go to "System Preferences" > "Displays."
If the monitor is not detected, click "Detect" (Windows) or "Gather Windows" (macOS) to force detection.
- Resolution and Refresh Rate:
Adjust the resolution and refresh rate in your device’s display settings. Set these to match the recommended settings for your monitor.
Sometimes lowering the resolution can help establish a connection.
- Testing with Another Device:
Connect the portable monitor to a different device to determine if the issue is with the monitor or the original device.
Similarly, connect another monitor to the original device if possible to see where the problem lies.
- Hardware Issues:
Inspect the monitor for physical damage or defects.
If the monitor has built-in diagnostics or self-test features, run them to check for internal issues.
- Compatibility Issues:
Confirm that your device supports the connection type you are using (e.g., some laptops may not support video output over USB-C).
- Contact Support:
If you've exhausted all troubleshooting steps and the issue persists, reach out to the manufacturer's customer support for assistance.
By systematically following these steps, you should be able to diagnose and potentially resolve the connection issues with your portable monitor.
How do I update the firmware on my portable monitor?
Updating the firmware on a portable monitor typically involves a few key steps. However, the exact process can vary based on the manufacturer and model of your monitor. Here are general steps you can follow:
- Check the Manufacturer's Website:
Visit the official website of the monitor's manufacturer.
Navigate to the support or downloads section.
Search for your specific monitor model to find any available firmware updates.
- Download the Firmware Update:
If an update is available, download the firmware file to your computer. It often comes in a compressed format (such as a ZIP file), so you may need to extract it.
- Review the Instructions:
Manufacturers usually provide a readme file or update instructions with the firmware download. Carefully read these instructions, as they contain specific details for your monitor model.
- Prepare the Monitor:
Ensure your portable monitor is connected to a power source or has sufficient battery charge.
Connect the monitor to your computer using the appropriate cable (USB, HDMI, etc.).
- Update the Firmware:
Depending on the manufacturer, the update could be applied via a software utility provided on their website or might require you to manually transfer files to the monitor.
Follow the specific steps provided in the instructions. This often involves launching a utility tool on your computer and selecting the firmware file to begin the update process.
- Complete the Update:
Do not disconnect the monitor or turn off the power during the update process, as it could harm the monitor.
Wait for the update process to complete. This usually involves the monitor restarting once the update is successfully applied.
- Verify the Update:
Once the update is complete, check the monitor settings or information page to ensure the firmware version has changed.
Test the monitor to confirm it is functioning properly with the new firmware.
If you encounter any issues or are unsure about the process, it might be helpful to contact the manufacturer's customer service for further assistance.
How do I calibrate the colors on my portable monitor?
Calibrating the colors on your portable monitor can greatly enhance your viewing experience, whether you're doing color-sensitive work or just want the best display performance. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:
1. Basic Requirements:
- Calibrator Tool (Optional): A hardware calibrator like the X-Rite i1Display or Datacolor Spyder can provide more accurate results than manual adjustments.
- Software: Software like DisplayCAL (free) or the proprietary software that comes with a calibrator device.
- Environment: Ensure your working environment has consistent lighting, preferably in a dim or moderately lit room.
2. Use Built-in Monitor Settings:
- Connect and Power On: Connect your monitor to your device and power it on.
- Reset to Factory Defaults: Start from a neutral setting by resetting your monitor to its factory settings. You can usually do this through the monitor's on-screen display (OSD) menu.
- Access the OSD: Use the buttons on your monitor to access the OSD menu.
- Adjust Basic Settings:
Brightness and Contrast: Adjust these to get a good balance where whites are bright but not glaring and blacks are black without losing detail.
Color Temperature (White Point): Set it to 6500K (D65), which is generally the standard daylight temperature.
Gamma: Ideally set to 2.2 for most uses.
3. System Calibration Tool (Windows/macOS):
Windows:
- Open Display Settings: Right-click on the desktop and select ‘Display settings.’
- Advanced Display Settings: Scroll down and click on ‘Advanced display settings.’
- Calibrate Display: Select ‘Color calibration’ and follow the on-screen instructions to adjust gamma, brightness, contrast, and color balance.
macOS:
- Go to System Preferences: Select ‘Displays.’
- Color Tab: Click on the ‘Color’ tab and then ‘Calibrate.’
- Display Calibrator Assistant: Follow the assistant tool to fine-tune your display settings for brightness, contrast, and color.
4. Use a Hardware Calibrator (Optional but Recommended):
- Install Software: Install the calibration software that comes with your calibrator.
- Attach Device: Connect the calibrator to your computer and hang it on your screen as instructed.
- Run Calibration: Use the software to perform calibration. Follow the prompts to measure the screen and adjust its output based on the device readings.
- Save Profile: Once calibrated, save the color profile created by the software. This profile will be used by your system to display accurate colors.
5. Regular Calibration:
- Calibration should be done regularly, as monitors can drift over time. Depending on your needs, recalibrate every few weeks or months.
Following these steps should help you achieve a more accurate color representation on your portable monitor. If extreme precision is needed for professional work, investing in a hardware calibrator is recommended.
