The resolution of a typical portable monitor can vary, but many common models offer Full HD resolution, which is 1920x1080 pixels. Some higher-end portable monitors may provide resolutions up to 4K, which is 3840x2160 pixels, for sharper and more detailed images. However, lower resolution options such as 1366x768 pixels are also available, especially in more budget-friendly models. The choice of resolution often depends on the intended use, size of the monitor, and personal preferences.
Best Portable Monitors of February 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
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
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.
How to connect a portable monitor to a laptop?
Connecting a portable monitor to a laptop can significantly enhance your productivity and ease of use by doubling the screen real estate. Here’s a step-by-step guide to connecting them:
- Check the Ports:
Identify the Ports on Your Laptop: Common ports include USB-C, HDMI, DisplayPort, mini-HDMI, and USB-A.
Check the Ports on the Portable Monitor: Most portable monitors offer USB-C, mini-HDMI, or even older connections like VGA.
- Select the Appropriate Cable:
USB-C to USB-C Cable: If both your laptop and monitor have USB-C ports that support DisplayPort Alternate Mode, you can use a USB-C cable.
HDMI Cable: Use a standard HDMI cable if both the laptop and the monitor have HDMI ports.
Mini-HDMI to HDMI Cable: For monitors with a mini-HDMI port, you might need a mini-HDMI to HDMI cable or adapter.
Adapters: If your laptop outputs video through USB-C and the monitor takes HDMI, or vice versa, you may require an adapter.
- Connect the Devices:
Plug one end of the selected cable into the corresponding port on your laptop.
Connect the other end of the cable to the portable monitor.
- Power the Monitor:
Many portable monitors can be powered through the same USB-C connection used for data. If your monitor supports this and your laptop can provide adequate power, it may not need an additional power source.
If additional power is needed, connect the monitor to a power source using a USB adapter or a dedicated power cable.
- Configure Display Settings:
Windows: Right-click on the desktop, select "Display settings," and you should see both screens. Here, you can choose to extend, duplicate, or use the external monitor as the main display.
macOS: Go to "System Preferences," then "Displays." You can configure the displays and arrange them as you prefer.
Linux: Access the display settings through your system’s settings panel, which may vary depending on the distribution and desktop environment.
- Adjust the Monitor:
You may need to adjust brightness, contrast, and other settings on the portable monitor itself using its onboard buttons or menu.
By following these steps, you should be able to successfully connect and set up your portable monitor with your laptop. If you encounter any issues, double-check connections, ensure both devices support the chosen connection type, and verify that all necessary drivers are installed on your laptop.
How to choose a portable monitor?
Choosing a portable monitor involves considering several key factors to ensure it meets your needs and preferences. Here’s a guide to help you make an informed decision:
- Purpose and Use Case:
Determine why you need a portable monitor. Whether it’s for business presentations, graphic design, gaming, or extending your laptop screen can influence your choice.
- Size and Weight:
Portable monitors usually range from 13 to 17 inches. Consider the size that provides the best balance between screen space and portability for you.
Weight is crucial if you plan to carry it frequently. Opt for a lightweight model if portability is a top priority.
- Resolution and Display Quality:
For general use, a Full HD (1920x1080) resolution is sufficient. For design work or gaming, higher resolutions like 4K might be better.
Check for an IPS panel, which offers better color accuracy and viewing angles than TN panels.
- Connectivity Options:
Look for USB-C connectivity, as it allows for both power and data transfer. HDMI is also common but typically requires an additional power source.
Ensure it is compatible with the devices you intend to connect, like laptops, tablets, or gaming consoles.
- Power Source:
Some portable monitors can be powered through a single USB-C connection, while others may require an external power source. Decide based on convenience and your typical usage scenario.
- Built-in Features:
Features such as built-in speakers, a touchscreen, HDR support, or built-in battery can be useful depending on your needs.
- Ergonomics and Build Quality:
Check the design and materials for durability.
Look for features like adjustable stands, VESA mount compatibility, or protective covers that can enhance usability and comfort.
- Price and Budget:
There’s a wide range of prices. Set a budget based on the features that are most important to you.
- Brand and Reviews:
Consider trusted brands known for quality electronics.
Reading user reviews can provide insight into real-world performance and reliability.
- Warranty and Customer Support:
A good warranty and responsive customer support are important for long-term satisfaction and peace of mind.
By evaluating these factors in the context of your specific needs, you’ll be able to select a portable monitor that fits your requirements.
What is the response time of portable monitors?
The response time of portable monitors can vary depending on the specific model and technology used. Generally, portable monitors have response times ranging from 5ms to 15ms, but some high-performance models may offer even faster response times, around 1ms to 3ms. Response time is an important specification to consider if you plan to use the monitor for activities like gaming or watching fast-paced video content, as it affects how quickly pixels can change from one color to another, reducing motion blur and ghosting. If response time is a critical factor for your needs, it's advisable to check the specifications of individual models before purchasing.
What is a portable monitor?
A portable monitor is a compact, lightweight display screen that is designed to be easily carried and connected to various devices, such as laptops, desktops, gaming consoles, or smartphones, to enhance productivity or improve the viewing experience. These monitors typically feature a thin design and are powered via USB-C, USB-A, or HDMI connections, which provide both power and video input, reducing the need for additional cables or power adapters.
Portable monitors are popular among professionals who need additional screen space while traveling, gamers seeking a second display, or anyone who requires a flexible setup that can be easily moved and adjusted. They often come with features like adjustable stands, protective covers, high resolution displays, and sometimes touch screen functionality to cater to different needs.
