Laptops are convenient and portable, but the lack of screen space is a significant downside. Working with a small display interrupts tasks, requires a lot of window switching, and generally dents your productivity. A portable monitor is an ideal way to increase your screen real estate. These devices connect to your laptop and extend the display, offering you a convenient multi-monitor setup while on the go. Here are the best portable monitors for your laptop available today.
Q: What Are the Advantages of Using a Portable Monitor?
The Mobile Pixels Trio Max 14.1-inch Portable Monitor is an excellent choice for extending your screen estate. It’s possible to connect two of these displays to your laptop, hence, the trio in the name. The monitor has a sturdy, gunmetal grey brushed texture, and you can use it in both landscape and portrait mode. There’s also a kickstand for an alternative setup. The monitor has a USB-C port and a USB charging port. Although it works with any laptop type, it only works with portable devices like Android smartphones and the Nintendo Switch.The touch-sensitive buttons on the device allow you to enable the blue light filter and adjust brightness and color temperature. The LCD monitor features Full HD 1080p resolution, a 16:9 aspect ratio, and a 60Hz refresh rate. It weighs 2.06 pounds, making it slightly heavier than most items on this list. The monitor is also available in a less expensive 12-inch version.
The Lepow 15.6-inch Portable Monitor has an IPS LCD screen, 1080p resolution, and a 60Hz refresh rate. There’s a mini-HDMI port and USB-C port for connectivity, allowing you to add the monitor to a laptop, smartphone, or PC.It can also be used as a gaming monitor with Xbox One, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, or Nintendo Switch. In addition, the monitor has dual speakers and even a 3.5mm audio port. It can be used in either landscape or portrait mode. The IPS LCD monitor has a protective film to keep the screen from getting scratched and a PU leather cover case to keep it secure during transit. The lightweight monitor is 0.3 inches thick and weighs 1.76 pounds.
The ViewSonic 15.6-inch Portable Monitor has multiple inputs. It includes a mini-HDMI port, two USB-C ports, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and dual speakers. The sturdy, stand-alone portable monitor has a built-in stand and a detachable, anti-slip magnetic cover.For convenience, it can be used in either landscape or portrait mode. You can use it with any laptop or PC that has mini HDMI and USB-C inputs and is compatible with the Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PlayStation 4, as well as tablets and smartphones.The monitor has an IPS LCD screen, 1080p resolution, and a 60Hz refresh rate. It’s lightweight, coming in at 1.8 pounds, includes a blue light filter to protect your eyes, and tilts 45 degrees. The monitor is also available in a more expensive touchscreen version.
The Mukesh 15.6-inch Portable Monitor has an IPS LCD screen, a 1080p HD resolution, and a 60Hz refresh rate. It’s a stand-alone monitor with a mini HDMI port, USB-C functional port, and a USB-C power delivery port. This monitor can be used with a laptop, PC, or smartphone and is compatible with Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation3, and PlayStation 4. The dual-stereo speakers and 3.5mm headphone interface provide audio functionality. Also, there’s a menu wheel for choosing your settings.The grey monitor can be positioned horizontally or vertically, and it can be used with or without the protective PU leather sleeve. This also doubles as a stand/bracket. Since the monitor is IP55-rated for water resistance, you don’t have to worry about spilling your coffee on it. The monitor travels easily, weighing only 1.70 pounds, with a 0.3-inch profile.
The SideTrak 12.5-inch Slide Portable Monitor is one of the two smaller portable monitors on this list. It’s also one of the only two attachable portable monitors included. There’s a hard case with metal plates and magnets included, which are attached to your laptop. Then, the portable monitor slides into the plates. The monitor can be attached to either the left side or the right side of your computer.The monitor has an IPS LCD screen, 1080p resolution, and a 60Hz refresh rate. It connects through USB-C, and with the included adaptor, also connects via USB-A. Using the dual sliding tracks, you can attach the portable monitor to most standard laptops, from 13-inch to 17-inch sizes. However, since it will add 1.65 pounds, the portable monitor may be too heavy for very lightweight laptop models.
The AOC 15.6-inch Portable Monitor has a unique feature; in addition to the built-in, pivotable flexi-stand, it also has a VESA wall mount. Using this allows you to recover some of your desk space. The LED monitor features Full HD 1080p resolution, a 16:9 aspect ratio, and a 60Hz refresh rate.It’s slightly heavier than most items on this list, weighing in at 2.64 lbs.Another flexible feature is the ability to view the monitor in either landscape or portrait mode. There are no USB 2.0 ports; the single USB 3.0 cable is used for signal delivery and power.The monitor has a sleek black finish, and the screen has a matte anti-glare coating that resists fingerprints. This monitor can also be found in different configurations, including other inputs and sizes.
The ASUS 15.6-inch Portable Monitor features an IPS LED screen, Full HD 1080p resolution, and a 75Hz refresh rate. The black and silver stand-alone monitor has a metallic finish and comes with a smart case that includes a protective sleeve and a two-way adjustable stand that can be used vertically and horizontally.There’s an auto-rotate function included, as well. It uses just one USB 3.0 cable for both power and signal delivery and can be used with laptops and desktops. While it is suitable for all Windows-based devices, the monitor only works with Mac laptops running macOS 10.3.4 or lower. There’s a blue light filter to reduce eye strain and improve comfort, and the hotkey adjusts brightness. The slim monitor is 1.76 pounds and 0.33 inches thick. The monitor is available in other configurations, too, with USB-A/USB-C compatibility or with a touchscreen.
Portable monitors can provide an extra display, which can be invaluable when you need more screen real estate. Whether you’re an accountant looking through numerous spreadsheets, a graphic designer or video editor juggling photos and footage, or a college student combing through dozens of research sources, a second monitor can keep your laptop or desktop from being a jumbled mess.Some people use a full-size computer monitor when they want a second screen. However, the smallest full-blown monitor is usually at least 21 inches, so that it can take up a lot of valuable desktop space. Also, it’s quite cumbersome trying to travel with a computer monitor mounted on a stand.A portable monitor is an ideal compromise since it’s convenient, manageable, light, and compact. This makes it easy to move out of the way when not used or to transport from work to home, or when traveling.
Q: Are Portable Monitors Reliable?
Generally, portable monitors are very reliable. This, in part, thanks to the uncomplex design; there’s no expensive computer hardware, just enough electronics to provide a high-quality display. If you’re having trouble with a portable monitor, often, some timely troubleshooting can help you out. For example, changing cables, ensuring the ports are clean, and that the power cable is suitable.
Q: What Are Some Tips for Choosing a Portable Monitor?
For most people, affordability is an important consideration. Your budget will determine the types of devices you can look at. Aside from that, it depends on your particular needs.For example, if you travel a lot, a slide-out monitor is one less thing to worry about since it fits on the back of your laptop. There are other factors like whether the display is touchscreen and its compatibility with portable devices like smartphones and game consoles.
