Best Portable Monitor 2023 [Buying Guide] – DisplayNinja

Looking for the best portable monitor? Not sure which one to get? Check out the best portable monitors and everything you need to know about them.

When it comes to your personal or work interface, having two monitors is always better. It simply helps you visualize, compare, and contrast everything that you are working on.

But not all work can be done on your home desktop; sometimes you need to be mobile and work with your laptop.

However, just because you’re working on the go doesn’t mean that you should stop having dual screens. You can take advantage of dual displays with portable monitors!

Here is a list of the best portable monitors currently available for work, gaming and other purposes.

G-Story GSW56FM

• Best for everyday use
• Vibrant colors
• 1920×1080 resolution

See Price

G-Story GSV56QM

• Best for gaming
• Vibrant colors
• 1080p 165Hz 1ms

See Price

G-Story GSV56UT

• Best for professional use
• Vibrant and accurate colors
• 4K UHD, touchscreen

See Price

As you can see, there’s quite a lot of portable monitors to choose from. They don’t only differ in screen size but also by panel type, resolution, connectivity options, and many more aspects.

That’s why you should follow our tips and guidelines to ensure you’re getting the best portable monitor for your needs.

Some of these displays are more handy than others; some are faster, and some have more features. We’ll provide you with all the information you need about each portable monitor!

If you want to view our changelogs for this particular buying guide, you can do so at the end of this article.

Best Budget Portable Monitors

Looking for the best bang for the buck portable monitor? In this category, you will find the most reliable and cost-efficient portable monitors.

AOC E1659FWU

Best Portable Monitor For ~$100

Size: 15.6”
Resolution: 1366×768
Panel: TN
Ports: USB 3.0
Weight: 2.64 lbs

See Price

The Pros:

• Inexpensive
• Bright and crisp image quality
• Quick response time

The Cons:

• Low resolution
• Narrow viewing angles
• Bulky design

About The Monitor

If you want a good portable monitor for around $100, the AOC E1659FWU offers the best value for the money and we don’t think you should get anything cheaper than this.

Image Quality

Although it’s not 1080p, the AOC E1659FWU portable USB display has a resolution of 1366×768 (720p), which will on its 15.6″ screen still provide you with crisp image quality due to the decent pixel density of 100 PPI (pixels per inch).

Moreover, if you have a weaker laptop, the lower resolution will be easier on its CPU and GPU.

With a peak brightness of 200-nits and a solid contrast ratio of 500:1, you get a bright picture quality with vivid details, no matter whether you’re working or gaming.

Now, it has a TN panel that doesn’t have as vibrant colors nor as wide viewing angles as the more expensive IPS models, but for the price, it’s still very good.

Keep in mind that the viewing angles are 90°/50°, meaning that the picture will shift in contrast, brightness and color when it’s viewed from skewed angles.

This AOC portable monitor offers a quick 5ms response time speed and a 60Hz refresh rate, which makes for responsive gameplay without visible trailing or ghosting of fast-moving objects.

Design & Connectivity

Moving on, the AOC E1659FWU has a foldable stand, so it’s easy for transportation, and you can easily place it in either portrait or landscape position. It supports auto-pivot, so the screen will automatically adjust according to the orientation of the monitor.

Using the exclusive DisplayLink software, you can connect additional USB monitors to the laptop for a multi-screen setup.

Turning to the connectivity, there’s a single USB 3.0 port for both power and audio/video signal. The power consumption amounts to less than 7W.

The AOC E1659FWU weighs only 2.64 lbs (1.2 kg) and has a 75x75mm VESA pattern for a third-party stand. The monitor’s dimensions are 14.5″ x 8.6″ x 0.8″ (369mm x 219mm x 22mm).

Alternatives

In case you’re looking for the cheapest portable monitor, you should get or save up for the AOC E1659FWU.

However, nowadays, you can get an excellent 1080p IPS portable monitor with additional features, connectivity options and sleek design for just around $150, so we highly recommend investing in the following display instead.

G-Story GSW56FM

Best Budget Portable Monitor

Size: 15.6”
Resolution: 1920×1080
Panel: IPS
Ports: 2x USB-C, mini HDMI, micro USB
Weight: 1.54 lbs

See Price

The Pros:

• Excellent value for the price
• Vibrant colors, wide viewing angles
• 1920×1080 screen resolution
• Rich connectivity options
• FreeSync, HDR

The Cons:

• None

About The Monitor

If you want to kick it up a notch, for an extra ~$50, you can get the G-Story GSW56FM with 1080p resolution and IPS technology.

Image Quality

The IPS panel of the G-Story GSW56FM Full HD portable monitor offers wide 178°/178° viewing angles, which ensure that the picture will remain vibrant no matter the angle you’re looking at it.

It also boosts the monitor’s peak brightness to 220-nits and the contrast ratio to 800:1 in comparison to the previous AOC monitor.

With a pixel density of 141 pixels per inch, which is more than enough for a display of this size, you get stunning detail clarity and plenty of screen space.

Further, the G-Story GSW56FM has a response time speed of 8ms, a 60Hz refresh rate and HDR support. If you have an Xbox console or a PC with a compatible GPU, you can also take advantage of FreeSync for tear-free gameplay via variable refresh rate.

While the pixel response time is slower than that of the TN models, it’s quick enough to eliminate trailing behind fast-moving objects, so you can enjoy fast-paced games without issues.

HDR support should be ignored since the monitor lacks wide color gamut (it covers the basic sRGB color space) and a high enough brightness and contrast ratio for a noteworthy HDR viewing experience – as expected at this price range.

Design & Connectivity

The G-Story GSW56FM is almost half the weight of the previously-mentioned AOC model at just 1.54 lbs (700g). It’s also significantly slimmer, though you will need a separate adapter for VESA mounting.

Connectivity options are abundant and include two USB-C ports (one for power, one for data/video/audio), mini HDMI, micro USB, dual integrated speakers and a headphone jack. So, you can easily pair the monitor with a smartphone, console, or PC.

Best Mid-Range Portable Monitors

Willing to spend over $200 on a portable monitor? The following displays will provide you with various bells and whistles for a higher price.

G-Story GSV56QM

Best Value Portable Gaming Monitor

Size: 15.6”
Resolution: 1920×1080 165Hz
Panel: IPS
Ports: 2x USB-C, mini-HDMI, 2x micro-USB
Weight: 1.74 lbs

See Price

The Pros:

• 165Hz
• Vibrant colors, wide viewing angles
• 1920×1080 screen resolution
• Rich connectivity options
• FreeSync, HDR

The Cons:

• None

About The Monitor

Want a portable monitor that’s great for gaming? Look no further than the G-Story GSV56QM.

Image Quality

The GSV56QM is basically identical to the previously-mentioned GSW56FM model in terms of image quality and features, but it offers a much smoother gaming experience thanks to its high 165Hz refresh rate and rapid 1ms GtG response time speed.

It also supports HDR as well as AMD FreeSync over mini HDMI and USB-C, while NVIDIA’s G-SYNC Compatible mode is only supported over USB-C.

Design & Connectivity

The stand of the monitor is sturdy and offers a ~90° tilt adjustment while the profile is only 5mm thin.

There are integrated speakers, two USB-C ports (only one with data and display, both with power delivery), a mini-HDMI port, and two micro-USB ports that you can use to charge your console controllers.

Along with the monitor, you get all the necessary cables, a bag, and a remote controller for the OSD menu.

G-Story GSV56UT

Best Value 4K Touchscreen Portable Monitor

Size: 15.6”
Resolution: 3840×2160
Panel: IPS
Ports: 2x USB-C, mini-HDMI, micro-USB
Weight: 2.20 lbs

See Price

The Pros:

• Excellent value for price
• Vibrant colors, wide viewing angles
• 3840×2160 screen resolution
• Rich connectivity options
• FreeSync, HDR

The Cons:

• None

About The Monitor

The G-Story GSV56UT is not only the most affordable 4K portable monitor, but it’s also the best one you can get with a touchscreen for the money!

Image Quality

With the 3840×2160 4K UHD resolution, you get a high pixel density of 282 PPI on 15.6″ sized screens for incredible detail clarity!

Just like the previous G-Story portable monitors, the GSV56UT has an IPS panel with 178° wide viewing angles and sRGB color gamut, but it also has a higher 340-nit peak brightness and a 1,000:1 contrast ratio.

Supported features include HDR, FreeSync/G-SYNC, Picture in Picture/Picture by Picture and a 10-point capacitive touchscreen.

The G-Story GSV56UT is also the best value portable monitor for color-critical work thanks to its sRGB gamut coverage and Delta E < 2 accuracy.

If you want a better professional portable monitor, you’ll need to invest ~$100 more for the 14″ ASUS ProArt PA148CTV.

Design & Connectivity

The monitor boasts a slim design and weighs only 2.20 lbs. Connectivity options include two USB-C ports, mini HDMI, micro USB, a headphone jack, built-in speakers and a wheel button for OSD menu navigation.

You also get the magnetic stand/cover, a remote controller and all the necessary cables.

Alternatives

• G-Story GSW56TB – the more affordable 1080p touchscreen version, though it seems to be discontinued

ASUS MB16AHP

Portable Monitor With Integrated Battery

Size: 15.6”
Resolution: 1920×1080
Panel: IPS
Ports: USB-C, micro HDMI, built-in battery
Weight: 1.90lbs

See Price

The Pros:

• Wide viewing angles
• 1920×1080 screen resolution
• Integrated battery

The Cons:

• Not accurate enough colors for color-critical work

About The Monitor

If you’re looking for a portable monitor with an integrated battery, the ASUS MB16AHP is the cheapest model that’s actually good!

The built-in battery comes at a cost though. Not only do you have to pay more (in comparison to the G-Story GSV56UT), but you also lose screen resolution and touchscreen capability.

Image Quality

Based on the standard 15.6″ 1080p IPS panel with a 220-nit peak brightness, 60Hz, 5ms response time, 178° wide viewing angles and a contrast ratio of 700:1, you can expect a decent image quality.

At 100% brightness, the 7800mAh battery can last up to 4 hours, so you can squeeze a bit over that if you lower the brightness setting.

Design & Connectivity

The ASUS MB16AHP comes with a magnetic case as well as the ZenScreen pen that can be used as the stand when put through the hole on the bottom bezel of the screen.

Despite having an integrated battery, it’s still lightweight at 1.9 lbs, while the design is slim and has thin bezels.

Connectivity options include USB-C, micro HDMI and dual 1W integrated speakers.

Alternatives

ASUS also offers a touch-screen version of this portable monitor with the same specifications (including the 7800mAh battery) called the ASUS ZenScreen MB16AMT for $50 extra.

SideTrak Swivel

Attachable Portable Monitor

Size: 14”
Resolution: 1920×1080
Panel: IPS
Ports: USB-C, mini HDMI
Weight: 1.50 lbs

See Price

The Pros:

• Vibrant colors, wide viewing angles
• 1920×1080 screen resolution
• Rich connectivity options
• Unique design

The Cons:

• Expensive

About The Monitor

Looking for something a bit different and more practical? Check out the SideTrak Swivel, a portable monitor that you simply attach to your laptop!

Image Quality

This 14″ IPS portable display has a Full HD resolution, resulting in a tad higher pixel density of 157 PPI in comparison to the 15.6″ sized models, so you get slightly sharper details.

Other specifications include 178° wide viewing angles, a 250-nit peak brightness, a 1,000:1 contrast ratio and a 60Hz refresh rate.

The specified 25ms/30ms response time speed doesn’t imply gray-to-gray pixel transition, so it’s not comparable to the 5ms GtG or 8ms GtG measure of the other monitors included in this guide. On balance, there’s no prominent trailing visible behind fast-moving objects on the SideTrak Swivel, so you have nothing to worry about.

Design & Connectivity

The main selling point of this portable monitor is, of course, the fact that you can effortlessly attach it to a laptop via an adhesive steel plate and a mounting frame.

The hinge mechanism is also quite versatile, allowing you to rotate the screen by 270° and swivel by 360°. It can be attached to either side of a laptop, but if you want to mount it on the left side, the screen needs to be rotated upside down.

Further, the monitor weighs only 1.5 lbs and offers a USB-C port and a mini HDMI input.

Alternatives

• SideTrak Swivel 12.5″ – A smaller 12.5″ version of the monitor
• OFiyaa P2 – two 11.6″ 1080p IPS attachable portable displays for ~$400

Best High-End Portable Monitors

Want the absolute best portable monitor? Take your gaming or work with you without any compromises when it comes to image quality or performance with these models!

ASUS XG17AHPE

Portable 240Hz Monitor For Hardcore Gamers

Size: 17.3”
Resolution: 1920×1080 240Hz
Panel: IPS
Ports: 2x USB-C, micro-HDMI
Weight: 2.34 lbs

See Price

The Pros:

• 240Hz
• Vibrant colors, wide viewing angles
• 1920×1080 screen resolution
• Rich connectivity options
• Built-in battery

The Cons:

• Expensive

About The Monitor

If you want the absolute best portable monitor for competitive gaming, there’s the ASUS ROG Strix XG17AHPE.

Image Quality

This portable display boasts a rapid 240Hz refresh rate for those who don’t want to waste a single millisecond while gaming on the go, away from their main gaming machines.

Now, the difference between 165Hz of the G-Story GSV56QM and 240Hz of the ASUS XG17 is not nearly as noticeable as going to 120Hz+ from 60Hz.

So, unless you’re a really hardcore or professional FPS gamer, the GSV56QM will do just fine.

On paper, the XG17 has a slower (3ms GtG) response time speed than the GSV56QM (1ms GtG), but it’s enough to keep all the pixel transitions within the 240Hz refresh rate window for no visible trailing behind fast-moving objects.

Moving on, the ASUS XG17AHPE features a 17.3″ 1080p IPS panel with wide viewing angles, a static contrast ratio of 1,000:1, a 300-nit peak brightness, and a 100% sRGB color gamut.

It also supports AMD FreeSync (and G-SYNC Compatible via USB-C/DP) with a 48-240Hz dynamic refresh rate range.

Design & Connectivity

The design of the monitor is slim and lightweight while the connectivity options consist of a mini-HDMI port, two USB-C ports (both for power, only one with USB-C DisplayPort Alternate Mode), a headphone jack and integrated speakers.

Further, the XG17AHP features an integrated 7800 mAh battery, which can get you 3.5 hours of 240Hz gameplay! It also charges very quickly – up to 60% in just one hour.

Besides the necessary cables and the monitor, you also get a bag and a smart cover. You can also get a model that comes with the ROG height-adjustable tripod, the ASUS XG17AHP.

Innocn PU15-PRE

Best Value OLED Portable Monitor

Size: 15.6”
Resolution: 3840×2160
Panel: OLED
Ports: 2x USB-C, mini HDMI
Weight: 2.07 lbs

See Price

The Pros:

• Wide color gamut and viewing angles
• 4K UHD resolution
• Infinite contrast ratio
• Quick response time speed
• Rich connectivity options, built-in battery

The Cons:

• Expensive

About The Monitor

Want a portable monitor with an OLED panel for amazing image quality? The Innocn PU15-PRE is definitely the best model for the money!

Image Quality

The main advantage of OLED panels is the infinite contrast ratio as each individual pixel can be completely switched off for true deep blacks.

Further, the PU15-PRE has a wide 100% DCI-P3 color gamut for vibrant and lifelike colors and since it’s factory-calibrated, you can use it for professional color-critical work.

Next, it has a peak brightness of 400-nits and 10-bit color depth support, while the 4K UHD resolution ensures crisp details due to the high pixel density.

The PU15-PRE portable monitor will definitely give your main desktop monitor, even if it’s a much more expensive one, a run for its money.

Another big advantage of OLED displays is the instantaneous pixel response time speed of <1ms GtG, ensuring a smooth fast-paced gaming experience with no ghosting.

Design & Connectivity

The monitor is extremely slim (0.2″) and lightweight (2.07 lbs), and it even features a built-in 5000mAh battery and a 10-point touch-sensitive screen.

Connectivity options include two USB-C ports, mini HDMI and integrated speakers.

Conclusion

Found the perfect portable monitor for you? If you have any questions, feel free to leave them below.

Overall, G-Story’s models offer exceptional value for the money, whether you just need the GSW56FM for basic use, the GSV56QM for gaming, or the GSV56UT for professional and/or color-critical work.

The other models target a specific niche at a bit higher cost, but they are worth the money if you can put them to good use.

Updates +

• November 24, 2022:
  – Added the Arzopa G1 and the Innocn 15A1F.
• November 25, 2021:
  – Checked up on the guide to ensure that our picks are still the best options available.
• September 28, 2021:
  – Revamped the guide completely to include the best models.