The Best Portable Monitors Make Multitasking A Breeze

Even if you have one of the best laptops, multitasking and having multiple windows open once can be challenging. This is when a versatile portable monitor comes in handy. These external second screens are light enough to go with your laptop, wherever that happens to be. The best portable monitors can increase your available screen real estate, which can boost your productivity.

A portable monitor can double or triple the on-screen real estate of a laptop computer and make … [+] multitasking much easier.

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“Portable monitors are mainly aimed at business travelers looking for enhanced productivity while on the road,” notes Paul Gagnon, vice president and industry advisor on consumer technology at research firm The NPD Group. “But they can also have utility for hybrid workers or students not looking to invest in a dedicated home office setup for space or financial reasons.”

Portable monitors typically come in sizes that pair well with laptop computers (mostly from 14 to 17 inches) and typically offer a baseline resolution of 1080p. The larger you go in screen size or the more screens you add, the heavier your remote work setup. Some monitors stand apart with 2K or 4K resolution—like our best overall pick, the SideTrack Solo 4K.

No matter which style of portable monitor you choose, these handy devices can help you do more in less space. To guide you in your search, we’ve done the testing and research to narrow down the best portable monitors available right now.

Best Portable Monitor Overall

Extend Your Laptop With A 4K Touchscreen

Editor’s Pick

SideTrak

SideTrak Solo 4K

Screen size: 15.6-inch touchscreen | Screen type: LED | Resolution: 3,840 x 2,160 pixels | Ports: USB Type-C, USB Type-A, HDMI | Weight: 2.9 pounds | Dimensions: 14.5 x 8.9 x 0.4 inches | Speakers: Dual stereo

Best for: Creatives and artists who crave high-resolution detail.

The SideTrak Solo 4K is a free-standing portable monitor, unlike most other models from this company that attach to your computer screen. The Solo is among the priciest models we’ve seen, but it also packs all the features you could want in a monitor—with a 4K touchscreen and built-in speakers. It connects to your computer using a single cable and also has a built in blue light filter to help reduce eyestrain.

With high dynamic range (HDR), dynamic contrast ratio (DCR) and AMD FreeSync modes, you can switch seamlessly from business to watching movies or gaming—and see everything with rich, vivid colors and detailed clarity. You can connect this monitor to a gaming console, like a Sony PlayStation or Microsoft Xbox, or to any computer, smartphone or tablet. All of this comes in a package that weighs 2.9 pounds.

Pros:

• Superior 4K resolution
• Multiple connectivity ports and options
• Built-in stereo speakers

Cons:

• Expensive

Best Budget Portable Monitor

Big Feature, Low Price

Amazon

Lepow Z1-Gamut

Screen size: 15.6-inch touchscreen | Screen type: IPS | Resolution: 1,920 x 1080 pixels | Ports: USB Type-C, Mini-HDMI | Weight: 1.7 pounds | Dimensions: 14.6 x 8.9 x 0.3 inches | Speakers: Dual stereo

Best for: Bright, vibrant colors in an affordable display.

The Lepow Z1-Gamut uses quantum dots to enhance the 1080p, HDR-capable display’s color gamut to 106% sRGB/72% NTSC. This means the Z1-Gamut produces rich colors, making it a great choice for creative work or entertainment. The display has a wide 178-degree field of view, and its design accommodates positioning it in landscape or portrait modes. It comes with a protective magnetic screen cover which doubles as a stand. The built-in speakers offer 360-degree sound, handy whether you’re giving a presentation or listening to a movie.

The Lepow Z1-Gamut has three display modes: Duplicate Mode (for mirroring what’s on your laptop’s screen), Extend mode (allowing the monitor to connect with a mobile device) and Second Screen mode (for multitasking via your laptop computer). This monitor is light enough to carry around with you and set up virtually anywhere. The monitor takes seconds to set up and folds flat with its stand, so it’s easy to transport with your laptop computer in your existing case. With its low price and versatility, you can’t go wrong with this monitor—especially if you’re on a budget.

Pros:

• 360-degree audio
• Wide color gamut
• Folds flat for easy transport

Cons:

• Monitor height not adjustable

Honorable Mention: Another Reliable Lepow Display

Amazon

Lepow C2S

Screen size: 15.4-inch | Screen type: LED | Resolution: 1,920 x 1,080 pixels | Ports: 2 USB Type-C, Mini-HDMI, Mini-DisplayPort | Weight: 1.7 pounds | Dimensions: 14.5 x 8.9 x 0.3 inches | Speakers: Dual stereo

Best for: Adding an extra screen to a laptop computer without spending a fortune.

Priced less than $150, we love this portable monitor because you can easily connect it to your laptop computer and benefit from an additional 15.4-inches of screen space. The Lepow C2S gives you 1080p resolution with a 60Hz refresh rate in a 1.7-pound package. You can position the display horizontally or vertically with the kickstand. The monitor has multiple inputs, with USB Type-C, Mini-HDMI and Mini-DisplayPort, plus a second USB Type-C port for power.

It has a 178-degree viewing angle, wide enough so you can sit off center from the monitor and still clearly see the screen. The monitor also has three modes: extend, duplicate and second screen. The dual built-in speakers produce stereo audio and it has a 3.5mm audio jack for connecting wired headphones. Based on what Lepow has packed into this monitor, it’s a great deal. Unlike the Lepow Z1-Gamut, this one uses a built-in adjustable kickstand; but it doesn’t include a cover.

Pros:

• Extremely affordable
• Multiple inputs
• Adjustable kickstand 

Cons:

• Lacks touchscreen
• No protective cover

Best Budget 4K Monitor

4K At A 1080p Price

Amazon

Arzopa E1 Extreme 4K Portable Monitor

Screen size: 15.6-inch | Screen type: IPS | Resolution: 3,840 x 2,160 pixels | Ports: USB Type-C, Mini HDMI | Weight: 1.4 pounds | Dimensions: 14 x 8.7 x 0.4 inches | Speakers: Dual stereo

Best for: Using a 4K display while on-the-go.

The Arzopa E1 Extreme goes the distance, delivering a 4K display with a 178-degree field of view. It offers excellent colors, with support for HDR imaging, 100% of Adobe RGB spectrum and a 1500:1 contrast ratio. At 400 nits peak brightness, this model is bright enough to use in bright environments. It also comes with a magnetic Smart Cover that doubles as a stand. Thanks to its high resolution, the Arzopa E1 Extreme is ideal for creators engaging in photo and video editing or live streaming.

The display works well for gaming thanks to its support for AMD FreeSync, despite its limited 60Hz refresh rate. The monitor comes with a USB Type-C cable, but your computer must support Thunderbolt (3 or later) or DisplayPort to use it. With a few quick adjustments, the Arzopa E1 Extreme has four display modes—mirror mode, extended mode, portrait mode and gaming mode. The whole setup weighs a mere 1.4 pounds, lighter than most portable monitors and easy to tote around.

Pros:

• 4K, HDR display
• Bright
• Weighs just 1.4 pounds

Cons:

• Refresh rate low for gaming

Best Multi-Screen Portable Monitor

Three Screens Are Better Than One

MOST POPULAR

Xebec

Xebec Tri-Screen 2

Screen size: Two 10.1-inch displays | Screen type: LCD | Resolution: 1,920 x 1,200 pixels | Ports: USB Type-C, Mini-HDMI | Weight: 2 pounds | Dimensions: 7.5 x 12 x 1 inches | Speakers: None

Best for: Turning your laptop into a three-screen powerhouse.

The Xebec Tri-Screen 2 uses a mounting frame to attach two slide-out 10.1-inch displays to the back of your laptop’s existing screen. Each Xebec display slides out from behind your laptop—one on each side of your laptop’s display—thus creating a highly portable three-display work area. Installing these two monitors and its bracket requires the supplied frame clamps, but nothing extra, like magnets or glue.

Each 16:10 aspect ratio display has 1,920 x 1,200 pixels and a 60Hz refresh rate. The displays are thin, measuring 6.5 millimeters thick, and can rotate 180-degrees. This setup is compatible with all Windows PCs, MacBooks and ChromeOS-based computers, yet it only adds two pounds to what you need to carry around. Keep in mind, the Xebec Tri-Screen 2 works with laptops with most laptops that have a display measuring between 12 and 20-inches. Overall, this is an extremely useful design that can dramatically boost your productivity when working (or playing) remotely. It’s well worth the investment.

Pros:

• Easy setup
• Lightweight
• Simple to transport when attached to a computer

Cons:

• Some easy assembly required
• Small screen size

Best 2K Resolution Portable Monitor

This Screen Won’t Weigh Down Your Bag

CDW.com

Lenovo ThinkVision M14d

Screen size: 14-inch | Screen type: LED | Resolution: 2,240 x 1,400 pixels | Ports: USB Type-C | Weight: 1.3 pounds | Dimensions: 12.4 x 8.5 x 4.2 inches (with stand open) | Speakers: None

Best for: Adding a light display with your crisp text.

The Lenovo ThinkVision M14d features a compact, 14-inch 2.2K display that delivers sharp text and images. It has a 16:10 aspect ratio, 60Hz refresh rate and a 178-degree field of view. The monitor uses an adjustable hinged stand, which folds inward to makes it super easy to transport—especially since the display weighs just 1.3 pounds. The display has up to 300 nits brightness and a high contrast ratio (1,500:1), which together help make content look good on the screen—even in a brightly lit areas.

What the ThinkVision M14d lacks, however, is a touchscreen display and speakers. For many, these omissions won’t affect their productivity. The monitor has two USB Type-C ports with USB power delivery and DisplayPort support. Its black chassis matches well to Lenovo’s classic ThinkPad line, a cue that this monitor targets the business crowd. The monitor integrates a sturdy, fully adjustable kickstand that gives flexibility in how you position the monitor.

Pros:

• 2.2K pixels
• Light weight
• Impressive brightness and contrast

Cons:

• Monitor can’t pivot between portrait and landscape mode

Best Budget Portable Monitor With Touchscreen

An Interactive Display That’s Great For Mac Or PC

Amazon

ViewSonic TD1655

Screen size: 15.6-inch | Screen type: LED | Resolution: 1,920 x 1,080p | Ports: USB Type-C, Mini-HDMI | Weight: 2.1 pounds | Dimensions: 8.8 x 0.6 x 14 inches | Touchscreen: Yes | Speakers: Dual stereo

Best for: Touchscreen convenience.

The ViewSonic TD1655 is a 15.6-inch touchscreen portable monitor offered at a highly competitive price. This pick is also one of the few touchscreen monitors to work with both Macs and PCs—thanks to ViewSonic’s vTouch driver. This driver enables full touch and gesture control on the display when paired with macOS. The touchscreen works without the driver using Windows 10 or later on computers with USB Type-C connectivity.

The TD1655 has a 16:9 aspect ratio and comes with a screen cover and a built-in stand to use in either horizontal or vertical orientation. It also comes with a passive stylus for use on the in-cell capacitive LED touchscreen. The screen is flicker-free—with a blue light filter to reduce eyestrain. And it packs two 0.8-watt speakers, plus an impressive 250 nits of brightness.

Pros:

• 15.6-inch display with 1080p resolution
• Touchscreen supports passive stylus
• Included cover doubles as a stand

Cons:

• Heavy for a portable monitor

Best Portable Monitor With Touchscreen

Stylish, With A Pressure-Sensitive Stylus Option

Good Value

Espresso

Espresso Display V2 15.6-Inch

Screen size: 15.6-inch touchscreen | Screen type: LED | Resolution: 1,920 x 1,080 pixels | Ports: USB Type-C | Weight: 1.9 pounds | Dimensions: 14 x 10 x 0.2 inches | Speakers: Dual stereo

Best for: Making a design statement while boosting your productivity.

Australian start-up Espresso Displays’ eponymous V2 model comes in 13- and 15.6-inch versions with a touchscreen, along with a 13-inch version without touch. Espresso’s prices are a bit more than some competitors, but all models share the same stylish design aesthetic, plus a bevy of features other portable monitors don’t have. Take the 15.6-inch touchscreen portable monitor, for example. It has a brushed aluminum and glass chassis and a super-slim (0.2-inch) design, with a 16:10 aspect ratio display and two USB Type-C ports. The maximum screen brightness is 300 nits.

This model works with a pressure-sensitive stylus, though the tool doesn’t come with monitor and costs an extra $79. However, the stylus supports 4,096 levels of pressure sensitivity and closely mimics the feel of pen—making this a great choice for drawing or writing on screen. Other optional accessories include a choice of stands, the coolest one being the espressoStand, a $69 foldable magnetic stand for mounting the monitor for vertical or horizontal viewing. The optional stand is height adjustable, but folds flat. Last but not least, this pick is versatile. The Espresso comes with its own software, called Duet, allowing you to use the touchscreen on both MacBook and PC laptops.

Pros:

• Slim design
• Magnetic attachment on back for a stand
• 1080p resolution touchscreen

Cons:

• Stand and stylus not included
• Expensive

Best Attachable Portable Monitor

Connects Directly To Your Laptop’s Display

Best Features

Best Buy

SideTrak Swivel 12.5-Inch

Screen size: 12.5-inch | Screen type: LCD | Resolution: 1080p (1,920 x 1,080) | Ports: USB Type-C, USB Type-A, Mini-HDMI | Weight: 1.3 pounds | Dimensions: 12 x 7.4 x 0.7 inches | Speakers: None

Best for: Anyone who doesn’t want to carry around extra accessories.

While this 12.5-inch monitor is a smaller-size display than most, the SideTrak Swivel mounts directly to your laptop’s existing display with a supplied magnetic frame. It then pulls out from behind the screen when needed. This approach makes it extremely easy to transport and ensures both displays are at the same height. You can manually adjust the SideTrak’s viewing angle, or you can rotate the monitor 360 degrees. If you’re looking for some detachment, the Swivel’s collapsible mounting frame also allows the monitor to stand on its own using a built-in kickstand.

This version of the SideTrak Swivel Portable Monitor is compatible with Windows or MacBook laptops with a built-in display between 13 inches and 17 inches. It is not, however, compatible with Microsoft Surface devices that have their own kickstand, or with many 2-in-1 laptops whose screens contort into different positions. The 16:9 monitor’s refresh rate is 50Hz (most portable monitors are at least 60Hz), but its brightness is higher than others, at a maximum of 300 nits. The unit comes with the mounting plates needed to secure it to your computer. 

Pros:

• 12.5-inch swivel display
• Lightweight and portable
• Attaches to the back of a laptop’s existing display

Cons:

• No touchscreen
• Lacks built-in speakers
• Small screen size

Best Multi-Screen Portable Monitor

Three Screens Are Better Than One

Editor’s Pick

Xebec

Xebec Tri-Screen 2

Screen size: Two 10.1-inch displays | Screen type: LCD | Resolution: 1,920 x 1,200 pixels | Ports: USB Type-C, Mini-HDMI | Weight: 2 pounds | Dimensions: 7.5 x 12 x 1 inches | Speakers: None

Best for: Turning your laptop into a three-screen powerhouse.

The Xebec Tri-Screen 2 uses a mounting frame to attach two slide-out 10.1-inch displays to the back of your laptop’s existing screen. Each Xebec display slides out from behind your laptop—one on each side of your laptop’s display—thus creating a highly portable three-display work area. Installing these two monitors and its bracket requires the supplied frame clamps, but nothing extra, like magnets or glue.

Each 16:10 aspect ratio display has 1,920 x 1,200 pixels and a 60Hz refresh rate. The displays are thin, measuring 6.5 millimeters thick, and can rotate 180-degrees. This setup is compatible with all Windows PCs, MacBooks and ChromeOS-based computers, yet it only adds two pounds to what you need to carry around. Keep in mind, the Xebec Tri-Screen 2 works with laptops with most laptops that have a display measuring between 12 and 20-inches. Overall, this is an extremely useful design that can dramatically boost your productivity when working (or playing) remotely. It’s well worth the investment.

Pros:

• Easy setup
• Lightweight
• Simple to transport when attached to a computer

Cons:

• Some easy assembly required
• Small screen size

Best OLED Portable Monitor

Bright And Vibrant Display

Asus

Asus ZenScreen OLED MQ16AH

Screen size: 15.6-inches | Screen type: OLED | Resolution: 1,920 x 1080 pixels | Ports: USB Type-C, Mini HDMI | Weight: 1.4 pounds | Dimensions: 14.1 x 8.9 x 0.2 inches | Speakers: None

Best for: Viewing content with deep blacks and a wide color gamut.

The Asus ZenScreen OLED offers many of the key features you’d expect from a 15.6-inch portable monitor, including 1080p resolution with a 60Hz refresh rate and HDR10 support. You also get 100% DCI-P3 color gamut and Delta E <2 color difference with a 1ms response time and a 100,000:1 contrast ratio. Together with its OLED backlight, this monitor can produce images with dark blacks, bright whites and accurate colors. The fast response helps keep animated graphics blur-free. To save power, the monitor has a unique proximity sensor that automatically dims the display when you it’s not in use.

The monitor comes with a cover that doubles as a four-position stand. This allows you to position the monitor in landscape or portrait mode (optional desktop tripod mount sold separately). Thanks to its ultra-thin design and light weight, this monitor is easy to transport. If you plan to use the monitor in a brightly lit space, the box it comes in can works as a monitor hood to protect the display from glare.

Pros:

• Brilliant OLED display
• Thin and light
• Unique proximity sensor conserves power

Cons:

• Display is very reflective (causing glares) in direct light
• Expensive

Honorable Mention: A Portable 1080p OLED Monitor From ViewSonic

Amazon

ViewSonic VP-16-OLED

Screen size: 15.6-inch touchscreen | Screen type: OLED | Resolution: 1,920 x 1080 pixels | Ports: USB Type-C, Micro HDMI | Weight: 2.2 pounds | Dimensions: 14.1 x 12.4 x 0.8 inches | Speakers: Dual stereo

Best for: Ergonomically placing a bright and vivid portable screen.

The ViewSonic VP-16-OLED is a versatile monitor that produces vivid images and comes with a height-adjustable stand. Its OLED panel has excellent contrast (1,000:1), impressive brightness (up to 400 nits), a broad color range and a faster refresh rate than a typical LCD monitor. The monitor’s 178-degree viewing angle is in line with this model’s competitive set, and it’s useful if you’re sharing your screen with multiple people gathered around.

Not only does this monitor include a protective cover, but it also has a built-in stand that lets you adjust the monitor’s height to a more ergonomic position. The monitor also has a tripod mount built- in, so you can connect it to any tabletop or full-size tripod as well. ViewSonic sells a separate screen hood separately, in case you need better viewing in brightly lit areas, such as in sunlight or under bright studio lighting. Meanwhile, the monitor’s flicker-free technology combined with the blue light filter makes this monitor easy on your eyes.

Pros:

• OLED display produces deep blacks and vivid colors
• Built-in standard tripod mount
• Comes with a cover and integrated stand

Cons:

• Expensive

Best Portable Monitor For Gaming

144Hz Refresh Rate And AMD FreeSync Premium

ViewSonic

ViewSonic VX1755

Screen size: 17.2-inch | Screen type: LCD | Resolution: 1,920 x 1,080 pixels | Ports: USB Type-C, Mini-HDMI | Weight: 2.2 pounds | Dimensions: 0.7 x 15.6 x 9.7 inches | Speakers: Dual stereo

Best for: Mobile gaming via a console, Windows PC or mobile device.

The ViewSonic VX1755 targets gamers who need portability and speed. This 17.2-inch display offers 1080p resolution with an impressively fast 144Hz refresh rate and AMD FreeSync Premium support to help your gameplay look buttery smooth. It also has an anti-glare and flicker-free screen with a built-in blue light filter.

The viewing angle is good, but not as wide as some at 170-degrees. This monitor comes with a built-in stand that doubles as a cover. You have two USB Type-C ports to work with, plus two-way power over a single cable so the laptop can power the monitor. At 2.2 pounds, this monitor weighs only a little more than some smaller 15.6-inch models.

Pros:

• Fast 144Hz refresh rate
• USB Type-C and Mini HDMI ports
• Supports AMD FreeSync Premium

Cons:

• Mediocre brightness

Honorable Mention: Portable Monitor With G-Sync Support

BestBuy

Asus Strix 15.6

Screen size: 15.6-inch | Screen type: LCD | Resolution: 1,920 x 1,080 pixels | Ports: USB Type-C, HDMI | Weight: 2 pounds | Dimensions: 14 x 8.9 x .5 inches | Speakers: Dual stereo

Best for: Fast-moving graphics and games.

While the Asus Strix 15.6 is in fact a 15.6-inch portable display, what makes it special is its impressive, flicker-free, 144Hz refresh rate. It also offers a quick 3ms response rate and G-Sync (NVIDA Adaptive Sync) support. Plus, you get an 800:1 contrast ratio, 16:9 aspect ratio and a maximum of 300 nit brightness. This model can display vibrant and detailed graphics, animations and video. These features combined make it suitable for handling most applications, including gaming, while you’re traveling and need to equip your laptop computer with a second screen.

The Asus Strix 15.6 has its own internal, 7,800mAh rechargeable battery that last for up to 3 hours per charge, so it won’t cause your laptop computer’s battery to run down faster. The monitor comes with a travel sleeve and a cover that’s equipped with a tripod mount.

Pros:

• Widescreen 16:9 aspect ratio
• Fast 144Hz refresh rate with Adaptive Sync support
• Built-in rechargeable battery

Cons:

• Limited angle adjustability using stand

How We Chose The Best Portable Monitors

We combined research with hands-on testing and experience, and we spoke with product experts and industry leaders to help us determine the products that make the cut. We carefully evaluated each portable monitor’s resolution, size, weight, refresh rate, price and more. These selections take into consideration what sets each monitor apart from its competition.

How To Choose A Portable Monitor

Portable monitors are small, compact and lightweight screens designed to expand the on-screen real estate available to run your favorite applications. A portable monitor makes multitasking on a laptop computer much easier and more efficient.

Most portable monitors rely on your laptop computer’s battery power to function—requiring just one cable to link it with your computer. Some portable monitors have their own built-in rechargeable battery. All are easy to transport and can likely fit within your existing laptop case, briefcase, or carry-on bag.

Let’s look at some of the key features to look for when choosing a portable monitor to best fit your needs.

Resolution, Maximum Brightness And Refresh Rate

In the case of portable monitor, the higher the better with regards to resolution, maximum brightness and refresh rate. Resolution describes the visual dimensions of the display and is based on width and height. It’s determined by how many pixels are used to create the image you see displayed. For example, a 1080p monitor has 1,920 x 1,080 pixels. The 1,920 is the number of pixels across, while the 1,080 refers to the number of pixels in height. Altogether, a 1080p monitor uses 2,073,600 pixels. For reference, a 4K monitor uses four times the number of pixels as a 1080p monitor.

At minimum, look for a portable monitor with a 1080p screen. If you can afford it, go with a 2K or 4K monitor to see more detail and vibrant colors.

Maximum brightness, which is measured in nits, directly affects color perception and power consumption. The brighter the display, the more easily you can see the screen in a brightly lit area. A higher brightness also means the monitor requires more power to operate. Most portable monitors that rely on power from a laptop computer offer a lower maximum brightness than a monitor with its own power source, especially when it’s plugged into an electrical outlet (as opposed to using its own battery).

On the plus side, a lower brightness tends is easier on your eyes, but a higher brightness (more nits) provides more luminescence and makes it easier to view the display in bright ambient light. A typical portable monitor has a maximum brightness between 200 and 600 nits.

A monitor’s refresh rate is the number of times per second that whatever you’re viewing on the screen refreshes. When a monitor offers a 60Hz refresh rate, it refreshes the screen 60 times every second. A 120Hz refresh rate refreshes the screen 120 times per second, which makes it better for gaming or watching fast-moving action on the display. In a nutshell, refresh rate directly relates to how smooth animated graphics or video content look on the display.

Size And Weight

Consider the overall size and weight of the monitor, especially if you expect to carry it along with your computer when on the road. Smaller screen sizes are lighter than larger ones, by nature. An attached monitor may make sense, so you can carry everything as one unit.

As a secondary monitor used for multitasking, you may find a smaller size display can accommodate your work habits and need for extra portability. Meanwhile, if your work requires photo editing, writing, drawing or annotating, choosing a second monitor with a touchscreen display and higher resolution will be beneficial.

How It’s Powered

Most portable monitors rely on your laptop’s power, unless it comes with its own built-in rechargeable battery. Some monitors have a second USB Type-C port through which you can attach your own power source. If you’re using a monitor powered by your computer, expect your laptop’s battery charge to run low faster. And the monitor will drain power faster still if offers 4K resolution, since higher resolution displays typically require more power. Power is one reason brightness often suffers on a portable monitor.

Built-In Speakers

While some portable monitors have two tiny, low-powered speakers built-in, chances are the speakers built into your computer offer higher-quality audio. For the best audio experience, consider using Bluetooth headphones or wireless earbuds with noise cancellation, as opposed to relying on the audio that some of these portable monitors can generate. Check out our picks for the best wireless headphones and earbuds.

Price

In general, larger displays cost more. Higher resolution and faster refresh rates also add to the price of a portable monitor. Well-known brand names—like ViewSonic, ASUS, Lenovo or Dell—often carry a premium over some of the generic models you can find at Amazon and other e-tailers.

Operating System Compatibility

All non-touchscreen portable monitors can work with a MacOS or Windows-based computer. While models can also work with other operating systems, such as ChromeOS or Linux, so double check the specs if you want to use the monitor with any of these operating systems.

Touchscreen portable monitors are sometimes trickier. All have Windows support, but only some support additional operating systems—including MacOS, ChromeOS and Android. If you want to use the monitor with a MacBook, look specifically for monitors with a dedicated driver or software to enable touch. ViewSonic, Espresso and SideTrak all come with some variation of Mac software.

Use your Apple iPad as a second screen for your MacBook or iMac thanks to the SideCar feature.

Apple

If you’re a MacBook (or iMac) user and have an iPad tablet, the latest MacOS and iPadOS operating systems have a Sidecar feature, so you can use your iPad tablet as a second monitor for your computer—either with or without a cable.

How Big Is A Portable Monitor?

The best portable monitors come in a wide range of sizes. The size you choose is a matter of personal preference and should be based on your work habits and needs, as well as how much you want to spend.

The SideTrak portable monitor attaches to the back of your laptop computer’s existing screen and … [+] provides a second screen.

SideTrak

Some portable monitors are extremely compact and provide an extra 12- to 14-inch display, although it’s more common for a portable monitor to offer at least a 15.6-inch display. A few displays go up to just over 17 inches. Displays larger still are more cumbersome to travel with and typically need to plug into an electrical outlet to function, making them less portable and more like a small desktop monitor.

Most portable monitors are less than 0.5 inches thick, and the monitors themselves weigh less than two pounds. Most come with a travel case or cover—making them very easy to transport with your laptop computer. Of course, this varies based on the screen size and model you choose.

If you’ll be using a portable monitor with your laptop computer, for the best experience, choose a monitor size that’s about the same as your laptop’s display and then position the two monitors side-by-side at the same height. If you’re using a three display portable monitor setup, or a specialty portable monitor, this suggestion does not apply.

Can You Connect A Desktop PC To A Portable Monitor?

Yes. Portable monitors typically include some cables, such as a USB Type-C to USB Type-C cable, a Mini-HDMI to HDMI cable and a USB Type-C to USB Type-A cable. As soon as you plug a portable monitor into your computer, Windows or MacOS identifies it as a display and it should work immediately. In some cases, however, you may need to download a free driver or adjust the System Display Settings (Windows) or Display System Preferences (Mac) on your computer for the portable monitor to function properly.

Do Portable Monitors Work With Any Laptop Computer?

With the proper drivers installed, almost any portable monitor will work with almost any Windows PC or MacBook laptop computer. For the best user experience, position the additional monitor directly to the side of your laptop computer’s existing monitor, making sure they’re both at the same height. Or, choose a vertical portrait orientation, so you can see a document in a longer length, just as you can on a tablet.

Are Portable Monitors Worth It?

It all comes down to what you use your computer for, whether being able to multitask is important to you and how much physical space you have to set up your equipment on a desk or flat surface. Most people discover that having two or even three screens can be extremely beneficial for increasing their productivity and making their workflow easier.

We believe a portable monitor is a must-have accessory if you’re a remote worker who needs to be highly productive from airports, hotels, at home, or even from a coffee shop. However, not everyone needs a 4K portable monitor. The most reasonably priced models are typically 15.6-inch 1080p monitors.

Why Trust Forbes Vetted

The Forbes Vetted tech team strives to offer accurate, trustworthy product assessments that are the result of intensive research and hands-on testing. Our writers and editors have years of experience writing about a broad range of consumer electronics and have the background and expertise to help you make the best buying decisions possible.

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