Portable monitors have been around for years, but their importance has skyrocketed during the pandemic, and continued remote and hybrid work will likely make them a necessity for the foreseeable future. But choosing one isn’t as easy as it seems. At this point, nearly every major PC manufacturer has its own take on what makes a travel-friendly display, with prices ranging from as low as $100 to nearly $1,000. So, to help clear up the confusion, I’ve tested a variety of options and compiled a short list of the best portable monitors on sale right now.
What to Consider Before Buying a Portable Monitor
Before considering a specific product, it’s really important to think about how and where you plan to use your portable display. Larger panels are ideal for home use where you can simply move it and put it away when guests come over, while smaller screens are ideal for travel or use in coffee shops or shared workspaces. However, if they’re too small, they might just add extra weight to your bag without adding much practicality.
It’s also important to consider your typical workload, as artists may get more value from a monitor with higher brightness and a wider color gamut; someone who looks at spreadsheets all day isn’t going to get as much value from a more vibrant display.
What to look out for when choosing a portable monitor
Besides price and screen size, the most important specifications for a portable monitor include panel type, brightness, refresh rate, and connectivity. Most portable monitors use IPS LCD displays, which generally offer wider viewing angles, stronger brightness, and better power efficiency. However, there are also some models with OLED screens that support a wider color gamut, which is a big advantage for artists and content creators. Some lower-cost models may use TN panels, which help cut costs and reduce energy consumption. That said, they often offer inferior image quality compared to IPS screens, so they are generally best avoided.
When it comes to brightness, 300 nits is the minimum recommendation – anything lower and the monitor may become difficult to use, even in indoor environments – ideally, look for a screen with 350 or 400 nits or higher.
Connectivity is also important. If you can’t easily connect your phone or laptop to the monitor, it’s going to become a giant paperweight. Most travel displays come with an HDMI or USB-C port (or both) to accommodate most devices. However, it’s also a good idea to look for a model that supports pass-through power over USB-C. This will reduce the complexity of your setup and the number of cords and adapters you have to carry around.
Finally, most portable monitors have a 60Hz refresh rate, which is plenty for most uses, although there are some models that go up to 120Hz or even 240Hz. These faster panels are especially great for gaming, and are especially useful for anyone who plans to take their console or gaming PC with them on the go.
Photo: Sam Rutherford/Engadget
Not only does the Espresso 17 Pro feature powerful brightness (450 nits) and an ultra-premium design, but what really elevates this display are all the accessories and companion apps. Espresso’s Stand Pro add-on feels just like it’s bulletproof, and it also has a super-strong magnetic attachment system, so you don’t have to worry about a kickstand or tripod. Meanwhile, for those who need some extra power while on the go, there’s a charging station with a massive 32,000mAh battery. And Espresso’s Jot software makes it easy to draw and mark up documents with the stylus. It works extremely well with the company’s screen protectors, adding a more textured surface for better feedback while you’re drawing.
But the 17 Pro’s standout feature is that when connected to a Mac, touch support is unlocked, allowing you to unleash your creativity. Finally, with impressive specs like 10-bit color support, 100% coverage of the DCI-P3 spectrum, and dual USB-C ports with power pass-through, it has everything you need in a portable display. Heck, it even has built-in speakers. The only downside is its high price tag, starting at $799. But in our hands-on experience, it’s well worth the money, offering better image quality than many of its similarly sized competitors in the desktop chain.
$800 at B&H Photo
Photo: Sam Rutherford/Engadget
For just $200, Plugable’s 15.6-inch portable monitor offers everything you need in a budget display and more. It doesn’t have HDMI, but it does have not one but three USB-C ports, plus hub functionality with two 10Gbps connections and 85-watt pass-through charging. And because the monitor itself has low power consumption, you might not even need to use the included brick to connect it to your laptop.
Admittedly, the panel itself is not a spectacular spec, with a rated brightness of 300 nits and a refresh rate of 60Hz. But it’s still more than adequate for most situations and far better than what you typically get at or below this price point. One small drawback is that image quality drops off when viewed from acute angles, but when viewed head-on, the color and clarity are above average for the price, so it’s not a big deal. Finally, while you don’t expect a ton of freebies to come with a budget gadget, Plugable includes a foldable magnetic cover that doubles as a kickstand and a USB-C 3.2 cable, which is a nice touch.
$200 on Amazon
Photo: Sam Rutherford/Engadget
The ROG Strix XG17AHP has been around for a while, but it still has great specs, including a 17.3-inch panel with anti-reflective coating and 1080p resolution, plenty of ports, and a super-fast 240Hz refresh rate. The refresh rate is the highest you can get on a portable monitor today. The built-in 7,800mAh battery makes it easy to set up in a short amount of time without having to worry about power. This model also comes with a ton of accessories, including a travel bag, a foldable cover, and plenty of cables. It also has a quick-disconnect system for attaching the included tripod, which is great for use at home or for a semi-permanent installation. However, if you want to travel even lighter, there’s also a slightly cheaper version that comes with just a kickstand instead of a tripod.
$569 at ASUS
Photo: Sam Rutherford/Engadget
For those on the go, Lenovo’s M14t Gen2 Mobile Monitor makes it easy to enjoy a beautiful screen anywhere. The 14-inch panel features a 2240 x 1400 resolution with 100% sRGB color gamut and a 16:10 aspect ratio, giving you a little more vertical screen space. It also supports USB-C power pass-through (up to 65 watts), so you can easily share power with connected devices like your smartphone or laptop. Sketching is also supported with Lenovo’s included stylus.
But the best part is the built-in stand, which has stable tilt from 0 to 90 degrees, making it easy to adjust in tight spaces, and it weighs just 1.5 pounds, so it won’t weigh you down in your bag. Lenovo even includes a nifty carrying sleeve to keep the panel from getting damaged during transport.
Know that the M14t monitor comes in a few different versions, and you can buy one directly from Lenovo for as low as $284. If you want to save a few bucks, read the specs list for the model you’re considering before you buy.
$399 at CDW
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