Adding a second screen to your setup can be a game-changer. The extra screen space is genuinely beneficial, and once you adapt to it, reverting to a single screen can feel limiting. Choosing the best portable monitor for your laptop, smartphone, or Mac can be daunting due to the plethora of options available. Whether you're seeking the best all-arounder like my top pick, the Asus ROG Strix XG17AHPE, or the best value for money, such as the Arzopa Z1FC, my years of testing monitors aim to simplify your search so you can spend less time shopping and more time enjoying the benefits of a second screen.
TL;DR – These Are the Best Portable Monitors:
### Asus ROG Strix XG17AHPE
1See it at Amazon
### Arzopa Z1FC 144Hz Portable Gaming Monitor
0See it at AmazonSee it at Arzopa
### Espresso Displays Espresso 17 Pro
0See it at AmazonSee it at Espresso Displays
### ViewSonic ColorPro VP16-OLED
0See it at Amazon
### Wacom Cintiq Pro 16
0See it at AmazonPortable monitors may not match the size of typical gaming monitors, but their convenience is unbeatable for on-the-go work or gaming. Even the best laptops have compact screens, and smartphones are less than ideal for work or multitasking. Adding an extra display can significantly enhance your productivity and enjoyment. After extensive research and testing, I confidently recommend these as the top portable monitors for 2025.
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1. Asus ROG Strix XG17AHPE
Best Portable Gaming Monitor
### Asus ROG Strix XG17AHPE
1Elevate your gaming on the go with this 17.3-inch portable monitor featuring a 240Hz refresh rate at 1080p resolution, Nvidia G-Sync compatibility, and minimal input lag. See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsScreen size17.3-inchResolution1920 x 1080Aspect ratio16:9Brightness300-nitRefresh rate240HzConnectivity2 x USB Type-C (1 x video, 1 x PD fast charging), 1 x Micro HDMI, 1 x Headphone JackWeight2.34lbPROS1080p/240Hz refresh rateQuick charging batteryCONSBuilt-in speakers could be improvedIt's remarkable that a portable monitor can deliver all the features needed for a high-quality gaming setup anywhere, but the Asus ROG Strix XG17AHPE achieves this. Similar to top gaming monitors, this portable option offers a 240Hz refresh rate with Nvidia G-Sync compatibility and low input lag, ensuring smooth, tear-free gameplay. Its 17.3-inch 1080p display uses an IPS panel, making it easy to view from any angle.
This display is tailored for gaming, boasting a 240Hz refresh rate for enhanced motion clarity and reduced input latency. Asus has prioritized response time, offering 3ms compared to the 6ms or higher found on others, like the Espresso 17 Pro. With Adaptive Sync (Variable Refresh Rate) support, your gameplay remains smooth and free of tearing.
It's not just about gaming; it's about gaming on the move. The XG17AHPE is packed with portability features. It includes two USB Type-C ports—one for video input and another for quick charging its 7,800mAh battery. It also has speakers, though for a richer audio experience, a dedicated gaming headset is recommended.
While designed primarily for gaming, it's also an excellent secondary screen for your laptop or PC. With 17.3 inches of screen space, it's ideal for watching videos, browsing the web, or working. The built-in battery is a convenience, eliminating the need for extra cables. Running at 60Hz for productivity and entertainment extends battery life, offering a full workday of intermittent use.
The Asus ROG Strix XG17AHPE is an exceptional portable monitor, loaded with features suitable for any use case.
2. Arzopa Z1FC 144Hz
Best Budget Portable Monitor
### Arzopa Z1FC 144Hz Portable Gaming Monitor
0This budget-friendly gaming monitor delivers a high refresh rate and bright display at an affordable price. See it at AmazonSee it at ArzopaProduct SpecificationsScreen size16.1-inchResolution1920 x 1080Aspect ratio16:9Brightness300-nitRefresh rate144HzConnectivity1 x USB-C, 1 x USB Type-A, 1 x Mini HDMI, 1 x Headphone JackWeight1.7lbPROSGood brightness for indoor gamingHigh refresh rate with FreeSync VRRGood connectivity optionsCONSWeak speakersI must admit, when I first encountered the Arzopa Z1FC 144Hz portable gaming monitor, I expected it to be just another budget option. I was pleasantly surprised. Priced around $100, it offers impressive features and has truly impressed me.
This monitor boasts a standard 1080p resolution on a 16.1-inch screen. It features an IPS panel for vibrant color reproduction and a better-than-average contrast ratio of 1200:1 (typically 1000:1). Covering 100% of the sRGB color space, it ensures accurate color representation, though the color temperature may be a bit cool, so adjusting settings is advisable.
It's particularly suitable for use with devices like the Steam Deck, Asus ROG Ally, or even your PS5 or Xbox, thanks to its 144Hz refresh rate, which significantly reduces input latency for more responsive gameplay.
Connectivity is seamless with support for USB Type-C video or mini-HDMI, and it includes all necessary cables. It also features a USB Type-A port for connecting accessories. For portability, it comes with a folio cover to protect the screen.
With a peak brightness of 300 nits, it's brighter than many competitors in its price range. Users have reported using it outdoors effectively, a testament to Arzopa's added value.
The only minor drawback is the speakers, which lack volume and clarity. For better audio, headphones are recommended. Overall, the Arzopa Z1FC is an outstanding budget choice, proving that "affordable" doesn't mean "bland."
3. Espresso 17 Pro
Best 4K Portable Monitor
### Espresso Displays Espresso 17 Pro
0Experience a true monitor experience with this elegant display that looks great and performs even better, offering a simple setup. See it at AmazonSee it at Espresso DisplaysProduct SpecificationsScreen size17.3-inchResolution3840 x 2160Aspect ratio16:9Brightness450-nitRefresh rate60HzConnectivity2 x USB Type-CWeight2.4 poundsPROSCrisp 4K resolutionBright and vibrantExcellent included standSimple setup, elegant designCONSNo included caseThe Espresso 17 Pro is a premium portable monitor designed for those who need a full 4K experience on the go. Originating from Australia, Espresso has built a reputation for creating elegant, high-quality products that are user-friendly and durable.
What I loved about this monitor during testing is how closely it replicates a full desktop monitor experience. This is largely due to its magnetic folding stand, which allows for height and tilt adjustments. It connects to your laptop or computer with a single high-bandwidth USB-C cable, making setup as easy as unfolding the stand, attaching the display, and plugging it in.
The highlight is undoubtedly the screen. It covers 100% of the DCI-P3 color space, and with 450 nits of brightness and 4K resolution, it delivers a sharp, vivid, and accurate viewing experience. It's ideal for creative work without needing post-purchase calibration. Additionally, its accelerometer automatically switches between portrait and landscape modes based on its orientation.
While the Espresso 17 Pro comes at a premium price, it feels the most luxurious among all portable monitors I've tested. From unboxing to the final product, it exudes a sense of quality and longevity, emphasizing simplicity without compromise.
However, it does have some drawbacks. It lacks a carrying case, which is a notable omission at this price point. For gamers, it's less ideal due to its 60Hz limit, unable to fully leverage consoles like the Xbox Series X or PlayStation 5. It also has a 9ms response time, which may cause ghosting, though I didn't notice any during gameplay. The Espresso 17 Pro is a standout choice for 4K enthusiasts.
4. ViewSonic ColorPro VP16-OLED
Best Portable OLED Monitor
### ViewSonic ColorPro VP16-OLED
0Experience deep blacks and vibrant colors with this 15.6-inch OLED display boasting a 100,000:1 contrast ratio and up to 400 nits of brightness. See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsScreen size15.6-inchResolution1920 x 1080Aspect ratio16:9Brightness400-nitRefresh rate60HzConnectivity2 x USB Type-C, 1 x Micro HDMI, 1 x Headphone JackWeight2.2lbPROSImpressive contrastExcellent color performanceGreat connectivity and passthrough chargingPantone validatedCONSLimited to 60HzOLED monitors are renowned for their high contrast and brightness, and the ViewSonic ColorPro VP16-OLED brings this technology into a lightweight, ultra-thin full HD portable monitor. This monitor is tailored for professional use, with Pantone validation ensuring your photo editing, video production, and digital art meet industry standards. At $399, it's not the cheapest, but it offers exceptional value.
The 15.6-inch screen matches most laptops' screen real estate and provides similar, if not better, brightness at 400 nits. The OLED panel offers infinite contrast for true blacks and a broader dynamic range. Its color coverage is excellent, covering 100% of the DCI-P3 color gamut. While limited to 60Hz, it's still suitable for gaming due to its high-quality screen.
Beyond the display, it's well-equipped. It includes two USB-C ports on its versatile folding stand, allowing for video and power through a single cable, with passthrough charging to power your laptop simultaneously. It also features a micro HDMI port for compatibility with a wide range of Windows and Mac devices.
At just 2.2lbs and folding down to 0.8 inches thick, it's highly portable, easily fitting into a bag alongside a laptop.
In summary, the ViewSonic ColorPro VP16-OLED is an outstanding monitor at a competitive price, ideal for creative professionals seeking to enhance their productivity on the go.
5. Wacom Cintiq Pro 16
Best Portable Monitor for Artists
### Wacom Cintiq Pro 16
0A sharp 16-inch 4K display with pen support, perfect for creatives. See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsScreen size16-inchResolution3840 x 2160Aspect ratio16:9Brightness300-nitRefresh rate60HzConnectivity1 x USB-C, 1 x USB Type-A, 1 x HDMI, EMR StylusWeight3.3lbPROS4K resolutionEtched glass screenWide color gamutCONSCompeting options may be more affordableFor digital artists looking to elevate their craft without breaking the bank, the Wacom Cintiq Pro 16 is the clear choice. Though a few years old, its performance remains top-tier, cementing its place in the digital art community.
The Cintiq's appeal lies in its display and pen functionality. It features a bright 4K screen with wide color gamut support (up to 98% of Adobe RGB). The etched glass surface provides a tactile feel similar to drawing on paper. The pen offers 8,192 levels of pressure sensitivity and is fully customizable with integrated buttons and an eraser.
Enhance your workflow with eight programmable Express Keys, which can be mapped to different commands in Wacom's software. The display also supports multi-touch and gesture control for easy navigation.
The only downside is its price. Since its 2021 release, competition has increased, but the Cintiq Pro 16 remains unmatched in quality, reliability, and features, making it an excellent choice for artists.
How to Choose the Best Portable Monitor for You
While they may not offer all the features of a full desktop monitor, portable monitors have numerous advantages. Sometimes, the cheapest or simplest option suffices, but other factors might better suit your needs. Here are key considerations:
Size: Size is crucial. Our selections range from 13 to 17 inches. Your choice depends on your intended use and desired portability. Larger displays often come with carrying cases, while smaller ones fit easily into a backpack. The most common size, 15.6 inches, strikes a balance between size and portability. For use in confined spaces like airplanes, consider a 12.5- or 14-inch screen. Although portable monitors are lighter than most laptops, weight is still a factor to consider.
Resolution: Pay attention to the screen's resolution. Most monitors on our list offer 1080p with an IPS panel. For gaming or digital art, a higher resolution might be necessary. Most portable monitors have a 60Hz refresh rate, but for gaming, a 120Hz or 144Hz panel can enhance the experience.
Brightness: Many budget portable monitors offer moderate brightness. For indoor use, 250 nits is usually sufficient, but for a more vibrant experience, aim for 300 to 400 nits. Be cautious of lesser-known brands that might overstate their brightness.
Connectivity: This is crucial. Ensure the monitor is compatible with your devices. All our picks feature USB-C, which is both fast and provides power. However, verify that your laptop can output video through its USB-C port. Older laptops might require HDMI or micro HDMI connections, potentially needing an additional USB cable for power.
Overall, these are essential features to consider when choosing a portable monitor. Always read reviews to understand less obvious aspects like picture customization options, which are often limited on budget models. Also, note whether the monitor comes with a protective sleeve or case; if not, consider adding one to your budget.
Portable Monitor FAQ
Who are portable monitors for?
Portable monitors benefit almost everyone. Travelers and remote workers appreciate the productivity boost from an extra screen that easily fits into a bag. They're also useful for presentations, and those with limited desk space can opt for a portable monitor over a larger desktop one. Gamers using smartphones or handheld PCs might want a larger screen with a high refresh rate for better gameplay.
What size portable monitor should I buy?
Portable monitors are smaller than full-size displays due to their portability. The best size depends on your use case and desired portability. For simple multitasking, a smaller screen may suffice, but for detailed work like digital art, a larger screen is beneficial.
How much do portable monitors cost?
Portable monitors vary in price, with many available for under $200. Budget models may lack brightness and advanced features like high refresh rates. Higher-performance models cost more, typically ranging from $100 to $300.
