'ZDNET Recommends': What exactly does it mean?
ZDNET's recommendations are based on many hours of testing, research, and comparison shopping. We gather data from the best available sources, including vendor and retailer listings as well as other relevant and independent reviews sites. And we pore over customer reviews to find out what matters to real people who already own and use the products and services we’re assessing.
When you click through from our site to a retailer and buy a product or service, we may earn affiliate commissions. This helps support our work, but does not affect what we cover or how, and it does not affect the price you pay. Neither ZDNET nor the author are compensated for these independent reviews. Indeed, we follow strict guidelines that ensure our editorial content is never influenced by advertisers.
ZDNET's editorial team writes on behalf of you, our reader. Our goal is to deliver the most accurate information and the most knowledgeable advice possible in order to help you make smarter buying decisions on tech gear and a wide array of products and services. Our editors thoroughly review and fact-check every article to ensure that our content meets the highest standards. If we have made an error or published misleading information, we will correct or clarify the article. If you see inaccuracies in our content, please report the mistake via this form.
The best portable monitors you can buy
At ZDNET, we know two screens are always better than one, and just because you are working on the go doesn't mean you need to compromise your efficiency. A portable monitor can help you embrace the benefits of both remote and effective work (or even play if you're an avid gamer).
Also: How to choose the right monitor layout for working from home
The best portable monitors connect to your laptop, tablet, and game consoles via mini HDMI or USB-C cables for fast, consistent video playback, and productivity power.
After hands-on testing various monitors, ZDNET found our top choice for the best portable monitor overall, the Duex Plus monitor, which fits all these requirements while also delivering an ultra-lightweight form factor, easy UI, and clear display. Read on to see how other top portable monitors from Lenovo, Asus, and more compare.
The best portable monitors of 2024
- Beginner-friendly
- Lightweight design
- Clear 1080p display
- Mediocre construction
- Could be brighter
Duex Plus by Mobile Pixels tech specs: Size: 13.3 inches | Panel type: IPS | Resolution: 1080p | Touchscreen: No | HDR: No | Refresh rate: 60 Hz | Power: USB-C
After going hands-on with the Duex Plus portable monitor, we can say that its lightweight build, surprisingly easy set-up, and slide-out mechanism make it June Wan's "productivity secret weapon."
"Portable monitors come in all shapes and sizes, but the Mobile Pixels Duex Plus' slide-out mechanism is the most seamless way I've found to integrate a second screen with my laptop," said Wan in his full review. "If you want a dual-screen setup without the hassle of carrying a separate monitor, then this is as good as it gets," he says of its ultimate portability feature.
Review: Duex Plus by Mobile Pixels
The 1080p full HD display has anti-glare technology for greater clarity with a 16:9 aspect ratio. In all, the screen measures 13.3 inches, making for a manageable size, and is adjustable, thanks to a special G-sensor that is responsible for its auto-rotation design. There is both USB A and Type-C connectivity to keep your monitor more easily powered. And, with a plastic and aluminum alloy build, it's both portable and fairly durable.
Hongo portable monitor tech specs: Size: 16.1 inches | Panel type: IPS | Resolution: 1920 x 1080P | Touchscreen: No | HDR: No | Refresh rate: 60 Hz | Power: USB-C
A second display doesn't need to break the bank to provide quality imaging. Whether you are using it for gaming or remote work, the Hongo 16.1-inch portable monitor is a quality portable monitor that provides a bright and crisp display at a relatively affordable price.
For just $160, it offers 144Hz refresh rate, USB-Type C, USB, and HDMI connectivity, and you can switch between horizontal and vertical modes. If you are interested in a portable monitor that can connect to various types of devices and does not leave a hole in your pocket, then the Hongo 16.1-inch may be the monitor for you.
When ZDNET contributor Jack Wallen got his hands on this monitor, he was surprised at how much brighter this under-$200 monitor was in comparison to his over-$1,000 Dell 34-inch monitor. "Not only has the extra screen made a huge difference, but the monitor is a significant improvement over what past portable monitors I've used. It's clearer, brighter, and less prone to flicker than my portable monitor of the past," he writes.
- Touchscreen with stylus included
- USB-C passthrough
- Adjustable stand
- Only 2 USB-C ports
- No integrated speakers
- No HDR support
Lenovo ThinkVision M14t tech specs: Size: 14 inches | Panel type: IPS | Resolution: 1080p | Touchscreen: Yes | HDR: No | Refresh rate: 60 Hz | Power: USB-C
The Lenovo ThinkVision M14t is a well-rounded portable monitor that's great for creatives, mobile professionals, and typical office workers. The 14-inch screen delivers crisp 1080p HD resolution with a 60Hz refresh rate for smoother video playback.
It also supports touch inputs so you can have better control over programs, apps, and presentations; a stylus is included, so you won't have to worry about spending extra cash in order to get the most out of your new monitor. The display connects to your laptop via USB-C, and a second USB-C port allows you to connect other devices like storage drives, smartphones and tablets, or wireless mice and keyboards to complete your workstation.
The integrated stand allows you to adjust the angle of your screen for more comfortable viewing, and the built-in blue light filter helps reduce eye strain during long days at the computer.
- Adaptive sync
- 240Hz refresh rate
- Decent battery life
- No HDR support
- No integrated speakers
Asus ROG Strix XG17AHPE tech specs: Size: 17.3 inches | Panel type: IPS | Resolution: 1080p | Touchscreen: No | HDR: No | Refresh rate: 240 Hz | Power: Integrated battery
Laptop or console gamers looking for extra screen space or a reliable display for on-the-go gaming will love the Asus ROG Strix portable gaming monitor. It has a 17.3-inch screen that provides crisp 1080p resolution and a truly impressive 240Hz refresh rate for buttery smooth action, and the 3ms refresh rate provides near-instant reactions to your inputs.
It features adaptive sync compatibility to match the screen's refresh rate to your console or laptop to prevent screen tearing and stuttering as well as USB-C, micro DisplayPort, and micro HDMI ports for connectivity options. The integrated battery gives you up to 3 hours of playtime on a single charge, and a quick-charge feature gives you 60 percent power on 1 hour of charge.
This screen also has a headphone jack for private listening while you game on the go, and the integrated kickstand allows you to use the screen in either landscape or portrait mode for more play options.
Also: The best gaming PCs
- Good refresh rate and response time
- Dual USB-C inputs
- Good screen brightness
- Not touchscreen
- No HDR support
- Can't use in portrait mode
Dell C1422H tech specs: Size: 14 inches | Panel type: IPS | Resolution: 1080p | Touchscreen: No | HDR: No | Refresh rate: 60Hz | Power: USB-C
The Dell C1422H is a great option as a portable monitor for anyone who wants a screen on the smaller side. The 14-inch display features an incredibly thin and lightweight design that is great for slipping into a laptop or carry-on bag when you want a second screen for working on the go.
With 1080p resolution, a 60Hz refresh rate, and 6ms response time, it's a well-rounded display for typical office work. It connects to your laptop via USB-C, and an extra USB-C input lets you charge devices, connect external storage drives or connect peripherals like mice and keyboards.
The integrated stand lets you adjust the viewing angle for more comfortable use, and with a peak brightness of 300 nits, you'll be able to easily see your screen in almost any lighting environment.
- Touchscreen
- Stylus included
- Aluminum chassis with magnetic cover
- No integrated speakers
- No HDR support
ViewSonic TD1655 tech specs: Size: 15.6 inches | Panel type: IPS | Resolution: 1080p | Touchscreen: Yes | HDR: No | Refresh rate: 60Hz | Power: USB-C
Mac and iOS device users aren't left out when it comes to portable monitors. The ViewSonic TD1655 is designed to be a perfect fit for your Apple workstation, with a sleek, durable aluminum chassis to match your MacBook or iPad and a scratch-resistant touchscreen.
It connects to your laptop or tablet via USB-C or mini HDMI, and the included stylus makes it easy to handwrite meeting notes, make precision edits to photos, or create digital paintings and drawings. The 15.6-inch screen weighs about two pounds and features an incredibly thin design that is perfect for slipping into a laptop bag.
And the magnetic cover keeps the screen protected while in storage or during travel. Meanwhile, the integrated kickstand lets you adjust the viewing angle for more comfortable use.
Also: Want a touchscreen MacBook? This portable monitor makes it possible
What is the best portable monitor?
We chose the Duex Plus monitor on the strength of its ultra-lightweight form factor, easy UI, and clear display.
This table compares the best portable monitors on price, resolution, and screen size.
Best portable monitor | Cost | Screen size | Refresh rate |
Duex Plus | $160 | 13.3 inches | 60 Hz |
Hongo 16.1" Portable Monitor | $90 | 16.1 inches | 60Hz |
Lenovo ThinkVision M14t | $484 | 14 inches | 60 Hz |
Asus ROG Strix XG17AHPE | $469 | 17.3 inches | 240 Hz |
Dell C1422H | $300 | 14 inches | 60 Hz |
ViewSonic TD1655 | $238 | 15.6 inches | 60 Hz |
*Lowest price at the time of writing. Please note that prices may vary based on retailer and available promotions, sales, or discounts.
What is the right portable monitor for you?
Once you've locked down the best budget for your portable monitor, you then have to identify what you want the display to do for you. Do you want to play games while out and about, or do you want a secondary screen for easier multitasking while tackling work projects and presentations?
While shopping for a portable monitor, you should keep in mind what screen size, refresh rate, resolution, and connectivity works best with your setup as well as keep mindful of the monitor's power source. Portable monitors with integrated batteries have varying charging and battery lifetimes, while those that get power via USB-C connections can drain your laptop battery faster.
This table shows which portable monitor might work for you based on purpose:
Choose this best portable monitor... | If you want... |
Duex Plus | A lightweight portable monitor, with a convenient slide-out mechanism, 1080p full HD display, with both USB A and Type-C connectivity. |
Hongo 16.1" Portable Monitor | A portable monitor you can use for both gaming or remote work, with 144 Hz refresh rate, USB-Type C, USB, and HDMI connectivity. This portable monitor can also be used in horizontal or vertical mode. |
Lenovo ThinkVision M14t | A portable monitor with a touchscreen, stylus, and adjustable kickstand. The Lenovo ThinkVision is best for creatives, mobile professionals, and typical office workers |
Asus ROG Strix XG17AHPE | A portable gaming monitor with adaptive sync, 240Hz refresh rate, and a good battery life. |
Dell C1422H | A portable monitor for creative professionals with a 4K monitor, OLED, and Dolby Vision. |
ViewSonic TD1655 | A 14-inch portable monitor with a great refresh rate, dual USB-C inputs, and impressive screen brightness. |
How did we choose these portable monitors?
There are several factors to keep in mind when choosing the best monitor for your needs. These are some factors we considered when choosing the best portable monitors.
Size: It is critical that you find not only the best portable monitor for the type of computer you have but also one for the type of computer size that you have. Most portable monitors range from 13 inches to 16 inches, but you can find some models available outside that range.
Display: One of the most important things to consider is the quality of your display, such as the resolution that determines how sharp and focused your picture will be. Be sure to also check specs for brightness and color to ensure that you have the best computer display possible.
Construction: Durability is a must when you are taking your portable monitor on the go with you. Look at the materials used to construct each portable monitor so you can be sure that your new monitor will be able to withstand regular travel.
Power: Most portable monitors are battery-powered, but models are increasingly converting to USB charging for easier, more convenient charging on the go. Check your computer to see what kind of ports are available before matching a portable monitor to your computer or laptop.
Price: The cost of portable monitors can vary significantly, ranging from a couple hundred to a thousand or more. We found that the best portable monitors are rather affordable, ranging in cost from $270 to $470, respectively.
What is a portable monitor?
These small-form screens connect to laptops, tablets, and game consoles via mini HDMI or USB-C cables for fast, consistent video playback as well as power for the monitor. Some portable monitors even have integrated batteries for use without power over USB-C; and while their battery lives are on the short side (about three or four hours at most), they're a great option for mobile professionals who can't always be near a wall outlet for a typical desktop monitor or need USB-C connections.
What screen sizes do portable monitors come in?
Portable monitors will consistently have much less real estate than their desktop counterparts, but you still have a variety of options when it comes to display size. Most screens will be somewhere between 14 and 17 inches, making them similar to a typical laptop display and therefore perfect for mobile professionals or anyone who doesn't have a lot of desk space.
However, there are a few, like the Asus ProArt PQ22UC, that are closer to 22 inches, making them better suited for creative professionals and digital artists who may need more room to edit photos and video or create digital drawings and paintings.
Why should I get a portable monitor?
Portable monitors are great for anyone who may need extra screen space while working on the go or while using a smaller-than-average work desk. Since these mobile screens are about the same size as a laptop or tablet display, they're great for slipping into a laptop bag for when you're meeting an off-site client to go over project details or finishing up a presentation on your business flight.
They can also be great for mobile console or PC gaming, as long as you choose a portable monitor with a high enough refresh rate to provide smooth playback away from home.
Do portable monitors have batteries?
Some portable monitors do have integrated batteries, like the Asus ROG Strix XG17AHPE. These models have decent enough battery lives considering their use cases and configurations.
You can typically get anywhere from 2 to 4 hours out of your battery-powered portable monitor, which is perfect for playing Mario Kart with friends or finalizing commission details with a client during an off-site meeting.
Are there alternative portable monitors worth considering?
There are a lot of options out there if you're in the market for a portable monitor. Here's a shortlist of products that are also excellent options for the best portable monitor.