A portable monitor is a game-changer for remote workers, gamers, travelers, and creatives who need a second screen on the go. Whether you’re extending your laptop’s display, gaming on a console, or editing photos in a coffee shop, the right portable monitor offers flexibility, crisp visuals, and easy setup.
We’ve tested and reviewed the best portable monitors for 2025, covering a range of budgets and use cases. From lightweight USB-C models to high-refresh-rate gaming displays, we’ve got you covered. Plus, our detailed buying guide will help you choose the perfect monitor for your needs.
Our Top Picks for the Best Portable Monitors in 2025
Table of Contents
Detailed Reviews of the Best Portable Monitors
1. ASUS ZenScreen MB16ACe – Best Overall
- Price: $229
- Key Features: 15.6” Full HD (1920×1080), USB-C connectivity, 3.5 lbs, auto-rotation, foldable smart case, 7800mAh battery.
- Pros: Vibrant display, lightweight, versatile connectivity, long battery life, durable build.
- Cons: No touchscreen, average speakers.
The ASUS ZenScreen MB16ACe is our top pick for its balance of portability, performance, and affordability. Its 15.6” Full HD IPS display delivers crisp visuals, while USB-C connectivity ensures compatibility with laptops, tablets, and phones. The foldable smart case doubles as a stand, and auto-rotation makes it ideal for presentations or multitasking.
Who It’s For: Remote workers, students, and hybrid professionals.
Where to Buy: Amazon, ASUS Official Store
2. Lepow Z1-Gamut – Best Budget
- Price: $129
- Key Features: 15.6” Full HD (1920×1080), USB-C and mini-HDMI, 1.7 lbs, built-in speakers, protective cover.
- Pros: Affordable, lightweight, decent color accuracy, easy setup.
- Cons: Limited brightness (300 nits), no battery.
The Lepow Z1-Gamut offers excellent value for budget shoppers. Its 15.6” Full HD display provides solid visuals for work or media, and its USB-C and mini-HDMI ports ensure broad compatibility. At just 1.7 lbs, it’s perfect for travelers on a budget.
Who It’s For: Students, casual users, and budget-conscious travelers.
Where to Buy: Amazon, Lepow Official Store
3. ViewSonic VX1755 – Best for Gaming
- Price: $299
- Key Features: 17” Full HD (1920×1080), 144Hz refresh rate, 1ms response time, USB-C and HDMI, AMD FreeSync.
- Pros: Smooth gaming performance, vibrant colors, sturdy stand, wide viewing angles.
- Cons: Slightly heavier (2.2 lbs), no touchscreen.
The ViewSonic VX1755 is a gamer’s dream, boasting a 144Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time for lag-free gameplay. Its 17” display is larger than most portable monitors, making it ideal for console or PC gaming on the go. AMD FreeSync reduces screen tearing, enhancing the experience.
Who It’s For: Gamers, streamers, and esports enthusiasts.
Where to Buy: Amazon, ViewSonic Official Store
4. Duex Plus DS Portable Monitor – Best for Seamless Laptop Extension
Price: $179.99 (with 10% savings, Typical price: $199.99)
Key Features: 13.3” FHD 1080P IPS display, 60Hz refresh rate, 300 nits brightness, attaches magnetically to laptop, USB-C/HDMI connectivity, multi-mode flexibility (Landscape, Portrait, Kickstand, Presentation), G-sensor for auto-rotation, low blue light.
Pros: Ultra-lightweight (1.3 lbs), sleek design that integrates with laptops, true plug-and-play simplicity (USB-C), highly versatile with multiple display modes and auto-rotation, compatible with a wide range of devices and OS (Windows, macOS, Android, Switch).
Cons: 1080p resolution, brightness might be underwhelming compared to some laptop screens, uses magnets that attach to your laptop, can drain laptop battery quickly when unplugged, not ideal for laptops much larger than 14.5 inches.
The Duex Plus DS Portable Monitor excels at transforming your laptop into a dual-screen workstation on the go. Its standout feature is the magnetic attachment system, allowing it to seamlessly slide out from the back of your laptop, creating an extended display without the need for a separate stand. Weighing a mere 1.3 lbs, it’s incredibly portable, and the plug-and-play USB-C connectivity ensures a hassle-free setup. With flexible modes including landscape, portrait, and even a presentation mode where it flips to face outwards, the Duex Plus DS is designed for maximum adaptability, making it perfect for mobile professionals, students, and anyone needing extra screen real estate wherever they are.Who It’s For: Frequent travelers, digital nomads, students, and professionals who need a truly integrated and portable second screen for their 13″-14.5″ laptops.
Where to Buy: Duex Store, Amazon
5. Espresso Display 13 – Best Lightweight
- Price: $469
- Key Features: 13.3” Full HD (1920×1080), USB-C, 1.5 lbs, touchscreen, magnetic stand.
- Pros: Ultra-light, responsive touchscreen, premium aluminum build, easy to carry.
- Cons: Smaller screen size, higher price for size.
The Espresso Display 13 is the ultimate choice for portability. Weighing just 1.5 lbs, it’s easy to slip into a backpack, and its touchscreen functionality is perfect for presentations or sketching. The magnetic stand offers flexible positioning, ideal for on-the-go professionals.
Who It’s For: Frequent travelers, digital nomads, and presenters.
Where to Buy: Amazon, Espresso Official Store
6. SOTSU FlipAction Pro 16″ Gen2 Premium Portable Monitor – Best for Mac Users
Price: $599.00
Key Features: 16” 2560×1600 DCI P3 display, 120Hz refresh rate, 400 Nits brightness, full metal CNC construction, pivot/rotate function, USB-C with pass-through charging, Mini-HDMI, integrated full SD card slot.
Pros: Stunning DCI P3 color accuracy (100%), excellent build quality (full metal CNC), highly versatile stand with pivot and height adjustment, convenient integrated SD card reader, high resolution and refresh rate, supports daisy-chaining (MST), perfect for Mac and Windows.
Cons: Pricey, requires third-party software (BetterDisplay) for optimal macOS scaling.
The SOTSU FlipAction Pro 16″ Gen2 is a powerhouse portable monitor designed with creative professionals in mind. Its high-end panel boasts 100% DCI P3 color gamut coverage, making it ideal for designers and photographers who demand color accuracy on the go. The full metal CNC construction gives it a premium, Apple-like feel, and its innovative magnetic stand allows for effortless height adjustment and rotation, including portrait mode. While a premium investment, its features, including the integrated SD card slot and MST support, offer unparalleled versatility for a portable workspace.
Who It’s For: Designers, photographers, video editors, Mac and Windows users who prioritize color accuracy, build quality, and ergonomic flexibility in a portable setup.
Where to Buy: SOTSU Store, Amazon
7. Lenovo ThinkVision M14t – Best 4K Option
- Price: $449
- Key Features: 14” 4K (3840×2160), USB-C, touchscreen, 1.5 lbs, stylus support, adjustable stand.
- Pros: Crisp 4K resolution, responsive touchscreen, stylus compatibility, lightweight.
- Cons: Pricey for size, average battery life.
The Lenovo ThinkVision M14t offers a stunning 4K display in a compact 14” form factor. Its touchscreen and stylus support make it ideal for artists and note-takers, while USB-C connectivity ensures compatibility with modern devices.
Who It’s For: Artists, note-takers, and 4K enthusiasts.
Where to Buy: Amazon, Lenovo Official Store
8. Wacom One 13 – Best Touchscreen
- Price: $499
- Key Features: 13.3” Full HD (1920×1080), USB-C and HDMI, pen support, 2 lbs, anti-glare display.
- Pros: Precise stylus input, excellent for drawing, vibrant colors, durable build.
- Cons: Limited to creative tasks, no built-in battery.
The Wacom One 13 is a portable monitor designed for artists and creatives. Its stylus support and anti-glare display make it perfect for sketching and annotating on the go. It doubles as a second screen for productivity tasks, offering versatility for hybrid workflows.
Who It’s For: Illustrators, designers, and students.
Where to Buy: Amazon, Wacom Official Store
How to Choose the Best Portable Monitor: A Buying Guide
Selecting the right portable monitor depends on your needs, budget, and preferences. Here’s what to consider:
1. Display Quality
- Resolution: Full HD (1920×1080) is sufficient for most tasks, but QHD (2560×1440) or 4K (3840×2160) is better for creative work or high-definition content.
- Panel Type: IPS panels offer better color accuracy and viewing angles; TN panels are faster for gaming.
- Refresh Rate: 60Hz is standard, but 120Hz or 144Hz is ideal for gaming (e.g., ViewSonic VX1755).
2. Connectivity
- USB-C: Supports video, power, and data over a single cable, ideal for modern laptops and phones.
- HDMI/mini-HDMI: Essential for gaming consoles or older devices.
- Power Delivery: Allows the monitor to charge your device (e.g., Dell UltraSharp).
3. Portability
- Size: 13–15.6” monitors are most portable; 17” models offer more screen real estate but are heavier.
- Weight: Look for monitors under 2 lbs for easy travel (e.g., Espresso Display 13).
- Battery: Built-in batteries (e.g., ASUS ZenScreen) eliminate the need for external power.
4. Additional Features
- Touchscreen: Useful for presentations, drawing, or interactive tasks.
- Stylus Support: Essential for artists (e.g., Lenovo ThinkVision M14t, Wacom One).
- Stand/Cover: Foldable cases or adjustable stands improve usability.
- Speakers: Built-in speakers are convenient for media but vary in quality.
5. Compatibility
Ensure the monitor works with your device (Windows, macOS, Android, consoles) and check for driver or software requirements.
6. Budget
- Under $200: Lepow Z1-Gamut.
- $200–$400: ASUS ZenScreen, ViewSonic VX1755, Wacom One.
- Over $400: Dell UltraSharp, Lenovo ThinkVision, Apple Studio Display.
Why Use a Portable Monitor?
Portable monitors offer numerous benefits:
- Boost Productivity: Extend your laptop’s workspace for multitasking or presentations.
- Enhance Gaming: Connect to consoles or PCs for immersive gameplay on the go.
- Support Creativity: High-resolution displays and stylus support aid photo/video editing and sketching.
- Travel-Friendly: Lightweight and compact designs fit easily into bags.
- Versatile Use Cases: Ideal for remote work, education, or entertainment.
Comparison Table: Best Portable Monitors for 2025
Comparison Table: Best Portable Monitors for 2025
| Monitor | Price | Resolution | Connectivity | Weight | Best For |
| ASUS ZenScreen MB16ACe | $229 | Full HD | USB-C | 3.5 lbs | General Use |
| Lepow Z1-Gamut | $129 | Full HD | USB-C, mini-HDMI | 1.7 lbs | Budget Buyers |
| ViewSonic VX1755 | $299 | Full HD (144Hz) | USB-C, HDMI | 2.2 lbs | Gamers |
| Duex Plus DS Portable Monitor | $179.99 | FHD 1080P IPS | USB-C, HDMI | 1.3 lbs | Seamless Laptop Extension |
| Espresso Display 13 | $469 | Full HD | USB-C | 1.5 lbs | Travelers |
| SOTSU FlipAction Pro 16″ Gen2 Premium Portable Monitor | $599.00 | 2560×1600 DCI P3 | USB-C, Mini-HDMI | 2.99 lbs | Mac Users (Creative Professionals) |
| Lenovo ThinkVision M14t | $449 | 4K | USB-C | 1.5 lbs | 4K Enthusiasts |
| Wacom One 13 | $499 | Full HD | USB-C, HDMI | 2 lbs | Artists |
FAQs About Portable Monitors
1. What is a portable monitor?
A portable monitor is a lightweight, compact external display that connects to laptops, phones, or consoles via USB-C or HDMI, offering a second screen for work, gaming, or media.
2. Are portable monitors worth it?
Yes, if you need a second screen for productivity, gaming, or creative tasks while traveling or working remotely. They’re versatile and easy to set up.
3. Can portable monitors work with gaming consoles?
Yes, models with HDMI inputs (e.g., ViewSonic VX1755) are compatible with consoles like the Nintendo Switch or PlayStation.
4. What’s the best portable monitor for creative work?
The Dell UltraSharp U2724DE is ideal for creatives due to its QHD resolution and 98% DCI-P3 color gamut.
5. Do portable monitors require external power?
Some have built-in batteries (e.g., ASUS ZenScreen), while others draw power via USB-C or require an external adapter.
Conclusion
A portable monitor can revolutionize your work, gaming, or creative setup, whether you’re at home or on the go. The ASUS ZenScreen MB16ACe is our top pick for its versatility and value, but options like the ViewSonic VX1755 or Dell UltraSharp U2724DE cater to specific needs. Use our buying guide and comparison table to find your perfect match.
