Portable usb monitor: Lepow C2S Portable Monitor Review

The 3 Best Portable Monitors of 2023

We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more›

Electronics
Accessories

Photo: Dave Gershgorn

FYI

This guide has been updated to include an upgrade pick, the LG Gram +View.

May 2023

Rolling up to a café with a laptop and a portable monitor lets the whole room know you’re a busy professional who needs to get work done. But aside from impressing the half-caff crowd, portable monitors are a useful way to add another screen to your laptop, especially when you’re on the go. We recommend the Asus ZenScreen MB16ACV, a quality 1080p monitor that can also work over USB-A if your laptop doesn’t have a USB-C port. And if you’re looking for a higher resolution option, the LG Gram +View has a fantastic 1440p display.

Our pick

Asus ZenScreen MB16ACV

The Asus ZenScreen MB16ACV has a sharp 1080p display that makes a great second monitor for work.

If you want a simple, affordable portable monitor that’s easy to use, we recommend the Asus ZenScreen MB16ACV. It has a 15.6-inch display with a 1080p resolution, which looks equally good while typing up documents and watching videos. Its integrated stand means you can use it in landscape and portrait orientations, and it connects to your laptop via a USB-C cable. You can also download additional software that lets you use a full-size USB cable to transmit video to the portable monitor, so it can be used with older laptops or as a smaller secondary monitor for desktops.

Also great

Asus ProArt PA148CTV

The Asus ProArt PA148CTV has 10-point touch capability and highly adjustable picture settings, making it great for creative uses.

Not many portable monitors add features to your computer, but Windows users can add a touchscreen to their laptop with the Asus ProArt PA148CTV. This 14-inch, 1080p portable monitor also has a great menu for adjusting color performance and a well-placed tripod mount for use in studio setups. And the software integrations with Adobe Creative Cloud allow you to use touch controls while editing your photos and videos.

Upgrade pick

LG Gram +View

The LG Gram +View has a high-resolution 1440p display that’s great for small text, and a magnetic cover that doubles as a stand.

For a higher-resolution display and great colors out of the box, we recommend the LG Gram +View. Its 1440p display is better than our other picks for working with small text, which is helpful if you spend a lot of time looking at spreadsheets and documents. Aside from its image quality, we liked the monitor’s magnetic cover that doubled as a stand.

Everything we recommend

Our pick

Asus ZenScreen MB16ACV

The Asus ZenScreen MB16ACV has a sharp 1080p display that makes a great second monitor for work.

Also great

Asus ProArt PA148CTV

The Asus ProArt PA148CTV has 10-point touch capability and highly adjustable picture settings, making it great for creative uses.

Upgrade pick

LG Gram +View

The LG Gram +View has a high-resolution 1440p display that’s great for small text, and a magnetic cover that doubles as a stand.

The research

Why you should trust us
Who this is for
How we picked and tested
Our pick: Asus ZenScreen MB16ACV
Upgrade pick: LG Gram +View
Also great for media pros: Asus ProArt PA148CTV
What about a tablet?
Why do portable monitors look blurry with Macs?
The competition

Why you should trust us

Dave Gershgorn has reviewed and covered technology since 2015 at publications such as Popular Science, Quartz, Medium, and now Wirecutter. He covers all computer displays for Wirecutter and is a certified display calibrator through the Imaging Science Foundation.

Who this is for

A portable monitor adds a second screen to your laptop if you frequently travel or don’t have a set place to work every day. Some portable monitors, like our top pick, can even be used as displays for a desktop computer or Steam Deck game console.

These portable monitors are a neat way to take a fully fledged work setup on the go, but they’re not the best option if you work at a desk. Standard monitors are typically about the same price, much larger, and a bit higher quality than their portable counterparts.

How we picked and tested

A great portable monitor has a sharp, bright screen and easily connects to a laptop with a USB-C cable. It should be a simple and reliable device that doesn’t need to be tinkered with often, and can be used in both landscape and portrait orientations. We used the following criteria while researching and testing dozens of different portable monitors, including top sellers on Amazon and those well-reviewed on other websites.

Resolution: We only considered displays with a 1080p resolution or higher. However, it’s important to also check the visual sharpness of each model, as cheaper 1080p displays can often look fuzzy.
Color: A great portable monitor should be color accurate out of the box and have menu options to match the color of the display to your laptop for a more consistent experience.
Brightness: Since portable monitors will be taken out to coffee shops, parks, and beyond, it’s important to have a screen that’s bright enough to be usable in sunny conditions. We looked for displays that output at least 250 nits of brightness.
Contrast: A monitor with poor contrast will look dull and faded, and images will look flatter. We prefer monitors that have at least a 1000:1 contrast ratio.
Price: Portable monitors shouldn’t cost more than a desktop monitor, so we considered models in the $200 to $450 range.
Stand: A stand can make or break a portable monitor. We prefer stands that allow the monitor to be used in either landscape or portrait orientation.
Size: Most portable monitors range in size from 14 to 16 inches. When physically comparing models, the size difference between 14-inch and and 16-inch monitors didn’t change how we used or carried them. If you have specific size requirements or prefer a small backpack meant for 13-inch laptops, then you might want to consider a 14-inch model. Otherwise, most sizes are similar enough that we prioritized other metrics like color, price, and brightness.
Ports: We required at least one USB-C port for video and power. Some models have extra USB-C ports for charging your laptop through the display, but unless your laptop only has one USB-C port and no other way of charging, this feature isn’t crucial.
Extra features: Some displays have ¼-inch screw mounting points so they can be mounted on tripods or stands for filmmaking and other custom setups, touch support, or wireless connectivity.

We tested nine portable monitors, including models from Asus, Dell, HP, Innocn, Lenovo, and LG. We used each monitor for at least a day of work in a café away from our regular office, which included typing up documents, working with spreadsheets, watching videos, and chatting on Slack. To ensure that we picked the sharpest display with the best color, we ran side-by-side tests in which the same image was shown on two portable monitors for visual comparison.

We also checked that each manufacturer lived up to its claims by using the Calman Ultimate software and Calibrite ColorChecker Display Plus to verify the maximum brightness and contrast of each display, and to validate our visual assessment of each monitor.

Our pick: Asus ZenScreen MB16ACV

Photo: Dave Gershgorn

Our pick

Asus ZenScreen MB16ACV

The Asus ZenScreen MB16ACV has a sharp 1080p display that makes a great second monitor for work.

The Asus ZenScreen MB16ACV is a basic, high-quality 15.6-inch portable monitor that’s easy to use in landscape or portrait orientations, and it isn’t too expensive. It has one USB-C port to connect your laptop (or other device) and an understated black design.

Photo: Dave Gershgorn

The ZenScreen is easy on the eyes. During our testing, the ZenScreen was sharper and text was more consistently legible compared with other 1080p displays. We found the screen easy to read on for a few hours of work, without feeling like our eyes were straining. Like all of the portable monitors we tested, we did have to adjust the “scaling” settings on Windows and MacOS to make text, buttons, and other parts of the operating system a comfortable size. But once we set the scaling, we didn’t have to adjust it again.

We found the ZenScreen’s color a bit green out of the box, but just a few seconds spent tweaking the settings easily fixed that issue. We prefer the Game Mode picture setting with the Skin Tone set on “Reddish.” This is one of the reasons we really like the ZenScreen MB16ACV: It has a comprehensive menu that allows for granular adjustments of how the display shows color.

It’s bright enough to get work done in an office or a coffee shop. The ZenScreen MB16ACV reaches 250 nits of brightness. If you have a MacBook or higher-end Windows laptop it will likely be a bit dimmer than your laptop screen, depending on your brightness settings. It’s bright enough to do work and casually watch TV, though. The monitor also has good contrast—we measured a contrast ratio of 1010:1, just above our threshold of 1000:1, which means the picture shouldn’t look washed out.

Photo: Dave Gershgorn

One of the standout features of the ZenScreen is its stand. The stand flips out from the ZenScreen’s bottom edge and has small rubberized feet to keep the monitor stable. It’s sturdy, and the hinge stays in place. The stand also has a small cutout on its right side, so that the monitor can be placed in a portrait orientation. In this setup, the display leans back slightly, enough for it to be stable without messing with image quality or making the monitor wobbly. The monitor also has a ¼-inch screw hole on its back, which is the standard screw size for tripods and photo gear, making it easy to mount as part of a mobile photo setup.

The ZenScreen’s one USB-C port is all you really need. If your Windows laptop or computer doesn’t have a USB-C port, you can also hook up the monitor over a normal USB-A port. You just need to download a DisplayLink driver from Asus’s website, and then the display will automatically connect when plugged in. We tested this by running the ZenScreen as a secondary monitor for a Windows desktop, and after installing the driver it worked just as seamlessly as with a laptop.

We also like that the ZenScreen comes with a soft case to protect the display while you’re traveling.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

Many other portable monitors have two USB-C ports. The Asus ZenScreen MB16ACV only has one USB-C port to connect it to a laptop or computer. Having two USB-C ports, one to connect to the computer and another for power to charge that laptop, is useful. But it isn’t totally necessary if your laptop has two USB-C ports of its own, or another way to charge. For most people, one USB-C port is fine, but it’s worth noting.

Some features on the ZenScreen, like auto-rotate and USB-A compatibility, require you to download extra software. This is something to be aware of, but we don’t think it’s a huge deal.

Upgrade pick: LG Gram +View

Photo: Dave Gershgorn

Upgrade pick

LG Gram +View

The LG Gram +View has a high-resolution 1440p display that’s great for small text, and a magnetic cover that doubles as a stand.

The LG Gram +View has a higher-resolution display than our top pick and looks great out of the box without the need to tinker with any settings. It also has a magnetic foldable cover that acts as a stand, making the +View a slim portable monitor that should slip into most backpacks and bags.

Photo: Dave Gershgorn

The Gram +View’s high-resolution display makes text sharper and images clearer. The monitor has a 2560×1600 resolution display, usually known as 1440p or 2K resolution. This means text and images are sharper than a 1080p display. Other monitors offer higher or similar resolutions for hundreds of dollars more, but the LG Gram +View is the cheapest high-resolution portable monitor we could find from a company we trust. It costs $350, so you’ll pay about $150 more than our main pick for better resolution and picture quality.

The +View displays natural-looking colors. It also doesn’t need the settings adjustments that we recommend on lower-cost monitors. This is a good thing, because the +View’s display settings can only be controlled by a Windows app. The app functions, but it’s just a bit slow. The display is also bright enough to easily use in a sunny café or office, with 350 nits of brightness. That’s about a third brighter than our top pick, the Asus ZenScreen.

Photo: Dave Gershgorn

The magnetic stand is also the monitor’s cover. It magnetically attaches to different points on the display, but these points aren’t marked, so it takes a bit of trial and error at first to line up the magnets. Once you have this down it becomes pretty easy to flip back the cover into being the stand. The stand is slightly less stable than some of our other picks, but perfectly usable.

The +View has two USB-C ports, one more than our top pick. It also supports passthrough charging, so you can charge your laptop with its own cable, or plug the power into the portable monitor and charge through it.

Also great for media pros: Asus ProArt PA148CTV

Photo: Dave Gershgorn

The Asus ProArt PA148CTV is built for creative professionals who need an additional monitor on set or as a part of a mobile editing setup. It’s a 14-inch, 1080p display with touch support and integrations with Adobe products, so you can use the monitor as a control panel for software like Photoshop and Premiere Pro.

Photo: Dave Gershgorn

It also has Asus’s fantastic on-screen menu. The menu offers a ton of options for tweaking the colors and image quality.

Touch input worked seamlessly when connected to a Windows laptop. Unfortunately, this monitor will not add touch functionality to macOS. Instead, we recommend our other pick to Mac users, as the extra price isn’t worthwhile if you can’t use the touch control.

What about a tablet?

An iPad can be a good second screen for someone who has a Mac, using the Sidecar feature (as long as the Mac was introduced in 2016 or later, and the iPad is 6th-gen or later). Sidecar lets you connect your iPad to your Mac as a second display, with just one or two easy clicks.

However, we’d recommend against getting an iPad if you only want to use it as a portable monitor. It does have a higher resolution than our picks, but it is physically much smaller. You’ll have less screen space to work with, and it generally feels cramped. A larger iPad Pro would be a better second-screen experience, but then you’re talking about spending $1,000 or more for a second display. But if you already own an iPad, or want to mostly do iPad things and occasionally use it as a second screen, then it’s entirely doable.

Our top pick is a bit cheaper than buying an iPad new, so this advice is best if you already have one, or if you’re choosing between a portable monitor and an iPad.

However, we’re not able to recommend a tablet as a second screen for Windows laptops. Apple’s devices work seamlessly together in a way that Windows devices don’t. Senior staff writer Joel Santo Domingo has used software like Duet Display for years and stands by it as a solution, but we haven’t yet tested these kinds of software solutions thoroughly. We’ll update this guide when we do.

Why do portable monitors look blurry with Macs?

While testing both portable and desk-based monitors, we found that some lower-resolution displays looked significantly worse when used with Macs rather than Windows laptops and PCs. After some research and testing, we think this has to do with the fact that all Mac displays use Apple’s Retina technology.

Mac computers tailor the image they send to an Apple-certified monitor with a process called display scaling. This process is meant to create a sharp, properly sized image, no matter the size of the display. However, newer Macs running Apple’s M1 and M2 chips seem to have difficulty scaling for lower-resolution displays, providing us with results that looked worse than expected. This was most noticeable when using a portable monitor with a Mac running the older macOS Monterey, and though that blurriness improved on Macs running on the latest macOS Ventura, the operating system’s settings made it difficult to get a sharp, properly-scaled image. If you’ve plugged a monitor into your Mac and it looks blurry, we’ve noticed this issue too. We reached out to Apple about this issue, but the company didn’t offer a response.

We were able to find and test one workaround for this problem—macOS software called BetterDisplay. It essentially creates a fake monitor, called a dummy, that your Mac thinks is a shiny, expensive high-resolution display. The Mac sends its scaled-up version of the picture to your dummy, which passes it to your portable monitor where the image looks far sharper than before. The setup process takes a minute or two, but then it configures automatically every time you plug in the display. You’ll need to buy BetterDisplay for $15 for continued use, but if you want to try it out first the developer offers a two-week demo with all features enabled.

The competition

If you want a smaller display to match a 14-inch laptop, the HP E14 G4 is a solid option. It has a 14-inch, 1080p display with a sturdy stand and basic on-screen menu for changing brightness, contrast, and color. It is smaller and more expensive, and has about the same image quality as our top pick, but if our top pick is out of stock, this is the model we’d recommend. However, it’s currently out of stock, so we can’t recommend it at the moment.

The Dell C1422H is extremely similar to HP’s E14 G4 in size and image quality, but it has fewer image settings and costs a bit more. We think HP’s version offers a bit more value for the price.

We tested two monitors from Innocn, the 13A1F and the 15K1F. The OLED displays in both models give great contrast and deliver appealing colors, but we found both of these monitors to be blurrier than the competition. When tested side-by-side against the other models using LCDs, it was unfortunately apparent that we couldn’t recommend the Innocn displays for most people.

Lenovo sent us its ThinkVision M14d, a 14-inch display with an impressive 2240×1400 resolution. It’s a nice monitor, but the $475 price tag is simply too expensive.

We also tested the Asus ZenScreen Go MB16AWP, a higher-end display with wireless connectivity and its own internal battery. This model has some really great promise, with the ability to connect it to your phone to use as a larger screen for watching TV or movies. However, when testing the wireless features we found that many popular streaming services limit how their videos are viewed, which includes streaming video locally to another wireless device nearby. When we were able to successfully stream video using Plex, the video was chopping and unwatchable. The wireless communication worked great for adding a second wireless display to Windows computers, though, so if you have those specific needs, this could be a good solution. Overall, an extra $250 for the battery and wireless features of the Asus MB16AWP didn’t seem worthwhile given the restrictions.

This article was edited by Caitlin McGarry and Arthur Gies.

Meet your guide

Dave Gershgorn

Dave Gershgorn is a senior staff writer at Wirecutter. He’s been covering consumer and enterprise technology since 2015, and he just can’t stop buying computers. If this weren’t his job, it would likely be a problem.

The 5 Best Portable Monitors – Summer 2023: Reviews

Table of Contents
Intro
Best Monitor
1. Best Upper Mid-Range
  1. Best Gaming
    1. Best Mid-Range
      1. Best Budget
        
        Notable Mentions
        
        Recent Updates
        
        All Reviews
        
        Discussions
        
        Updated Jun 27, 2023 at 08:58 am
        
        By Nicholas Di Giovanni
        
        Although most people are buying desktop monitors for their setup at home or the office, a different type of monitor is beneficial if you’re working on the go. Known as portable monitors, these displays are about the same size as a laptop screen and give you extra screen space if you find the screen on your laptop too small to work with. As the name suggests, portable monitors are also easy to carry with you. They tend to have good text clarity as they have higher pixel density than some regular monitors. However, portable monitors have some drawbacks as they don’t have as good picture quality as desktop monitors, and they’re meant for extra screen space and not as a primary display. Most portable monitors still require power from an external source, so you might need a cable powering the monitor and another charger handy for your laptop, but some do have built-in batteries. Most portable monitors are good enough for most people, but if you want better quality, you’ll have to consider the monitor’s brightness and image accuracy, among other things.
        
        We’ve bought and tested over 275 monitors, and below, you’ll find our recommendations for the best portable and the best travel monitors. For more options, check out our recommendations for the best USB-C monitors, the best monitors for MacBook Pro and MacBook Air, and the best office monitors.
        
        Best Portable Monitor
        
        espresso Display 15 Touch
        
        Searching
        
        Finding Store
        
        Searching
        
        Finding Store
        
        Mixed Usage
        
        6.0
        
        Office
        
        7.0
        
        Gaming
        
        5.1
        
        Media Consumption
        
        6.6
        
        Media Creation
        
        7.1
        
        HDR
        
        3.2
        
        Size
        
        15″
        
        Pixel Type
        
        IPS
        
        Max Refresh Rate
        
        60 Hz
        
        Variable Refresh Rate
        
        No
        
        Native Resolution
        
        1920 x 1080
        
        HDR10
        
        No
        
        See all our test results
        
        The best portable monitor we’ve tested is the espresso Display 15 Touch. Overall, it’s a decent portable monitor with a few neat features to improve your workflow. You can connect to it via one of its two USB-C ports, and it works with various devices, including smartphones that support external displays. It has a responsive touchscreen that works well with Windows and macOS PCs, letting you easily complete work that requires touch movements, like content creation. It also has a few extra features, like a rotation lock that adjusts the image into portrait mode when you turn the display.
        
        What makes this better than most portable monitors is that it’s available with different accessories too. One of those is its stand, which offers decent ergonomics, letting you place the screen in a few different ways. You can also get a case with a kickstand if you prefer. On top of that, it has great color accuracy and displays a wide range of colors in SDR, meaning the picture quality is good for a portable display.
        
        See our review
        
        Best Upper Mid-Range Portable Monitor
        
        ASUS ProArt PA148CTV
        
        Searching
        
        Finding Store
        
        Searching
        
        Finding Store
        
        Mixed Usage
        
        6. 7
        
        Office
        
        7.1
        
        Gaming
        
        6.7
        
        Multimedia
        
        6.6
        
        Media Creation
        
        6.6
        
        HDR Gaming
        
        4.9
        
        Size
        
        14″
        
        Pixel Type
        
        IPS
        
        Max Refresh Rate
        
        60 Hz
        
        Variable Refresh Rate
        
        No VRR
        
        Native Resolution
        
        1920 x 1080
        
        HDR10
        
        No
        
        See all our test results
        
        If you don’t need all the high-end features of the espresso Display 15 Touch, check out an upper mid-range option like the ASUS ProArt PA148CTV. It has many of the same features and performs similarly to the espresso monitor, but there are some trade-offs for the cheaper price tag. While it has a touchscreen like the espresso monitor, it isn’t as responsive and doesn’t work with macOS devices, meaning you can’t use the touchscreen if you want to connect to your MacBook. It also has slightly worse picture quality because it has a worse SDR color gamut and volume, but the overall accuracy is still excellent.
        
        It has a few advantages over the espresso, like if you want to use it in a well-lit environment because it has decent peak brightness and much better reflection handling. Like the espresso monitor, it also has two USB-C ports that you can use to connect your devices, and it also has a Micro HDMI port, which is helpful if you have an older laptop with HDMI but not USB-C.
        
        See our review
        
        Best Portable Monitor For Gaming
        
        ASUS ROG Strix XG16AHPE
        
        Searching
        
        Finding Store
        
        Searching
        
        Finding Store
        
        Mixed Usage
        
        7. 3
        
        Office
        
        7.4
        
        Gaming
        
        8.0
        
        Multimedia
        
        7.0
        
        Media Creation
        
        7.0
        
        HDR Gaming
        
        5.6
        
        Size
        
        16″
        
        Pixel Type
        
        IPS
        
        Max Refresh Rate
        
        144 Hz
        
        Variable Refresh Rate
        
        Adaptive Sync
        
        Native Resolution
        
        1920 x 1080
        
        HDR10
        
        No
        
        See all our test results
        
        Although portable gaming monitors are less common than portable monitors for work, you can still find some options if you want a high refresh rate for gaming on the go, and the ASUS ROG Strix XG16AHPE is a great choice. It’s great for mobile gaming or if you need something on the side of your main monitor. It’s better than the espresso Display 15 Touch and the ASUS ProArt PA148CTV for gaming because it has a faster response time, resulting in crystal-clear motion with almost no noticeable blur behind fast-moving objects. It even has a 7800 mAh battery, which lasts nearly three hours of gaming.
        
        It supports FreeSync variable refresh rate technology with G-SYNC compatibility, ensuring a nearly tear-free gaming experience from almost any source. It has a 144Hz refresh rate, which is high enough for casual gaming, but if you want something with a higher 240Hz refresh rate, the ASUS ROG Strix XG17AHPE is a good alternative. However, it costs more, so only consider it if you’re going to take full advantage of the display.
        
        See our review
        
        Best Mid-Range Portable Monitor
        
        Lenovo ThinkVision M14
        
        Searching
        
        Finding Store
        
        Searching
        
        Finding Store
        
        Mixed Usage
        
        6. 4
        
        Office
        
        7.0
        
        Gaming
        
        6.1
        
        Multimedia
        
        6.4
        
        Media Creation
        
        6.5
        
        HDR Gaming
        
        4.6
        
        Size
        
        14″
        
        Pixel Type
        
        IPS
        
        Max Refresh Rate
        
        60 Hz
        
        Variable Refresh Rate
        
        No VRR
        
        Native Resolution
        
        1920 x 1080
        
        HDR10
        
        No
        
        See all our test results
        
        If you aren’t a gamer and want a lower-cost portable monitor for work use, the Lenovo ThinkVision M14 is a good mid-range option. While you don’t get the same high refresh rate as the ASUS ROG Strix XG16AHPE, it’s still a decent office monitor with a 14-inch screen and 1080p resolution, resulting in excellent text clarity. It’s also very similar to the ASUS ProArt Display PA148CTV, but it doesn’t get as bright and doesn’t have a Micro HDMI port, which are the two main downsides to getting something cheaper. If you want something brighter, the Dell C1422H is another good option, but it can be harder to find.
        
        The Lenovo is well-built and has a foldable kickstand, so you can adjust the angle of the screen to your liking, and it even has two screw holes on the stand so that you can mount it. It also displays a wider range of colors than the ASUS and has decent accuracy, so the picture quality is good enough for a portable monitor.
        
        See our review
        
        Best Budget Portable Monitor
        
        Lepow Z1 Gamut
        
        Searching
        
        Finding Store
        
        Searching
        
        Finding Store
        
        Mixed Usage
        
        6. 1
        
        Office
        
        6.3
        
        Gaming
        
        5.3
        
        Media Consumption
        
        6.8
        
        Media Creation
        
        6.9
        
        HDR
        
        6.1
        
        Size
        
        15″
        
        Pixel Type
        
        IPS
        
        Max Refresh Rate
        
        60 Hz
        
        Variable Refresh Rate
        
        No
        
        Native Resolution
        
        1920 x 1080
        
        HDR10
        
        Yes
        
        See all our test results
        
        If you’re looking for the best portable monitor for laptop use and are on a budget, consider the Lepow Z1 Gamut. It has worse picture quality than the Lenovo ThinkVision M14, which is what you have to expect for low-cost portable monitors, as it doesn’t get as bright and has worse color accuracy. However, besides the difference in performance, it has many of the same features. It still has a 1080p resolution, with a slightly bigger 15-inch screen, and the text clarity is great. It also displays a wide range of colors after calibration, and unlike the Lenovo monitor, it supports HDR. While its HDR performance is still limited, it at least gives you versatility if you want to watch a video on it.
        
        It offers a few connectivity options, including a Mini HDMI port and two USB-C ports. One of its USB-C ports supports power delivery if the display is connected to an external power source. However, with only 5W of power delivery, it’s only enough to charge small devices like phones or headphones.
        
        See our review
        
        Notable Mentions
        
        ASUS ZenScreen Touch MB16AMT:
        The ASUS ZenScreen Touch M16AMT is a portable monitor with a battery and a touchscreen, which is great if you can’t always connect to a power source, but for a bit more, you can get better picture quality with the ASUS ProArt PA148CTV.
        See our review
        
        Lepow Z1:
        The Lepow Z1 is even cheaper than the Lepow Z1 Gamut, which is great if you need a cheap monitor, but it has worse image quality because it doesn’t display as many colors as the Z1 Gamut.
        See our review
        
        Recent Updates
        
        Jun 27, 2023:
        Replaced the Dell C1422H with the Lenovo ThinkVision M14 because it’s easier to find available.
        
        May 29, 2023:
        Verified that the monitors are still available to purchase and updated text for accuracy throughout.
        
        Apr 28, 2023:
        Replaced the ViewSonic VG1655 with the Lepow Z1 Gamut because it’s better and easier to find; updated text for clarity throughout.
        
        Mar 29, 2023:
        Added the espresso Display 15 Touch as the ‘Best Portable Monitor’ and renamed the ASUS ProArt PA148CTV as the ‘Best Upper Mid-Range Monitor’; replaced the Lepow Z1 Gamut with the ViewSonic VG1655 because it’s easier to find; updated Notable Mentions based on changes.
        
        Feb 22, 2023:
        Replaced the Lepow Z1 with the Lepow Z1 Gamut because it’s better overall for nearly the same price; added the ASUS ZenScreen Touch MB16AMT to Notable Mentions.
        
        All Reviews
        
        Our recommendations are based on what we think are the best portable monitor for laptop use currently available. They’re adapted to be valid for most people, in each price range. Rating is based on our review, factoring in price, and feedback from our visitors.
        
        If you would prefer to make your own decision, here is the list of all of our portable monitor reviews. Be careful not to get too caught up in the details. Most monitors are good enough to please most people, and the things we fault monitors on are often not noticeable unless you really look for them.
        
        ViewSonic VA1655 16″ Portable Monitor
        
        16″ Portable Monitor
        
        Easily expand content from laptops and mobile devices.
        
        Single cable USB-C solution for AV and power.
        
        Flexible screen adjustment – work from any angle.
        
        Compact size, light weight and easy to carry.
        
        Robust, durable design.
        
        Request information Share
        
        video VIDEO
        
        gallery Gallery
        
        OVERVIEW The
        
        ViewSonic VA1655 is a portable 16″ Full HD monitor ideal for overcoming the limitations of single-screen work from mobile devices or out of the office. Extend the screen of phones, tablets or laptops for mobile work, personal presentations or entertainment. Two universal USB Type C connectors provide a one-cable solution for AV and power transmission. Adjustable stand and screen swivel for comfortable ergonomic adjustment.
        
        Modernize your workflow with a portable monitor
        
        ViewSonic’s portable monitors are ideal for pushing the limits of single screen work. You can work even more efficiently, wherever you are.
        
        Display content from your mobile devices
        
        Work anywhere with exceptional ease of connection and setup
        
        In addition to HDMI, you can also extend the screen of your laptop, tablet or phone via USB Type-C. The interface supports Windows, Android, Chrome, MacOS, iOS, and iPadOS*. Make sure your laptop, tablet or smartphone has a full USB-C port that supports Display Port 1.2 Alternate Mode and Power Delivery.
        
        * To connect to an iPhone or iPad with Lightning port , you will need to purchase a Lightning Digital AV Adapter from apple.com and connect via an HDMI cable to mini HDMI**.
        ** HDMI to mini HDMI cable included.
        
        Additional screen for laptops, tablets and phones
        
        Portable size for work and play
        
        The 16-inch screen is more than most conventional laptops and weighs less than 1 kg. It’s the perfect complement to your mobile workspace and can be used for multimedia gaming during breaks.
        
        16” Display, ＜ 1 KG, ＜ 1 CM
        
        Any Angle
        
        View from any angle, customize to suit you!
        
        Tilt up to 53 degrees
        
        Supports vertical layout
        
        In addition to the usual horizontal orientation, you can adjust the screen rotation for spreadsheet viewing, programming, photo editing, gaming, etc.
        
        Swivel screen 900 19
        
        Robust design
        
        Robust construction thanks to plastic housing and sturdy foldable stand.
        
        Sturdy folding stand
        
        Dimensions and I/O ports
        
        USB Type C(Power)x1
        
        USB Type C x1
        
        Mini HDMI
        
        Audio Out
        
        Joy Key
        
        FEATURES
        
        Display
        Screen size (inch): 16
        Display area (inch): 15. 6
        Panel type: IPS technology
        Resolution: 1920 x 1080
        Resolution type: FHD
        Contrast ratio: 800:1 (typ.)
        90 036 Dynamic contrast ratio: 50M:1
        Type backlight: LED
        Brightness: 250 cd/m² (typ.)
        Colors: 16.2M
        Color space: 8 bit (6 bit + FRC)
        Aspect ratio: 90 037 16:9
        Time response time (GTG): 7ms
        Viewing angles: 170º horizontal, 170º vertical
        Backlight life: 15000 hours (min.)
        Panel Curvature: flat
        900 36 Refresh rate: 60
        Blue light filter: Yes
        Flicker reduction: No
        X Lighting: No
        Color Gamut: NTSC: 45% size (Typ)
        sRGB: 64% size (Typ)
        Pixel Size i: 0. 179 mm (d) x 0.179 mm (H)
        Screen Coating: Anti-Glare, Hardness (3H)
        
        Compatibility
        PC Resolution (Max): 1920×1080
        Mac® Resolution (Max): 1920×1080
        OS: Windows 10 certified; macOS tested
        Mac® resolution (min): 1920×1080
        
        Interfaces
        USB 3.2 Type C DisplayPort Alt mode only : 1
        5mm Audio Out: 1
        Mini HDMI: 1
        Power in: USB Type C (power only)
        
        Audio
        Built-in speakers: 0.8W x2
        
        Power supply
        Eco mode (standard): 5.1W
        Eco mode (optimum): 6W
        Consumption (typ.): 7W
        Consumption (max.): 7.3W
        Voltage: DC 5V/9V/12V/15V/20V
        B standby: 0. 3W
        Power supply: External (optional)
        
        Optional
        Kensington Lock: 1
        Cable Management: None
        
        Control
        Physical: Up, Right , Down, Left, Power
        on screen: Input Select, Audio Adjust, ViewMode, Color Adjust, Manual Image Adjust, Setup Menu
        
        Operating Environment
        Temperature: 0°C to 40°C
        Humidity: 20% to 90%
        
        900 05 Attachment
        
        VESA Compliant: No
        
        Input Signal
        Horizontal Frequency: mini HDMI (v1.4): 15 ~ 82KHz, Type C: 24 ~ 82KHz
        Frequency vertical: mini HDMI (v1 .4): 50 ~ 75Hz, Type C: 50 ~ 75Hz
        
        Adjustment Height (mm): No
        Spread: No
        Tilt (Forward/Back): 30º / 53º
        Swivel (Right/Left): No
        
        Weight
        Net (lb): 1. 5
        Net without stand (lb): 1.5
        Gross (lb): 3.7
        Net (kg): 0.7
        Net without stand (kg): 0.7
        Gross (kg): 1.7
        
        Dimensions
        Packaging (inch) : 17.1 x 15.4 x 3.5
        Physical (inch): 14.1 x 8.9 x 0.7
        Physical without stand (inch): 14.1 x 8.9 x 0.7
        Packaging (mm): 434 x 391 x 88
        Physical (mm): 359 x 227 x 17
        Physical without stand (mm): 359 x 227 x 17
        
        General
        Certifications: cTUVus, FCC-B, ICES003, Energy Star, EPEAT, CEC, NRCan, NOM, Mexico Energy, CE, CE EMC, CB , RoHS, ErP, REACH, WEEE, EAC, UkrSEPRO, UKCA, BSMI, VCCI, PSE
        PACKAGING Amount: VA1655 x1, mini HDMI to HDMI Cable (v1.4; Male-Male) x1, USB Type-C Cable (Male-Male) x1, Quick Start Guide x1, Sleeve case x1
        Recycling: Please dispose of according to with local, state or federal laws.
        Warranty: *Warranty may vary by country
        Country of Origin: 144
        Power Management: Energy Star standards, EPEAT
        
        SUPPORT AND DOWNLOADS
        
        User Guides
        
        VA1655 User Guide (Russian)VA1655 User Guide (Online View)View all languages語)VA1655 User Guide (繁體中文)
        
        Quick Start Guide
        
        VA1655 Quick Start Guide
        
        Drivers and Software
        
        Standard Monitor Driver Signed Windows 10 x64Standard Monitor Driver Signed Windows 10 x86Standard Monitor Driver Signed Windows 7Standard Monitor Driver Signed Windows 7 x6 4Standard Monitor Driver Signed Windows 8 x64Standard Monitor Driver Signed Windows 8 x86Standard Monitor Driver Unsigned WindowsStandard Monitor Driver Unsigned Windows x64Standard_Monitor_Driver_Signed_Win11_x64ViewSplit Software & User Guide for Windows
        
        Security
        
        VA1655 BSMI RoHS
        
        Reports
        
        VA1655 Carbon Footprint Report
        
        Top Portable Monitors 2022
        
        90 036 The best portable monitors for your computer. We work from home and remotely.
        
        the table is not enough, but you feel the need for additional displays,
        you should probably consider investing in a portable monitor. We chose
        a few really good ones, but they shouldn’t cost you a lot.
        
        Users who
        for productivity or graphic design, an additional
        monitor, you should think about purchasing it. You can keep all your
        apps and tabs visible at the same time, you don’t have to scroll to
        find any work data. Setting up a secondary screen is easy because
        Most portable monitors connect with just one USB cable. They come in different resolutions and
        sizes, so whatever your needs, you’ll find something
        suitable, even if you need something that can compete with the best 4K monitors.
        
        These computer monitors are much thinner and lighter than traditional monitors. And because they are much more portable, some of them can be mounted on the back of your laptop, unfolding the monitor when needed.
        
        To shorten the overview
        portable monitors, we compared them in a variety of ways, including
        diagonal, weight, panel type, resolution and connectivity (USB-C, USB-A, VGA, micro HDMI, etc. ). We have also considered the following parameters,
        like the response delay, design and stand, tested the functionality of the touch
        panels, among other things.
        
        No matter why you need a second screen, we’ve selected the best monitors to help you find the right one for your needs. And if you’re looking for a more traditional solution, check out the best monitors and we’ll try to get you the best prices.
        
        Best portable
        2022 monitors
        
        1. Portable monitor
        Asus ZenScreen MB16AC
        
        The best portable monitor, thin and premium.
        
        Resolution : 1920 x 1080 | Weight : 0.78 kg | Connection : x1 USB-C | Panel type : IPS.
        
        Pros :
        
        Slim and light;
        
        High image quality;
        
        Cons :
        
        Expensive compared to some competitors;
        
        Low brightness;
        
        The Asus ZenScreen MB16A portable monitor is one of the most
        attractive USB monitors,
        that we have ever seen, it also offers a range of features and unique
        design features that turn a portable screen into a highly usable device
        and one of the best portable monitors.
        
        However, the monitor
        heavy on the wallet since ZenScreen came out
        more expensive than most portable monitors in our rating. However, assembly and
        The picture quality of this panel justifies the extra expense. fans
        Asus ZenBook laptops should be particularly interested, as the design of the monitor matches
        the style of premium Asus laptops.
        
        The monitor is only slightly larger than the iPad Pro, but weighs only 800 grams, making it easy to carry around.
        
        2. Intehill 17.3 4K Portable Monitor
        
        High quality portable display.
        
        Diagonal : 17.3″ | Panel type : IPS | Resolution : 3440 x 1440 pixels | Brightness : 400 cd/m ² | Contrast : 1000:1 | Pixel response : 4 ms | Color Gamut : 100% Adobe RGB, 93% DCI-P3 | Update rate : 60 Hz | VESA : 100 x 100 mm | Ports : USB-C (Power 25 – 45W), DisplayPort 1. 4 Mini, HDMI 2.0, USB-C and Micro USB OTG | Weight : 1200 g
        
        Pros :
        
        Magnetic base and cover;
        
        USB-C, HDMI and DP;
        
        Native 4K;
        
        IPS panel precision;
        
        Cons :
        
        Power supply not included;
        
        Stand missing;
        
        Not cheap;
        
        Fussy interface;
        
        Intehill 4K Portable Monitor is a well built monitor with
        an abundance of ports. But there is no power supply in the box, oddly enough.
        
        And while he does not have
        stands, magnetic support and cover easily compensate for this disadvantage, which
        allows you to use the monitor as is, without the need for other
        accessories.
        
        This 17.3-inch
        the screen boasts 4K resolution,
        and also works behind a great IPS panel.
        
        For supplying energy to
        monitor (if you can’t implement Thunderbolt power) you will need a 30-45W USB-C charger, but deciding
        this problem, you can easily operate the monitor.
        
        3. Portable monitor
        AOC I1601P 15.6
        
        Best portable monitor for hybrid work.
        
        Resolution : 1920 x 1080 | Weight : 800 g | Connection : x1 USB-C (with USB-A adapter) | Panel type : IPS.
        
        Pros:
        
        Extremely lightweight and portable;
        
        Excellent monitor;
        
        USB-C and USB-A connectivity;
        
        Cons :
        
        OSD navigation is a pain;
        
        Short cable limits portability;
        
        The AOC I1601P Portable Monitor is a fantastic compact monitor, especially for users who
        that want to prepare for the new world of hybrid work.
        
        This is extremely thin
        and a lightweight monitor that fits easily into a laptop bag or backpack. Us
        also liked the stand that attaches to the front and back of the screen
        using magnets to hold the I1601P in place, it also doubles as a screen cover.
        
        The 15.6″ Full HD IPS display is very easy on the eyes to keep you comfortable during long hours.
        work sessions on a relatively small screen size. Moreover, the screen
        boast impressively wide viewing angles, allowing it to perfectly
        work on an overloaded office desk.
        
        AOC prioritizes portability and
        ease of use, the result is a computer monitor that
        you can easily set up and start using in a matter of seconds, just
        just connect one cable.
        
        4. Portable monitor
        Asus MB169C+
        
        Superb portable USB-C monitor with wide viewing angles.
        
        Resolution : 1920 x 1080 | Weight : 0.8 kg | Connection : USB-C | Panel type : IPS.
        
        Pros :
        
        Slim and light design;
        
        Good viewing angles and picture quality;
        
        Only one USB-C for operation;
        
        Cons :
        
        Low brightness;
        
        Inconvenient menu control wheel;
        
        Asus MB169C+ not
        as portable as some competitors, but its 15. 6-inch size makes
        its use is more like a classic monitor. It has a completely classic
        resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels, ideal for video streaming in
        Full HD format, simultaneous work with two applications and
        even for gaming if your laptop is powerful enough.
        
        BM169C+ incredibly easy to connect, just
        just stretch the USB-C cable, which is enough to transfer video, sound
        and nutrition. The monitor comes with a handy protective case that can be
        use for transportation. And while Asus’ portable monitor is a bit dimmer, it’s an IPS panel,
        which provides decent viewing angles, making it ideal
        additional screen.
        
        5. Portable monitor
        Gechic 1101P
        
        Best portable monitor for photographers.
        
        Resolution : 1920 x 1080 | Weight : 0.47 kg | Connectivity : VGA, USB, Micro-HDMI, mini DisplayPort | Panel type : IPS.
        
        Pros :
        
        Excellent picture;
        
        Camera / tripod mounts;
        
        Excellent set of connections;
        
        Cons :
        
        Design is weak;
        
        Designed for
        photographers who need a monitor to shoot, the Gechic 1101P can offer an IPS display as good as the Asus MB169C+.
        However, this model is smaller, only 11.6 inches, it is also portable, which
        lets you mount the screen on a tripod or DSLR while you work
        in field.
        
        This is a Full HD panel with 16.7 million colors that you can easily
        adjust using the monitor’s built-in color temperature settings, which
        allows you to get the picture as close as possible to the display of your camera.
        
        Compared to others
        portable monitors in this rating, the 1101P has a modest design, but this does not interfere with the choice of connections and
        support for VGA, Micro HDMI and mini DisplayPort. All this makes the monitor useful in various
        terms of use – from previewing photos or videos,
        captured on camera for use as a normal portable monitor with
        your laptop.
        
        6. Portable monitor
        Asus BM168B+
        
        Great portable monitor with USB-A ports.
        
        Resolution : 1920 x 1080 | Weight : 800 g | Connection : USB 3. 0 | Panel type : IPS.
        
        Pros :
        
        Slim and light;
        
        Good picture and viewing angles;
        
        Several can be connected;
        
        Cons :
        
        USB 3.0 required for full operation;
        
        If you like how
        Asus MB169C+ sounds like an offer, but you don’t have a laptop with a USB-C connector, then
        this particular monitor can be one of the best portable monitors for you.
        
        It connects to
        your laptop with just one cable, for which you need a normal
        USB-A port. It works with USB 2.0 and USB 3.0, although with the former you will note some
        delays due to lower data rates.
        
        However, the monitor
        implemented in a stylish thin and light design. It weighs only 800 grams, so
        you can easily carry it with you. And thanks to Asus EzLink technologies, which transfers graphics processing from
        computer to special equipment in the monitor, you can even connect
        five displays if your laptop can offer the required number of USB ports.
        
        7. Touch InnoCN
        PU15-PRE 15.6 OLED 4K
        
        Best portable monitor with 4K OLED panel and built-in battery.
        
        Resolution : 3840 x 2160 | Weight : 0.9 kg | Connection : mini-HDMI, x2 USB-C | Panel type : OLED.
        
        Pros:
        
        4K resolution and OLED panel;
        
        Touch display;
        
        Integrated battery;
        
        Cons :
        
        Fairly heavy with footplate;
        
        Expensive compared to competitors;
        
        Digital nomads and
        traveling creators will appreciate the number of pixels and features for
        work from anywhere with this portable 4K OLED touchscreen monitor. InnoCN chooses OLED panel
        in 4K resolution to
        content creators could expect true-to-life colors with low latency, six-bit
        contrast ratio and the deepest blacks, even
        when you are on the go. At the same time, the integrated battery
        device allows you to charge smartphones and tablets.
        
        Unlike some
        portable monitors in our review, InnoCN Pu15-PRE is more expensive. However, its 15.6-inch aluminum-framed panel,
        covered by a 3-year warranty, easily justify the price of the monitor. complete
        The TPU case will protect the portable monitor during transportation, and also
        serves as a stand, but also increases its weight.
        
        Also check out the best full size monitors.
        
        How to choose the right
        portable monitor?
        
        Portable selection
        monitor depends on your plans for its use, as well as on the device to
        to which you plan to connect it. The very concept of a portable monitor
        is the most reasonable laptop with USB-C ports.
        
        This is the most
        efficient way to work with a portable monitor that provides
        compatibility and high throughput in any resolution that
        only can offer a portable monitor. However, most
        portable monitors continues to run on old-school USB-A. Just remember
        that in this scenario you will need software and drivers that
        may create problems depending on the device you are using
        to control the monitor.
        
        For most
        Classic Windows PCs will suffice. For
        all other devices, devices can occur. USB-A connectivity can also limit
        resolution and color accuracy due to low bandwidth.
        However, some portable monitors support micro HDMI and even VGA.
        
        Speaking of
        bandwidth and resolution, most portable monitors
        is a 15.6-inch 1080p (1920 x 1080). Eat
        and more compact monitors with a diagonal of 11 inches.
        
        Battery either present,
        or it is not – another important point. You can get a portable monitor
        for a computer with an autonomous battery and without it. However, if you are using
        portable monitor away from the network, it can quickly pull out
        your laptop battery.
        
        latest
        the really important factor is brightness. If you count
        use a portable panel on the street, there is not much brightness. Majority
        portable models are limited in this indicator, offering a maximum of a little more
        200 nits Look for the highest score you can get
        Whereas brighter panels consume more power by being powered
        from a laptop.