26-02-2025
The best portable monitor of 2025
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While no one should have to work on vacation, sometimes it's unavoidable. Working on the road poses its own set of trials and tribulations, but one major complaint is the lack of monitor real estate. For some, a portable monitor may be the solution. Not only do they expand your workspace, they offer some physiological benefits too—an important consideration when you're traveling in unfamiliar places.
'Workplace ergonomics specialists and physiotherapists agree that changing positions while working in a seated posture has a positive impact on health,' says Grzegorz Kowalski, the CEO and founder of , a site that helps remote workers find hotels to work from. 'With a laptop and a portable monitor, it's easy to move to another room, switch to a different chair and desk, and improve comfort. A portable monitor can also be quickly repositioned if glare from a window starts straining your eyes.'
Beyond work, they're great for watching videos or movies and even gaming while traveling. They're lightweight and packable, so you won't be lugging extra weight through the TSA checkpoint. Due to technology improvements, the screens are clear and bright, helping relieve eye strain when you have to stay up late to finish that presentation or catch up on your favorite shows during downtimes.
There are tons of portable monitors out there, which can make it tough to figure out what will work best for you. Besides weight, size, and portability, travelers should weigh practicality. 'Being able to connect different power sources and ports is also important, and then durability is a big one as well,' says Brittany Betts, the director of PR and marketing at home rental site The 100 Collection , who regularly works from the road. 'You want these monitors to be durable especially when things get a bit banged up during a travel day.'
With that in mind, we think the Lenovo ThinkVision M14T will work best for most travelers. Customers appreciate the vibrant screen, highly adjustable monitor, and light weight. If you have more specific needs, check out more of our favorite portable monitors below.
The best portable monitor options
It goes without saying but the best portable monitor should fit your travel needs, whether you prioritize screen size, weight, or something else. In addition to working with your laptop (Macs often require an additional dongle to connect), the best portable monitor should be easy to carry. We appreciate monitors with bright, clear displays, additional ports if you need them, screen orientation flexibility, and a slim stand. Read on for the pros and cons of our top picks.
Best portable monitor overall: Lenovo ThinkVision M14T
Photograph courtesy Amazon
Lenovo ThinkVision M14T
Buy it now on Amazon
Why we like it: The second generation of Lenovo's M14T monitor improves on the previous generation with a touchscreen you can operate with your finger or the included stylus. It's built with high color accuracy, high resolution, and great contrast, plus a slim stand.
Standout features reviewers like:
• 16x10 aspect ratio makes it great for photo editing and office productivity
• Wide stand adjustability—from five to 90 degrees
Keep in mind: The M14T is limited to USB-C connectivity. Older Macbooks require a dongle to connect. Some reviewers say the 14-inch screen feels relatively small. Betts adds that while this portable monitor is a great option for daily use, she doesn't recommend it for design/illustration work or gaming, which requires higher resolution. For gaming, check out our top pick, the Arzopa , below.
Product details: Screen size: 14 in. | Connector type: USB-C | Dimensions: 12.4 x 9.3 x 3.8 in. | Weight: 1.5 lbs. | Screen type: IPS (a type of LCD)
Best portable monitor for laptop: Dell 14-inch LED Portable Monitor Screen
Photograph courtesy Amazon
Dell 14-inch LED Portable Monitor Screen
Buy it now on Amazon
Why we like it: This portable monitor operates via power from your laptop, so there are no extra cords to connect. Additionally, reviewers say it works well right out of the box—no fussy setup. Weighing less than 1.5 pounds, this monitor is one of the lightest on our list, with an FHD 1080p resolution matte screen that's comfortable on the eyes.
Standout features reviewers like:
• Plenty of screen real estate for spreadsheets, presentations, and webpages
• Sleek, thin, and light, easily slips into briefcases and carry-ons
Keep in mind: This portable monitor has an LED screen, which means that at some viewing angles, it might be tough to see (more about this below). It's not a touchscreen and has only one USB-C port.
Product details: Screen size: 14 in. | Connector type: USB-C | Dimensions: 12.7 x 0.6 x 8 in. | Weight: 1.3 lbs. | Screen type: LED
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Best portable touchscreen monitor: ASUS ZenScreen Touch
Photograph courtesy Amazon
Asus ZenScreen Touch
Buy it now on Amazon
Why we like it: There are multiple ways to engage with this 20-point touchscreen monitor. Scroll or tap with your finger or the included stylus, or use gestures to zoom in and out (just like on a cellphone). You can even forego the touchscreen for the mini joystick.
'This is a great brand with great resolution,' says Ryan Wuich, an electronics buyer for a Glenview, Illinois-based home goods retailer. 'The touchscreen adds a nice benefit.'
Travelers may also appreciate that the battery lasts for about four hours, plus this monitor comes with built-in speakers—a nice little bonus other portable touchscreens on this list don't offer.
Standout features reviewers like:
• On-board, rechargeable battery
• Multiple touchscreen interactivity, including joystick and stylus
Keep in mind: This touchscreen doesn't play well with iOS devices. For Macs, try our top pick, the Espresso Pro , below. Reviewers also say the colors on this ASUS model are somewhat dull and the price is relatively high, compared to others on this list.
Product details: Screen size: 15.6 in. | Connector type: Micro-HDMI, USB | Dimensions: 9 x 14.2 x 0.4 in. | Weight: 2 lbs. | Screen type: LED
Best portable monitor for MacBook Pro: Espresso Pro
Why we like it: There's no getting around the high price tag of this Australian-made monitor. However, MacBook Pro users say it's worth it because it's one of the few monitors that works relatively seamlessly with their computers. 'Love this monitor and brand. It has great size, portability, and resolution,' notes Wuich. 'Overall, an amazing product.'
Travelers will likely appreciate the large, multitouch 4K retina screen made for clear, crisp images; two USB-C ports; and optional stylus (sold separately).
The stand attaches via magnets, so it's easy to break down and pack, but you can also purchase a separate stand. For a lighter, more compact option, this portable monitor is compatible with magnetic folio-style covers, similar to iPad covers.
Standout features reviewers like:
• Landscape and portrait modes
• Multitouch responsiveness (swipe, pinch)
• Compatible with USB-C cables that support DisplayPort Alternate Mode or Thunderbolt 3 and 4
Keep in mind: This is the most expensive portable monitor on our list, especially for the features, according to our experts. Some customers say the audio quality from the single speaker in the front isn't great. At 17 inches, this portable monitor requires a larger laptop case or pocket in a backpack. The Lenovo ThinkVision M14T , our overall top pick, may be a more affordable option for Mac users.
Product details: Screen size: 17. In. | Connector type: Two USB-C ports | Dimensions: 15.6 x 9.6 x 0.4 in. | Weight: 2.4 lbs. | Screen type: LCD
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Best portable gaming monitor: Arzopa 16.1-inch Portable Gaming Monitor
Photograph courtesy Amazon
Arzopa 16.1-inch Portable Gaming Monitor
Buy it now on Amazon
Why we like it: This slim, lightweight portable monitor is a winner with gaming fans. 'Anyone who is passionate about gaming knows how important frame rate and graphics are to the gaming experience,' says Betts. 'This monitor has a high refresh rate which is great for gaming specifically, the resolution is incredible which makes it awesome for intense design or illustration needs, and it's compatible with several different types of technology.'
Standout features reviewers like:
• 144Hz refresh rate
• FHD 1080p resolution
• Lightweight and compact
• Affordable price and frequently on sale
Keep in mind: Some reviewers say the stand isn't very sturdy. It lacks a headphone jack and dedicated power supply input, so you have to run it off your computer or phone to power it.
Product details: Screen size: 16.1 in. | Connector type: Mini-HDMI and USB-C | Dimensions: 8.2 x 14.9 x 0.5 in. | Weight: 1.7 lbs. | Screen type: IPS
Best budget portable monitor: Plugable USB-C Portable Monitor
Photograph courtesy Amazon
Plugable USB-C Portable Monitor
Buy it now on Amazon
Why we like it: If you're looking for a portable monitor that doesn't cost an arm and a leg, yet offers robust features and performance, this is a good bet. It's designed to be simple to use and reliable, all at a relatively affordable price. We love the eye-friendly matte screen, FHD 1080p resolution, and the pass-through laptop charging.
Standout features that reviewers like include:
• Two USB-C connectors, plus a separate charging port
• 15.6-inch screen size
• Lifetime support
Keep in mind: Some customers say the stand is akin to a folio style (like an iPad) rather than a monitor stand. There are no speakers. It's a bit heavier than others on our list.
Product details: Screen size: 15.6 in. | Connector type: Three USB-C ports | Dimensions: 0.4 x 14.2 x 8.5 in. | Weight: 1.8 lbs. | Screen type: IPS
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Best wireless portable monitor: ViewSonic VG1656N 16-Inch
Why we like it: If you want something without wires, the Viewsonic VG1656N may be the right portable monitor for you. It's designed for easy setup and with minimal lag between your laptop and the screen, according to the company. It also comes with an included stand support and pretty good built-in speakers. We also like the 16x10 aspect ratio, which means less scrolling.
Standout features that reviewers like include:
• Portrait and landscape modes
• Quick and easy to set up
• Wireless connectivity to any laptop over WiFi via a USB-C dongle
Keep in mind: A couple of reviewers note the screen isn't as bright as they would like.
Product details: Screen size: 16 in. | Connector type: Two USB-C ports | Dimensions: 0.4 x 14 x 9.3 in. | Weight: 1.8 lbs. | Screen type: IPS
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How we chose the best portable monitors
A high-quality portable monitor is in high demand. As a result, tons of brands vie for customers. We spent hours researching all the choices out there to find the best of the best. Here's how we decided:
• Third-party reviews: We looked at customer reviews from sites including Amazon, B & H, and NewEgg.
• Expert reviews: There are tons of reputable tech reviewers out there, so we examined reputable review sites from tech specialists to general consumer sites. We also spoke to three experts and travelers who regularly use and recommend portable monitors to their clients and took their feedback into consideration.
• Our own experience: I am a road warrior myself and travel one to two weeks every month. Because I'm a journalist who is always looking at data, I regularly use multiple screens on the road.
Tips for buying a portable computer monitor
Device compatibility
Whether you're a PC or a Mac person, you need to find a portable monitor that will work with your device. Some will work with phones and tablets, while others won't. Be sure to read all the specifications and understand what they mean so you can find the right monitor for you, especially if you have a Mac.
Main purpose
As Betts points out, the right portable monitor really depends on how you plan to use it. Gaming, photo and video editing, and general business needs all require different types of technology.
'If you do design or heavy editing, then having a good refresh rate and resolution is something that you should look into,' says Betts. 'If you need screen brightness and need to take it on the go indoors or outdoors, night or day, then maybe one with a certain LED display and brightness would be the best for you.'
Monitor technology
IPS monitors offer better color accuracy and a wider variety of viewing angles, whereas LED monitors can have blind spots in viewing angles, making them less ideal for projects like presentations or editing photos. Most of the monitors on this list are IPS monitors.
LED monitors tend to be brighter and have a faster response. LCD monitors tend to be viewable from any angle, are cheaper, and have better image quality compared to LED monitors.
'My best tip is to go for the best screen resolution,' says Wuich. 'People often shop for price, and then the screen resolution ends up resulting in a very poor user experience. I always recommend buying something with a nice panel and resolution.'
Work environment
While portable monitors can do wonders for productivity on the road, they take up space in your bag and in hotel rooms. To get the right size for your needs (and your trip), consider where you'll be working—a coffee shop, outdoors at a picnic table, or late at night in a dark room.
Connections and power source
Some portable monitors have small rechargeable batteries that will run for a few hours. Others work through a power supply or device. USB-C and micro HDMI connections are the most common types. If the device you're connecting to doesn't have that kind of connector, you'll need to buy a dongle. 'If you plan to use the monitor in a hotel room or vacation apartment, there's no need to buy one with a built-in battery,' notes Kowalski. 'These models tend to be heavier and harder to transport.'
Frequently asked questions
What are the disadvantages of a portable monitor?
Carrying extra devices isn't a small task. You'll have to take them out of your bag at security checkpoints, and you won't be able to check them if they have a battery. Make sure you really need one (and will use it) before plunking down your cold, hard cash.
Can I display my phone on a monitor?
Yes. Some of the monitors listed here are compatible with both iOS and Android devices. However, it's important to note that many use power from your device to operate. Extra portable chargers for your phone or tablet can help you stay connected.
How does a portable monitor get power?
Most monitors on this list use power from a device. Some use rechargeable battery packs before drawing power from a device. The Plugable portable monitor is the only one that has what's known as passthrough power, where it has a dedicated port (one of the USB-C ports) that can be used to power the screen. Read through the descriptions and specifications to find out more about the power supply.
Abigail Bassett is an award-winning freelance journalist based in Los Angeles, California. She has written for CNN, National Geographic, and Elle, among other outlets. Follow her on
is an award-winning freelance journalist based in Los Angeles, California. She has written for CNN,, and, among other outlets. Follow her on Instagram
*Although we are sharing our personal opinions of these experiences or products with you, National Geographic is not endorsing these experiences or products on behalf of anyone. It has not performed product safety testing on any of these products, did not manufacture them, and is not selling, or distributing them and is not making any representations about the safety or caliber of these products or experiences for individual consumers. Prices and availability are subject to change from the date of publication.
