As part of the ongoing story, they’re a boon to both desktop and laptop users. While portable monitors might not reach the large screen sizes of conventional displays, they offer other advantages: They are relatively inexpensive, easy to connect, and, best of all, easy to transport — whether that’s to a different city for work, or to a different room in your house. Portable monitors have gained in popularity, and it’s easy to see why.
Industry observers note that often the quality of these monitors can be sub-par. That’s where we at PCWorld come in. We’ve tested multiple models and can separate the best portable monitors from the rest. But the widespread availability of these displays and the ability to manufacture them cheaply has resulted in some questionable brands on the market.
According to the latest update, you can learn more about what to look for in a portable monitor at the bottom of the article. Our list of favorites below will help you find the right portable monitor for you.
The report highlights that we’ve been covering PCs since 1983, and we now review dozens of monitors every year. All of our recommendations have been personally tested and vetted by our expert reviewers, who’ve applied not only performance benchmarks but rigorous usability standards. Why you should trust PCWorld for monitor reviews and buying advice: PCWorld prides itself on its decades of PC devices experience and expertise.
The report highlights that its aluminum unibody design is exceptionally rigid yet weighs just 1.4 pounds. It includes a built-in kickstand and slim magnetic screen cover, which minimizes the monitor’s profile in your bag. The HP Series 5 Pro 514pn is a great pick if you want a premium portable monitor for travel and general use.
Industry observers note that this makes it a solid choice for photographers, videographers, and digital artists. It also has a 14.3-inch display that delivers great image quality with a sharp 2560×1600 resolution, an exceptional color gamut covering 100 percent of sRGB and AdobeRGB, and outstanding color accuracy.
In a fresh development, these traits make the monitor comfortable to view in most situations. The display is bright, as well, and the 16:10 aspect ratio provides extra vertical space for productivity.
In a fresh development, that’s not bad, but it can’t match OLED’s deep blacks, so the HP will look less immersive in dark and dynamic content. While the HP Series 5 Pro 514pn has great image quality, its IPS Black panel has a contrast ratio of just 1710:1.
As part of the ongoing story, that means you’ll need an adapter for use with older devices. Gamers should note the lack of Adaptive Sync and modest 75Hz refresh rate. The 514pn is most at home while at work. Connectivity is USB-C only—HDMI is not available.
According to the latest update, read our full.
In a fresh development, hP Series 5 Pro 514pn review.
Industry observers note that the Arzopa Z1FC is great for budget-conscious users who need a versatile portable monitor for productivity and casual tech industry.
As part of the ongoing story, it’s also portable at just 1.7 pounds and 0.3 inches thick. The monitor’s 144Hz refresh rate and bright 337-nit display make it notably better than many budget competitors. Priced at between $170 and $200 (with carrying case, or about $100 without), it delivers an attractive aluminum back panel with integrated kickstand.
Industry observers note that it ships alongside a carrying case with dual pockets that has room for the monitor, a slim laptop, and a USB-C cable. The monitor’s dual USB-C ports with power delivery also make it convenient if you have a laptop with USB-C out and want a simple, plug-and-play setup that requires a single cable.
Industry observers note that it lacks Adaptive Sync, so platform releases won’t look as smooth as on monitors with it. The slim profile also requires the use of a mini-HDMI port, which is less common than full-sized HDMI. While it’s good for the price, the Z1FC has some notable limitations.
According to the latest update, the 15A1F is just a little more expensive yet offers dramatically better contrast and color performance. It only has a 60Hz refresh rate, though, so it’s not ideal for fast-paced platform releases. If you can spend about $30 to $50 more, you might be happier with budget OLED portable monitors such as the Innocn 15A1F below.
According to the latest update, read our full.
According to the latest update, arzopa Z1FC Portable Monitor review.
According to the latest update, the InnoView Portable Monitor is a good choice if you want an entry-level portable monitor at the lowest price possible.
Industry observers note that it offers an appealing blend blend of solid image quality, versatile connectivity, and acceptable built-in speakers. The 15.6 inch display has a sharp 1080p panel that’s ideal for light office work, web browsing, and other less demanding tasks.
Industry observers note that its accessible price point—sometimes as low as $60 to $80–makes it a worthy option for students and travelers looking for a basic but functional second screen experience.
In a fresh development, the included kickstand case looks basic and has limited tilt adjustment. The monitor’s color performance is sub-par, too, so it’s not a great pick for photo and video editing (or other creative tasks). While the InnoView Portable Monitor is a good value, its budget price requires a few trade-offs.
According to the latest update, read our full.
As part of the ongoing story, innoView Portable Monitor review.
Industry observers note that the Viewsonic VX1655-4K-OLED is a good choice for creators who prioritize 4K resolution and exceptional image quality in a form factor that’s conducive to transport for work in remote environments.
The report highlights that its brightness peaks at an impressive 457 nits, which is beneficial for working in brightly lit environments. Its comprehensive color gamut is suitable for color-critical work such as photography, design, and video editing. It also has a native resolution of 3840×2160 (4K), which makes it ideal for working with 4K video, as well as other high-resolution video and image files. The VX1655-4K-OLED delivers exceptional sharpness, color accuracy, and contrast.
According to the latest update, it has a built-in kickstand, slim bezels, and a sturdy chassis, all of which make it easy to set up, and stable when in use. The monitor’s connectivity options, which include two USB-C ports and a mini-HDMI port, offer flexibility. However, the inclusion of a full-sized HDMI port would have been preferable. Design is another key strength of the VX1655-4K-OLED.
The report highlights that its premium price point reflects its position as a high-end choice for professionals, and its image quality is the best of any portable monitor we’ve tested to date. While the monitor does have minor drawbacks, like a flimsy bundled display cover and confusing on-screen menus, these issues are overshadowed by its overall performance and build quality.
According to the latest update, read our full.
According to the latest update, viewsonic VX1655-4K-OLED review.
Industry observers note that the Asus ZenScreen MB27ACF is an unusually large portable monitor designed for professionals who need a large, portable display they can move between meeting rooms, offices, or shared workspaces.
The report highlights that a large display means more room to present, collaborate, or work across multiple windows than smaller portable monitors. Yet slim profile, lightweight design, and built-in kickstand make it easy to reposition, while the included C-clamp stand and cubicle mounting brackets add flexibility for desk setups. It has a 27-inch display that’s several times larger than many other portable monitors.
In a fresh development, the built-in speakers, while modest, are good enough for calls or quick presentations, which should be handy both in a cubicle and in a conference room. USB-C connectivity with 70 watts of power delivery also makes it convenient for laptop users, particularly those with MacBooks or modern Windows ultrabooks that can run on a single cable.
Industry observers note that the MB27ACF is priced at $449 MSRP, which is steep for a 27-inch 1440p IPS monitor—especially when you can buy a 4K desktop monitor with better image quality at a similar price.
Industry observers note that that may be restrictive if you plan to keep it on a desk full time, and all the ports are side-mounted, which can look cluttered. Connectivity is an issue as well, as the monitor only has USB-C and HDMI.
As part of the ongoing story, in short, the MB27ACF is best for people who want a big, versatile, portable monitor, and aren’t too concerned about resolution of image quality.
According to the latest update, read our full.
The report highlights that asus ZenScreen MB27ACF review.
According to the latest update, although our initial impressions rely on our eyes, we rigorously test each monitor using a Datacolor Spyder X2 Ultra color calibration tool for a comprehensive analysis. PCWorld’s monitor evaluations are conducted by supject-expert freelance and staff contributors with decades of collective experience.
Industry observers note that this device helps us objectively measure a variety of monitor attributes including brightness, contrast, color gamut, color accuracy, luminance and color uniformity, and gamma, among other traits.
Industry observers note that every monitor we recommend is personally tested first-hand by a PCWorld contributor. This helps us pick out flaws in build quality and portability that separate the best and worst portable monitors. We also rely on hands-on testing to judge the quality, size, and weight of a portable monitor.
The report highlights that to learn more about our monitor evaluation process see our article on how we test monitors at PCWorld.
As part of the ongoing story, smith is a freelance technology journalist with 15 years of experience reviewing consumer electronics, including the broad spectrum of computer monitors. In addition to PCWorld, his work can be found on Wired, Digital Trends, Reviewed, Lifewire, and other technology publications. Matthew S.
According to the latest update, a portable monitor should have a bright, sharp image with a decent contrast ratio, wide color gamut, and great color accuracy. The differences between portable monitors and their desktop brethren are more often found in their design, build quality, and connectivity. Many of the functions we look for in a desktop monitor also apply to a portable monitor.
According to the latest update, portable monitors tend to score well in brightness and sharpness, but color and contrast are often lacking. OLED portable monitors perform significantly better than less expensive IPS LCD displays. Unfortunately, they’re much more expensive. Most portable monitors have image quality similar to desktop monitors in the same price bracket.
According to the latest update, we recommend sticking to monitors that are known to achieve high marks in image quality (otherwise, be prepared to use a retailer’s return policy). Numerous small brands have jumped into the portable monitor market in recent years and quality control can be an issue.
Industry observers note that portable monitors ship with a bundled kickstand or stand that is used to keep the monitor propped up and steady on a desk.
According to the latest update, some have a simple kickstand that attaches magnetically, while others use a clip-on case. A rare few, like the Viewsonic ColorPro VP16-OLED, have a folding stand that provides significant height and kickstand adjustment. Unlike desktop monitors, where most stands are more or less identical, the stands used by portable monitors vary.
The report highlights that a portable monitor that lacks the port you need to connect your tablet or laptop is useless. Connectivity is key.
Industry observers note that we look for monitors that offer a healthy selection of ports. We also prefer monitors that can be powered over USB-C by a connected desktop or laptop. Most portable monitors offer the option to connect over USB, a video input (usually HDMI), or both, but the number of ports available and the standards used vary widely.
Industry observers note that most portable monitors live up to their name with an included kickstand case or cover that can fold flat and protect the display while it’s stowed. Our final consideration is the most obvious: portability.
According to the latest update, a top-notch pick like the Viewsonic ColorPro VP16-OLED can offer superior durability, but a lightweight budget pick like the Arzopa Z1FC Gamut might be preferable if you’ll be hauling a portable monitor daily. Still, the exact size and weight of a portable monitor is important, and shoppers may need to accept trade-offs between weight and quality.
Industry observers note that sure, you can find portable monitors for less than this monitor’s $300 asking price, but you won’t get the same premium experience that this 14-inch 2560×1600 IPS Black panel offers. The best portable monitor for most people is PCWorld’s midrange pick: the HP Series 5 Pro 514pn, which has an edge of others in its price range thanks to its stylish, slim, and light design and outstanding color accuracy.
The report highlights that most portable monitors use a 13.3-inch or 15.6-inch panel, and those that don’t typically have a panel size close to one of those two standards (such as 13.1 or 16 inches).
According to the latest update, a 13.3-inch model will typically weigh about a quarter- to half-pound less than a 15.6-inch model. The downside, of course, is a smaller display that can feel cramped, which can make a 13.3-inch display frustrating. A monitor with a 13.3-inch panel is great for frequent fliers and other travelers looking to pack light.
As part of the ongoing story, though larger than a 13.3-inch model, 15.6-inch models remain small and will fit in most bags that fit a 14-inch laptop (or larger). 15.6-inch portable monitors are preferable for creators, too, as the larger display size makes it easier to view small details in videos, photos, and digital art. 15.6-inch portable monitors are a better choice in many situations, as viewing the display for long periods of time will prove more comfortable.
As part of the ongoing story, this resolution may seem unimpressive on paper, but the small size of a portable monitor increases the display’s pixel density. A 15.6-inch portable monitor with 1080p resolution looks nearly as sharp as a 27-inch monitor with 4K resolution. 1080p is the most common resolution and is a great choice for nearly all situations.
In a fresh development, we don’t generally recommend them. Portable monitors with 4K resolution are less common, more expensive, and the improvement in sharpness won’t be perceptible to most people. What about 4K portable monitors?
The report highlights that though uncommon, portable monitors sold at very low prices (often below $100) sometimes have a native resolution below 1080p. This isn’t a great choice. Most modern apps, web pages, and content assume 1080p as a “standard” resolution and feel cramped at 720p or 1366×768. We also recommend that you avoid lower resolutions such as 720p and 1366×768.
Industry observers note that the DisplayPort Alternate Mode turns the USB-C port into a video input, and USB Power Delivery can be used to power the portable monitor. This enables a single-cable connection between the portable monitor and a laptop, desktop, or tablet with USB-C. We recommend buying a portable monitor that has a USB-C port with DisplayPort Alternate Mode and USB Power Delivery.
As part of the ongoing story, most portable monitors offer this capability, but the HDMI or DisplayPort input is usually a smaller variant of the connection (like Micro-HDMI). An ideal portable monitor should pair USB-C with a backup video input, such as HDMI or DisplayPort, for connecting devices that lack USB-C.
In a fresh development, we’ve noticed a wide range of build quality, design, and image quality among portable monitors that retail below $150. It’s possible to find a great portable monitor on a tight budget, but we recommend sticking to models tested by a professional reviewer. Most portable monitors are inexpensive, but this is often reflected in their quality.
In a fresh development, these rare models back up their price with special functions such as a top-notch OLED panel or built-in battery. Paying extra for a quality monitor is worthwhile, but it’s not a requirement. Budget portable monitors like the Arzopa A1 Gamut look great and are well-suited to day-to-day productivity and web browsing. A handful of portable monitors, such as the Viewsonic ColorPro VP16-OLED, are priced above $300.
The report highlights that while some manufacturers claim HDR support, the truth is that current portable monitors lack the brightness required to make HDR look its best. A portable monitor that claims HDR support will display HDR content, but it won’t look superior to SDR. We don’t recommend portable monitors for HDR.
Industry observers note that in most cases, power is delivered over USB-C (or, in older models, USB-A) from a connected laptop, tablet, or desktop. You can also use an external power brick. You might be surprised to hear most portable monitors don’t include a battery and must be powered by an external source.
Industry observers note that they’re considerably more expensive than portable monitors that rely on external power. The battery also adds weight and bulk. It’s often less expensive to buy an external battery pack to connect to the portable monitor. A few portable monitors include a battery, but we recommend you avoid these models.
According to the latest update, smith is a freelance technology journalist with 15 years of experience reviewing consumer electronics. In addition to PCWorld, his work can be found on Wired, Ars Technica, Digital Trends, Reviewed, IGN, and Lifewire. Matthew also covers AI and the metaverse for IEEE Spectrum and runs Computer Tech industry Yesterday, a YouTube channel devoted to PC tech industry history. Matthew S.