Portable screens have surged in demand, and the reasons are clear. They benefit users of both stationary desktops and mobile laptops alike. Although these devices don't match the expansive sizes of traditional screens, they provide distinct perks: affordability, straightforward setup, and ultimate portability—ideal for trips to new cities on business or simply shifting rooms at home.
The abundance of these products and low production costs have led to dubious manufacturers entering the space. Many options suffer from inferior performance. That's why experts at PCWorld step in. After evaluating various units, we identify the standout portable screens amid the crowd.
The selection of top choices featured here guides you toward the ideal portable screen. Details on key selection criteria appear later in the piece.
PCWorld earns confidence in screen assessments and purchase guidance through years of hardware knowledge. Covering computers since 1983, we examine scores of displays annually. Each suggestion stems from direct trials by seasoned evaluators, incorporating benchmarks and thorough practical checks.
For a high-end portable screen suited to journeys and everyday tasks, the HP Series 5 Pro 514pn stands out. Its aluminum single-piece build ensures durability while keeping weight at a mere 1.4 pounds. It comes with an integrated stand and a thin magnetic lid that slims down for packing.
The 14.3-inch panel boasts impressive visuals via its 2560×1600 clarity, full coverage of sRGB and AdobeRGB ranges, and precise hues. This suits professionals in photography, video production, and digital creation.
The screen shines brightly, and its 16:10 proportions add useful height for tasks. These elements ensure ease of use across various settings.
Despite strong visuals, the IPS Black technology yields a 1710:1 contrast level. It's respectable but falls short of OLED's inky depths, reducing impact on shadowy or vivid scenes.
Links are limited to USB-C without HDMI support, requiring adapters for legacy hardware. Gaming enthusiasts should consider the absence of Adaptive Sync and the basic 75Hz rate. It excels primarily in professional environments.
Budget buyers seeking a flexible portable screen for work and light gaming will appreciate the Arzopa Z1FC.
Costing $170 to $200 including a case (or roughly $100 sans case), it features an aluminum rear with a built-in stand. At 1.7 pounds and 0.3 inches slim, it's highly mobile. A 144Hz rate and 337-nit brightness surpass many affordable rivals.
Dual USB-C inputs with power passthrough simplify connections for USB-C-equipped laptops, needing just one cord for operation. It includes a case with compartments for the screen, a thin notebook, and cable.
At its cost, it performs well but has drawbacks. Without Adaptive Sync, gameplay lacks fluidity compared to equipped models. The narrow build uses a mini-HDMI, rarer than standard versions.
Spending an extra $30 to $50 could lead to satisfaction with OLED budget options like the Innocn 15A1F. Slightly pricier, it vastly improves contrast and colors. However, its 60Hz limits fast gaming.
For the cheapest entry into portable screens, the InnoView Portable Monitor fits the bill.
Its 15.6-inch 1080p panel suits basic office duties, online surfing, and simple activities. It balances decent visuals, multiple connection types, and functional audio.
Priced as low as $60 to $80, it's suitable for students and nomads needing a reliable extra display.
As a low-cost item, the InnoView involves compromises. The stand case appears plain with minimal angle options. Color rendering is weak, ruling it out for editing photos or videos.
Creators focused on 4K detail and superior visuals in a travel-friendly package should consider the Viewsonic VX1655-4K-OLED.
It provides remarkable definition, hue precision, and depth. Reaching 457 nits peak, it handles well-lit areas. The broad color range supports critical tasks in imaging, graphics, and film. Native 3840×2160 resolution aids 4K media handling.
Build quality shines with an embedded stand, narrow edges, and robust frame for quick assembly and stability. Ports encompass two USB-C and mini-HDMI for versatility, though a full HDMI would enhance it.
Small issues like a weak cover and tricky menus pale against its strengths. The elevated cost justifies its pro-level status, with visuals topping our portable tests.
Professionals requiring a spacious movable screen for conferences, offices, or collaborative areas may prefer the Asus ZenScreen MB27ACF, an oversized portable option.
Boasting 27 inches, it dwarfs typical portables. This size enables broader presentations, teamwork, or multitasking. Despite dimensions, its thin, light form and fold-out stand allow easy movement, with added C-clamp and wall mounts for stationary use.
USB-C with 70W power supply suits single-cable operation with MacBooks or slim Windows devices. Modest speakers suffice for meetings or demos in various settings.
At $449 suggested retail, it's costly for a 27-inch 1440p IPS unit—comparable to superior 4K stationary screens.
Port options—USB-C and HDMI only—may limit desk permanence, and side placement can clutter views.
Overall, the MB27ACF suits those prioritizing expansive, adaptable portability over peak sharpness or visuals.
The Arzopa Z3FC delivers a 180Hz, 2560×1440 IPS-LCD in a compact, featherweight yet expensive form. The MSI Pro MP165 E6 supports diverse mounting. The Asus ZenScreen MB27ACF uniquely combines 27-inch 1440p with mobility. The Viewsonic VA1655 supplies 60W USB-C charging for laptops but suffers from bulk and average visuals. The Viewsonic TD1656-2K offers touch functionality with stylus, excelling in spreadsheets over creative apps. Its counterpart, the ViewSonic VG1656N, includes wireless linking, adjustable positioning, and low cost, though colors underwhelm.
PCWorld's display assessments involve specialists with extensive backgrounds. Initial views guide us, but we employ the Datacolor Spyder X2 Ultra for detailed metrics on brightness, contrast, gamut, accuracy, uniformity, and gamma.
Hands-on evaluations assess construction, dimensions, and mass. All endorsed units undergo personal scrutiny by our team, revealing portability and quality differences.
For deeper insights into our methods, check our PCWorld guide on display testing.
Matthew S. Smith, a veteran tech writer with 15 years in consumer tech reviews including screens, contributes here. His articles appear in Wired, Digital Trends, Reviewed, Lifewire, and beyond.
Core desktop display traits like luminance, clarity, contrast, gamut, and accuracy translate to portables. Distinctions lie in structure, durability, and interfaces.
Portables mirror price-matched desktops in visuals, excelling in light and detail but lagging in colors and depth. OLED variants outshine cheap IPS LCDs at a premium.
The influx of minor brands poses quality risks; opt for proven high-performers or rely on returns.
Portables typically include a prop-up stand for desk stability.
Unlike uniform desktop bases, portable stands differ: magnetic flaps, case clips, or adjustable folders like on the Viewsonic ColorPro VP16-OLED.
Connection compatibility is crucial; mismatched ports render a screen unusable.
Most support USB video, HDMI, or both, varying in quantity and type. We favor ample, flexible options, especially USB-C powered ones.
Portability defines these devices, often with protective flat-folding cases.
Size and weight matter; premium like Viewsonic ColorPro VP16-OLED offer resilience, while light budgets like Arzopa Z1FC suit frequent carriers.
The Innocn 15A1F earns our mid-tier recommendation for most, at about $200, with visuals and extras punching above its weight.
Featuring a 15.6-inch 1920×1080 OLED at 60Hz, elegant aesthetics, stable clip stand, and editing prowess, it feels upscale.
Standard sizes hover at 13.3 or 15.6 inches, with variants nearby like 13.1 or 16.
13.3-inch units aid light packers, shaving 0.25 to 0.5 pounds off larger siblings, but smaller views may cramp workflows.
15.6-inch options enhance comfort for extended use, fitting laptop bags and aiding creators with detail visibility.
1080p dominates and suits most needs; on compact panels, it yields high density akin to larger 4K setups.
4K portables are rare, costly, and gains are subtle for average eyes.
Skip sub-1080p like 720p or 1366×768 on ultra-cheap units; they constrain modern content.
Seek USB-C with DisplayPort Alt Mode for video and Power Delivery for single-cable power from compatible devices.
Pair with HDMI or DisplayPort backups for non-USB-C gear; often mini-sized.
Low prices often mean variable quality under $150; tested picks ensure value.
Few exceed $300, like Viewsonic ColorPro VP16-OLED with OLED or battery, but basics like Arzopa A1 Gamut suffice for routine use.
HDR claims abound, but portables lack brightness for true effect; they handle it but not better than standard dynamic range.
Most draw power externally via USB-C or A from hosts; bricks work too.
Battery-inclusive models cost more, add heft, and bulk; external packs are cheaper alternatives.
Matthew S. Smith, a 15-year tech reviewer, writes for PCWorld among Wired, Ars Technica, Digital Trends, Reviewed, IGN, and Lifewire. He explores AI, metaverse for IEEE Spectrum and hosts Computer Gaming Yesterday on YouTube.