Best portable monitors in 2025
Portable monitors have been for many years, but their importance during the pandemic has touched the sky. And with the continuation of remote and hybrid working positions, they become staples for the future future. But choosing one is not easy. At this point, almost every major PC manufacturer has travel-friendly exhibitions, prices ranging from $ 100 to nearly $ 1,000. So I have tested a group of options to keep a small list of the best portable monitors in the sale today to help sorting through confusion.
The table of things
Best portable monitors for 2025
Photo Sam Rutherford / Engdet
Size: 17-inches | Type of display: Portable Touchscreen | The type of connector: USB-C | Conclusion: 4K | Aura: 450 Nits | Weight: 2.4 lbs
Not only Espresso 17 Pro Strong Brightness (450 Nits) and Super Premium Design Feature, but this second monitor is really its accessories and fellow applications. Espresso’s Stand Pro add-on is simpler bullet proof, while at the same time the Super Strong provides the magnetic attachment system, so you don’t have to worry about kickstands or tripod. Meanwhile, for people who need extra juice about and about, there is a charging station with a heavy 32,000 mAh battery. Alternatively, it is easy to draw and markup with the zot software stylus of Espresso, which works great with the company’s screen protector and adds a more shaped surface for better feedback when drawing.
Its standout feature is a plug-and-play touchscreen support when connected to Mac, which helps you to unravel your creativity. In addition, with 10-bit color accuracy, with dual USB-C connections with 100 percent DCI-P3 coverage and power passtro, this monitor is filled with features. It also includes HDR support for a better visual depth. Only the price starting from $ 799 – but after testing it, we think it is worth it, offering better image quality than many computer monitors in the same size range.
For Sam Rutherford Engjet
Size: 15-inches | Type of display: Portable Touchscreen | The type of connector: USB-C | Conclusion: 4K | Aura: 550 Nits | Weight: 1.76 lbs
Read our full Espresso 15 Pro Review
With 15 ProEspresso is not only a small version of its flagship 4K portable monitor, but it has more brightness than the previous one. And as you have expect, it supports all the best features of its large siblings, including elegant design, single-card setup (with two built-in USB-C ports) and the ability to add touchscreen support to mocks. In addition, there is a wealth of appliances to choose from, making the 15 Pro very versatile, but for anyone who wants a good portable monitor for frequent passengers or a good portable at home.
Photo Sam Rutherford / Engdet
Size: 15.6-inches | Type of display: IPS | The type of connector: USB-C | Conclusion: 1080 P | Aura: 300 nits | Weight: 1.85 pounds (with cover)
At only $ 200, 15.6-inch portable monitor of plugable Provides everything you need in the budget show and more. Because it does not have an HDMI or a display, it does not have two 10Gbps connections and the hub activity for the 85-watting passtro charging and three USB-C connections. And because the monitor has a low power draw, you don’t even need to use the brick that you are included when connected to the laptop.
Although the panel does not boast of high resolution specs, its contrast ratio and color accuracy are vision for the price. A small drawback is that the quality of the image is reduced when seen from severe angles, although it should not be a big deal, from the head, the colors and the average for money from the sharpness. Finally, although we do not expect to be a tons of freebies bundle with budget gadgets, the plugable has a folded magnetic cover, which is doubled as a kickstand and USB-C 3.2 cable, which is a good touch.
Photo Sam Rutherford / Engdet
Size: 14-inches | Type of display: IPS | The type of connector: USB-C | Conclusion: 1440 P | Aura: 300 nits | Weight: 1.5 lbs
For people who are constantly on the journey, Lenovo’s M14T Gen2 Mobile Monitor It makes it easy to bring a good second appearance wherever you want. Its 14-inch panel has a high resolution 1440p display with a 16:10 aspect ratio for 100 percent SRGB color gammote and slightly additional vertical screen space. It also supports the USB-C power pass-throw (up to 65 watts) so it can comfortably share the juice with a connected device such as phone or laptop. You will also get sketching support to the inclusive stylus of Lenovo.
But the best part is its built -in stand, which provides a consistent tilting feature from zero to 90 degrees, so it can be easily adjusted in tight places. And with just 1.5 pounds weighing, it does not add an extra height to your bag. Lenovo was thrown in a fine -bearing sleeve to ensure that the panel was not damaged.
Know that there are some different versions of the M14T monitor; You can choose one for very little 4 284 directly from Lenova. If you want to save a few dollars, read the model of the model you are planning to buy before pulling the trigger.
Things to consider before buying a portable monitor
Before you start looking at specific products, it is important to think about how and where you are planning to use the second monitor as a portable display. Large panels are great for home use, where you need to move it or keep it away when you have a company. Meanwhile, small screens are great for traveling and whipped in a coffee shop or shared workplace. If you go too small, you can add extra weight to your bag without providing a ton of extra utility, especially if it does not have a mini HDMI for a good USB-C cable or connectivity. Screen size and compatibility with your current devices should be the top observations.
It is also important to consider your distinctive workload, as artists can get extra value from the high maximum illumination, HDR, wide color accuracy and high contrast ratio. Those who watch spread sheets are not worth more from more powerful displays or FHD displays with high refreshing rates, but they can still benefit from having a basic plug-and-play second monitor for multi-tasking.
What to see on the portable monitor
Putting aside the price and screen size, the portable monitor has some important specs of panel type, pixels, brightness, refresh rate and connectivity. Most portable monitors use IPS LCD displays, which usually provide good viewing angles, strong brightness and good energy efficiency. However, some high resolution models now have OLED screens, supporting wide color gamuts, good color accuracy and contrast ratio, which is the main advantage for artists and content creators. Some budget models can use TN panels, as it can help reduce costs and reduce energy consumption. We usually try to get away from them because they have a worse image quality compared to IPS screens.
For brightness, 300 nits are the lowest that we recommend – it makes it difficult to use the monitor even in some indoor environments. Ideally, we look for 350 or 400 nits and more screens for good accuracy and visibility.
Connectivity is also important because if you cannot easily hook your phone, gaming console or laptop to the monitor, it will become a huge paperweight. Most travel shows include HDMI Port or USB-C port (or both), which contain most of the devices. Nowadays it is very rare to find a portable monitor with USB-A, as most devices have become USB-C. However, we also prefer models that support passrow power on USB-C connections, which reduces the complexity of your setup and reduces the number of cords and adapters you need to take around.
Finally, most portable monitors have 60hz refreshing rates, which are good for most use cases. However, if you are looking for gaming monitor, there are models with 120Hz or 240Hz refreshing rates. These are excellent options for gamers looking to handle soft FPS while playing on the go.
Portable monitor often questions
What are the disadvantages of a portable monitor?
The main disadvantage of the portable monitor is the size compared to the normal monitor. Most portable monitors can sit in the 14 to 17-inch range and allow them to be as portable as indicated. Although you can find some portable monitors in quantities of 20 inches or more, they become less and less comfortable, they are the larger they get.
What is the difference between tablet and portable monitor?
The tablet is essentially a portable computer, which can run apps, games and more without auxiliary device. Portable monitors designed to expand your screen real estate; To have any use they need to be connected to a laptop or tablet.
What ports should I look for in the portable monitor?
The most important port to look at the portable monitor is that you connect the monitor to your computer. Most portable monitors have an HDMI or USB-C port to do this. After that, it is easy to have other connectors such as USB-A port, additional USB-C ports and others for portable monitor.
