With so many jobs, classes, and even family events being online, it’s almost a necessity to have the best, high-functioning equipment. I know you’re thinking, ‘I already have a laptop. What more could I need?’
Well, one thing you’ll want to have is a portable dual monitor. Whether you’re working remotely, traveling the globe, having a large family reunion over Zoom, or playing online games, a portable monitor will upgrade your simple laptop setup with just a couple of cables.
We use one all the time when we want extra laptop space. We drag items from our main screen to this external monitor and suddenly like we have lots of real estate! These dual monitors are great for many reasons, but our favorite is the ability to take them with you no matter where you go.
When purchasing your portable monitor, think about the features that matter the most to you.
- Does the size of the screen matter most?
- Or is it how the portable monitor is propped up and displayed?
- Or maybe you’re looking for something with an easy setup?
Figuring out your requirements for the perfect monitor will make the decision process smoother and ensure you get the portable monitor that best suits your needs.
To assist with your decision-making, we have put together our list of the top portable monitors to fit your lifestyle.
Best Portable Dual-Monitors
Best Portable Monitor for On-the-Go
ZSCMALLS – Portable Monitor 15.6 Inch
Take your work or classroom with you no matter where you go with this high-functioning small portable monitor. 13.3 inches is the smallest size offered for portable monitors. These monitors may have a small screen, but they sure have a lot to offer and make using your laptop to get work done easily if you’re in a coffee shop or waiting for your next flight at the airport.
Pros:
- Low price but still has great picture and resolution
- Very light – less than a pound and a half
- Works best in mirror and split-screen mode
- First perfectly in a standard-sized backpack
- Comes with a screen protector, USB C and HDMI cords
- Has a USB port, which most portable monitors do not
- Speakers are clear and loud
- Extremely easy to set up and adjust the settings
Cons:
- The screen protector is tricky to put on. You are better off getting a replacement than the one it comes with
- The case it comes with could be sturdier but it holds up well
Top Feature: At this price, it gets the job done.
Screen Size: 15.6 Inches
Resolution: FHD 1080p
Aspect Ratio: 16:9
Connection: USB C, mini HDMI, and USB port
Charge: USB cord to charge, can charge with the laptop power
Positioned: Uses built-in case to prop the screen up
Best Portable Monitor for a Low Price
Newsoul – Portable Monitor for Laptop 15.6 Inches
Of course, you want to increase productivity with a portable monitor, but you also don’t want to break the bank. This portable monitor will not only help you get the job done, but it’ll also help you keep a few extra bucks in your pocket.
Pros:
- Blue Light Filter and Flicker Free Screen
- Built-in dual stereo speakers
- Bright and vivid display screen
- Eye Care technology to keep eyes from getting tired
- The smart cover is durable and made from leather with a soft lining to protect the screen
- Comes with mini HDMI, USB-C, USB-C to USB-A adapter, and wall charger
- Has three working modes: Duplicate Mode, Extend Mode, and Phone-Computer Mode
- Can be shifted from landscape to portrait mode
- The monitor can draw power from the laptop so it does not need to be plugged into a wall plug
- Amazon Firestick works great for streaming
Cons:
- Does not have the highest resolution if using the monitor for gaming
- The speakers work well but are not very loud
Top Feature: This screen is portable but can be mounted if you’d like
Screen Size: 15.6 inches
Resolution: 1920 x 1080 Pixels
Aspect Ratio: 16:9
Connection: 2 USB-C, mini HDMI, OTG Port, 3.5mm audio
Weight: 2 pounds
Charge: Single Type-C Connect to Signal & Power
View Angle: 178°
Best Large Portable Monitor for the Home Office
ARZOPA – Portable Monitor for Laptop – 17.3 Inches
Working from home is the way of the future. Most of us, are used to working on our laptops, but as we set up our home office, it’s beneficial to create a space that promotes productivity. One way to increase productivity is by adding a portable monitor to your workspace. These monitors are slim but will help turn the old junk room into the perfect at-home office.
Pros:
- Large screen for an exceptional price
- The wide display is very clear
- Works seamlessly with a laptop, gaming console, or phone
- Auto rotates from landscape to portrait
- Can be powered by pass-through charging when connected to your laptop
- Fits perfectly on a work desk
- Has built-in speakers with panoramic sound
- 3-in-1 display mode: duplicate mode, extend mode, second screen mode
- Comes with a magnetic smart case that can be folded into a stand
- a very lightweight and slim portable monitor
- High definition with True Color
Cons:
- Because this monitor is so large, it probably won’t fit inside a regular-sized backpack or laptop bag
Top Feature: Comes with numerous cords and adapters to ensure the monitor works with both PCs and Macs and any port you could possibly need.
Screen Size: 17.3 Inches
Resolution: 1920 x 1080p
Aspect Ratio: 16:9
Connection: 2 USB Type C, 3.5mm audio jack, and mini HDMI
Weight: 1.7 pounds
Charge: USB-C cord connected to outlet or computer
Positioned: Monitor cover converts to stand
Best Budget Touchscreen Portable Monitor
ViewSonic – Portable Monitor for Laptop 15.6 Inch
Having a touchscreen portable monitor can seriously step your productivity game up, but it’s safe to say you probably don’t want to spend a ton of money. The View Sonic Portable Monitor is a great alternative for some of the pricier touchscreen monitors.
Pros:
- Has an Anti-Glare Coating
- Blue Light Filter and a Flicker-Free screen
- Touchscreen with built-in speaker
- Built-in stand for orientation in portrait and landscape
- The portable monitor has a stand cover and screen protector
- Scratch-resistant touchscreen
- Comes with a USB-A to USB-C cable (for powering the monitor), a USB-C to USB-C cable for power to the wall adapter or single-point connection to a laptop, and a mini-HDMI to full-HDMI cable
- Bright and colorful screen display
- The monitor is very thin and lightweight. Fits perfectly in a backpack or tote
Cons:
- ViewSonic’s Touch software is required for macOS. You can download this from View Sonic’s website
- Touch software will work with Mac computers but not iPads or iPhones
- Although the screen is bright and clear, some of the displayed colors are not fully accurate. Meaning some blues may look more purple than true blue
Top Feature: A connected laptop can power the monitor or the monitor can power a laptop via USB-C power bank or AC adapter and outlet
Screen Size: 15.6 inches
Resolution: 1920 x 1080 Pixels
Aspect Ratio: 16:9
Connection: Two USB-C, Mini HDMI, and 3.5mm headphone jack
Weight: 2.1 pounds
Charge: 2-way powered USB-C
Viewing Angle: 178° (H) / 178° (V)
Position: Built-in stand, can be propped up with case as well
Related:
Connecting a monitor to your laptop for a Desktop Experience
If you want to go beyond a portable monitor, connecting a full monitor to your laptop can transform your setup into a desktop-like experience, enhancing productivity and comfort. Start by identifying the appropriate cable (HDMI, USB-C, or VGA) compatible with both your laptop and monitor. Connect the cable securely to both devices. Power on the monitor first, then your laptop.
- On Windows, right-click the desktop, select “Display settings,” and choose “Extend” or “Duplicate” displays based on your preference.
- On macOS, go to “System Preferences” > “Displays” and arrange the monitors. Adjust the resolution and orientation to match your needs.
This setup allows you to enjoy a larger screen, making multitasking easier and reducing eye strain.
Consider these ultra-wide monitors
Good luck selecting the best portable monitor for your needs. Comment below and let us know which portable monitor you selected and some of your favorite features.
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Featured image: Credit ViewSonic