Adding a second screen to your setup can transform your digital experience, offering you more space to work, play, and explore. The extra screen real estate is incredibly useful, and once you get accustomed to it, returning to a single screen can feel limiting. Choosing the best portable monitor for your laptop, smartphone, or Mac can be challenging due to the vast array of options available. Whether you're seeking the ultimate all-around performer like the Asus ROG Strix XG17AHPE, or the best value option such as the Arzopa Z1FC, I've dedicated years to testing monitors to help you spend less time searching and more time enjoying the benefits of a second screen.
TL;DR – These Are the Best Portable Monitors:
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Asus ROG Strix XG17AHPE
1See it at Amazon
Arzopa Z1FC 144Hz Portable Gaming Monitor
0See it at AmazonSee it at Arzopa
Espresso Displays Espresso 17 Pro
0See it at AmazonSee it at Espresso Displays
ViewSonic ColorPro VP16-OLED
0See it at Amazon
Wacom Cintiq Pro 16
0See it at Amazon
Portable monitors might not match the size of traditional gaming monitors, but their convenience is unbeatable when you're on the move. Even the best laptops have smaller screens, and smartphones aren't ideal for work or multitasking. Adding an extra display can significantly enhance your productivity and enjoyment. After extensive research and testing, I can confidently recommend these as the top portable monitors for 2025.
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1. Asus ROG Strix XG17AHPE
Best Portable Gaming Monitor
Asus ROG Strix XG17AHPE
1Experience gaming on the go with this 17.3-inch portable monitor featuring a 240Hz refresh rate in 1080p, Nvidia G-Sync compatibility, and low input lag.
See it at Amazon
Product Specifications
Screen size: 17.3-inch
Resolution: 1920 x 1080
Aspect ratio: 16:9
Brightness: 300-nit
Refresh rate: 240Hz
Connectivity: 2 x USB Type-C (1 x video, 1 x PD fast charging), 1 x Micro HDMI, 1 x Headphone Jack
Weight: 2.34lb
PROS
1080p/240Hz refresh rate
Quick charging battery
CONS
Built-in speakers could sound better
It's hard to believe that a portable monitor can pack all the features needed for a quality gaming setup anywhere, but the Asus ROG Strix XG17AHPE does just that. Like top gaming monitors, this portable option boasts a 240Hz refresh rate with Nvidia G-Sync compatibility and low input lag, ensuring smooth, tear-free gameplay. It features a bright 17.3-inch 1080p display with an IPS panel for easy viewing from any angle.
This display is custom-tuned for gaming, with a 240Hz refresh rate for enhanced motion clarity and lower input latency. Asus focuses on a swift 3ms response time, outperforming others like the Espresso 17 Pro mentioned later. With Adaptive Sync (Variable Refresh Rate) support, your gameplay will be buttery smooth and free of any tearing.
It's not just about gaming; it's gaming on the go. The XG17AHPE is designed for portability, with two USB Type-C ports—one for video input and one for quick charging its 7,800mAh battery. It also includes speakers for audio on the move, though they're not as clear as dedicated gaming headsets.
While its focus is clearly on gaming, it's also excellent as a secondary screen for your laptop or PC. With 17.3 inches of screen real estate, it's spacious enough for watching videos, browsing the web, or working. The built-in battery is handy, saving you from extra cables. Running the display at a productivity-friendly 60Hz instead of its native gaming refresh rate extends battery life significantly, allowing for a full day of intermittent use.
The Asus ROG Strix XG17AHPE is an outstanding portable monitor packed with useful features, no matter your use case.
2. Arzopa Z1FC 144Hz
Best Budget Portable Monitor
Arzopa Z1FC 144Hz Portable Gaming Monitor
0This affordable gaming monitor offers a high refresh rate and bright picture at a budget-friendly price.
See it at AmazonSee it at Arzopa
Product Specifications
Screen size: 16.1-inch
Resolution: 1920 x 1080
Aspect ratio: 16:9
Brightness: 300-nit
Refresh rate: 144Hz
Connectivity: 1 x USB-C, 1 x USB Type-A, 1 x Mini HDMI, 1 x Headphone Jack
Weight: 1.7lb
PROS
Good brightness for indoor gaming
High refresh rate with FreeSync VRR
Good connectivity options
CONS
Weak speakers
When I first looked at the Arzopa Z1FC 144Hz portable gaming monitor, I assumed it would be like many others around its price point. It's anything but. For around $100, it offers a lot for a little and has definitely impressed me.
This monitor features a standard 1080p resolution on a 16.1-inch screen with an IPS panel for rich color reproduction and slightly better-than-average contrast with a 1200:1 ratio. It covers 100% of the sRGB color space, ensuring everything looks as expected, whether you're using it with a laptop or a console, though the color temperature is a bit cool, so I recommend checking the settings menu.
More than most monitors on this list, you might want to use it with a more powerful console like the Steam Deck, Asus ROG Ally, PS5, or Xbox, as it can run up to 144Hz, significantly reducing input latency for more responsive gameplay.
You won't need to worry about connectivity either. This monitor supports USB Type-C video or mini-HDMI and includes all necessary cables. It also features a USB Type-A port for connecting accessories. When it's time to pack up, it comes with a folio cover to protect the screen.
At 300 nits of peak brightness, it's noticeably brighter than many competitors at this price, and users have praised its outdoor usability. That's a testament to the "extra" Arzopa has added to this display.
At this price, there's almost always a caveat. Here, it's the speakers, which aren't great. They don't get loud enough and have a tinny quality typical of gaming laptops. I would recommend using this monitor with headphones. Overall, the Arzopa Z1FC is a great budget pick that shows "affordable" doesn't mean "bland."
3. Espresso 17 Pro
Best 4K Portable Monitor
Espresso Displays Espresso 17 Pro
0Elegantly offering a true monitor experience, this display looks great, performs better, and offers an incredibly simple setup.
See it at AmazonSee it at Espresso Displays
Product Specifications
Screen size: 17.3-inch
Resolution: 3840 x 2160
Aspect ratio: 16:9
Brightness: 450-nit
Refresh rate: 60Hz
Connectivity: 2 x USB Type-C
Weight: 2.4 pounds
PROS
Crisp 4K resolution
Bright and vibrant
Excellent included stand
Simple setup, elegant design
CONS
No included case
The Espresso 17 Pro is a premium high-performance portable monitor for anyone needing a full 4K experience on the go. Hailing from Australia, Espresso has made a name for developing elegant, "Apple-esque" products that are simple to use, easy to carry, and consistently high-quality.
One of the things I loved about this monitor is how close it gets to offering a full computer monitor experience, thanks in part to its magnetic folding stand that offers both height and tilt adjustments. It connects to your laptop or computer with a single high-bandwidth USB-C cable, making setup as simple as unfolding the stand, attaching the display, and plugging it in.
The real selling point is its screen. It's incredible. Covering 100% of the DCI-P3 color space, with 450 nits of brightness and 4K resolution, it offers a crisp, colorful, and accurate viewing experience. You could easily use this display for creative work without needing post-purchase calibration. It also features an accelerometer for automatic switching between portrait and landscape modes.
The Espresso 17 Pro doesn't come cheap, but it feels the most premium of all portable monitors I've tested. From the unboxing experience to the fit and finish of its design, it feels boutique and built to last. It's built around simplicity without sacrificing quality.
With that praise in mind, there are a couple of critiques. It doesn't come with a case, which it should at this price point. If you're a gamer, it's not the best fit, as it's locked to 60Hz and features a 9ms response time, so ghosting is possible, though I didn't notice it in gameplay. The Espresso 17 Pro is a standout pick in the 4K market.
4. ViewSonic ColorPro VP16-OLED
Best Portable OLED Monitor
ViewSonic ColorPro VP16-OLED
0Grab this 15.6-inch OLED display offering an impressive 100,000:1 contrast ratio and up to 400 nits of brightness for deep blacks and easy viewing.
See it at Amazon
Product Specifications
Screen size: 15.6-inch
Resolution: 1920 x 1080
Aspect ratio: 16:9
Brightness: 400-nit
Refresh rate: 60Hz
Connectivity: 2 x USB Type-C, 1 x Micro HDMI, 1 x Headphone Jack
Weight: 2.2lb
PROS
Impressive contrast
Excellent color performance
Great connectivity and passthrough charging
Pantone validated
CONS
Limited to 60Hz
The best OLED monitors are known for their high contrast and brightness, and the ViewSonic ColorPro VP16-OLED packs that technology into a lightweight, ultra-thin full HD monitor. This portable monitor is all about professional quality. Its display is Pantone-validated, so you can edit photos, videos, and create digital art knowing your work will meet industry standards. At $399, this monitor isn't the cheapest, but considering its features, it's a great value.
Its 15.6-inch span matches most laptops' screen real estate and offers similar, if not better, brightness at 400 nits of peak output. Using an OLED panel, it offers infinite contrast for true blacks and a wider dynamic range. Its color coverage is fantastic, including 100% of the DCI-P3 color gamut. While it only runs at 60Hz, making it less fluid for gaming, its high-quality screen still works well for gaming purposes.
It's well-equipped beyond the display. It comes with two USB-C ports on its versatile folding stand, supporting both power and video through one cable, with passthrough charging for your laptop. It also features a micro HDMI port for compatibility with a wide range of Windows computers and Macs.
It's highly portable, weighing only 2.2lbs and folding down to 0.8 inches thick. You can easily carry this alongside your laptop without feeling weighed down.
All in all, the ViewSonic ColorPro VP16-OLED is a top-notch monitor at a very good price, ideal for creative professionals looking to enhance their productivity on the go.
5. Wacom Cintiq Pro 16
Best Portable Monitor for Artists
Wacom Cintiq Pro 16
0A sharp 16-inch display with pen support that's perfect for creatives.
See it at Amazon
Product Specifications
Screen size: 16-inch
Resolution: 3840 x 2160
Aspect ratio: 16:9
Brightness: 300-nit
Refresh rate: 60Hz
Connectivity: 1 x USB-C, 1 x USB Type-A, 1 x HDMI, EMR Stylus
Weight: 3.3lb
PROS
4K resolution
Etched glass screen
Wide color gamut
CONS
Competing options are more affordable
If you're a digital artist ready to elevate your craft without spending thousands, the Wacom Cintiq Pro 16 is the obvious choice. Though a few years old, its performance remains top-tier, and its reputation in the digital art community is well-established.
The appeal lies in its display and pen experience. It uses a bright 4K resolution screen with wide color gamut support (up to 98% of Adobe RGB). Its etched screen provides a tactile feel similar to drawing on paper. The pen features 8,192 levels of pressure sensitivity and is fully customizable with integrated buttons and an eraser.
The Cintiq Pro enhances your workflow with eight programmable Express Keys that can be mapped to different commands in Wacom's software. It also supports multi-touch and gesture control for easy navigation.
The only downside is its price. Since its 2021 release, competition has grown, but it's still hard to find anything that matches its quality, reliability, and feature set, making it a fantastic pick for artists.
How to Choose the Best Portable Monitor for You
-----------------------------------------------Though they might not have all the features of a full-fledged desktop monitor, portable monitors still offer numerous benefits. Sometimes, the cheapest or simplest option might suffice, but other factors might better meet your specific needs. Here are key factors to consider:
Size: Size is crucial. Our picks range from 13 to 17 inches, but choosing the right size depends on your use case and desired portability. Larger displays often come with carrying cases, while smaller ones can fit inside a backpack. The most common size, 15.6 inches, balances size and portability for most users. For smaller spaces like airplanes, consider a 12.5- or 14-inch screen. Though lighter than laptops, consider the weight.
Resolution: Pay attention to the screen itself. Most of our monitors offer the standard 1080p resolution with an IPS panel. If using it for gaming or digital art, consider a higher resolution. Most portable monitors have a 60Hz refresh rate, but for gaming, a 120Hz or 144Hz panel can enhance the experience.
Brightness: Many affordable monitors offer middling brightness. For indoor use, 250 nits is often sufficient, but for a vibrant viewing experience, aim for 300 to 400 nits. Be cautious of lesser-known brands overstating brightness on platforms like Amazon.
Connectivity: This may be the most important feature. Ensure the monitor works with your devices. All our picks offer USB-C, which is universal and provides power. However, confirm your laptop can output video through its USB-C port. Older laptops may require HDMI or micro HDMI, and some monitors need a second USB cable for power, while others support both power and video through a single connection.
Overall, those are key features to note on a portable monitor. I encourage reading reviews to understand lesser-remarked qualities like picture customization options, which are often limited on low-cost displays. Also, check if the monitor includes a sleeve or folio case; if not, budget for one.
Portable Monitor FAQ
--------------------Who are portable monitors for?
Almost anyone can benefit from a portable monitor. Travelers and remote workers will appreciate the productivity boost from an additional screen that easily fits in a bag. They're also useful for presentations, and those with limited desk space can use a portable monitor for extra screen real estate. Even gaming phone or handheld gaming PC users might want a larger screen with a high refresh rate for on-the-go gaming, making it easier to spot enemies.
What size portable monitor should I buy?
Portable monitors are generally smaller than full-size displays, designed for portability. The right size depends on your use and desired portability. For displaying a second window, a smaller screen might suffice. For digital art, more screen real estate is helpful for examining or drafting fine details.
How much do portable monitors cost?
Portable monitors vary widely in price, with many available for under $200. Lower-cost options may lack brightness and advanced features like high refresh rates. Higher-performance portable monitors cost more, but expect to pay $100-300 for a good model.
