Portable monitors have been around for years, and their significance soared during the pandemic. With the ongoing trend of remote and hybrid work, they are set to remain essentials for the foreseeable future. However, selecting the right one is not as straightforward as it may seem. Currently, virtually every major PC manufacturer offers its version of travel-friendly displays, with prices varying from as low as $100 to almost $1,000. To help navigate this landscape, I tested several options and compiled a concise list of the best portable monitors available today.
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Best portable monitors for 2025
Things to consider before buying a portable monitor
Before diving into specific products, it’s essential to consider how and where you intend to use a second monitor as a portable display. Larger panels are ideal for home use, as they may only need to be relocated or stored away during gatherings. Conversely, smaller screens are perfect for travel and can be easily deployed at a coffee shop or co-working space. However, going too small might add unnecessary weight to your bag without delivering significant utility, particularly if they lack an adequate USB-C cable or mini HDMI for connectivity. Prioritizing screen size and compatibility with your existing devices is crucial.
Additionally, reflect on your typical workload; artists may benefit more from monitors with higher maximum brightness, HDR, wider color accuracy, and a superior contrast ratio. In contrast, individuals who spend their days with spreadsheets may not find vibrant displays or FHD screens with high refresh rates as valuable, but they could still derive benefits from a straightforward plug-and-play second monitor for multitasking purposes.
What to look for in a portable monitor
Apart from price and screen size, several critical specifications in a portable monitor include panel type, pixels per inch, brightness, refresh rate, and connectivity. Most portable monitors leverage IPS LCD displays, which generally provide good viewing angles, strong brightness, and efficient power consumption. However, some higher-resolution models now come equipped with OLED screens that support wider color gamuts, better color accuracy, and superior contrast ratios — advantageous for artists and content creators. While some budget models may utilize TN panels to cut costs and reduce energy needs, we typically avoid these, as they often deliver inferior image quality compared to IPS screens.
In terms of brightness, we recommend a minimum of 300 nits — anything lower can make the monitor difficult to use even in some indoor situations. Ideally, screens closer to 350 or 400 nits and above provide better accuracy and visibility.
Connectivity is crucial; if you can’t easily connect your phone, gaming console, or laptop to a monitor, it becomes an oversized paperweight. Most portable displays include either an HDMI port, a USB-C port, or both, accommodating the vast majority of devices. Nowadays, it’s rare to find a portable monitor with only USB-A since most devices have transitioned to USB-C. Additionally, we prefer models that support passthrough power over USB-C connections, simplifying your setup and reducing the number of cords and adapters you need to carry.
Lastly, most portable monitors feature refresh rates of 60Hz, which suffices for most use cases. However, gaming enthusiasts seeking a gaming monitor should consider models with 120Hz or even 240Hz refresh rates, as they are excellent choices for maintaining smooth FPS while gaming on the go.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at ENGADGET
