Top 5 Portable Monitors for 2025 Revealed

Adding a second screen to your setup can transform your computing experience. The additional screen space is invaluable, and once you get accustomed to it, reverting to a single screen feels restrictive. Choosing the best portable monitor for your laptop, smartphone, or Mac can be daunting due to the vast array of options available. Whether you're after the top all-around choice, such as the Asus ROG Strix XG17AHPE, or the best value, like the Arzopa Z1FC, my years of testing monitors ensure you can quickly find the perfect fit and enjoy the benefits of a second screen.

TL;DR – These Are the Best Portable Monitors:

Asus ROG Strix XG17AHPE

1See it at Amazon

Arzopa Z1FC 144Hz Portable Gaming Monitor

0See it at Amazon See it at Arzopa

Espresso Displays Espresso 17 Pro

0See it at Amazon See it at Espresso Displays

ViewSonic ColorPro VP16-OLED

0See it at Amazon

Wacom Cintiq Pro 16

0See it at Amazon

Portable monitors may not match the size of typical gaming monitors, but their convenience is unmatched when you're on the move. Even the best laptops have limited screen sizes, and smartphones are not ideal for work or multitasking. An extra display can significantly enhance your productivity and enjoyment. After extensive research and testing, I'm confident these are the best portable monitors of 2025.

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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 with Nvidia G-Sync compatibility and minimal 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 could pack all the features needed for a quality gaming setup, but the Asus ROG Strix XG17AHPE does just that. Like some of the best gaming monitors, it boasts a 240Hz refresh rate with Nvidia G-Sync compatibility and low input lag, ensuring smooth, tear-free gameplay. The 17.3-inch 1080p IPS display is bright and viewable from any angle, making it ideal for gaming.

This monitor is tuned for gaming with a 240Hz refresh rate, offering improved motion clarity and lower input latency. Asus focuses on response time, delivering 3ms responsiveness compared to the 6ms or higher found on others like the Espresso Pro 17. Its support for Adaptive Sync (Variable Refresh Rate) ensures buttery smooth gameplay without tearing.

It's not just for gaming; it's for gaming on the go. The XG17AHPE is designed for portability with two USB Type-C ports, one for video and one for quick charging its 7,800mAh battery. It also has built-in speakers, though for better audio, a dedicated gaming headset is recommended.

While it's focused on gaming, it's also an excellent second screen for your laptop or PC. With 17.3 inches of screen real estate, it's perfect for watching videos, browsing the web, or working. Its built-in battery saves you from needing extra cables, and running it at 60Hz for productivity and entertainment extends battery life for a full workday of intermittent use.

The Asus ROG Strix XG17AHPE is an exceptional portable monitor with features that cater to various needs.

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 low price. See it at Amazon See 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 examined the Arzopa Z1FC 144Hz portable gaming monitor, I thought it would be just another budget option. However, it exceeded my expectations, offering impressive features for around $100.

This monitor features a standard 1080p resolution on a 16.1-inch IPS panel, providing rich color reproduction and better-than-average contrast with a 1200:1 ratio. It covers 100% of the sRGB color space, ensuring accurate colors whether used with a laptop or console, though the color temperature is a bit cool.

It's suitable for use with more powerful consoles like the Steam Deck, Asus ROG Ally, PS5, or Xbox, thanks to its 144Hz refresh rate, which doubles many competing monitors' rates and reduces input latency for responsive gameplay.

Connectivity is not an issue, as it supports USB Type-C video or mini-HDMI and includes all necessary cables. It also has a USB Type-A port for accessories and comes with a folio cover for protection on the go.

With a peak brightness of 300 nits, it's brighter than many similarly priced monitors, and users have reported using it outdoors successfully. The minor caveat is the speakers, which are not loud and have a tinny quality. Using headphones is recommended for better audio. Overall, the Arzopa Z1FC is an excellent budget pick, proving that affordable doesn't mean bland.

3. Espresso 17 Pro

Best 4K Portable Monitor

Espresso Displays Espresso 17 Pro

0This display offers an elegant, true monitor experience with excellent performance and simple setup. See it at Amazon See 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 those needing a full 4K experience on the go. Hailing from Australia, Espresso has built a reputation for creating elegant, high-quality products that are easy to use and carry.

One of the standout features is its ability to provide a full computer monitor experience, thanks to its magnetic folding stand that offers height and tilt adjustments. It connects with a single high-bandwidth USB-C cable, making setup as simple as unfolding the stand, attaching the display, and plugging it in.

The screen is the real star here, covering 100% of the DCI-P3 color space with 450 nits of brightness and 4K resolution for a crisp, colorful, and accurate viewing experience. It's perfect for creative work without needing calibration. It also features an accelerometer for automatic switching between portrait and landscape modes.

While the Espresso 17 Pro is not the cheapest option, it feels the most premium among the portable monitors I've tested. From unboxing to its design, it offers a boutique, lasting quality. However, it lacks an included case, which is a notable omission at this price point. For gamers, it's not ideal due to its 60Hz limit and 9ms response time, which might cause ghosting. Nonetheless, it's a standout choice in the 4K market.

4. ViewSonic ColorPro VP16-OLED

Best Portable OLED Monitor

ViewSonic ColorPro VP16-OLED

0Experience this 15.6-inch OLED display with 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 delivers this technology in a lightweight, ultra-thin full HD monitor. It's designed for professional quality, with Pantone validation ensuring your work meets industry standards. At $399, it's a valuable investment for creative professionals.

The 15.6-inch display matches most laptops' screen real estate and offers 400 nits of peak brightness. With an OLED panel, it provides infinite contrast for true blacks and a wider dynamic range, along with 100% DCI-P3 color coverage. While it runs at 60Hz, it's still suitable for gaming due to its high-quality screen.

It's well-equipped beyond the display, featuring two USB-C ports on its versatile folding stand. It supports both power and video through one port, with passthrough charging for your laptop. It also includes a micro HDMI port for compatibility with various devices.

Despite its professional features, it remains highly portable, weighing only 2.2lbs and folding to 0.8 inches thick. It's an ideal choice for creatives needing to enhance 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, 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 looking to elevate your craft without breaking the bank, the Wacom Cintiq Pro 16 is the perfect choice. Although a few years old, its performance remains top-tier, and it's a staple in the digital art community.

The Cintiq's appeal lies in its display and pen experience. It features a bright 4K resolution screen with wide color gamut support (up to 98% Adobe RGB). The etched screen provides a tactile feel similar to drawing on paper. The pen offers 8,192 levels of pressure sensitivity and customizable buttons with an integrated eraser.

It enhances your workflow with eight programmable Express Keys and supports multi-touch and gesture control for easy navigation. While its price has been challenged by newer competitors, its quality, reliability, and feature set make it a fantastic choice for artists.

How to Choose the Best Portable Monitor for You

Portable monitors may not have all the features of a desktop monitor, but they offer significant benefits. While the cheapest or simplest option might suffice, consider these key factors to meet your specific needs:

Size: Size is crucial. Our picks range from 13 to 17 inches. Choose based on your intended use and portability needs. Larger displays often come with carrying cases, while smaller ones can fit in a backpack. The most common size is 15.6 inches, a good balance between size and portability. For tight spaces like airplanes, consider a 12.5- or 14-inch screen. Also, consider the weight, as portable monitors are lighter than laptops but still vary.

Resolution: Pay attention to the screen's resolution. Most monitors on our list offer 1080p with an IPS panel. For gaming or digital art, a higher resolution might be necessary. Most portable monitors run at 60Hz, but for gaming, a 120Hz or 144Hz panel can enhance the experience.

Brightness: Affordable portable monitors often have moderate brightness. For indoor use, 250 nits may be sufficient, but for a vibrant experience, aim for 300 to 400 nits. Be cautious of lesser-known brands overclaiming brightness on platforms like Amazon.

Connectivity: This is vital. Ensure the monitor is compatible with your devices. All our picks support USB-C, but verify your laptop can output video through this port. Older laptops may require HDMI or micro HDMI connections, and some monitors need a separate power cable.

Overall, these are key features to consider when choosing a portable monitor. Always read reviews to understand lesser-discussed qualities like picture customization options, which are often limited on budget models. Also, note whether the monitor comes with a protective case; if not, consider budgeting for one.

Portable Monitor FAQ

Who are portable monitors for?

Portable monitors benefit a wide range of users. Travelers and remote workers who rely on laptops or tablets will appreciate the productivity boost from an additional screen that easily fits into a bag. They're also useful for presentations and those with limited desk space seeking more screen real estate. Even users of gaming phones or handheld gaming PCs can enjoy a larger, high-refresh-rate screen for gaming on the go.

What size portable monitor should I buy?

Portable monitors are smaller than full-size displays, designed for portability. The ideal size depends on your use case and desired portability. A smaller screen might be enough for displaying a second window, while larger screens are better for detailed digital art work.

How much do portable monitors cost?

Portable monitors vary widely in price, with many available for under $200. Budget models may lack brightness and advanced features like high refresh rates. Higher-performance models typically cost between $100 and $300.