With the change that so many have had to go through and take our work home with us (literally), many of us have found our monitors cut down from two to one, costing us real estate and making every job function a struggle to see two things at one time on a laptop. That’s why we thought it would be a great idea to highlight the pandemic’s unsung hero – the portable monitor.
Now, in all seriousness, a portable monitor can be a great device to add some landscape to your workspace or present a new client with your ideas so you can land that big contract. These portable monitors are great for graphic designers, creatives, photographers, photography editors and anyone working from home.
Before we get into the best portable monitors, what exactly is a portable monitor?
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What’s a portable monitor?
While not exactly new, the idea of having a portable monitor has started to catch on in the last year or so. So much so that a lot of the big monitor manufacturers offer a least one portable monitor option. Why such a sudden interest? The adoption of USB Type-C connectivity with its capability to transfer power, data, and video through a single cable has open the door for portable displays to be valuable to people. Like you though, we always have questions before we buy anything and wanted to share what we found out:
What qualifies as a portable monitor?
While that small desktop monitor you have can technically be portable if necessary, an actual portable monitor is defined as and sold as such. Portable monitors can range from 3.5 to 22 inches in size and can be designed for personal, business, general use, or even panels for artists.
For use with a laptop, the perfect size is generally between 12 and 17 inches. While many users will simply want to match the size of their laptop to their portable monitor, the market also has many options available at 10 and 7 inches, used for gaming and Raspberry Pi respectively.
Are the screens any good?
While many users will opt to choose a portable monitor that is relative in size to the laptop they are using, choosing to use a slightly larger monitor won’t cause any issues as long as you keep the aspect ratios of both screens the same. In terms of resolution, while many recent releases that are laptop appropriate are starting to come with a native resolution of 1080p, some will go higher.
Connectivity, audio, and on-screen display
As alluded to earlier, portable monitors are typically powered through the use of a USB Type C port and nearly all monitors are easy to operate. Simply plug and play and you’re ready to go. The monitor’s menu system allows you to customize the usual settings such as brightness, contrast, color, and more and is usually controlled by a single button or switch.
When it comes to audio, it doesn’t tend to be much of a consideration when choosing a portable monitor. Many options won’t come with built-in speakers or audio jacks and those that do, tend to have weak speakers. When connected to your laptop, you can always switch from the display’s speakers to the laptops for better audio quality.
Best Portable Monitors in 2020 – Overview
- Asus ZenScreen MB16AC – $228
- HP Business S14 – $215
- ViewSonic VG1655 – $179
- Asus MB169C+ – $335
- SideTrak Portable Monitor – $194
- Gechic 1101P – $229
- Lenovo ThinkVision M14 – $219
- Asus MB168B+ – $127
- Lepow 15.6-Inch USB-C Portable Monitor – $188
- MSI Optix MAG161V – $299
Best Portable Monitors in 2020 Compared
Best Portable Monitors in 2020
Asus ZenScreen MB16AC – $228
A great-looking portable monitor
Pixel-resolution: 1,920 x 1,080
An incredibly handy monitor, the ZenScreen from Asus is one of the nicest looking USB monitors available that is packed with features that help make it one of the best available. While it can be more expensive than someone may be used to, the build and image quality makes the extra cost worth it. If you’re already a fan of the ZenBook line from Asus then the ZenScreen makes it a perfect choice as the design compliments the high-end laptops from the manufacturer nicely.
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- 15.6” FHD IPS USB Type-C portable monitor with hybrid signal solution for compatibility with USB Type-C and Type-A sources (Note: DisplayLink driver needed for Type-A connection)
- Ultra-portable award-winning design at 1.7 pounds and 0.3 inches slim to pair perfectly with ASUS laptops. Product Dimensions- 8.9 x 0.3 x 14.2 inches. Brightness(Max)- 220 cd/㎡
- Smart cover and smart pen hole allow for landscape and portrait orientations easily with auto rotation. Auto rotate requires the windows os and displaywidget to be installed. Compatible with...
- ASUS Eye Care technology with TUV Rheinland-certified flicker-free backlighting and blue light filter minimizes eye fatigue
- Easily toggle through advanced display settings with the intuitive ASUS DisplayWidget. Compliance and Standards- Energy Star, BSMI, CB, CCC, CE, FCC, KCC, RoHS, UkrSEPRO, UL/cUL, VCCI, WEEE, WHQL...
HP Business S14 – $215
Best for those with small laptops
Pixel-resolution: 1,920 x 1,080
A travel monitor that is business-oriented, the S14 from HP comes with some impressive specs right out of the box thanks to its USB Type-C port. With a full HD resolution, the S14 uses an IPS panel and while the static contrast ratio of 700:1 isn’t the best, the physical aspects of the monitor help make up for it. With a thin bezel on three sides of the screen plus a magnetic cover that also doubles as a stand, the S14 is a portable monitor that is easy to take anywhere. While it’s disappointing that you can use the monitor only in a horizontal format, the specs and sleek line make this a great portable monitor at a great price.
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- Number of screens: 1
- Screen size: 14"
- Screen mode: full HD
- Response time: 5 ms GTG
- Aspect ratio: 16: 9
ViewSonic VG1655 – $179
Best Portable Monitor for Work-at-home warriors
Pixel-resolution: 1,920 x 1,080
With the current global landscape, many people have been forced to work from home, and depending on your career, in the office, you may have been used to having multiple screens and now you’re reduced to one. This is where the VG1655 from Viewsonic makes its living. With a fold-out stand that gives you a wide tilt range, the Viewsonic monitor also adds some unique features such as a five-way mini-joystick that takes the place of the more commonly seen buttons.
The monitor comes with two USB Type-C ports for power, data, and video transfer as well as a mini HDMI port. The 15.6-inch screen comes with 1080p resolution and an IPS panel but has limited color coverage making this better for business rather than entertainment.
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- ULTRA-PORTABLE MONITOR: Weighing just under 2 lbs., this 15.6-inch portable monitor can be easily packed and taken with you wherever you go
- 2-WAY POWERED USB-C: With dual USB-C Ports, the VG1655 can deliver data, audio, video, and power over a single cable, with laptops able to power the monitor via two-way power
- OPTIMIZED FOR PORTABLE GAMING: Connect your gaming devices to play games anywhere
- STAND COVER & SCREEN PROTECTOR: Each monitor comes with a durable screen cover and a built-in stand for orientation in both portrait and landscape modes
- ENHANCED-VIEWING COMFORT: Flicker-free technology and a blue light filter provide all-day comfort
Asus MB169C+ – $335
The first USB-C portable monitor still impresses
Pixel-resolution: 1,920 x 1,080
Packed with a 15.6-inch screen, the MB169C+ from Asus, there will be times you’ll think you’re using a traditional monitor. With 1080p resolution, it is a perfect choice to stream full HD video, run two applications side-by-side, or if your laptop is powerful enough, gaming. Simple to use thanks to its single cable USB-C connection. Wrapped in a protective sleeve that also does double duty as a carrying case, the monitor uses IPS technology which means you can offer your friend quality angles for watching a video.
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Latest Price on Amazon:
- 90LM0180-B01170
SideTrak Portable Monitor – $299
Best for those with a lack of real estate
Pixel-resolution: 1,920 x 1,080
With its unique design and functionality, at first glance, you wouldn’t think the Portable Monitor from SideTrak would work but it does. Housed in a hard plastic case, the case attaches to your laptop through the use of magnets and when needed, slides out to the right and visible next to your laptop’s screen. You can even rotate the case 180 degrees and have it appear on the left-hand side if you prefer. The monitor connects via USB-C and comes with a USB-C to USB-A connector if you need one.
Tailored towards the business crowd, the color gamut of 69.4% is similar to many other portable monitors on the market. This means while it may be good for presentations and day-to-day work, it’s not really meant for gamers. While it is a nice option to be able to pull out a second screen when needed, the movement of the frame could be smoother and the color range and brightness could be better but it is still a quality monitor in a pinch.
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- ★ MAKE YOUR LAPTOP DUAL SCREEN: SideTrak is a 12.5” FHD 1080P IPS portable monitor that securely attaches to the back of your laptop with device-safe metal plates. Easily transform your...
- ★ ULTRA-PORTABILITY & IMPROVED: SideTrak portable laptop monitor does not need to be placed on a table. Just attach, slide, pick up, & go! SideTrak securely attaches to the back of your laptop with...
- ★ FREE SOFTWARE DOWNLOAD REQUIRED: After the initial free DisaplyLink software install, your new SideTrak portable monitor is ready and compatible with most Mac, Windows, and Chromebook laptops. It...
- ★ EXTEND, MIRROR, & ROTATE: Extend your screen for better multitasking or mirror your screen and rotate it 270 degrees to give amazing presentations! You can also customize your portable dual screen...
- ★ OUR CUSTOMERS LOVE SIDETRAK: "This was the perfect solution! Easy to install, outstanding display quality, and it weighs practically nothing. I work from my laptop all day, and this has made a...
Gechic 1101P – $229
A great portable monitor for photographers
Pixel-resolution: 1,920 x 1,080
While many DSLR cameras come with their own viewfinder screens, sometimes it can be tough to see such a small image, and having a monitor instead can be very beneficial. The 1101P from Gechic is an IPS display and can easily be attached to a tripod or SLR camera.
Supporting 16.7 million colors and full HD resolution help you get as close to the image on the camera’s display as possible. Well-connected, the 1101P comes with support for micro HDMI, mini DisplayPort, and VGA. All of this support gives it more versatility to be used however you may need it.
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- FHD MINI PORTABLE MONITOR: 11.6” full HD 1920x1080 (16.7M colors)
- LIGHTWEIGHT: monitor weights only 480g with 11mm in thickness
- PHOTOGRAPHER’S BEST EQUIPMENT: supports 50 Hz and 60 Hz video input from PCs but 1080p (24Hz/ 25Hz/ 30Hz) from cameras
- MULTI-CONNECTIONS: headphone output, micro-HDMI, VGA video inputs, USB power source
- VARIOUS APPLICATION: laptop, PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, mini PC, smartphone
Lenovo ThinkVision M14 – $228
An image-quality perfectionists’ dream monitor
Pixel-resolution: 1,920 x 1,080
With its lightweight and compact design, the ThinkVision M14 from Lenovo joins a growing group of small-screen monitors that have been designed for people on the go and to be paired with a laptop. With a native 1080p resolution, the M14 comes with a 16:9 widescreen aspect ratio to provide you with one of the sharpest images found in a portable monitor.
Powered by USB-C cable, you can use one of the two ports, one on each side, plus the USC-C ports support DisplayPort over USB-C, along with USB power delivery. The color range and brightness level are some of the best available so you can use the M14 for streaming video, working on programs, or gaming and have it look incredible.
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- 14" Fhd 1920 x 1080 IPS
- 16. 7 million colors, 300 nit typical, 6ms with old - 60 Hz refresh
- 2 x USB Type-C ports that supports DisplayPort 1. 2 Alt Mode and Pd2. 0
- Low Blue Light Technology, Kensington lock slot
- Tilt adjustable, weight 1. 26 lbs
Asus MB168B+ – $127
Full HD resolution over USB-A
Pixel-resolution: 1,920 x 1,080
With the advent of USB-C ports, not everyone has been able to upgrade and that’s why the MB168B+ from Asus is a perfect option. Connecting through a USB-A port, it will work with both USB 2.0 and 3.0, though significantly better on the latter. With a slim and attractive design, Asus’ EzLink technology offloads the graphic processing from the PC and into the hardware in the monitor.
If you haven’t upgraded to Type C just yet, the portable monitor from Asus could be the answer you’re looking for and if you have enough ports, you could hook up five of them at once.
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- 15.6-inch HD portable USB-powered monitor with a single USB 3.0 cable for power and data transmission
- World’s slimmest and lightest USB monitor with a sleek and metallic finish.It needs just one USB cable for both its video signal and power to deliver up to a Full HD resolution.
- Auto-rotating display bundled with the ASUS Smart Case – a two-way adjustable stand and protective sleeve
- ASUS Rapid Replacement: 3 Years Warranty, 2 way free shipping. Never try to open this USB monitor cabinet
- Blue Light Filter – blue light filter minimizes blue light to reduce eyestrain. Please refer the User Manual before use. Adjust the brightness settings via OSD
Lepow 15.6-Inch USB-C Portable Monitor – $188
Best portable monitor for working from your favorite coffee shop
Pixel-resolution: 1,920 x 1,080
With more inputs than you would normally find on a portable monitor, the Portable Monitor from Lepow is one of the better larger-screen options out there. With a 15.6-inch display, it certainly comes with enough real estate for you to work on any project such as a graphic design project.
While the colors can look flat, which is a common issue with many portable monitors, it is still good enough for watching videos casually. With two USB-C ports and a mini-HDMI, the monitor can be powered by either the laptop connected to it or through an included AC adapter. The only downside to this affordable monitor is the color range can be dull making reds and purples feel lackluster.
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- [Full HD 1080P Display] Lepow USB C Monitor delivers stunning 1920 x 1080 resolution visuals with awesome color reproduction. The IPS screen delivers you a vivid image and an awesome viewing...
- [Multiple Devices Connection] Lepow monitor is compatible for laptops, PCs, Phones, PS3/4, XBOX ONE, Wii or Nintendo Switch etc. You can connect your devices to this portable monitor easily via Type-c...
- [Smart Cover &Screen Protector] The smart cover is made with a durable PU leather exterior, a soft lining to keep your monitor safe. It can fold into different positions to create a stand of reading,...
- [Slim, Light Weight & Portable] With a slim 0.3-inch profile and just 1.76 pounds, Lepow 15.6 inch portable monitor is ideal for your life and work to make a simple setup on-the-go dual-monitor and...
- [Dual Speakers & HDR Mode] 2 built-in speakers efficiently helps display multi-media files especially when listen to music/watch movies/play games. HDR mode support excellent mainstream transmission...
MSI Optix MAG161V – $299
Best for casual gamers on the go
Pixel-resolution: 1,920 x 1,080
As MSI’s first portable gaming monitor, the Optix MAG161V comes with the ports you’d need to hook up just about any console but it lacks the features that have made MSI monitors some of the best choices in gaming. While it comes with good screen size, refresh rate, color quality, and brightness, overall these don’t help the display stand out, just make it feel like everything else available.
The monitor comes with two 1-watt speakers that deliver good audio quality which many other monitors do not come with. While it doesn’t match the quality found in MSI’s desktop offerings, the Optix performs well with its connectivity options, allowing you to connect not only consoles but a wide range of mobile devices and computers.
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- 1920 x 1080 60 Hz 25ms (GTG)
- Mini HDMI and USB Type-C, more functional connectivity
- Adjustment smart cover included
- Easily toggle through advanced display settings
- Frameless bezel- glass surface (Non-Touch)
Best Portable Monitors in 2020
Portable monitors can make a great addition to anyone toolbox. From office workers, graphic designers to gamers, and beyond, the versatility and portability make them worthy of your consideration. We hope that our list of the best portable monitors in 2020 has helped you in your search for the portable monitor that suits your needs.
The post Best Portable Monitors in 2020 first appeared on JUST™ Creative.
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