Quick picks
| Pick | Best for | Screen |
|---|---|---|
| ARZOPA Z1C 16.1" | Best budget pick | 16.1" 1080p IPS, 100% sRGB |
| ASUS ZenScreen MB16ACV | Reliable everyday work screen | 15.6" 1080p IPS, 60Hz |
| Lenovo ThinkVision M14 | Lightest for travel | 14" 1080p IPS, 598 g |
| ASUS ROG Strix XG16AHPE | Gaming on the go | 15.6" 1080p IPS, 144Hz, battery |
How to connect a portable monitor
- One-cable USB-C: works when your laptop's USB-C port supports DisplayPort Alt Mode (or USB4/Thunderbolt). Power and picture travel over the same cable.
- HDMI: for consoles, older laptops or a Nintendo Switch dock. You'll also need to plug in USB-C power.
- Not sure about your laptop? A USB-C hub with HDMI is a reliable fallback.
- Phones: only some Android phones (like Samsung DeX models) and USB-C iPhones output video over USB-C.
The best portable monitors
Best for: Best budget pick
ARZOPA Z1C 16.1" Portable Monitor
A 16.1-inch 1080p IPS screen with 100% sRGB colour, a built-in metal kickstand and both USB-C and mini HDMI. At about 1.7 lb it's light enough for a laptop bag.
- Bigger than most 15.6-inch screens
- Built-in metal stand
- USB-C and mini HDMI
- 60Hz only
- Built-in speakers are basic
Best for: Reliable everyday work screen
ASUS ZenScreen MB16ACV
A no-fuss 15.6-inch 1080p IPS monitor from a big brand. One USB-C port, an anti-glare finish, flicker-free backlight, a tripod socket and a protective sleeve in the box.
- Trusted brand
- Anti-glare, flicker-free
- Tripod socket
- USB-C only, no HDMI
- 250-nit brightness
Best for: Lightest for travel
Lenovo ThinkVision M14
A 14-inch 1080p IPS screen that weighs just 598 g and is 4.4 mm thin. USB-C ports on both sides support power pass-through, so one charger can power the monitor and your laptop.
- Very light and thin
- USB-C on both sides
- Power pass-through
- Smaller 14-inch screen
- USB-C only, needs video-capable port
Best for: Gaming on the go
ASUS ROG Strix XG16AHPE
A 15.6-inch 1080p 144Hz IPS panel with G-SYNC compatibility and a 7800 mAh battery good for about three hours at 144Hz. USB-C and micro HDMI make it easy to use with a console or gaming laptop.
- 144Hz for smooth gaming
- Built-in battery
- Fold-out kickstand
- Expensive for a portable
- Heavier than work-focused screens
Tips for a better portable setup
- Raise your laptop to eye level with a laptop stand and put the portable screen beside it.
- Carry a short USB-C video cable that supports video and 100W; cheap charge-only cables won't carry a picture.
- Gaming on a console at home? A full-size budget 1440p gaming monitor gives you a bigger, sharper picture for the money.
Pair a portable monitor with a USB-C hub for extra ports, or turn your Steam Deck into a mini console with our handheld dock and power bank picks.
FAQ
Do portable monitors need a power supply?
Not usually. Over a video-capable USB-C port, the laptop powers the monitor. With HDMI, you need separate USB-C power.
Can I use a portable monitor with a PS5 or Switch?
Yes, through HDMI with USB-C power. Models with full or mini HDMI, like the ARZOPA Z1C and ROG Strix XG16AHPE, work well.
Will a portable monitor drain my laptop battery?
Yes, a little. Lower the monitor's brightness or plug your laptop into power for long sessions.
Is a portable monitor good for gaming?
A 144Hz model like the ROG Strix XG16AHPE is great for travel gaming. For a home setup, a full-size monitor is better value.