Top 5 Portable Monitors of 2025 Revealed

Adding a second screen to your setup can transform your computing experience. The extra screen real estate is incredibly useful, and once you've adapted to it, reverting to a single screen can feel 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 seeking a top-tier option like the Asus ROG Strix XG17AHPE or a budget-friendly choice such as the Arzopa Z1FC, I've spent years testing monitors to help you find the perfect fit for your needs 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 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 may not match the size of traditional gaming monitors, but their convenience is unmatched for working or gaming on the go. Even the best laptops have compact screens, and smartphones are less ideal for work or multitasking. Adding an extra display can make a significant difference. After thorough research and testing, I'm confident these are the best portable monitors available in 2025.

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1. Asus ROG Strix XG17AHPE

Best Portable Gaming Monitor

### Asus ROG Strix XG17AHPE

1Enjoy 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 challenging to find a portable monitor that meets all the needs of a quality gaming setup, but the Asus ROG Strix XG17AHPE does just that. Like some of the best gaming monitors, this portable option features a 240Hz refresh rate with Nvidia G-Sync compatibility and low input lag, ensuring smooth, tear-free gameplay. The bright 17.3-inch 1080p display uses an IPS panel for optimal viewing from any angle.

This monitor is finely tuned for gaming. Its 240Hz refresh rate enhances motion clarity and reduces input latency. Asus has focused on response time, offering 3ms responsiveness compared to the 6ms or higher found on other monitors, like the Espresso Pro 17. Thanks to Adaptive Sync (Variable Refresh Rate) support, your gameplay will be smooth and free of tearing.

But it's not just for gaming; it's perfect for gaming on the go. The XG17AHPE offers portability with two USB Type-C ports—one for video input and another for quick charging its robust 7,800mAh battery. It also includes speakers for audio on the go, though they're less clear than a dedicated gaming headset.

While it's geared towards gaming, and you're paying a premium for that, it's also an excellent secondary screen for your laptop or PC. With 17.3 inches of screen space, it's spacious enough for watching videos, browsing the web, or working. The built-in battery is handy, eliminating the need for extra cables. Running the display at a productivity-focused 60Hz instead of its native 240Hz extends battery life significantly, making it suitable for a full workday of intermittent use.

The Asus ROG Strix XG17AHPE is an outstanding portable monitor, packed with useful features for any purpose.

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 encountered the Arzopa Z1FC 144Hz portable gaming monitor, I expected it to be like the many other budget monitors out there. However, it exceeded my expectations. For around $100, it offers a lot of value and has genuinely impressed me.

The monitor features a standard 1080p resolution on a larger 16.1-inch screen. It uses 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 accurate colors, though the color temperature is a bit cool, so I recommend adjusting the settings.

It's particularly well-suited for use with more powerful consoles like the Steam Deck, Asus ROG Ally, PS5, or Xbox, thanks to its 144Hz refresh rate, which significantly reduces input latency for more responsive gameplay.

Connectivity is not an issue with this monitor, as it supports USB Type-C video or mini-HDMI and includes all necessary cables. It also features a USB Type-A port for connecting a controller or other accessories. When it's time to travel, it comes with a folio cover to protect the screen.

With a peak brightness of 300 nits, it's brighter than many other monitors in its price range. Some users have even reported using it outdoors successfully, which speaks to the quality Arzopa has built into this display.

The only minor drawback is the speakers, which aren't particularly loud and have a tinny quality. For the best audio experience, I recommend using headphones. Overall, the Arzopa Z1FC is an excellent budget choice, proving that affordable doesn't have to 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 and performs better while also offering incredibly 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 is known for its elegant, Apple-esque products that are simple to use, easy to carry, and consistently high quality.

One of the standout features of this monitor is how closely it mimics a full computer monitor experience. This is largely due to its magnetic folding stand, which 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 screen is the real highlight, offering a crisp, colorful, and accurate viewing experience with 100% DCI-P3 color space coverage and 450 nits of brightness. It's ideal for creative work without needing post-purchase calibration. The monitor also features an accelerometer, automatically switching between portrait and landscape modes based on its orientation.

While the Espresso 17 Pro is not cheap, it feels premium across all aspects, from unboxing to its design and build quality. It's built around simplicity without compromising on features.

However, there are a few critiques. It doesn't come with a case, which is a notable omission at this price point. For gamers, it's not the best fit due to its 60Hz refresh rate and 9ms response time, which may cause ghosting, though I didn't notice it during gameplay. The Espresso 17 Pro is a standout choice in the 4K portable monitor 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 renowned for their high contrast and brightness, and the ViewSonic ColorPro VP16-OLED brings this technology to a lightweight, ultra-thin full HD portable monitor. This monitor is designed for professional quality, with its Pantone-validated display ensuring your photo and video editing or digital art creation meets industry standards. At $399, it's not the cheapest, but it offers excellent value.

The 15.6-inch screen matches most laptops' screen real estate and offers similar, if not better, brightness at 400 nits. The OLED panel provides infinite contrast for true blacks and a wider dynamic range, with 100% DCI-P3 color gamut coverage. While it runs at 60Hz, it's still suitable for gaming due to its high-quality screen.

Beyond the display, it's well-equipped with two USB-C ports on its versatile folding stand, allowing for both power and video through a single cable, as well as passthrough charging. It also features a micro HDMI port for compatibility with a wide range of Windows and Mac computers.

Its portability is impressive, weighing only 2.2lbs and folding down to 0.8 inches thick, making it easy to carry alongside a laptop without feeling weighed down.

Overall, the ViewSonic ColorPro VP16-OLED is an exceptional monitor at a competitive 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

For digital artists looking to elevate their craft without breaking the bank, the Wacom Cintiq Pro 16 is the clear choice. Though a few years old, its performance remains top-tier, and its reputation within the digital art community is well-established.

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% of Adobe RGB). The etched screen provides a tactile feel similar to drawing on paper. The pen offers 8,192 levels of pressure sensitivity and is fully customizable with integrated buttons and an eraser.

It enhances your workflow with eight programmable Express Keys and supports multi-touch and gesture control for easy navigation.

The only downside is its price, as competition has grown since its 2021 release. However, it's still challenging to find a monitor that matches its quality, reliability, and feature set, making it an excellent choice for artists.

How to Choose the Best Portable Monitor for You

While portable monitors may not have all the features of a full desktop monitor, they 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 involves balancing your needs with portability. Larger displays often come with carrying cases, while smaller ones can fit easily into a backpack. The most common size, 15.6 inches, strikes a balance between size and portability. For smaller spaces like airplanes, consider a 12.5- or 14-inch screen. Although portable monitors are lighter than laptops, weight is still a factor to consider.

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. While most portable monitors have a 60Hz refresh rate, a 120Hz or 144Hz panel can enhance the gaming experience.

Brightness: Many affordable portable monitors have moderate brightness. For indoor use, 250 nits is often sufficient, but for a more vibrant experience, aim for 300 to 400 nits. Be cautious of lesser-known brands that might overstate their brightness on platforms like Amazon.

Connectivity: This is a critical feature. Ensure the monitor is compatible with your devices. All our picks offer USB-C connectivity, which is both fast and provides power. However, verify that your laptop can output video through its USB-C port. Older laptops might require HDMI or micro HDMI, and some monitors may need an additional USB cable for power.

These are some of the most important features to consider when choosing a portable monitor. Always read reviews to understand lesser-known qualities like picture customization options, which are often limited on budget displays. Also, check if the monitor comes with a protective sleeve or case; if not, consider this an additional purchase.

Portable Monitor FAQ

Who are portable monitors for?

Portable monitors are beneficial for almost anyone. Travelers and remote workers who typically use just a laptop or tablet will appreciate the productivity boost from an extra compact screen that easily fits into a bag. They're also useful for presentations, and those with limited desk space can opt for a portable monitor over a larger desktop model. Even users of gaming phones or handheld gaming PCs might want a larger screen with a high refresh rate for gaming on the go, making it easier to spot enemies.

What size portable monitor should I buy?

Portable monitors are generally smaller than full-size displays due to their need for portability. The ideal size depends on your intended use and desired portability. A smaller screen might suffice for displaying a second window, while a larger screen is better for tasks like digital art that require more screen real estate for detailed work.

How much do portable monitors cost?

Portable monitors vary widely in price, with many available for under $200. However, budget options may lack brightness and advanced features like high refresh rates. Higher-performance portable monitors are more expensive, typically ranging from $100 to $300.