Keeping a second screen handy is becoming increasingly common as the need for content sharing goes up. You might have to give a last-minute presentation to a client or need to complete a sketch while traveling on public transport. Second screens are also terrific for working on two programs in parallel and experiencing a larger, more engaging work environment.
The Perfect Portable Monitor: Let’s define it
What you consider the ideal second screen may not be everyone’s idea. It is essential to judge the screen size that will suit you and the features you demand in everyday activities. You can find monitors ranging from 3.5” to over 17”, although many opt to match the display with their laptop’s primary screen. You want at least an FHD resolution with provisions to minimize glare, flicker, and blue light. You should consider getting G-SYNC to avoid pesky delays and lags if you invest in a monitor for gaming.
Most companies offer foldable stands with monitors that can also serve as protective covers. Do you live a travel-intensive life? You might want something to wrap the whole monitor and repel scratches if you are clumsy. A kickstand is another common design element to improve the ergonomics of your experience when you connect the second panel.
Battery backup and charging options are crucial when buying a portable monitor. Some choices have inbuilt batteries that can deliver 3-4 hours of unplugged use. It is wise to look out for USB Type-C ports, HDMI ports, and audio jacks to guarantee you get sorted while working from anywhere.
Some mobile monitors include speakers and amplifiers. However, audio is unlikely to become a prime consideration unless you pair it up with a phone or gaming console.
Best Portable Monitor for Laptop 2022: Take your Canvas Wherever you Go
Typically, you can find a decent second monitor in the $200-$300 range. Wireless options and panels with customization options like dials can cost more. Siding with an established brand like ASUS or Lenovo is a safe choice in performance, durability, and after-sales support.
Newer manufacturers have also emerged to address the rising demand for screen extensions among gamers and working professionals. Some encompass brilliant ergonomics, protective screen guards, and HDR support. We have consolidated the best alternatives in the market that offer a good mix of clarity, dependability, and ease of use.
Best Overall: ASUS ZenScreen MB166C Portable USB Monitor for Laptop
- It comes with a tripod socket
- Low blue light emissions
- Lightweight and easy to carry
- Supports auto adjustment of orientation
- It doesn’t have many connections
- The stand can be a bit uncomfortable to use
You can rely on the 15.6” ASUS ZenScreen MB166C portable USB monitor for laptop to get home a responsive, strain-free, and flexible display solution. At $169.99, ASUS offers an FHD resolution with support for IPS, anti-glare, and low blue light. The company ensures TÜV Rheinland certification to guarantee strain-free viewing as you binge on multimedia or finish your business tasks. It also comes in handy for gaming sessions. The simple USB Type-C connection means you can plug and play in a blink.
This flicker-free monitor is easy to use across viewing modes as it auto senses the orientation and switches between landscape and portrait modes. ASUS bundles a one-month subscription to Adobe Creative Cloud to simplify life for creative professionals.
This lightweight monitor weighs just 1.72lbs and fits into a foldable sleeve for a comfortable carriage. It also includes an embedded tripod socket to elevate your user experience further.
Best Performance: Lenovo ThinkVision M14 Portable Monitor
- Suitable for both left and right-handed users
- Several customization options
- Easy and parallel charging options
- More expensive than some other options
- Average response time and refresh rate
If you are hunting for a high-performance display that is also portable and looks good, then check out the Lenovo ThinkVision M14 portable monitor at $299.00. This 14″ option supports FHD resolution and has a brightness of 300 nits. You can enjoy a wide range of 16.7 million colors to render your content realistically. Low blue light emissions protect your eyes from excessive strain. A beneficial feature of this monitor is its capacity to charge itself and your laptop with one adapter.
This flexible 1.26lbs display has a natural tilt of -5° to 90° that you can adjust according to your comfort. Lenovo also offers other customization options for optimal ergonomics. For instance, the foot is adjustable to let you alter the height. You can use the USB Type-C ports on either side depending on whether you are left- or right-handed. Lenovo includes a protective sleeve with the purchase.
The downside is the average response time of 6ms and the standard refresh rate of 60Hz. You might feel the difference during gaming if you prefer higher settings.
Portable Gaming Monitor: ASUS ROG Strix XG16AHP-W
- Excellent options for gamers
- High refresh rate
- It supports quick charging
- Expensive
- Much heavier than some other alternatives
This one is a brilliant alternative for gamers and multimedia hobbyists. The ASUS ROG Strix XG16AHP-W is not cheap at $429.99. But it has many premium features like a digital to analog (DAC) converter and an inbuilt battery. This 15.6” monitor supports FHD content and has a rapid refresh rate of 144Hz to elevate your gameplay. It supports many viewing modes in landscape and portrait, based on the need of your content. However, the highlight has to be its compatibility with NVIDIA G-SYNC. You are guaranteed a much smoother feel with negligible delay or lag.
The DAC converter (ESS 9118) can deliver playback at 192kHz without distortion. The difference in your gaming experience is palpable. This monitor includes a 7800mAh battery that can last up to three hours and supports quick charging (up to two hours of use in one hour of powering up).
The only flipside, except the price, is its heavy weight at 3.53lbs. But ASUS compensates with several features that support flexible use, including a fold-out kickstand and a tripod.
Cheap Portable Monitor: Lepow 1080P USB Portable Monitor
- Affordable
- Lightweight and sleek
- It comes with a protective, scratch-resistant film
- Includes speakers
- The brand is less established than its contemporaries
- The image quality is not too great
How about trying a rather unconventional but inexpensive brand for a second screen? The Lepow 1080P USB portable monitor costs just $199.99 and offers an FHD viewing experience that is gentle to your eyes. You can connect it via a Type-C port to your laptop, smartphone, or gaming console and extend your real estate for gaming or multimedia. The monitor supports IPS and HDR mode for a terrific boost to any A/V transmission. Another significant advantage of this alternative is that speakers come inbuilt for improved audio output.
Lepow includes a PU leather cover and screen guard with the purchase to protect your monitor from scratches. Plus, you can fold it into various positions and build a stand when streaming content. It adds to the overall portability of this option, especially when combined with its lightweight and slim form factor (0.3”, 1.76lbs). It is one of the lightest and most portable monitor options.
Portable Touchscreen Monitor: ASUS ProArt Display PA148CTV
- Gorgeous color accuracy
- Light and easy to carry
- Sturdy build
- More expensive than other choices
- The contrast needs to be better
- Ergonomics is not the best
Creative professionals will adore the ASUS ProArt Display PA148CTV monitor for its 10-point touch responsiveness, color accuracy, and customization. This 14” display supports FHD resolution with 100% sRGB color. The Calman verified color accuracy is beautiful at Delta E < 2 and renders your content with sharp precision. It is expensive at $399.00, making it ideal for anyone who can benefit from the premium color and adaptability. The company includes a three-month subscription to Adobe Creative Cloud to facilitate your creative endeavors.
ASUS has equipped this panel with a Micro HDMI port and a tripod socket to let you enjoy flexible usage, even when you travel. The metal kickstand is good for setting things up wherever you please.
This 1.63lbs monitor comes with an ASUS Dial to let you customize the viewing settings in conjunction with compatible Adobe software. It is also a strain-free and anti-glare panel with TÜV Rheinland certification for reduced blue light emissions. You are unlikely to experience flickering either.
Wireless Portable Monitor: ASUS ZenScreen Go MB16AWP
- Comfortable, wireless connectivity
- Uses a G-sensor for auto rotation
- It includes an inbuilt battery
- Speakers are embedded
- Very expensive
- Heavier than other alternatives
- Wireless connection is limited to screen mirroring
The 15.6” ASUS ZenScreen Go MB16AWP is a good choice if you are considering a wireless monitor for your computer. It connects via wireless mirroring to devices on iOS, Android, or Windows 10 (and beyond). Additionally, it has two USB Type-C ports and HDMI options if you wish to plug in traditionally. The vivid FHD resolution and low blue light environment enable you to make the most of your content, whether gaming or watching a movie.
This anti-glare monitor has an inbuilt battery (7800mAh) that can last up to 3.5 hours. It takes the edge out of staying close to a charging station. Two included speakers (1W, amplifiers) facilitate an engaging audio output.
Another bonus of this 2.4lbs display is its G-sensor that allows for auto rotation. The panel can switch between landscape and portrait mode based on your content and viewing position.
The downer is the steep price tag of $479.00. It is much pricier than its contemporaries – take a call on the trade-off.
Conclusion
The rising popularity of USB Type-C connectivity has propelled a surge in the sales of portable monitors. You can now connect to a beautiful external display and get prepared for a work presentation or an immersive gaming marathon – all in a tick.
Currently, ASUS makes some of the best portable displays out there. You can find one that works for you if you are a gamer, a creative professional, or need a second display for business presentations. The ASUS ZenScreen MB166C is a well-rounded option with reduced blue light and a flexible design.
You can also consider monitors from the ROG Strix line if you are a keen gamer. It has a DAC converter, good battery backup, and a low-lag viewing experience. The ZenScreen and ProArt Display monitors are worth considering for wireless use and creative pursuits like photography and film editing.
Lenovo also has some good options in this space in the under-$300 range. The Lenovo ThinkVision M14 lets you enjoy convenient and quick charging and an ergonomic design for comfortable use. Newer brands like Lepow may be your cuppa of tea if you have a small budget but wish to bundle up features like HDR and a scratch-resistant cover.
