Top 5 Portable Monitors of 2025 Revealed

Adding a second screen to your setup can be a liberating experience. The extra screen real estate is truly beneficial, and once you get accustomed to it, going back to a single monitor feels limiting. 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 the best all-arounder like my top pick, the Asus ROG Strix XG17AHPE, or the best value for money, such as the Arzopa Z1FC, I've spent years testing monitors so you can spend less time shopping and more time enjoying 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 AmazonPortable monitors may not match the large screen size of typical gaming monitors, but their convenience is unmatched when you need to work or game on the go. Even the best laptops have compact screens, and smartphones aren't ideal for work or multitasking. Adding an extra display can make a significant difference. After thorough research and testing, I can confidently recommend these as the best portable monitors in 2025.

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1. 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, Nvidia G-Sync compatibility, and low input lag. See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsScreen size17.3-inchResolution1920 x 1080Aspect ratio16:9Brightness300-nitRefresh rate240HzConnectivity2 x USB Type-C (1 x video, 1 x PD fast charging), 1 x Micro HDMI, 1 x Heaphone JackWeight2.34lbPROS1080p/240Hz refresh rateQuick charging batteryCONSBuilt-in speakers could sound betterIt's hard to believe that a portable monitor can offer all the features needed for a quality gaming setup from anywhere, but the Asus ROG Strix XG17AHPE does just that. Like some of our favorite gaming monitors, this portable option boasts a 240Hz refresh rate with Nvidia G-Sync compatibility and low input lag, ensuring smooth, tear-free gameplay. You also get a bright 17.3-inch 1080p display featuring an IPS panel for easy viewing from any angle.

This display is custom-tuned for gaming. Its 240Hz refresh rate enhances motion clarity and reduces input latency. Asus has also optimized the response time, offering 3ms compared to the 6ms or higher found on others like the Espresso 17 Pro. With Adaptive Sync (Variable Refresh Rate) support, your gameplay will be buttery smooth and free of any tearing.

It's not just about gaming; it's about gaming on the go. The XG17AHPE is packed with portability features, including two USB Type-C ports—one for video input and one for quick charging its massive 7,800mAh battery. It also features speakers for on-the-go audio, though a dedicated gaming headset will provide a better audio experience.

While the focus is on 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 real estate, it's spacious enough for watching videos, browsing the web, or working. The built-in battery saves you from needing extra cables, and running it at 60Hz instead of its native 240Hz extends battery life, making it suitable for a full workday of intermittent use.

The Asus ROG Strix XG17AHPE is an outstanding portable monitor packed with features for any use case.

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 AmazonSee it at ArzopaProduct SpecificationsScreen size16.1-inchResolution1920 x 1080Aspect ratio16:9Brightness300-nitRefresh rate144HzConnectivity1 x USB-C, 1 x USB Type-A, 1 x Mini HDMI, 1 x Headphone JackWeight1.7lbPROSGood brightness for indoor gamingHigh refresh rate with FreeSync VRRGood connectivity optionsCONSWeak speakersWhen I first looked at the Arzopa Z1FC 144Hz portable gaming monitor, I assumed it would be like many others in its price range. However, it offers much more than expected for around $100, leaving me impressed.

This monitor features a standard 1080p resolution on a 16.1-inch screen with 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 color representation, though the color temperature may be a bit cool, so I recommend checking the settings menu.

It's ideal for use with devices like the Steam Deck, Asus ROG Ally, or even your PS5 or Xbox, thanks to its 144Hz refresh rate, which significantly reduces input latency for responsive gameplay.

Connectivity is no issue here. The monitor supports USB Type-C video or mini-HDMI and comes with all necessary cables. It also features a USB Type-A port for connecting a controller or other accessory, and a folio cover for screen protection when on the go.

With 300 nits of peak brightness, it's brighter than many competitors at this price, and users have reported using it outdoors successfully. This is a testament to the added value Arzopa has packed into this display.

The only minor drawback is the speakers, which aren't loud enough and have a tinny quality. I recommend using this monitor with headphones for audio. Overall, the Arzopa Z1FC is an excellent budget pick, proving that "affordable" doesn't have to mean "bland."

3. Espresso Displays 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 an incredibly simple setup. See it at AmazonSee it at Espresso DisplaysProduct SpecificationsScreen size17.3-inchResolution3840 x 2160Aspect ratio16:9Brightness450-nitRefresh rate60HzConnectivity2 x USB Type-CWeight2.4 poundsPROSCrisp 4K resolutionBright and vibrantExcellent included standSimple setup, elegant designCONSNo included caseThe Espresso 17 Pro is a premium high-performance portable monitor for anyone 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 resembles a full computer monitor experience, largely due to its magnetic folding stand that offers 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 real highlight is its screen. It's incredible, covering 100% of the DCI-P3 color space, with 450 nits of brightness and 4K resolution for a crisp, colorful, and accurate viewing experience. You can use this display for creative work without needing post-purchase calibration. It also features an accelerometer, automatically switching between portrait and landscape modes when rotated.

While the Espresso 17 Pro isn't cheap, it feels the most premium of all the portable monitors I've tested. From unboxing to the fit and finish of its design, it exudes a boutique quality built to last. It's designed around simplicity without sacrificing quality.

There are a couple of critiques to consider. It doesn't come with a case, which should be included at this price point. For gamers, it's not the best fit, as it's limited to 60Hz and has a 9ms response time, potentially causing ghosting. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Espresso 17 Pro is a standout choice in the 4K 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 AmazonProduct SpecificationsScreen size15.6-inchResolution1920 x 1080 Aspect ratio16:9Brightness400-nitRefresh rate60HzConnectivity 2 x USB Type-C, 1 x Micro HDMI, 1 x Headphone JackWeight2.2lbPROSImpressive contrastExcellent color performanceGreat connectivity and passthrough chargingPantone validatedCONSLimited to 60HzThe best OLED monitors are known for their high contrast and brightness, and the ViewSonic ColorPro VP16-OLED packs that technology into a lightweight, ultra-thin full HD monitor. This portable monitor is all about professional quality. Its display is Pantone-validated, ensuring your photo editing, video work, and digital art meet industry standards. At $399, it's not the cheapest, but it offers excellent value.

The screen's 15.6-inch span matches most laptops' screen real estate and offers similar or better brightness at 400 nits. The OLED panel provides infinite contrast for true blacks and a wider dynamic range. Its color coverage is also fantastic, including 100% of the DCI-P3 color gamut. While it runs at 60Hz, it's still suitable for gaming due to its high-quality screen.

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

Weighing only 2.2lbs and folding down to 0.8 inches thick, it's highly portable, easily fitting into a bag alongside your laptop.

Overall, the ViewSonic ColorPro VP16-OLED is a top-tier monitor at a very competitive price, perfect for creative professionals looking 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 that's perfect for creatives. See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsScreen size16-inchResolution3840 x 2160Aspect ratio16:9Brightness300-nitRefresh rate60HzConnectivity1 x USB-C, 1 x USB Type-A, 1 x HDMI, EMR StylusWeight3.3lbPROS4K resolutionEtched glass screenWide color gamutCONSCompeting options are more affordableIf you're a digital artist looking to elevate your craft without spending thousands on a monitor, the Wacom Cintiq Pro 16 is the clear choice. Though a few years old, its performance remains top-notch, and it has proven its worth within 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% of Adobe RGB). The etched screen provides a tactile feel similar to drawing with pencil and paper. The pen offers 8,192 levels of pressure sensitivity and is fully customizable with integrated buttons and an eraser.

The Cintiq Pro 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 increased since its 2021 release. However, its quality, reliability, and feature set make it a fantastic choice for any artist.

How to Choose the Best Portable Monitor for You

Though they may not have all the features of a full-fledged desktop monitor, portable monitors offer numerous benefits. The cheapest or simplest option might suffice, but other factors may 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 depends on your intended use and portability needs. Larger displays often come with carrying cases, while smaller ones can fit inside a backpack. The most common size is 15.6 inches, offering a good balance between size and portability. For use in smaller spaces like airplanes, a 12.5- or 14-inch screen might be more suitable. Though portable monitors are lighter than most laptops, consider weight as well.

Resolution: Pay attention to the screen itself. Most of our recommended monitors offer 1080p resolution with an IPS panel. For gaming or digital art, a higher resolution may be necessary. While most portable monitors have a 60Hz refresh rate, gaming benefits from a 120Hz or 144Hz panel.

Brightness: Many affordable portable monitors offer middling 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 overstating their brightness on platforms like Amazon.

Connectivity: This is a critical feature. Ensure the monitor you choose is compatible with your devices. All our picks offer USB-C connectivity, which is both fast and provides power. However, confirm your laptop can output video through its USB-C port, as older models may not be compatible. If not, you'll need to use HDMI or micro HDMI and possibly an additional USB cable for power.

Overall, 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 models. Also, note whether the monitor comes with a protective sleeve or case; if not, budget for one.

Portable Monitor FAQ

Who are portable monitors for?

Almost anyone can benefit from a portable monitor. Travelers and remote workers accustomed to using just a laptop or tablet will appreciate the productivity boost from an additional compact screen that easily fits into a bag. These monitors are also useful for presentations, and those with limited desk space can opt for a portable monitor over a larger desktop one. Even users of gaming phones or handheld gaming PCs might want a larger screen with a fast refresh rate for gaming on the go.

What size portable monitor should I buy?

Portable monitors are typically smaller than full-size displays, designed for easy transport. The best size depends on your intended use and desired portability. A smaller screen may suffice for displaying a second window, while larger screens are beneficial for tasks like digital art that require more detail.

How much do portable monitors cost?

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