Best Portable Monitors 2025: Double Your Screen Space Anywhere You Work or Game

Working from coffee shops, client offices, or hotel rooms doesn't mean you have to sacrifice your productivity. The best portable monitors of 2025 give you that essential second screen without the bulk, transforming your laptop into a mobile workstation that rivals your home office setup.

We've tested and researched the top portable displays on the market to help you find the perfect travel companion for your workflow—whether you're a digital nomad, frequent business traveler, creative professional, or gamer who wants a bigger screen on the go.

What Makes a Great Portable Monitor?

Before we dive into our top picks, here's what we looked for:

Display Quality: Sharp resolution (at least 1080p), accurate colors, and good brightness for various lighting conditions.

Portability: Slim, lightweight design that actually fits in your bag without adding significant weight.

Connectivity: USB-C power and video through a single cable is the gold standard—no extra power adapters needed.

Build Quality: Durable construction with a protective case that doubles as a stand.

Compatibility: Works seamlessly with Windows, Mac, and even smartphones and gaming consoles.

Our Top Portable Monitor Picks for 2025

Best Overall: ASUS ZenScreen MB16ACV

What we like: This 15.6-inch Full HD display hits the sweet spot for most users. It's incredibly slim at just 0.3 inches thick, weighs only 1.7 pounds, and connects via a single USB-C cable for both power and video. The auto-rotating display and hybrid signal solution make it work with virtually any device. The included magnetic smart case protects the screen and transforms into a versatile stand with multiple angle options.

Other things to know: 1920x1080 resolution with IPS panel for great viewing angles. Built-in 1W speakers aren't amazing but handy in a pinch. Supports both landscape and portrait modes. Battery-free design means one less thing to charge. Around $249, which is competitive for the features you get.

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Best for Creatives: ASUS ProArt PA148CTC

What we like: If color accuracy matters for your work, this 14-inch touchscreen monitor is a game-changer. It covers 100% sRGB and comes factory-calibrated, so your photos and designs look exactly as they should. The 10-point touch capability works beautifully with styluses for digital art. The included pen holder and adjustable kickstand make it feel like a professional drawing tablet that also functions as a standard monitor.

Other things to know: 1920x1200 resolution gives you extra vertical space for toolbars. USB-C connectivity with DisplayPort Alt Mode. Slightly heavier at 2 pounds but worth it for the touchscreen functionality. Comes with a comprehensive protective sleeve. Expect to pay around $349—a solid investment for creative professionals.

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Best Budget Option: ViewSonic VG1655

What we like: Proof that you don't need to spend a fortune for a quality portable monitor. This 15.6-inch display delivers crisp 1080p visuals, has excellent build quality with a durable metal body, and includes both USB-C and mini-HDMI ports for maximum compatibility. The slim profile and included case make it genuinely portable. We were impressed by the color accuracy and brightness—it doesn't feel like a budget display.

Other things to know: Weighs 1.8 pounds. Dual USB-C ports (one for power, one for video) give you flexibility if your laptop doesn't support video over USB-C. The kickstand case works well but offers fewer angle options than pricier models. Usually available for $149-$179, making it an incredible value.

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Best for Gaming: ASUS ROG Strix XG17AHPE

What we like: Gamers, this one's for you. A stunning 17.3-inch Full HD display with a blazing-fast 240Hz refresh rate and 3ms response time means buttery-smooth gameplay wherever you are. The built-in 7800mAh battery is a standout feature—you can game for up to 3.5 hours without plugging in. The ROG Tripod folds flat for travel and provides rock-solid stability. Adaptive-Sync technology eliminates screen tearing.

Other things to know: Heavier at 2.3 pounds (plus the battery adds weight), but that's expected for a gaming-focused 17-inch display. Micro-HDMI and USB-C connectivity. The battery can also charge your phone in a pinch. Premium pricing at around $499, but serious mobile gamers will appreciate the investment.

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Best Large Display: Espresso 17 Pro

What we like: If you want maximum screen real estate without going too crazy, this 17.3-inch touchscreen display is fantastic. The touch functionality is responsive and works great with Windows touch gestures. Magnetic mounting system is clever—it attaches to your laptop screen with adjustable arms for a true dual-monitor setup. The display quality is excellent with vibrant colors and sharp text.

Other things to know: 1920x1200 resolution. USB-C connection handles power and video. Heavier at 2.5 pounds, and the mounting system adds bulk, so this is better for car travel than backpacking. The magnetic stand is innovative but takes some getting used to. Priced around $399—reasonable for the size and touch capability.

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Best Ultra-Portable: Mobile Pixels Duex Lite

What we like: This 12.5-inch display literally attaches to the back of your laptop with magnetic strips, sliding out when you need it and tucking away when you don't. It's the most portable solution we've tested—you barely notice the extra weight. Perfect for cramped airplane tray tables or coffee shop work. The plug-and-play USB-C connection is foolproof.

Other things to know: 1920x1080 resolution on a smaller 12.5-inch screen means everything is sharp. Only 1.3 pounds. The attached design means you can't position it separately, which some users might find limiting. Works best with 13-15 inch laptops. Around $229—a premium for the unique form factor, but the convenience is unmatched for frequent travelers.

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Best Value 4K Option: Innocn 15.6" 4K

What we like: If you need 4K resolution for detailed work but don't want to spend flagship prices, this 15.6-inch display is impressive. The 3840x2160 resolution makes text incredibly sharp and gives you tons of screen real estate. The 100% sRGB color gamut works well for photo editing. Build quality is solid with an aluminum body that feels premium.

Other things to know: USB-C power delivery up to 65W means it can charge your laptop while displaying video. Includes both USB-C and mini-HDMI cables. The included case doubles as a stand with good angle options. Typically priced around $279—significantly cheaper than competing 4K portable monitors while delivering similar performance.

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How to Choose the Right Portable Monitor

Consider your primary use case: Content creators might prioritize color accuracy and touchscreen functionality, while gamers need high refresh rates. Business travelers might value ultra-portability above all else.

Check your laptop's ports: USB-C with DisplayPort Alt Mode is ideal for single-cable simplicity. If your laptop doesn't support this, look for monitors with mini-HDMI options—just know you'll need a separate power source.

Think about size vs. portability: A 17-inch display offers more workspace but adds weight and bulk. A 13-14 inch monitor is easier to carry but might feel cramped if you're used to larger screens.

Screen resolution matters: 1080p is fine for most tasks and keeps prices down. 4K is worth it if you work with high-resolution images or video, but it will drain your laptop battery faster.

Don't forget the stand: A good stand or case that provides multiple viewing angles makes a huge difference in daily use. Some monitors include excellent stands, while others have flimsy kickstands that'll frustrate you.

Tips for Using Your Portable Monitor

Manage your battery life: Portable monitors draw power from your laptop, which can significantly reduce battery life. When working unplugged, consider lowering the monitor's brightness or using it only when necessary.

Invest in a good USB-C cable: If your monitor doesn't include a high-quality cable, get one. A poor cable can cause flickering, connection drops, or failure to deliver enough power.

Adjust your display settings: Take a few minutes to calibrate brightness and color temperature to match your laptop screen. This reduces eye strain when working across both displays.

Use a laptop stand: Elevating your laptop to eye level and positioning your portable monitor beside it creates a much more ergonomic setup than having one screen significantly lower than the other.

Pack it properly: Always use the protective case and position the monitor between soft items in your bag. The screens are relatively durable, but they're still glass panels that can crack under pressure.

The Verdict

For most users, the ASUS ZenScreen MB16ACV offers the best balance of portability, image quality, and ease of use. It's slim enough to slip into any laptop bag, delivers excellent visuals, and the single-cable connection makes setup effortless.

Creative professionals should seriously consider the ASUS ProArt PA148CTC for its color accuracy and touchscreen functionality—it's like carrying a Wacom tablet that's also a full monitor.

Budget-conscious shoppers can't go wrong with the ViewSonic VG1655, which delivers premium features at an entry-level price.

And if you're a mobile gamer, the ASUS ROG Strix XG17AHPE with its built-in battery and 240Hz refresh rate is worth every penny.

Why You Need a Portable Monitor

Once you experience the productivity boost of a second screen on the go, you'll wonder how you ever managed without one. Whether you're comparing documents side-by-side, keeping email visible while working on a presentation, monitoring social media while editing video, or just giving yourself more digital breathing room, a portable monitor transforms how you work away from your desk.

The technology has matured beautifully—today's portable monitors are lighter, brighter, and more affordable than ever. With USB-C making setup as simple as plugging in a single cable, there's never been a better time to add a portable display to your mobile tech arsenal.

Your neck and productivity will thank you.