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

Working on a single laptop screen can feel like trying to juggle with one hand tied behind your back. Whether you're editing videos at a coffee shop, analyzing spreadsheets in a hotel room, or presenting to clients on the road, a portable monitor transforms your cramped single-screen setup into a productivity powerhouse.

We've tested dozens of portable displays to find the ones that truly deliver on their promise of desktop-level multitasking in a travel-friendly package. Here are the best portable monitors of 2025 that are worth your money.

What Makes a Great Portable Monitor?

Before we dive into our top picks, here's what separates exceptional portable monitors from the mediocre ones:

Display Quality: You're adding screen space to work more efficiently, so crystal-clear resolution and accurate colors matter. Look for at least 1080p Full HD, though 4K options are increasingly affordable.

True Portability: The best portable monitors weigh under 2 pounds and measure less than half an inch thick. If it doesn't slip easily into your laptop bag, it's not truly portable.

Simple Connectivity: Single-cable USB-C connection is the gold standard—it powers the display and transmits video simultaneously. No wall outlet hunting required.

Sturdy Stand: A wobbly screen ruins productivity. The best models include magnetic covers that double as adjustable stands or have built-in kickstands that actually stay put.

Build Quality: These monitors travel everywhere, so premium materials and solid construction prevent cracked screens and bent frames.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall: ASUS ZenScreen MB16ACV

What we love: This 15.6-inch Full HD display nails the portable monitor formula. At just 1.9 pounds and 0.3 inches thin, it disappears into any laptop bag. The magnetic smart cover folds into a stable stand with multiple viewing angles. USB-C connectivity means one cable does everything—no power adapter needed.

Performance highlights: The IPS panel delivers vibrant colors and wide viewing angles. Auto-rotation works flawlessly when you switch between landscape and portrait mode. Eye care features reduce blue light for extended work sessions.

Other things to know: Works with Windows, Mac, Chrome OS, and even Android phones with USB-C. Battery-free design means it draws power from your laptop (about 5-8W). Includes a USB-C to USB-C cable and USB-A adapter. Available in space gray.

Price range: Around $199-249 depending on sales

Best Premium: ASUS ProArt PA148CTC

What we love: For creative professionals who refuse to compromise on color accuracy, this 14-inch touchscreen delivers 100% sRGB color gamut and factory calibration. The 10-point touch support transforms it into a drawing tablet or interactive presentation tool.

Performance highlights: Stylus support with 4096 pressure levels rivals dedicated drawing tablets. Portrait mode is perfect for coding, writing, or reading long documents. The antimicrobial coating on the screen protects against germs during travel.

Other things to know: Slightly heavier at 2.4 pounds due to touchscreen tech. Comes with a premium protective case. USB-C connection still handles both power and video. Three-year warranty shows ASUS's confidence in build quality.

Price range: Around $399-449

Best Budget: ViewSonic VG1655

What we love: Proof that portable monitors don't need to cost a fortune. This 15.6-inch Full HD display delivers surprisingly good image quality for the price. The slim profile (0.4 inches) and light weight (1.8 pounds) match more expensive competitors.

Performance highlights: Dual USB-C ports mean you can daisy-chain devices or use one for video and one for power if your laptop's USB-C port is limited. The integrated kickstand feels more robust than expected at this price point.

Other things to know: Color accuracy isn't pro-level, but it's perfectly fine for productivity work. Brightness maxes out at 250 nits—adequate indoors but struggles in bright sunlight. Mini HDMI port included for devices without USB-C.

Price range: Around $149-179

Best for Gaming: Lenovo ThinkVision M14t Gen 2

What we love: This 14-inch touchscreen monitor brings 60Hz refresh rate and low input lag for smooth gaming on the go. The matte anti-glare coating prevents reflections during intense gaming sessions in various lighting conditions.

Performance highlights: Touch support adds versatility for strategy games and productivity. The incredibly thin 0.3-inch profile makes it easy to pack. USB-C power delivery up to 65W means it can actually charge your laptop while you use it.

Other things to know: Works great with Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck, and gaming laptops. Automatic brightness adjustment based on ambient light. Includes a premium folio case that protects during travel and serves as a stand.

Price range: Around $329-379

Best Large Screen: Espresso 17 Pro

What we love: Sometimes you need maximum screen real estate. This 17.3-inch display provides 40% more viewing area than standard 15.6-inch portable monitors while remaining surprisingly portable at 2.6 pounds.

Performance highlights: The larger canvas is perfect for video editing, graphic design, or complex spreadsheets. Touchscreen with stylus support included. Magnetic stand offers portrait and landscape orientation with multiple angle options.

Other things to know: USB-C connection with 100W power delivery can charge even power-hungry 16-inch laptops. Premium aluminum chassis feels tank-solid. Slightly thicker at 0.5 inches to accommodate the larger panel.

Price range: Around $449-499

Best Ultra-Portable: JSAUX FlipGo Portable Monitor

What we love: At just 13.3 inches and 1.3 pounds, this is the lightest option on our list. Perfect for travelers who prioritize minimal weight above all else. The built-in folding stand is ingeniously designed and surprisingly stable.

Performance highlights: Despite the compact size, it delivers sharp 1080p resolution. The matte screen coating works well in bright environments. Auto-rotation sensor adjusts orientation instantly.

Other things to know: Smaller screen means less multitasking space, but it's ideal for reference documents, chat apps, or monitoring dashboards. USB-C and Mini HDMI connections. Comes with a protective sleeve rather than a hard case.

Price range: Around $179-219

How to Choose the Right Portable Monitor

Consider your primary use case: Video editors and designers need color accuracy and larger screens. Coders and writers benefit from portrait orientation. Business travelers want maximum portability.

Check your laptop's USB-C capabilities: Not all USB-C ports support video output (DisplayPort Alt Mode). Verify your laptop supports it, or choose a monitor with HDMI backup connectivity.

Think about screen size vs. portability: 15.6 inches is the sweet spot for most users—big enough for real productivity but still truly portable. Go smaller for maximum portability or larger if you rarely move your setup.

Brightness matters for location: If you work in bright coffee shops or outdoors, look for at least 300 nits of brightness. Indoor-only workers can get by with 250 nits.

Touch or no touch: Touchscreens add versatility but increase weight, thickness, and cost. Only pay for touch if you'll actually use it.

Real-World Performance

We've tested these monitors in airports, coffee shops, hotel rooms, and home offices. Here's what actually matters:

Setup speed: The best portable monitors are ready in under 30 seconds. One cable, auto-detection, and you're working. Models requiring separate power adapters or driver installations slow you down.

Durability: After months of being stuffed in bags and pulled out on planes, the monitors with premium protective cases show zero scratches. Cheaper options without good cases develop micro-scratches that affect viewing quality.

Battery impact: Expect portable monitors to drain your laptop battery 15-25% faster. USB-C models with power delivery can actually charge your laptop while you work, offsetting this drain.

Weight distribution: Even a 2-pound monitor feels heavy after carrying it all day. Look for slim designs that don't add bulk to your bag.

Common Questions

Do I need a portable monitor if I have a tablet? Tablets can serve as second screens, but dedicated portable monitors offer larger screens, better resolution, and don't require battery charging or special apps.

Can I use a portable monitor with my phone? Most modern Android phones with USB-C support video output. iPhones require special adapters and don't work with all portable monitors.

How do I protect my portable monitor during travel? Always use the included protective case. Pack it in the laptop compartment of your bag, not loose in the main compartment where it can get crushed.

Will a portable monitor work with my older laptop? If your laptop lacks USB-C, look for monitors with HDMI or DisplayPort inputs. You'll need a separate power source, but they'll still work.

The Bottom Line

A portable monitor is one of those purchases that immediately improves your daily workflow. The ability to have dual screens anywhere—whether you're working from a hotel, coffee shop, or even an airplane tray table—is genuinely transformative for productivity.

For most people, the ASUS ZenScreen MB16ACV offers the best balance of display quality, portability, and price. It's the one we reach for most often because it just works without fuss.

Creative professionals should seriously consider the ASUS ProArt PA148CTC for its color accuracy and touchscreen capabilities. The premium price pays for itself in improved workflow efficiency.

Budget-conscious buyers won't feel shortchanged with the ViewSonic VG1655—it delivers the core portable monitor experience at a fraction of the cost.

Whatever you choose, the productivity boost from dual screens on the go makes a portable monitor one of the smartest tech investments you can make in 2025. Your future self, juggling multiple windows on a single laptop screen in some airport, will thank you.