Do you need an efficient screen that allows you to multitask in your day-to-day work? A portable monitor is your best bet. Multitasking requires efficient and adaptable gadgets which can offer better productivity and workflow. However, looking for a portable monitor or second screen can be a hassle.
You're at the right place if you want to augment your productivity and get a second screen for your laptop or PC with a moderate budget. We have scoured through lists of all the top competitors to look for the best travel and touchscreen portable monitor, and we have a few names lined up. So without further ado, let us get into it:
Desklab Ultralight 4K Portable Monitor
The Desklab Ultralight 4K is an excellent second display for your PC, MacBook Pro, or Mac. The 15.6-inch display has great portability for a wide range of laptops. However, PCs hold a significant advantage over Macs as the Desklab Ultralight is a touchscreen portable monitor for PCs.
The device has a thick base that houses a USB-C port, a MicroSD slot, and a 3.5mm headphone jack. However, the base is not thick enough to support the screen, and you will need a stand for it. The optional extra cover for the monitor also functions as a kickstand.
The viewing angle is 178 degrees and is clear when compared to a high-end laptop such as a MacBook Pro. Its 400 nits display makes it an extraordinary choice for outdoor use. Furthermore, the display is always brighter when the monitor is plugged into a socket.Â
Furthermore, the monitor is compatible with all major consoles, i.e., Xbox, PlayStation, Wii, Nintendo, etc. Its interactive screen and rich colors make it an incredible alternate for gaming on the go. It also supports screen mirroring.
- Color: Black
- Dimensions: 13.8 x 8.7 x 1.2 inches
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In The Box: Desklab Ultralight 4K Monitor, HDMI cable, USB-C to USB-C cable, power adapter, instructions manual.
Lepow C2S Portable Monitor
Lepow's CS2 monitor is among the top picks for flat-screen monitors. It is a praiseworthy secondary screen for your laptop or desktop with a fold-out stand and different ports for connectivity.
Even though the C2S does not have the brightest portable monitor screen, its color range is commendable for its price point. The 15.4-inch antiglare screen has rounded corners and wide bezels. Furthermore, unfolding the stand lets you tilt your screen to 45 degrees.
The monitor is a bit thicker than other flat screens, but Lepow put that thickness to good use. The back protrusion has all the ports, speakers, and fold-out stand. Hence, the space is utilized quite well.
The ports include two USB Type C ports for power and receiving data, a mini HDMI port, and a mini DisplayPort connector. There is also a headphone jack to go along with its built-in speakers.
- Color: Black body with a matte finish
- Dimensions: 8.9 x 14.6 x 0.3 inches
- In The Box: Lepow Portable Monitor, Type C to Type C Cable, Mini HDMI cable, Wall Charger, Power Cable. Mini DP Cable, Screen Protector, User Guide.
ViewSonic's VG1655
ViewSonic's VG1655 portable monitor has some uncommon features and a smart design, such as a fold-out stand that offers a broad tilt range (up to 45 degrees). Along with the monitor comes a five-way mini-joystick controller, which effectively replaces all the buttons you see on other portable monitors.
The VG1655 has two USB-C ports for power and data transfer. Furthermore, it also has an HDMI port. The monitor is ideal for work-related tasks such as documents and spreadsheets. However, we would not recommend it to be the best screen for binging Netflix as it can come off as a bit dull for videos.
It comes with a 1080p resolution with a 15.6 inches display. The top three inches of the device are about 0.3 inches thick, while the bottom holds the ports with 0.6 inches. The monitor supports Windows PCs and macOS systems.
- Color: Black front and silver back and sides
- Dimensions: 8.8 x 14 x 0.6 inches.
- In the Box: Monitor with Sleeve, Mini HDMI Cable, USB-C Cable, and Instructions Manual
 Asus ZenScreen Touch MB16AMT
The Asus ZenScreen stands out from other touchscreen portable monitors due to two pivotal factors. Firstly, the monitor comes with an interactive touch screen, and secondly, it has a built-in battery. These features are a plus if you are working on your phone or your laptop is running low on charge.
The 15.6-inch monitor is best for Windows laptops and Android phones, as it shows limited functionality with Mac and is not functional with iOS devices. It has a 1080p, touch-sensitive display and a 16:9 widescreen aspect ratio.
It supports capacitive multi-touch input and can be controlled by simple gestures like tapping, scrolling, pinching, etc. Furthermore, Asus equips a stylus pen to go along with their panel. The soft end of their pen can be used to operate the screen and scroll or tap.
Generally, portable monitors draw their power from the device they are connected to, but not the ZenScreen. Asus equipped the monitor with a 7,800 mAh battery, allowing it to run for up to 4 hours on maximum brightness without requiring a charge. Therefore, we suggest you always keep your monitor charged to go.
- Color: Silver-gray
- Dimensions: 9 x 14.2 x 0.4 inches.
- In The Box: Asus ZenScreen Touch, USB Type C Cable, USB C to USB A Adapter.
 Asus ROG Strix XG16AHPE
For the Asus ROG Strix, the designers took a few tricks from the company's other popular portable monitors like ZenScreen and added gaming features like sync compatibility for consoles and a higher refresh rate. As a result, ROG is the perfect portable monitor for gamers and movie enthusiasts.
The monitor has amazing features like built-in speakers, a built-in battery, a tripod, and a soft carrying sleeve. In addition, its 15.6-inch display can have impeccable brightness and contrast rates, as well as excellent RGB colors, making it a perfect choice for watching movies or using outdoors.
The 1080p resolution paired with IPS technology enables vertical and horizontal viewing angles. Furthermore, the device comes with a headphone jack if you do not intend to use the two speakers.
The display has an additional gaming submenu to enable different refresh rates and choose from eight gaming-focused modes such as Racing, FPS, RTS/RPG, and more. The GamePlus setting also lets you enable timers or FPS counters as well.
Lastly, the monitor's battery is a godsend. The 7,800 mAh battery provides three hours of usage on maximum brightness and a refresh rate of 144Hz. Furthermore, it also has a quick-charge feature.
- Color: White
- Dimensions: 8.9 x 14.2 x 0.46 inches
- In The Box: Asus ROG Strix, tripod/sleeve, USB type C cable, USB A adapter, micro HDMI to HDMI cable, power adapter, warranty card, user guide.
Lenovo ThinkVision M14
The Lenovo ThinkVision is a lightweight, small-screen portable monitor designed to be used with laptops on the go. The monitor works as a fantastic second screen and comes with a high-quality display panel. It does not have a long list of extraordinary features but works well as a bright, color-rich second screen.
The 14-inch monitor has a 1080p resolutions and IPS technology for a 16:9 widescreen ratio. The high-tech resolution delivers a sharp image with excellent brightness.
On the other hand, the yoga-type hinge from Lenovo allows users to adjust the screen up to minus five degrees. It also comes with an additional foot that lets you adjust its height. Lastly, it also comes with a red and gray cloth protective sleeve.
The base contains all the ports and buttons for the display, i.e., USB C ports, cable lock, brightness controls, and blue light toggles. The multiple USB ports enable users to charge and use their portable screens simultaneously.
- Color: Matte Black
- Dimensions: 8.1 x 12.7 x 5.6 inches
- In The Box: Lenovo ThinkVision M14 monitor, USB type C cable (1 meter), stand, M14 sleeve, pair of clips, user guide.
SideTrak's portable monitor is unboundedly the most unusual yet clever portable display out there. SideTrak uses magnets to attach to the back of a laptop, making it compatible with almost all laptops that are at least 11.25" x 8.5". In a way, it becomes a part of your laptop that can be removed at any time.
It has a hard, plastic framework within a metal frame with four embedded magnets for attachment. There are two sets of magnets in the box, enabling you to use the screen with two laptops.
Initially, the monitor is fully behind your laptop's screen. You need to slide the panel from behind and fully deploy it outside so that it is visible. Users can also rotate the panel as per their liking. You can also use the frame as a stand when it is not attached to the back of your laptop.
The monitor supports DisplayPort over a USB C connection. You need to download the DisplayLink driver for Windows or Mac to use the screen. Lastly, the screen has a 60Hz refresh rate and adequate brightness. All in all, the SideTrak monitor works as a great screen on the go.
- Color: Gray
- Dimensions: 12.8 x 8.5 x 0.7 inches
- In The Box: SideTrak Portable Monitor, metal case, two pairs of laptop magnets, USB-C to USB- C cable.
FAQs
What are the best portable monitors?
Some good portable monitors include:
Are USB monitors good?
Yes, USB monitors are great. They allow smooth video and low latency due to the USB connection, giving it a plug-and-play feel. The technology also gives you high-resolution and 32-bit color graphics on your portable monitor.
Do portable monitors work with laptops?
Yes, any laptop with a USB-C or USB A port (depending on your monitor's needs) will work with a portable monitor. They can also serve as a second screen for your MacBook.
Are there touchscreen portable monitors?
Yes, there are several touchscreen monitors available. Technological advancements have allowed secondary laptop/PC screens to interact and respond to touch in milliseconds. Some popular touchscreen monitors include the Desklab Ultralight 4K portable monitor and the Asus ZenScreen Touch Monitor.
Is 1080p resolution good?
1080p is an excellent resolution for a portable screen. It offers full HD content, up to five times better than the average 720p. However, compared to 4K and 5K, 1080p is a mediocre resolution.
Can I connect my phone to a portable monitor?
If your phone supports HDMI mode, you can connect your phone to a portable monitor using an HDMI adapter. Simply plug the adapter into your phone and the HDMI cable into your monitor to connect your phone.Â
How do I connect my laptop to an external monitor?
You can connect your laptop to an external monitor via an HDMI or USB-C cable. These cables usually come with your portable monitor.Â
What cable do I need to connect the laptop to an external monitor?
You need an HDMI cable to connect the two. You will need a USB C cable if your laptop or monitor does not support HDMI. However, most laptops come with at least one HDMI port to make your job easy (except for MacBook).
Wrap Up
Portable monitors are undoubtedly an excellent tool for productivity or just watching a movie on the side as you work from home. We discussed some great options for you to browse from, each with its pros and cons.Â
Whatever your budget, there is some kind of monitor for you. Need to pair it up with your PlayStation on the go? No worries, there are plenty of gaming-centered monitors available too. Make sure you pick the best one that suits your needs. Lastly, stay on the lookout for exclusive deals to save some bucks!