Games
Best Portable Monitors in 2024
Single screens just don’t cut it anymore, especially if one is a fan of multitasking. Whether it’s enhancing productivity during work trips, gaming on the fly, or extending the display for creative projects, portable monitors offer a versatile solution for different needs. These compact screens are designed to be lightweight, easy to carry, and quick to set up, making them ideal for users who work remotely, frequent travelers, and gamers alike.
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ViewSonic VG1655
Table of Contents
Best Overall Portable Monitor
These days, the market is flooded with portable monitors that come equipped with improved resolution, higher refresh rates, and a variety of connectivity options like USB-C and HDMI. For users who often work on the road or from various locations, portable monitors can be paired with a laptop to boost efficiency by enabling seamless multitasking. Gamers, on the other hand, can plug their handheld consoles with portable monitors to enjoy gaming on a bigger screen that features high refresh rates, sharp visuals, and minimal input lag.
But with so many options to choose from, choosing the right portable monitor can be a tedious task. That’s where this list by Game Rant comes in clutch. Whether it’s for work, play, or creative endeavors, these are the best portable monitors that one can buy right now.
Game Rant’s Picks of the Best Portable Monitors in 2024
The ViewSonic VG1655 stands out as the best overall portable monitor due to its perfect balance of features, portability, and versatility. With a 15.6-inch full HD display, this monitor offers sharp visuals and vivid colors, making it suitable for both work and entertainment. It features an IPS panel with a 178-degree wide field of view.
The monitor comes with a built-in kickstand, which ensures stability and ease of use in various settings, whether for a remote work setup, watching movies, or giving presentations on the go. Additionally, its compact design and lightweight build make it ideal for users who frequently travel or need a second screen while working from different locations.
As for connectivity, the VG1655 comes with dual USB-C ports, that allow for fast and flexible connection with laptops, tablets, and smartphones. There’s also support for 60W for pass-through charging, which should be fine for most laptops, as well as handhelds like the Steam Deck or Nintendo Switch.
For users seeking an affordable yet capable portable monitor, the KYY Portable Monitor offers exceptional value. With a 15.6-inch Full HD IPS display, it delivers sharp and clear images without compromising on quality. The slim and lightweight design makes it easy to slip into a backpack or laptop bag, perfect for students, professionals, or casual users who need extra screen space on the go.
Despite its affordable price tag, the monitor includes USB-C to USB-A, USB-C to USB-C, and even a Mini-HDMI to HDMI cable for easy connectivity. The monitor’s smart cover doubles as a stand, providing adjustable viewing angles. There are also serviceable speakers, which should be fine for normal content consumption.
Owing to the budget price tag, the KYY Portable Monitor doesn’t support pass-through charging and comes with only a 12-month warranty. That’s quite low when compared to top brands like ViewSonic or ASUS, but acceptable considering the price. Alternatively, one can consider the InnoView Portable Monitor. It offers a similar design with pretty much the same features but comes with an 18-month warranty.
For those seeking premium quality, the ViewSonic VX1655-4K-OLED is the ultimate choice. This 15.6-inch monitor features stunning 4K resolution paired with OLED technology, delivering deep blacks, vibrant colors, and exceptional contrast. Ideal for professionals in graphic design, video editing, or any creative field, this portable monitor ensures unparalleled visual clarity and color accuracy.
The VX1655-4K-OLED comes with dual USB-C ports for fast data transfer and charging, along with a mini-HDMI port for wider compatibility. There’s support for up to 60W charging via USB-C, which leads to less cable clutter. The built-in kickstand allows easy adjustment for comfortable viewing angles, and the OLED panel ensures crisp visuals in both dark and bright environments. Additionally, while there is the risk of OLED burn-in over time, ViewSonic offers an excellent 3-year warranty on this monitor for a peace of mind purchase.
The ASUS ZenScreen OLED MQ16AH is a standout choice for users who prioritize display quality above all. With a 15.6-inch OLED panel, this portable monitor provides breathtaking color accuracy and deep contrast, with a 100% DCI-P3 color gamut, and a Delta E < 2. As a result, the panel is perfect for watching movies, editing photos, or designing graphics. The monitor also includes a smart case with an integral tripod socket that allows flexible viewing positions.
Additionally, the MQ16AH is incredibly slim and lightweight, making it easy to carry in a backpack or laptop bag. Its wide range of connectivity options, including three USB-C and a Mini-HDMI, ensures compatibility with a variety of devices. There’s also a built-in proximity sensor that dims the display when not in use, thus saving your device power and preventing unnecessary OLED burn-in.
The ASUS ROG Strix XG17AHPE is the go-to portable monitor for gamers, offering a 17.3-inch Full HD display with a 240Hz refresh rate. This high refresh rate ensures smooth and responsive gameplay, crucial for fast-paced games like shooters and racing titles. The monitor is designed to be ultraportable, with a slim profile and built-in battery that lasts up to 3 hours at 240Hz, making it perfect for gaming on the go.
The XG17AHPE supports USB-C and micro-HDMI connectivity, allowing users to connect it to a range of devices. This means not just gaming laptops, but the external monitor can also be paired with handheld consoles like the Steam Deck or ASUS ROG Ally, to enjoy high refresh rate gaming on a bigger display. Its ultra-smooth performance, coupled with minimal input lag, makes it the ideal choice for gamers who demand top-tier performance even outside their home setup.
For users seeking ultra-high-definition visuals on the go, the ZSCMALLS 4K Portable Monitor offers outstanding 4K resolution in a lightweight, compact design. With a 15.6-inch display, this monitor brings out every detail in high resolution, making it an excellent choice for tasks that require precision, such as photo editing, graphic design, or even enjoying 4K movies.
The monitor also comes with a unique pen hole design at the bottom which serves as the stand. This is quite innovative, as it enables the user to use the monitor in both landscape and portrait modes. It also features USB-C and HDMI connectivity, ensuring compatibility with various devices, including laptops, smartphones, gaming consoles, and more. The speakers could have been better, but considering that it is a 4K monitor at this price, that shouldn’t be a dealbreaker.
How to Choose the Best Portable Monitor
Choosing the best portable monitor can seem overwhelming with so many options available, but breaking down the key factors can make the decision easier. Here are some essential things to consider when shopping for a portable monitor.
Use Case
Your primary use case will influence your choice of monitor. If you’re primarily using it for gaming, a higher refresh rate and lower response time are crucial. For creative work like photo editing or video production, high resolution and color accuracy are essential. If you need a monitor for general productivity or multitasking, a good balance of size, resolution, and features is important.
Screen Size and Resolution
The size of the screen is one of the most important factors to consider when selecting a portable monitor. Typically, portable monitors range from 13 to 17 inches. For users who need extra screen space for work, such as spreadsheets, multitasking, or creative projects, larger monitors around 15.6 inches or more are ideal. Gamers might also prefer larger screens for more immersive gameplay. On the other hand, smaller monitors (around 13–14 inches) are lighter and easier to carry, making them perfect for frequent travelers or those with limited desk space.
Going hand in hand with the screen size is resolution, which determines the image quality and clarity. Higher resolutions like 4K offer sharper and more detailed images. However, higher resolutions may also demand more processing power from your device. Consider your device’s capabilities and the level of detail required for your specific tasks.
Connectivity
Ensure the monitor has the necessary ports (HDMI, USB-C, DisplayPort) to connect to your devices. Check if the monitor supports multiple connections, which can be convenient if you frequently switch between devices. For monitors come with a USB-C port, which supports video, power, and data transfer through a single cable, making it convenient for laptops, smartphones, and tablets. However, some users might prefer HDMI ports to connect to gaming consoles, older laptops, or cameras.
Charging Support and Battery Life
Most portable monitors can be powered directly from a connected device via USB-C, reducing the need for separate charging. This makes the setup simple, especially when traveling. However, some monitors may also include an additional power option if the connected device doesn’t provide enough power. Others have built-in batteries, which can be a great feature for users who are often on the move and don’t want to drain their laptop or phone battery.
Design, Build Quality, and Weight
Given that portable monitors are often used outside a traditional office setting, durability is an important factor. Some models even come with protective covers that double as stands, which not only keep the screen safe but also allow for easy setup in any environment. Durability is especially crucial for users who frequently travel, as the monitor will be exposed to constant movement and handling.
As the name suggests, portable monitors are designed to be lightweight and portable. Typically, portable monitors weigh around 1.5 to 2 pounds, but larger models, like those geared toward gaming, might weigh more. Unless you specifically need the higher screen size or smoother refresh rate, it’s better to opt for a lighter and more portable form factor monitor.
FAQ
Q: Can portable monitors be used for gaming?
Absolutely! Many portable monitors offer fast refresh rates and high-definition resolution, making them great for gaming on the go.
Q: Are portable monitors compatible with all laptops?
Most portable monitors use USB-C or HDMI connections, making them compatible with many laptops and other devices.
Q: How do I power a portable monitor?
Portable monitors are typically powered through a USB-C connection, some of which can also carry the video signal, minimizing cable clutter.
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