Best Portable Monitors 2025: Double Your Screen Space Anywhere and Boost Productivity with Ultra-Slim Displays That Fit in Your Bag

Working on a single laptop screen feels cramped and limiting, especially when you're juggling spreadsheets, video calls, and multiple browser tabs. But lugging around a full-size monitor? That's not exactly practical. Enter portable monitors—the game-changing solution that gives you dual-screen productivity anywhere you go.

We've tested and researched the best portable monitors of 2025 to help you find the perfect second screen that matches your workflow, budget, and lifestyle. Whether you're a remote worker who bounces between coffee shops, a gamer who wants a console companion for hotel rooms, or a creative professional who needs extra canvas space on the go, there's a portable monitor that'll transform how you work and play.

Why You Need a Portable Monitor in 2025

The benefits of a second screen are well-documented: studies show that dual monitors can boost productivity by up to 42%. But traditional monitors keep you tethered to your desk. Portable monitors break that limitation, letting you enjoy multi-screen benefits wherever life takes you.

Modern portable monitors have evolved dramatically. Today's models feature USB-C connectivity that handles both power and display through a single cable, stunning OLED and IPS panels with color accuracy that rivals desktop monitors, and weights under 2 pounds that make them barely noticeable in your bag. Some even include built-in batteries, kickstands, and touchscreen capabilities.

What to Look for in a Portable Monitor

Screen Size: Most portable monitors range from 13 to 17 inches. Smaller 13-15 inch models pair perfectly with laptops and fit in standard backpacks, while 16-17 inch displays offer more screen real estate but require larger bags.

Resolution: 1080p (Full HD) is the baseline and works great for most tasks. If you're editing photos or videos, spring for 4K resolution—just know it'll drain your laptop battery faster.

Connectivity: USB-C is king for portable monitors. Look for models that support USB-C with power delivery, so a single cable handles both display and power. HDMI is useful as a backup option for older devices or gaming consoles.

Panel Type: IPS panels offer excellent color accuracy and wide viewing angles—ideal for creative work. OLED delivers deeper blacks and vibrant colors but costs more. VA panels are budget-friendly but have narrower viewing angles.

Brightness: Aim for at least 250 nits if you'll only use it indoors. For outdoor or bright environments, look for 300-400 nits minimum.

Weight and Build: The whole point is portability. Look for monitors under 2 pounds with durable builds and protective cases included.

Top Portable Monitors for Every Need

Best Overall: ASUS ZenScreen OLED MQ16AH

Why we love it: This 15.6-inch OLED portable monitor strikes the perfect balance of portability, performance, and price. The OLED panel delivers stunning colors with true blacks, making content pop whether you're editing photos or watching videos during downtime.

Key features: 1080p OLED display, USB-C connectivity with 7800mAh built-in battery, auto-rotating smart stand, weighs just 1.9 pounds, includes protective case.

Best for: Creative professionals and remote workers who want premium image quality without breaking the bank.

Price range: Around $250-300

Best Budget Pick: ViewSonic VG1655

Why we love it: You don't need to spend a fortune for a solid second screen. The ViewSonic VG1655 delivers reliable 1080p performance with excellent build quality at a price that won't make you wince.

Key features: 15.6-inch Full HD IPS display, dual USB-C ports, built-in kickstand, 3.9-pound weight (heavier but sturdy), VESA mount compatible.

Best for: Budget-conscious workers who need a dependable second screen for email, documents, and web browsing.

Price range: Around $150-180

Best for Gaming: ASUS ROG Strix XG17AHPE

Why we love it: Gamers demand more than just portability—they need speed. This 17.3-inch beast delivers a blazing 240Hz refresh rate with a 3ms response time, plus a built-in 7800mAh battery that lets you game for hours without wall power.

Key features: 1080p IPS display with 240Hz refresh rate, USB-C and micro-HDMI inputs, tripod mount, built-in battery lasts 3.5 hours, includes foldable smart case.

Best for: Competitive gamers and console enthusiasts who travel frequently and refuse to compromise on performance.

Price range: Around $450-500

Best 4K Option: UPERFECT 4K Portable Monitor 15.6"

Why we love it: If you're editing 4K video or working with high-resolution photos, this monitor gives you the pixel density you need at a surprisingly affordable price. The color accuracy is impressive for the price point.

Key features: 15.6-inch 4K UHD display (3840x2160), 100% sRGB color gamut, USB-C and mini-HDMI, ultra-slim 0.3-inch profile, weighs 1.7 pounds.

Best for: Content creators, photographers, and designers who need accurate color representation and high resolution on the go.

Price range: Around $280-350

Best Touchscreen: Espresso 15 Touch

Why we love it: Touchscreen functionality transforms a portable monitor from a simple display into an interactive workspace. The Espresso 15 Touch offers smooth, responsive touch controls with a gorgeous matte finish that reduces glare.

Key features: 15.6-inch 1080p touchscreen, USB-C connectivity, magnetic stand with multiple angles, anti-glare coating, weighs 2.2 pounds.

Best for: Digital artists, note-takers, and anyone who prefers touch navigation alongside their laptop's trackpad.

Price range: Around $350-400

Best Large Screen: Mobile Pixels DUEX Max

Why we love it: This innovative 14-inch monitor attaches directly to the back of your laptop and slides out when needed—no separate stand required. It's the most integrated portable monitor solution available.

Key features: 14-inch Full HD display, slides and rotates 270 degrees, attaches magnetically to laptop, USB-C and USB-A powered, works in portrait or landscape.

Best for: Road warriors who want the simplest possible setup and teardown without extra cables or stands cluttering their workspace.

Price range: Around $300-350

Best Premium Choice: ASUS ProArt PA148CTC

Why we love it: Professional-grade color accuracy meets portability. This monitor is factory-calibrated for Delta E < 2 color accuracy and covers 100% sRGB and Rec. 709, making it a legitimate tool for color-critical work.

Key features: 14-inch Full HD IPS touchscreen, 10-point multi-touch, Calman verified color accuracy, foldable kickstand, USB-C connectivity, includes stylus.

Best for: Professional photographers, videographers, and designers who need color-accurate portable displays for client presentations or field work.

Price range: Around $400-450

How to Set Up Your Portable Monitor

Setting up most modern portable monitors is refreshingly simple:

1. Connect the USB-C cable from your laptop to the monitor. If your monitor supports USB-C power delivery, this single cable handles everything.

2. Adjust the stand to your preferred viewing angle. Most portable monitors include kickstands or magnetic cases that double as stands.

3. Configure your display settings in your laptop's system preferences. Choose between mirroring your screen or extending your desktop.

4. Position for ergonomics: Place the portable monitor at eye level and about an arm's length away to reduce neck strain.

Pro tip: If your laptop doesn't have USB-C or can't power the monitor via USB-C, use the included HDMI cable for display and the USB-A to USB-C cable for power.

Maximizing Battery Life with Portable Monitors

Portable monitors draw power from your laptop, which can drain your battery faster. Here's how to extend your runtime:

• Lower the brightness to 60-70% instead of maximum
• Choose 1080p over 4K when battery life matters more than resolution
• Close unnecessary apps to reduce overall system load
• Consider models with built-in batteries like the ASUS ZenScreen OLED if you frequently work away from outlets
• Carry a power bank with USB-C power delivery (45W or higher) to recharge both devices

Portable Monitors vs. Tablet as Second Screen

Many tablets now offer "second screen" functionality for laptops. So why buy a dedicated portable monitor?

Portable monitors win on:

• Larger screen sizes (15-17 inches vs. typical 10-11 inch tablets)
• Lower latency and better performance
• No software setup required—just plug and play
• Better value if you only need a display
• More ergonomic stands and viewing angles

Tablets win on:

• Versatility—they're standalone devices, not just displays
• Better for touch-centric work and drawing
• Lighter weight for the smallest models

If you need a full-featured tablet for other purposes, using it as a second screen makes sense. But if you specifically want the best portable second screen experience, dedicated portable monitors deliver superior size, performance, and value.

The Verdict: Which Portable Monitor Should You Buy?

For most people: The ASUS ZenScreen OLED MQ16AH offers the best combination of image quality, portability, and features. The built-in battery is genuinely useful, and the OLED panel makes everything look fantastic.

On a budget: The ViewSonic VG1655 delivers reliable performance without the premium price tag. It's heavier but built like a tank.

For gamers: Don't settle for anything less than the ASUS ROG Strix XG17AHPE. That 240Hz refresh rate makes all the difference in competitive gaming.

For creative professionals: The ASUS ProArt PA148CTC justifies its premium price with factory-calibrated color accuracy that you can trust for client work.

For maximum portability: The Mobile Pixels DUEX Max attaches to your laptop and eliminates the need for separate stands or cases—it's the most streamlined solution available.

Final Thoughts

Portable monitors have matured from niche accessories into essential tools for anyone who works or plays on the go. The productivity boost from having a second screen is undeniable, and modern portable monitors deliver that benefit without the bulk and hassle of traditional displays.

Whether you're a remote worker tired of squinting at a single laptop screen in coffee shops, a gamer who wants to bring your console setup on vacation, or a creative professional who needs color-accurate displays for client meetings, there's a portable monitor that'll transform how you work.

The investment pays for itself quickly in reduced eye strain, improved workflow efficiency, and the freedom to create a productive dual-screen setup anywhere. Your laptop deserves a companion screen—and your productivity will thank you for it.