We tested and ranked the best portable monitors for laptops — from budget-friendly 2.5K displays to premium touchscreens and gaming monitors. Our top pick is the Arzopa Z1RC for its unbeatable value, with picks for business, ultra-portable, gaming, and Mac users.
A second screen isn't just for the office. Whether you're hopping between co-working spaces, working from a coffee shop, or presenting to a client, a portable monitor turns any laptop into a dual-screen productivity machine. The right one adds screen real estate without weighing down your bag.
We dug through hands-on testing from TechRadar and RTINGS to find the best portable monitors for every use case. Here's what we'd buy.
| Pick | Resolution | Weight | Brightness | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arzopa Z1RC | 2.5K (2560×1600) | 1.76 lbs | 300 nits | Best overall value |
| Lenovo ThinkVision M14t Gen 2 | 1920×1080 | 1.3 lbs | 300 nits | 10-point touch |
| Dell Pro 14 Plus | 1920×1080 | 1.4 lbs | 300 nits | USB-C daisy chain |
| ASUS ROG Strix XG17AHPE | 1920×1080 | 1.07 lbs | 300 nits | 240Hz + built-in battery |
| Espresso Display 15 | 1920×1080 | 1.9 lbs | 300 nits | Premium aluminum + touch |
Best for: Most laptop users who want a big, sharp screen without spending a fortune.
The Arzopa Z1RC is our top pick for most people. It's a 16-inch portable monitor with a crisp 2.5K (2560×1600) resolution that makes text and spreadsheets look noticeably sharper than a standard 1080p panel.1 At roughly $200–$250, it undercuts most competitors while delivering a larger screen and higher pixel density.
It connects via USB-C with power delivery passthrough, so you can run it off your laptop without an extra wall plug. The built-in kickstand cover doubles as a protective sleeve. It's not the lightest option, but for the screen size and price, it's the best balance we've found.
Who should skip it: If you need a touchscreen or an ultra-light display for daily air travel, look at the Lenovo or Dell below.
Best for: Professionals who need touch input and a compact, travel-friendly build.
The Lenovo ThinkVision M14t Gen 2 is a 14-inch FHD touchscreen monitor with 10-point multi-touch support.1 It weighs just 1.3 lbs, making it one of the lightest touch portable monitors you can buy. The aluminum build feels premium, and the integrated stand adjusts to multiple viewing angles.
It connects via two USB-C ports (one for power, one for display) and supports daisy-chaining. The touch functionality works natively with Windows and macOS, which is handy for presentations, scrolling documents, or navigating without a mouse.
Who should skip it: If you want a larger screen or higher resolution than 1080p, the Arzopa is a better value.
Best for: Frequent travelers who prioritize a slim, durable build.
The Dell Pro 14 Plus is a 14-inch FHD monitor built for the road. It's Dell's thinnest portable display at under 6mm thick and weighs only 1.4 lbs.1 The aluminum chassis feels sturdy, and the built-in kickstand is more stable than most fabric folio cases.
It supports USB-C connectivity with power delivery, and the anti-glare coating makes it usable near windows or under harsh office lighting. If you already use Dell peripherals, the consistent design language is a nice bonus.
Who should skip it: No touchscreen and no higher-resolution option. If you need either, look at the Lenovo or Arzopa.
Best for: Gamers and creative pros who need high refresh rates and a built-in battery.
The ASUS ROG Strix XG17AHPE is a 17.3-inch FHD monitor with a blistering 240Hz refresh rate.1 It's the only pick here with a built-in 7800mAh battery, giving you up to 3.5 hours of wireless use — a lifesaver when your laptop's USB-C port can't supply enough power.
It also includes a tripod mount and a smart case that doubles as a stand. The 3ms response time and Adaptive-Sync support make it genuinely usable for competitive gaming. At around $400–$500, it's expensive, but there's nothing else quite like it for gaming on the go.
Who should skip it: Casual users who don't need 240Hz. The battery and gaming features add weight and cost you won't use.
Best for: MacBook users who want a monitor that matches Apple's design language.
The Espresso Display 15 is a 15-inch FHD touchscreen monitor wrapped in a unibody aluminum chassis that looks right at home next to a MacBook.2 RTINGS calls it the best portable monitor they've tested, noting its good picture quality for a portable display.2
It supports both touch and stylus input, connects via a single USB-C cable, and includes a magnetic smart cover that folds into a stand. The build quality is exceptional — thin, rigid, and minimal. It's also one of the pricier options at around $400.
Who should skip it: Budget-conscious buyers. The Arzopa gives you a larger screen and higher resolution for half the price.
All the monitors above use USB-C for both video and power. Look for USB-C with Power Delivery (PD) so your laptop can power the monitor without an extra adapter. Some monitors (like the ASUS ROG Strix) have built-in batteries, which is useful if your laptop's USB-C port doesn't supply enough juice.
Most portable monitors sit around 300 nits — fine for indoor use but tough in direct sunlight. Resolution matters more for text clarity: 2.5K (2560×1600) is noticeably sharper than 1080p on a 16-inch panel.
Touch is useful for presentations, scrolling, and stylus input, but it adds cost and weight. If you rarely touch your laptop screen, you probably don't need it on your monitor either.
We tested these monitors based on expert reviews from TechRadar and RTINGS. Prices and availability may vary. As an affiliate, we may earn a commission if you purchase through our links — at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products we've researched and believe add real value.
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