Credit: TechRadar
While monitors have theoretically been “portable” for decades, lighter devices that fit into a carry case rather than a station wagon are a relatively recent creation. Are there any versions you’d truly liked to use? They’re brand new, to be sure.
The best portable monitors can provide you with that extra screen real estate without necessitating a larger workstation. In comparison to typical computer monitors, which have a significantly larger footprint, as well as more cables, and demand a lot more room, they are compact and movable with a minimalist design. On one of these portable monitors, you can quickly get all of your gaming, graphic design, coding, or productivity work done – some of these are among the best business monitors to buy in 2022. Also, you can review the Samsung Odyssey G9 Gaming Monitor
Why buy a Portable Monitor?
If you’ve already opted to get a portable monitor, you already know why. However, for those who are still unsure what all the fuss is about, portable monitors have a lot to offer.
In essence, individuals want to expand the amount of screen area available to them. Work and study are only a few examples, as are gaming and other forms of amusement. The portable monitors make it simple to expand the screen of a laptop or enhance a mobile device’s display size. They are also far more portable than a desktop monitor, making them an excellent choice for a tech-savvy individual who needs additional display real estate on the move. Also, you can see the best 2 in 1 laptops
The Best Portable Monitors to Buy in 2022
- HP EliteDisplay S14
- SideTrak Slide Portable Monitor
- ViewSonic TD1655 Touch Portable Monitor
- Asus ROG Strix XG17AHP
- AOC I1601FWUX
- ASUS ZenScreen MB16ACE
1. HP EliteDisplay S14
Display Size: 14″ | Display Resolution: 1920 x 1080 | Panel type: IPS | Max brightness: 200 cd/m2 | Contrast: 700:1 | RAM: 2 GB VRAM | Operating System: Windows 10 | Dimensions: 359.7 x 226.4 x 8mm | Weight: 1000g
Pros
- Small and light
- Mostly good screen specs
- Handy included case/stand combo
Cons
- Poor max brightness
- Priced slightly higher than similar rivals
- Heavy for the screen size
HP’s one and only solo portable monitor, at 14 inches, is slightly smaller than most of its competitors. This makes it great for those who value mobility, especially because the screen is only 9mm thick. Thankfully, the smaller screen size does not imply a lesser screen resolution; this is still a Full HD 1920 x 1080 panel, which means super-crisp image quality thanks to the compact display area. Because this is an IPS screen, you can anticipate realistic color and contrast, as well as wide viewing angles. The main flaw is the screen brightness, which is a touch lower than typical at 200 cd/m2. Because of the panel’s low power usage of 5 watts, it may be charged straight from your laptop through USB-C. When you consider the HP EliteDisplay S14 practical wrap-around shell, which folds into an easel stand for tabletop use, it becomes an ultra-portable portable display.
2. SideTrak Slide Portable Monitor
Display Size: 12.5″ | Display Resolution: 1920 x 1080 | Panel type: IPS | Max brightness: 300 cd/m2 | Contrast: 600:1 | Dimensions: 327.8 x 209.5 x 8.6mm | Weight: 748g |
Pros
- Innovative attached design
- Superb portability
- High res for such a compact screen
Cons
- Only 12.5-inch screen size
- Pricey for the display area you get
- Slow response time
The problem with most portable monitors is you’ll usually need a desk space large enough to stand your monitor alongside your laptop or smart device. The SideTrak monitor connects to the back of your laptop’s screen and swings out to sit beside it, giving you twin displays without the need for additional workspace – you can even use your laptop on your lap, with the SideTrak firmly supported by your laptop. The display’s bracket connects to a wide range of laptops via special metal plates that are designed to prevent damage to your device, and the sliding support bracket ensures the SideTrak with the best portable displays has the disadvantage of requiring a desk area large enough to accommodate your display with your laptop or smart device. The SideTrak monitor connects to the back of your laptop’s screen and swings out to sit beside it, giving you twin displays without the need for additional workspace – you can even use your laptop on your lap, with the SideTrak firmly supported by your laptop. The display’s bracket attaches to a broad range of laptops using special metal plates that are meant to prevent damage to your computer, and the SideTrak’s sliding support bracket ensures that the SideTrak stays in place and can be positioned just where you want it, regardless of your laptop’s screen size. Also, you can see the full review of HP U28 4K HDR Monitor.
The screen isn’t very large at 12.5 inches, but the 1920 x 1080 resolution makes it incredibly crisp, and it features IPS screen technology to provide consistent color and contrast – ideal for photo viewing and editing. The brightness of 300 cd/m2 and the low power consumption of 4.5 watts are also commendable. Furthermore, despite the additional hardware bracket required to connect to your display, the weight is still incredibly low at 748g.
However, this isn’t a gaming screen, since the 30ms reaction time is rather slow, and the 600:1 contrast ratio isn’t really impressive. You can get larger, better-specced portable displays for less money, but if you want to expand the screen of your laptop in the most practical way possible, the SideTrak could be worth the extra money.
3. ViewSonic TD1655 Touch Portable Monitor
Display Size: 12.5″ | Display Resolution: 1920 x 1080 | Panel type: IPS | Max brightness: 300 cd/m2 | Contrast: 600:1 | Dimensions: 327.8 x 209.5 x 8.6mm | Weight: 748g |
Pros
- Touch screen
- Very light
- Full HD, high-contrast display
Cons
- Could be brighter
- Not the thinnest design
Although ViewSonic is a newcomer to the portable monitor market, its experience with traditional computer displays is evident in its debut portable product. The 15.6-inch TD1655 is barely 15mm thick and weighs 800g, but it offers quality IPS display technology with wide viewing angles and consistent contrast. Although the 1920 x 1080 Full HD resolution isn’t 4K, it’s more than enough for sharp visual quality on this screen size. A contrast ratio of 800:1 is also remarkable, and the monitor’s brightness of 250 cd/m2 should be bright enough to operate effectively in bright environments. The ViewSonic TD1655 Touch can be charged directly from your laptop or a mobile power bank by USB 3.2 Type-C, allowing you to use the screen alongside your phone without having to find a power outlet. For individuals who don’t need touchscreen capabilities, the Viewsonic VG1655 is a good alternative. Also, you can see the full review of Samsung smart monitor m7 with all its specifications, features, price, etc.
4. Asus ROG Strix XG17AHP
Display Size: 17.3″ | Display Resolution: 1920 x 1080 | Panel type: IPS | Max brightness: 300 cd/m2 | Contrast: 1000:1 | Dimensions: 399 x 250.5 x 10mm | Weight: 1060g |
Pros
- Larger than average screen size
- 100% sRGB coverage, blistering refresh rate
- Self-powered
Cons
- Very expensive
- On the go, a large screen is unwieldy
What’s the rule that portable monitors have to be small? The Asus ROG Strix is intended for on-the-go gaming, featuring a larger-than-average 17.3-inch screen to provide a more immersive gaming experience. When it comes to picture or video editing, this also makes it less limiting and simpler to watch. However, don’t expect a larger preview area in relation to toolbars and pallets beside – the display resolution is still Full HD 1920 x 1080, so the ROG Strix just shows everything a little bit bigger than a 15.6-inch portable monitor with the same resolution.
However, sheer size isn’t the sole distinguishing attribute. The 240Hz refresh rate is designed for super-smooth video playing and gaming, and the IPS panel has a 1,000:1 contrast ratio, 100 percent sRGB color gamut coverage, and factory color calibration, as well as stereo speakers up front. A compact tabletop tripod is included, as well as a Smart Cover that serves as a prop stand, so positioning possibilities are fully covered.
Furthermore, this monitor is unique in the portable monitor market since it hides a 7800mAh battery, providing 3.5 hours of mobile power at the quickest 240Hz refresh rate. That’s wonderful news if you don’t want to drain the battery life of your laptop or phone to power your portable monitor.
6. AOC I1601FWUX
Display Size: 15.6″ | Display Resolution: 1920 x 1080 | Panel type: IPS | Max brightness: 220 cd/m2 | Contrast: 700:1 | Dimensions: 376.2 x 235.2 x 8.5mm | Weight: 824g |
Pros
- Great price
- Full HD
- Light, compact chassis
Cons
- Viewing angles could be a bit better
- Max brightness not great
AOC is known for making high-quality displays at low rates, and the company’s new portable offering is no different. Despite the inexpensive price, the 15.6-inch display has a Full HD 1920 x 1080 resolution and is equipped with IPS display technology, which ensures constant color and contrast as well as broad viewing angles. Although it’s worth noting that AOC cites the latter as horizontal/vertical angles of 160/160 degrees, rather than the more common 178/178 degrees associated with an IPS panel. The almost identical AOC I1659FWUX model uses an older USB 3.0 socket and is heavier at 1.2kg as well as being bulkier, so the 820g I1601FWUX is definitely the model to go for unless you simply don’t have a USB-C port, and the 220 cd/m2 peak brightness is fairly weak if you’re viewing under direct sunlight. The gloss black housing and somewhat larger screen bezels don’t scream quality, but at this price range, you can’t have everything.
7. ASUS ZenScreen MB16ACE
Display Size: 15.6″ | Display Resolution: 1920 x 1080 | Panel type: IPS | Max brightness: 250 cd/m2 | Contrast: 800:1 | Dimensions: 359.7 x 226.4 x 8mm | Weight: 710g |
Pros
- Small, slim and very light
- Full HD, IPS image quality
- Well priced
Cons
- Brightness isn’t the best
- Confusing model range
The elegant ZenScreen portable display is available in a variety of sizes, with the 15.6-inch models being the most popular, and some of them are almost identical. In terms of value for money, the ZenScreen MB16ACE narrowly edges over its equivalent stablemates at the time of writing. Full HD 1920 x 1080 resolution, IPS color and contrast accuracy, and a respectable – but not exceptional – brightness of 250 cd/m2. The total dimensions is 359.7 x 226.4, and the screen bezels are only 8mm thick. The ZenScreen comes with a helpful wraparound smart case cover that transforms to a prop stand, and it’s powered by your laptop’s battery through a single USB-C connection, as you’d expect for a portable display. If you want to keep your laptop charged for as long as possible, choose the Asus ZenScreen GO MB16AP, which has a built-in 7800mAh rechargeable battery that can last up to 4 hours.
The basic thinks you have to keep in mind before buying a Portable Monitor:
- Size – For portable monitors, size is an important factor. Although several are larger than regular laptop screens, keep in mind what you’ll be utilising the second screen for. Is it intended to serve as a second screen for children in the car? You could want something smaller and more portable. Do you edit photographs or videos when you’re not at your desk? Then a large screen could be just what you need.
- Weight – If you’re going to be lugging your second screen around with you, weight is also an issue. When you have to carry it for an 8-hour journey to your alpine picture session, a pound or two may not seem like much.
- Screen quality – The quality of the screen will also be important. If all you want to do is watch Netflix or have spontaneous one-on-one meetings, 4K resolution might not be necessary. You’ll probably want a high-resolution IPS portable monitor if you’re going to be combing through hundreds of lines of code or editing media.
- Orientation control – In a portable display, orientation control is also highly useful, especially for photo editing and coding. You can see the whole photo you’re working on by switching the monitor from landscape to portrait mode. Alternatively, you may use it to swiftly examine large chunks of code at a look. It’s also possible that your desktop monitor lacks this capability, requiring you to use a portable display as part of your usual workspace.
- Connectivity – Connectivity is probably the most important feature. After all, what good is a monitor you can’t plug into your devices? And while it may be helpful to have HDMI or DisplayPort compatibility, the new standard is a USB-C connection. A USB-C connection is essential for your portable display since it can transport both power and large quantities of data. Find out what USB-C is and how it differs from conventional display ports.
- Touchscreen input – Touchscreen input is also useful, particularly if you want to use it to augment creative work or cooperate in small groups. It may be used as a multi-purpose tool for producing, revising, and presenting information on your own or as part of a team when combined with digital whiteboarding software.
