One advantage of desktop PCs is how their accompanying monitors are typically better than anything that a portable device such as a laptop or phone has to offer. It’s large, it’s detailed, and it’s easier on the eyes. However, a few modifications courtesy of the best portable monitor models on Amazon ought to level the playing field a bit.
A portable monitor, for the uninitiated, is practically a tablet-sized screen that you can bring around and plug into your device for more display real estate.
Granted, they’re still not as ideal as a desktop PC’s monitor. Portable monitor models, however, can alleviate some of the most glaring drawbacks of portable computers.
Asus ZenScreen Portable USB Monitor (MB166C)
PROS
- IPS panel is convenient
- Tripod mounting points
- Generous warranty
- Reasonable price
CONS
- Looks way too similar to other variants
- Setup is somewhat complicated
Specs:
- Size: 15.6”
- Resolution: 1080p
- Panel Type: IPS
With a 3-year warranty, the Asus pedigree, and a reasonable price, the Asus ZenScreen makes a strong case for portable monitors. It has automatic orientation sensing if you want portrait mode alongside your laptop and an IPS panel so viewing angle doesn’t matter.
It’s strictly for work, not gaming as the refresh rate is stuck at 60Hz, but then again, most portable monitors choose that frequency for better portability. There’s a touchscreen version in case you need something more tailored.
Asus ZenScreen Portable USB Monitor (MB166C)
ViewSonic 15.6-Inch 1080p Portable OLED Monitor
PROS
- Gorgeous OLED screen
- Stand can increase height
- Pantone validated color accuracy
- Great for digital artists
CONS
- Expensive for a portable monitor
Specs:
- Size: 15.6”
- Resolution: 1080p
- Panel Type: OLED
If you want something a lot sharper and more representative of actual colors that the human eye can see, ViewSonic has an answer in the form of its OLED Portable Monitor. It’s expensive for a portable monitor, of course, as is the case with anything that has an OLED screen.
However, you’ll find this quite helpful if you work as a digital media professional and need exceptional color accuracy. Moreover, the stand for this portable monitor can extend to increase its height, making it less painful for your neck.
ViewSonic 15.6-Inch 1080p Portable OLED Monitor
Maxfree F2 Triple Screen Laptop Screen Extender
PROS
- Can rotate to portrait
- 14 inches is a good size for most laptops
CONS
- Pricey
Specs:
- Size: 14″ x 2
- Resolution: 1080p
- Panel Type: Unspecified
Sometimes, you need more than one additional screen if you want to look serious or if your work is becoming a little too crowded. A solution like this could work well and provide you with even more screen.
Both screens also rotate to portrait orientation which is helpful for anyone dealing with long documents or graphs. You do have to keep your laptop’s size in mind though as anything too big or too small (15 inches being the ideal middle screen) might look disproportionate.
Maxfree F2 Triple Screen Laptop Screen Extender
Acer Portable Monitor (PM161Q Abmiuuzx)
PROS
- Thin design
- Affordable price
- Cover doubles as stand
- Good connectivity options
CONS
- Can be fragile
Specs:
- Size: 15.6″
- Resolution: 1080p
- Panel Type: IPS
Even Acer has its own contender in the portable monitor market and it’s likely a popular one for those who are more budget-oriented. The price is the lowest among our options here but it still has features that make it up to par with models from Asus.
There’s an included cover which also doubles as a screen protector and case and the monitor is compatible with a wide range of ports and connectivity options. It’s one defining feature is that it’s slim and can fit in most bags– even shoulder bags though you want to be careful with this one as thinner is usually more delicate.
