Today’s busy professionals do business from home, co-working spaces, and nearly every place that’s equipped with internet access. While they find that their smartphones, portable projectors and portable document scanners are indispensable gadgets for quick communication among stakeholders, they often need desk-top quality displays to give presentations and explain complex graphical data to business associates. When a projector screen is unavailable, the best option for a business person is a portable monitor.
A portable monitor is a lightweight, full-sized computer screen that’s designed to be slid into a protective sleeve for easy transport. A portable monitor for a laptop or a tablet has a pop-up stand that folds down during storage. It also conveniently connects to most computing devices via a USB or HDMI cable. Depending on its specifications, a portable external monitor is great for software developers, salespeople, and gamers.
Buying a portable monitor is a significant tech investment. Need a good reason to purchase one? Here are four.
- Reduce eye strain that’s caused by hours of viewing small mobile phone and tablet screens
- Reinforce a professional brand image with crystal-clear graphics on a full-sized screen
- Improve productivity
- Increase collaboration
Convinced that you need a portable monitor? Check out this review of the best portable monitors in 2020.
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Best-Overall Value Portable Monitor: Lepow 15.6-inch Portable Monitor
Portable Monitor - Lepow 15.6 Inch Full HD 1080P USB Type-C Computer...
- [ ] Lepow USB C 1920*1080 portable monitor delivers a truly immersive viewing experience that lets you enjoy High-Definition entertainment and gaming.
- [ ] Two full-function type-C ports design makes this portable gaming monitor more convenient to connect your laptop, smartphone, PC, PS3, PS4, or Switch etc. The upper one supports HDMI connection/Type-C connection/power supply, and the lower one supports Type-C connection/power supply. It's ideal for extending your screen or playing games on business trip, travel, or home entertainment.
- [ ] Lepow USB C 1920*1080 portable monitor delivers a truly immersive viewing experience that lets you enjoy High-Definition entertainment and gaming.
- [ ] Two full-function type-C ports design makes this portable gaming monitor more convenient to connect your laptop, smartphone, PC, PS3, PS4, or Switch etc. The upper one supports HDMI connection/Type-C connection/power supply, and the lower one supports Type-C connection/power supply. It's ideal for extending your screen or playing games on business trip, travel, or home entertainment.
- [ & ] 2 built-in speakers efficiently helps display multi-media files especially when listen to music/watch movies/play games. HDR mode support excellent mainstream transmission so that you can enjoy great video transmission in game and other entertainment.
- [, & ] With a slim 0.3-inch profile and just 1.76 pounds, Lepow 15.6 inch portable monitor is ideal for your life and work to make a simple setup on-the-go dual-monitor and mobile presentations.
- [ & ] Lepow have added a smart cover and a screen protector to fully protect our monitor. The cover case is made of PU leather to provide excellent protection for the entire monitor and can be folded into different positions to create a stand. The protective film prevents the screen from being scratched.
Specifications and Features
The Lepow 15.6-inch monitor* is the best portable monitor for overall value in 2020. The Lepow portable monitor comes with a host of features that make it the ideal choice for business professionals and gamers. This full high-definition (HD), 1920 X 1080 resolution monitor delivers stunning image and video quality. This portable computer monitor weighs 1.76 pounds and has a 0.3-inch width. It has two integrated speakers for high-quality gaming and video sound, and it comes with a cover that folds into a stand for the portable computer monitor.
How It Operates
The Lepow portable monitor comes with HDMI and USB Type C cables for easy set up with a desktop or a laptop. A user just connects this portable computer monitor to their PC or laptop via the provided cables, and he or she is ready for an engaging computing experience even while on travel. As the best portable monitor in 2020, the Lepow portable monitor has an auto-rotate function that allows users to display web pages, pictures, and documents in landscape and portrait as needed.
Its Many Uses
Its versatility is the main reason that the Lepow portable monitor is the best portable monitor in 2020. This portable external monitor has features that allow users to make presentations to clients at alternate work sites, test gaming graphics, or extend their visual workspace with dual screens at the office. At least one customer used multiple Lepow monitors to create a portable display unit.
Why It’s Such a Good Pick
Industry insiders consider the Lepow portable monitor to be the best portable monitor in 2020 because of its light weight, slim profile, and affordable price. The monitor’s premium resolution quality allows users to switch gears from business presentations to video game play with ease.
Customer Reviews
Satisfied users state that this portable computer monitor’s best features are its light weight, quality construction, and great resolution quality.
Five Product FAQs
- #1 Does it need software or drivers to run? No. This Lepow portable monitor for a laptop or desktop connects to your computer without the use of extra software or drivers that are often banned by corporate IT departments for security reasons.
- #2 Will the Lepow portable monitor connect to my PC, laptop, phone, and XBOX? Yes. This portable external monitor has three ports that are used for charging and device connection. The portable monitor uses USB C and mini HDMI ports to connect to most computing devices making it a solid pick for the best portable monitor for a laptop.
- #3 How do I keep a scratch-free screen? This portable computer monitor has a screen protector in addition to its foldable cover to protect it from damage during use and transit.
- #4 How do I power the Lepow portable monitor? This portable laptop monitor is powered via a USB Type C charging port and cable. A user can connect the USB cable to his or her computer to power the device or connect the cable to a wall adapter.
- #5 Does this portable computer monitor use touchscreen technology? No.
The Runner Up: ASUS MB169B+
ASUS MB169B+ 15.6" Full HD 1920x1080 IPS USB Portable Monitor
- 15.6 inch Full HD portable USB powered monitor with a single USB 3.0 cable for power and data transmission.Aspect Ratio: 16:9. Viewing Angle is 160° (H) / 160° (V)
- World’s slimmest and lightest USB monitor with a sleek and metallic finishIt needs just 1 USB cable for both its video signal and power to deliver up to a Full HD resolution
- 15.6 inch Full HD portable USB powered monitor with a single USB 3.0 cable for power and data transmission.Aspect Ratio: 16:9. Viewing Angle is 160° (H) / 160° (V)
- World’s slimmest and lightest USB monitor with a sleek and metallic finishIt needs just 1 USB cable for both its video signal and power to deliver up to a Full HD resolution
- Auto rotating display bundled with the ASUS Smart Case a 2 way adjustable stand and protective sleeve
- Minimum System Requirement : Windows 7 with 14 Gigahertz Core 2 Duo, 1 Gigabytes RAM, Mac OS X 1083 (not compatible with MacBook and MacBook Pro) Recommended Requirement : Windows 7 with 24 Gigahertz Core 2 Duo or above, 2 Gigabytes RAM
Specifications and Features
The Asus MB169b+ is a full HD display that features 1920 X 1080 resolution graphics on a 15.6-inch screen. It rivals the Lepow monitor with its lightweight design and thin profile. Users tote the 1.7 pound, .33-inch thick Asus portable monitor in its own case. The Asus MB169b* is equipped with blue light filter technology that helps to minimize eye strain that’s caused by blue light.
How It Operates
The Asus MB169b+ is one of the easiest portable monitors to set up. It connects to laptops with only one USB 3.0 cable for charging and data transfer. Users can also use this portable laptop monitor with computers that have USB 2.0 ports. This Asus portable monitor allows users to present data and graphics in landscape or portrait views with its auto-rotate feature and its adjustable laptop stand.
Its Many Uses
While the Asus MB169b+ isn’t the ideal choice for heavy-duty gaming, it works well for business professionals who must present to managers and clients while on the go. This Asus portable monitor also offers a convenient dual-monitor set-up when analysts, business consultants, software developers, and marketers need to collaborate with colleagues.
Why It’s Such a Good Pick
This Asus portable monitor is a good pick for users who want an uncomplicated way to extend their visual workspace with a portable computer monitor. The Asus MB169b+ takes telecommuting up a notch with its full-size screen, light weight, and easy set up.
Customer Reviews
Programmers and app developers praise the resolution, slim footprint, and single-cable design of this Asus portable monitor. According to them, it’s the best portable monitor for team coding sessions at the office or at co-working spaces.
Five Product FAQs
- #1 Will the Asus MB169b+ connect to all my devices? This portable external monitor is compatible with devices that use Windows 7 and Mac OS operating systems.
- #2 Does this Asus portable monitor require software and drivers to work? Yes. The Asus MB169b+ comes with software and drivers that users must install prior to use.
- #3 Can I connect multiple Asus portable monitors to one PC? Yes. Users can connect multiple portable monitors to one computer using a USB hub.
- #4 How do I adjust the brightness on the Asus MB169b+? Users adjust screen brightness with the controls that are located on the side of this portable monitor for a laptop.
- #5 How long is the USB cord? This Asus portable monitor includes a 3-foot USB cable.
The Gaming Option: Gaems Sentinel Pro XP
GAEMS Sentinel Pro Xp 1080P Portable Gaming Monitor for Xbox One X,...
- Accessories Included: HDMI Cable:30CM (One end with 90 degree and other end 180 degree) 12V 1.5A wall mount adapter, external accessory bag for storing controllers, power supplies, and cables.
- Screen Finish:Anti-glare Resolution: 1920 x 1080 Panel Type:IPS Monitor:17.3" FHD 1080P IPS Display Viewing Angle: 170 Degree/170 Degree
- Accessories Included: HDMI Cable:30CM (One end with 90 degree and other end 180 degree) 12V 1.5A wall mount adapter, external accessory bag for storing controllers, power supplies, and cables.
- Screen Finish:Anti-glare Resolution: 1920 x 1080 Panel Type:IPS Monitor:17.3" FHD 1080P IPS Display Viewing Angle: 170 Degree/170 Degree
- Chambered and tuned 3W stereo speakers deliver quality sound without headsets and has a 3.5mm audio output when you do want to use headsets
- Hard-shell protective case with 105 degrees of hinge angle
- Self-contained Personal Gaming Environment for your favorite gaming consoles Game Anywhere! Plug and Play
Specifications and Features
For gamers who love to play on the go, the Gaems Sentinel Pro XP* is the best portable monitor in 2020. This portable gaming monitor was designed by professional gamers who travel a lot for business. It has the features that most casual gamers only dream about. Fantasy play comes to life on this 1920 X 1080 resolution portable gaming monitor. Picture and video quality are enhanced by the screen’s anti-glare finish. Gaems Sentinel users enjoy a generous 17.3-inch screen that supports an immersive gaming environment while reducing eye fatigue; these qualities make it the best portable monitor for gaming. Chambered 3W stereo speakers are built into the monitor to create an amazing mobile gaming experience with or without headsets.
Side note: for home use with a desktop pc (read our review on tempered glass pc cases) or gaming laptop we still recommend the LG27GL850 as your main gaming monitor.
How It Operates
The Gaems Sentinel comes with an HDMI cable that allows users to connect the portable gaming monitor to gaming consoles such as the Xbox One X, Xbox One S, PlayStation 4 Pro, PlayStation 4, and the PS4 Slim. Users can navigate menu selections for this portable HDMI monitor using a remote control that’s included with the device.
Its Many Uses
This portable gaming monitor is used by gamers of all skill levels. While most users will have fun playing their favorite video games during their free time at a friend’s house, the Gaems Sentinel is a go-to accessory for professional gamers who travel to competitions and conferences around the world. This portable gaming monitor is also a favorite with video game developers who must test out their work to meet exacting market demands for life-like video and graphics quality.
Why It’s Such a Good Pick
This portable gaming monitor is HDMI enabled. Its HDMI cables transmit uncompressed data for the highest image quality on the market. Besides having the technical features that make for an exciting gaming experience, this portable HDMI monitor also comes with a hard-shell case that protects it from most travel hazards. Compatible gaming consoles fit into a molded space within the case to complete a mobile, self-contained gaming environment for the user.
Customer Reviews
Users of the Gaems Sentinel remark that this portable HDMI monitor delivers crisp visuals with no lag. They also love the carrying case for this portable gaming monitor.
Five Product FAQs
- #1 Does the Gaems Sentinel use IPS or TN panels? The makers of the Gaems Sentinel use IPS panels to produce superior picture quality for the best portable monitor in 2020 for gaming.
- #2 Is this portable gaming monitor compatible with other consoles besides Xbox and PlayStation? This portable HDMI monitor connects to gaming consoles using an HDMI cable. If the gaming console has an HDMI port, it’ll work with this portable HDMI monitor.
- #3 Does this portable monitor support multi-player games? Yes.
- #4 Will this portable HDMI monitor work in other countries that have voltage differences? This portable HDMI monitor works between 100v and 240v to accommodate voltage differences in other countries.
- #5 What’s the latency for this portable HDMI monitor? 5-7 milliseconds.
The Innovation: Mobile Pixels Duex Pro
Mobile Pixels Duex Pro Portable Monitor for Laptops 12.5" Full HD IPS...
- 【UPGRADED DUAL OR TRI SCREEN】Trio 12.5” FHD or 1080P IPS Screen was crowdfunded $1.6 million in 2019 and upgraded the latest 2021 version after gathering over 200,000 user feedbacks. This anti-glare portable laptop monitor is lightweighted,offers rich and vivid colors from all viewing angles with eye care mode and brightness adjustable.One Trio Monitor is for dual screen. Only TWO Trio Monitors make triple screens.
- 【UPGRADED DUAL OR TRI SCREEN】Trio 12.5” FHD or 1080P IPS Screen was crowdfunded $1.6 million in 2019 and upgraded the latest 2021 version after gathering over 200,000 user feedbacks. This anti-glare portable laptop monitor is lightweighted,offers rich and vivid colors from all viewing angles with eye care mode and brightness adjustable.One Trio Monitor is for dual screen. Only TWO Trio Monitors make triple screens.
- 【PLUG AND PLAY, VERSATILE COMPABILITY】Attach Trio Monitor, Plug in and Slide out this laptop monitor extender.It is that SIMPLE! Trio is compatible with Windows,Android,Mac,Linux,Nitendo Switch.
- 【ONE CABLE SETUP,BACKWARD CHARGING】 NO DRIVER required when connect USB type-C ports. This mobile monitor connects both USB A and USB C .No limitation to a single USB-C port, plugging in the power cord to the back charging USB-C power port on Trio max monitor, it supplies Trio max with external power and will charge connected USB-C device.
- 【FOR ANY WAY ANYWHERE YOU WANT】Full 270° rotation to save space, 180° presentation mode for meetings to share the same laptop screen,Slide this extender to either side of your laptop monitor as you prefer. Landscape or Portrait viewing option for any situation. It's compact to save sapce where you go, in airplaines, coffee shops, co-working spaces,etc.
- 【ONE YEAR WARRANTY】 BSMI, CE, FCC, KCC, RoHS, UL, WEEE, CA65 certified, with high quality industry materials and can withstand the wear and tear that comes with transporting your laptop around.Feel free to contact our customer service.
Specifications and Features
When looking for the best portable monitor for a laptop, users must consider the Mobile Pixels Duex Pro*. Its innovative features make the Mobile Pixels Duex Pro shine as the best portable monitor for a laptop. This portable external monitor attaches to a laptop and slides out for side-by-side viewing. The attached portable monitor for a laptop rotates 270 degrees for flexible viewing at nearly any angle. The full HD screen is 12.5 inches and delivers 1920 X 1080 resolution quality.
How It Operates
After attaching the portable external monitor to the laptop with the included adhesive magnets, users simply connect the devices with USB cables. The Mobile Pixels Duex Pro comes with USB C and A ports and cables that allow it to connect to Windows, Apple, and Chromebook laptops.
Its Many Uses
When it comes to making business presentations, the Mobile Pixels Duex Pro is the best portable monitor for a laptop. It only weighs 1.6 pounds and is great for traveling consultants, salespeople, or any business professional who needs to collaborate with clients, colleagues, and company executives. The Mobile Pixels Duex Pro is also considered the best portable monitor for students who study and work in classrooms, coffee shops, and at home.
Why It’s Such a Good Pick
The Mobile Pixels Duex Pro doesn’t try to be all things to all computing devices. It aims to be the best portable monitor for a laptop. Its features specifically target and exceed the expectations of laptop users who commute to work, home offices, and other off-site locations. These features combined with the device’s energy efficiency make it some users’ pick for best portable monitor for a laptop.
Customer Reviews
Mobile Pixels Duex Pro users love the monitor’s sharp, clear picture quality and its fast, easy set up. Business professionals say that this portable monitor for a laptop helps them to multitask efficiently and have multiple programs running at the same time.
Five Product FAQs
- #1 How do I adjust the brightness on this portable monitor for a laptop? The brightness control knobs are on the side of the device. Users can raise the brightness to 300N or lower it to 120N.
- #2 Does this device require a driver? Yes. Users must download a driver prior to connecting the monitor to a laptop.
- #3 Does the Duex Pro have dual-monitor capabilities? Yes. You can display different windows on the monitor than those that are shown on your laptop’s screen.
- #4 How is the Duex Pro powered? This portable monitor for a laptop is powered via a USB connection to a laptop.
- #5 Does the Duex Pro monitor work with Linux operating systems? No. There are no drivers currently available for Linux-based laptops.
Conclusion
To qualify as the best portable monitor, a device must be easy to carry, have excellent picture quality, and connect to various computing devices. Ultimately, the best portable monitor in 2020 depends on the needs and expectations of the user.
Here are all options again:
Portable Monitor - Lepow 15.6 Inch Full HD 1080P USB Type-C Computer...
- [ ] Lepow USB C 1920*1080 portable monitor delivers a truly immersive viewing experience that lets you enjoy High-Definition entertainment and gaming.
- [ ] Two full-function type-C ports design makes this portable gaming monitor more convenient to connect your laptop, smartphone, PC, PS3, PS4, or Switch etc. The upper one supports HDMI connection/Type-C connection/power supply, and the lower one supports Type-C connection/power supply. It's ideal for extending your screen or playing games on business trip, travel, or home entertainment.
- [ ] Lepow USB C 1920*1080 portable monitor delivers a truly immersive viewing experience that lets you enjoy High-Definition entertainment and gaming.
- [ ] Two full-function type-C ports design makes this portable gaming monitor more convenient to connect your laptop, smartphone, PC, PS3, PS4, or Switch etc. The upper one supports HDMI connection/Type-C connection/power supply, and the lower one supports Type-C connection/power supply. It's ideal for extending your screen or playing games on business trip, travel, or home entertainment.
- [ & ] 2 built-in speakers efficiently helps display multi-media files especially when listen to music/watch movies/play games. HDR mode support excellent mainstream transmission so that you can enjoy great video transmission in game and other entertainment.
- [, & ] With a slim 0.3-inch profile and just 1.76 pounds, Lepow 15.6 inch portable monitor is ideal for your life and work to make a simple setup on-the-go dual-monitor and mobile presentations.
- [ & ] Lepow have added a smart cover and a screen protector to fully protect our monitor. The cover case is made of PU leather to provide excellent protection for the entire monitor and can be folded into different positions to create a stand. The protective film prevents the screen from being scratched.
ASUS MB169B+ 15.6" Full HD 1920x1080 IPS USB Portable Monitor
- 15.6 inch Full HD portable USB powered monitor with a single USB 3.0 cable for power and data transmission.Aspect Ratio: 16:9. Viewing Angle is 160° (H) / 160° (V)
- World’s slimmest and lightest USB monitor with a sleek and metallic finishIt needs just 1 USB cable for both its video signal and power to deliver up to a Full HD resolution
- 15.6 inch Full HD portable USB powered monitor with a single USB 3.0 cable for power and data transmission.Aspect Ratio: 16:9. Viewing Angle is 160° (H) / 160° (V)
- World’s slimmest and lightest USB monitor with a sleek and metallic finishIt needs just 1 USB cable for both its video signal and power to deliver up to a Full HD resolution
- Auto rotating display bundled with the ASUS Smart Case a 2 way adjustable stand and protective sleeve
- Minimum System Requirement : Windows 7 with 14 Gigahertz Core 2 Duo, 1 Gigabytes RAM, Mac OS X 1083 (not compatible with MacBook and MacBook Pro) Recommended Requirement : Windows 7 with 24 Gigahertz Core 2 Duo or above, 2 Gigabytes RAM
GAEMS Sentinel Pro Xp 1080P Portable Gaming Monitor for Xbox One X,...
- Accessories Included: HDMI Cable:30CM (One end with 90 degree and other end 180 degree) 12V 1.5A wall mount adapter, external accessory bag for storing controllers, power supplies, and cables.
- Screen Finish:Anti-glare Resolution: 1920 x 1080 Panel Type:IPS Monitor:17.3" FHD 1080P IPS Display Viewing Angle: 170 Degree/170 Degree
- Accessories Included: HDMI Cable:30CM (One end with 90 degree and other end 180 degree) 12V 1.5A wall mount adapter, external accessory bag for storing controllers, power supplies, and cables.
- Screen Finish:Anti-glare Resolution: 1920 x 1080 Panel Type:IPS Monitor:17.3" FHD 1080P IPS Display Viewing Angle: 170 Degree/170 Degree
- Chambered and tuned 3W stereo speakers deliver quality sound without headsets and has a 3.5mm audio output when you do want to use headsets
- Hard-shell protective case with 105 degrees of hinge angle
- Self-contained Personal Gaming Environment for your favorite gaming consoles Game Anywhere! Plug and Play
Mobile Pixels Duex Pro Portable Monitor for Laptops 12.5" Full HD IPS...
- 【UPGRADED DUAL OR TRI SCREEN】Trio 12.5” FHD or 1080P IPS Screen was crowdfunded $1.6 million in 2019 and upgraded the latest 2021 version after gathering over 200,000 user feedbacks. This anti-glare portable laptop monitor is lightweighted,offers rich and vivid colors from all viewing angles with eye care mode and brightness adjustable.One Trio Monitor is for dual screen. Only TWO Trio Monitors make triple screens.
- 【UPGRADED DUAL OR TRI SCREEN】Trio 12.5” FHD or 1080P IPS Screen was crowdfunded $1.6 million in 2019 and upgraded the latest 2021 version after gathering over 200,000 user feedbacks. This anti-glare portable laptop monitor is lightweighted,offers rich and vivid colors from all viewing angles with eye care mode and brightness adjustable.One Trio Monitor is for dual screen. Only TWO Trio Monitors make triple screens.
- 【PLUG AND PLAY, VERSATILE COMPABILITY】Attach Trio Monitor, Plug in and Slide out this laptop monitor extender.It is that SIMPLE! Trio is compatible with Windows,Android,Mac,Linux,Nitendo Switch.
- 【ONE CABLE SETUP,BACKWARD CHARGING】 NO DRIVER required when connect USB type-C ports. This mobile monitor connects both USB A and USB C .No limitation to a single USB-C port, plugging in the power cord to the back charging USB-C power port on Trio max monitor, it supplies Trio max with external power and will charge connected USB-C device.
- 【FOR ANY WAY ANYWHERE YOU WANT】Full 270° rotation to save space, 180° presentation mode for meetings to share the same laptop screen,Slide this extender to either side of your laptop monitor as you prefer. Landscape or Portrait viewing option for any situation. It's compact to save sapce where you go, in airplaines, coffee shops, co-working spaces,etc.
- 【ONE YEAR WARRANTY】 BSMI, CE, FCC, KCC, RoHS, UL, WEEE, CA65 certified, with high quality industry materials and can withstand the wear and tear that comes with transporting your laptop around.Feel free to contact our customer service.
My name is Tracy and I’m a passionate blogger about everything involving the latest tech, programming, gaming, gadgets, hardware or software.