Top 8 Portable Monitors to Purchase in 2026

At a Glance

Category	Product	Why We Picked It
Best overall	HP Series 5 Pro 514pn	premium build with excellent color accuracy
Best value	Arzopa Z1FC	reliable performance at an affordable price
Best for touch	Lenovo ThinkVision M14t Gen2	high-resolution touchscreen with stylus support
Best for Mac users	Asus ZenScreen MB249C	versatile 24-inch option with multiple stand options
Best for dual-screen	Asus ZenScreen Duo OLED	two OLED panels in one portable package
Also recommended	ViewSonic TD1656-2K	sharp 2K screen with accurate colors
Also recommended	Espresso Displays 15 Pro	premium touchscreen built for Mac users
Also recommended	Acer PM191Q Ebimiuux	unique 3D display for specialized work

How we chose and tested

We analyzed multiple expert Key criteria included image quality, build quality, portability, connectivity options, and value for money. We prioritized monitors that consistently performed well across multiple independent reviews rather than relying on any single source.

The best portable monitors right now

HP Series 5 Pro 514pn - Best overall

This 14.3-inch monitor delivers premium performance with exceptional color accuracy and a sturdy aluminum build that feels professional. It's the complete package for travelers who don't want to compromise on display quality.

Price: Check price

Key highlights

2560x1600 resolution provides sharp text and detailed images
Covers 100% of sRGB and AdobeRGB color spaces for accurate colors
Built-in kickstand and magnetic screen cover for easy transport
USB-C connectivity with power delivery support
IPS Black panel technology for improved contrast

Pros

Excellent color accuracy right out of the box
Premium aluminum construction feels durable
Included kickstand works well on various surfaces
Slim profile fits easily in laptop bags

Cons

Contrast ratio can't match OLED displays
USB-C only, no HDMI port for older devices
Pricier than basic portable monitors

Who it is for: Professionals who need accurate colors for creative work or detailed spreadsheets while traveling.

Skip if

You need HDMI connectivity or want the deepest blacks for media consumption.

Arzopa Z1FC - Best value

For under $100, this monitor delivers surprisingly good performance with a simple plug-and-play setup that just works. It's the practical choice when you need extra screen space without breaking the bank.

Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights

15.6-inch 1080p display provides adequate screen real estate
Single USB-C connection handles both power and video
Lightweight design at around 1.7 pounds
Compatible with laptops, phones, and gaming consoles
Includes a protective case that doubles as a stand

Pros

Extremely affordable for what you get
Simple setup with minimal cables
Works with a wide range of devices
Light enough for daily commuting

Cons

Basic color accuracy compared to premium models
No built-in speakers
Stand options are limited

Who it is for: Students, budget-conscious travelers, or anyone who needs a basic second screen occasionally.

Skip if

You need precise color work or frequently work in bright environments.

Lenovo ThinkVision M14t Gen2 - Best for touch

This 14-inch touchscreen monitor offers 2K resolution and stylus support, making it ideal for note-taking, drawing, or presentations. The higher resolution provides extra vertical space that's perfect for productivity.

Price: See price

Key highlights

2240x1400 resolution offers more vertical workspace
10-point touch support with included stylus
USB-C connectivity with 65W power delivery
Foldable stand with multiple viewing angles
Compatible with Windows, macOS, and mobile devices

Pros

High resolution is great for multitasking
Responsive touchscreen works well for presentations
Included stylus adds creative possibilities
Solid build quality from a trusted brand

Cons

Bulkier than non-touch alternatives
Higher price point for touch capability
Can be heavy for some travel scenarios

Who it is for: Presenters, digital note-takers, or creative professionals who benefit from touch interaction.

Skip if

You never use touch features or prioritize maximum portability.

Asus ZenScreen MB249C - Best for Mac users

At 24 inches, this larger portable monitor bridges the gap between portable and desktop displays while offering versatile mounting options. It's bright enough for most environments and scores well in contrast and color accuracy tests.

Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights

24-inch 1080p display provides substantial screen space
Multiple stand options including kickstand/handle design
250 nits brightness suitable for office environments
100% sRGB color coverage for accurate colors
USB-C and HDMI connectivity options

Pros

Large screen size without sacrificing portability
Versatile stand options work in various scenarios
Good color accuracy for general use
Compatible with both Mac and Windows systems

Cons

Lower pixel density than smaller high-res displays
Heavier than typical portable monitors
Basic stand included, better options cost extra

Who it is for: Remote workers who want a larger secondary screen or presenters who need visibility in meeting rooms.

Skip if

You need ultra-portability or work primarily with high-resolution content.

Asus ZenScreen Duo OLED - Best for dual-screen

This innovative monitor packs two 14-inch OLED panels into one portable package, offering incredible contrast and color for creative work or multitasking. The stacked design provides unique workflow possibilities.

Price: See price

Key highlights

Dual 14-inch OLED displays with 1080p resolution each
Exceptional contrast ratio and color coverage
Stacked design saves desk space
USB-C connectivity with power delivery
Suitable for 3D modeling and creative applications

Pros

OLED panels deliver deep blacks and vibrant colors
Dual screens enable unique workflow configurations
Excellent for creative professionals on the go
Saves space compared to two separate monitors

Cons

Very expensive compared to single-screen options
Heavier than standard portable monitors
May be overkill for basic productivity tasks

Who it is for: Creative professionals, engineers, or power users who benefit from dual-screen setups while traveling.

Skip if

You only need basic productivity or have budget constraints.

Also Good

ViewSonic TD1656-2K - sharp 2K screen with accurate colors.
Espresso Displays 15 Pro - premium touchscreen built for Mac users.
Acer PM191Q Ebimiuux - unique 3D display for specialized work.

How to Choose

Consider these factors when selecting a portable monitor:

Screen size and resolution: 14-16 inches is the sweet spot for portability, while 24-inch models offer more workspace. Higher resolutions (2K or 1600p) provide sharper text but may require more power.

Connectivity: USB-C with power delivery is ideal for single-cable simplicity. HDMI ports add compatibility with older devices but may require separate power.

Build quality and stand: Aluminum builds feel more premium but add weight. Built-in kickstands are convenient, while foldable cases offer protection during transport.

Special features: Touchscreens add cost and weight but enable unique workflows. Color accuracy matters for creative work, while basic models suffice for office tasks.

Power requirements: Some monitors draw all power from your laptop, while others need separate power adapters. Check your laptop's power output capabilities.

FAQ

Do portable monitors work with all laptops?

Most modern laptops with USB-C support DisplayPort Alt Mode will work with portable monitors. Some older devices may require HDMI connections and separate power.

Can I use a portable monitor with my phone or tablet?

Yes, many portable monitors work with smartphones and tablets that support video output via USB-C. Check your device's specifications for compatibility.

How important is color accuracy for general use?

For office work, web browsing, and basic media consumption, most portable monitors offer adequate color performance. Creative professionals should look for monitors with 95%+ sRGB or AdobeRGB coverage.

Do I need a separate power adapter?

It depends on the monitor and your laptop. Some monitors draw all power from the USB-C connection, while others require separate power, especially at higher brightness levels.

Are portable monitors durable enough for travel?

Most portable monitors include protective cases or covers. Look for models with sturdy builds and consider purchasing a padded case if you travel frequently.