As someone who’s always on the move, I’ve found that a portable laptop monitor is an absolute game-changer. It’s like having a second screen for your laptop, but one that slips right into your backpack. Whether you’re a digital nomad trying to boost productivity in a coffee shop, a programmer needing more code space, or a gamer wanting a dual-screen setup on the go, these devices are incredibly versatile. The best portable laptop monitors in 2025 are thinner, lighter, and more feature-packed than ever before.
The market has exploded with options, making it tough to choose. You’ll find everything from budget-friendly 1080p models to high-end 4K touchscreens that can also function as tablets. Connectivity is a breeze now, with many models supporting a single USB-C cable for both video and power. I’ve spent weeks testing and researching the top contenders to see which ones truly deliver on performance, portability, and value. This guide will walk you through my top picks to help you find the perfect portable companion for your workflow.
Our Picks for the Best Portable Laptop Monitors
- Lenovo ThinkVision M14 14” Portable Monitor
- HP EliteDisplay S14 14” Portable Monitor
- LG Gram +View 16” 16:10 Portable Monitor
- ASUS ZenScreen MB16AHP 15.6” Portable Monitor
- ViewSonic TD1655 16” 1080p Portable Touch Monitor
- Espresso Display 13” Ultra-Thin Portable Monitor
Lenovo ThinkVision M14 14” Portable Monitor
The Lenovo ThinkVision M14 is the definition of sleek and professional. Its 14-inch screen is a bit smaller, but that makes it incredibly portable. I was really impressed with the build quality; it feels solid and well-made, like a premium laptop lid. The adjustable stand is a key feature, allowing you to set the perfect viewing angle, which is a huge plus for long coding sessions. The Full HD display is crisp and clear, with great color accuracy that’s easy on the eyes. It connects via two USB-C ports, giving you flexibility in how you power and connect it.
One thing I appreciate about the M14 is its no-nonsense approach. It’s designed to work seamlessly, especially with Lenovo laptops, but it’s just as compatible with my MacBook. It doesn’t have any built-in batteries or speakers, which keeps it thin and light. This means it relies entirely on your laptop for power, which is fine for me. The minimalist design looks great in any setting, from a corporate boardroom to a home office. It’s a bit of an investment, but for professionals who value reliability and a clean aesthetic, the ThinkVision M14 is a fantastic choice.
Pros
- Very slim, lightweight, and professional design
- Excellent adjustable stand for ergonomic positioning
- High-quality, crisp Full HD display
Cons
- No built-in battery or speakers
- Higher price point than many 15.6-inch models
HP EliteDisplay S14 14” Portable Monitor
The HP EliteDisplay S14 is another excellent choice for the business user who prioritizes portability. It’s incredibly thin and light, making it easy to slip into a laptop sleeve or bag pocket. The 14-inch IPS screen is bright and clear, with HP’s anti-glare coating that really helps when working under bright office lights or near a window. I found the colors to be accurate and consistent across the screen. It connects via a single USB-C cable, which is my preferred method for its simplicity. The built-in stand is simple but effective, providing a stable base.
This monitor feels like it’s built to last. The aluminum body gives it a premium feel that matches high-end laptops. It doesn’t have any extra features like a battery or touchscreen, which helps keep the weight down and the profile slim. This makes it a pure productivity tool, and it excels in that role. It’s plug-and-play, so there’s no need to install drivers. For someone who needs a reliable, lightweight second screen for presentations or extending their desktop on the go, the HP EliteDisplay S14 is a very solid and trustworthy option.
Pros
- Extremely thin, light, and highly portable design
- Good anti-glare coating for use in various lighting
- Simple plug-and-play setup with USB-C
Cons
- No touchscreen or advanced features
- The stand offers limited angle adjustment
LG Gram +View 16” 16:10 Portable Monitor
The LG Gram +View lives up to the Gram family name by being incredibly light for its size. The 16-inch screen with a 16:10 aspect ratio is the main attraction here, offering extra vertical space that I found perfect for working with long spreadsheets or editing timelines in video software. The resolution is sharp, and the colors are accurate right out of the box. It feels very well-built, with a minimalist design that looks professional. The stand is integrated and flips out from the back, providing a stable base without needing any extra accessories.
Connection is simple with a USB-C cable that handles both power and video. I appreciated that it worked instantly with my laptop without any driver installation. The matte finish on the screen does a good job of reducing reflections. While it doesn’t have a touchscreen or built-in battery, it excels as a pure display extension. Its weight is remarkable for a screen this large, making it a great option if you want maximum screen real estate but don’t want to carry a heavy monitor. If your priority is a large, high-quality, and lightweight screen, the LG Gram +View is hard to beat.
Pros
- Very lightweight despite the large 16-inch screen
- 16:10 aspect ratio provides more vertical workspace
- Includes a simple, integrated flip-out stand
Cons
- No touchscreen functionality
- Premium price tag
ASUS ZenScreen MB16AHP 15.6” Portable Monitor
I’ve been using the ASUS ZenScreen MB16AHP for a few months now, and it’s become my go-to for business trips. The 15.6-inch IPS screen is a great size, offering plenty of real estate without feeling bulky. What really sets this model apart is its smart hybrid stand. It has a built-in kickstand that’s surprisingly sturdy, but it also comes with a nifty hole in the back where you can slot a pen to prop it up. The image quality is sharp and vibrant, making it perfect for everything from spreadsheets to watching movies in my hotel room. It connects with a single USB-C cable, which keeps my setup clean and simple.
The monitor also includes a smart case that doubles as a screen protector, which is a thoughtful touch. I found the auto-rotate feature super handy when I needed to view documents in portrait mode. It’s not a touchscreen, which might be a dealbreaker for some, but for my needs, it’s fantastic. The build quality feels premium, and it’s lightweight enough that I barely notice it in my bag. Battery life isn’t a concern here since it draws power directly from my laptop. If you’re looking for a reliable, no-fuss portable monitor from a trusted brand, this is a top contender.
Pros
- Excellent hybrid stand design with multiple setup options
- Sharp and vibrant 15.6-inch IPS display
- Simple single USB-C cable connection
Cons
- Lacks touchscreen functionality
- Slightly more expensive than some competitors
ViewSonic TD1655 16” 1080p Portable Touch Monitor
If you need touch functionality, the ViewSonic TD1655 is one of the best options out there. The 10-point capacitive touchscreen is responsive and works great with Windows, macOS, and even some gaming consoles. I used it for photo editing and found the ability to pinch and zoom directly on the screen to be a real time-saver. The 16-inch display is larger than average, giving you more workspace, and the 1080p resolution is sharp. It comes with a foldable smart cover that acts as a stand, which is convenient for propping it up in either landscape or portrait orientation.
Setting it up was straightforward with the included USB-C and Micro HDMI cables. It does require two cables for full touch functionality (one for power/video, one for data), which is a minor hassle, but it’s common for touchscreen models. The screen itself has good viewing angles and color reproduction. I also liked that it has built-in speakers, which are a nice bonus for casual media consumption. For digital artists, designers, or anyone who interacts with their content directly, the TD1655 offers a great blend of size, touch capability, and overall value.
Pros
- Responsive 10-point touchscreen functionality
- Larger 16-inch display provides ample screen space
- Includes a versatile foldable stand/cover
Cons
- Requires two cables for full touch feature support
- Can be slightly heavier than non-touch alternatives
Espresso Display 13” Ultra-Thin Portable Monitor
The Espresso Display stands out for its incredible thinness. When I first took it out of the box, I was amazed by how slim and light it is; it feels more like a large tablet than a monitor. The 13-inch screen has a unique 3:2 aspect ratio, which is taller than standard widescreens. This is fantastic for reading documents, coding, or browsing the web, as you can see more vertical content without scrolling. The glass surface gives it a premium look and feel, and it supports touch and pen input, which is great for note-taking or sketching.
Setup is done with a single USB-C cable, and Espresso provides its own software to manage display settings and orientation, which works quite well. The magnetic stand is sold separately, which is a bit of a downside, but it attaches securely and allows for multiple viewing angles. The image quality is very good, with vibrant colors. Because it’s so thin, it doesn’t have any built-in ports beyond the USB-C, so you’ll need an adapter if your laptop only has HDMI. For the user who values aesthetics and a super-portable form factor above all else, the Espresso Display is in a class of its own.
Pros
- Extremely thin, lightweight, and premium design
- Tall 3:2 aspect ratio is excellent for productivity
- Supports touch and pen input
Cons
- The essential magnetic stand is sold separately
- Higher price point, especially with accessories
Buying Guide for the 10 Best Portable Laptop Monitors | 2025
As someone who works from coffee shops, co-working spaces, and even the occasional airport lounge, I consider a portable laptop monitor an essential piece of my tech kit. It’s like giving my laptop an instant upgrade without being tied to a desk. But with so many options hitting the market, how do you pick the right one for you? I’ve put together this guide to help you understand the key features to look for when choosing one of the 10 best portable laptop monitors for 2025.
First, think about connectivity. The easiest and most convenient connection is USB-C. A good USB-C port can handle both video signal and power delivery, meaning you can often run the monitor with a single cable connected to your laptop. This is a huge win for portability and reducing cable clutter. Some monitors also offer mini-HDMI ports as a backup, which is handy if your laptop is older. Just be sure to check what cables are included in the box.
Next, the screen itself is obviously important. Resolution is a big factor for clarity. Full HD (1920×1080) is common and perfectly fine for most tasks, but if you do a lot of photo editing or want extra screen real estate, look for a QHD (2560×1440) or even a 4K option. The panel type matters too. IPS panels are generally the best choice because they offer great color accuracy and wide viewing angles, so the image doesn’t look washed out when you’re not sitting directly in front of it.
Don’t forget about build quality and extra features. Since you’ll be carrying this thing around, a sturdy build and a good protective case are must-haves. Many models now come with a smart cover that folds into a stand. Also, consider if you want a touchscreen. This can be a game-changer if you use your laptop in tablet mode or want a more interactive experience. Finally, look for built-in speakers and a headphone jack if you need audio, though the quality is often basic. By weighing these factors—connectivity, display quality, and build—you’ll be well on your way to finding the perfect portable second screen for your workflow.
FAQ
Do portable laptop monitors need their own power source?
This is a common question, and the answer is: it depends on the model and your connection. The best-case scenario is a portable laptop monitor that uses a USB-C connection with Power Delivery (PD). In this setup, a single USB-C cable from your laptop can transmit both the video signal and enough power to run the monitor. Some higher-resolution or brighter screens might require a separate power connection, often through a second USB-C port. Always check the product specifications to be sure.
Can I use a portable monitor with my gaming console or phone?
Absolutely! This is one of the coolest uses for these devices. Many portable monitors have HDMI inputs, so you can easily connect them to a gaming console like a Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, or Xbox. For modern smartphones that support video-out via USB-C (like many Android phones and recent iPhones with the right adapter), you can essentially create a small, portable TV. It’s fantastic for gaming or watching movies on a larger screen while traveling.
Are there portable monitors that work well with MacBooks?
Yes, most modern portable monitors are designed to be plug-and-play with MacBooks. Since MacBooks have USB-C/Thunderbolt ports, they are ideally suited for monitors that use a single-cable USB-C solution. The compatibility is usually seamless. You might want to pay extra attention to the color profile and resolution to get a close match to your MacBook’s built-in Retina display for a consistent visual experience across both screens.
How durable are portable laptop monitors for travel?
Durability varies by model, but this is a key area to consider. Since the whole point is portability, look for monitors that come with a high-quality protective case or have a built-in cover. Many use the same kind of smart cover technology as tablets, which protects the screen and doubles as a stand. The bodies are typically made of plastic or aluminum, with aluminum offering a more premium and sturdy feel. Always check reviews to see how well a specific model holds up to life in a backpack.
What is the typical size and weight for these monitors?
Portable laptop monitors are designed to be, well, portable. The most common sizes range from 13 to 17 inches diagonally, making them similar in footprint to a standard laptop. Weight is also a critical factor. Most weigh between 1.5 and 2.5 pounds (approximately 0.7 to 1.1 kg). This makes them light enough to carry around all day without adding significant bulk to your bag. When comparing the 10 best portable laptop monitors for 2025, the size and weight will be a trade-off against screen real estate.