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Best Portable Monitors for 2024

We analyzed top picks from leading reviewers to find the best portable monitors for every need

By ShopSavvy Team

Published: March 15th, 2024

Last Updated: March 24th, 2024

🖥️Nowadays, having a portable monitor can be a real game-changer. Whether you're a professional, a creative, or a gamer, a good portable screen can seriously upgrade your setup.

We’ve checked out the best portable monitors available in 2024 to help you find the one that fits your needs—and budget.

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Overall Best: SideTrak Solo 4K

SideTrak Solo Portable Monitor 15.8” FHD 1080P LED Anti-Glare IPS Screen | Works with Mac, PC, Chrome, PS4, Xbox, & Switch | Powered by USB or Mini HDMI | Built-in DisplayPort, Speakers, & HDR Mode

Our top pick for the best portable monitor overall is the SideTrak Solo 4K. This 15.6-inch monitor boasts a stunning 4K display with a resolution of 3,840 x 2,160, making it perfect for streaming, working on detailed projects, and general use with devices like MacBooks. Its 340 nits of brightness ensure clear visibility even in well-lit environments. The Solo 4K provides versatility with its multiple ports, including USB-C, USB-A, HDMI, and audio ports, seamlessly integrating into any workspace setup. While its 60Hz refresh rate may not cater to gaming enthusiasts, its combination of high resolution, size, and connectivity options makes it a superb all-around choice.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer

$229.99 at Amazon

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Runner-up: Lenovo ThinkVision M14T

ThinkVision M14t USB-C Mobile Monitor with Touch Screen - Black

Runner-up, the Lenovo ThinkVision M14T, offers a compelling blend of features and portability. This 14-inch touchscreen monitor features a vibrant 1080p resolution and weighs just 1.6 pounds, making it incredibly easy to carry around. The M14T excels in touch support, making it suitable for interactive work and creative applications. With USB-C connectivity, it also ensures hassle-free connection to a variety of devices. Its sleek design and functionality make the ThinkVision M14T an excellent portable monitor that stands out in both form and function.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer

$302.91 at Amazon

More Answers

Still curious about the ThinkVision M14t Mobile Monitor? Here are some answers you might find interesting:

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Is the Lenovo ThinkVision M14t compatible with Mac computers?

Yeah, the Lenovo ThinkVision M14t can work with Mac computers, but there are a few things you'd want to double-check first. It connects via a USB-C port that needs to support DisplayPort. Not all Mac models have this, so it's a good idea to look at your Mac's specs just to be sure. As an extra screen, it pairs up pretty nicely with Macs. But, when it comes to the touchscreen, things aren't as smooth. Based on what we found, Macs don't support the M14t's touch feature natively, which means you'll need to jump through a few hoops if you want that functionality. Some folks have had luck with third-party software like [UPDD](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3DUPDD%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20) to get touch working on macOS, though it’s not free—it requires a license after a trial period. While the M14t's picture quality and resolution are solid, chances are there might be some hiccups with performance or scaling when using it with a Mac. The monitor's integration is better with Windows, so you might not get the same experience. If having full touch capability right from the start is important for you and you're deep into the Apple ecosystem, this might not be the ideal choice. You might want to either invest in software like [UPDD](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3DUPDD%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20) or go for a monitor that’s specifically designed to play nice with Macs. It'll save you some hassle. But hey, if you're just after a great display and the touch feature isn't a dealbreaker, the M14t is still worth considering.

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What is the battery life of the Lenovo ThinkVision M14t portable monitor?

Hey! So, about the Lenovo ThinkVision M14t portable monitor's battery life—it's important to note that it doesn't have its own battery. It actually draws power through a USB-C connection from your laptop or another device. This has its pros and cons. On the bright side, there's no need to remember charging yet another gadget. As long as your laptop or device has power, you're good to go. This can be quite handy when you're traveling or working remotely. But keep in mind, since it pulls power from your laptop, it might drain your laptop's battery a bit quicker. So, having a full charge or a charger nearby for your laptop is a smart move if you're planning a long work session. Now, the M14t works best with Windows devices, thanks to its USB-C port supporting DisplayPort 1.2 Alt Mode for both video and power. Our research suggests that it can work with Macs like the [MacBook Air](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Dmacbook%2Bair%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20), but some features, especially the touchscreen, are more finicky without extra software. This software might not be the easiest or cheapest to deal with. If you're mainly using it as a second screen and don't need the touch features, it should still work well for you with nice visuals and portability. Just consider how it might affect your laptop's battery and any limitations if you're on a Mac.

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How bright is the display on the Lenovo ThinkVision M14t?

So, you're curious about how bright the display on the Lenovo ThinkVision M14t is? According to our research, it has a brightness level of 300 nits. It might not be as bright as some high-end laptop or monitor displays, but it should be good enough for most everyday tasks. With 300 nits, it performs well indoors, providing a clear and sharp image. However, if you're planning to use it in direct sunlight or somewhere really bright, it might not be strong enough to keep up. For typical home or office use, like setting it up as a secondary screen, it should do the job just fine. If you're often working outside or in very bright rooms, you might need to consider this brightness limitation more seriously, as bright conditions can overpower the display's capabilities. But for the average user who's after a portable and easy-to-connect monitor, the brightness of the M14t should be satisfactory. Also, remember that to make full use of the M14t’s features, like the touchscreen, your device needs to support USB-C with DisplayPort 1.2 alt mode and USB Power Delivery 2.0. Most modern Lenovo laptops and tablets cover this, so they should work smoothly together. Just a heads up, we've found that some users had issues with certain devices, like some [HP laptops](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3DHP%2Blaptops%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20), that don't meet these specs, which might limit what the monitor can do. It's important to check your device's compatibility to avoid any hiccups. For [Mac](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3DMac%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20) users, you might want to note that while the monitor will work for basic display purposes, the touch features could require extra software or might not be supported fully. This tends to be a common issue with USB-C monitors on non-Windows devices. Overall, if you're after a secondary screen with touch features for a compatible device, the Lenovo ThinkVision M14t could be a great pick, with its brightness likely covering most needs in typical work settings.

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Budget Pick: MSI Pro MP161 E2

MSI Pro MP161 E2 Portable Monitor, 15.6" FHD IPS 1080p, USB Type-C, Mini-HDMI, Built-in Speakers, Perfect for PC, Mac, PS5, PS4, Xbox, Mobile, Metal Gray

If you're looking for an affordable option, the MSI Pro MP161 E2 is our budget pick. This 15.6-inch portable monitor offers a full HD 1080p resolution and a 60Hz refresh rate, providing a decent visual experience for basic tasks and extended screen space. It comes with HDMI and USB-C connectivity, ensuring compatibility with various devices, and features a built-in stand that supports both portrait and landscape orientations. While it may lack the advanced functionalities found in higher-end models, the MSI Pro MP161 E2 delivers reliable performance at an attractive price, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a straightforward secondary monitor.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer

$93.50 at Amazon

Best for Creative Professionals: Asus ProArt Display PA148CTV

ASUS ProArt Display 14” 1080P Portable Touchscreen Monitor (PA148CTV) - Full HD, IPS, 100% sRGB/Rec.709, Color Accuracy ΔE < 2, Calman Verified, USB-C Power Delivery, Micro HDMI, Tripod Socket,Black

Creative professionals will appreciate the Asus ProArt Display PA148CTV, which is specifically tailored for tasks requiring exceptional color accuracy and touch capabilities. This 14-inch monitor features a full HD 1080p touchscreen display with 10-point touch support and is color calibrated by Calman, ensuring precise color reproduction. It's highly compatible with Adobe applications, making it an ideal tool for designers, photographers, and other creatives. Weighing just 1.6 pounds, it fits conveniently into a laptop sleeve for easy portability. Although its integration with Mac systems might be limited, it offers unparalleled performance on Windows PCs, making it indispensable for creatives on the go.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer

$369.99 at Amazon

Best for Gaming: ASUS ROG Strix XG17AHPE

ASUS ROG Strix 17.3" 1080P Portable Gaming Monitor (XG17AHPE) - FHD, IPS, 240Hz, Adaptive-Sync, Built-in Battery, Smart Case, USB Type-C, Micro HDMI, For Laptop, PC, Phone, Console, 3-Year Warranty 17" IPS 240Hz w/ Smart Cover

For gamers, the ASUS ROG Strix XG17AHPE is our top recommendation. This monitor features a 17.3-inch display with a 1080p resolution and an outstanding 240Hz refresh rate, providing smooth and clear visuals for high-paced gaming. It includes a built-in 7800mAh battery, allowing up to three hours of gaming without needing an external power source. The monitor also supports FreeSync VRR technology and is G-SYNC compatible, minimizing screen tearing and stuttering for a seamless gaming experience. Although it’s larger and pricier than many other portable monitors, its superior refresh rate and gaming-centric features make it a worthwhile investment for dedicated gamers.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer

$449.00 at Amazon

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