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Best Portable Monitors for 2024

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

By ShopSavvy Team

Published: September 4th, 2024

💻Portable monitors fill the gap between a desktop setup and the flexibility of working anywhere. Perfect for professionals, gamers, and traders constantly on the move, the right portable monitor can be a game changer. It can boost productivity, enhance gaming experiences, or simply make your workspace more versatile.

We’ve dug deep and done the homework to bring you the top portable monitors with built-in batteries you can get in 2024. Here are our picks.

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Overall Best: ASUS ZenScreen MB16AC 15.6″ Full HD IPS

ASUS ZenScreen 15.6” 1080P Portable USB Monitor (MB16AC) - Full HD (1920 x 1080), IPS, USB Type-C, Eye Care, Smart Case, External Screen for Laptop, 3-Year Warranty,Black 16" Smart Cover

The ASUS ZenScreen MB16AC stands out as our top overall pick due to its exceptional combination of portability, usability, and display quality. Boasting a 15.6-inch Full HD 1080p IPS panel, this monitor ensures vibrant color reproduction and razor-sharp imagery—ideal for both professional work and entertainment. Its USB-C connectivity allows for seamless integration with various laptops, streamlining your setup. The included protective case doubles as a stand, making it even more practical for on-the-go use. Weighing in at just 1.7 lbs, it's incredibly easy to carry around. Though the auto-rotate feature can be slightly inconsistent at times, the overall performance and robust feature set firmly establish the ASUS ZenScreen MB16AC as the best choice for most users.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer

$214.61 at Amazon

More Answers

Still curious about the ASUS ZenScreen MB16AC? Here are some answers you might find interesting:

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What is the screen size of the ASUS ZenScreen MB16AC portable monitor?

The ASUS ZenScreen MB16AC portable monitor has a screen size of 15.6 inches. It's designed to be travel-friendly, which is nice if you're always on the move. According to the manufacturer's description, it features a Full HD resolution, so you get clear and vibrant images whether you're working or watching something. It also comes with a [Smart Case](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3DSmart%2BCase%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20) that lets you adjust the screen to different angles for both landscape and portrait views. This case has a foldable magnetic design, which is supposed to help with different setups. But, from what we've found, the magnetic hold might not be as strong as you'd expect, so it's a good idea to be careful with positioning to avoid any slips. Some people also use the pen hole as another way to support the monitor, although it might not be the most stable choice for everyone, especially if you need something more solid. If screen stability is crucial for you, you might want to think about getting an extra stand to go along with the Smart Case, just to be sure. Overall, the 15.6-inch display and the smart design make the ASUS ZenScreen MB16AC pretty portable and easy to use, though keeping those stand considerations in mind could be helpful based on how you plan to use it.

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How bright is the ASUS ZenScreen MB16AC display?

The ASUS ZenScreen MB16AC has a brightness level of about 220 nits, according to our research. This brightness is generally adequate for most indoor situations, but it might not be the best choice if you're planning to use it in very bright areas, like outside in direct sunlight. If you're mainly using it indoors for tasks like browsing the web, editing documents, or watching videos, the brightness should work just fine. But if you're often in places with a lot of natural light, or if you need a monitor for detailed photo or video editing, you might find it a bit lacking unless you can create some shade. Our research also suggests that while it's not the brightest display out there, it does offer a comfortable viewing experience for its size and purpose. Many find its plug-and-play feature very handy, especially with USB-C devices, and it works well as a portable screen extension when you’re on the go. Aside from brightness, the ZenScreen’s 1080P Full HD resolution and IPS panel tech help with visual clarity and viewing angles. The colors are reasonably accurate and lively for most everyday tasks, adding to a generally pleasant experience. So, if you're using it as a secondary screen for a laptop like a [MacBook Pro](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Dmacbook%2Bpro%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20), make sure you think about how and where you’ll use it. The ZenScreen MB16AC is a solid choice if portability and convenience are your main priorities, providing decent visual performance for its class.

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Does the ASUS ZenScreen MB16AC work with USB-C and USB-A connections?

Yep, the ASUS ZenScreen MB16AC is pretty flexible when it comes to connections. Based on the manufacturer's description, it's got a hybrid signal solution that allows it to hook up to both USB Type-C and Type-A ports. This means you can use it with a bunch of different devices, whether you're rocking a newer device with USB-C or an older one with USB-A. But here's the catch: if you're using USB Type-A, you'll need to install a DisplayLink driver to get it going. From our research, folks generally find it easy to set up on different platforms. Someone mentioned it worked well with both their [MacBook Pro](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Dmacbook%2Bpro%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20) and [Windows PC](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Dwindows%2Bpc%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20), especially through the USB-C connection. Just a heads-up, though—there's a minor hiccup with macOS where the auto-rotate feature doesn't always work perfectly. So, if having everything function flawlessly is a big deal to you, keep that in mind. Also, if you're thinking about swapping out the USB-C cable, be cautious. Some have run into problems with replacement cables because not all USB-C cables support DisplayPort over USB-C. So, make sure any new cable you get has that capability, or you might hit some connection snags. Overall, the ZenScreen MB16AC is quite adaptable and can really come in handy if you're juggling multiple devices. Just watch out for those small quirks with certain systems or gear, and be sure you've got the necessary connections and drivers. If you keep an eye on these details, you should be all set for a smooth ride.

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Runner-up: Dell 14-Inch FHD LED Portable Monitor

Dell 14-Inch FHD LED Portable Monitor with Dual-Screen Productivity, in-Plane Switching, USB-C Connectivity, Low Blue Light, and Display Manager Software

The Dell 14-Inch FHD LED Portable Monitor deserves the runner-up spot for being a reliable, cost-effective solution. Featuring an IPS display with Full HD 1080p resolution, it delivers crisp and clear visuals. This monitor connects via USB-C and DisplayPort, offering versatility in various setups even though it doesn't support HDMI. One of its standout features is the ComfortView technology, designed to reduce eye strain, making it an excellent option for extended use. Its compact and lightweight design adds to its portability, ensuring that you can easily carry it around without any hassle.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer

$249.99 at Amazon

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Budget Pick: AOC I1659FWUX 15.6-Inch Ultra Slim Monitor

For budget-conscious users, the AOC I1659FWUX stands out as a fantastic choice without significantly compromising on quality. With its 15.6-inch screen and 1920x1080 resolution, you get respectable visuals with wide viewing angles, thanks to the IPS panel. A single USB 3.0 connection simplifies the setup, making it incredibly straightforward to get up and running. Lightweight and highly portable, this monitor is perfect for those needing an affordable yet dependable secondary display for working on the go.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer

$109.53 at Amazon

Best High-End Option: 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

If you're a gamer looking for the ultimate portable monitor, the ASUS ROG Strix XG17AHPE is your best bet. Featuring a massive 17.3-inch screen, a blazing-fast 240Hz refresh rate, and an IPS panel, this monitor delivers smooth, vibrant visuals perfect for high-paced gaming. Its extensive connectivity options, including HDMI, USB-C, and USB-A, ensure it can connect to a wide range of devices easily. Although it comes with a premium price tag, the specialized features it offers make it well worth the investment for serious gamers.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer

$449.00 at Amazon

Best Value OLED Portable Monitor: Innocn 15A1F

INNOCN Portable Monitor 15.6" OLED 1080P FHD USB C Laptop Monitor HDMI Computer Display HDR Gaming Monitor w/Detachable Stand & Speakers - 15A1F 15.6 Inch

For those whose priority is unparalleled visual quality, the Innocn 15A1F is the go-to choice, featuring an OLED panel known for exceptional image quality. The 15.6-inch screen with a 1920x1080 resolution provides vibrant colors and deep, true blacks, perfect for creatives. With USB-C and HDMI connectivity, it offers great compatibility with a variety of devices. Lightweight and easy to transport, this monitor is an excellent option for anyone needing a top-tier mobile display.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer

$299.99 at Amazon

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