Whether you’re working from a coffee shop, attending virtual meetings on the road, or simply need more screen space at home, a portable monitor is one of the most useful laptop accessories you can own in 2025. These sleek, lightweight displays expand your workspace in seconds—no bulky setup, no fuss. Just plug them in via USB-C or HDMI, and you’re good to go.
Today’s portable monitors aren’t just for professionals. Gamers, students, creatives, and even casual users are embracing the flexibility of dual-screen setups. With crystal-clear displays, ultra-slim designs, and impressive color reproduction, the latest models offer desktop-quality performance in a travel-friendly form factor.
But with so many options on the market, choosing the right one can be overwhelming. That’s why we’ve handpicked the 5 best portable monitors for laptops in 2025, considering key factors like size, resolution, brightness, connectivity, and price. Whether you’re looking for an affordable extra screen or a premium display for creative work, this guide has you covered.
1. ASUS ZenScreen MB16AC
Best for: All-around portable monitor with great features
The ASUS ZenScreen MB16AC is one of the most popular portable monitors on the market, and for good reason. It offers a perfect balance of size, image quality, and portability, making it an excellent companion for laptop users who need extra screen space on the go.
This 15.6-inch Full HD (1920×1080) display delivers crisp visuals with good color accuracy and wide viewing angles thanks to its IPS panel. The slim design and lightweight build (just 1.7 pounds) make it easy to slip into your backpack or laptop bag.
One of its standout features is the hybrid USB-C connectivity, which supports both USB Type-C and USB Type-A ports. This means you can easily connect it to a wide range of laptops without needing multiple adapters. It also comes with a smart case that doubles as a stand, offering flexible viewing angles.
Pros:
✔ Portable and lightweight
✔ Sharp Full HD IPS display
✔ Hybrid USB-C connectivity for versatile compatibility
Cons:
✘ Brightness is average at around 250 nits, so it’s best used indoors
✘ No built-in speakers
Price: Around $230
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2. ViewSonic VA1655
Best for: Budget-friendly portable monitor
The ViewSonic VA1655 is an excellent choice for those looking for a reliable portable monitor without breaking the bank. It offers solid performance and features at a price that won’t hurt your wallet.
This model features a 15.6-inch Full HD IPS display, delivering vibrant colors and wide viewing angles. The VA1655 is designed to be lightweight and slim, making it easy to carry around for work or entertainment.
It uses USB-C for both power and video transmission, simplifying your setup with a single cable. The monitor also supports plug-and-play functionality, meaning you can connect it without needing to install drivers.
While it doesn’t have some of the premium features of higher-end monitors, it’s perfect for everyday tasks like multitasking, presentations, and media consumption on the go.
Pros:
✔ Affordable price
✔ Crisp Full HD display with IPS panel
✔ USB-C single-cable connection for ease of use
Cons:
✘ Average brightness around 250 nits
✘ No built-in speakers or adjustable stand
Price: Around $180
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3. LG Gram +View
Best for: Portable monitor with outstanding color accuracy
The LG Gram +View is a standout option for creatives and professionals who need a portable display that delivers true-to-life colors and sharp visuals. It’s designed to complement the popular LG Gram laptops but works seamlessly with any USB-C compatible device.
This 16-inch portable monitor boasts a 2560×1600 resolution, offering a sharper image than many Full HD portable screens. It features an IPS panel with 99% sRGB coverage, making it ideal for photo editing, graphic design, and content creation on the go.
Despite the high resolution, the LG Gram +View remains impressively light and slim, weighing just about 2 pounds, making it easy to carry around.
Connectivity is straightforward with a USB-C port for power and video, supporting plug-and-play functionality. It also offers a versatile kickstand that lets you set it up at comfortable viewing angles wherever you work.
Pros:
✔ Crisp 2560×1600 resolution
✔ Excellent color accuracy with 99% sRGB
✔ Lightweight and portable design
Cons:
✘ Higher price point compared to budget models
✘ Limited ports — USB-C only
Price: Around $400
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4. Arzopa Z1FC
Best for: Portable monitor for gaming and entertainment
The Arzopa Z1FC is a fantastic portable monitor designed especially with gamers and multimedia enthusiasts in mind. It combines a sleek design with features that make gaming and streaming on the go more immersive.
This 15.6-inch display boasts a Full HD 1080p resolution with a fast 75Hz refresh rate, which is smoother than the standard 60Hz on most portable monitors. It also features a low response time of 4ms, reducing motion blur and screen tearing during fast-paced games.
The monitor uses an IPS panel for vibrant colors and wide viewing angles, making it great for watching movies or gaming with friends.
Connectivity is flexible, offering USB-C and mini HDMI inputs, so you can easily connect it to a laptop, gaming console, or even a smartphone.
Pros:
✔ 75Hz refresh rate and 4ms response time for smooth gaming
✔ Full HD IPS display with good color accuracy
✔ Multiple connectivity options (USB-C and HDMI)
Cons:
✘ Slightly heavier than some competitors (about 2.4 pounds)
✘ Built-in speakers are basic
Price: Around $220
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5. Lenovo ThinkVision M14
Best for: Business travelers and professionals
The Lenovo ThinkVision M14 is a sleek and ultra-portable monitor designed specifically for professionals on the move. It’s known for its slim profile, lightweight design, and excellent display quality, making it a favorite among business travelers.
This 14-inch Full HD IPS display offers vibrant colors and wide viewing angles, perfect for multitasking and presentations. Weighing just about 1.3 pounds, it’s one of the lightest portable monitors available, making it incredibly easy to carry alongside your laptop.
It features dual USB-C ports that support power and video input, allowing flexible connection options without extra adapters. The adjustable stand built into the smart cover lets you position the screen at multiple angles for comfortable viewing.
Pros:
✔ Ultra-lightweight and slim design
✔ Dual USB-C ports for versatile connectivity
✔ Bright, sharp Full HD IPS display
Cons:
✘ Smaller screen size might not suit everyone
✘ Pricier than some alternatives
Price: Around $250
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Final Thoughts
A portable monitor is a game-changer for anyone who needs extra screen space beyond their laptop—whether for work, gaming, or creative projects. The models we covered offer a range of features to suit different needs and budgets.
From the versatile and user-friendly ASUS ZenScreen MB16AC to the color-accurate LG Gram +View, and the gamer-friendly Arzopa Z1FC, there’s something for everyone. For budget-conscious users, the ViewSonic VA1655 delivers solid value, while the ultra-light Lenovo ThinkVision M14 is perfect for professionals on the go.
Whichever you choose, a portable monitor will boost your productivity and enhance your mobile setup, making your laptop experience more flexible and enjoyable.
