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Why use a portable monitor & laptop screen extender?
If you’re in need of more screen space, you don’t necessarily have to invest in a new monitor or a bigger laptop. A portable monitor could be the perfect solution to expand your workspace, offering an affordable, lightweight, and easy-to-use option to boost productivity without upgrading your entire setup. These work really well for all types of devices. But the best portable monitor depends on your needs. There are options that work better for laptops as a laptop screen extender, and some that are better for handheld gaming PC’s, general PC’s and so on. And if you want one for gaming, a monitor that has a high refresh rate would be an ideal choice.
After hours of research, we’ve compiled a list of some of the best portable monitors and laptop monitor extenders that stand out for their design, performance, and practicality. So, before we jump into our list, you can see a breakdown of the selected portable monitors and their attributes.
Comparison of Top Portable Laptop Monitors
| Monitor | Screen Size | Resolution | Panel Type | Refresh Rate | Weight | Brightness |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FICIHP Triple Monitor Setup | 14 inches (x2) | 1080p (Full HD) | IPS | 60Hz | ~2.5 pounds | 250 nits |
| ViewSonic VA1655 | 15.6 inches | 1080p (Full HD) | IPS | 60Hz | ~2 pounds | Moderate |
| ASUS ZenScreen OLED MQ16AH | 15.6 inches | 1080p (Full HD) | OLED | 60Hz | ~1.5 pounds | High (OLED) |
| ViewSonic VX1755 | 17 inches | 1080p (Full HD) | IPS | 144Hz | ~2.2 pounds | Moderate |
| Mobile Pixels DUEX Lite | 12.5 inches | 1080p (Full HD) | IPS | 60Hz | ~1.5 pounds | Moderate |
1. FICIHP Triple Portable Monitor Setup
The FICIHP Triple Portable Monitor Setup is a practicle tool for those who need multitasking capabilities on the go. This one is particularly made as a laptop monitor extender, and in this case, it includes two 14-inch, full HD 1080p displays that attach directly to most laptops sized 13 to 16 inches. This clever design transforms your laptop into a triple-monitor setup, providing a massive boost to productivity.
The monitors feature 250 nits of brightness and a 60Hz refresh rate, which are basic in terms of performance but sufficient enough for most tasks. However, the brightness isn’t ideal for use in direct sunlight, where glare may be an issue. To use these monitors, ensure your laptop has full-featured USB-C ports or enough HDMI and USB-A/C ports as they require more outlets to power them. Mac users should also double-check compatibility before purchasing.
Overall, this laptop screen extender setup is perfect for professionals who need an efficient and portable dual-screen solution for those daily work tasks. They can be a little tricky to find now, but there are similar alternatives from brands like Uperfect.
2. ViewSonic VA1655 Portable Monitor
If you’re looking for a single monitor with a more popular brand. The ViewSonic VA1655 is a simple yet stylish portable monitor designed to sit beside your laptop. It features a 15.6-inch, 1080p IPS display with sharp text rendering, thanks to its high pixel density.
With dual USB-C ports, the monitor supports single-cable connectivity and two-way power, meaning the monitor can power your laptop or vice versa when connected to a USB-C power bank. Its lightweight design (weighing just 2 pounds) and slim profile (under an inch thick) make it easy to carry.
Overall, this monitor is a budget-friendly option that delivers dependable performance for everyday tasks. While the display quality is pretty standard, it’s a great lightweight choice for work and productivity. And it works well for those who’re looking for a portable monitor for both a computer, and laptop.
3. ASUS ZenScreen OLED MQ16AH
For those seeking premium quality, the ASUS ZenScreen OLED MQ16AH offers a leap in display performance. Its 15.6-inch OLED display delivers rich, vibrant colors, featuring 100% DCI-P3 color gamut and a 100,000:1 contrast ratio, ensuring deeper blacks and brighter whites. With a 1ms response time, it’s also suitable for fast-action content. At under 1.5 pounds and less than half an inch thick, this monitor is incredibly portable. It’s perfect for professionals who need top-tier display performance for creative or visual work.
But do keep in mind, this one is also a stand alone portable monitor, so it won’t attach to your laptop but you can still use it as a laptop monitor extender display just like the viewsonic. Its lightweight design also makes it a really good option for users wanting one that they can easily take around. Just keep in mind, if you need one for traveling, the 15.6inch screen may be too big for some, especially if you’re using a 14 inch laptop.
4. ViewSonic VX1755 Portable Gaming Monitor
This next option is particularly made for gamers thanks to it’s fast refresh rate and large screen size. The ViewSonic VX1755 is a 17-inch, full HD 1080p portable monitor that boasts a 144Hz refresh rate, making it the fastest display on our list. It includes AMD FreeSync Premium technology to deliver fluid, tear-free gameplay.
While the display is fast, it’s not as crisp as as the Asus ZenScreen. This portable monitor doesn’t have an OLED display, but the colors and image quality are still solid for a 17-inch IPS panel. You’ll also have plenty of options to adjust the image via the on-screen menu.
The monitor connects easily to gaming laptops, consoles, and compatible smartphones via Mini-HDMI and USB-C inputs, making it a versatile choice for gamers who want a portable second screen.
5. Mobile Pixels DUEX Lite Portable Monitor
This next one from Mobile Pixels is another portable display screen that attaches directly to your laptop. The Mobile Pixels DUEX Lite is a single-screen monitor that provides a sleek and compact solution for people who need extra screen space. It’s small and light enough to take in you’re travel bag and because of that, it feels easier to set up than the larger portable monitors. The 12.5-inch, 1080p IPS display is perfect for office tasks and daily work, though it’s not made for gaming performance or crisp detail.
A standout feature of this monitor is its sliding housing design, allowing it to tuck away neatly behind your laptop when not in use, enhancing portability. The monitor is lightweight at just under 1.5 pounds and connects via USB-C with an adapter for USB-A or HDMI. It also comes in different sizes as well so if you’d prefer a laptop monitor extender a little bigger, you have a few options at 13.3 and 14.1 inches. But just double check your laptops size first.
It’s also worth noting that it uses magnets to attach to the back of your laptop, which may not appeal to everyone. While the attachment design is convenient, the permanence of the magnets is worth considering before purchasing too.
Key Considerations When Choosing a Portable Monitor
Here’s a reminder of some things to consider when selecting the right portable monitor for you:
- Compatibility: Ensure your laptop or device has the necessary ports (e.g., USB-C or HDMI) for seamless connectivity.
- Brightness: A higher brightness level reduces glare and improves visibility, especially in well-lit environments.
- Refresh Rate: Gamers should prioritize monitors with higher refresh rates (e.g., 144Hz) for smoother gameplay.
- Size and Portability: Choose a size that complements your laptop while remaining lightweight and easy to carry.
Final Thoughts
Portable monitors are an excellent way to expand your screen space without the cost or bulk of upgrading your laptop or investing in a traditional desktop monitor. For a premium display the ASUS ZenScreen OLED is a great choice and for a portable monitor that’s gaming-focused, the ViewSonic VX1755 is great. For a versatile budget-friendly portable display screen the ViewSonic VA1655 is a good option, and if you’re searching for a laptop screen extender, the ones mentioned from Mobile Pixels, FICIHP and Uperfect are great picks.
Expanding your workspace has never been easier, and these devices prove you don’t have to sacrifice portability or quality to get the job done. Thanks for reading, I hope this review of the best portable display screens helped you find the right one for you! If you’re on the lookout for a new laptop, make sure try our Laptop Finder Quiz. Otherwise, check out our similar tech reviews on the links below.
