There are instances when one monitor is not enough to give you the view you need to have. When you need to work on a document and view how your stocks perform, or when you are working on projects while doing something else at the same time, just one screen won’t do, especially when you need to view it full screen. Though changing your window does the trick, it’s sometimes bothersome that you stop what you’re doing just to check another task in another window. And even if you view split screen, it can still be challenging since the view compresses and you can’t see the whole thing. This is why portable monitors are needed when you feel the immediate need for a screen extension.
Product | Brand | Name | Price |
---|---|---|---|
AOC | AOC i1601fwux 16-Inch IPS | Check Price on Amazon | |
ASUS | ASUS MB169B+ 15.6" Full HD 1920x1080 IPS USB Portable Monitor | Check Price on Amazon | |
Gechic | GeChic 1303i 13.3\" Portable Monitor | Check Price on Amazon | |
ELECROW | Elecrow 11.6 Inch 1920X1080 HDMI VGA Portable Monitor 1080P | Check Price on Amazon | |
HP | HP ELiteDisplay G8R65A8#ABA 14-Inch Screen LED-Lit Monitor | Check Price on Amazon |
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Since there are many portable monitors sold as of recent, perhaps you’re looking for the best when it comes to the level of portability, ease of use, performance, and even value. That’s why we came up with this list of the five best portable monitors of 2019. See how portable you could get and purchase the one that you need for your multi-screen multitasking pleasure.
Best Portable Monitor
1. ASUS MB169B+
The 15.6-inch ASUS MB169B+ defines the portable and comfortable in portable monitors. Because the whole screen can be powered and connected through a USB port, there’s no more need to connect another USB cable to either transfer data or supply power. And with a screen resolution that can support Full HD, you could see videos and images with sharp clarity, lively colors, and seamless motion. Also deployed is its USB 3.0 connectivity technology that provides lag-free and zero latency data streaming across devices through high bandwidth transfer. Don’t worry however, as it also works well when connected to USB 2.0.
It’s also claimed to be one of the thinnest and lightest portable monitors in the market measuring 8.5 mm (0.3 inches) and 800g (1.76 pounds), even with the metallic finish. It is excellent for handheld use, even with the huge screen size, where you could rotate it with the Auto-Rotate feature that switches views between landscape and portrait. Bundled together with the ASUS Smart Case, you could use the monitor whichever you like, whether standing on the table next to your laptop or lying flat on the surface.
Buy it now: here
2. AOC i1601FWUX
Portability and elegance are two of the best selling points that the AOC i1601FWUX has to offer for its users. It is mainly portable due to 8.5mm thickness of the monitor and the tolerable weight of 824g, despite of carrying everything in a 16-inch frame, with which 15.6 inches is viewable. It also boasts a wide viewing angle of 160°, an excellent feature for those who view the portable monitor on distance level. It also features auto-rotation screen technology, also known as Auto-Pivot, for the images to shift from landscape to portrait views depending on how the monitor is used or viewed.
Though the i1601FWUX have similarities with other brands, such as the smart cover, the inclusive accessory is different because it has options to make the monitor stand not just horizontally, but also vertically. For both power and data transmission, AOC’s portable monitor resorts to using a USB Type C port. However, there are also options to purchase the monitor with a USB 3.0 connection for those who don’t prefer USB-C.
Buy it now: here
3. GeChic On-Lap 1303i
The GeChic On-Lap 1303i is not one of the biggest portable monitors in the market, only having a screen size of 13.3 inches. However, it’s one of the few monitors that support a 10-finger multitouch screen interface, just like how you use tablets. Add the IPS Panel with Full HD resolution that can cater to a wide-angle view of 178°, along with LED backlight, you have a portable monitor that stands strong against famous brands and models.
The capacitive touch screen works excellent with windows 10, 8.1, and 7. In fact, it recognizes hand gestures and behaviors like zoom, pinch, swipe, and even handwriting that goes well with presenters and enthusiasts. It’s really like using a smartphone! The 1303i can also be connected to a laptop via USB so it becomes a dual-screen monitor. And that’s not all. There are other methods to connect the portable monitor via HDMI, mini-Display, and VGA. Though there’s no additional smart cover upon purchase, the unit already includes a cover stand that helps you display your monitor at 53°, 62°, or 72°, whichever is comfortable and convenient.
Buy it now: here
4. Elecrow DRD60311D
The Elecrow DRD60311D may only have a screen display at 11.6 inches, but users who find large screens a little difficult to use would find the mid-range size a pleasant buy. Though a bit smaller than its competition, the screen quality, using an IPS Display at 1080p, is superb, sharp, and clear in detail. It also responds to data transmission at only 6 microseconds, decent performance to view seamless video and audio across connected devices.
Better than the screen size is the aluminum frame, a non-standard option from the usual steel or polycarbonate material, which contributes well to durability and weight. While most portable monitors work with computers, the DRD60311D can also be used for gaming consoles, car video setup, medical equipment, and even with the Raspberry Pi. It also comes with an embedded 2-channel speaker for listening to audio without the need of connecting other equipment.
Buy it now: here
5. HP EliteDisplay S140u
HP also has its share of the portable monitor market with its 14-inch EliteDisplay S140u. The LED backlit LCD that responds at a rate of 8ms grey-to-grey, and supports over 262,144 colors greets you as you use this monitor for doubling your monitor with a laptop. Though it does not have embedded speakers that are usually found in other competitor products, HP takes advantage of the plug-and-play feature via a USB 3.0 port for ease of use. Since the power and the data transfer both goes on the USB port, there’s no need to connect to additional wires upon connection. It also comes with a smart cover that both serves as a protection for your monitor’s screen and as a stand.
Buy it now: here
Recommendations on the portable monitors
All of the items listed serve the purpose of being a double screen together with laptops. However, since you’re into portability, you’d rather choose a product that already combines both power and data in just one cable. Though the weight is not much of a factor, it’s still an element to consider thinking of how it should weight together with a laptop, just in case you’re bringing both in the same bag. One thing that stands out is the capability of the portable monitor to stand both on vertical and horizontal, which takes advantage of the auto-rotate screen feature. So, it’s between the ASUS ASUS MB169B+ and the AOC i1601FWUX. But GeChic On-Lap 1303i plays a different game for being touch screen!
Product | Brand | Name | Price |
---|---|---|---|
AOC | AOC i1601fwux 16-Inch IPS | Check Price on Amazon | |
ASUS | ASUS MB169B+ 15.6" Full HD 1920x1080 IPS USB Portable Monitor | Check Price on Amazon | |
Gechic | GeChic 1303i 13.3\" Portable Monitor | Check Price on Amazon | |
ELECROW | Elecrow 11.6 Inch 1920X1080 HDMI VGA Portable Monitor 1080P | Check Price on Amazon | |
HP | HP ELiteDisplay G8R65A8#ABA 14-Inch Screen LED-Lit Monitor | Check Price on Amazon |
* If you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. For more details, please visit our Privacy policy page.