Best portable monitor for a laptop
Updated June 2026Independently researchedNo paid placement.
For most people, the ASUS ZenScreen MB16QHG is the best portable monitor overall thanks to its excellent build quality, vibrant panel, and thoughtful extras.
The LG gram +view 16MQ70 is the top pick for MacBook users due to its seamless integration and matching design, while the ViewSonic VA1655 offers a solid workable experience at a very budget-friendly price, and the INNOCN 15B1F delivers impressive 4K resolution for a modest cost.
Portable monitors have gone from niche accessories to essential gear for anyone who needs a second screen on the move. Whether you are a digital nomad juggling spreadsheets in a co-working space, a student taking notes side-by-side with a lecture video, or a business traveler prepping presentations, a good portable monitor can make your laptop feel twice as capable without adding much weight to your bag. The key is balancing resolution, panel quality, brightness, portability, and connectivity, all while staying within your budget. When shopping, prioritise your use case. For photo and video work, look for a panel with wide colour coverage; for productivity tasks, resolution and adjustability matter more. Also check your laptop’s output capability: USB-C with DisplayPort Alt Mode is the standard now, but some cheaper models still rely on an extra USB-A power cable. We have scoured expert reviews, owner feedback, and reputation to bring you the four best portable monitors for a laptop in 2026, each suited to different needs and wallets.
ASUS ZenScreen MB16QHG
the do-it-all default
4.8out of 5The ASUS ZenScreen MB16QHG combines a sharp, bright IPS panel with a slim, metal design and a built-in stand that works in both portrait and landscape. It connects via a single USB-C cable and includes features like a built-in battery, making it truly portable. The only real downsides are the premium price and the lack of a high-refresh mode for gamers.
Price range: $$$
Check price on Amazon →LG gram +view 16MQ70
seamless companion for MacBook users
4.6out of 5The LG gram +view 16MQ70 is designed to match the look and feel of the LG gram laptop lineup, and it works beautifully with MacBooks too thanks to its clean aesthetic, matte-finish IPS panel, and USB-C connectivity. It offers a generous 16-inch screen with solid brightness and a simple, integrated folding case. It lacks the built-in battery of the ASUS and costs almost as much, so it’s best for those who value style and simplicity.
Price range: $$$
Check price on Amazon →ViewSonic VA1655
the budget-friendly workhorse
4.3out of 5The ViewSonic VA1655 is a straightforward 15.6-inch portable monitor that trades frills for a very accessible price. It has a decent 1080p IPS panel, two USB-C ports, and a basic folding case/stand. The image quality is good enough for spreadsheets, documents, and streaming, though it lacks the brightness and colour coverage of pricier models. It’s the practical choice if you just need a second screen without breaking the bank.
Price range: $
Check price on Amazon →| Award | Model | Our score | Price | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best overall | ASUS ZenScreen MB16QHG | 4.8 / 5 | $$$ | Anyone who wants a premium, no-compromise second screen for productivity, creative work, o | Check price → |
| Runner-up | LG gram +view 16MQ70 | 4.6 / 5 | $$$ | MacBook or LG gram users who want a monitor that feels like a natural extension of their l | Check price → |
| Best value | ViewSonic VA1655 | 4.3 / 5 | $ | Budget-conscious shoppers who need a dependable second screen for office tasks, studying, | Check price → |
| Best value pick | INNOCN 15B1F | 4.5 / 5 | $$ | Users who want a high-resolution OLED screen for watching movies, editing photos, or enjoy | Check price → |
The picks in detail
1. ASUS ZenScreen MB16QHG: the do-it-all default
Best overallThe ASUS ZenScreen MB16QHG combines a sharp, bright IPS panel with a slim, metal design and a built-in stand that works in both portrait and landscape. It connects via a single USB-C cable and includes features like a built-in battery, making it truly portable. The only real downsides are the premium price and the lack of a high-refresh mode for gamers.
Pros
- Excellent colour accuracy and peak brightness for an IPS portable monitor
- Built-in battery lets you use it without draining your laptop
- Two USB-C ports and a micro-HDMI input offer flexible connectivity
- Auto-rotation and a smart cover that doubles as a foldable stand
Cons
- Premium price relative to the competition
- Heavier than some ultra-light models
- No touchscreen or high-refresh-rate option
Who it’s for
Anyone who wants a premium, no-compromise second screen for productivity, creative work, or everyday multitasking on the road.Who should skip it
You are on a tight budget or need a monitor that can double as a gaming display with a fast refresh rate.2. LG gram +view 16MQ70: seamless companion for MacBook users
Runner-upThe LG gram +view 16MQ70 is designed to match the look and feel of the LG gram laptop lineup, and it works beautifully with MacBooks too thanks to its clean aesthetic, matte-finish IPS panel, and USB-C connectivity. It offers a generous 16-inch screen with solid brightness and a simple, integrated folding case. It lacks the built-in battery of the ASUS and costs almost as much, so it’s best for those who value style and simplicity.
Pros
- Matching design language for LG gram and MacBooks, all-metal build
- Matte anti-glare panel reduces reflections
- Plug-and-play single USB-C connection with no extra power brick
- Lightweight and easy to pack in a laptop sleeve
Cons
- No built-in battery, so it draws power from your laptop
- Price is high for what you get vs. competitors
- Stand is fixed in one position, limited tilt adjustment
Who it’s for
MacBook or LG gram users who want a monitor that feels like a natural extension of their laptop.Who should skip it
You need a built-in battery for long hours away from a wall outlet, or you prefer more ergonomic flexibility.3. ViewSonic VA1655: the budget-friendly workhorse
Best valueThe ViewSonic VA1655 is a straightforward 15.6-inch portable monitor that trades frills for a very accessible price. It has a decent 1080p IPS panel, two USB-C ports, and a basic folding case/stand. The image quality is good enough for spreadsheets, documents, and streaming, though it lacks the brightness and colour coverage of pricier models. It’s the practical choice if you just need a second screen without breaking the bank.
Pros
- Very affordable, often the least expensive option among reliable brands
- Solid 1080p IPS panel with accurate colours for the price
- Two USB-C ports (including one for power) and mini-HDMI
- Lightweight design with a simple built-in stand
Cons
- Lower peak brightness makes it harder to use in bright environments
- No built-in battery or auto-rotation
- Plastic build feels less premium than the competition
Who it’s for
Budget-conscious shoppers who need a dependable second screen for office tasks, studying, or occasional travel.Who should skip it
You work with colour-critical content, need a built-in battery, or want a metal chassis.4. INNOCN 15B1F: 4K OLED on a relative budget
Best value pickThe INNOCN 15B1F stands out by bringing a 15.6-inch 4K OLED panel to a price that undercuts most OLED rivals. Colours are vibrant, blacks are true, and the thin design looks modern. It connects via USB-C and includes a cover-stand. The main trade-offs are that the panel is glossy (which can cause reflections) and the brightness is only average, but for media consumption and light creative work, it offers astonishing value.
Pros
- Stunning 4K OLED display with deep blacks and rich colours
- Very competitive price for an OLED portable monitor
- Slim and lightweight, easy to slip into a bag
- Touchscreen option available on some models
Cons
- Glossy screen picks up reflections; less ideal in brightly lit rooms
- Peak brightness is just adequate, not class-leading
- No built-in battery; relies on laptop power or a USB-C charger
Who it’s for
Users who want a high-resolution OLED screen for watching movies, editing photos, or enjoying vivid visuals without spending a premium.Who should skip it
You need a matte screen, a built-in battery, or maximum brightness for outdoor use.Best for specific needs
Best for multitasking and productivity on the go
If you spend hours hopping between documents, spreadsheets, and browser tabs, the ASUS ZenScreen MB16QHG is the best tool for the job. Its built-in battery means you can run the monitor without draining your laptop, and the foldable stand lets you prop it up at multiple angles. The bright IPS panel and solid colour accuracy keep text sharp and easy on the eyes, even in a bright coffee shop. Our pick: ASUS ZenScreen MB16QHG.
Best for MacBook users who value design and simplicity
The LG gram +view 16MQ70 integrates seamlessly with a MacBook aesthetic and ecosystem thanks to its aluminium finish and single-cable USB-C connection. The matte screen reduces glare on flights or in well-lit rooms, and the overall weight is low enough that you barely notice it in your bag. It’s the monitor that makes your Mac setup feel whole. Our pick: LG gram +view 16MQ70.
Best for watching movies and light creative work on a budget
The INNOCN 15B1F brings a 4K OLED panel to a price that used to require twice the spend. Colours pop and blacks look infinite, making it fantastic for streaming shows, reviewing photos, or even editing short videos. Just be aware of the glossy screen, plan to use it at a desk with controlled lighting for the best experience. Our pick: INNOCN 15B1F.
Our verdict
No single portable monitor suits every person or every budget. If you want the best all-rounder that covers all the basics and then some, the ASUS ZenScreen MB16QHG is our top recommendation for its brightness, built-in battery, and build quality. MacBook owners will appreciate the seamless fit of the LG gram +view 16MQ70. For those watching their spending, the ViewSonic VA1655 delivers a reliable 1080p screen at a very low cost, while the INNOCN 15B1F brings OLED magic within reach of modest budgets. Think about where and how you work most often, pick the feature that matters most, and you will find the perfect travel companion for your laptop.
Frequently asked questions
Which laptops work best with portable monitors?
Laptops with USB-C ports that support DisplayPort Alt Mode and Power Delivery work best, since they can drive the monitor and sometimes power it from a single cable. This includes most MacBooks, Dell XPS, Lenovo ThinkPads, and recent HP Spectres. Chromebooks with USB-C also work well. Older laptops with only USB-A ports or a single HDMI output need a separate hub or adapter and may need an external power source for the monitor.
Does a portable monitor slow down my laptop?
Running a second display puts a small additional load on your GPU to render the extra pixels, which can modestly reduce battery life. The impact is usually minor on modern laptops with dedicated GPUs, and on recent integrated-GPU laptops it's also manageable. The bigger battery draw comes from the monitor itself drawing power from the laptop's USB-C port. Expect to lose roughly 20 to 30 percent of battery runtime compared to using just the laptop screen, though this varies widely by monitor brightness and laptop hardware.
Do I need special software to use a portable monitor with a laptop?
No, in most cases. A portable monitor plugged in over USB-C or HDMI appears to the operating system as a standard external display, and the laptop detects it automatically. Windows, macOS, and most Linux distributions handle portable monitors without any drivers or special software. Some monitors include companion software for brightness and input switching, but it's optional, not required for basic operation.