Best portable monitors for 2026
Updated June 2026Independently researchedNo paid placement.
The ASUS ZenScreen MB16QHG is the best portable monitor for most people, offering a superb balance of image quality, connectivity, and build at a fair price.
The LG gram +view is ideal for MacBook users, the ASUS ZenScreen OLED wows with contrast, the Lenovo ThinkVision M14t adds touch input, and the ViewSonic VA1655 delivers solid performance on a tight budget.
Portable monitors have moved from a niche accessory to a genuine productivity tool for remote workers, travelers, and anyone who needs a second screen on the go. Whether you’re extending a laptop display for spreadsheets, giving presentations, or editing photos, a good portable monitor can make a real difference. When choosing, focus on panel type (IPS is best for most), resolution, brightness, connectivity (USB-C with alt mode is ideal), and portability (weight and included case). Refresh rate and touch are bonus features for gamers or designers. Below are our top picks for 2026, ranked by overall value.
ASUS ZenScreen MB16QHG
the do-it-all default
4.7out of 5The MB16QHG hits the sweet spot with a crisp 1080p IPS display, USB-C connectivity, and a slim, lightweight design. It’s bright enough for most indoor use and works seamlessly with laptops and phones. While not the cheapest, it offers reliable performance that justifies its mid-range cost.
Price range: $$
Check price on Amazon →LG gram +view 16MQ70
MacBook’s best travel companion
4.5out of 5LG’s 16-inch 16:10 panel matches the MacBook’s aspect ratio perfectly, offering a seamless second-screen experience. Its thin magnesium alloy build is incredibly light, and the single USB-C cable carries both video and power. The trade-off is a higher price and a reflective glossy screen.
Price range: $$$
Check price on Amazon →ASUS ZenScreen OLED MQ16AHG
vivid colors, deep blacks
4.6out of 5This OLED panel delivers stunning contrast and vibrant colors that make photos and videos pop. It’s still slim and portable, with a smart auto-rotation feature. The main downsides are the premium cost and potential burn-in risk with static elements if left on too long.
Price range: $$$$
Check price on Amazon →| Award | Model | Our score | Price | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best overall | ASUS ZenScreen MB16QHG | 4.7 / 5 | $$ | Anyone who needs a dependable, high-quality secondary screen for productivity on the go. | Check price → |
| Runner-up | LG gram +view 16MQ70 | 4.5 / 5 | $$$ | MacBook users who want a portable monitor that feels like a natural extension of their lap | Check price → |
| Best value | ASUS ZenScreen OLED MQ16AHG | 4.6 / 5 | $$$$ | Creative professionals who need accurate, vibrant colors for photo and video editing on th | Check price → |
| Best for touch | Lenovo ThinkVision M14t | 4.4 / 5 | $$$ | Users who want to use a portable monitor as a second touchscreen for Windows tablets or la | Check price → |
| Best budget | ViewSonic VA1655 | 4.3 / 5 | $ | Budget-conscious shoppers who need a basic second screen for office documents and web brow | Check price → |
The picks in detail
1. ASUS ZenScreen MB16QHG: the do-it-all default
Best overallThe MB16QHG hits the sweet spot with a crisp 1080p IPS display, USB-C connectivity, and a slim, lightweight design. It’s bright enough for most indoor use and works seamlessly with laptops and phones. While not the cheapest, it offers reliable performance that justifies its mid-range cost.
Pros
- Sharp 1080p resolution
- Good brightness and color accuracy
- USB-C and micro-HDMI inputs
- Ultra-portable at
Cons
- Only 60Hz refresh rate
- Non-removable cable system
- Average built-in speakers
Who it’s for
Anyone who needs a dependable, high-quality secondary screen for productivity on the go.Who should skip it
You require a high-refresh panel for gaming or a larger screen for extended desktop use.2. LG gram +view 16MQ70: MacBook’s best travel companion
Runner-upLG’s 16-inch 16:10 panel matches the MacBook’s aspect ratio perfectly, offering a seamless second-screen experience. Its thin magnesium alloy build is incredibly light, and the single USB-C cable carries both video and power. The trade-off is a higher price and a reflective glossy screen.
Pros
- 16:10 aspect ratio matches MacBook screens
- Extremely lightweight and thin
- USB-C connectivity with pass-through power
- Solid color reproduction
Cons
- Glossy screen can cause glare
- No included case or stand beyond the folio cover
- Premium price tag
Who it’s for
MacBook users who want a portable monitor that feels like a natural extension of their laptop.Who should skip it
You prefer a matte display or need HDMI input for non-USB-C devices.3. ASUS ZenScreen OLED MQ16AHG: vivid colors, deep blacks
Best valueThis OLED panel delivers stunning contrast and vibrant colors that make photos and videos pop. It’s still slim and portable, with a smart auto-rotation feature. The main downsides are the premium cost and potential burn-in risk with static elements if left on too long.
Pros
- Perfect blacks and wide color gamut
- Auto-rotation adjusts display orientation
- Very slim profile
- Good brightness for HDR content
Cons
- OLED burn-in potential over time
- Expensive compared to IPS alternatives
- No built-in battery
Who it’s for
Creative professionals who need accurate, vibrant colors for photo and video editing on the go.Who should skip it
You’re on a budget or frequently use the monitor for static text-based work.4. Lenovo ThinkVision M14t: touchscreen productivity
Best for touchThe M14t offers responsive ten-point touch support that works with Windows and Android devices, making it great for note-taking or design work. It’s built tough with an aluminum frame and has a handy tilt stand. The trade-off is a slightly dimmer panel and heftier weight than non-touch competitors.
Pros
- Accurate touch input with pen support
- Premium metal build
- Adjustable tilt stand
- USB-C connectivity
Cons
- Lower peak brightness
- Heavier than other monitors
- No HDMI port
Who it’s for
Users who want to use a portable monitor as a second touchscreen for Windows tablets or laptops.Who should skip it
You don’t need touch functionality and want a lighter, brighter, or less expensive option.5. ViewSonic VA1655: surprisingly capable on a budget
Best budgetThe VA1655 proves you don’t have to spend a lot to get a functional portable monitor. It delivers a clear 1080p IPS screen with two USB-C inputs and a simple kickstand case. The catch is a plastic build, dimmer screen, and less accurate colors, but for the price it’s hard to beat.
Pros
- Very affordable
- Good 1080p IPS panel for the price
- Dual USB-C ports for easy connectivity
- Lightweight and compact
Cons
- Lower brightness and color accuracy
- Build quality feels plasticky
- No HDMI or micro-USB input
Who it’s for
Budget-conscious shoppers who need a basic second screen for office documents and web browsing.Who should skip it
You need high brightness for outdoor use or require color-critical accuracy.Best for specific needs
Best for everyday portability
The ZenScreen MB16QHG strikes an ideal balance of size, weight, and performance. Its 15.6-inch IPS panel is bright enough for most indoor settings, and the USB-C and micro-HDMI inputs ensure compatibility with a wide range of devices. It’s the most versatile portable monitor we recommend for professionals on the go. Our pick: ASUS ZenScreen MB16QHG.
Best for MacBook users
The LG gram +view is purpose-built for MacBook owners, with a 16-inch 16:10 display that matches the MacBook’s tall aspect ratio. Its ultra-light magnesium chassis adds minimal weight to your bag, and the single USB-C cable (with pass-through charging) keeps setup simple. For a seamless second-screen experience, this is the top choice. Our pick: LG gram +view 16MQ70.
Best for color-critical work
The ASUS ZenScreen OLED MQ16AHG delivers the deepest blacks and most vibrant colors available in a portable monitor. Its auto-rotation feature and slim profile make it a joy to use in the field. Creative professionals who demand accurate colors for photo and video editing will appreciate its performance despite the premium price. Our pick: ASUS ZenScreen OLED MQ16AHG.
Our verdict
No matter your needs, one of these portable monitors can transform your mobile setup. If you want the best all-around screen, start with the ASUS ZenScreen MB16QHG. MacBook users should gravitate toward the LG gram +view, while creative pros craving OLED’s deep blacks will love the ASUS ZenScreen OLED. For budget buyers, the ViewSonic VA1655 is a smart choice, and the Lenovo ThinkVision M14t is there if you need touch input.
Frequently asked questions
Do portable monitors need their own power supply?
Most modern portable monitors can be powered entirely over a single USB-C cable from your laptop, which is one of their main advantages. Some models require a specific wattage from that cable, and older or lower-end laptops may not provide enough power from their USB-C ports. A few portable monitors include a separate power adapter as a fallback, but the goal is usually one cable for both video and power. Always check the minimum power delivery spec against what your laptop's USB-C port actually outputs.
What size portable monitor is most practical for travel?
Fifteen to sixteen inches is the sweet spot for most people. It's large enough to be genuinely useful as a second screen, and a 15-inch panel in a slim housing fits in most laptop bags alongside a 14 or 15-inch laptop. Thirteen-inch models are lighter and more packable but feel cramped for real multitasking work. Anything 17 inches or above starts to compete with the laptop in weight and bag space.
Is 1080p or 1440p better for a portable monitor?
At 15 to 16 inches, 1440p delivers noticeably sharper text and more desktop room than 1080p, and most modern laptops can drive it easily. 1080p is still perfectly usable for general work and cuts the price down. For anything involving precise visual work, 1440p is worth the premium. 4K at this screen size is technically impressive but harder to drive from a laptop and often requires scaling that erases the real-estate advantage.
What connection does a portable monitor use?
Most good portable monitors connect over USB-C, which carries both the video signal and power delivery in a single cable. Some include a mini-HDMI port as a fallback for computers without USB-C video output. DisplayPort Alt Mode over USB-C is the gold standard for compatibility. Thunderbolt 4 ports on MacBooks and modern Intel laptops handle USB-C portable monitors reliably, but check your laptop's USB-C port spec to confirm it supports video output, since charging-only ports exist on some machines.
Can I use a portable monitor with an iPad or phone?
Many portable monitors support USB-C video input from an iPad Pro or Android phone with DisplayPort support. iPhone support requires a USB-C Lightning or USB-C cable combined with Stage Manager on iPadOS, or a specific dock. Compatibility is narrower than with laptops, so check the monitor manufacturer's listed device compatibility rather than assuming it will work from any USB-C device.