Top 5 Best Budget Portable Monitor On Amazon 2024

Although they are not particularly new, the number of portable displays that are compatible with laptops has skyrocketed in recent years. (Most manufacturers of displays now offer many throughout their product lines.) You may discover a mobile monitor that is ready to go, regardless of whether you want to add another display to do presentations to small groups, watch two applications side by side in full screen, or use a stylus to make adjustments to designs. Here’s where PCMag can help: We’ve conducted tests to find the top portable monitors for a range of applications. The ViewSonic VG1655 is our top choice overall for the majority of users, but one of the other options below, supported by our extensive testing procedures and combined decades of review knowledge, might be a better fit for your particular demands and budget. We stand behind them all. Read on for the best portable monitors on the market, followed by our detailed shopping advice.

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Last update on 2024-07-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon.

Top 5 Best Budget Portable Monitor On Amazon 2024

1.ViewSonic VG1655

Last update on 2024-07-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon.

For a low-cost portable monitor, the ViewSonic VG1655 has some unusual features. A large tilt range is provided via an integrated, foldable stand. You may access a comprehensive and advanced onscreen display (OSD) menu system with a five-way mini-joystick controller. A micro HDMI connector, two USB-C connectors (one for power and the other for data/video transfer), and two built-in speakers are also included. Though it is brighter than other mobile panels, its 15.6-inch 1080p IPS panel’s somewhat limited sRGB color-gamut coverage makes it more suited for standard commercial duties than color-sensitive workflows.

A decent portable display is the ViewSonic VG1655. It is intended to be used as a secondary screen thus, like most portable monitors, it is devoid of several functions present on standard desktop monitors. Its 15.6-inch screen and 1080p resolution, which produce a high pixel density and crisp lettering, make it suitable for reading papers or seeing communications. You may use the screen in portrait mode and the stand includes tilt settings that you can modify. It features two USB-C inputs that can supply up to 60W of power and enable DisplayPort Alt Mode. Unfortunately, its limited color range and washed-out hues make it bad for multimedia developers. It is also not a suitable option to use in really light conditions because it does not get bright.

In terms of gaming, the ViewSonic VG1655 is poor. Since it’s a portable monitor, it’s not intended for this application, and we don’t advise playing games on it. Its refresh rate is restricted to 60Hz, it lacks capability for variable refresh rates (VRR), and motion appears hazy. If you would still like to use it for gaming, though, its input lag is minimal.

2.:Asus ROG Strix XG16AHPE

Last update on 2024-07-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon.

There are no important omissions on the 15-inch mobile monitor Asus ROG Strix XG16AHPE. Numerous gaming features, like a fast refresh rate, Nvidia G-Sync compatibility, and minimal input lag, are packed into this panel. In addition, the monitor features speakers, a kickstand, and an integrated battery. Rounding up its list of abilities are good brightness and a comparatively high contrast ratio. Although less important for games, its superb sRGB coverage only serves to increase its allure as a portable entertainment monitor in general.

With its IPS screen and 144 Hz refresh rate, the Asus ROG Strix XG16AHPE is a portable monitor designed with gaming in mind. It is compatible with Nvidia G-Sync. That’s a pleasant change from the conventional 60 Hz screens in this class. With a built-in battery that can last for several hours while you’re out in the field, the XG16AHPE is an even more formidable tool for mobile fighters. With its diverse input capabilities, it can be easily connected to a laptop via USB-C (DisplayPort Alt-Mode) or paired with a Raspberry Pi via HDMI.

The 17.3-inch XG17AHPE with Asus ROG Strix XG16AHPE is the only portable display that can rival it in terms of gaming quality. It is one of the greatest portable monitors available.its 240 Hz refresh rate, which we previously tested. It brings a lot of features to the table, including the ability to orient in either landscape or portrait modes.which puts the XG16AHPE into a higher tier for portable monitors.

The Asus ROG XG16AHPE is a well-made portable gaming monitor that supports AMD FreeSync, has a 144Hz refresh rate, and an integrated battery. Although it costs more than competitors, its features more than offset this.

3.ViewSonic VX1655-4K-OLED

Last update on 2024-07-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon.

With a 15.6-inch UHD (4K) OLED screen that boasts incredible brightness, contrast, and color coverage, the ViewSonic VX1655-4K-OLED is maybe the most amazing portable monitor we have ever seen. The only significant drawback is that its ultra-high resolution and exceptional performance come at a price. Its higher pixel density than Apple creator monitors makes it especially useful for creative work. It’s also a good option for light gaming and viewing movies.

On paper, the Viewsonic VX1655-4K-OLED has excellent specifications. It provides a 4K OLED panel, which is often only seen in pricey laptops and portable monitors—though it is undoubtedly not exclusive to this monitor. Additionally, the panel has VESA DisplayHDR 500 certification, which is uncommon for a portable display. The majority do not have a VESA DisplayHDR label.

It was a challenging task for Viewsonic engineers to design the VX1655-4K-OLED. Given that it’s a costly portable display, one would think it would appear more elegant than its rivals. Thankfully, Viewsonic succeeds in doing so because of three sides with thin bezels and a glass panel that completely encloses the display’s front. The portable monitor’s rear has a wonderfully robust chassis and is likewise sturdy, with a metallic feel. There is hardly any elasticity evident when handling the display, which isn’t typical for a portable monitor.

Since the VX1655 is a 16-inch widescreen monitor, carrying it around calls for a sizable purse or backpack. On the other hand, the monitor is tiny, with a thickest point of only 0.6 inches, and weighs only 1.5 pounds by itself. It fits easily into any bag that can hold a 15- or 16-inch laptop, and if the laptop isn’t very fat, it can even fit side by side.

The monitor’s chassis includes an integrated kickstand that is fixed in place. This is different from the majority of competitors, who usually include a detachable stand that frequently functions as a cover or case. However, the integrated kickstand increases stability because it won’t suddenly break or collapse when the display is jostled or tilted.

Included with the monitor is a removable a cover that shields the monitor’s front. Although it feels thin in my hands, it will protect against scratches and minor bumps, thus I suggest getting a protective sleeve. Positively, packing the monitor is not made more challenging by the cover, which increases its weight by only a few tenths of a pound.

4.NexiGo NG17FGQ 17.3-Inch 300Hz Portable Monitor

Last update on 2024-07-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon.

Dedicated gamers seeking a high-refresh-rate panel they can carry with their gaming laptops will find the NexiGo NG17FGQ 17.3-Inch 300Hz Portable Monitor to be quite intriguing. An additional display for a home desktop or laptop, or paired with more advanced hardware like the PlayStation 5 or Nintendo Switch, the IPS panel performs admirably thanks to its AMD FreeSync support, surprisingly good color accuracy, and sky-high 300Hz peak refresh rate. The monitor’s shine was somewhat muted by its high price, absence of an internal battery, and mediocre construction, but not enough to detract from its overall outstanding performance.

As an addition to laptops, phones, and even desktop PCs, portable monitors serve a variety of purposes. For purposes like Photoshop toolbars, scrolling news feeds, or mirroring content from a smartphone, they can serve as a second or even third screen. Few of these panels provide gamers the high refresh rates and high-end video processing required to compete with what’s typically seen on desktop computers.

A range of monitors from 15 to 17 inches that operate at 144 Hz and, in the case of my present topic, 300 Hz are available from Nexigo. With a 17.3-inch viewable area, FHD resolution, 300 Hz operation, and HDR support, the NG17FGQ is a thin IPS panel. Measuring just slightly more than two pounds and less than half an inch across,It fits neatly into a laptop bag or briefcase. Additionally, it is compatible with a wide range of systems and devices thanks to its HDMI and USB-C connections.

The NG17FGQ is small and lightweight, however it lacks an internal battery. The USB-C power supply that is included powers it. Alternatively, if the linked device has a USB-C connector and can supply enough power, it can power it. Moreover, USB-C must function at 300 Hz. Your laptop or PC must have a fully functional USB-C output; if not, the refresh rate will max out at 240 Hz. Using the HDMI input on the Nexigo, this is possible. Two tiny speakers that project out the back are also included to enhance the sound of your games.

Assuming you fit the description of this portable monitor—a die-hard gamer—the 17.3-inch NexiGo fulfills its claims of full HD with HDR, an exceptionally high refresh rate, and no compromise. Despite its low price, the build quality of this monitor is somewhat subpar, but its performance is excellent. When looking for peak refresh rates while on the go, esports gamers can find a reliable partner in the NexiGo 300Hz. Before proceeding, confirm that the source of your video can indeed achieve frame rates in the hundreds per second.

5.Asus ZenScreen Touch (MB16AMT)

Last update on 2024-07-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon.

Set the Asus ZenScreen Touch (MB16AMT) apart from nearly all other mobile monitors we’ve examined for general use. Its touch screen is one of its first features; the Wacom Cintiq Pro 17 and other interactive pen monitors have the same feature. Secondly, it comes with an integrated battery, which is quite helpful while watching media on your phone or when the battery on your laptop runs out of power. This 15.6-inch display is full of features and a pleasure to work with; it works well with Android phones and Windows PCs. It’s quite capable, but it’s not inexpensive.

There is a decent 15.6-inch portable display in the ASUS ZenScreen Touch MB16AMT. This monitor’s 10-point touchscreen, which enables pinch, drag, swipe, scroll, and tapping, is its most notable feature. It isn’t compatible with Apple products, but it functions flawlessly on Windows 10 PCs and is said to work with some Android phones. Thanks to its built-in battery, which is said to last up to four hours, connecting your phone via the USB-C port is simple. It is sturdy and includes a folio case that can be used as a stand. It has a poor contrast ratio and washed-out colors, making the picture quality unremarkable. Its IPS panel appears darker than others, making it have poorer viewing angles.as regarded from an angle. If you wish to use it in a well-lit space, it has good reflection management even though it doesn’t get bright enough to combat extreme glare.

The portable monitor that is acceptable is the ASUS ZenScreen Touch MB16AMT. It doesn’t function like other displays because it’s meant to be used as a secondary screen while traveling. Because of its superior text clarity and outstanding reflection handling, it’s suitable for office use; but, at very broad angles, the screen seems darker. Content makers are advised against utilizing it due of its limited color range, which makes colors appear erroneous. It lacks gaming functions as well, and the poor response time causes motion to appear hazy.

If you require a portable monitor with a touch screen, be sure to check out the Asus ZenScreen Touch (MB16AMT); this model allows touch control with the accompanying pen/stylus eraser in addition to gesture-based multi-touch using your fingers.

Buying Guide: The Best Portable Monitors on Amazon for 2024

When traveling, you could carry certain smaller desktop monitors with you, but “true” portable monitors are ones that are designed to be carried in a bag. Even those come in a wide variety of sizes: 3.5 inches to 22 inches. A wide range of portable displays are available, including panels for artists and gamers as well as personal, business, and multipurpose models.

However, the ideal range of screens to utilize with a laptop is from 12 to 17 inches, which is what we’re concentrating on here. Many people align the screen size of their laptop with that of their portable display. However, a few versions of 10 inches (mostly for gaming consoles) and 7 inches (for the Raspberry Pi) are also available.

Many portable displays, particularly those that are more affordable, employ a support made of a stiff plastic board that is thin and folds into multiple creases and grooves. A magnetic strip has one end and is attached to the top of the monitor’s back. The monitor can be raised by folding the sheet in half so that the angle points away from the user. The monitor is secured and tilted upward by its bottom fitting into a groove. (Some portable displays have multiple grooves; by positioning the base in a different groove, you can change the tilt angle of the monitor.)

What Ports Should I Look for in a Portable Monitor?

As I mentioned before, USB Type-C connectivity is enabling a convergence of power and communication in the realm of mobile monitors. Numerous USB-C ports allow data/video and power to pass through the port from a computer using a single USB cable since they enable DisplayPort over USB and USB power delivery. Several modern mobile monitors connect only via USB-C, and the majority include at least one USB-C connection. Even while there is an appeal to this simplicity, make sure the USB-C connector on your laptop can transport data, video, and power because some early-generation USB-C ports cannot. (Thunderbolt ports should perform flawlessly as well; they have all of USB-C’s features.)

Portable Monitor Software and the On-Screen Display

Most portable monitors just need to be plugged in and turned on; no software is needed to use them. Any utilities that are provided will be for specialized purposes, like making the screen image stay in an upright position when you move from portrait to landscape mode. Occasionally, a tool built into the display allows you to adjust the monitor’s settings directly from your computer screen, bypassing the secondary panel’s on-screen display (OSD) controls.

The menu system of the display, known as the OSD, controls aspects including brightness, contrast, color levels, picture mode, and aspect ratio that are adjustable by the user. It is frequently set up with multiple submenus. It is more common for models to have a single button or switch to control the OSD, while some come with multiple buttons.

Generally speaking, mobile monitors don’t take audio into account, as These gadgets typically don’t have audio connections or speakers built in. In our experience, the few portable displays (often gaming models) that do come with speakers have poor quality ones, and they work best when combined with a smartphone or a portable game console. You may always change the audio source from the display to your laptop when the monitor is linked to a laptop by selecting the speaker icon in the taskbar (in Windows).