Portable Monitor Buying Guide for Work and Play Anywhere

Remote work, business trips, university lectures… Does your laptop screen always feel a bit too small? It's a common feeling. This limited space can quickly become a drag on productivity. Fortunately, the portable monitor is the perfect solution to reclaim the comfort of a dual-monitor setup, wherever you are.

This guide is here to help you navigate the jungle of available models. We'll review the essential buying criteria and present our selection of the best monitors, whether for intensive work or for gaming on the go.

How to Choose the Right Portable Monitor

Before you decide, there are a few technical specifications to examine closely to ensure the monitor perfectly matches your needs.

1. Connectivity: Simplicity is Key

For a portable device, easy connectivity is a non-negotiable criterion. Most recent models revolve around two main options:

• USB-C: This is the gold standard for simplicity. A single USB-C cable can often be enough to transmit both the video signal and power from your laptop, provided it has a compatible port (Thunderbolt 3/4 or USB-C with DisplayPort Alternate Mode). A USB-C external monitor promises a clutter-free desk and a near-instant setup.
• HDMI (via Mini-HDMI): A reliable choice, compatible with a myriad of devices, including older laptops, gaming consoles (Switch, PS5, Xbox), and some cameras. Be aware, however, that an HDMI connection almost always requires a second cable for power, often via a dedicated USB-C port.

2. Size, Weight, and Resolution: Finding the Right Balance

A second screen for your laptop should enhance your visual comfort without sacrificing portability.

• Size: Diagonals most often range from 13 to 17 inches. A 14 or 15.6-inch model represents an excellent compromise between viewing comfort and bulk.
• Weight and Thickness: For truly mobile use, aim for models under 800 grams and 1 cm thick. The most feather-light models go as low as 600 grams.
• Resolution: Full HD (1920 x 1080 pixels) resolution has established itself as the standard. It provides more than enough sharpness for office work and entertainment on these screen sizes.

3. Panel Quality: For Work or for Play?

Not all panels are created equal. IPS (In-Plane Switching) technology is now the most recommended for its wide viewing angles and good colour reproduction. This is an undeniable asset for collaborating with others or for photo editing.

For gamers, two other criteria come into play:

• Refresh Rate: Expressed in Hertz (Hz), this is the number of images displayed per second. While a 60 Hz screen is sufficient for office work, a portable gaming monitor at 144 Hz (or higher) will offer unparalleled image fluidity, which is crucial in fast-paced games.
• Colour Gamut (sRGB): A high sRGB score (close to or above 100%) ensures richer, more accurate colours. This is a real bonus for both creatives and gamers seeking immersion.

Our Recommended Portable Monitors

Here are a few models that stand out from the crowd, each catering to a specific user profile.

Blackview SCM6 Laptop Screen Extender

Highlights: This model is a pure laptop screen extender. Designed for absolute mobility, it clips directly onto your computer and impresses with its feather-light weight and record-breaking thinness.

Advantages:

• Feather-light: At just 600g and 4.5mm thick, it's completely unnoticeable in a backpack.
• Eye Comfort: According to the manufacturer, the screen integrates a hardware-based blue light filter (T?V S?D certified) to reduce eye strain during long work sessions.
• Express Setup: Its integrated mounting system and Plug & Play connectivity (USB-C or HDMI) make it operational in the blink of an eye.
• All-in-One: It comes with its carrying case and all the necessary cables. Nothing extra to buy.

Who is it for? For mobile professionals and students who make portability their number one criterion and want a turnkey solution to double their screen real estate without the bulk.

ARZOPA A1 15.6-inch FHD Portable Monitor

Highlights: The ARZOPA A1 is the Swiss Army knife of our selection. It offers an excellent balance of size, image quality, and compatibility, all in a sturdy metal chassis with a built-in stand.

Advantages:

• Beautiful Full HD IPS Screen: Its 15.6-inch panel (1920 x 1080p) and wide viewing angles (178°) ensure a sharp and comfortable display in all conditions.
• Clever Integrated Stand: No need for a cover that doubles as a stand; its built-in kickstand allows you to adjust the tilt with a single motion.
• Universal Compatibility: It works Plug & Play with PCs, Macs, smartphones, and consoles (PS3/4/5, Xbox, Switch) thanks to its USB-C and mini-HDMI ports.
• Display Flexibility: It can duplicate your screen, extend it (extended desktop mode), or even serve as the primary display.

Who is it for? The user looking for a reliable and versatile portable monitor for Mac/PC, just as comfortable for remote work as it is for an impromptu console gaming session.

ARZOPA Z1FC 16.1-inch 144Hz Portable Gaming Monitor

Highlights: This model goes all-in on performance. With its 144 Hz refresh rate, it's tailor-made for demanding gamers who refuse to compromise on fluidity, even on the go.

Advantages:

• Absolute Fluidity at 144 Hz: It delivers an ultra-smooth gaming experience, an undeniable competitive edge in the most fast-paced titles.
• Vibrant Colours: It covers 106% of the sRGB space (according to the manufacturer), for vivid visuals and enhanced immersion.
• Immersive Large Format: Its 16.1-inch screen offers a more generous display area than average for better immersion, without sacrificing portability.
• Refined Design: Despite its screen size and performance, it maintains a slim profile and a contained weight of 780g.

Who is it for? The laptop or console gamer looking for a no-compromise portable gaming monitor to enjoy their games with maximum fluidity, wherever they are.

Looking for Other Options?

The portable monitor market is thriving and caters to very specific needs. If the models in our selection don't check all your boxes, know that there are a multitude of other options available with different sizes, resolutions, or features.

Feel free to explore our full catalogue to find the hidden gem that will perfectly suit your use case.

Discover the entire Digital Display Screen category

FAQ: Everything You Need to Know About Portable Monitors

How do I connect a portable monitor to my computer?

The easiest way is to use a USB-C port that supports video signal (DisplayPort Alternate Mode). A single cable is then all you need for both video and power. If your computer doesn't have this type of port, you'll need to use an HDMI cable (often in mini-HDMI format on the monitor's end) for video, and add a second cable (usually USB-C to USB-A) connected to your PC or a power adapter for power.

Does a portable monitor always need to be plugged into an outlet?

It all depends on your connection and the monitor's power consumption. With a USB-C cable connected to a sufficiently powerful laptop port, external power is unnecessary. However, if you use the HDMI port or connect it to a low-power device (like a smartphone or a Nintendo Switch in handheld mode), you will almost always need to connect the monitor to an external power source (wall outlet, power bank, etc.).

Can you play on a console (Switch, PS5) with a portable monitor?

Yes, absolutely! Most portable monitors include a mini-HDMI port, making them perfectly compatible with gaming consoles. It's an ideal solution for playing in another room, on holiday, or at a friend's house. For the full experience, check if the monitor has built-in speakers or a headphone jack (3.5mm).