Best portable monitor for a laptop
Updated June 2026Independently researchedNo paid placement.
For most people, the ASUS ZenScreen MB16QHG is the portable monitor to buy, it strikes the best balance of sharpness, brightness, and build quality.
If you use a MacBook, the LG gram +view 16MQ70 integrates seamlessly; on a tight budget the ViewSonic VA1655 gets the job done; and the INNOCN 15B1F offers extra features for not much more.
Laptops are getting thinner, but their screens aren’t getting bigger. A portable monitor turns a cramped 13- or 14-inch display into a true dual-screen workstation, whether you’re editing spreadsheets in a coffee shop, reviewing code in a hotel room, or just want a second screen for your console. The trick is finding one that’s light enough to carry, bright enough to see outdoors, and easy to connect without a tangle of adapters. The key specs to weigh are panel type, resolution, weight, and connectivity. IPS screens offer the best all-around color and viewing angle; a 1080p panel is fine for most work, but a 1440p or 4K screen makes text and images noticeably crisper. Look for USB-C with DisplayPort Alt Mode, that’s what lets you run video and power through a single cable. Battery life (if it has one) matters, but competitive options skip internal batteries to save weight.
ASUS ZenScreen MB16QHG
the do-it-all default
4.7out of 5The MB16QHG delivers a crisp, color-accurate 1080p IPS panel in a slim 15.6-inch frame. Its slim profile, sturdy kickstand, and reliable USB-C connectivity make it the most versatile pick for Windows and Mac users alike. You give up an internal battery, but the trade-off is a lighter, cooler-running screen that sips power from your laptop.
Price range: $$
Check price on Amazon →LG gram +view 16MQ70
the MacBook companion
4.5out of 5LG designed this 16-inch portable monitor with premium materials and a magnetically attached cover that aligns perfectly with MacBook aesthetics. Its 2560×1600 resolution matches the MacBook Pro’s native scaling, and the slim USB-C cable handles both video and charging. The build quality is excellent, but the price and proprietary magnetic case limit its appeal outside the Apple ecosystem.
Price range: $$$
Check price on Amazon →ViewSonic VA1655
the budget workhorse
4.3out of 5The VA1655 cuts no corners where it counts: a decent 1080p IPS panel, two USB-C ports, and a sturdy built-in stand. It’s not the brightest or thinnest, but it’s reliable and affordable, exactly what you want when the budget is tight. The main compromise is color accuracy and brightness, so it’s not ideal for photo editing, but for spreadsheets, documents, and general productivity it handles everything fine.
Price range: $
Check price on Amazon →| Award | Model | Our score | Price | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best overall | ASUS ZenScreen MB16QHG | 4.7 / 5 | $$ | Frequent travelers, remote workers, and students who want a reliable second screen for pro | Check price → |
| Runner-up | LG gram +view 16MQ70 | 4.5 / 5 | $$$ | MacBook owners who value design harmony and a resolution that makes long reading sessions | Check price → |
| Best value | ViewSonic VA1655 | 4.3 / 5 | $ | Students, on-the-go office workers, or anyone who needs a functional second screen without | Check price → |
| Best value pick | INNOCN 15B1F | 4.4 / 5 | $$ | Media editors, photographers, and anyone who wants a portable screen with true blacks for | Check price → |
The picks in detail
1. ASUS ZenScreen MB16QHG: the do-it-all default
Best overallThe MB16QHG delivers a crisp, color-accurate 1080p IPS panel in a slim 15.6-inch frame. Its slim profile, sturdy kickstand, and reliable USB-C connectivity make it the most versatile pick for Windows and Mac users alike. You give up an internal battery, but the trade-off is a lighter, cooler-running screen that sips power from your laptop.
Pros
- Sharp and bright IPS display with wide viewing angles
- Very lightweight and easy to slip into a laptop bag
- Folding smart case doubles as a stand, no extra accessories needed
- Connects via single USB-C cable (Alt Mode) without external power
Cons
- No built-in battery, requires a powered USB-C port or separate power supply
- Glossy screen can reflect overhead lights in bright rooms
- Slightly quieter speakers than some competitors
Who it’s for
Frequent travelers, remote workers, and students who want a reliable second screen for productivity without adding bulk.Who should skip it
You absolutely need an on-board battery for use with battery-draining devices or a phone that doesn’t support USB-C video out.2. LG gram +view 16MQ70: the MacBook companion
Runner-upLG designed this 16-inch portable monitor with premium materials and a magnetically attached cover that aligns perfectly with MacBook aesthetics. Its 2560×1600 resolution matches the MacBook Pro’s native scaling, and the slim USB-C cable handles both video and charging. The build quality is excellent, but the price and proprietary magnetic case limit its appeal outside the Apple ecosystem.
Pros
- High-resolution screen matches MacBook scaling for seamless text clarity
- Premium aluminum design with a magnetic folio cover that feels durable
- Plug-and-play with MacBooks, no driver or adapter needed
- Thin and light enough to slide into the same sleeve as your laptop
Cons
- More expensive than comparable 1080p monitors
- Magnetic case is sold separately for non-LG devices
- Stands options are more limited than the folding-cover design of competitors
Who it’s for
MacBook owners who value design harmony and a resolution that makes long reading sessions easier on the eyes.Who should skip it
You use a Windows laptop or prefer a lower-priced monitor with an integrated stand.3. ViewSonic VA1655: the budget workhorse
Best valueThe VA1655 cuts no corners where it counts: a decent 1080p IPS panel, two USB-C ports, and a sturdy built-in stand. It’s not the brightest or thinnest, but it’s reliable and affordable, exactly what you want when the budget is tight. The main compromise is color accuracy and brightness, so it’s not ideal for photo editing, but for spreadsheets, documents, and general productivity it handles everything fine.
Pros
- Very affordable, the most budget-friendly option in this roundup
- IPS panel with acceptable color and viewing angles for the price
- Two USB-C ports provide flexibility for power or daisy-chaining
- Integrated kickstand is simple and doesn’t require a separate cover
Cons
- Lower maximum brightness makes it harder to use in bright environments
- Thicker bezels and heavier than premium competitors
- Speakers are tinny and low-volume
Who it’s for
Students, on-the-go office workers, or anyone who needs a functional second screen without spending a few hundred dollars.Who should skip it
You work in graphic design, video editing, or any color-critical field, or you frequently use your monitor outside.4. INNOCN 15B1F: the value overachiever
Best value pickThe INNOCN 15B1F punches above its price with a vivid 4K OLED panel that delivers deep blacks and rich colors, normally a feature reserved for monitors costing twice as much. It’s heavier and uses more power than IPS rivals, and the build quality feels slightly less refined, but if you prioritize picture quality on a moderate budget, this is a standout pick.
Pros
- Stunning 4K OLED display with excellent contrast and color
- Built-in stand cover is functional and offers multiple viewing angles
- Supports both USB-C and mini-HDMI inputs for broad compatibility
- Touchscreen functionality adds convenience for certain workflows
Cons
- Heavier than IPS models of the same size
- OLED panel may exhibit temporary image retention if you leave static elements on screen too long
- Flimsy feeling hinge on the stand cover compared to more premium designs
Who it’s for
Media editors, photographers, and anyone who wants a portable screen with true blacks for watching movies or reviewing footage on location.Who should skip it
You need a rugged travel companion or you leave your monitor connected for days at a time without turning it off.Best for specific needs
Best for frequent travelers
When you’re living out of a backpack, every ounce and every port counts. The ASUS ZenScreen MB16QHG is the lightest of the bunch, its folding cover-stand is dead simple, and it runs off a single USB-C cable. You don’t have to pack a separate power brick or fiddle with multiple connections. For road warriors who need to turn any laptop into a dual-screen setup, this is the one. Our pick: ASUS ZenScreen MB16QHG.
Best for MacBook setups
MacBook users appreciate attention to detail, and the LG gram +view 16MQ70 delivers it. The magnetic folio cover attaches cleanly, the 2560×1600 resolution matches the MacBook Pro’s retina-scale comfortably, and the single USB-C cable carries both video and power without a separate adapter. If you want a monitor that feels like it was made for your Apple laptop, this is it. Our pick: LG gram +view 16MQ70.
Best for budget-first buyers
Not everyone needs a dazzling display or premium materials, sometimes you just need a second screen that works. The ViewSonic VA1655 is no-frills but reliable: decent IPS panel, two USB-C ports for flexibility, and a built-in stand that doesn’t require a separate case. It won’t turn heads, but it will let you spread out your windows without breaking the bank. Our pick: ViewSonic VA1655.
Our verdict
Choosing the right portable monitor comes down to how you work on the road. If you want one do-everything screen that handles any laptop with ease, the ASUS ZenScreen MB16QHG is the clear all-rounder. MacBook owners should look at the LG gram +view for a seamless fit, and anyone watching their wallet can trust the ViewSonic VA1655 to handle the basics. For those who value image quality above all else, the INNOCN 15B1F offers OLED visuals at a price that’s hard to beat. Whichever path you take, a good portable monitor will change the way you think about working away from a desk.
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.