Portable monitors are extremely useful for mobile workers who need more screen real estate on the go. Many desktop users deploy their monitors as small secondary screens to complement their larger displays. We maintain an up-to-date list of the best portable monitors to help you choose. And 2023 may not have the best models yet.
We saw some great portable monitors at CES 2023. It will soon appear in the North American market. Asus and Viewsonic showed off a number of lightweight screens with OLED or IPS panels, high resolutions and even high refresh rates.
|
|
Asus ZenScreen MB17AHG |
Asus ZenScreen MB16QHG |
Asus ZenScreen MB249C |
ViewSonic VX16 |
|
Screen size |
17.3 inches |
16 inch |
23.8 inches |
16 inch |
|
Resolution |
1920×1080 |
2540×1600 |
1920×1080 |
3840×2160 |
|
panel type |
IPS |
IPS |
IPS |
Organic EL |
|
refresh rate |
144Hz |
120Hz |
60Hz |
60Hz |
|
connectivity |
2x USB-C 1 x HDMI |
2x USB-C 1 x HDMI |
2x USB-C 1 x HDMI |
2x USB-C 1 x HDMI |
| availability | to be decided | to be decided | to be decided | Second half of 2023 |
| price |
to be decided | to be decided | to be decided | to be decided |
Asus portable monitors in 2023
For mobile gamers, Asus has announced the ZenScreen MB17AHG, which boasts a 17.3-inch Full HD IPS panel and a fast refresh rate of 144Hz. Asus has narrowed down support for AMD FreeSync Premium to keep frame rates super smooth. Connectivity options include USB-C (DisplayPort Alt-Mode) and HDMI to connect to virtually any modern computer on the market.
The ZenScreen MB16QHG is slightly smaller in stature with a 2560 x 1600 (16:10) IPS display and 120Hz refresh rate. But let’s say you’re not a gamer and you want a portable monitor primarily for productivity. In that case, swapping the ZenScreen MB16QHG’s high-res display for its 1-inch diagonal size and 144Hz refresh rate might feel really bad.
Most portable monitors top out at around 17 inches, but Asus’ ZenScreen MB249C is an exception. At 23.8 inches wide, it sits right next to a 27-inch gaming monitor. Despite its size, Asus claims the monitor is just 17.7mm thick and weighs just 6.17 pounds (or about the same as the best gaming notebooks).
Given its size, the ZenScreen MB249C has an integrated handle for easy transport and doubles as a kickstand for placing it on your desk. Asus’ box includes a C-clamp system for attaching the monitor to the edge of your desk. Arm and partition hook mounting options are also available. The monitor also features 60 watts of USB-C Power Delivery for connecting (and powering) your laptop with a single cable.
Viewsonic portable monitors in 2023
ViewSonic also expanded its portable monitor portfolio at CES with the VX16 and ColorPro VP16. The VX16 is the more exciting of the two, as it features a 15.6-inch 4K OLED panel with a 60Hz refresh rate.
It may not satisfy hardcore gamers, but this monitor is great for photo editing, video watching, and everyday workloads thanks to its 400-nit panel and 100% sRGB and DCI-P3 coverage. Plus, at under 2 pounds, the VX16 features a sturdy, adjustable stand and USB-C and HDMI connectivity.
