Best Portable Monitors

The Arzopa A1 model with a rugged aluminum alloy body belongs to the affordable segment of portable monitors for laptops and mobile devices.

Compared to its counterparts, the monitor stands out thanks to the aforementioned aluminum body and support legs with an adjustable tilt angle of up to 80°. Furthermore, the model can be used in both traditional landscape orientation and portrait layout.

The screen of the monitor has a classic "laptop" diagonal of 15.6 inches. The display is based on an IPS matrix with a resolution of 1920x1080 pixels and a frame refresh rate of 60 Hz. However, the color reproduction of the screen is poor — approximately 45% of the NTSC color space. The Arzopa A1 is not particularly suitable for working with graphics, photos, and video materials.

The model features ports including one miniHDMI and two USB-C with DisplayPort Alt Mode support. There is no headphone jack, but there are a pair of 1W speakers that provide good sound for videos, movies, and series.

The MSI PRO MP161 E2 mobile monitor stands out for its flexibility in placement. Its screen is supported by a folding stand on the back of the case, which features a 1/4" thread for mounting the monitor on a tripod.

The ergonomic holder allows adjusting the screen position in both traditional landscape orientation and portrait setup. An IPS panel of 15.6 inches serves as the display, offering a resolution of 1920x1080 pixels. Its refresh rate is standard (60 Hz), and the color reproduction is mediocre (around 53% of the sRGB triangle). However, it's worth mentioning MSI's proprietary EyesErgo system for eye comfort, which includes flicker suppression and blue light filtering functions.

The monitor connects to video sources through onboard USB type C ports (2 pcs.) and miniHDMI v 2.0. The included cables are designed in a convenient L-shaped connector format. The model can function as a second laptop screen, an additional display for a PC, or an output device for smartphones or tablets. It's also quite suitable for use with gaming consoles, although it can't be called a gaming monitor.

The MSI PRO MP161 E2 features a thin and lightweight body. Its minimal thickness is around 10.8 mm, and its weight is 750 g. A practical case is included for storage and transport. Notably, it has stereo speakers with a power of 2 x 1.5 W, eliminating the need for headphones. Incidentally, there's no wired jack for them.

The 15.6-inch Iiyama ProLite P1671HSC-B1 model with classic Full HD resolution is an optimal option for a laptop's auxiliary screen.

An IPS matrix extends across the full surface of the device's face panel, framed with slender bezels. The screen displays images at a maximum resolution of 1920x1080 pixels, has a response time of 3 ms (according to the GtG method), and shows good color coverage — about 99% of the sRGB spectrum. The display's brightness is standard, at the level of 250 cd/m².

The portable monitor connects using one miniHDMI v 1.4 and a pair of USB-C, which support charging under the Power Delivery protocol with a modest power of up to 15 W. Additionally, the model is equipped with 2 x 1 W stereo speakers and a combined 3.5 mm audio jack.

The Iiyama ProLite P1671HSC-B1 weighs just 700 g. Moreover, the monitor fits easily into the standard laptop compartment of any bag or backpack. The model is suitable for both stationary placement at a workstation and as a second mobile monitor that is convenient for daily carrying.

The Verbatim Light 32401 mobile monitor is a great addition to a laptop, smartphone, or tablet, providing a comfortable workspace at home, work, travel, and trips.

The monitor is assembled in a slim body with a thickness of about 17 mm and weighing less than 700 g. At the back, it features an integrated stand that ensures convenient adjustment of the screen's tilt angle. The display is based on an IPS matrix with a 15.6-inch diagonal frame resolution of 1920x1080 pixels. The screen declaratively supports HDR content, but realistically, it might not deliver this experience due to a basic level of maximum brightness (250 cd/m²).

A miniHDMI port and a pair of USB-C ports with DisplayPort Alt Mode are used to connect the portable monitor. Wired headphones connect through the 3.5 mm miniJack. Additionally, a related model with a touchscreen instead of a regular screen is available for purchase — Verbatim Light 32402.

Among the downsides of the model is the poor color coverage of the IPS panel at approximately 45% of the NTSC spectrum. However, the monitor is inherently not intended for graphics processing and has ample capabilities for everyday tasks.

The Asus ZenScreen MB16ACE mobile monitor is convenient for work or travel as it takes up minimal space and offers a standard 15.6-inch screen like those of most laptops.

Thanks to a practical integrated stand, the monitor can be placed on a desk in either landscape or portrait orientation. Its display is based on an IPS matrix with a Full HD frame resolution of 1920x1080 pixels. The screen is specified with a refresh rate of 60 Hz, a response time of 5 ms, and a maximum brightness of 220 cd/m².

TÜV Rheinland certification ensures the safety of the monitor's screen for the user's eyes. Display adjustments are available in the proprietary desktop application DisplayWidget Center. The model lacks an HDMI port and onboard speakers. The portable monitor connects to a signal source via USB-C. Power is also supplied through it.

The lower segment of the monitor's front panel is highlighted by a silver stripe with hardware control features that seamlessly fit into the model's design concept. Finally, the Asus ZenScreen MB16ACE has a minimal impact on the battery life of the connected laptop — the power consumed by the monitor is minor, amounting to just 8 W.