Portable monitors are slim external screens that connect to a laptop, phone, tablet or games console, and they suit anyone who works or plays away from a desk. Our range includes 14", 15.6" and 17.3" travel models as well as a few larger screens, from brands such as ASUS, Acer, HP and Lenovo.
How to choose a portable monitor
Screen size and weight. A 14" or 15.6" screen is the usual choice for a laptop bag, and both sizes are in our range, along with 16" and 17.3" models. The 24" and 31.5" screens are better seen as lightweight, movable monitors than as true travel companions. Check the weight against what you already carry each day.
Resolution and panel type. Full HD (1920 x 1080) is the most common resolution in our range and looks sharp at 14" to 16". Some models offer 1920 x 1200 or 2560 x 1600 for extra vertical space, and there is a 4K model for detailed work. Most screens use IPS panels, which keep colours and brightness consistent from wide viewing angles, and there is also an OLED model for deeper blacks.
Aspect ratio. A 16:9 screen matches video and games, while 16:10 adds height, which helps with documents, spreadsheets and code. Both ratios appear in our range, so decide by what you do most on the second screen.
Refresh rate. Most portable monitors run at 60 Hz, which is fine for office work and video. Models with 75 Hz and 144 Hz are also available, and they make sense if you play fast games or want smoother scrolling.
Connection and power. Many portable monitors use one USB-C cable for both video and power, but this only works if your laptop or phone supports video output over USB-C. If it does not, you will need a monitor with an HDMI input and a separate power source, so check the ports on both devices before buying.
Portable monitor brands we carry
- ASUS: the largest group in our range, and the brand is known for its ZenScreen series of slim USB-powered portable displays.
- Acer: a long-established monitor maker that also sells portable screens for laptop users.
- HP: known for business laptops and displays, so its portable screens pair easily with office notebooks.
- Lenovo: offers ThinkVision mobile monitors designed to sit alongside ThinkPad laptops.
- AOC: a specialist in desktop monitors, including gaming models with high refresh rates.
- Targus: best known for laptop bags and travel accessories, which makes it a natural fit for mobile work setups.
Also in our range: Extralink, Jonsbo and Blackview.
Portable monitor FAQ
How do I connect a portable monitor to my laptop?
Most portable monitors connect with a USB-C cable, or with a mini HDMI or HDMI cable if the laptop has no suitable USB-C port. USB-C only carries video if the laptop port supports DisplayPort output. When it does, a single cable usually handles both picture and power.
What size of portable monitor is best for a laptop?
A 15.6" portable monitor is a good match for most laptops, because it is close to the size of the laptop screen itself. A 14" model is easier to pack, while a 16" or 17.3" screen gives more working space if you can accept the extra size and weight.
Do portable monitors need their own power supply?
Many portable monitors draw power from the laptop through USB-C, so no separate adapter is needed. Larger or brighter screens, and connections through HDMI, often need a wall charger or a power bank. Check the monitor's power requirements before relying on a laptop alone.
Is a 4K portable monitor worth it?
A 4K portable monitor is worth it mainly for photo editing, design or detailed video work, where the extra sharpness is visible. At 14" to 16", Full HD already looks clear for office use and streaming. A 4K screen also asks more of the laptop and its battery.
