touch screen portable monitors for sale
The best touch screen monitors allow you to interact with your desktop computer via tap, swipe and pinch-to-zoom. Alternatively, you can install it as a secondary monitor to use with an office-based laptop.
In this article, we"ve gathered together the best touch screen monitors available today – in a range of sizes from 21 inches to a special ultrawide monitor(opens in new tab) that"s 49 inches. If you"re after a smaller secondary monitor that can be carried with your laptop for use on the go, see our list of the best portable monitors(opens in new tab). (Portable monitors can also be had with touch sensitivity, but they"re smaller and are powered by your laptop"s battery, so they don"t need their own power supply.)
If you"ve already researched the best monitors for photo editing(opens in new tab) or the best video editing monitors(opens in new tab), you may have realized that none of them are touch screen monitors. But why not? Why would you consider choosing a new monitor without touch sensitivity?
After all, the best touch screen monitor will add an extra, more ergonomic form of user input, so must be better, right? Well, it"s not quite that simple. At the bottom of this page, you"ll find tips on what to look for when buying a touch screen monitor, including connectivity, size, and that all-important image quality.
Dell"s P2418HT has fairly typical touch screen display credentials: a 23.8-inch screen size and Full HD (1920 x 1080) resolution. But it stands out from the crowd in other areas.
Its special articulating stand transitions the display from a standard desktop monitor to a downward 60-degree angle touch orientation. It also supports extended tilt and swivel capabilities, so you can adjust the screen to your task or a more comfortable position. Plus, a protective cushion at the base of the screen offers a buffer against bumps when the stand is fully compressed.
Marketed at commercial and educational settings as well as home use, the TD2230 boasts a 7H hardness-rated protective glass for extra scratch protection and durability. Super-thin screen bezels give the panel a modern, sleek look, plus there are integrated stereo speakers for added versatility.
The ViewSonic TD2230 boasts upmarket image quality thanks to its IPS LCD display that provides better color and contrast consistency, regardless of your viewing position, while the 1920 x 1080 screen res is high enough for crisp image clarity when spread across the 21.5-inch panel size. 250 cd/m2 max brightness and a 1000:1 contrast ratio are pretty typical, while HDMI, DisplayPort and analog VGA connectors ensure you"ll be able to hook this monitor to pretty much any computer running Windows 10, Android or Linux.
Want a larger than average touch screen monitor? This 27-inch offering is our pick, as it"s based around an IPS LED-backlit display. That translates more dependable color accuracy and contrast that won"t shift depending on whether you"re viewing the centre of the screen or the corners.
The Full HD resolution is spread a little thin across a 27-inch display, so images will look slightly pixelated, but this is an unavoidable compromise you have to make if you want a touch screen monitor larger than 24 inches. The PCT2785 does score well in terms of versatility though, as you get a built-in HD webcam and microphone, making it great for homeworking(opens in new tab) and video conferencing.
This touch screen monitor was introduced back in 2014, which is a long time ago in the monitor world. However, with its quality IPS display technology and reasonably high Full HD 1920 x 1080 resolution, it can still rival newer touch screen monitors when it comes to image quality.
What"s more, the elegantly simple stand allows for a versatile 8-60 degree tilt, enabling you to interact with the screen at a greater variety of angles than a typical monitor would allow. There"s also 10-point capacitive touch sensitivity, so you can use a full range of touch gestures.
The T272HL is the bigger 27-inch sibling to Acer"s 23-inch T232HL. Like the T232HL, it boasts a slightly above-average 300cd/m2 brightness, along with 10-point capacitive multi-touch. There are also a pair of 2w internal speakers, and the stand allows a large 10-60 degrees of tilt to enhance touch ergonomics.
If you"re after a larger-than-average touch screen monitor, the T272HL is a reasonable choice, but there are compromises to be made. For starters, this is still a 1920 x 1080 Full HD monitor, so while it may be physically larger than a 23/24-inch Full HD display, images will simply look larger, not more detailed.
If you can get past the uninspiring black plastic design of the Philips 242B9T, this touch screen monitor has a lot to offer. It should be easy to connect to pretty much any computer, thanks to its full array of HDMI, DVI, VGA and DisplayPort connectivity and included cables for all but DVI. It"s even got its own built-in 2W stereo speakers, while the clever Z-hinge stand allows a huge -5 to 90 degrees of tilt adjustment, making it extra-ergonomic when using the 10-point capacitive multi-touch display.
At 21.5 inches, the Asus VT229H is one of the smaller touch screen monitors on this list, but it still sports the same Full HD (1920 x 1080) resolution as larger 24 and even 27-inch touch screen displays, meaning you get more pixels per inch and slightly crisper image quality. This is also an IPS LCD, with wide 178 x 178-degree viewing angles and reliably consistent color and contrast, regardless of your viewing angle.
Most touch screen monitors are just that: a monitor, with a touch interface. But this 21.5-inch display also adds a pair of 2W stereo speakers for sound output, along with dual-array microphones and a built-in webcam for video conferencing. The IPS LCD display panel ensures decent color and contrast uniformity, while the Full HD 1920 x 1080 resolution is easily enough to for crisp image quality on a screen this size.
The square black exterior is typical of Lenovo"s business-orientated products and may not be to everyone"s taste. Plus you"ll need to connect via DisplayPort only, as there"s no HDMI input. But otherwise this touch screen monitor offers a lot for a very reasonable price.
The obvious drawback with a touch screen monitor is the aforementioned size restrictions because if you want one larger than 27 inches, you"re out of luck. The next step up in size for touch screen monitors are 50+ inch displays designed for corporate presentations rather than home computing.
Even most 27-inch touch screen monitors have the same Full HD 1920 x 1020 resolution as their smaller 21-24-inch stablemates. So you"re not actually getting more pixels, only bigger ones. This can make your images just look more blocky unless you sit further away from the screen.
It"s not just outright screen resolution where touch screen monitors can fall short of their non-touch alternatives. Top-end screens designed for image and video editing are often factory color calibrated: they use LCD displays that can display a huge range of colors, or feature fast refresh rates for smoother video playback and gaming. However, touch screen monitors aren"t intended for color-critical image or video work: they tend to be all-purpose displays designed for more general applications like web browsing and basic image viewing.
Connectivity also tends to be compromised on touch screen monitors. You can forget about USB-C hubs(opens in new tab) with Power Delivery, and even DisplayPort connections can be a rarity.
These are the two primary forms of touch input. Resistive touch requires you to physically press the screen (which itself is slightly spongy) for it to register an input. It"s a cheaper form of touch input, and a resistive touch screen is also tougher than a capacitive equivalent, so they"re popular for use in ATMs and retail checkouts.
However, resistive technology doesn"t support multi-touch and won"t give the same fluid sensitivity as the touch screens we"re now accustomed to on phones and tablets. Consequently, most modern touch screen monitors use capacitive touch screens supporting 10-point multi-touch. These operate exactly like a phone or tablet"s touch screen, requiring only a light tap, swipe, or pinch to register inputs. All the monitors on this list use 10-point capacitive touch screens.
Put simply, even the best iMacs(opens in new tab) and MacBooks(opens in new tab) don"t support touch screen monitors. Consequently, all the touch screen monitors on this list will only work with Windows 8.1, Windows 10, and some Linux and Android operating systems.
Not all LCD monitors are created equal. LCD displays use three types of construction - IPS (In-Plane Switching), VA (Vertical Alignment), and TN (Twisted Nematic). Each one of these three LCD types exhibits noticeably different image quality characteristics, clearly visible to the average user.
For image and video editing, TN-based monitors should really be avoided. These are the cheapest to manufacture and deliver compromised image quality thanks to their restrictive viewing angles. This results in highly uneven color and contrast across the screen, effectively hiding shadow and highlight detail in your images. IPS-based monitorsare the gold standard for image quality. These produce color and contrast that doesn"t shift depending on which part of the screen you look at, making image editing much more precise. Most of the touch screen monitors on this list are IPS-based, and the rest are VA-based monitors. These can"t quite match the image quality of an IPS monitor but are much more color-accurate than a TN screen.Round up of today"s best deals
Science fiction has always served as a window into a potential future, namely in the way of technology. But what was once regulated to episodes of Star Trek is quickly becoming the stuff of reality. Many fixtures of these kinds of shows and books have begun to inspire real-life counterparts, including - but not limited to - touchscreen technology.
One only has to look at how far cell phones have come since their inception. Physical keyboards, like those from BlackBerry, gave people about as much of a solution as is possible for those who found themselves doing more on the devices as they became more advanced. Where tactile options came up short, touchscreens graciously stepped up to bat, providing a much fuller experience. This kind of functionality then spread to tablets, which are considered by many to be rivals of laptops and even standard PCs.
While there are still some things that are best done on a desktop computer, that does not change the fact that many users find themselves longing for the same abilities on their PCs afforded by many of their mobile devices. This is what helped breed the touchscreen monitor market, which has many viable options for people seeking the best of both worlds. With stronger computing power and a finer ability to control actions occurring in the screen, users can get more work done in new and exciting ways.
Traditionally, computer mice are what have allowed us to "touch" in a virtual context, but touchscreen monitors are changing all that. It might be said that the reason that mice were used in the first place was because the technology had not evolved to a responsive enough level to enable that natural solution. Now that people have the touchscreen technology, they want it everywhere.
If one thing is for certain, it is that the burgeoning adoption of touchscreen technology is no fad. Proliferation has already come too far to turn back now, and computer manufacturers are taking notice. Everyone is trying to get a piece of the action, including ELO Touch Solutions, Laiputuo Electronics, Planar, HP, 3M, Touch Systems, ViewSonic, Dell and ACER as well. Getting into the touchscreen monitor game is a no-brainer for the companies involved in this generation of computing. With so many different applications made for touchscreen monitors, options exist for all sorts of interested parties.
Touchscreen monitors are becoming the new standard in both private and enterprise settings. Here are some of the ways they can be leveraged effectively for business: touchscreen monitors for workstations, touchscreen monitors for hospitals, and touchscreen monitors for POS systems.
Newegg offers a large selection of touchscreen monitors which vary according to the type from 5-wire Resistive touchscreen monitors, and Accu Touch touchscreen monitors, to Capacitive touchscreen monitors, and more. Newegg’s wide selections will definitely meet your needs.
Working with a laptop computer can be a challenge—especially if you need to multitask with multiple windows open once. But when you’re on-the-go, it isn’t practical to lug around a full-size monitor. This is where portable monitors come in: These external second screens are designed to be mobile and go where your laptop goes. The best portable monitors can dramatically increase your available screen real estate, which can improve your productivity without requiring the same weight or bulk as a dedicated monitor.
“Portable monitors are mainly aimed at business travelers looking for enhanced productivity while on the road,” notes Paul Gagnon, vice president and industry advisor on consumer technology at research firm The NPD Group. “But they can also have utility for hybrid workers or students not looking to invest in a dedicated home office setup for space or financial reasons.”
Portable monitors typically come in sizes that pair well with laptop computers—14 to 17 inches—and typically offer a baseline resolution of 1080 pixels. The larger you go in screen size or the more screens you add, the heavier your remote work setup will be. Some monitors stand apart with 2K or 4K resolution, a touchscreen display, a fast refresh rate, built-in speakers, or some combination of all four. There are many other considerations too, and we’ll help you navigate them all.
No matter which flavor of portable monitor you choose, these handy devices can help you do more in less space—wherever you may be. To guide you in your search, we’ve done the testing and research to narrow down the best portable monitors available right now.
Screen size: 15.6-inch | Screen type: LED | Resolution:4K | Ports: USB Type-C, USB Type-A, HDMI | Weight: 2.9 pounds | Dimensions: 14.5 x 8.9 x 0.4 inches | Touchscreen: Yes | Speakers: Dual stereo
The SideTrak Solo is a free-standing portable monitor, unlike most other models from this company that attach to your computer screen. The Solo is among the priciest models we’ve seen, but it also packs all of the features you could want in a monitor—with 4K resolution, a touchscreen and built-in speakers. It connects to your computer using a single cable and also has a built in blue light filter to help reduce eye strain.
Screen size: 15.6-inch | Screen type: LCD| Resolution:1080p|Ports: 2 USB Type-C, OTG Micro-USB, Mini-HDMI, 3.5mm audio | Weight: 2 pounds | Dimensions: 14 x 8.8 x 0.43 inches | Speakers: Dual stereo
The Newsoul MDS-15608 monitor comes in at a budget price, one of the lowest we’ve seen for adding a second screen to your setup—especially for a model with multiple inputs on the monitor itself. It displays content at 1920 x 1080 resolution, with a refresh rate of 60Hz and a 16:9 aspect ratio. This highly affordable monitor comes with a wall mount and a foldable screen cover that doubles as a stand for either horizontal or vertical use. The screen has a 178-degree viewing angle, making it useful for sharing what’s displayed on your screen with others—like a PowerPoint presentation.
The monitor connects to the laptop using a USB Type-C port for both power and imaging. It also has a second USB Type-C port and an OTG Micro-USB port for connecting additional peripherals. Its dual stereo speakers deliver 360-degree spatial audio, unusual for such a compact unit. Whether you use this monitor for everyday computing tasks, viewing photos or videos, or for playing games, it delivers a second screen at an attractive price.
Its 16:9 aspect ratio LED screen has an anti-glare coating to help with eyestrain, has a 178-degree viewing angle and is rated at a reasonably bright 300 nits. The adjustable base includes two USB 3.1 Type-C ports for connecting to your laptop. The monitor includes a protective sleeve to make it easier to take with you.
All portable monitors are, by definition, easy to tote around. But this Dell 14 Portable Monitor C1422H was designed to take portability to the next level. At a mere 1.3 pounds, it won’t add much weight to your travel bag. And at 14-inches, it pairs well with most 13- to 15.6-inch laptops, without adding the extra heft and bulk of a larger 15.6-inch portable monitor.
This screen also has a maximum brightness of 300 nits, brighter than some laptops and other portable monitors. To help prevent eye strain, it also has blue-light reduction built in. Without speakers or lots of ports, though, this monitor is all business, making it good for work but not play. It has just two USB Type-C ports, one on each side of the monitor’s adjustable base. The idea is that one port can be used to connect the monitor with your computer, while the other can be used to plug in a power adapter and utilize pass through power—both the computer and monitor simultaneously.
Screen size: 15.6-inch | Screen type: LED | Resolution: 1080p | Ports: Micro-HDMI, USB Type-C | Weight: 2 pounds | Dimensions: 19.1 x 12 x 0.3 inches | Touchscreen: Yes | Speakers: Dual stereo
The Asus ZenScreen MB16AMT 15.6-inch display sets itself apart by having a built-in rechargeable battery inside its slim, two-pound chassis. This monitor offers 1,920 x 1,080 resolution at a 60Hz refresh rate and a 16:9 aspect ratio. Also built in are two 1W internal speakers for stereo sound. The 7800mAh battery lasts for up to four hours per charge.
The monitor adapts automatically to horizontal or vertical orientation. Its touchscreen works with Windows, Android and Chrome OS. The certified flicker-free backlit screen also has blue light filtering. Together, these features work to mitigate eye fatigue. The included Smart Case protects the screen during transport. It folds out to create a multi-position tabletop stand.
Screen size: 15.6-inch | Screen type: LED | Resolution:1080p | Ports: USB Type-C, Mini-HDMI | Weight: 2.1 pounds | Dimensions: 8.8 x 0.6 x 14 inches | Touchscreen: Yes | Speakers: Dual stereo
The ViewSonic TD1655 is a 15.6-inch touchscreen portable monitor at one of the best prices of any similar model from major manufacturers. This pick is one of the few touchscreen monitors to work with both Macs and PCs, thanks to ViewSonic’s vTouch driver. This driver enables full touch and gesture control on the display when paired with macOS Big Sur, Catalina, Monterey or Ventura running on Intel, M1 or M2 chips. The touchscreen works without the driver on Windows 10 or newer computers with USB Type-C connectivity. While the monitor lacks its own built-in battery, it can either utilize your computer’s power supply or be plugged into an electrical outlet and power both the computer and monitor simultaneously.
The TD1655 has a 16:9 aspect ratio and comes with a screen cover and a built-in stand for use in either horizontal or vertical orientation. It also comes with a passive stylus for use on the in-cell capacitive LED touchscreen. The screen is flicker-free—with a blue light filter to reduce eyestrain. And it packs two 0.8 watt speakers, plus an impressive 250 nits of brightness.
Screen size: 15.6-inch | Screen type: LED | Resolution:1080p | Ports: 2 USB Type-C | Weight: 1.9 pounds | Dimensions: 14 x 10 x 0.22 inches | Touchscreen: Yes | Speakers: Dual stereo
Australian start-up Espresso Displays’ eponymous V2 model comes in 13- and 15.6-inch versions with a touchscreen, along with a 13-inch version without touch. Espresso’s prices are a bit more than some competitors, but all models share the same stylish design aesthetic, plus a bevy of features other portable monitors don’t have. Take the 15.6-inch touchscreen portable monitor, for example. It has a brushed aluminum and glass chassis and a super-slim (0.2-inch) design, with a 16:10 aspect ratio display and two USB Type-C ports. The maximum screen brightness is 300 nits.
This model works with a pressure-sensitive stylus, though the tool doesn’t come with monitor and costs an extra $79. However, the stylus supports 4,096 levels of pressure sensitivity to closely mimic the feel of pen and pencil—making this a great choice for drawing or writing on screen. Other optional accessories include a choice of stands, the coolest one being the espressoStand, a $69 foldable magnetic stand for mounting the monitor for vertical or horizontal viewing. Last but not least, this pick is versatile. The Espresso comes with its own software, called Duet, allowing you to use the touchscreen on both Mac and PC laptops.
Screen size: 12.5-inch | Screen type: LCD | Resolution:1080p| Ports: USB Type-C, USB Type-A, Mini-HDMI | Weight: 1.3 pounds | Dimensions: 12 x 7.4 x 0.7 inches
While this is a smaller size display than most, the SideTrak Swivel’s design is very different from other portable monitors. This 12.5-inch monitor has a magnetic mounting frame to attach the screen to your laptop’s existing display. It then pulls out from behind the screen when needed. This approach makes it extremely easy to transport and ensures both displays are at the same height. You can manually adjust the SideTrack’s viewing angle, or rotate the monitor 360 degrees. If you’re looking for some detachment, the Swivel’s collapsible mounting frame also allows the monitor to stand on its own using a built-in kickstand.
This version of the SideTrak Swivel Portable Monitor is compatible with Windows or Mac laptops, with a built-in display between 13 inches and 17 inches. It is not, however, compatible with Microsoft Surface devices that have their own kickstand, or with many 2-in-1 laptops whose screens may be contorted in different positions. The 16:9 monitor’s refresh rate is 50Hz (most portable monitors are at 60Hz), but its brightness is higher than others, at a maximum of 300 nits. The unit comes with the mounting plates needed to attach it safely and securely to your computer.
Screen size: Two 10.1-inch displays | Screen type: LCD | Resolution: 1080p | Ports: USB Type-C, Mini-HDMI | Weight: 2 pounds |Dimensions: 7.5 x 12 x 1 inches
The Xebec Tri-Screen 2 uses a mounting frame to attach two slide-out 10.1-inch displays to the back of your laptop’s existing screen. Each Xebec display slides out from behind your laptop—one on each side of your laptop’s display—thus creating a highly portable three-display work area. Installing these two monitors and its bracket requires the supplied frame clamps, but nothing extra, like magnets or glue.
Screen size: 15.4 inches | Screen type: LED | Resolution: 1080p | Ports: USB Type-C and Mini-HDMI | Weight: 1.6 pounds |Dimensions: 14.5 x 8.9 x 0.3 inches | Touchscreen: No | Speakers: Two
For less than $200, you can easily connect this Lepow C2S portable monitor to your laptop computer and benefit from an additional 15.4 inch screen. You get 1080p (1,920 x 1,080 pixel) resolution with a 60Hz refresh rate. The display weighs a mere 1.6 pounds and utilizes a built in (adjustable) kick stand that allows it to be positioned horizontally or vertically. The 178-degree viewing angle means you don"t need to be positioned directly in front of the monitor to see what’s displayed. Meanwhile, the dual built-in speakers generate stereo sound, although there’s also a 3.5mm audio jack for connecting headphones.
The LG Gram + View 16-Inch is one of the few portable monitors with a 2K (2,560 x 1,600 pixel) resolution display. This monitor produces crisper images than a typical 1080p display can, and it does so in vibrant color thanks to its 99% coverage of the DCI-P3 color space, a common measure of color in the film industry and a great reason to use this display for viewing movies and TV. It has a 60Hz refresh rate and 170-degree viewing angle.
With a 16:10 aspect ratio display, the Gram + View weighs just 1.5 pounds, making it surprisingly light for a 16-inch screen. The included folio cover can be used as stand in landscape or portrait orientation—handy if you want to view documents in full length, for example. This monitor has two USB Type-C ports, but it lacks an HDMI port to easily connect a console-based gaming system. It also lacks built-in speakers, so you’ll need to rely on your laptop’s sound or bring a portable Bluetooth speaker.
Beyond the portable monitors on our list above, other models abound—albeit many are from less established or unknown brands. If your goal is to find a portable monitor and save money in the process, we found these money-saving deals available now.
When selecting a portable monitor, consider how and where you expect to use the device. These details help determine your resolution and screen size requirements, as well as whether an attached screen might be a better choice.
Consider the overall size and weight of the monitor, especially if you expect to carry it along with your laptop when on the road. Smaller screen sizes are lighter than larger ones, by nature. An attached monitor may make sense for its smaller and lighter size. It also conveniently attaches to your laptop’s screen, so you can carry everything as one unit.
As a secondary monitor used for multitasking, you may find a smaller size display will accommodate your work habits and need for extra portability. Meanwhile, if your work requires photo editing, writing, drawing or annotating, choosing a second monitor with a touchscreen display will be likely be beneficial.
Many portable monitors rely on your laptop’s power, unless they come with their own built-in battery. Some monitors have a second USB Type-C port, through which you can attach your own power source. If you’re using a monitor powered by your laptop, then expect your laptop’s battery charge to run low faster. And the monitor will drain power faster still if it’s 4K, since higher resolution displays require more power. Power might be one reason brightness suffers on a portable monitor, so we advise looking for monitors with an LED backlight for a brighter display that’s usable in a well-lit environment.
This is display panel technology used by monitors to produce better colors and widen the display’s effective viewing angle. Especially if you"ll be playing games, viewing graphic or video-based content, or working with high-resolution digital images, look for a monitor using IPS. At the same time, beware lower-cost models that use less capable display technologies.
While some portable monitors have two tiny, low-powered speakers built-in, chances are the speakers built into your computer offer higher-quality audio. For the best audio experience, consider using headphones or wireless earbuds with noise cancellation, as opposed to relying on the audio that some of these portable monitors can generate. Check out our picks for the best wireless headphones and earbuds.
All non-touchscreen portable monitors can work with a Mac or a PC. Some models can work with other operating systems, such as ChromeOS or Linux, so double check the specs if you want to use the monitor with one of those operating systems. Touchscreen portable monitors are a bit trickier. All support have Windows, but only some support additional operating systems—including ChromeOS and Android. If you want to use the monitor with a Mac, look specifically for monitors with a dedicated driver or software to enable touch on the Mac. ViewSonic, Espresso and SideTrak all come with some variation of Mac software.Use your Apple iPad as a second screen for your MacBook or iMac thanks to the SideCar feature.Apple
Portable monitors are small, compact, and lightweight computer screens designed to be connected to your laptop computer to greatly expand the on-screen real estate available to run your favorite applications.
Most portable monitors rely on your laptop computer’s battery power to function—requiring just one cable to link it with your computer. This option will reduce your laptop computer’s battery life between charges. However, some portable monitors have their own built-in rechargeable battery. All are easy to transport and will likely fit within your existing laptop case, briefcase, or carry-on bag.
The best portable monitors come in a wide range of sizes. The size you choose is a matter of personal preference and should be based on your work habits and needs, as well as how much you want to spend.The SideTrak portable monitor attaches to the back of your laptop computer"s existing screen and ... [+]provides a second screen.SideTrak
Some portable monitors are extremely compact and provide an extra 12- to 14-inch display, although it’s more common for a portable monitor to offer at least a 15.6-inch display. A few displays go up to 17 inches. Displays larger still are more cumbersome to travel with and typically need to be plugged into an electrical outlet to function, making them less portable and more like a smaller desktop monitor.
As for thickness, most portable monitors are less than 0.5 inches and the monitors themselves weigh less than two pounds. Most come with a travel case or cover—making them very easy to transport with your laptop computer. Of course, this varies based on the screen size and model you choose.
A portable monitor adds screen real estate, either doubling or tripling your screens (if you get a multi-screen model as from Xebec). This makes multitasking much easier—allowing you to view multiple applications at once. The extra screen space can be particularly useful if you’re using a laptop computer that has a smaller built-in display, such as a 13-inch ultraportable laptop.
It all comes down to what you use your computer for, whether being able to multitask is important to you and how much physical space you have to set up your equipment on a desk or flat surface. Most people discover that having two or even three screens can be extremely beneficial to increasing their productivity and making their workflow easier. However, not everyone needs a 4K resolution portable monitor or one that’s 15-inches or larger. You’ll typically save money going with a smaller display that offers 1080p resolution.
If you"re short on space but big on demand for extra screens, it may be worth considering investing in a portable monitor. There are some really good ones around, and they don"t have to cost an enormous amount of money.
For those who have complicated workflows when doing productivity work or graphic design, having that extra screen can really help organize it. You can keep all your apps and tabs visible at the same time and don’t have to go scrolling to find what you’re working on. And, they’re incredibly easy to set up since most portable monitors connect using just one USB cable. They come in a few different resolutions and sizes as well, so no matter your needs, you’ll find something that works, even if you want one that can go head-to-head with the best 4K monitors.
These displays are much slimmer and lighter than traditional computer monitors. And, because they’re that much more portable, some can even be attached directly to the back of your laptop to flip open when you need them.
To narrow the list of portable monitors, we compared them across numerous aspects, like their size, weight, display type (1080p or 4K), and connectivity options (USB-C, USB-A, VGA, micro HDMI, etc.). We also looked at their latency, design, and stand, and checked for touchscreen functionality, among other features.
Whatever you need a second screen for, we’ve gathered our top picks here to help you find the one that’s most appropriate for you. And, if you’re in the market for a more traditional solution, check out the best monitor deals to find the best prices.
The Asus ZenScreen MB16A Portable Monitor is one of the nicest-looking USB monitors we have seen, and it comes with several features and design considerations that make it an incredibly handy device and one of the best portable monitors.
However, it is heavy on the wallet, with the ZenScreen proving more expensive than many other portable monitors on this list. Nonetheless, the build and image quality of this screen makes it well worth the extra money. Fans of Asus" ZenBook laptops should be particularly interested in this device, as it has a design that compliments Asus" high-end laptops nicely.
This monitor is extremely slim and light and fits snugly into a laptop case or backpack sleeve. We also love the stand, which attaches to the front and back of the screen with magnets that anchor the I1601P in place - and it doubles as a screen cover.
The 15.6-inch full HD IPS display is extremely easy on the eye, which means long working sessions don’t result in undue strain, despite the relatively small screen size. And the display boasts an impressively wide viewing angle, too so that it can function well even on a crowded office desk.
If you like the sound of the Asus MB169C+ but do not have a laptop with a USB-C connection, then the Asus MB169B+ could be one of the best portable monitors for you.
Digital nomads and traveling creatives will have more than enough pixels and features to work from anywhere with this 4K OLED touchscreen portable monitor. InnoCN has opted for a 4K OLED display so content creators can have a true-to-life color with low latency, six digits contrast ratio, and the deepest blacks possible while on the go. At the same time, the device"s integrated battery is capable of powering smartphones and tablets.
Unlike some portable monitors on this list, the InnoCN Pu15-PRE comes at a premium. However, its 15.6-inch panel, aluminum frame, and three-year warranty help justify its cost. The included TPU sleeve protects this portable monitor while in transit and also doubles as a stand, but it does make the monitor a bit heavy.How to choose a portable monitor for youWhen choosing a portable monitor, it all hinges on your use case and to what device you are connecting. The very concept of a portable monitor makes most sense with a USB-C equipped laptop.
That’s the most reliable way to connect a portable monitor and ensures both compatibility and plenty of bandwidth for any resolution a portable monitor is likely to offer. That said, many portable screens also support old-school USB-A connectivity. Just be aware that will require software and drivers, which could present a problem depending on the device you are using to drive the display.
For most mainstream Windows PCs, that should be fine. For everything else, it could be more problematic. Running over USB-A can also limit resolution and colour fidelity due to lower bandwidth. That said, some portable monitors support micro HDMI and even VGA.
Speaking of bandwidth and resolution, most portable monitors are 15.6-inch panels with 1080p resolution of 1,920 by 1,080 pixels. But more compact models with 11-inch screens are available.
Battery or no battery is another key question. You can get portable screens both with and without. Screens without a battery are cheaper and lighter. However, if you’re using a portable screen away from the mains, they will drain your laptop’s battery pretty fast.
The final really important factor is brightness. If you are planning on using your portable display outside, you want as much of that as humanly possible. Most are quite limited in that regard, only topping out at a little over 200 nits. Aim for the brightest you can get while taking into account that brighter screens will use up even more battery when powered by your laptop.
We’ve tested various monitors to arrive at the best portable monitors for you. We evaluated the monitors across many aspects, starting with how premium the design and build felt, how lightweight the monitor was, the screen size, and whether it offered full HD or 4K resolution.
We considered how many types of connections (USB-C, USB-A, VGA, etc.) the monitors supported and the number of connectivity ports they had. We looked at the display brightness and the viewing angle width.
If you want to get past the mouse and the keyboard and interact with your computer in a direct way, you might be interested in trying out a touchscreen monitor. There are tons of different types of monitors to choose from, and eBay offers an easy platform to find the touchscreen monitor that you need.What are some ways you can use these monitors?
Monitors with touchscreens are useful in a variety of different applications. For instance, you can use these touchscreens in the medical industry to easily access patient information without the need for conventional interface mechanisms. Workers in the food service industry also find these monitors to be useful for placing orders, and these monitors can even be used in manufacturing settings.
Some consumers also find that touchscreen monitors are convenient for home use. All-in-one computers are types of desktop computers that often have touchscreens, and consumers sometimes like to emulate the appeal of all-in-one desktops by equipping traditional desktop towers with touchscreens.How do you pick the right monitor?
With the many choices of touchscreen monitors available on eBay, its good to have an idea of what you want before you start searching. One of the most important factors youll need to consider as you hunt down the touchscreen monitor that will bring your entire computing setup together is size. If youre using a touchscreen monitor in a retail, food service, or medical setting, your monitor doesnt need to be very large, and having a smaller monitor may actually be more convenient. If youre aiming to recreate the appeal of an all-in-one desktop at home, however, you might want a larger touchscreen monitor.
Youll also want to consider the resolution of the various models that are available. If youre planning to run simple food service programs on your touchscreen monitor, resolution isnt an important factor because you dont expect exceptionally clear images. However, if you plan to look at videos or even edit images with your monitor, maximum resolution plays a key role in your decision-making process as youll want the best possible image.
The best computer screens offer high performance to help support you in work or play. Whether you are looking for an additional screen to boost work productivity or for a high-resolution monitor for gaming, the best computer screens include the features you need. While most monitors feature speakers, some monitors with speakers offer additional watts for extra power, which can be ideal for improved sound quality for gaming or entertainment— looking for a more interactive monitor experience? Touch screen monitors can be an excellent option for gamers or designers, allowing them to swipe and navigate easily.
Computer monitors can range in price, depending on what features you require. No frills computer monitors can start as low as the $100 price range stretching up to the $1,000 range for specialty monitors. Several new computer monitors are available from top brands and can be further filtered by monitor features, display technology, resolution, and more. IPS monitors, also known as “In-Plane Switching monitors,” are also available for purchase, providing extra-wide viewing angles.
PC monitors come in various refresh rate options, measured in Hz (Hertz). Refresh rate and Hz refers to the number of images displayed per second when the monitor refreshes. Monitor refresh rates can start as low as 60 Hz and stretch up to 240 Hz, but how do you know which one you need? If you’re looking to use your monitor for simple tasks like internet browsing, then a lower amount of Hz should suffice. However, if you’re a gamer or graphic designer, you’ll want to invest in a monitor with a higher Hz amount.
UPERFECT Portable Monitor Touchscreen Kickstand, 15.6" Freestanding Touch USB C Monitors, 2000:1 Contrast Ratio 1080P 100% SRGB IPS External Screen with HDMI Type C Trave Display for Laptop PC Phone PS4 Xbox
If you"re photographer, graphic designer or video editor. It"s very important to understand the color space of the monitors. We"d highly recommend the portable monitors with AdobeRGB 100% to people who expect to have an affordable monitor with accurate and brilliant color. The color of AdobeRGB 100% is very colse to the natural world and printing.
A computer monitor gives a desktop system the window to show its configuration and features. You might have a high clock speed, a fast processor or great graphics, all you need is the right screen to flaunt all the cool features. Target offers you a wide range of options for different sizes and features that meet your requirements and style. Are you confused about choosing a monitor? We are here to help you. If you are wondering about size, then always go for the biggest one depending on your space. There are different types of screens such as ultrawide, curved or flat to help you narrow down your choice. Find monitors with different resolutions, HD or Full HD is the basic one. If you are looking for crisp and detailed quality then there are QHD and 4K options. Keep in mind about the pixel density, it decreases as the size of the computer monitor increases. For gamers, it’s ideal to choose a screen with a high refresh rate and a low response, while color accuracy should be a top priority for professionals. Then there are other features for accessibility such as HDMI and USB-C ports. From gaming monitors to a high-end professional one, we have computer monitors of top brands such as Dell, Samsung, ASUS, Sony and many more. Browse through and find your perfect computer screen.
The best portable monitors are great as a second screen for your laptop or tablet when you"re away from home. And you don"t have to worry about picture quality. These days, you"ll can enjoy Full HD (1920 x 1080) resolution, and IPS or OLED technology to give you excellent color, contrast accuracy and image quality, regardless of viewing angle.
And as the name suggests, these devices won"t weigh you down. Similar in size and thickness to a typical laptop screen, portable monitors can slide into a laptop backpack with ease. And most feature a tablet-style cover that folds into a stand, making them easy to prop up next to your laptop.
Best of all, they don"t need to be plugged into the wall, but can be powered from your laptop(opens in new tab) via USB. And some even have a built-in rechargeable battery, so you don"t have to drain your laptop"s. (A self-powered portable monitor is also ideal if you want to extend the screen space of your camera phone(opens in new tab).)
In short, these best portable monitors can help boost your productivity while you"re out and about. In this article, we reveal the best portable monitors on sale today, and explain what each has to offer.
You get a great quality picture thanks to Full HD (1920 x 1080 resolution), IPS color and contrast accuracy, and a decent (though not spectacular) 250 cd/m2 brightness. Slim screen bezels keep the overall size small at 359.7 x 226.4mm, and just 8mm thick. There"s a useful wraparound smart case cover that converts to a prop stand. And you tap into your laptop"s battery via a single USB-C connection to power it up.
Is a touchscreen your priority when it comes to buying a portable monitor? Then here"s our top recommendation. ViewSonic"s15.6-inch TD1655 is only 15mm thick and weighs in at a mere 800g, but still gives you premium IPS display tech that promises wide viewing angles and consistent contrast.
The 1920 x 1080 Full HD resolution may not be 4K, but at this screen size it"s easily enough for crisp image quality. An 800:1 contrast ratio is also impressive, although the 250 cd/m2 brightness lets it down a little.
The TD1655 can be conveniently powered straight from your laptop via a USB 3.2 Type-C connection, or even a mobile power bank, so you can use the screen alongside your phone without having to find a mains outlet. The Viewsonic VG1655 is a sister model for those who can live without the touchscreen functionality.
If you"re looking for the ultimate in image quality from your portable monitor, you"ll find it here... at a price. This 15.6-inch, 4K touchscreen offers high color accuracy (100% DCI-P3) , exceptional contrast (100000:1) and a near-limitless range of colors (1.07 billion). You get a refresh rate of 60Hz, a 100,000:1 contrast ratio, a response time of 1ms and a brightness of 400 nits.
If you need a larger monitor than the models we"ve listed so far, then check out Asus" ROG Strix. It"s built primarily for gaming on the go, with its larger than average 17.3-inch screen size designed to give a more immersive gaming experience. But of course, this also makes it pretty great for image and video editing.
Short on desk space? With most portable monitors, you"ll need a large area to stand it alongside your laptop or smart device. This SideTrak monitor, though, attaches to the back of your laptop"s screen and hinges out to sit alongside, so it takes up much less space. You can even use your laptop as the name intends – on your lap – with the SideTrak securely supported by your laptop.
The display"s bracket attaches to a wide variety of laptops, via special metal plates that have been designed not to cause any damage to your device. And the sliding support bracket ensures the SideTrak can be positioned just where you want it, regardless of your laptop"s screen size.
The 12.5 inches screen diameter isn"t exactly spacious, but the 1920 x 1080 resolution does make it very sharp, and it uses IPS screen tech that should give reliable color and contrast. That makes it a great choice for photo viewing and editing. The 300 cd/m2 brightness is also respectable, as is the frugal 4.5W power consumption. And despite requiring the extra hardware bracket to attach to your monitor, weight is still impressively low at 748g.
If portability is paramount for you, this 14-inch monitor may be the best pick for you, as it"s slightly smaller than most of its rivals, and the screen is also a wafer-thin 15mm. Thankfully, you don"t get a lower screen resolution: this is still a Full HD 1920 x 1080 panel, translating to super-crisp image quality due to the relatively small display area.
Here"s another great portable monitor for those on a tight budget. Its 15.6-inch, anti-glare IPS screen offers smooth 60hz frame rates, Full HD high resolution, and a 178-degree viewing angle. And it"s easy to set up, with its two USB-C ports and mini HDMI port allowing you to connect it with your Windows laptop, Macbook, smartphone, Raspberry Pi, Xbox, Switch, or PlayStation.
We evaluate a monitor with particular attention given to its core image quality, including brightness, contrast, color vibrancy and accuracy. While this can - and will - be assessed by the experienced eye of our professional reviewer, some manufacturer screen specs can only be definitively judged by an "electronic eye" - a monitor calibrator. Where possible, a calibration device will be placed on the screen to verify its advertised color space coverage, brightness output and consistency, and factory color calibration accuracy. Beyond image quality, we"ll also scrutinise the monitor"s display and data ports to ensure acceptable connectivity, and will give a thorough assessment of build quality, including the range of ergonomic adjustment in its stand. Only then will we determine if a screen is worthy of use by a discerning imaging or video enthusiast.Round up of today"s best deals