Best Portable Monitors

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

Compared to similar products, the monitor stands out due to the mentioned aluminum body and angle-adjustable stands up to 80°. Moreover, the model can be used in both traditional landscape orientation and portrait layout.

The monitor screen 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 screen's color reproduction is poor — about 45% NTSC space. Therefore, the Arzopa A1 is not the best choice for graphic, photo, or video work.

The model's ports include one miniHDMI and two USB-C supporting DisplayPort Alt Mode. There is no jack for wired headphones, but the design includes a pair of 1W speakers that provide decent sound for videos, movies, and TV shows.

The MSI PRO MP161 E2 mobile monitor impresses with its flexible placement options. It has a foldable stand in the rear of the body that provides a 1/4" thread for mounting the monitor on a tripod.

The ergonomic holder allows adjusting the screen position in both traditional landscape and portrait orientations. The display is an IPS panel with a 15.6-inch diagonal size and a resolution of 1920x1080 pixels. Its refresh rate is standard (60 Hz), and its color reproduction is mediocre (around 53% of the sRGB "triangle"). On the other hand, it features MSI's proprietary EyesErgo system for eye comfort, including flicker suppression and blue light filtering functions.

The monitor connects to video sources via USB type C ports (2 pcs.) and miniHDMI v 2.0. The standard cables are designed with convenient L-shaped connectors. The model can serve as a second laptop screen, an additional display for a PC, an output device for connected smartphones or tablets. It can also be used with gaming consoles, although this monitor is not specifically designed for gaming.

The MSI PRO MP161 E2 boasts a thin and lightweight body. Its minimum thickness is around 10.8 mm, and it weighs 750 g. A practical case is included for storage and transportation of the monitor. Of special note are the 2 x 1.5 W stereo speakers, allowing for use without headphones. It's worth noting that it lacks a wired headphone jack.

The Asus ZenScreen MB16ACE mobile monitor is convenient to take to work or travel — the model takes up minimal space and offers the user a standard 15.6-inch screen, like most laptops.

Thanks to the 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 Full HD resolution — 1920x1080 pixels. The screen has a refresh rate of 60 Hz, a response time of 5 ms, and a maximum brightness of 220 cd/m².

The screen's safety for the user's eyes is ensured by TÜV Rheinland certification. Display adjustments are available through the proprietary DisplayWidget Center desktop application. The model lacks an HDMI port and onboard speakers. The portable monitor is connected to a signal source through a USB-C, which also powers it.

The lower segment of the front panel of the monitor's body stands out with a silver stripe and hardware controls that fit optimally into the model's design concept. Finally, the Asus ZenScreen MB16ACE has a minimal impact on the battery life of a connected laptop — the power consumption is minimal and amounts to only 8 W.

An optimal option as an auxiliary screen for a laptop would be the 15.6-inch Iiyama ProLite P1671HSC-B1 model with a classic Full HD resolution.

The IPS matrix spans the entire front panel of the device, framed by moderately thin bezels. The screen displays images at a maximum resolution of 1920x1080 pixels, has a response time of 3 ms (using the GtG method), and demonstrates good color coverage — around 99% of the sRGB spectrum. The brightness of the display is standard — at 250 cd/m².

To connect the portable monitor, one miniHDMI v 1.4 and a pair of USB-C ports are used, supporting Power Delivery charging with moderate power 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 weight of the Iiyama ProLite P1671HSC-B1 is just 700 g. Moreover, the monitor comfortably fits into a standard laptop compartment of any bag or backpack. The model is suitable for stationary placement at a workplace and as a second mobile monitor to carry with you on a daily basis.

The Verbatim Light 32401 mobile monitor perfectly pairs with a laptop, smartphone, or tablet, allowing for creating a comfortable workstation at home, at work, or during travels.

The monitor is constructed with a sleek body, approximately 17 mm thick and weighing less than 700 g. It features an integrated stand in the back for convenient screen angle adjustment. The display itself is based on an IPS matrix with a 15.6-inch diagonal size and a frame resolution of 1920x1080 pixels. Declaratively, the screen supports HDR content, but this is unlikely to be appreciated due to the basic maximum brightness level (250 cd/m²).

The miniHDMI port and a pair of USB-C with DisplayPort Alt Mode serve to connect the portable monitor. Wired headphones connect to the model through a 3.5 mm miniJack. Additionally, a related model with a touchscreen is available for sale — Verbatim Light 32402.

The model's cons include poor color coverage of the IPS panel at around 45% of the NTSC spectrum. However, the monitor is not intended for graphic processing, and Verbatim Light 32401 has ample capabilities for everyday tasks.