The Best Portable Monitors for Remote Workers: In the era of remote and hybrid work, flexibility is everything. Whether you’re traveling for business, working from a café, or setting up a makeshift office at home, having the right tools can drastically impact your productivity. Among those tools, portable monitors have emerged as a must-have for remote professionals who need the benefits of dual-screen setups without the bulk.
Portable monitors extend your laptop screen, allowing you to multitask more efficiently, present content professionally, or simply enjoy entertainment on a larger display. But not all portable monitors are created equal. From screen size and resolution to connectivity and power options, there’s a lot to consider.
This guide explores the best portable monitors for remote workers—highlighting features, performance, and what makes each model ideal for specific use cases.
What Makes a Great Portable Monitor?
Before diving into the top picks, it’s essential to understand the key criteria for choosing a portable monitor:
- Portability: Thin, lightweight, and easy to slip into a backpack or carry-on.
- Display Quality: Look for at least 1080p Full HD. For creative professionals, color accuracy matters.
- Connectivity: USB-C is ideal for one-cable connection (power + video). HDMI and mini DisplayPort offer flexibility.
- Power Source: USB-C-powered monitors eliminate the need for a separate power brick.
- Build and Stand: A foldable stand or protective cover is crucial for ergonomics on the go.
Top Portable Monitors for Remote Work in 2025
1. ASUS ZenScreen MB16ACV
- Screen size: 15.6 inches
- Resolution: Full HD (1920×1080)
- Weight: 1.7 lbs
- Connectivity: USB-C & USB-A (via hybrid signal)
Why it’s great: A pioneer in the portable monitor space, ASUS delivers a reliable, slim monitor perfect for business use. The MB16ACV has an anti-bacterial finish, ultra-slim bezels, and comes with a smart case stand.
Best for: Frequent travelers and hybrid professionals.
2. Lenovo ThinkVision M14
- Screen size: 14 inches
- Resolution: Full HD (1920×1080)
- Weight: 1.3 lbs
- Connectivity: Dual USB-C
Why it’s great: With its lightweight design and excellent color accuracy (72% NTSC), the M14 is a favorite among professionals. The built-in adjustable stand is smooth and practical.
Best for: Professionals needing accurate color display and portability.
3. ViewSonic VA1655
- Screen size: 15.6 inches
- Resolution: Full HD
- Weight: 1.5 lbs
- Connectivity: USB-C, Mini HDMI
Why it’s great: Budget-friendly without compromising on performance. It’s lightweight, plug-and-play, and works with laptops, phones, and consoles.
Best for: Remote workers on a budget who still want a quality screen.
4. LG Gram +View 16MQ70
- Screen size: 16 inches
- Resolution: WQXGA (2560×1600)
- Weight: 1.48 lbs
- Connectivity: Dual USB-C
Why it’s great: Gorgeous QHD resolution with a 16:10 aspect ratio. It’s perfect for those who work with spreadsheets, coding interfaces, or design tools.
Best for: Creatives, analysts, and anyone who benefits from high resolution.
5. AOC I1601FWUX
- Screen size: 15.6 inches
- Resolution: Full HD
- Weight: 1.8 lbs
- Connectivity: USB-C
Why it’s great: This monitor is known for its matte finish, great for glare-free environments. It’s also VESA-mount compatible, which is rare in portables.
Best for: Those working outdoors or in bright environments.
6. Mobile Pixels Duex Plus
- Screen size: 13.3 inches
- Resolution: Full HD
- Weight: 1.3 lbs
- Connectivity: USB-C, USB-A
Why it’s great: This monitor is designed to attach to the back of your laptop, sliding out when needed. It saves desk space and increases mobility.
Best for: Digital nomads and minimalists who prefer integrated setups.
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7. Arzopa S1 Table Portable Monitor
- Screen size: 15.6 inches
- Resolution: Full HD
- Weight: 1.4 lbs
- Connectivity: USB-C, Mini HDMI
Why it’s great: Surprisingly affordable for the quality. It has a solid kickstand, great brightness, and wide compatibility.
Best for: Entry-level users and students working remotely.
8. Desklab 4K Touchscreen Monitor
- Screen size: 15.6 inches
- Resolution: 4K UHD
- Weight: 1.6 lbs
- Connectivity: USB-C, HDMI
Why it’s great: A portable 4K touchscreen with an ultra-thin profile. It also works well for gaming and presentations.
Best for: Creatives and professionals who need ultra-high resolution.
9. Espresso Display V2 (13” or 15”)
- Screen size: 13 or 15 inches
- Resolution: 1080p / 4K
- Weight: 1.3 – 1.8 lbs
- Connectivity: USB-C
Why it’s great: One of the thinnest monitors on the market. Beautiful minimalist design with touchscreen and stylus support.
Best for: Designers and premium users who value form and function.
10. INNOCN 15A1F OLED Portable Monitor
- Screen size: 15.6 inches
- Resolution: Full HD (OLED)
- Weight: 1.6 lbs
- Connectivity: USB-C, Mini HDMI
Why it’s great: The OLED screen delivers unmatched contrast and color saturation, making it ideal for visual work or streaming.
Best for: Creative professionals and remote workers who also use the monitor for entertainment.
How to Choose the Right Portable Monitor
Here are a few factors to consider based on your remote work setup:
1. Screen Size
- 13″–14″: Highly portable, best for frequent flyers.
- 15.6″: Standard size that balances portability and productivity.
- 16″–17″: Great for those who need a large display, less ideal for travel.
2. Resolution
- 1080p: Perfectly fine for most productivity tasks.
- 1440p or 4K: Ideal for designers, photographers, and anyone who needs detailed visuals.
3. Touchscreen or Not
Touchscreens add versatility, especially for creative work or on-the-go presentations. However, they also drain more power.
4. Stand and Ergonomics
Monitors with adjustable stands or magnetic cases offer better viewing angles. Avoid fixed-angle models unless you use a laptop stand.
5. Price
- Budget ($100–$200): Great for students or light users.
- Midrange ($200–$400): Ideal for professionals.
- Premium ($400+): Best for creatives or those needing high-res or touch capabilities.
FAQs
Can I use a portable monitor without a power outlet?
Yes. Many USB-C portable monitors draw power directly from your laptop. However, for sustained use, it may drain your laptop faster.
Do portable monitors work with MacBooks?
Absolutely. Most models with USB-C are plug-and-play compatible with macOS. Just ensure the monitor supports DisplayPort Alt Mode over USB-C.
Can I connect a portable monitor to my phone?
Yes, if your phone supports video output over USB-C (like Samsung DeX or iPad Pros). Always check compatibility.
Are portable monitors good for gaming?
They work well for casual gaming. Some models even support 120Hz refresh rates, though latency might be higher than a dedicated gaming monitor.
How durable are these monitors for travel?
Most are built with travel in mind. Look for models with magnetic smart covers or hard-shell cases for extra protection.
Can I use more than one portable monitor?
Yes, if your laptop supports multiple video outputs (via USB-C or docking stations). Software like DisplayLink also helps with extended displays.
What’s the difference between USB-C and HDMI connection?
USB-C allows for a single-cable setup (power + video), while HDMI usually needs a separate power source for the monitor.