With the best portable monitor, you can expand your workspace while keeping things relatively compact. Or having a secondary monitor will give your desktop a breather, spreading applications more naturally, whether you’re writing the next great American novel, doing graphic design work, coding, or playing the latest AAA game.

And these nifty displays are winning over digital nomads and laptop users by offering more screen real estate without having to buy a full-size monitor. But keep things simple and small, forgoing stands and your power supply, and opt for a portable display with a USB or USB-C cable.

With many manufacturers releasing slim and light models that are as good as their full-size siblings, Apple even lets you use an iPad as a portable monitor – there are a few options to choose from if you want that multi-display setup with you wherever you go.

We found the best portable monitors on the market in 2020, from affordable for casual users to great alternatives to the best business monitors. There is a busy world out there; give yourself some space.

The best portable monitor for macbook pro is a quick and easy solution to acquire more space to work without having to greatly expand your physical area.

Our favorite portable monitor is the GeChic 1503H, which is lightweight, easy to carry on the go, and includes its built-in speakers.

Gamers will want to consider the G-STORY gaming monitor that offers a large screen and an excellent refresh rate.

Best Portable Monitor for Macbook Pro

Sr. no	Products	Features	Check Price
1	Portable Monitor - Lepow 15.6 Inch	Multiple devices connection Portable gaming monitor  Smart covers and screen protector	View on Amazon
2	VIOTEK LinQ P16C 16-Inch Class Portable Monitor	Smooth motion for gaming Nice and minimal design	View on Amazon
3	4K Portable Monitor - AZMIOR 15.6	60hz Refresh Rate 3ms Response time Dual Type-C & HDMI Port	View on Amazon
4	Touchscreen Monitor, EVICIV 7 Inch Portable USB Monitor	Ultra-portable monitor Magnetic Stand Cover Inbuilt Speakers	View on Amazon
5	Asus Zenscreen Go MB16AP 15.6" Full HD Portable Monitor	Blue light and no flicker Hybrid signal solution	View on Amazon
6	AOC e1659Fwu 16-Inch Ultra Slim	Compatible with MacBook Auto-Pivot USB-C Connectivity	View on Amazon
7	Gechic 1503H 15.6 inch IPS 1080p Portable Monitor	Light and thin EZ link technology USB 3.0 port	View on Amazon
8	G-STORY 15.6 Inch UHD 4K IPS Eye-Care Portable Gaming Monitor	Due to its weight, it is very resistant and durable.	View on Amazon

Best Portable Monitor for Macbook Pro Reviews

Let’s take a look for further details…

Portable Monitor – Lepow 15.6 Inch

Equipped with a screen protector and a smart cover that turns the screen off when closed, the Lepow portable monitor offers beautiful color reproduction and a sharp image at 1980 x 1080 resolution for less than $ 200.

Features 

The device will be compatible with most newer laptops and smartphones due to the 2 USB Type-C ports for power and video.

Also, the Lepow portable monitor has a screen protector that makes the screen fully protected against scratches. For outdoors, the device is protected with a durable PU leather smart case to keep your monitor safe.

The manufacturer has made this monitor for all kinds of users, for example, if you are a gamer, you will love the pictures and color reproduction of this monitor. It uses an IPS screen that allows this monitor to show you the amazing viewing experience with a vivid image when gaming.

This monitor will not be affected if you are a gamer, traveler, designer, or writer. It will always remain the best decision you have ever made.

Also, the smart cover of this monitor is made of synthetic leather which is very durable and keeps your monitor safe. If you are tired of placing your monitor in one place, then your wait is over because this monitor is foldable and allows it to fold into different positions to help you while reading, writing, or watching.

With a slim 0.3-inch profile and just 1.76 pounds, the Lepow portable monitor is also equipped with dual speakers and HDR mode to help display media files.

Verdict

The Lepow Portable Monitor is a 15.6-inch portable monitor designed to be carried, easy to move, and used on the go. At an affordable price, this lightweight, narrow-bezel 15.6-inch portable monitor delivers stunning images at 1920 x 1080 resolution.

It is ideal for all types of users and is compatible with MacBook Pro. On the other hand, it is very thin and light with a size of 0.3 inches and weighs around 1.73 pounds.

VIOTEK LinQ P16C 16-Inch Class Portable Monitor

If you need a portable monitor with a mini-HDMI port for connection versatility not found in other portable monitors, the answer is VIOTEK LinQ P16C. This device can connect to a wide variety of devices via USB-C, such as MacBooks, Windows laptops, and even some smartphones with a USB-C cable.

Features 

The next best portable monitor for MacBook Pro also has an A-grade IPS display that helps deliver vibrant color reproduction and stunning images in Full HD 1920x1080p resolution.

For connectivity, you get 2 USB Type-C ports and 1 mini HDMI port. These 2 ports are widely used by devices such as PCs, laptops, smartphones, game consoles, Android TV boxes, and other things. With that said, you can easily connect your PS4, laptops, Android / iOS smartphones with this portable gaming monitor.

To make the game smooth and easy for you, Viotek also integrated AMD FreeSync technology and you can expect the best gaming experience whether you play on Playstation or Xbox.

Despite having such great features in a portable monitor, Viotek also managed to keep the design sleek and stylish. The sleek design with a metallic finish not only looks premium but also makes it portable. This portable gaming monitor weighs just 1.35 pounds (0.61 kg) and measures 0.37 inches. Along with games, you can also use it for work, movies, photo/video editing. Viotek also has a touchscreen variant, you can check it out here.

For gamer enthusiasts, this device will generate a liquid-smooth performance that other portable gaming monitors for PS4 or Xbox One simply cannot compete. Above all, the VIOTEK LinQ P16C needs special considerations in some devices connection.

Must support DP ALT-MODE for a single wire connection for power/data; otherwise, a second USB-C cable must be used to connect to an external power source. On the other hand, mobile devices must support DP ALT-MODE.

Verdict 

Viotek is a big name in the monitor business. You can also expect a good experience with your portable gaming monitor. Speaking of the Viotek LinQ P16C display, it has a 15.6 ″ 1920 × 1080 Full HD resolution IPS display that has vibrant color output.

4K Portable Monitor – AZMIOR 15.6

This is an ideal portable monitor for gaming. Here’s why, AZMIOR features a 15.6-inch 3840×2160 IPS UHD display, packed in a chassis with a brushed aluminum finish.

Features 

The display is HDR ready and comes with a 60Hz refresh rate and 3ms response time. This is the best specification for any portable gaming monitor. Plus, with AMD FreeSync compatibility, you can expect a smooth gaming experience on this portable gaming monitor.

For connectivity, we have 2 USB Type-C ports and 1 HDMI port. With these Type-C ports and HDMI port, you can easily connect Windows PC, Macbook, Laptops, Smartphones, Nintendo Switch, PS3, PS4 / Pro, Xbox, Android TV box, Raspberry Pi, and any display with Type-C compatibility or HDMI. There are two 2W speakers and a 3.5mm jack for connecting external speakers or gaming headphones.

Verdict 

You can get some of the best gaming headsets for under $ 100 and gaming headsets under 50. Check that out too. This portable gaming monitor weighs just 1.82 pounds and is 0.2 inches thick. That is ridiculously amazing.

Touchscreen Monitor, EVICIV 7 Inch Portable USB Monitor

How about a 4K portable gaming monitor with the best screen clarity? Here is the EVICIV portable gaming monitor which is equipped with a 15.6 inch IPS 4K UHD 2160p display.

Features 

The color output and accuracy of this portable monitor are impressive. It also features a 60Hz refresh rate and 4ms response time. To enhance the gaming experience, the monitor is also equipped with HDR and AMD FreeSync, so you will have a smooth and stutter-free gaming experience.

To connect the devices with this portable gaming monitor, it has 2 USB Type-C ports and 1 HDMI port with which you can connect game consoles, PC, Chromebook, Raspberry Pi, PS3, PS4, XBOX ONE, and other things.

Verdict 

The monitor weighs 1.89 pounds and is just 0.2 inches thick, making it ridiculously thin and portable. This could be your ideal portable gaming monitor.

Asus Zenscreen Go MB16AP 15.6″ Full HD Portable Monitor

Introducing you the award-winning, ultra-portable designer monitor with a 15.6-inch screen. This monitor provides its user with 1080p images with a hybrid signal solution for USB-C and Type-interface compatibility.

Features 

ASUS MB16AC comes with the smart cap and smart pen hole option and allows the screen to automatically rotate in landscape and portrait orientations. The smart cap and smart pen option allow this monitor to rotate automatically, but automatic rotation requires the Windows operating system and the display widget to be integrated first.

Providing 1080p images through its USB-C interface, the ASUS ZenScreen MB16AC is designed for portability with a sleek and lightweight body. At just 1.7 pounds and 0.3 inches thin, the ASUS ZenScreen MB16AC features a hybrid signal solution for compatibility with USB Type-C and Type-A sources.

This device requires the installation of the Windows operating system and the screen widget to perform the automatic rotation, which is aided by the smartpen and smart cover.

For a comfortable viewing experience, the ZenScreen MB16AC features TUV Rheinland certified flicker-free backlighting and blue light filter to help minimize cases of eyestrain and other harmful ailments.

The technologies used by this monitor are flicker-free technology and blue light filter that helps reduce eyestrain.

ASUS ZenScreen is the best portable monitor for Macbook Pro you can buy that provides user comfortable viewing experience with TUV Flicker-free and TUV Low Blue Light reducing eye-damaging ailments.

In addition to the portable monitor, Asus also gives you a durable protective case and a two-way adjustable stand, accompanied by the Asus Smart Case, which gives you an auto-rotate screen.

There’s a lot of technology and durability in those portable monitor extras that save you hours searching for stands.

Verdict

Our Best Asus Monitor – it is suitable if you’re interested in purchasing an Asus portable monitor specifically.

AOC e1659Fwu 16-Inch Ultra Slim 

This portable monitor is the same size as its previous model. It has a 15.6 ”IPS HD panel and has a non-reflective coating.

Features 

It measures 14.81 x 0.33 x 9.26 inches (HWD) and weighs up to 1.81 pounds. A very lightweight monitor that can easily be placed in briefcases and laptop cases. This monitor has a resolution of 1920 × 1080.

It has an aspect ratio of 16: 9 and a contrast ratio of 700: 1. A refresh rate of 60 Hz and a pixel response of 25 ms. It comes with the three parts of the guarantee. Workmanship and backlighting.

It also comes with a protective sleeve that protects and can become a tablet holder. You have a CD drive that you must install to start the Monitor.

Verdict 

This monitor gives you a landscape and portrait mode that converts itself by rotating the panel.

Gechic 1503H 15.6 inch IPS 1080p Portable Monitor

This Gechic On-lap 15031 is the high-design monitor that even supports a multi-screen touch function. It has a very wide-angle view of 170 ° and a compact design with narrow bezels. The slim, ultra-light touch monitor has a 15.6-inch screen and is only 12mm thick and weighs up to 1064g. Due to its practical size, you can take it anywhere without any difficulty.

Features 

Another feature of this monitor is that it supports USB cable and HDMI cable connectivity in one port.

It comes in an advanced projective capacitive touch screen that supports 10 fingers touch at the same time and supports Windows 8-10 touch gestures. Finger touch and drag are supported.

To accompany the portable monitor, GeChic has also included some great hardware.

The monitor comes with a detachable vertical and horizontal stand, giving you a variety of angles from which to position your portable monitor.

You also get limited touchscreen capabilities, depending on your configuration.

In terms of connectivity, it covers a good variety of bases. With HDMI and VGA, you get connectivity to many laptops, computers, mini PCs, and game consoles.

The rear documentation of the monitor is designed with a magnet. You can place your power bank on the back of the monitor and quickly start your monitor anywhere.

Raspberry pi is a new feature added to 15031 that helps engineers create programs and make reports. You can plug Raspberry pi into your 15031 and use a touch screen function. It also comes with a protective case that can be turned into a stand.

Verdict

Our Best Overall Monitor, it is highly suitable if you’re looking for a portable travel monitor that scores well across the board and isn’t too specialized.

G-STORY 15.6 Inch UHD 4K IPS Eye-Care Portable Gaming Monitor

Our Best Portable Gaming Monitor – A pure gaming purchase as you will need a portable monitor that does its best when it comes to displaying speed and functionality.

A game lover would love it and would also appreciate it very much.

Just take a look for more discussion …

Features 

A true titan of a portable monitor, G-Story’s GS173H was built with gaming in mind.

At over 15.6 ”, you get a gorgeous 4K 3840×2160 Ultra HD resolution display, with high dynamic range support to support the display even in the most intense battles.

If that wasn’t enough, it comes with FreeSync technology to eliminate screen stutter and produce an incredible quality image.

G-STORY is the best portable monitor to consider because its extraordinary features push you into the comfort zone.

The FPS / FTS Game Plus feature, in addition to everything else, raises the image quality when playing in high-intensity FPS game modes.

With a combination of HDMI and USC C, you have all the connectivity you need to connect game consoles, laptops, and a variety of other devices.

Complete with a leather pouch to carry it on your travelers, a screwed mount, and remote control; this is a portable monitor that pulls out all the stops and reaches a level of quality that gamers simply need for a great experience.

Verdict

This is the perfect choice for multitasking beings. It is beyond the ordinary.

For gaming, they have added a great variety of features and specifications for a phenomenal gaming experience. Few portable monitors can come close to what it offers.

How to choose the best monitor for MacBook- Buying guide 

There are a few key points to consider when narrowing down your options for the best portable monitor for MacBook pro. These are the following points to keep in mind:

1. Resolution

A portable monitor with low-quality resolution monitors will certainly have poor quality images. It is better to choose a high definition (HD) resolution to have clear and sharp images.

Better luck if you can buy a full high definition (FHD) one. It will certainly be a bit expensive compared to the low-quality resolution.

1. Screen size

The size depends on your needs, but bigger could be better. Today, the most popular portable monitors are 15.6 inches or 17.3 inches. Some brands even have larger sizes, up to 22 ″.

For travelers, the recommended size ranges from 7 “to 15.6”. Large screens give you more room to work but think carefully about how you will carry a larger monitor with you.

• Weight

Besides size, weight is also another critical point to consider when buying a portable monitor. The thinnest and lightest monitors will be easy to handle and transport. Also, this device will take up less space, it will be easily stored in backpacks or even handbags, and it will still be good for your back health.

• Connectivity

Most of the high-end portable monitors available are connected via USB or HDMI, which is more than sufficient under the vast majority of conditions. Make sure to consider all the options available depending on your equipment, namely the VGA port, to get the most out of it.

Also, some monitors need their power supply, so keep an eye on this if you prefer to work on your laptop battery.

• Contrast ratio

Apart from the resolution, the contrast ratio is also a necessary point to consider when buying portable monitors. Also, some creatives should think about color rendering capabilities. It is better to buy a device that offers more colors, as it will have more preferences.

• Speaker

It may or may not be important, but the type of speaker will give you different experiences of using portable monitors. It can become an important feature if you are pairing it with a portable DVD player for an impressive picture and sound during your presentation. Although for better sound quality, you can provide an external speaker.

• Price

This is the universal rule that you get what you pay for, so you should consider the prices before making the purchase. To do this, you need to do thorough research, but don’t compromise on your specifications. It should be noted that HDMI portable monitors are expensive compared to USB powered ones.

Closure

There are various types and qualities of portable monitors on the markets, including major manufacturers such as ASUS, Lenovo, HP, GeChich, and many more. Although it seems that all the designs are the same, they all have their uniqueness and share the basic characteristics.

Start from your very basic requirement and your budget, then consider the mentioned points while making the last decision of the best portable monitor for MacBook pro you need.

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is a portable monitor?

It is an additional screen that allows you to expand the capacity of your laptop or normal screen. It’s usually light and compact enough to be easily carried around, and while most of them have adapters, you can power one via a laptop or desktop cable.

How much power does a portable monitor consume?

A typical one draws around 10W of power from the source. Some must be connected to a power source at all times, while others have built-in battery packs that allow you to take them off-site. Naturally, they are the best to take with you when traveling or camping.

The new USB-C monitors allow you to draw power from your laptop while simultaneously outputting the video and audio from the source. While using them, you will not need the built-in battery and the power adapter.

What is the acceptable latency of a portable monitor?

If you have a lag in video output, the two most likely culprits are monitor video latency and input lag as well. If your monitor is for gaming, for example, you want it to connect to your laptop or game console via HDMI and not a USB cable. However, the input lag is mostly felt by those using gaming monitors as they consume more power.

Is it an ideal portable monitor for video and photo editing?

The two most popular and easily available portable monitors on the market are the IPS Panel and the TN panel. Both are ideal for almost any activity, but we prefer one with an IPS panel for photo and video editing. This is mainly because this technology offers great color coverage and therefore your images will look as good as you imagine.

Last Thoughts

There are various types and qualities of portable monitors on the markets, including major manufacturers such as ASUS, Lenovo, HP, GeChich, and many more. Although it seems that all the designs are the same, they all have their uniqueness in sharing the basic characteristics.

Start with your very basic requirements and budget, then consider the above points as you make the final decision on the best portable monitor for MacBook pro you need.

Thank you!