For digital nomads, business travelers, and anyone needing a second screen on the move, Laptop Travel Monitors are indispensable. These portable displays offer a convenient way to extend your screen real estate, boosting productivity and making multitasking a breeze, no matter where you are. We’ve reviewed a range of portable monitors to help you find the best option for your needs, focusing on factors like display quality, portability, and overall value.
Evaluating Portable Monitor Performance: Brightness, Color Accuracy, and Contrast
When assessing portable monitors, several key performance metrics come into play. Brightness, measured in nits, dictates how well a monitor performs in various lighting conditions. Color accuracy is crucial for tasks requiring precise color representation, while contrast ratio affects the depth and richness of the image.
The ViewSonic VG1656-2K stands out with its impressive 396 nits of brightness, making it the brightest portable monitor we tested in this category. It also boasts good color accuracy. However, with a price tag of $300, the 2K resolution might not represent a significant enough upgrade for everyone, especially when compared to more affordable 1080p options. If you specifically require the sharper scaling offered by 2K resolution, this monitor is a solid performer, though it sits at a higher price point than some competitors.
Compromises in Image Quality: The Plugable USB-C Portable Monitor
While some portable monitors prioritize image quality, others make compromises in this area to offer different features or price points. The Plugable USB-C Portable Monitor, for instance, presented underwhelming results in our tests. Its contrast ratio consistently measured around 460:1, falling short of the ideal 1000:1 threshold for IPS displays. While it compensates with features like 100W pass-through charging and an additional 10 Gbps USB-C port, the subpar image quality may be a deal-breaker for users who prioritize visual fidelity. These extra features might appeal to users needing robust power and data transfer capabilities, but they don’t fully offset the monitor’s weak image performance.
Firmware Issues and Reliability Concerns: Espresso Displays 15
Reliability is paramount when choosing tech accessories, especially for travel. We encountered issues with the Espresso Displays 15 review unit, where the screen would go black unless power was connected through a secondary USB-C port. Espresso attributed this to a firmware issue affecting review units. Until we can thoroughly test a functioning unit, recommending this monitor is not possible. This highlights the importance of verifying product reliability, especially with newer brands or models.
Premium Price for Niche Features: Ricoh 150 and 150BW OLED Monitors
OLED technology typically commands a premium, and portable monitors are no exception. The Ricoh 150 and 150BW, both 15.6-inch 1080p touchscreen OLED displays, showcase this. The 150BW further distinguishes itself with wireless video reception over Wi-Fi from Windows computers. Their slim design and integrated kickstands are appealing. However, with prices around $550 for the 150 and $850 for the 150BW, these monitors are significantly more expensive than many alternatives. To be truly competitive, these feature-rich OLED portable monitors would need to approach the $400 price range. The wireless capability and OLED screen are attractive, but the high cost limits their mainstream appeal as laptop travel monitors.
Budget Monitor Trade-offs: AOC 16T3EA
Budget-friendly options often involve compromises. The AOC 16T3EA exhibited a common issue in budget monitors: its contrast ratio decreased at maximum brightness. The stand design was also less desirable compared to other portable monitors we tested. While affordability is attractive, these trade-offs in display performance and stand design should be considered.
Quality Control and Design Flaws: Arzopa S1 Table and Asus ZenScreen MB166CR
Product quality control and user-friendly design are crucial aspects of any portable monitor. We experienced a high-pitched whine with the Arzopa S1 Table unit, a problem echoed in some online reviews. While Arzopa replaced the unit, and the replacement functioned correctly, initial quality concerns were raised. Furthermore, the case stand was described as initially confusing and occasionally prone to collapsing.
The Asus ZenScreen MB166CR suffers from a frustrating screw-on kickstand. Adjusting the stand is cumbersome, requiring constant tightening and loosening, making it a needlessly complicated user experience. These examples highlight the significance of both quality control in manufacturing and thoughtful design for user convenience in laptop travel monitors.
Professional-Grade Portability vs. Practicality: Espresso Displays 17 Pro
For creative professionals needing a portable 4K touchscreen display, the Espresso Displays 17 Pro is an option. It covers 97% of the DCI-P3 color gamut, making it suitable for color-critical work. Touchscreen and stylus compatibility with Macs further enhance its appeal for creative workflows, functionalities typically found in significantly more expensive pen displays. However, its bulk and weight (over 4 pounds with the Pro Stand) detract from its portability. The lack of physical buttons and reliance on software for settings adjustments also presented usability limitations. While powerful on paper, the 17 Pro’s practicality as a truly portable laptop travel monitor is questionable due to its size and weight.
Lower Sharpness and Contrast: ViewSonic VX1655
Not all portable monitors deliver exceptional visual clarity. The ViewSonic VX1655 was noted as less sharp than other tested monitors. In sRGB mode, its contrast ratio dropped to approximately 630:1. For users prioritizing sharp visuals and high contrast, other budget portable monitors offer a superior viewing experience.
Competitive 4K Option: ViewSonic VX1655-4K
The ViewSonic VX1655-4K emerges as a strong contender in the 4K portable monitor category. It combines color accuracy and high brightness, reaching nearly 500 nits. While an OLED version is considered superior due to even greater brightness and contrast, the VX1655-4K remains a worthwhile alternative, especially for users who prefer a matte screen coating over the glossy finish of OLED displays. It presents a balance of high resolution and performance for demanding users of laptop travel monitors.
Solid but Pricey 14-inch Options: HP E14 G4 and Dell C1422H
Smaller portable monitors can be appealing for ultra-portable setups. The HP E14 G4 and Dell C1422H are 14-inch 1080p displays with sturdy stands and basic image adjustment menus. However, they are more expensive and smaller than our top recommended picks while offering comparable image quality. The Dell C1422H, being an older model, is particularly less attractive in terms of value. While these offer portability, the price-to-performance ratio isn’t as compelling as larger, more affordable options in the laptop travel monitor market.
High Resolution at a Premium: Lenovo ThinkVision M14d
The Lenovo ThinkVision M14d offers a higher 2240×1400 resolution in a 14-inch format. While a nice monitor, its initial $475 price was deemed too high for its resolution and IPS display technology. The higher resolution is a plus, but the cost needs to be justified against other available laptop travel monitors with similar or better features at a lower price.
Wireless Connectivity Limitations: Asus ZenScreen Go MB16AWP
Wireless connectivity in portable monitors aims for added convenience. The Asus ZenScreen Go MB16AWP includes wireless connectivity and an internal battery. It can connect to phones as a larger display, but streaming service limitations hinder wireless video playback due to content protection restrictions. While wireless display extension for Windows computers worked, the premium for battery and wireless features may not be justified given these limitations. For specific needs like wireless Windows display extension, it could be useful, but for general laptop travel monitor purposes, the added cost might not be worthwhile due to restricted functionality.
Choosing the Right Laptop Travel Monitor
Selecting the ideal laptop travel monitor depends on individual needs and priorities. Factors to consider include:
- Resolution: 1080p is sufficient for most users, while 2K or 4K offers sharper visuals for demanding tasks or larger screen sizes.
- Brightness and Contrast: Higher brightness is better for varied lighting conditions. Good contrast enhances image depth.
- Portability: Consider size and weight for travel convenience.
- Features: Touchscreen, wireless connectivity, and extra ports can be beneficial depending on your workflow.
- Budget: Prices vary significantly, so balance features and performance with your spending limit.
By carefully evaluating these aspects, you can find the best laptop travel monitor to enhance your productivity and on-the-go workspace.
