For professionals embracing the digital nomad lifestyle or those simply needing a second screen on the go, Travel Monitors have become indispensable tools. These portable displays offer expanded screen real estate, boosting productivity and enhancing entertainment wherever you are. We’ve assessed a range of portable monitors to help you choose the best option for your travel needs.
The ViewSonic VG1656-2K stands out with its impressive color accuracy and brightness, reaching 396 nits, the highest among portable monitors we tested. While it mirrors our top touchscreen recommendation without the touch functionality, its $300 price point for a 2K resolution might not be justified for everyone. If you specifically require the sharper resolution for better scaling, this travel monitor is a strong performer, though slightly pricier than ideal.
The Pluggable USB-C Portable Monitor initially seemed adequate, but its performance faltered in contrast and color accuracy tests. We consistently measured a contrast ratio around 460:1, falling short of the preferred 1000:1 for IPS displays. It does offer superior pass-through charging at 100W and an additional 10 Gbps USB-C port, features that could be advantageous. However, the subpar image quality overshadows these benefits compared to its competitors in the travel monitor market.
The Espresso Displays 15 we evaluated encountered a critical issue: the screen would only function when powered through the second USB-C port, otherwise remaining black upon input connection. Espresso attributed this to a firmware update affecting review units. Until we can verify a corrected unit, we cannot recommend this travel monitor.
Ricoh presented two portable monitors, the 150 and 150BW. Both are 15.6-inch, 1080p touchscreen OLED displays, with the 150BW adding wireless video reception from Windows via Wi-Fi. Their slim design and integrated kickstand are appealing. However, the Ricoh 150’s typical price of $550 and the Ricoh 150BW’s $850 are excessively high for travel monitors. These features need to be available closer to the $400 mark to be truly competitive in the portable display sector.
The AOC 16T3EA exhibited a recurring problem seen in budget monitors: its contrast ratio decreased at maximum brightness. Additionally, its stand was somewhat restrictive, and aesthetically, other travel monitors were more appealing.
We acquired the Arzopa S1 Table, but testing was impossible due to a high-pitched whine upon powering it on, a problem echoed by some online reviews. Arzopa processed the return and replaced the unit within roughly three weeks, and the replacement functioned correctly. Despite this, our preferred choice remains superior due to its kickstand design. Long-term testing by a Wirecutter staff member revealed occasional stand collapse when bumped and initial confusion with the case stand.
The Arzopa Z1C is akin to our top pick, the Z1FC, but lacks the 144 Hz refresh rate for smoother visuals. The Z1C model we tested displayed significantly less color accuracy than the Z1FC, and subjectively, the Z1FC’s picture quality was better.
The Asus ZenScreen MB166CR is positioned as a more budget-friendly portable monitor within Asus’s product line. However, its screw-on kickstand is frustrating to use. Adjusting the stand loosens it, requiring tightening, which in turn shifts the stand’s position due to friction. This cumbersome stand makes it a less desirable travel monitor.
Designed for creative professionals, the Espresso Displays 17 Pro is a 17-inch, 4K touchscreen travel monitor. Our tests confirmed its ability to reproduce 97% of the DCI-P3 color spectrum, making it excellent for creative tasks. It also offers touchscreen and stylus compatibility with Macs, features typically costing considerably more in pen displays. While impressive on paper, the 17 Pro proved too bulky and heavy for comfortable portability – the dedicated Pro Stand adds 1.8 pounds, bringing the total portable setup to over 4 pounds, excluding the laptop and power adapters. Furthermore, the absence of physical buttons necessitates using the espressoFlow software for settings adjustments, and we found the app’s color settings too basic for quick, precise display calibration.
The ViewSonic VX1655 lacked the sharpness of other tested monitors, and switching to sRGB mode for color accuracy testing reduced its contrast to approximately 630:1. Better budget travel monitor experiences are available.
The ViewSonic VX1655-4K is a competitive 4K display that could have been our upgrade pick, but the OLED version surpasses it. The VX1655-4K is color-accurate and bright, approaching 500 nits. We favor the OLED variant for its even greater brightness and superior overall image quality due to enhanced contrast. However, for those disliking glossy screens, the VX1655-4K remains a worthwhile travel monitor alternative.
The HP E14 G4 is a reliable portable monitor featuring a 14-inch, 1080p display, a robust stand, and a fundamental on-screen menu for brightness, contrast, and color adjustments. However, it is smaller and significantly more expensive than our top recommendation while offering comparable image quality.
The Dell C1422H is remarkably similar to the HP E14 G4 in size and image quality but provides fewer image settings. Being an older model, superior picture quality can be obtained for a lower price.
The Lenovo ThinkVision M14d is a 14-inch display with a noteworthy 2240×1400 resolution. It is a commendable monitor, but its $475 price at the time of review was excessively high for its resolution and IPS display technology.
We also evaluated the Asus ZenScreen Go MB16AWP, a premium display with wireless connectivity and an integrated battery. This model can connect to phones, serving as a larger screen for media consumption. However, wireless testing revealed that many popular streaming services restrict video streaming to external wireless devices, including nearby displays. While Plex streaming was successful, the video was choppy and unwatchable. Wireless connectivity functioned well for extending Windows desktops, making it potentially suitable for that specific application. Nevertheless, the premium cost for the battery and wireless features of the MB16AWP seems unjustified given these limitations.
Conclusion:
Choosing the ideal travel monitor depends on individual needs and priorities. Factors such as desired resolution, portability, and budget all play crucial roles. While some models offer advanced features or superior display quality, they often come with a higher price tag. Carefully consider your specific use case to select a travel monitor that enhances your productivity and mobile workspace without breaking the bank.
