For digital nomads and remote workers, a portable monitor can be a game-changer, significantly boosting productivity while on the go. These compact displays easily connect to your laptop, offering a second screen to expand your workspace, no matter where you are. While the market is flooded with options, not all Travel Monitors are created equal. We’ve rigorously tested a range of portable monitors to help you find the best ones that truly enhance your mobile work setup.
The ViewSonic VG1656-2K stands out as a strong contender, closely resembling our top pick for touchscreen models, but without the touch functionality. It delivers excellent color accuracy and impressive brightness, reaching 396 nits in our tests, making it the brightest portable monitor we evaluated in this round. However, with a price tag of $300, the 2K resolution might not justify the significant price jump for most users compared to more affordable options. If you specifically need the sharper resolution for improved scaling, this monitor is a solid choice, though it is a bit pricier than ideal.
The Pluggable USB-C Portable Monitor initially presented a decent picture, but it underperformed in our tests for contrast and color accuracy. Our measurements consistently showed a contrast ratio around 460:1, falling short of the 1000:1 threshold we expect for IPS displays. On the positive side, it offers a higher 100W pass-through charging capacity for connected laptops and includes an additional USB-C port with up to 10 Gbps data throughput. While these features can be beneficial, they don’t compensate for the subpar image quality compared to other travel monitors in its category.
The Espresso Displays 15 unit sent to us for review exhibited a problem where the screen would go black when connected to a source, unless power was supplied through the secondary USB-C port. Espresso informed us that this was due to a firmware issue specifically affecting review units. Until we can test another unit and confirm its performance, we cannot recommend this monitor for travel purposes.
We put two portable monitors from Ricoh to the test: the 150 and 150BW. Both are 15.6-inch, 1080p touchscreen OLED displays, with the 150BW adding wireless video reception over Wi-Fi from Windows computers. They are remarkably slim and feature an elegant built-in kickstand. However, the Ricoh 150 typically retails for $550, and the 150BW for $850. These prices are prohibitively expensive for travel monitors, and these features would need to be closer to the $400 range to be considered realistically competitive for most travelers.
The AOC 16T3EA presented an issue where its contrast ratio decreased at maximum brightness, a common problem in budget monitors. Its stand was also somewhat restrictive, and aesthetically, other portable monitors are more appealing. For travelers seeking reliable image quality and flexible stands, there are better options available.
We purchased the Arzopa S1 Table but encountered a high-pitched whine upon powering it on, a problem echoed in online reviews from other buyers. Arzopa processed the return and replaced the unit in about three weeks, and the replacement functioned without this issue. Despite this, we still believe our top pick offers a superior experience due to its kickstand design. A Wirecutter staff member, conducting long-term testing of the replacement unit, noted initial confusion with the case stand and occasional collapses when bumped. For travelers needing robust and user-friendly stands, this might be a concern.
The Arzopa Z1C mirrors our top pick, the Z1FC, but lacks the 144 Hz refresh rate for smoother motion. The Z1C unit we tested exhibited significantly worse color accuracy than the Z1FC, and we also found the Z1FC’s overall picture quality to be superior. For digital nomads who prioritize color accuracy for tasks like photo editing or graphic design while traveling, the Z1FC would be a better investment.
The Asus ZenScreen MB166CR is positioned as a more budget-friendly portable monitor within Asus’s product line. However, its screw-on kickstand proves to be frustratingly cumbersome. Adjusting the stand loosens it, requiring tightening, but tightening the screw shifts the stand’s position. For travelers who value ease of setup and adjustment, this stand design is impractical and time-consuming.
Designed for creative professionals, the Espresso Displays 17 Pro is a 17-inch, 4K touchscreen travel monitor. Our tests revealed it can reproduce 97% of the DCI-P3 color gamut, making it excellent for creative tasks. It also supports touchscreen and stylus input when connected to a Mac, features typically costing considerably more in pen displays like those from Wacom. While impressive on paper, we found the 17 Pro too bulky and heavy for comfortable portability. The dedicated Pro Stand adds 1.8 pounds, bringing the total portable setup weight to over 4 pounds, excluding the laptop and power adapters. Furthermore, the lack of physical buttons necessitates using the espressoFlow software for settings adjustments, and we found the app’s color settings too limited for quick display fine-tuning while on the move.
The ViewSonic VX1655 lacked the sharpness of other monitors we tested, and its contrast ratio dropped to around 630:1 in sRGB mode for color accuracy testing. Other budget travel monitors offer a better overall viewing experience.
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, reaching nearly 500 nits. We recommend the OLED version for its even greater brightness and superior contrast inherent in OLED screens. However, if you prefer to avoid the glossy screen coating of the OLED model, the VX1655-4K is still a worthwhile travel monitor alternative.
The HP E14 G4 is a reliable portable monitor with a 14-inch, 1080p display, a sturdy stand, and a basic on-screen menu for adjusting brightness, contrast, and color. However, it is smaller and significantly more expensive than our top pick, while offering comparable image quality. For travelers prioritizing value and screen size, there are more compelling options.
The Dell C1422H closely resembles HP’s E14 G4 in size and image quality but provides fewer image settings. Being a few years older, it is possible to find better picture quality for a lower price in newer travel monitor models.
The Lenovo ThinkVision M14d features a 14-inch display with a sharp 2240×1400 resolution. While a decent monitor, its $475 price at the time of our review was too high for its resolution and IPS display technology. For budget-conscious travelers, other monitors offer better value for the features provided.
We also tested the Asus ZenScreen Go MB16AWP, a premium display with wireless connectivity and an integrated battery. This model can connect to your phone to serve as a larger screen for media consumption. However, during wireless feature testing, we discovered that many popular streaming services restrict video streaming to local wireless devices. Although Plex streaming worked, the video quality was choppy and unwatchable. Wireless connectivity functioned well for extending Windows desktops, making it suitable for specific use cases. Overall, the premium price for the battery and wireless features of the MB16AWP seems unjustified given its limitations for typical travel use.
Choosing the Right Travel Monitor
Selecting the ideal travel monitor depends on your specific needs and priorities. Consider factors like screen size, resolution, image quality, portability, and connectivity. For most digital nomads and remote workers, a balance of these features at a reasonable price point is key. Explore reviews and comparisons to make an informed decision and enhance your productivity on the go.
This article was edited by Caitlin McGarry and Signe Brewster.
