- Last Updated: June 23, 2025
Monitors are available at different price ranges, which makes it easier for users to choose. Anti-glare screens with good view angles are good for outdoor use. Portability and monitor quality are two crucial factors to consider.
In this article, I will share some of the best portable monitors in 2025 that I’ve used and tested. These stands showed great results when I took them during travel
How to Choose the Best Portable Monitors for Digital Nomads?
Before getting into the list, let’s check out what criteria need to be considered to choose the best portable monitors.
1. Portability: Freelancers, or digital nomads, are always on the go. For them, a monitor with good portability is a must-have.
2. Weight: A lightweight laptop monitor for remote work is an important factor for freelancers. A bulky laptop is difficult to carry everywhere. So, make sure the monitor you choose is not too heavy for you.
3. Size: A portable monitor should be compact. It should have a sleek and slim design. This will make it convenient to put it inside bags or luggage.
4. Stand: Monitors with built-in stands are the best. They provide stability and support on any surface.
5. Carrying pouch: Some monitors do not come with screen protection or a laptop bag. A bag and screen protector are necessary when using them outside homes. Otherwise, the monitor may suffer from damage or scratches.
6. Display type: The screen size and its resolution are important factors to consider. In most cases, a 15” monitor with 1080p or 4k resolution is enough to perform tasks. However, depending on the use case, some additional features might be needed.
For instance, graphic designers should opt for 4k monitors with a wide color gamut. Gamers should select a monitor with a low response time and a better refresh rate.
7. Durability: The portable monitor for digital nomads should be sturdy enough for daily use. If you take them outside, then they should be strong, stable, and with adequate covering. For instance, rubber feet ensure the laptop will not slip.
8. Connection ports: We want a stand to have negligible weight. Otherwise, carrying both the heavy laptop and stand will cause extra pressure. There are many varieties, and some of them can also be used as a laptop bag.
9. Cost: When looking for the best monitors for digital nomads, price is a major factor. Since they are available in different price ranges, users have a variety of options. The cost will increase with image quality, pixels, and color accuracy.
[This article may contain affiliate links. This means that if you decide to purchase some of these resources, I earn a small commission at no additional cost for you. I only recommend selected products that I’m convinced about and that I would buy (or already did buy) myself.]
Our Top 6 Picks for Portable Monitors
1. ViewSonic VX1655-4K-OLED
Best for designers
The ViewSonic VX1655 portable monitor has an IPS panel. It is usable in landscape or portrait modes. It has 275 ppi and 275 cd/m² brightness, so images are detailed and accurate. With a 0.8” thickness, the monitor is easy to carry by hand or in a purse. It has USB-C, a 3.5mm port, and one HDMI 1.4 port.
You can rotate it between 0 and 86 degrees. If you need portable monitors for travel purposes, then the ViewSonix VX1655 is the best choice. The built-in stand offers an excellent ergonomic setup when used outdoors (coffee shops, restaurants, or airports).
The stand also hides cables. With the two-way USB cable, you can charge the laptop from the monitor and vice versa. The brightness and contrast ratio are excellent for viewing images and editing them. There are a total of five preset modes, including Office, Movie, Mono, etc.
Overall, the brightness and color contrast are standard. If reflections are bothering you, then angle the monitor to the correct position.
Specs
- • Display: 15.6" display
- • Resolution: 4k OLED
- • Contrast Ratio: 80,000,000:1
- • Weight: 1.7 lbs (771g)
- • Dimensions: 14 x 8.8 x 0.8”
PROS
✔️ Very lightweight and compact
✔️ Comes with stand
✔️ Great picture quality
✔️ Good brightness
✔️ Big screen
CONS
⛔ Costly
⛔ Average speakers
2. Arzopa Z1RC
Best for general use
The Arzopa Z1RC monitor has a strong build and a large display. It has a built-in stand that helps the monitor remain stable in a position. To get the best view angle, incline the screen as needed. It has a brightness of approximately 365 cd/m², and overall, the images and videos have decent quality.
It covers 94% of DCI-P3, which is an acceptable value for viewing more colors on screen. The monitor is compatible with specific laptop models as listed on their site. It has rubber feet for extra stability, but only in landscape style. It has 2 USB ports and a mini-HDMI port.
Basic control options are also available. The monitor is good for doing office work, presentations, and editing. While you can watch movies in it, the sound quality will be average. Although it might not be the brightest and sharpest monitor, it is one of the best portable monitors under $150.
Specs
- • Display: 16"
- • Resolution: Full HD (2560X1600p)
- • Contrast Ratio: 1200:1
- • Weight: 1.68 lbs (762g)
- • Dimensions: 14.0 x 9.4 x 0.35”
PROS
✔️ Good value for money
✔️ Broad color gamut
✔️ Ultra-thin and easy to carry
✔️ Stand to support the monitor
✔️ Cheap
CONS
⛔ Decent image quality
3. Lenovo ThinkVision M14
Best for office use
The Lenovo ThinkVision M14 has an IPS display that delivers detailed images. It has 300 cd/m² brightness and a 60 Hz refresh rate. Color blending and accuracy are decent. It is a mobile monitor that sits on adjustable feet. It remains stable both in landscape and portrait positions.
You can rotate it between -5 and 90 degrees. The anti-glare screen ensures daylight does not produce any reflection. It has a broad view angle, which means the screen and text remain clear from the side.
With a 14” screen design, the Lenovo portable monitor is suitable for office work like administrative jobs, content writing, freelancing, etc. It is designed for outdoor use thanks to its small footprint. It has 2 USB-C ports on both sides so you can place it on the left or right side of your PC.
Make sure the PC supports DisplayPort Alt Mode. It is one of the best portable monitors for travel. The portable laptop comes with clips that ensure the screen remains folded when you are moving. Although not the best fit for gamers, you can still enjoy movies and TV shows on it.
Specs
- • Display: 14"
- • Resolution: 1080p
- • Contrast Ratio: 700:1
- • Weight: 1.31 lbs (594g)
- • Dimensions: 3.8 x 8.23 x 12.73”
PROS
✔️ Good view angle
✔️ Smart design and well-built
✔️ Reasonably priced
✔️ Good color representation
✔️ Blue light reduces eye fatigue
CONS
⛔ Low response time
⛔ HDR compatibility
4. Arzopa A1M
Best overall
The Arzopa A1M is one of the top portable monitors for different use cases. It has an IPS display and brightness of 300 cd/m². It has 2 USB ports and a mini HDMI port. It has a refresh rate of 60 Hz.
The computer monitor has 2 built-in speakers. A smart cover is included that protects the screen. It also acts as a stand. Users can use it for watching movies or shows, editing images, or gaming. Color accuracy and gamut are detailed and broad.
Images and video quality are sharp and lively. Along with mobile and PC, the monitor works with popular gaming consoles like PS5, Xbox One, or Nintendo Switch. It has sturdy build and portability.
Specs
- • Display: 17.3"
- • Resolution: Full HD (2560x1600p)
- • Contrast Ratio: 1000:1
- • Weight: 2.2 lbs (997g)
- • Dimensions: 14.2 x 8.9 x 0.4”
PROS
✔️ Protective magnetic cover
✔️ Detailed images
✔️ Smooth and tear-free gaming
✔️ Good compatibility
CONS
⛔ moderate sound quality
5. Asus ROG Strix XG17AHPE
Best for heavy workloads
The Asus ROG Strix XG17AHPE is one of the best monitors for digital nomads who also love gaming. It has a 240 Hz refresh rate and a 3 ms response time. The Adaptive Sync feature ensures the fast-moving gaming scenes are smooth and there is no lagging.
It has a 7800 mAh battery that allows gaming for up to 2 hours. The screen has a 178° viewing angle, which means you can play games with your friends without any image issues. It works with laptops, smartphones, tablets, or gaming consoles. Along with anti-glare, the screen is flicker-free.
This means the screen will have less eye strain and reflections, resulting in an improved viewing experience. Although the Asus ROG XG17AHPE is costly, it ensures premium audio and video quality. The stereo speakers deliver loud and clear sound. This is often compromised in cheaper models.
Specs
- • Display: 17.3"
- • Resolution: 1080p
- • Contrast Ratio: 1000:1
- • Weight: 1.06 lbs (480g) without stand
- • Dimensions: 15.71 x 9.86 x 0.39”
PROS
✔️ Extremely lightweight
✔️ Can support Apple M1 Max
✔️ Pivoting grips hold the laptop in place
✔️ Durable and sturdy
CONS
⛔ Height changes may require additional keyboard and mouse usage
6. MNN 15.6 Inch
Best for cheap
The MNN 15.6” is an IPS portable monitor that is small and lightweight. It has a 178-degree view angle and a 60 Hz refresh rate. It has basic HDMI and USB-C ports for connectivity with a PC, phone, or console.
With HDR support, the images are clean, detailed, and picturesque. The monitor has two built-in speakers that produce clean sounds during calls. We love the durability of this portable monitor. It comes with a leather and scratch-resistant smart cover. Users can also use the cover as a stand.
Freelancers can use this monitor for entertainment purposes such as gaming or watching movies. At this price point, the monitor excels in terms of performance. The images and color precision are noteworthy. It is one of the best portable monitors for travel.
Specs
- • Display: 15.6"
- • Resolution: 1080p
- • Contrast Ratio: 1000:1
- • Weight: 2.1 lbs (952g)
- • Dimensions: 14.48 x 8.85 x 0.3”
PROS
✔️ High protection with cover
✔️ Well-built
✔️ Cheap
✔️ Good for multitasking
✔️ Different display modes
CONS
⛔ Average audio quality
Check this out: 6 Best Portable Power Banks for Digital Nomads in 2025
Why are portable monitors necessary for digital nomads?
In this section, we’ll find out why laptop monitors are necessary for digital nomads and remote workers.
➤ Better workspace:
For home or office use, a portable monitor is an excellent addition. It can pair with your PC or laptop as an extender.
➤ Better usability:
Modern monitors often include styluses or touch screens to control them. As a result, navigation is smoother.
➤ Convenience:
Having portable monitors means all the required data, files, and documents are at your fingertips. Users with multiple purposes, like coders, gamers, and movie watchers, can benefit from it. Moving from one screen to another is also easy.
➤ Work from anywhere:
Portable monitors are ideal for go-to digital nomads. So, you can do your work despite your location (coffee shops, restaurants, resorts, airport lounges, etc.).
Check this out: 5 Best External Hard Drives for Travelers (For 2025)
The Verdict
Remote workers or freelancers find portable monitors to be an essential product. They can act as an extender or a life-saver during traveling. The MNN 15.6” is an affordable monitor that delivers decent picture quality.
Others, like the Asus ROG Strix XG17AHPE, are excellent for multitasking. You can use it for gaming, office work, or other entertainment purposes.
Alright, so that was it. These were some of my favorite portable monitors for travel. I have used and tested all of them, and if you ask me, they are totally worth it.
Which portable monitor is your favorite, or are you planning to buy? Let us know in the comments!
FAQs
The Arzopa Z1RC is one of the best portable monitors for digital nomads. It is budget-friendly, has impressive picture quality, and is suitable for everyday use.
An extended monitor with a laptop or PC improves the working experience for digital nomads.
Since portable monitors are lightweight and compact, they are suitable to carry in a purse or luggage. The screen and monitor should have protection with an additional bag.
Portable monitors are the ultimate solution for remote workers. Having the freedom to move anywhere while remaining connected to your work will increase work productivity.
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