The Best External Monitors For 2024

Piers Anthony By, Piers Anthony
Updated
Best external monitors
Best external monitors

The Rundown

1. Best Overall: AOC I1601FWUX powered portable monitor

For a laptop, workstation or desktop computer, the AOC I1601FWUX is an ultra-thin, lightweight and portable monitor that automatically detects orientation to pivot the display. With a SmartCover to protect the display when not in use, this monitor provides a great visual experience at any angle and is perfect for on-the-go productivity. Read Review

2. Runner Up: ASUS MB168B USB Portable Monitor

This sleek metal design features a slim and lightweight profile. It's perfect for travel, as it can be folded up to a compact size. With an auto-rotating display, blue light filter and bundled Smart CASE, the ASUS MB168B USB Portable Monitor is the perfect choice for your next desktop upgrade. Read Review

3. Best Design: ASUS ZenScreen Go 1080P Wireless Portable Monitor

Offering an immersive 15.6-inch Full HD display with anti-glare coating and super-narrow bezels, the ASUS ZenScreen Go is perfect for on-the-go computing. It features a built-in G-sensor that enables the Auto Rotation feature, so you can adjust your screen to any direction as needed. Read Review

4. Best Reliable: Arzopa Portable Monitor

Arzopa Portable Monitor is a 15.6-inch screen monitor designed with a 1920x1080P, FHD,IPS and anti-glare display. With the lightweight design and portability of the monitor, it is perfect for business professionals who don't want to strain their neck with lengthy hours spent looking at your laptop or desktops. Read Review

5. Best Compatible: Lepow Portable Monitor

With its slim, lightweight and portable design, Lepow Z1-Gamut portable monitor offers stunning image quality and immersive visual enjoyment. It has a full-function Type-C port, which can be plugged into any laptop or tablet with an HDMI port. With its simple yet advanced functions, Z1-Gamut is the perfect companion for your mobile lifestyle. Read Review

The best external monitors are the ones that don’t limit your workflow. They should enhance it so that you spend more time working than looking at your screen. You will be able to see the details of any project or file in a bigger view, making sure that nothing is missed no matter how small it might seem.

Some of the best external monitors have great display technology and can provide an excellent viewing experience as long as you are using them in the right way. Whether it’s for gaming or anything else in between, having a proper graphics display is essential to enjoying everything your computer has to offer. The following are our picks for the best external monitors available today.

You can count on our team of experts who have spent over 17 hours conducting results through 2,700 real customer reviews. Because of this, We came to the conclusion that the best external monitors is AOC I1601FWUX powered portable monitor. And ASUS MB168B USB Portable Monitor is another choice for you while keeping the product's quality and functionality.

Our Top Picks

TOP Choice #1 AOC I1601FWUX powered portable monitor
Our Score:
9.8
AOC

Only a single USB-C cable is needed to deliver both power and video signal from your laptop to the monitor.

Low-blue light mode protects your eyes from potentially harmful blue spectrum of lights from the display

Auto-Pivot detects orientation of the monitor and pivots the display when orientation is changed (DisplayLink driver installation required)

*USB-C DP Alt Mode on host device is REQUIRED, there is NO HDMI input on this monitor** Please check with your device manufacturer if it supports DisplayPort Alternative Mode. Works with Thunderbolt 3, 4, USB4, and USB-C ports with DP Alt Mode support.

Comes with SmartCover that protects the display when not in use, and turns into a flexible screen holder in portrait or landscape orientation

Extremely slim (8.5mm) and lightweight (800 grams) making it easy to carry, great for travel

AOC USB-C portable monitor with 15.6" IPS screen and Full HD 1080P (1920x1080) resolution

IPS screen with 5ms fast response time and 220cd/m² of brightness

TOP Choice #2 ASUS MB168B USB Portable Monitor
Our Score:
9.7
ASUS

Industry leading 3 years with rapid replacement

Asus Rapid replacement 3 Years 2 Way free SHIPPING

World's slimmest and lightest USB monitor with a sleek and metallic finish It needs just one USB cable for both its video signal and power to deliver up to a full HD resolution

15 6-Inch HD portable USB-powered monitor with a single USB 3 0 cable for power and data transmission

Blue light filter – Blue Light filter minimizes Blue light to reduce eyestrain Please refer the user manual before use

Aspect Ratio is 16:9; Viewing Angle (CR≧10, H/V) is 90°/ 65°; Brightness (Typ) is 200cd/㎡

Auto-rotating Display bundled with the Asus Smart CASE – a two-way adjustable stand and protective sleeve

Rear tripod socket is compatible with any standard camera tripod

Built-in G-sensor enables an Auto Rotation feature that automatically senses display orientation and switches between landscape and portrait modes

What’s in the Box: Micro Mini HDMI to HDMI adapter, USB C cable, Power Cord & Adapter, ZenScreen Sleeve, ZenScreen tripod hole cover, Warranty card, Quick Start Guide

Rich connectivity with two USB Type-C and mini HDMI ports, plus an earphone jack

Effortless wireless mirroring support for iOS, Android, plus Windows 10 and above devices (including Win 11)

Two embedded 1-watt speakers with smart amplifier

Free 1-month Adobe Creative Cloud Subscription: Receive complimentary access with the purchase of this product (offer valid from 9/15/2021 to 8/31/2023)

Built-in 7800 mAh battery provides up to 3.5 hours of use

15.6-inch Full HD display with super-narrow bezels and anti-glare coating

4 Arzopa Portable Monitor
Our Score:
9.4
Arzopa

Plug and Play: Easy to set, portable monitor with full-functioned USB C ports, just one USB C cable for both its video signal and power to deliver up to a full HD resolution. (Phones need full-featured USB port)

Wide Compatible: The portable monitor featured two USB ports and a mini HDMI port, easily connect with PC, Mac, Phone, Raspberry Pi, Xbox, Switch, PS4/5 etc and enables compatibility with any laptop with a HDMI port.

Lightweight & Portable: Laptop monitor with ultra-portable design at 0.3 inch slim and weighs 1.7 lbs, easy to carry and helps you get things done efficiently when you're on the go.

Second monitor for your laptop while working from anywhere

FHD IPS Screen: 15.6" 1080P FHD anti-glare IPS screen with 60hz high resolution, brings fantastic picture/ video/ working/ screen quality and the richness in color.

5 Lepow Portable Monitor
Our Score:
9.3
Lepow

[Slim, light-weight, and portable] 0.3-inch thickness and 1.7lb weight make Lepow portable laptop monitor easily accommodate to every suitcase and backpack and stress-free when you are holding it for a long time. They are truly portable computer monitors for travelers, students, gamers, engineers, and everyone.

[Upgarded Color Gamut ] With embedded quantum-dot enhancement film, Lepow Z1-Gamut upgrades display color gamut to 72% NTSC, indicating this new model can present broader color spectrum and give viewers better visual enjoyment in videos and games . You will be no longer content with normal full HD after Lepow Z1-Gamut portable pc monitor. These usb portable monitors bring every frame alive and restore true colors for you.

[All Accessories Equipped] To be ready-to-use right out of the box, Z1-Gamut monitors come with three cables (Type C-Type C/mini HDMI-HDMI/Type C-USB A), a two-pronged plug, a smart cover, and a screen protector. To strengthen audio stimulation, every monitor is equipped with two built-in speakers.

[Universal Compatibility] With a full-function Type-C port and an HDMI port, Lepow Z1-Gamut portable monitors for laptops work with almost every computer, laptop, and tablet. They can easily connect to smart phones, Switch, PS3, PS4, and Xbox. You can use second screen mode, extended mode, or duplicate mode on the portable displays to extend your electronic devices everytime and everywhere.

[15.6-inch FHD 1080P IPS Screen] Lepow portable computer monitors adopt 15.6’’ 1920*1080 screens to create stunning image quality and immersive visual enjoyment for their users. Advanced IPS panel ensures their outstanding performance in response time, smoothness, and eye protection. A 178° visual angle realizes quality viewing even several people share the screen at the same time.

6 ViewSonic VA1655 Portable IPS Monitor
Our Score:
9.1
ViewSonic

ENHANCED-VIEWING COMFORT: Flicker-free technology and a blue light filter provide all-day comfort

ULTRA-PORTABLE MONITOR: Weighing just under 2 lbs., this 15.6-inch portable monitor can be easily packed and taken with you wherever you go.Aspect Ratio: 16:9. Viewing Angle is 170° (H) / 170° (V)

2-WAY POWERED USB-C: With dual USB-C Ports, the VA1655 can deliver data, audio, video, and power over a single cable, with laptops able to power the monitor via two-way power

INCLUDED IN THE BOX: Portable Monitor with Sleeve, Mini HDMI Cable, USB-C Cable, and Quick Start Guide

USB C: Connect video, audio, data and power with a single USB-C cable and plug in peripherals like USB drives and mice with the USB hub

FLEXIBLE CONNECTIVITY: The VA1655 supports laptops, PCs, and Apple/Mac operating systems with Mini-HDMI 1.4, and USB-C inputs

7 InnoView Portable Monitor
Our Score:
8.9
InnoView

【Plug and Play USB C Portable Monitor】 Exclusive dual type-c full features ports- A ture plug and play usb portable monitor can be connected with a single USB C 3.0 cable(full features support,come in the box), it definitely save your time and boost your efficiency. You can also connect it to your device by HDMI cable with power cable, they are also come in the package.No drivers are needed

【Accessories & After-sale Service】 Cables for this portable monitor includes: 1x USB C TO USB C cable, 1x USB C to USB A cable, 1x Mini HDMI to HDMI cable, 1x 18W Adapter. We provide 100% money back guarantee in 30 days, 12-month warranty, 24/7 online customer service, kindly contact with us for any issue.

【Slim, Lightweight & Portable】 This 15.8 Inch InnoView usb travel portable monitor is made of a ultra slim IPS pannel and the weight of the whole monitor body is only 1.5lb, It comes with an adjustable leather protective stand case,it's very suitable for travel,play outside and anywhere you'd like to use an external monitor, put it in your backpack and go

【Second monitor portable for your view】 This external monitor by InnoView is made of a 15.8 inch advanced IPS screen with 1920*1080 resolution,delivers with 178°viewing angle, 16: 9 aspect ratio. HDR rendering technology restore the real picture, stronger contrast, more dynamic range and image details to make the image layered, delivers you an awesome viewing experience. Mirror, extend, portrait model for your view

【Wide Compatibility】 InnoView usb portable monitor is easily connect laptop, PC, MAC, tablet, smart phones, XBOX, PS3 /PS4 /PS5, Switches, etc via Type-c or Mini HDMI port, which deliver a stable connection and steady data transmission. Built-in dual stereo speakers, great ideal for extending your screen or playing games on business trip, travel, or home entertainment.

8 GTEK Portable Monitor
Our Score:
8.8
GTEK

EYE CARE & LOW BLUE LIGHT - Eye care technology minimizes eye fatigue by implementing flicker-free backlighting and advanced blue light filters while still allowing for stunning colored display quality

SLIM, LIGHT, PORTABLE - Enjoy incredible image quality on the go with the ultra-slim and lightweight design; weighing only 2.8lbs with a 0.36 inch profile, you’ll be able to work or game anywhere, our screen is also larger than the conventional 15.6 inch portable monitors

UNBELIEVABLE SOUND QUALITY - Experience incredible sound and more immersive entertainment with 2 built in quality speakers; the full audio video enjoyment

SIMPLE ONE CABLE - Get amazing picture quality without additional dongles; easily connect to your PC, tablets, laptop, gaming consoles and mobile devices for portable display or entertainment with only one USB C cable, no need for power cables; ensure your device has DP over type C for this method of connecting; mini HDMI port is also available

EXTRAORDINARY VISUALS - Our FHD display with IPS technology delivers breathtaking visuals and an immersive viewing experience; with a maximum resolution of 1920 x 1080 @ 60Hz, you’ll experience image accuracy and wide spectrum of colors or premium tablets and mobile devices

9 QQH Portable Monitor
Our Score:
8.3
QQH

Ultra Slim for Travel - As a portable external monitor, it has a 0.3-inch slim profile and 2.1lb lightweight, the same thickness as the phone, fits in any travel bag, easy to carry on the go. When you are on a business trip or just wanna watch a movie in your car or gaming, immerse yourself in whatever you're reading, watching, entertaining, or creating.

Free Your Life - Comes with a High-end Smart Cover double as a stand, it is made of high-quality PU leather, can stability support your screen and provide excellent protection. Two foldable grooves prevent sliding down and provide selectable viewing angles for your comfort. Built-in dual speakers, clear & loud sound, 3.5mm audio jack, fully realized OSD Menu, allow you to easily choose your favorite way to enjoy the great video transmission in-game, at work, and in other home entertainment.

Work & Game in Comfort - With multiple display modes [Duplicate Mode/Extend Mode/Second Screen Mode/Portrait Mode], bring you a clear second screen in a meeting, extend your screen to increase your work productivity anytime, anywhere, and improve your quality of life. Adjusting to HDR mode can elevate the image to an entirely new level, provide you with brighter highlights, stronger contrast, deeper and more realistic color, more lifelike image, delivering a stunning viewing/gaming experience.

Full HD Portable Monitor - QQH 15.6 inch portable laptop monitor with 1920*1080 resolution, advanced IPS glossy screen support 178° full viewing angle, it renders accurate and bright color, draws you into the video or game with lifelike colors and amazing detail. No splash screen & stuck, eyes care, avoiding visual fatigue for long-term viewing.

Plug & Play - Wide compatible external monitor, equipped with 2 full-function USB-C ports(latest USB-C 3.1 interface) and Mini-HDMI port, which supports multiple connect ways to your laptops, PC, Phones, Macbook, PS4, Xbox, and Switch. Support one Type-C cable to realize high-definition transmission of video signals, easily solve your device connection troubles.

Brilliant display featuring DCI-P3 Color Gamut

16" inch WQXGA (2560 x 1600) portable anti-glare IPS display with an ultra lightweight and thin design, great solution for business travel, on-the-go meetings, or work from home

Features a hybrid-signal solution that supports power and video transmission with any laptop with a USB Type-C port

Includes folio cover that protects screen and serves as stand

Auto-Rotate from Landscape to Vertical (Must install OnScreen software)

Product Images, Product Titles, Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API

What to Look For in a best external monitors?

Connections

When choosing your PC monitor, you’ll need to think about how you plan to use your monitor. If you plan to watch films and TV or edit photos and video, you’ll need a range of ports. You may also consider a monitor with multiple USB ports, enabling you to easily connect game controllers, memory sticks, smartphones and other devices.

Brightness

A bright screen is important if you’re working in a brightly lit room. The spec is expressed as candelas per square meter, or cd/m². The higher the number, the better. You can also adjust the brightness of a PC monitor with buttons or onscreen controls.

Response Time

Response time is an important feature when buying a gaming monitor because it affects the speed at which action happens on the screen. Lower response times are better and monitors with TN panels tend to have the quickest response times.

Aspect Ratio

Aspect ratio is the width and height of the monitor and how it displays images and videos on screen. Older monitors have 4:3 ratios and are not suitable for widescreen formats. New monitors have 16:9 ratios which offer widescreen format or 21:9 ratios which offer ultra-wide format.

Panel Type

Panel type is the material the monitor screen is made from. The most common type of monitor is an LCD panel. There are different types of LCD panels available, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.

Screen Size

Screen size is measured from corner to corner diagonally. Monitor screen size generally starts from 15” up to 34”. The standard screen size is now 22”. Larger screen sizes offer more versatility, you benefit from larger viewing angles, better designs with more features and greater choice with connection ports. As much as we would all enjoy a large screen, it’s not always practical. You need to consider the space you have available. Most importantly, you need to consider your budget, generally the larger the screen size, the pricier the monitor.

Resolution

Resolution is the number of pixels in each dimension that can be displayed on a PC monitor. The higher the resolution, the sharper the picture quality. The most popular resolution is 1920x1080, which offers a good balance between space and picture quality. If you opt for a higher resolution, be sure your graphics card can handle the demand. Those using their monitor for gaming and professional use need to opt for higher resolution monitors. Resolution is often described in shorthand numbers such as "1920x1080", which refers to the number of horizontal lines on the display.

Refresh Rate

Refresh rate is the number of times per second the monitor refreshes its image. Refresh rate is measured in hertz, the higher the number the more times per second the monitor refreshes. A higher refresh rate will improve motion resolution which means moving images will appear sharper. 60Hz is the minimum for a good quality monitor experience. But if you’re choosing a monitor for gaming purposes you want to go higher so your gaming experience will be smoother.

FAQs

Which Is Better: LCD Or LED?

Both LCD and LED monitors are the same. The longer answer is that this is a failure of company marketing in properly conveying what its products are. Today most monitors that use LCD technology are backlit with LEDs, so typically if you’re buying a monitor it’s both an LCD and LED display. For more of an explanation on LCD and LED technologies, be sure to read our guide.

Do I Need Two Screens? Or One Ultrawide Screen?

This really depends on your needs. For instance, if you want a really fast gaming monitor for playing and a high-resolution display for work, it's a lot cheaper to get two than a single one that does both. Or if you need a color-accurate monitor for design but want a high-brightness one for gaming, it's also a lot cheaper to get two smaller ones. But if you just need a ton of screen space, a single ultrawide might be simpler.

Are 4K Monitors Good For Gaming?

4K monitors are available and offer the pinnacle of gaming detail and immersion. They can be great for atmospheric games that demand high frame rates, but we recommend sticking with a higher refresh rate monitor if you want the best experience. Unless you have the deep pockets to splash out on a powerful graphics card or two, you’re not going to get those frame rates at 4K on your PC.

Is The Screen Technology IPS Or TN Relevant?

For buying a PC monitor, you don't really need to know anything about panel technology, except that the cheapest option of TN isn't great, VA is somewhat better, and that IPS and PLS are the same thing and currently the best options. They all use LCD technology: You'll frequently see backlit LCDs referred to as LED-lit. These are not related to OLED displays, which haven't really materialized for the desktop due to various technical issues. Laptops are a different story.

Which Size Monitor Works Best For You?

This largely depends on the resolution you're targeting and how much desk space you have. While bigger monitors tend to look better, giving you more screen space for work and larger images for games and movies, they can stretch entry-level resolutions like 1080p to the limits of their clarity. As a quick rule of thumb, 1080p looks great up to about 24 inches, while 1440p looks good up to and beyond 30 inches. We wouldn’t recommend a 4K screen any smaller than 27 inches as you aren’t going to see the real benefit of those extra pixels in what is a relatively small space by that resolution.

What Brand Monitor Is The Best?

No one monitor brand is perfect — that’s why this list is populated by a number of different manufacturers. That said, there are some that you can rely on more than most to produce great screens. Dell is a longstanding favorite of ours with years of fantastic displays under its belt. It also tends to cater well to the professional crowd just as much as gamers, so you know there will be something you like in its lineup.

What Kind Of Monitor Is Best For Your Eyes?

If you suffer from eye strain, look for monitors that have built-in light filter software. These filters are designed to block more blue light, which is the part of the spectrum that affects our eyes the most and is responsible for most eye strain problems. You can also download eye filter software apps for any type of monitor you get.

It's time to start buying when you've determined the best types of best external monitors and the characteristics you want. It's important to remember that you needn't rush out to a certain store or browse internet discounts just soon. You may quickly discover your pal thanks technological advancements, particularly the proliferation of selling sites.

Try to keep an eye on our site's regular to guarantee the latest deals best external monitors passes our standards. As a result, you'll be able to close the gap with them. Could you kindly provide us with feedback so that we can satisfy you guys, our customers? Wish you a great shopping experience!


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About Piers Anthony

Piers Anthony

Piers Anthony is a freelance writer and computer expert who enjoys helping others get the most out of their technology. He has written extensively about laptops, soundbars, and other computer-related topics, and he currently serves as the editor of The Audio Insights website. When he's not writing or tinkering with his gadgets, Piers can be found spending time with his wife and family.