Acer’s latest portable monitor looks to occupy a few niches – and at first glance, it might be a few too many. At a wide-but-narrow 1920 x 720 resolution, the PM131QT supports 5-point touch, a pogo pin keyboard (which Acer didn’t have on hand), and the company says it can be mounted with magnets, and is designed for “secondary and in-vehicle use.” It might be a good screen for media and map controls while on the go, and chats or data display at home under your main screen.

It’s early days here at Computex 2026, but the PM131QT is the most interesting portable monitor I’ve seen so far, in part because of its odd collection of features. Its squat form factor and kickstand make it well-suited to living under a primary desktop monitor for things like chats or at-a-glance data displays. And curiously, Acer has put pogo pins on the bottom for a keyboard, which might make it useful for plugging into a smartphone for some productivity work. But Acer didn’t have the keyboard available at the show.

It also has a headphone jack on top, along with control buttons, and two USB-C ports alongside what looks like Mini-HDMI on the back in a recessed area. There’s a nice metal kickstand for desk use, but Acer says it can snap onto things magnetically, as well. This puts it in direct competition with Corsair’s Xeneon Edge, which is a little larger, at 14.5 inches, and sports a 2560 x 720 resolution, but also costs more, at $249. Acer says the PM131QT will sell for $179 in the U.S., starting in Q4 of 2026.

Curiously, Acer also markets the monitor as a car display – likely for controlling things like Android Auto in vehicles that don’t already have screens (or at least screens where you want them). While the keyboard, kickstand, pogo pins, and car marketing make the PM131QT feel a bit like Acer doesn’t quite know what it’s for, its size and relative affordability make me curious about all the ways I could use it. I’d also love to see other accessories that use the pogo pins.

While the advertised 300 nits of brightness and 75% of the NTSC color gamut don’t sound amazing, this screen isn’t for editing photos or watching movies – it actually looked quite good in person. Hopefully, we’ll get the chance to test the PM131QT before it officially arrives late this year.

Over the years, I’ve tested several dual-screen portable monitors that aim to vastly increase the amount of real estate you have to work with while mobile. Most of these monitors have a central panel that sits behind your laptop’s built-in display and two displays that jut out from either side (like a pair of ears).

The Asus ZenScreen Duo OLED (MQ149CD) differs in that the two OLED panels are stacked on top of each other (in landscape mode) or lined up side-by-side (in portrait mode).

Asus offers all this flexibility in a thin, lightweight form factor, complete with USB-C (DisplayPort) and HDMI connectivity options, albeit with a hefty street price of around $500. Despite the price tag, the MQ149CD represents one of the best portable monitors available today.

Design of the Asus ZenScreen Duo OLED (MQ149CD)

The 2.36-pound MQ149CD offers a somewhat unorthodox (for a portable monitor) design. There are two 14-inch 1200p OLED panels (16:10 aspect ratio) joined together via two 360-degree hinges in a book-style configuration. When folded closed, the MQ149CD has the same footprint as any other 14-inch portable monitor, albeit twice as thick. However, when you open it, you also get twice the screen real estate (with roughly a 20-inch diagonal measured from corner to corner).

Build quality is good all around, with aluminum used for the display panel housings and hinges. Plastic is used for the black bezels around each panel. There are also tiny rubber feet strategically placed around the perimeter of the displays to provide some grip when using the MQ149CD in portrait or landscape orientation.

You can stand the two displays vertically (with each in portrait mode) using the open book footprint to keep the unit upright. You can also use the displays in landscape mode, where one display sits on top of the other. The bottom display features a kickstand that keeps the entire apparatus upright. The aluminum kickstand covers nearly the width of the display and provides a stable base when using both panels in landscape mode. The multi-position stand, along with the display hinges, allows for a wide variety of viewing angles.

Asus includes four ports aligned along the top right side of the MQ149CD (if you’re using it in landscape mode). The bottom port is a Mini-HDMI port, while the two middle ports are USB-C 1 and USB-C 2, both of which support DisplayPort Alt Mode. The final port is a dedicated USB-C port for power (a USB-C power brick is included in the box). Also on the right side of the MQ149CD are two OSD buttons and a jog wheel.

Two final additions are a small, 2.5-inch socket on the back of the unit, which can be used to mount the MQ149CD on a tripod, and a Kensington Lock. A well-padded carrying case is also included in the box.

Design of the Asus ZenScreen Duo OLED (MQ149CD)

Asus ZenScreen Duo OLED (MQ149CD) Operating Modes

Asus provides four distinct ways of operating the MQ149CD, all of which I tried. The first is Mirror Mode, which simply duplicates the image source from your laptop to each of the MQ149CD’s displays. Split Mode duplicates the source image, but spreads it across both displays.

Extend Mode allows each display to display content independently. For example, you could have a game playing on your laptop’s display, a movie playing on the MQ149CD’s top display, and a Word document open on the MQ149CD’s bottom display. Finally, Independent Mode allows you to exploit two separate display sources with the MQ149CD. You could have one laptop outputting content to the first panel and a second laptop outputting content to the second panel.

All four modes are accessible from the OSD. Additionally, if you install the Asus Display Widget Center (available on Windows and macOS), the MQ149CD supports auto-rotation when switching between landscape and portrait modes (and vice versa).

Asus ZenScreen Duo OLED (MQ149CD) OSD

The MQ149CD includes a rather comprehensive OSD, accessible by pressing the bottom OSD button or by pressing in on the jog wheel. Pressing the jog wheel once brings up a “mini” OSD: flicking up lets you control brightness, while flicking down gives you quick access to the four display modes.

Pressing in on the jog wheel twice brings up the full OSD. From here, you have access to Asus’ preset picture modes, image settings, color settings, input selection, and overall settings (e.g., OSD timeout, power-saving options, language settings, etc.).

In addition, the Asus Display Widget Center allows you to access picture modes, hot keys for specific monitor features/functions, and power management.

Display Performance on the Asus ZenScreen Duo OLED (MQ149CD)

The MQ149CD features two 14-inch OLED panels, each with a 1920 x 1200 resolution and 60 Hz refresh rate. Each display features a glossy screen coating, which was a magnet for reflections in my brightly lit home office. I was able to minimize the reflections somewhat by making slight adjustments to both the kickstand and the angle of the panels.

When it comes to dual monitors, there may be slight variances between the panels due to manufacturing tolerances. Although each panel should have identical specs, we noticed slight differences between the top and bottom OLED panels, as noted in the charts below. With that said, the differences weren’t enough that you would notice them side-by-side.

Color performance from the two OLED panels is exemplary, as we’d expect. The MQ149CD is rated for a 1,000,000:1 contrast ratio, and black levels are immeasurable. In the default, Standard display mode, we measured 145.9 percent DCI-P3 coverage with the bottom panel and 131.2 percent on the top panel. Our measurements pegged the bottom panel at 206 percent of sRGB, while the top panel was slightly higher at 213.5 percent.

There were also differences in maximum panel brightness, with the bottom panel reaching 350.6 nits in Standard mode, and the top panel topping out at 329.8 nits. However, both figures were well below the manufacturer's claim of 400 nits for SDR content. In our HDR testing, the top panel reached 503 nits with a 10 percent window, while the top panel was slightly behind at 493 nits.

I had no trouble fitting it into my workflow, connecting it to an HP OmniBook X via a single USB-C cable. I found myself using both landscape and portrait orientations equally. If I wanted to watch a movie or TV show while I worked, I’d stack the two displays, with the media content playing on the top panel.

When working with text-heavy content and looking up information in my web browser, I’d have the two panels side-by-side in portrait mode. Thanks to the Asus Display Widget Center software, I can switch from landscape to portrait automatically, without having to open Display Settings in Windows 11.

Bottom Line

The Asus ZenScreen Duo OLED (MQ149CD) is one of the best dual-screen monitors I’ve tested to date. It improves upon the dual IPS panels I’ve tested in the past with the vibrant colors and deep blacks that OLED provides. Build quality was excellent across the board, and overall brightness was competitive in this field.

Asus provides several operating modes for the MQ149CD, including the ability for two systems to each control one panel. In addition, you can use the two panels side-by-side (portrait) or stacked on top of each other (landscape), with autorotation supported via companion software.

There are only two dings that I would level against the MQ149CD, with one of them being major. The minor flaw is that it lacks built-in speakers, although that isn’t an unforgivable sin, given that most speakers on portable monitors are mediocre at best. However, the biggest downside is the price tag. While you can find dual-screen portable monitors from KYY for around $250 or less, the MQ149CD has an MSRP of $600. While Amazon regularly puts the MQ149CD on sale for $500, it’s still a hefty price to pay for dual screens.

Espresso is an Australian tech company that produces a growing range of portable monitors and accessories. Over the years, we’ve had a chance to look lots of the company’s products, ranging from entry-level monitors to their high-end, touch-enabled 4K offerings.

Today, we’re looking at the Espresso Lite 15, which, as its name implies, is a 15-inch monitor (15.6 inches, to be exact). It sits below the Display 15, taking the mantle as the company’s cheapest portable monitor. At $249, the Lite 15 is also $50 cheaper than the Display 15, but does it offer enough to be ranked among the best portable monitors?

Design of the Espresso Lite 15

The first thing you’ll notice about the Lite 15 is its color, which, on our review unit, is orange. I’m used to reviewing portable monitors in some shade of grey (i.e., silver, black, or grey). However, our orange review unit is a breath of fresh air in this space, giving it a more playful vibe than the typically “all business” monitors available on the market. But orange isn’t the only color available on the Lite 15: Espresso makes the monitor available in white, green, and purple. And if you intentionally want to be boring, you can also get it in black.

Espresso can offer these colors because it does not use the typical aluminum-alloy chassis as featured on its pricier models. The Lite 15 uses a plastic shell, which is not only lighter but also lends itself to the more cheerful colors. It also allows Espresso to reach the lower price point. With that said, the Lite 15 doesn’t feel cheap and has a nice, textured finish, making it easier to grip.

That grippy finish comes in handy because the Lite 15 ships with Espresso’s Stand+, which attaches magnetically to the back of the monitor. The Stand+ attaches with a relatively strong force, so the textured case allows your fingers to get a better grip to pry it off. The Stand+ is adjustable for height and tilt. You can also rotate the Lite 15 from landscape to portrait mode thanks to the magnetic attachment point. It is made of aluminum, finished in black, and features a weighted base to prevent the monitor from toppling over.

Unlike the Display 15, the Lite 15 doesn’t feature an overly large bottom bezel. Instead, the side bezels are both roughly 3/8 of an inch thick, while the top and bottom bezels are just under half an inch thick. This creates a more symmetrical appearance and makes things look less awkward than on the Display 15 in portrait mode.

The Lite 15 features two centrally located USB-C ports that support power pass-through for your laptop, and a single USB-C cable (in Espresso’s usual purple) is included. While Espresso includes a cleaning cloth in the box, which is needed for the monitor's glossy finish, you won’t find a carrying case like you do on some cheaper monitors.

The Lite 15 measures 14.34 x 8.58 x 0.37 inches and weighs 1.55 pounds (compared to 14.09 x 10.07 x 0.2 inches and 1.68 pounds for the Display 15).

Espresso Lite 15 Monitor Specifications

Display Performance on the Espresso Lite 15

The Lite 15 features a 15.6-inch IPS panel, 1920 x 1080 resolution, and a 60 Hz refresh rate. Espresso says that the Lite 15 has a 1,000:1 contrast ratio and maximum brightness of 400 nits (which we’ll get to in a moment). Those specs put it smack dab in the middle of the mainstream portable monitor market. In fact, you’ll find a bevy of monitors in the sub-$100 segment that feature similar specs.

Like Espresso’s other monitors, the Lite 15 features a glossy finish rather than an antireflective coating. While this slightly improves contrast and makes colors “pop,” it also makes the surface highly reflective. As long as you have a primarily white background (i.e., when viewing most webpages and typing in my word processor), reflections weren’t a problem. However, when using Pixelmator Pro in dark mode, reflections were quite prevalent, although my brain eventually managed to “reject” them.

One item of note: I left the Lite 15 on my desk and turned off the light in my home office. It was then that I noticed four points of light shining through the orange plastic casing, most likely from the backlight. It’s not something I’ve seen with other portable monitors, because they featured dark grey, black, or aluminum housings that would prevent any light bleeding.

Our instrumented tests showed that the Lite 15 performed similarly, if not slightly better than, the Display 15 and the Arzopa Z3FC. The Lite 15 achieved 85.4 percent coverage of DCI-P3 and 120.5 percent coverage of sRGB in our colorimeter tests. Our light meter showed just 237 nits with the default picture profile, ranking it last among its peers. However, the light output was more than sufficient during my testing. If you need more light output, the “Create” picture profile boosted it to 291.4 nits with no trade-offs in color performance.

Placing the Display 15 and the Lite 15 side-by-side under the same lighting conditions at maximum brightness, I couldn't detect much, if any, difference in color or off-axis light falloff. While the Z3FC puts up similar numbers, I preferred the glossy finish of the Lite 15, especially when watching YouTube content and movies.

Although the Lite 15 doesn’t feature a traditional OSD, you can control picture settings using the EspressoFlow app.

Bottom Line

At a time when the vast sea of portable monitors seems to blur together in terms of size, specs, and price, the Lite 15 stands out from the crowd. When purchasing a portable monitor, you don’t get much choice on exterior color options – you get what the manufacturers think will appeal to the most people, and you accept it. However, Espresso offers users multiple bright colors to choose from that match their style.

The question is whether folks will pony up the cash just to have some flashy colors. The Arzopa Z3FC is $10 less, offering a slightly larger 16.1-inch display with QHD resolution and a 180 Hz refresh rate. I’m all for adding some more color to portable monitors, but the additional resolution and faster refresh rate for less money are much more appealing overall.

Modos Tech sent me a couple of its latest e-paper monitors to take a closer look and enjoy some hands-on time with them. The first model was a pre-built version of the Modos Paper Monitor Dev Kit: a 13-inch monitor with a USB-C cable attached, currently available from Crowd Supply. I also got a chance to sample the newest Modos Flow monitor, a powerful sequel to the original offering that expands the feature set with touch and stylus compatibility, among other features. Both samples use color e-paper displays.

Modos Tech and its e-paper mission

Founders Alexander Soto and Wenting Zhang formed Modos Tech at the start of 2022. Inspiration came out of the pandemic, during which staring at the screen for extended periods led to “eyestrain, discomfort, and exhaustion.”

Modos is an open-source hardware and software company, determined to invigorate and democratize the use of e-paper displays in computing, and, as per our intro, is just about to launch its second cutting-edge project on Crowd Supply.

For quite some time, e-paper monitors have been an attractive option for folks who spend long hours staring at computer screens, but they haven’t broken through to the mainstream yet. This disconnect is quite a surprise given how many people enjoy great experiences with e-paper tech in the e-reader tablet segment, most famously dominated by the Amazon Kindle.

So, it is clear that e-paper’s key strengths are sunlight readability, reduced eye strain, and low energy consumption. In terms of usage, it fits best for reading text; it can also be a good choice for writing and suffices for other common/popular tasks that are text-heavy, like browsing the internet and everyday computing. Tasks like gaming, watching movies and TV shows, or photo and video editing are not strong points of this technology in 2026, even with the new color e-paper displays.

What companies pioneering e-paper screens for computers are now doing is chiseling away at the weaker aspects of this panel technology – color reproduction, refresh rate, responsiveness, and pricing. Thus, Modos Tech is helping push this technology while embracing non-proprietary hardware and open-source software.

OK, now let’s look at the two hardware samples that arrived at Tom’s Hardware towers. What first? Let’s start with the older Dev Kit screen.

Modos Paper Monitor Dev Kit

Modos sent along a dev kit model pre-assembled and encased in a wooden frame. Please note that the wood frame isn’t part of the kit, but was used here to demonstrate just one potential DIY case option. As per its Crowd Supply page, this $599 kit features a 13.3-inch e-paper display that works using a single USB Type-C cable. It also has a Mini HDMI port if you don’t have a computer that supports fully functional USB-C with DP-Alt and power delivery (PD). If you go the HDMI route, you will also have to use the lower USB-C port for power.

Other key features of the Modos Paper Monitor Dev Kit are its ease of use, built-in adjustable front lighting, and three-button interface. While the hardware supports up to a 75 Hz refresh rate, my sample came with a 41 Hz panel. The document supplied with this sample said that touch is not supported with this model, but it may be implemented in the future.

Modos Paper Monitor Dev Kit specifications

• 13.3-inch 2,200 x 1,648 pixels e-paper display panel using RGBW technology
• Frontlight with brightness and color temperature adjustments
• Glider Mega Adapter to support a wide range of panels (remember this is a configurable kit-style device)
• Xilinx Spartan-6 LX16 FPGA with a DDR3-800 framebuffer running the Caster gateware
• The open-source Caster supports binary, 4-level grayscale, and 16-level grayscale output modes
• Hardware Bayer dithering, blue-noise dithering, and error-diffusion dithering with no additional latency
• Very low processing delay (<20 µs)
• On-board STM32H750 microcontroller for USB communication, firmware upgrades, and standalone applications
• Processing rate up to 133 MP/s when error-diffusion dithering enabled and 200 MP/s when disabled
• Physical: 12.4 x 10.0 x 0.65-inches, 1.75 pounds
• 2x USB-C, 1x Mini HDMI, 3x buttons
• Linux, macOS, and Windows compatible

In use, I found the Modos Paper Monitor Dev Kit very easy to integrate into my setup. I used it with the single USB-C connector on both my laptop and desktop to check different scenarios. Modos Tech told me this model may feel a little sluggish, as the panel used in this kit build was 41 Hz. Nevertheless, I found it responsive enough for the second-screen text work I was most interested in using it for.

It is important to talk about the ‘special sauce’ from Modos now – the quad-mode selection, offering four sweet-spot tradeoffs between grayscale production and responsiveness. These one-click presets are the Reading Mode, Typing Mode, Watching Mode, and Browsing Mode. Rival e-paper monitor companies often have just three modes (text, graphics, video). Moreover, as the Modos Dev Kit is open source, developers can access a C programming API to directly control Caster modes for specific needs or preferences.

The lower two buttons (in landscape orientation) move up and down through the Modos mode presets. The third button (furthest from the USB-C video port) forces a screen refresh if needed. Holding the buttons changes backlight temperatures and intensities and can power the screen on or off. A good selection of warm and cool backlight intensities can be toggled through.

Importantly, this monitor works just like any other portable monitor you might have used; you can plug it in or detach it ‘hot’ with no worries. I wished it remembered the last-used settings (backlight intensity and warmth). Windows 11 remembered the orientation set.

Pure black-and-white graphics can be rendered in half or a third of the time of 16-level grayscale images. On the other hand, grayscale modes introduce grainy patterning or noise. Dithering modes like Bayer or blue noise make photos on the screen look better, but can make the text a bit less sharp.

How I used the Modos Paper Monitor Dev Kit e-paper display

I did a little bit of research before trying to slot the e-paper monitor into my workspace in the best way possible. Traditionally, I positioned my portable IPS monitor in portrait mode directly to the right of my 32-inch main VA display. But to get the best from the Modos monitor, it needs more prominent usage, to save my eyes from nasty emissive displays. Thus, I decided to angle it neatly into the space between my keyboard and main monitor. With this arrangement, I could read source materials on the e-paper display, and occasionally glance up at the text editor above it, on the large main display.

Propping the monitor like this might seem like a ‘kludge,’ but I think the only improvement would be to raise it a little, which would require adjusting my 32-inch monitor to accommodate it. Since the main monitor isn’t height-adjustable, I’d have to upgrade the stand or shove something under the current fixed pedestal.

I’ve been pretty happy with this arrangement for workflow and ergonomics. As I don’t need to consume color imagery on the Modos display (it is a secondary screen), I nearly always stick to the typing mode. That’s the sweet spot for how I spend most of my computing time. I basically didn't like the image dithering 'noise' introduced in modes like Watching and Reading.

One other comment I’d make about the Dev Kit is that I don’t think the lighting is very even on my pre-made sample; it seems to come in stronger from the left side. This is something that may be tweakable in the making stage (or if I took it apart). To make the most of its strong-light readability, I think using a glossy screen here was a mistake. You can see the readability issues in my house in daylight, with a window facing the screens. It isn't much more readable than my laptop's OLED display at its max brightness.

As we mentioned in the intro, the 13.3-inch Modos Paper Monitor Dev Kit is available for $599 on Crowd Supply. It is now shipping, and the first wave of backers has begun receiving their units. There’s also a 6-inch kit at $199, which might appeal to folks looking for a compact second screen, an e-paper display for a maker project, or a way to reuse an existing screen from an old e-reader or similar device.

The Modos Flow monitor

Modos is currently busy preparing its second-gen product, dubbed the Modos Flow. This can be seen in the Kickstarter preview right now, but the project will actually launch on Crowd Supply. Modos Flow distinguishes itself from the Dev Kit by being a refined, finished consumer product with a full-metal chassis and an integrated, flexible protective cover/stand. Obviously, it targets people who want an off-the-peg yet flexible solution and don’t want to DIY anything to enjoy the benefits of e-paper.

In essence, the Modos Flow is being pitched similarly to the Dev Kit, with talk of eye health and the reduction of screen-glow-induced fatigue. It also includes more features and better performance. This e-paper display refreshes at 60 Hz and offers sub-100 ms latency.

Again, this is a 13.3-inch monitor, but there are several upgrades, beyond the finished consumer-ready build. Most importantly, my sample has an improved color screen (mono also available) and touch/stylus support. The three button controls here can be used to make similar quick adjustments, as with the Dev Kit. But I also appreciated a new two-button combo which opens up an on-screen menu for mode selection, front lighting intensity, contrast, color temperature adjustment, and more.

Modos Flow specifications

• 13.3-inch E Ink screen (B/W or Color)
• 3,200 x 2,400 pixels resolution, 300 PPI
• 60 Hz refresh
• Next-gen powered controller
• USB-C DisplayPort Alt-Mode
• Sub-100 ms latency
• Works with Linux / macOS / Windows
• Touch and stylus support
• Front light with variable intensity and tone
• Multiple display modes
• VESA Monitor Mount

Before we get into some hands-on analysis, the Modos folks warned me that the Flow sample I received featured an “alpha version” of the new controller. This next-generation e-paper display driver board supports larger, higher-resolution, and even multiple e-paper screens. In the new Flow, it replaces Caster, which drives the Dev Kit I road-tested above.

How I used the Modos Flow e-paper display

I felt the build and finish of the Flow were markedly superior to the Dev Kit. The cool metal chassis gave it a rugged, premium feel. Sadly, though, if you intend to use this as a portable accessory, it is surprisingly dense. It is 1,188g (2.64 pounds) with the cover/stand attached. Naked, it is a more reasonable 699g (1.54 pounds). There's no internal battery to make it heavier; it must mainly be the chassis.

Getting ready to power it up, I bumped into the first alpha-test usability issue with the Flow. With the current firmware, you don’t just plug in the screen and turn on your computer. To reliably establish a connection, you must use two cables. First, plug in a USB-C power cable supporting at least 7.5W delivery. Secondly, while the device screen is ‘flashing’ (the next-gen controller is booting), you must connect the USB-C port for display.

This USB-C 'port dance' isn’t a one-off, unfortunately. I noticed I’d have to complete this double-disconnect-reconnect process if my computer screen went to sleep or I restarted the PC (Windows 11). The Modos Flow developers tell me that the ‘port dance’ is a known issue, and firmware is planned to fix it, as well as the sleep/restart wrinkles.

Another issue I faced was when trying to use the touch screen and/or stylus. In a dual-monitor setup, the touch/stylus contact point was misregistered. In other words, touch and pen interaction wasn’t accurate, sometimes wildly inaccurate. For example, interacting with the Modos Flow touch screen actually registered on my main display.

The visuals the monitor delivered were superior to the Dev Kit, though. It offers a more premium, faster, and more responsive panel with a better, more evenly lit appearance (when using the built-in adjustable front lighting). I set it up just like the Dev Kit model, between my keyboard and 32-inch main display.

In summary, the basics are good - build, matte panel, performance. However, it desperately needs bug fixes and quality-of-life updates to meet consumer expectations.

Modos answers questions about the 'alpha' Flow sample

I wrote to Modos about my Flow teething troubles and was assured that the points I raised were being addressed. For one, the dual-cable shenanigans may become a thing of the past, as the power requirements of the next-gen controller/panel combo are being optimized to reduce the total to under 5W. I understand that this will allow the monitor to work with a single-cable setup. There could also be a lower-resolution option (the Flow sample used a native 3,200 x 2,400-pixel panel), which cuts energy consumption to around 3W. That would make it far more useful for road warriors.

There is also work on the firmware to fix the glitches I saw with the touch and pen inputs. It is yet another known (major) issue. Modos hinted that this is not an issue they see on macOS. But they reasoned that, as Windows, Linux, and macOS handle external monitors and touch inputs differently, further cross-platform testing was essential. Moreover, they claimed to know how to implement a Windows fix for this touch issue, but work on it has not yet been completed.

I’d like to keep up with next-gen controller updates as the Modos Flow project Crowd Supply prepares for launch, and work is completed in the background to iron out wrinkles and add finesse. If I had access to a retail-ready sample, I would provide updates on this Flow 'alpha release' report in the comments, or perhaps in another article.

For me, the hands-on sample e-paper monitors weren't the silver bullet(s) I'd hoped for in terms of viewing comfort, eye strain, and eye health concerns. For example, these e-paper products had their own issues with readability in bright environments (Modos Paper Monitor Dev Kit) and bugs (Modos Flow).

Arzopa is no stranger here at Tom’s Hardware. The company makes portable monitors that are often loaded with functionality but won’t break the bank. The Arzopa A1 is among the best portable monitors, taking the crown in the budget category, and the Z3FC has the potential for inclusion among the best of the best.

The Z3FC features a relatively large (for a portable monitor) 16.1-inch IPS panel, a 1440p resolution, and a maximum refresh rate of 180 Hz (triple that of most portable monitors). Arzopa offers all of this with current street pricing of around $144.

Design of the Arzopa Z3FC

Like other Arzopa portable monitors, the Z3FC stands out from competitors by using an aluminum-alloy chassis instead of bendy plastic. Aluminum allows for a stiff chassis that resists flexing and gives the Z3FCa a more premium feel.

The chassis itself features a dark gray finish, with thin bezels along the top and sides. A more prominent bezel (or chin) sits below the 16.1-inch panel. Here you’ll find Arzopa branding front and center. All port activity takes place on the left side of the display, where you’ll find two USB-C 3.1 (DisplayPort Alt Mode) ports and a mini-HDMI 2.0 port. Some cheaper monitors get by just providing two USB-C ports, so it’s nice to see that Arzopa throws in an HDMI port for broader compatibility (a miniHDMI to HDMI cable is included in the box, along with two USB-C cables).

Speaking of USB-C cables, one of them has a 180-degree bend so it doesn’t stick out on the left side of the monitor. It’s just one small step beyond the 90-degree cables that some manufacturers include with their monitors, but it goes a long way toward making cable management easier, as the cable easily snakes behind the screen.

Also on the left side of the display are the controls for volume/brightness and the on-screen display (OSD). The Z3FC features two 1-watt speakers, one on each side of the display.

The final defining characteristic of the Z3FC is a thin kickstand on the back. If you’re looking straight at the screen, the kickstand is on the back, right side of the device. The angle is adjustable, and when not in use, it sits flush with the body of the Z3FC. Because of the kickstand's position, the Z3FC can be used in either landscape or portrait mode, depending on your needs.

Arzopa even includes a carrying sleeve to protect the screen while traveling.

Arzopa Z3FC Portable Monitor Specifications

On-Screen Display for the Arzopa Z3FC Portable Monitor

Like other Arzopa portable monitors, the Z3FC features a barebones OSD that can be used to adjust basic picture settings. The top button serves as power and as a back button in the OSD. If you hold the button for three seconds, it powers off the monitor. While you’re in the OSD, pressing it once will go back one menu.

The rocker switch has multiple uses. If you’re not in the OSD, pressing up brings up the brightness control, and you can then move the rocker up or down to adjust brightness. If you first press down, it shows volume controls; you can then adjust the volume up or down. When you’re in the OSD, the rocker can be used to navigate up and down through the menu system. Finally, there’s an action button that lets you select submenus and individual options within the OSD.

Once in the OSD, you’ll find the standard picture controls (brightness, contrast, sharpness, etc.), along with options for color temperature, sRGB mode, and DCI-P3. There are further settings for overdrive, enabling AMD FreeSync, and switching HDR modes.

Image Quality and Performance of the Arzopa Z3FC Portable Monitor

The Z3FC features a slightly larger panel size than what we typically find on portable monitors – it measures 16.1 inches across instead of 15.6 inches. And with that extra size also comes additional pixels. Instead of the standard 1920 x 1080 resolution that is the norm in this class, the Z3FC bumps it to 2560 x 1440. The monitor also features a matte, anti-glare finish.

Arzopa also ups the ante with refresh rate, as the Z3FC triples the segment-standard 60 Hz refresh rate to 180 Hz. However, there is a caveat: 180 Hz is only available when using the USB-C ports. If you opt to connect using an HDMI cable, you’re limited to a still respectable (for a portable monitor) 144 Hz refresh rate. The Z3FC also supports AMD FreeSync, allowing it to pair with a handheld gaming PC like the Lenovo Legion Go.

Arzopa specs the Z3FC’s IPS panel with a contrast ratio of 1,200:1 and a maximum brightness of 400 nits. However, in the default display mode, we only managed a maximum brightness of 287.7 nits. Even in the FPS display mode, maximum brightness reached 322.6 nits in our testing.

The Z3FC made up for its brightness shortfalls in our instrumented color tests. Here, the monitor covers 115.7 percent of sRGB and a respectable 82 percent of DCI-P3. While it’s not going to give OLEDs a run for the money in overall picture quality, the Z3FC looks good, overall, to my eyes across multiple devices (Mac Mini, Legion Go, HP Omnibook X).

During my time with our review sample, I was comfortable setting the display brightness to around 55 percent in my brightly lit home office. I did some productivity work on a Mac Mini using the monitor connected via the HDMI port. I also connected the Z3FC to a first-generation Lenovo Legion Go via USB-C and played a couple of games (Red Dead Redemption 2, Forza Horizon 5) with an Xbox One Series X controller.

Audio on the Arzopa Z3FC Portable Monitor

Like the cheaper A1, the Z3FC features two 1-watt speakers – one on each side of the panel. The speakers are perfectly suited for joining Google Meet or Microsoft Teams meetings, or watching your favorite influencer on YouTube.

However, music isn’t exactly the forte of the Z3FC. While the volume is loud and there’s very little distortion when cranking to near 100 percent, there’s a distinct lack of bass, and both speakers sound tinny overall. What’s passable for regular speech falls flat for most music that I listened to, including a nearly 20-minute live jam session of Seek Up by Dave Matthews Band.

At the nearly $150 price point, I expected a bit better sound from the Z3FC, but instead, they’re no better than the speakers on the sub-$100 A1.

Bottom Line

If all you want is a cheap portable monitor that will suit you well for expanding your available screen real estate past your laptop screen, Arzopa will gladly sell you the A1 for well under $100. However, if you want something with more performance credentials and a better overall screen, it’s hard to say no to the Z3FC. With its 180 Hz maximum refresh rate (via USB-C) and a higher-resolution 1440p panel, it’s a boon for mobile gamers.

With a price tag approaching $150, the Z3FC is stretching into the upper end of the affordable portable monitor segment. However, it’s still well below that of more premium options from companies like Espresso. I just wish that Arzopa could have found a way to squeeze in better speakers for the price.

I haven’t had many HP portable monitors come across my desk over the years, but the company’s latest offering definitely makes a lasting impression. The new HP Series 5 Pro 514PN hits all the right notes with a thin-and-light 14-inch form factor, an aluminum-alloy chassis, and an IPS Black panel (the first I’ve seen on a portable monitor) that delivers brilliant color and contrast.

In a segment where OEMs are quickly racing to release portable monitors that focus primarily on value (with some dipping into the $50 range), the Series 5 Pro is a more premium choice, priced at $299.

Design of the HP Series 5 Pro 514PN

The 514PN has a very clean design, with a svelte aluminum-alloy chassis measuring 12.62 x 8.21 x 0.35 inches and weighing 1.4 pounds. It has a premium look and feel, which is commensurate with a portable monitor that costs $299. There’s a built-in kickstand that takes up roughly half of the display's back panel. The kickstand has a stiff hinge that allows the 514PN to lie back at your preferred viewing angle. In addition, because the kickstand spans nearly the full width of the display, it can prop up the 514PN in landscape or portrait orientation.

There are two USB-C ports on the monitor, supporting 65-watt Power Delivery (which I verified worked perfectly with an HP OmniBook X) and DisplayPort 1.2 connectivity. HP wisely includes a USB-C cable with one end that has a 90-degree connector. This helps to keep the USB-C cable from sticking straight out the top of the monitor when used in portrait mode, and instead allows it to more discreetly run horizontally along the top of the monitor.

Speaking of pack-ins, a grey magnetic cover is included to help protect the display when traveling. It’s not as all-encompassing as some of the more substantial pouches that protect the entire monitor, but it’s better than no protection at all. Perhaps HP was just trying to minimize the 514PN’s size profile for travel, but a full pouch/case would be a better solution to protect this pricey accessory.

There aren’t really any other major standouts on the 514PN, aside from dedicated + and – buttons for brightness control and a power button situated directly below. I’ll also note that the color and size of the 514PN is a perfect match for my personal HP OmniBook X Snapdragon X laptop (right down to the placement of the HP logos on the back of the devices). The only mismatch is that my OmniBook X has a glossy display, while the 514PN has an anti-reflective coating.

Curiously, the 514PN doesn’t feature built-in speakers or HDMI connectivity, which are notable omissions for a portable monitor sold through HP’s business solutions division.

HP Series 5 Pro 514PN Specifications

HP Series 5 Pro 514PN On-Screen Display and Software

At first glance, it might appear that the 514PN doesn’t have an on-screen display (OSD). And I assumed as much, since there’s no OSD button and only two physical buttons for display brightness.

However, I consulted the user manual, which explained that the OSD is activated by pressing and holding the “increase brightness” button for two seconds. This opens the color mode menu; you can then select a mode using the plus button and confirm your selection with the minus button. The color modes include: Warm, Neutral, Cool, Native, Night, HP Enhance+, and Custom RGB.

There’s no built-in accelerometer, so you’ll need to head into Windows display settings to change from landscape to portrait orientation. You’ll also be able to change other settings natively in Windows, like the resolution (the 514PN has a native resolution of 2560 x 1600) and refresh rate (the 514PN tops out at 75 Hz, which is slightly above the segment-usual 60 Hz).

HP Series 5 Pro 514PN Image Quality

The 514PN uses an IPS Black panel with Neo:LED and an anti-reflective coating, and it’s excellent. IPS black technology delivers a significant increase in contrast ratio compared to traditional IPS panels. IPS panels used in portable monitors (and laptops) typically have an average contrast ratio of 1,000:1, but the 514PN doubles that metric to 2,000:1. In practice, you will see darker blacks (instead of skewing toward gray) and better color accuracy.

Our instrumented testing showed that the 514PN tended to display colors as a bit oversaturated, covering 193.9 percent of the DCI-P3 color gamut and 137.3 percent of sRGB. The numbers that the 514PN put up were more in line with what we’d see in an OLED panel. The brightness numbers from our light meter came in at 352.4 nits, putting it just behind the ViewSonic TD1656-2K (363 nits) and further behind the Dell Pro 14 Plus (409 nits).

I watched a few movie trailers on the 514PN and was amazed at the deep black levels and rich colors. I watched the trailer for Crime 101 and came away impressed by how well the monitor resolved darkened scenes without appearing like a sea of dark greys (much of the trailer shows action taking place at night).

The 514PN has a native panel resolution of 2560 x 1600, putting it on even footing with the TD1656-2K. However, the HP has a slight advantage in maximum refresh rate, topping out at 75 Hz instead of 60 Hz. I appreciated the extra horizontal and vertical resolution when working on spreadsheets, as most portable monitors – especially the budget models – have a native resolution of 1920 x 1080 (or 1920 x 1200).

Bottom Line

The HP Series 5 Pro 514PN is a remarkable entry into the portable monitor market. It might not be the thinnest or lightest in its class, but it’s well-built and looks great next to your laptop. In addition, the IPS Black panel is gorgeous, with deep blacks and vibrant colors. When using the 514PN as a secondary monitor, you’ll appreciate the added resolution that the native 2560 x 1600 panel offers over less expensive 1080p peers. In addition, the two USB-C ports do support 65-watt Power Delivery, allowing you to power your laptop through the 514PN, cutting down on cable clutter.

However, you won’t find HDMI connectivity here, nor are there integrated speakers. But the most significant barrier to entry will likely be the price. $299 is a lot to spend on a productivity-focused portable monitor, but it offers better value than the similarly priced Espresso Display 15, which has a 1080p panel. The tougher competition comes from the ViewSonic TD1656-2K, which also features a 1600p display and 65-watt PD, but crams in touch support, macOS support, and so-so speakers. If touch support and internal speakers aren’t a big selling point for you, it’s hard to argue against the 514PN for customers looking for a premium portable monitor.

Developer Alireza Alavi reported strained eyes after 14 hours of reviewing software licenses, so he addressed the issue by using an ePaper tablet as a secondary display. While you can purchase a purpose-built ePaper monitor, it will cost an additional $199. So, Alavi instead used an old Onyx Boox Note Air 2 tablet he had lying around at home. According to the dev, he used the tablet to mirror his laptop display, allowing him to glance at it if he needed to see a color version of the app he’s working on. He primarily uses it for reading and some writing, especially since the latency on the old Onyx device isn’t as good as on more modern devices.

Alavi actually made two attempts to make the solution work. For his first attempt, he used Deskreen—an in-browser screen-sharing app that lets you wirelessly stream your display over Wi-Fi. However, the streaming quality and input lag was unacceptable for reading, further compounding the slow speed of the tablet due to its age and specifications. Instead, he tried to work around the issue by using VNC.

VNC (Virtual Network Computing) is a remote desktop protocol that transmits pixel data to a remote display (unlike Windows Remote Desktop, which creates a new session on the remote machine). This is a bit more complicated than Deskreen, but Alavi said that it took him about 20 minutes to get it working on his Linux PC. From there, he just needed to download the AVNC client for the Android-powered ePaper tablet. With that done, he now has a working ePaper monitor for reading lengthy documents on.

Another advantage of VNC over Deskreen is that it lets him use the tablet as an input device. While he likely wouldn’t be able to use it as a sort of drawing tablet, especially because of the latency that older ePaper screens have, it’s still good enough for moving the cursor or even signing a document. While he could’ve purchased a standalone ePaper monitor for his needs, this small project is an ingenious way of giving a second life to older devices.

The Boox Note Air 2 launched in 2021, and while it’s still good enough for reading books, Onyx has since released newer models with color screens and improved performance. So, if you’ve recently upgraded your eBook reader and don’t want to turn your older device into e-waste, you can set up a VNC of your own and see how you can turn it into a secondary ePaper portable monitor for reading and other miscellaneous tasks on your computer.

We’ve seen OLED panels quickly spread throughout the gaming monitor space, and they’ve even made serious inroads in laptops. Given that many portable monitors often use the same panels found in notebooks, we’re starting to see more OLEDs crop up in this space as well. Innocn is a maker of value-priced portable monitors, and we’ve reviewed several of their products over the years, including the excellent 13K1F. At this time, the monitor has a retail price of $129.99 but is currently on sale at Amazon for $94.99 during Black Friday.

The 13K1F features a 13.3-inch OLED panel with a Full HD (1920 x 1080) resolution. Like most portable monitors, it has a 60 Hz refresh rate, and it’s rated at a maximum brightness of 400 nits (though our review unit didn’t reach that level). Thanks to its OLED panel, the 13K1F boasts a 100,000:1 contrast ratio, and it features a glossy screen coating that gives colors an extra bit of “pop” under ideal lighting conditions. The monitor also features two USB-C ports, a mini-HDMI port, and built-in speakers.

• Grab the Innocn 13K1F at Amazon

Despite its sub-$100 price tag, the 13K1F features a sleek and sturdy aluminum-alloy chassis and weighs just 1.39 pounds. Add that lightweight frame with its trim 13.3-inch form-factor, and it’s easily transportable in a laptop bag. While you don’t get an integrated kickstand (which helps to keep the device thinner overall), it does come with a magnetic kickstand that attaches to the back. It’s adjustable and includes rubber feet to keep the 13K1F plant on a flat surface.

As for performance, the 13K1F excelled in our color tests, producing well-saturated colors. Even though the 264.8 nits we measured for panel brightness didn’t match the manufacturer's 400-nit claim, it still outpaced all other competitors.

When we first tested the 13K1F back in 2022, it was priced at just under $200. Now priced at less than half that amount, the 13K1F is an even better bargain for mobile warriors who want a “punchy” secondary display to boost productivity.

If you're looking for more savings, check out our Best Black Friday PC Hardware deals for a range of products, or dive deeper into our specialized SSD and Storage Deals, Hard Drive Deals, Gaming Monitor Deals, Graphics Card Deals, or CPU Deals pages.

Black Friday is still technically a few days away, but that doesn't mean there aren't deals to be had. Luckily, if you're in the market for a portable monitor, Amazon is running a fantastic deal on the AOC 16T20. The monitor has a typical selling price of $79.99, but is currently on sale for just $49.99.

• Grab this deal at Amazon

So, what does a sub-$50 price tag get you these days? The 16T20 features a 15.6-inch IPS panel with a 1920x1080 (FHD) resolution, 60 Hz refresh rate, 230-nit typical brightness, and a contrast ratio of 800:1. The panel is covered in glossy finish. Keep in mind that the glossy finish might make colors pop a little bit more, but you're bound to see more reflections than you would with an anti-glare coating.

Even more remarkable is that the 16T20 features a mini-HDMI 2.0 port and two USB-C ports with DisplayPort Alt Mode support. This universal port support means that the 16T20 is compatible with a wide range of devices, from PCs and Macs to gaming consoles like the PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X. In addition, there's a headphone jack if you want to keep the tunes to yourself.

Despite the bargain basement price, the 16T20 offers some added touches, like dual 1-watt speakers and an included smart cover (which doubles as a multi-position stand). The monitor is even wall- or stand-mountable thanks to its VESA 75 compatibility. The 16T20 weighs just 1.54 pounds and is 0.38 inches thick, making it easy to slip into a laptop bag.

While we've seen huge price increases in segments like SSDs, memory, and even microSD cards, portable monitors are a category that has been dropping to new lows in the past year. And given the versatility that these easily transportable monitors offer, now's a great time to score an epic deal.

If you're looking for more Black Friday savings, check out our Best PC Hardware deals for a range of products, or dive deeper into our specialized SSD and Storage Deals, Hard Drive Deals, Gaming Monitor Deals, Graphics Card Deals, Gaming Chair, Best Wi-Fi Routers, Best Motherboard or CPU Deals pages.

The market for budget-oriented portable monitors is expanding rapidly. We’ve seen several budget monitors emerge that deliver respectable performance, priced well under $100. MSI is the latest to deliver in this market with the Pro MP165 E6 – a 15.6-inch IPS portable monitor with a 1920 x 1080 resolution, integrated speakers, and a built-in kickstand priced at $89.99.

Design of the MSI Pro MP165 E6

The Pro MP165 E6 doesn’t break any new ground in terms of design, featuring a body constructed entirely of black plastic. The plastic is not of the highest quality or density, as the chassis easily flexes when minimal force is applied to the corner. But the integrated stand is made of aluminum, which should aid in its durability. A single tripod mount is integrated into the stand for using the monitor in the field. There are also two mounting points on the back to accommodate a VESA 75 bracket.

The bezels around the display are relatively thin on the right, left, and top sides. There’s a slightly larger bezel below the display with the letters “MSI” emblazoned in the middle. As is typically the case with monitors in this price range, you’ll find a matte, anti-reflective coating on the display.

When it comes to connectivity, the Pro MP165 E6 meets our expectations. It features two USB Type-C ports (with DisplayPort support), an HDMI 2.0b port, and a 3.5 mm headphone jack. According to MSI, both USB-C ports support 15-watt Power Delivery. The two USB-C ports and the HDMI port are located on the left side of the display, while the 3.5 mm headphone jack is mounted on the right.

Depending on where you plan to place the monitor relative to your laptop, the placement of the ports could be an issue. It’s also somewhat of an eyesore to have cables jutting out from the side of the monitor like the neck bolts on Frankenstein’s monster. My preference is to have a central I/O spine on the back of the monitor that allows the cables to hide from view during normal use. However, that’s just a pet peeve of mine, more than a dealbreaker for a portable monitor.

The only other items of note on the exterior are the controls, which are featured on the right side below the headphone jack. You’ll find a power button and a jog wheel for accessing OSD settings.

MSI includes a cloth-covered sleeve in the box for transporting the monitor, along with an HDMI cable, a USB-C to USB-A cable, and a USB-C to USB-C cable (more on that later).

MSI Pro MP165 E6 Portable Monitor Specifications

On-Screen Display for the MSI Pro MP165 E6 Portable Monitor

The Pro MP165 E6 features a comprehensive OSD with various settings that you can tweak to suit your needs. Before you even delve into the main OSD, you can use the jog wheel to adjust two quick settings. Flicking the wheel up displays quick controls for volume, while flicking it down displays brightness controls.

To access the main OSD, you press in on the jog wheel. At the top of the OSD, you’ll find the monitor’s current resolution, refresh rate, display mode, and which display port is currently in use. On the left, you’ll find the navigation menu. The Professional tab provides access to display modes (e.g., Eco, User, Movie, Office), response time, and refresh rate. The Image tab gives options for controlling colors, contrast, and brightness.

Navigating the OSD requires the use of the jog wheel and the power button. You move up and down through the menus using the jog wheel, and you press in on the wheel as the “action” button. Once in the OSD, the power button acts like the back button.

MSI Pro MP165 E6 Portable Monitor Display and Audio Performance

The Pro MP165 E6 features a 15.6-inch 1920 x 1080 IPS panel, which is the most popular size and resolution for portable monitors. The panel features an antireflective coating to reduce glare, and I found it to be effective in my well-lit home office.

Despite the “Pro” moniker at the front of its name, the Pro MP165 E6 is by no means a professional-grade monitor in terms of performance. It lagged behind the competition in color metrics, falling below even the Plugable USBC-PDMOM. Our testing revealed that the Pro MP165 E6 covers only 42.9 percent of DCI-P3 and 60.6 percent of sRGB. However, to be fair, the performance was comparable to that of the similarly priced (and budget-friendly) Arzopa A1.

With a measured brightness of 264 nits, the Pro MP165 E6 slipped ahead of the Dell C1422H (241 nits) and the A1 (228 nits). The USBC-PDMOM outpaced all contenders with a peak brightness of 355.6 nits.

I used the Pro MP165 E6 as a secondary monitor with my 13-inch MacBook Air, my HP OmniBook, and as a primary monitor for my Mac Mini. With all three systems, I was able to use a single-cable configuration via a USB-C cable. MSI includes a USB-C to USB-C cable with a 90-degree angle on one end, minimizing the visual annoyance of the cable sticking out from the right side of the monitor.

Unfortunately, the included cable did not work for me with my two Macs or my Windows laptop. At first, I thought that the monitor was not working, but then I noticed that the cable fit a bit loosely in the ports of each of my machines. I then dug out another USB-C to USB-C cable from my desk drawer and connected the monitor to the three machines – that cable worked each time.

I then held up the connector from my USB-C cable to the one provided by MSI in the box and noticed that it was slightly shorter, which likely prevented a proper connection. I reached out to MSI regarding the issue, and a representative for the company assured me that this shouldn’t be an issue with shipping products, and that they had flagged the issue with the hardware team. With that said, the included HDMI cable worked as expected.

I noticed muted colors across the board with dull reds and greens compared to more vibrant panels that you’d find in more expensive monitors (like the exceptional ViewSonic TD1656-2K). Understandably, it was a stark contrast to look at the integrated display on my MacBook Air and then shift my attention to the Pro MP165 E6. However, I also had to remind myself that the Pro MP165 E6 has an MSRP of $89.99.

The speakers on the Pro MP165 E6 are more of a nice extra thrown in with the package rather than something that’s truly amazing. It’s like when you order French fries from Burger King, and you get a couple of stray onion rings in the bag – you weren’t totally expecting it, but you’re not going to complain.

The sound is adequate, if a bit muffled. There’s not much power behind these 1-watt speakers, and they sound tinny. They’re good enough for basic audio, but you’ll probably want to invest in a pair of headphones if you want to enjoy music, movies, or games properly.

Bottom Line

MSI has the basics covered with the Pro MP165 E6. It is by no means a class leader in any particular category. In most respects, it’s the epitome of a “C” student. The color performance is average, and the panel brightness is slightly above average. The speakers are more of a value-add-on and aren’t particularly great, and the plastic chassis isn’t very sturdy.

One of the best things about the Pro MP165 E6 is its pricing. You can pick one up for $89.99 at Costco and take advantage of the club’s generous two-year extended warranty. However, an alternative at this price point is the Arzopa A1, which is also regularly priced at $89.99. It’s currently on sale for $71.99 at Amazon. You get a more durable and premium aluminum chassis and a much better speaker system for a lower price. In addition, you don’t need a Costco membership to purchase one.

Second screens can be a great asset, and easily pay for themselves by precipitating a productivity boost. They come in all shapes and sizes, leveraging a broad range of technologies, but some products could leave you scratching your head about the best way to fit them into your setup. Especially tiny sub 1-inch screens.

A peculiar case in point we noticed today is the $2.57 WeAct Display FS, listed on AliExpress. That price point seems irresistible for a highly-portable USB interface second screen. However, its postage stamp dimensions (it has a tiny 0.96-inch diagonal screen), means it is something of a curate’s egg. This tiny screen isn’t going to worry the makers of the best portable monitors, but could have its niche use cases.

The dimensions of the WeAct Display FS are more like a typical thumb drive storage device than a portable monitor. Specifications suggest the entire device measures 43 x 14.5mm, but we don’t have a thickness measurement to share.

Another significant way it strays from the portable second screen norms is that WeAct’s tiny screen doesn’t accept a USB-C or HDMI connection – it has a captive USB-A interface (again, like many USB thumb drives). The connector is reversible in this instance, with an insulator pad supplied for the unused side.

One side of the WeAct Display FS is almost entirely taken up by its screen. As mentioned previously, this has a 0.96-inch diagonal. Using a bit of math, we can work out that the actual screen measures ~0.429 x 0.858 inches (~10.9 x 24.4mm).

Across this tiny display, there are 160 x 80 pixels (thus a 2:1 ratio). We also know the display uses the RGB565 (16-bit) color format, delivering up to 65,536 colors, which should be ample for its touted applications.

WeAct reckons that its little Display FS device is going to be useful for both system monitor and media projection applications. Indeed, two Windows applications are supplied, which are crafted for these purposes.

Portable monitors have long occupied a niche market of small, lightweight displays that usually sacrifice features and performance on the altar of convenience. And rightly so, because if you loaded them up with tech and cred, they wouldn’t be very portable. Still, it would be nice to have something of decent size to game on, maybe as a second screen for that giga-hauler gaming laptop weighing down your tech bag.

Asus attempts to fill that role with its ZenScreen MB27ACF. Most of the portables I’ve interacted with are 15 inches at best, but this one is 27 inches in size. However, it still weighs just 6.57 pounds and is 20mm thin. The panel is IPS with QHD 2560x1440 resolution, 100 Hz, FreeSync/VRR, and three internal speakers. It includes an integrated fold-out stand and a nice C-clamp arm for the desktop. Let’s take a look.

Asus ZenScreen MB27ACF Specs

The MB27ACF isn’t strictly a gaming monitor; it gives you most of what’s needed for decent play. The 100 Hz refresh rate is relatively low, but coupled with a decent overdrive, it delivers reasonably smooth motion processing with just moderate input lag. It includes Adaptive-Sync but only for FreeSync and VRR applications. It is not certified for G-Sync, and I was unable to use Nvidia’s frame-tear-eliminating tech. However, it works fine with Radeon video cards and consoles.

The image comes from an IPS panel with QHD 2560x1440 resolution. That’s 109ppi in pixel density speak, enough for a nice, sharp image at close viewing distances. I also found decent off-axis quality and good reflection rejection from the screen’s matte finish. The color gamut is slightly larger than sRGB; I refer to it as sRGB+. I missed the greater volume offered by many gaming monitors, but in typical Asus fashion, it is accurate, and the MB27ACF makes the most of its capabilities. Calibration isn’t required, but you can make a few tweaks for a slight improvement.

Ergonomically, the package is more complete than other portables I’ve encountered. There’s no carrying case included, but you do get a metal fold-out stand with rubber feet to keep it from sliding around. The stand doubles as a handle. A snap-on fixture in the back interfaces with a high-quality arm terminated in a large C-clamp. You can quickly install it on any desk or tabletop up to around four inches thick. And it comes with brackets to hang it from a cubicle partition. Should you want an aftermarket solution, there’s a 75mm VESA mount.

For power, you get a small external brick, or you can connect the MB27ACF via USB-C for a one-cable solution. The only limitation is an 85-nit brightness cap. A 3.5mm headphone jack provides audio, and there are three internal speakers, one of which is called a subwoofer. My idea of a subwoofer is around a thousand times the size and volume of a computer monitor, but in practice, the MB27ACF puts out more bass than other desktop displays with internal speakers, so it is a definite improvement over the norm.

Asus offers a solid package here for $449 at this writing. It sits in the middle between premium and budget pricing, but from what I’ve seen in this sparsely populated genre, the MB27ACF has no real competition.

Assembly and Accessories

The MB27ACF’s diminutive box is brimming with accessories. The panel can be used without any extras, including the power supply, if you plug it into a PC or laptop equipped with USB-C. The fold-out stand has a large angle range and includes rubber feet in just the right spots to keep everything from sliding about. The arm ends in a large C-clamp with around four inches of range. A small snap-on adaptor interfaces with the arm’s Z mount. Also included in the box are brackets for cubicle partitions, allowing you to hang the MB27ACF like a picture. HDMI and USB-C cables round out the parts bundle.

Product 360

From the front, the MB27ACF is all screen with a 7mm bezel around the top and sides. The bottom trim says “Asus” and is capped underneath by a clear plastic strip that floats the panel about 12mm off the desktop. Like the fold-out stand, it is also rubberized for added stability.

The arm is super nice and could easily cost $100 on its own. It has a large clamp with rubber pads that protect your furniture from scratches. The panel snaps onto it using a small, round bracket, which is removable. The Z mount offers almost unlimited swivel plus fore and aft movement. The height adjustment is nearly seven inches and features a locking mechanism. The mount also includes a 90-degree portrait mode.

The inputs are on the left side and include one HDMI 2.0 and a USB-C with DisplayPort function. You also get a DC plug for the small external power brick. A 3.5mm jack provides headphone support. If you power the MB27ACF through USB-C, brightness is limited to 85 nits. On the opposite side are control keys for power and menu navigation.

OSD Features

Pressing one of the MB27ACF’s side control keys opens a small menu with brightness, OSD, and power options. The user can change these shortcuts. The full OSD resembles a typical Asus menu, except that the background is white instead of black.

There are eight picture modes, and I was surprised to see no Racing mode. Standard is the default, and it is fairly close to standard, so calibration is optional. Next up is the blue light filter and color adjustments for different states of color blindness, called Color Augmentation. The Image menu has luminance sliders and a five-level overdrive called Trace Free. You can also toggle VRR here.

In the Color menu are five gamma presets and three fixed color temps plus a set of RGB sliders. You can achieve a very precise calibration if you wish. In My Favorite, you can program the shortcut keys that appear on the right side of the screen to the settings you use most often.

In case you were fuzzy on the MB27ACF’s gaming intent, Asus has thrown in its complete GamePlus suite with six aiming points, timers, frame counter, stopwatch, and display alignment marks. I wish they’d thrown in G-Sync too, but users of consoles and Radeon cards will get Adaptive-Sync/VRR through the full 100 Hz refresh rate range.

From Asus’ ProArt side comes QuickFit, which is a handy set of on-screen templates for different paper sizes. It’s ideal for visualizing documents that you plan to print since they can be viewed at actual size.

Asus ZenScreen MB27ACF Calibration Settings

The MB27ACF doesn’t require calibration in its Standard picture mode, but I went for a grayscale adjustment anyway. The RGB sliders got me dialed in easily with a visible and measurable improvement. Gamma is spot-on whether you calibrate or not, and I was glad to see accurate presets included. Choices are always welcome. Unfortunately, HDR is not supported, so there’s nothing to report in that regard. My SDR settings are below.

Gaming and Hands-on

The MB27ACF impressed me unexpectedly with its gaming ability. I’ve said for years that 144 Hz is a starting point, and I’m not changing that mantra. But Asus makes excellent use of every Hertz with a superb overdrive that is precisely tuned. Locking the frame rate at 100fps in QHD resolution is easy work for many video cards so the lack of G-Sync for me wasn’t an issue.

Motion blur wasn’t invisible, but it didn’t distract me from precise aiming. I could dispatch targets with very little wasted ammo. Input lag is low enough that I didn’t perceive it. The MB27ACF is only 40 Hz quicker than an enterprise display but it feels like more than that. A 144 Hz monitor with less precise overdrive would not look this good.

Color and contrast were good but after enjoying HDR and wide gamut color on other monitors, the MB27ACF came up a tad short. Warm tones show better than cooler textures which were a bit flat. If you’re trooping around a forest or jungle, the image has more impact than the icy cold environments of Doom Eternal’s first horde map. For casual gaming on the go, there is little to complain about. And the draw of a 27-inch monitor cannot be ignored. Most portables are 15 or 16 inches. The MB27ACF’s extra area more than makes up for the missing HDR and wide gamut.

From a usability standpoint, the MB27ACF shines. It’s thin and light and slips easily into a tech pack or large briefcase. I would recommend using a bag or sleeve to protect the screen. That’s one thing Asus left out. However, the fold-out stand is extremely well-engineered, with firm movement. The monitor feels very secure on it thanks to the rubberized bits. I also used the included arm, which clamps down in just a minute. Snapping the panel on creates a solid package with precise adjustment. The locking height movement is convenient. And the Z mount allows for nearly unlimited swivel.

The MB27ACF boasts its 2.1-channel sound with subwoofer, and indeed, I heard more bass than what comes from typical integrated speakers. The sound is a bit thin in the midrange, but upper frequencies were clear and precise. When playing on the go, you’ll be using the headphone jack more often, and I appreciate its convenient location on the side.

Takeaway: The MB27ACF is a complete package, not just as a portable monitor, but also as a desktop display. Though it lacks HDR and wide gamut color, it games very well and comes with multiple mounting options that are well thought out. It’s thin and light as a portable should be, but the build quality is rugged and befitting its price. It has no real competition at present.

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To compare the MB27ACF’s performance, I’ve rounded up other 27-inch QHD screens, none of which are portable. As I said earlier, it’s something of a niche genre. Since the top speed is 100 Hz, response and input lag comparisons are a bit unfair, but the Asus acquits itself well. The other displays are AOC’s Q27G40XMN and Q27G4XY, Gigabyte’s M27QA ICE, Xiaomi G Pro 27i, and Asus’ XG27ACS.

Pixel Response and Input Lag

Click here to read up on our pixel response and input lag testing procedures.

A typical 60 Hz enterprise monitor takes 16ms to draw a full white field, so the MB27ACF is doing well to complete the task in 11ms at 100 Hz. Motion is reasonably smooth thanks to Asus’ excellent overdrive, which works best at 60%. There’s a bit of blur, but not as much as the term “100 Hz” would suggest.

Input lag is higher than the rest, but again, it’s not too bad if you’re up for casual gaming or you’re not too worried about frenetic competition in Doom Eternal’s Horde mode. I had a decent experience playing during the review. The MB27ACF is a gaming monitor, just not a super-high-performance one.

Test Takeaway: The MB27ACF delivers decent performance with low motion blur and reasonable input lag considering its relatively slow 100 Hz refresh rate. Given the quality of the overdrive, I’d bet this monitor would be substantially better at 144 Hz. However, it is more than quick enough for casual gaming on the road.

Viewing Angles

The MB27ACF is one of the better IPS panels I’ve photographed, with only a slight green tint seen in the 45-degree photo. Gamma and brightness remain solid, which means you’ll barely see a difference in actual content. The top view is a bit cool in tone with reduced gamma and light output which is typical of IPS panels. Overall, this is excellent performance.

Screen Uniformity

To learn how we measure screen uniformity, click here.

In the screen uniformity test, the MB27ACF just dips below the visible threshold with a 9.58% score. I couldn’t see any bleed or glow, but my meter found slightly elevated levels in the upper right corner of the screen, a minor flaw at best. I have no complaints here.

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To read about our monitor tests in-depth, please check out Display Testing Explained: How We Test PC Monitors. We cover brightness and contrast testing on page two.

Uncalibrated – Maximum Backlight Level

Portable monitors aren’t known for high brightness and that makes sense from a power efficiency standpoint. But the MB27ACF tickles the underside of 300 nits peak which puts it on par with most desktop screens. It’s not super bright but it is more than bright enough. A decent-for-IPS black level of 0.2239 nit gives it an above average contrast ratio of 1,330.3:1.

After Calibration to 200 nits

Calibration drops measured contrast a bit to 1,240.4:1, but that difference is nearly impossible to see in actual content. The MB27ACF is well above the norm compared to all other IPS screens. The ANSI test also looks good with a 1,156.6:1 result. It’s right in there with the other premium IPS panels here and only beaten significantly by the two VA monitors from AOC.

Test Takeaway: The MB27ACF utilizes IPS technology for its excellent viewing angles, but even though it sacrifices contrast to VA panels, it surpasses the IPS average by around 20%. Decent black levels give it a nicely saturated picture with good depth and pop.

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The MB27ACF can be used sans tweaking (tweakless?) in its Standard picture mode. If you want a slight improvement in grayscale and color accuracy, Asus includes RGB sliders in the color temp menu.

Grayscale and Gamma Tracking

Our grayscale and gamma tests use Calman calibration software from Portrait Displays. We describe our grayscale and gamma tests in detail here.

In the first chart above, you can see slightly elevated green levels starting at the 70% brightness step. This error will be hard to spot in actual content. If you play games with a lot of bright white bits, you might see a tint. Gamma tracks to near perfection on the 2.2 reference line.

Calibration drops all grayscale errors below 1dE, pro-level performance. Gamma remains the same, which is as it should be. This is excellent performance. I also tested the sRGB mode, but since it didn’t reduce the color gamut, those results are not included here.

Comparisons

The XG27ACS overachieves in the default grayscale test with an impressive 0.85dE score. The MB27ACF is the best of the rest at 2.78dE. Since this is below the visible threshold, there’s no need for calibration. But with a few tweaks, the number drops to 0.48dE, only a tad behind the winning Xiaomi.

In the gamma test, the deviation is a perfect 0%, 2.2 average. The range of values is very tight at 0.10 from low to high. This is excellent performance.

Color Gamut Accuracy

Our color gamut and volume testing use Portrait Displays’ Calman software. For details on our color gamut testing and volume calculations, click here.

The MB27ACF measures well in the color gamut tests with accurate hue tracking and just a hint of oversaturation in all colors. With so many monitors sporting 90% or greater coverage of DCI-P3, a little more oversaturation would be welcome. There are certainly no complaints about accuracy, though, a 2.22dE score is excellent.

Calibration drops the average error to 1.56dE, even more excellent, thanks to the grayscale calibration and always straight gamma tracking. The MB27ACF is a very accurate display, just not quite as colorful as other 27-inch QHD gaming monitors.

Comparisons

The MB27ACF’s 1.56dE post-calibration color score puts it ahead of all the competition save the XG27ACS. In practice, only the bottom AOC will show any visible color error. This is excellent performance.

In the gamut coverage test, the MB27ACF comes up a little short of the mark. This is why I’ve termed it an “sRGB+” display. 115% of sRGB is certainly more colorful than 100%, but 82.68% coverage of DCI-P3 is a bit below average.

Test Takeaway: Despite a relatively small color gamut, the MB27ACF is accurate and satisfying to look at with solid performance and no need for calibration. With perfect gamma and excellent grayscale tracking, it delivers high image fidelity.

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Most of the portable monitors I’ve reviewed sacrifice performance and features for the sake of convenience and cost. But after my time with the Asus ZenScreen MB27ACF, I’ve learned that it doesn’t have to be that way. Though it isn’t the quickest or most colorful display out there, it games extremely well and makes the most of its capabilities.

Though I’m spoiled by many of the fastest monitors on the planet, the MB27ACF was a pleasure to play on. It was responsive and quick with far less motion blur than you’d expect at 100 Hz. I didn’t miss G-Sync since I could easily stay locked at 100 Hz. If you can’t maintain that frame rate, you can avoid tearing with a Radeon graphics card or a console system’s VRR. The picture was also very satisfying, though I wished for wide gamut color and HDR. Among portables, these omissions are common, but against desktop 27-inchers, it’s a little less vivid.

The best part is its extreme flexibility. You don’t have to buy any add-ons here; it comes with an integrated high-quality stand, a premium arm, and even cubicle partition brackets. And the snap-on mount makes it easy to pick up and slip into a large bag or briefcase. It can serve equally well as a desktop or portable screen.

For $449 at this writing, the Asus ZenScreen MB27ACF is neither low nor high priced. But it has no real competition, so that’s worth considering. If you need a large portable monitor with a satisfying image and solid gaming performance, definitely check it out.

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We’ve covered the best portable monitors here on Tom’s Hardware for a while, and it’s hard not to be impressed with the gains that've been made in a few short years regarding availability, quality, and pricing. We’ve seen an explosion in low-cost monitors, with many now available for under $100 (and even under $50). The overall build quality and image quality of currently available monitors are remarkable.

With so many products vying for your attention, it’s hard to stand out from the pack. However, the Aura is bringing out the big guns with its Triple Aero 15.6 Pro Max. We’ve reviewed several portable monitors that include “triple” in their name, but those products featured two external displays and counted your laptop’s internal display as panel number three. However, Aura includes three 15.6-inch 1080p panels, which unfurl to combine for 43 inches of total horizontal screen real estate.

It's a lot to take in, and the Triple Aero 15.6 Pro Max is undoubtedly an impressive piece of kit that stands out in this space. However, its size and weight limit its effectiveness as a true portable monitor.

Design of the Aura Triple Aero 15.6 Pro Max

The immense size of the Triple Aero 15.6 Pro Max was evident from the moment I took possession of the shipping box. Not only was it the size of a box that would fit a large 17-inch gaming laptop, but it also weighs about the same. I opened the box to find a well-cushioned Triple Aero 15.6 Pro Max folded up as tight as a bug in a rug.

Before attempting to unfold the device, I consulted the user manual (something I don’t often do, because I’m stubborn) to learn how to complete the process correctly. Upon consulting the document, the process was relatively straightforward. I unlocked two tabs that secure the supporting arms for the central display. I next lifted the side arms into the third detent on the bottom of the chassis rails, which positions the central display in the highest position above your desk (9.8 inches). I used the second (middle) indent without issue, putting the central display at 8.2 inches, but the first detent was unusable (3.9-inch height). The weight of the black aluminum frame and three displays caused the supporting arms to slip out of the first detent. When that happens, the entire unit collapses. However, I found that the first detent would have been too low for my tastes anyway, so I didn’t force the issue.

With that said, with the supporting arms locked into the third detent, I swiveled the central display up from its stowed position so that it was facing me. I then unfolded the two flanking displays to provide the full 43 inches of screen real estate. When unfolded, the central display can be tilted forward or back, while the flanking displays can swing inward and outward.

The entire apparatus is surprisingly tight and sturdy, which is a welcome feature. The tightness refers to the large amount of force required to pivot the central display to your preferred viewing angle. The sturdiness is afforded by the all-metal construction, which contributed to the considerable weight of the Triple Aero 15.6 Pro Max (7 pounds). The only disappointment was the issue with the collapsing arm while using the first detent.

With the Triple Aero 15.6 Pro Max in its fully workable position, I was able to observe its other intricacies. There are four physical buttons: power, up, down, and menu/exit. There are also three mini-HDMI ports, one USB-C port for video, and another USB-C port for powering the Triple Aero 15.6 Pro Max. A 65-watt power adapter with two USB-C and one USB-A port is included in the box, and the monitor supports 60-watt power pass-through. The Triple Aero 15.6 Pro Max also includes two 2-watt speakers.

Aura Triple Aero 15.6 Pro Max Specifications

Connecting and Using the Aura Triple Aero 15.6 Pro Max

Before I connected the Triple Aero 15.6 Pro Max to my laptop, I once again consulted the included instruction manual to determine the required steps. At this point, I noticed that the company's website is misspelled on both the front and back of the manual. The website is listed as aura-dislays.com instead of aura-displays.com. That’s a bit tacky, but getting the correct website pulled up in my browser wasn’t exactly rocket science.

The next issue I encountered was with the drivers necessary to get this three-panel monitor to function correctly. The manual pointed me to a link to Silicon Motion’s website to download drivers for the SM76x chipset. However, typing the URL into my browser gave me a 404 error. So, I instead typed “SM76x drivers” into my search bar, which took me right to the correct download page. Since I’m testing on an Apple MacBook Pro, I downloaded the appropriate software for macOS.

In this case, the software package installed Silicon Motion’s Instant View, allowing you to easily mirror or extend multiple displays on a Mac (or Windows) system. With Instant View installed, I next began plugging in the assortment of cables.

I first used the included 65-watt wall adapter to run power to the USB-C input on the Triple Aero 15.6 Pro Max. I then ran a cable from the second USB-C port on the monitor to my MacBook Pro (M3 Pro). With this setup, only the left and central displays are activated. The right panel remained blank. So, I took the included mini-HDMI cable and plugged one end into the monitor and the other into my MacBook Pro. At that point, all three displays (four, including my MacBook Pro’s 14-inch panel) were alive.

When I first saw the overabundance of screens in front of me, I was initially overwhelmed, but quickly began my tests. The first step was to configure the displays in macOS settings to match their appearance in the real world. That meant my laptop’s internal display at the bottom, and the Triple Aero 15.6 Pro Max’s three displays positioned above. I then verified that all three displays were outputting at the specified 1920 x 1080 resolution at 60 Hz.

OSD on the Aura Triple Aero 15.6 Pro Max

The Triple Aero 15.6 Pro Max has a rather interesting on-screen display (OSD). Some multi-display portable monitors have no control buttons and no OSD, while others give you physical controls for each display panel (KYY X90D). However, the Triple Aero 15.6 Pro Max takes a different approach.

The monitor uses a single set of OSD buttons that control all three panels. Pressing the menu button once presents the OSD to control the left panel. Press the menu again, and it switches to the middle panel. Pressing it again moves to the right panel. Not only does this arrangement provide individual control for each display panel, but it also saves on manufacturing costs by not requiring two additional sets of redundant buttons.

You have basic brightness, contrast, sharpness, and color controls here that you can configure per-monitor. You can also switch input sources, enable the low blue light filter, and adjust ECO modes. There’s nothing fancy about the OSD or the features it presents, but it's wholly sufficient for the productivity-focused mission of the Triple Aero 15.6 Pro Max.

Aura Triple Aero 15.6 Pro Max Display Performance

The Aura Triple Aero 15.6 Pro Max has three displays, as its name suggests. Each one is identical, offering a 15.6-inch IPS panel with a 1920 x 1080 resolution and a 60 Hz refresh rate. While some portable monitors can run at up to 360 Hz, this is a productivity-focused monitor where 60 Hz is adequate. Each display panel is also covered with an anti-reflective coating to minimize glare.

Aura talks a big game with its claimed specifications, but our testing showed some discrepancies, at least regarding maximum brightness. Aura lists the Triple Aero 15.6 Pro Max as having a maximum brightness rating of 350 nits, but our light meter measured 244 nits with brightness set to 100 percent in the OSD, which represents a 30 percent shortfall. We ran the tests multiple times and tried every combination of available picture settings to rectify the brightness issue to no avail. That’s not a good start for a portable monitor that retails for $599.

With that said, in my home environment, the brightness available with the Triple Aero 15.6 Pro Max is sufficient. I first tested the monitor downstairs in my living room, which has an overhead LED light in the ceiling fan, a couple of end table lamps, and natural light coming in from my back windows. The monitor was plenty bright in this scenario. I next moved the monitor to my home office, which is overly bright due to ten 75-watt (equivalent) LED lamps mounted on tracks. This is my typical work environment, and again, I had no complaints about the brightness.

Color performance put the Triple Aero 15.6 Pro Max near the top of the class for multi-screen portable monitors. The monitor covered 85.4% of the DCI-P3 color space and 120.6% of the sRGB color space. Those figures put it just slightly ahead of the dual-screen Limink LK14 and well ahead of the KYY K90A and K90D.

I used the Triple Aero 15.6 Pro Max for a wide variety of content, including web browsers (Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome, and Apple Safari), image editing apps (Pixelmator Pro), and productivity apps (Microsoft Word and Excel). I also spent a reasonable amount of time playing movies and TV shows on the panels, given that there’s plenty of screen real estate to go around when you’re dealing with four total displays (when counting my MacBook Pro’s internal display).

I rewatched a couple of second-season episodes of Star Wars: Andor and even watched the entirety of the classic action flick Predator on each of the three panels. The colors looked rich and accurate, as I peeked at the vibrant dresses and cloaks worn by the guests, including Mon Mothma, who danced with reckless abandon at her daughter’s wedding.

Likewise, Predator is a nearly 40-year-old movie that I enjoy watching repeatedly. I zeroed in particularly on the final battle sequence between Dutch and the Predator, which takes place at night. While the blacks didn’t look as deep as you’d find on a Mini LED or OLED panel, the Triple Aero 15.6 Pro Max performed admirably for an IPS panel during dark scenes. I watched every bone-breaking punch, with gushes of blood shooting from Dutch’s mouth as he got pummeled. I also enjoy the reds, purples, greens, and blues that appear on screen when we get the Predator’s infrared thermal vision viewpoint as he gains the upper hand.

Although it’s easy to overlook when the displays take center stage with the Triple Aero 15.6 Pro Max, it also has two 2-watt speakers. As is the case with most speakers on portable monitors, they’re good enough for playing back OS sounds or taking the occasional Google Meet/Teams/Zoom call, but they are subpar for music and movie playback. Bass is non-existent, and the overall sound output is relatively muted despite the massive footprint of the Triple Aero 15.6 Pro Max.

Bottom Line

The Aura Triple Aero 15.6 Pro Max is an impressive piece of hardware. It’s by far the largest “portable” monitor I’ve tested, given its 43-inch wingspan. That’s to be expected, as it’s also the first triple-monitor setup that has graced our labs, as we typically see dual-panel units.

The Triple Aero 15.6 Pro Max impressed with its aluminum construction, colorful panels, and a variety of ports to accommodate various laptop configurations. However, its size and weight will make many think twice about transporting this device regularly for travel purposes. While it is manageable to carry to different meeting rooms in your office, carrying this 7-pound portable monitor in addition to your laptop on a work trip is quite a burden.

There are also some performance issues, such as the shortfalls in the stated maximum brightness and what we measured in the real world. And there’s an actual physical issue with attempting to use the Triple Aero 15.6 Pro Max in its lowest height position (it doesn’t work).

With a price tag of $599, we expect near-perfection from a portable monitor, but the Triple Aero 15.6 Pro Max falls a bit short due to its flaws. However, if you absolutely must have a triple-panel option that can be stowed when not in use, it’s worth considering if you can stomach the lofty price tag. If three additional monitors is overkill for you, consider the Limink LK14 at $299 or the KYY X90D at $239.

Back to school season is nearly upon us, which means that now is an excellent time to start looking for tech deals for your favorite student(s). One category that parents might not often think about is portable monitors, but they can be highly beneficial to students, especially as they start moving into middle and high school. Portable monitors enable students, who often rely on laptops for school work, to expand their workspace, which can be particularly useful when researching and writing reports.

Luckily, there are plenty of deals to be found on some great portable monitors out there. And best of all, you don’t have to spend a lot of money to find a great monitor – many can be had for under $100, making for an easy buying decision.

Arzopa A1

The Arzopa A1 is a prime example of excellent bang for your buck, with a sales price of just $63.17, a 40 percent discount off its MSRP. For that price, you get a large 15.6-inch IPS panel with a 1080p resolution. It has a high-quality feel to its construction, thanks to an aluminum chassis that is finished in black.

The monitor features two USB-C ports and one mini-HDMI port for connectivity, and can connect to a laptop via just one USB-C to USB-C cable (included) if it supports DisplayPort Alt Mode. If you need to connect via HDMI, Arzopa also includes a USB-C to USB-A for power and a mini-HDMI to HDMI cable in the box.

The A1 is just average regarding color performance, falling about mid-pack. The same can be said for its brightness performance (228 nits), but for a secondary monitor that won’t be used for color-critical work, it’s a fine value proposition for your students.

Feelworld DH101

If you want something a bit smaller and can more easily slip into the bag, look at the Feelworld DH101. It features a 10.1-inch IPS panel, a size class that we don’t often see for portable monitors. The drop in the diagonal measurement also means that the resolution drops to 1290 x 800 instead of the 1920 x 1080 resolution we usually see in larger panels.

One of our favorite features of the DH101 is its beefy kickstand, which folds flat against the panel when not in use, or swings out to your preferred viewing angle. Rubber feet on the bottom of the monitor and the kickstand ensure that it won’t slide around on a desk. All the connections (2x USB-C, mini-HDMI, 3.5mm audio) are included on the kickstand, as are the OSD controls.

Despite its small stature, the DH101 punches above its weight class with respectable color performance (77.7 percent coverage of DCI-P3, and 101.6 percent of sRGB), while brightness is remarkably high at 351.2 nits.

With a price tag of $129.99, the Feelworld DH101 remains affordable for a portable monitor. And with its easy-to-transport footprint and bonus touch screen capability, it’s a solid choice.

Arzopa Z1FC

“All work makes Jack a dull boy.” With that in mind, it’s good to look at a portable monitor that excels not only at the productivity tasks required by a student, but also at gaming. Gaming is a popular leisure activity for kids, and the Arzopa Z1FC delivers a big 16.1-inch IPS panel with a 1080p resolution. Best of all, it features a 144 Hz refresh rate and HDR support.

The Z1FC has two USB-C ports and a mini-HDMI port for connectivity, and it features a slim kickstand for propping up the monitor. It also covers 106 percent of the sRGB color gamut. Best of all, the Z1FC is on sale for just $96.99, or 25 percent off its usual asking price.

If you're looking for more savings, check out our Best PC Hardware deals for a range of products, or dive deeper into our specialized SSD and Storage Deals, Hard Drive Deals, Gaming Monitor Deals, Graphics Card Deals, or CPU Deals pages.

Modos Tech has announced that its fast and responsive e-Paper monitors for productivity users are now available for pre-order. The new displays are being provided in dev-kit form, touted as the “world’s fastest open-hardware e-paper monitor.” Central to these claims are the shared performance figures, which indicate the Modos Paper Dev Kit display delivers refresh rates up to 75 Hz and sub-100 ms latency.

This e-paper endeavor has taken quite some time to get to this stage. We remember reporting on a Modus Paper project update back in May 2024.

Those monitor performance stats might be pedestrian in the colorful world of the best monitors, which, in the majority, use IPS and OLED tech. However, there are users out there who don’t need to be distracted by color, and are wary of the eye-strain and fatigue that can stem from the use of backlit or emissive displays. In fact, some would prefer simple, efficient paper-like, sunlight readable displays – if it were not for the performance penalties that seem to be inherent to e-Ink and e-paper implementations so far.

“From writers and engineers to accessibility advocates and digital minimalists, people are tired of the distraction, eye strain, and fatigue of mainstream displays,” said Alexander Soto, CEO of Modos Tech. “E-paper offers a better path, and we’ve built tools that make it fast, flexible, and accessible to all.”

Real-time performance thanks to an FPGA controller

Modos thinks it has the answer to making e-paper acceptable for modern productivity, and it asserts it is largely down to its implementation of its own open-hardware reference designs.

Specifically, the Modos Paper Dev Kit displays pack the Xilinx Spartan-6 FPGA, a DDR3 framebuffer, an STM32H750 microcontroller, and custom power-supply circuitry.

This open-hardware electronic design should prevent e-paper from being “held back by proprietary controllers and slow performance.” In short, users should be able to benefit from e-paper ergonomic niceties, without cliff-face drawbacks.

The offer to consumers

So, what do you get with a Modos Paper Dev Kit? Whichever kit you pick, you will experience the aforementioned 75 Hz screen refresh rate and low latency performance.

Connectivity seems sufficient, with both HDMI and USB Type-C ports promised to offer plug & play on Linux, macOS, and Windows. It looks like the USB Type-C connection also delivers power, as expected. But if using this as an HDMI driven monitor, you will likely also need a power source of some kind attached to the USB Type-C port.

There are multiple screen modes supported by these monitor kits. Modus says that the devices offer “binary, 4-level, and 16-level grayscale, plus a hybrid mode that refines images dynamically.” Support for color e-paper displays is present in the design/architecture, but they aren’t being marketed right now.

Those interested in acquiring one of these monitors can head on over to the project Crowd Supply. On that site, you will be choosing between a compact 6-inch, or more laptop-scale 13.3-inch kit.

There are two configurations, with rather disparate prices:

• $199 for the 6-inch Modos Paper Monitor kit
• $599 for the 13-inch Modos Paper Monitor kit.
• Delivery is expected in Q4 2025.

If you like the features and performance of the Espresso Displays 17 Pro, but want a monitor that’s a little smaller and lighter, Espresso Displays has you covered. The company announced the 15 Pro earlier this year, and I’m now getting a chance to test it out in the flesh.

As a refresher, the 17 Pro features a 17.3-inch 4K touch display and weighs 2.4 pounds. The 15 Pro, on the other hand, has the same 4K resolution with a more compact 15.6-inch panel. In addition, the 15 Pro weighs just 1.76 pounds, making it an ideal travel companion and one of the best portable monitors available.

However, at $699, the 15 Pro is by no means an impulse purchase; it is geared more toward content creators and business professionals.

Design of the Espresso Displays 15 Pro

The 15 Pro shares a similar design with the 17 Pro, albeit on a smaller scale. The 15 Pro measures 14.17 x 8.86 x 0.35 inches compared to 15.65 x 9.67 x 0.35 inches for the 17 Pro. However, the most dramatic difference between the two is in weight, where the former weighs 1.76 pounds compared to 2.43 pounds for the latter.

Aesthetically, the 15 Pro, with a matte black aluminum enclosure, remains pleasing to the eye. The Espresso Displays logo is imprinted in the bottom corner of the back panel, where it is out of sight while using the monitor. Two USB-C ports (DisplayPort Alt Mode) are mounted on the lower right side of the monitor. Six slits are in the bottom of the case for the internal speakers.

The bezels around the actual viewable area of the display measure roughly 3/8-inch along the top and sides. However, the bottom bezel is much larger, at 1-inch thick. The 4K IPS panel is covered in glass with a glossy finish.

One thing I appreciate about portable monitors from Espresso Displays is the inclusion of the Stand+, which is constructed of aluminum. The Stand+ magnetically attaches to the back of the monitor. Once affixed, you can use the 15 Pro in landscape or portrait orientation. However, the flexibility doesn’t end there; the stand makes the 15 Pro adjustable for height and tilt, should you simply want to use the monitor beside your laptop.

In addition, the bottom of the Magnetic Stand+ hides another hinged “leg” that allows you to extend the 15 Pro’s height above your laptop’s integrated display. That way, you can effectively have two landscape-oriented displays stacked on top of each other.

Espresso Displays includes a single purple USB-C to USB-C cable, a microfiber cleaning cloth, and a quick-start guide in the box. If you need physical HDMI or DisplayPort connectors, Espresso Displays will gladly sell you the requisite adapters for $45 each directly from its online store.

Unlike the cheaper Espresso Displays 15, the 15 Pro includes a pair of speakers and supports touch input in Windows 11 and macOS.

Espresso Displays 15 Pro Monitor Specifications

Display Performance on the Espresso Displays 15 Pro

The 15 Pro uses a 60 Hz, 15.6-inch 4K (3840 x 2160) IPS panel covered in glass (glossy finish). Although the 17 Pro is considered the flagship of Espresso Displays’ portable monitor family, the 15 Pro delivers higher specs on paper and in the real world.

For starters, the 15 Pro is rated for a contrast ratio of 1,500:1 and a typical brightness rating of 550 nits, compared to 1,000:1 and 450 nits for the 17 Pro. However, our instrumented testing measured 572.2 nits for the 15 Pro and just 405.2 nits for the 17 Pro.

Concerning the color volume tests, the 15 Pro covered 119.6 percent of DCI-P3 and 168.8 percent of sRGB. For comparison, the 17 Pro stood at 110.4 percent and 155.9 percent, respectively. I watched a couple of episodes of the second season of Andor on the display, and was wholly satisfied with its lifelike colors, bright picture, and incredible viewing angles (with hardly any light falloff when viewing from extremely wide angles).

There are a pair of speakers integrated into the display, but they’re more of an afterthought than anything I’d enjoy listening too regularly. I attempted to use the speakers to watch Andor, but the sounds were very hollow with an almost “scratchy” quality to character voices. Music was no better, with no hints of bass or any semblance of dynamic range. The internal speaker in the Mac Mini I used for most of my testing sounded far superior to the 15 Pro’s speakers (even though the Mac Mini’s speaker is far from anything an audiophile would enjoy).

Although the 15 Pro doesn’t have a traditional OSD with physical controls, when you install the EspressoFlow app in macOS or Windows, you can access some basic parameters like brightness and audio volume. These controls are accessible by swiping up with two fingers from the bottom of the display. EspressoFlow also gives you access to multiple workspaces and even enables automatic switching from landscape to portrait orientation when you rotate the 15 Pro (this is far easier than needing to delve into display settings to adjust the display’s orientation).

I carried the 15 Pro alongside my 14-inch MacBook Pro to finish some work while I was on the road. Its trim dimensions allowed it to easily slip into my laptop backpack, and I hardly felt the effects of its added weight. Although I generally prefer to use portable monitors side-by-side with my laptop, the added vertical height afforded by the Stand+ allowed me to enjoy 16:9 displays stacked in landscape mode, which was highly appreciated.

In addition, given the bright panel and glossy finish, the image quality of the 15 Pro closely matched that of the Mini LED panel on my MacBook Pro. I often struggle to find portable monitors that are an equal match for the display on my MacBook Pro, but the 15 Pro fits the bill.

Bottom Line

The Espresso Displays 15 Pro is an impressive piece of hardware, thanks to its attractive aluminum chassis, bright and sharp 4K panel, and versatile Stand+. However, we shouldn’t be surprised that Espresso Displays would deliver such a competent product, as it is a downsized version of the equally impressive 17 Pro.

My only main complaint with the 15 Pro is its price. The 17 Pro is priced at $799, and the 15 Pro is just $100 cheaper at $699. No matter how you slice it, that’s a lot to pay for any portable monitor, even one with impeccable credentials like the 15 Pro. If $699 is too pricey for you, you might want to consider the ViewSonic TD1656-2K. It has a lower resolution, 2560 x 1440 (QHD) touch display, but it is currently available for less than $400.

For those on the fence regarding price, Espresso Displays offers a 30-day risk-free trial of its monitors, so you can give it a spin and send it back if you get cold feet. However, if you do stick it out, you won’t be disappointed with the quality you get in return.

It’s been a while since we last reviewed a Dell portable monitor – we looked at the C1422H nearly three years ago. While it offered excellent color performance and build quality, it lacked extended OSD controls, didn’t feature integrated speakers, and was limited to USB-C connectivity alone.

Dell is back with the Pro 14 Plus (P1425), which features a similar design. Unfortunately, our qualms concerning the C1422H haven’t been addressed in this latest model. In addition, its price tag puts it in a precarious position compared to the best portable monitors which offer superior functionality along with larger and higher resolution displays.

Design of the Dell Pro 14 Plus (P1425)

As mentioned, the Pro 14 Plus hones the design of the previously released C1422H. It’s a sleek device with a thin, lightweight aluminum chassis. However, there is plastic framing the matte display, with thick bezels along the top and bottom of the display. The Dell logo is featured prominently in the center of the bottom bezel and again on the back of the display.

The Pro 14 Plus features a weighted base that houses all the controls and ports for the monitor. A hinge at the front of the base allows the display to go from near-vertical to entirely horizontal for storage.

You’ll also notice rubber feet on the corners of the 14-inch display and along the rear corners of the base. This allows the Pro 14 Plus to be used in portrait orientation on either side of your laptop’s internal display without sliding around on your desk. That’s a helpful addition that wasn’t present on the C1422H. The non-stick rubber feet are also on the bottom of the base when using the Pro 14 Plus in the traditional landscape orientation.

There are two USB-C ports supporting DisplayPort Alt-Mode, with one on each side of the base. Raspberry Pi users are out of luck, as there are no HDMI connectivity provisions.

There are also four buttons on the top of the base: power, orientation lock, and brightness control (one to increase brightness, one to lower). Unfortunately, like the C1422H, the Pro 14 Plus still doesn’t include speakers. A lack of speakers isn’t a big deal if we’re talking about a sub-$ $100 budget portable monitor, but it’s harder to ignore for the Pro 14 Plus, which costs $329.

Dell includes a USB-C to USB-C cable in the box, and thankfully, one end features a 90-degree connector. The 90-degree connector allows the USB-C cable to tuck neatly behind the display panel, out of sight from the user. A nice, fabric-covered carrying pouch is also included for transporting the Pro 14 Plus.

Dell Pro 14 Plus (P1425) Specifications

Dell Pro 14 Plus (P1425) User Controls

The Pro 14 Plus doesn’t include a traditional OSD that you can navigate to adjust picture settings. Instead, you have three buttons on the top of the base, two of which are dedicated to brightness control and orientation lock. As I mentioned, the Pro 14 Plus supports operation in landscape or portrait mode.

The built-in gyro allows the monitor to automatically adjust the picture's orientation when you switch from landscape or portrait mode. The button simply locks the image so that it won’t automatically switch. The Pro 14 Plus doesn’t even include the dedicated ComfortView button from the C1422H, which helped reduce blue light emissions and lessen eyestrain.

Image Quality on the Dell Pro 14 Plus (P1425)

The Pro 14 Plus uses a 14-inch 60Hz IPS panel with a resolution of 1920 x 1200 – a slight step up in vertical resolution from the C1422H, which uses a 1920 x 1080 panel. The panel is covered with a matte finish to lessen reflections.

Display measurements tracked closely with the C1422H, so the similarities are more than skin deep. Our colorimeter showed that the Pro 14 Plus covered 71.3 percent of DCI-P3 and 100.6 percent of sRGB – both were slight gains over the C1422H’s 70.2 percent and 99.1 percent, respectively.

However, the Pro 14 Plus showed remarkable gains in maximum brightness. Where the C1422H could only muster 241 nits at its maximum, the Pro 14 Plus pushed that limit to 409 nits. The next-closest competition was the ViewSonic TD1656-2K, which maxed out at 363 nits.

Dell markets the Pro 14 Plus as a productivity monitor, and I used it as such in my testing. I used my laptop’s internal monitor for my primary work tasks in Microsoft Word. I used the Pro 14 Plus to swap between Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Edge, Slack, and Pixelmator Pro. I found a good compromise using Excel to take up roughly 2/3 of the screen real estate and Slack for the 1/3. I used the entire screen when working in Edge and Pixelmator.

I also used the display to watch a few films in the background as I worked. I watched Disney’s Lightyear, which critics panned, but I found it to be enjoyable when I first saw it with my son when it was initially released in theaters. The colors looked well-saturated with the screen brightness set to maximum.

Then, I placed the Pro 14 Plus side-by-side with the ViewSonic TD1656-2K; I had to give the edge to the latter with its glossy screen finish. The images looked a tad crisper and more vibrant, even with the brightness disadvantage. I’m a sucker for glossy displays: my laptop’s display and my desktop monitor have a glossy finish, so I naturally gravitate towards them.

Bottom Line

It’s hard to argue with the Dell Pro 14 Plus’s fundamentals. It offers a 14-inch 1200p display that is bright and colorful, the build quality is impeccable, and it has a versatile stand that allows the monitor to be used in landscape or portrait mode. Dell even includes a carrying case in the box.

However, with a sticker price of $329, it would have been nice for Dell to have included some decent speakers on the Pro 14 Plus. A full OSD would also help make better use of this excellent panel for multiple viewing scenarios.

For just $300, you can get the ViewSonic TD1656-2K, which offers a larger, 2560 x 1600 display, touch support in Windows 11 and macOS, and built-in speakers. That would be my pick if you’re looking for a portable monitor in the $300+ price range.

It’s been a year since we looked at KYY’s X90A portable monitor, but the company is back with a new variant called the X90D. The X90D seems strikingly similar to its elder sibling, but has slightly larger display panels, each measuring 15.6 inches across.

The resolution stays the same at 1920 x 1080, and KYY includes what we loved about the original: the integrated kickstand and multiple operating modes to suit your needs. Even better, the X90D is available for well below the $400 price of the X90A we reviewed in early 2024. Does the X90D now allow KYY to strike it big on the list of the best portable monitors? Read on to find out.

Design of the KYY X90D Triple Portable Monitor

The KYY X90D looks just like the X90A, albeit with slightly larger display panels (15.6 inches versus 14 inches). The similarities pay off regarding build quality, as this is a solid, well-built unit with a chassis made entirely of aluminum. It's also hefty, weighing 3.2 pounds, but that’s the price you must pay to lug around two 15.6-inch display panels and the accompanying hardware.

The X90D’s displays both feature a 360-degree hinge. In the Extended mode, both displays flank your laptop's built-in display. You can adjust the hinge to achieve your desired viewing angle for both. In Presentation mode, you can swing both displays backward to share your screens with people sitting across from you.

There are also in-between modes, which make use of only one panel. Depending on how you position the stand and/or built-in kickstand, you can use just one display mounted horizontally or vertically.

The kickstand is also constructed of aluminum and features a stiff hinge. It can support the full weight of the X90D and is highly adjustable to achieve an ideal viewing angle with the dual displays.

According to KYY, the X90D is optimized to work with 12- to 16-inch laptops. I primarily used the X90D with a 14-inch MacBook Pro, which nestled perfectly between the twin panels. In addition, the black finish of the X90D nearly matched the Space Black of my laptop.

Each display panel has a set of controls on the bottom bezel. The right display panel features +/-, Menu, and Power buttons, while the left panel features +/- and Menu. There are also only two ports on the monitor, both USB-C.

The X90D will connect with laptops that support Thunderbolt or USB-C with DisplayPort Alt-Mode. If your laptop provides enough juice, the X90D will operate with a single USB-C cable. However, if you need auxiliary power, KYY wisely includes an additional USB-C to USB-A cable and a USB-A wall adapter in the box.

Unfortunately, unlike the Limink LK14, the X90D doesn’t come with a case or screen protectors. This makes transporting the portable monitor, with its rotating screens just dangling loosely in space when stowed, highly susceptible to damage. I would gladly pay an extra $5 or $10 to get a decent carrying case specifically designed for the X90D in the box from the factory.

KYY X90D Triple Portable Monitor Specifications

Connecting the KYY X90D Triple Portable Monitor

Given the lack of HDMI ports on the X90D, you're out of luck if your laptop lacks Thunderbolt ports or support for DisplayPort Alt-Mode over USB-C. This is disappointing for users with older laptops or anyone with a Raspberry Pi who wants to partake in some dual-screen action.

However, since my MacBook Pro has three Thunderbolt 4 ports, it was fully equipped to accommodate the X90D. Better yet, the MacBook Pro can power the X90D with a single cable, which cuts down on the cable clutter that can sometimes arise with competing dual-screen portable monitor solutions.

I'm used to just plugging in a monitor and it being instantly recognized by the operating system. That wasn't the case here. I plugged the X90D into my MacBook Pro, and it powered on. Then, it gave me "No Signal" warnings on both displays. It next showed, "Entering Low Power Mode" and then shut down. In my haste, I hadn't bothered to look at the quick start guide, which said I first needed to install a display driver for the monitor. Luckily, KYY provides a thumb drive that has both USB-A and USB-C connectors for universal support. I plugged the thumb drive in, selected the version of the driver that supports macOS Sequoia, and installed it on my system.

At that point, I plugged the X90D's USB-C cable back into the MacBook Pro and both displays fired up as expected. MacOS Sequoia defaulted to extend my desktop on the right display and mirror my laptop's internal display on the left display. After navigating to display settings and flipping a couple of switches, I had the X90D operating as an extended display on both panels, expanding my workspace on either side of my MacBook Pro's internal display.

OSD on the KYY X90D Triple Portable Monitor

Each display on the X90D has its own on-screen display (OSD) and set of controls for navigation. This can come in handy, as you can choose from five preset display modes: Standard, Game, Movie, Photo, and Vivid. If you want to devote one screen to watching a movie and one for gaming, you can dial in settings specifically to suit the needs of each.

It takes a while to become acclimated with the OSD. You first press the Menu button to bring up the OSD, then use the + or – buttons to navigate right or left. You then press the Menu button again to go deeper into a submenu. Once you’ve landed on an actionable item, you can use the +/- buttons to increase or decrease the value (i.e., brightness, contrast, black level, sharpness, etc.).

Besides the usual color and brightness settings, there are controls for the OSD time, and vertical/horizontal positioning of the OSD window. Unfortunately, KYY hasn’t fixed my main gripe with the OSD controls from the X90A. The X90D still positions the controls on the lower right corner (left display) and lower left corner (right display). That places the controls precariously close to the hinge and where your laptop meets the central spine of the X90D. It makes navigating the OSD awkward as you must angle your fingers into the narrow nook to make adjustments.

Image Quality on the KYY X90D Triple Portable Monitor

The X90D is a dual-screen IPS portable monitor, with each Full HD (1920 x 1080) display measuring 15.6 inches across. The monitor has a claimed maximum brightness of 300 nits, a contrast ratio of 1,200:1, and a 60Hz refresh rate. The display panels also have a matte finish, which helps to cut down on reflections.

According to our colorimeter testing, the X90D improved upon the X90A in color performance. In the Standard picture setting (the default mode), we measured 81.3 percent coverage of sRGB and 57.6 percent of DCI-P3. While those are appreciable gains over its predecessor, things took a step backwards regarding overall brightness.

We measured 181.4 nits maximum panel brightness for both panels on the X90D. For comparison, the X90A achieved 227.8 nits with default settings, which was already at the bottom of the class. If there's any consolation, the Game and Vivid modes boosted maximum brightness to 201.2 nits and 203.6 nits, respectively.

I noticed slightly more accurate colors, particularly in the reds and greens, compared to the disappointing performance of the elder X90A. I watched several movies with the left display while going through my daily work routine with my laptop’s internal display and the right display. The 2002 Leonardo DiCaprio flick Catch Me if You Can looked great on the monitor with its 1960’s aesthetic and bright color palette, as did the first three episodes of Marvel’s Daredevil: Born Again. My only major complaint about the monitor is regarding brightness.

With spring approaching, and daytime temperatures in the mid-70s here in the southern states, I like to spend part of the afternoon working on my back porch to get some fresh air and listen to nature. However, the displays weren’t as bright as I wanted them to be to counteract the ambient light. Of course, it’s hard to make fair comparisons when X90D is flanking the far superior (and much brighter) internal Mini-LED display on my MacBook Pro, but KYY could do better here.

Honestly, most people will likely stick to using the X90D indoors, where its brightness was more than adequate under the overhead LED lighting in my home. Whether I was watching movies, working on Word documents, or bashing around in Pixelmator Pro, the dual 1920 x 1080 displays were more than up to the task of handling those tasks.

Bottom Line

The KYY X90D is an impressive piece of kit. It has a well-built and sleek aluminum chassis, and its color performance improves upon the X90A that came before it. However, the X90D isn’t perfect – no product is. Maximum brightness regressed, and KYY still hasn’t changed the awkward positioning of the OSD controls. In addition, KYY doesn’t provide a case in the box to protect the display panels from damage when not in use.

But those foibles can be overlooked given the X90D’s price tag. When we reviewed the X90A last year, it had a street price of around $400. The X90D, with its larger displays, costs just $250 on Amazon (in black or grey). That’s a game-changer for a dual-display portable monitor of this caliber, and it’s definitely worthy of your attention if you’re in the market.

ViewSonic currently offers a portable monitor lineup consisting of 10 distinct products. These monitors cover a broad spectrum of usage cases, with models ranging from 60 Hz 15.6-inch 1080p IPS panels to 17.3-inch panels with a 144 Hz refresh rate. We even recently reviewed a ViewSonic OLED portable monitor that delivers stunning color.

Fitting somewhere in the middle of ViewSonic’s vast portable monitor family is the VX1654, a gaming entry with 1080p resolution and a speedy (for a portable monitor) 144 Hz refresh rate. The VX1654 even supports AMD FreeSync technology to enhance your gaming experience further.

With a street price of $150, the VX1654 is a relatively affordable option among the best portable monitors for those looking to expand their gaming horizons.

Design of the ViewSonic VX1654

After being spoiled by the ultra-thin design of the VX1655-4K-OLED and the aluminum construction of sub-$100 budget entries into the 15.6-inch 1080p portable monitor segment, the VX1654 doesn’t give a good first impression. While the unit is lightweight (just 1.5 pounds), it feels incredibly cheap and hollow – almost like a toy you’d find at Dollar Tree.

It feels so thin and cheap that I could tear the whole thing apart with just a slight twist of the frame. Compared to the aluminum construction of the $70 Arzopa A1, the $150 VX1654 is a major downgrade. Perhaps ViewSonic realized that durability would be a concern because it includes a thickly padded zipper carrying case for the VX1654 in the box.

The VX1654 has relatively thin bezels along the top and sides (around a ¼ of an inch), while the bottom bezel is much thicker at around one inch. While the VX1654 gets the short end of the stick regarding materials usage and construction, ViewSonic has at least provided an integrated kickstand for propping up the monitor at your desired viewing angle. One bonus with the kickstand is that its design supports the VX1654 in landscape or portrait orientation.

All the VX1654’s ports are on the display's left side. There, you’ll find two USB-C ports, a mini-HDMI port, and a 3.5 mm headphone jack. A 5-way joystick is mounted on the right rear of the chassis, allowing you to navigate the on-screen display (OSD).

ViewSonic VX1654 Specifications

On-Screen Display of the ViewSonic VX1654

All ViewSonic portable monitors share a similar OSD design; however, the feature set separates the various models. Whereas the VG1656N is more functionally stripped down (particularly with color mode options), the VX1654’s OSD is stocked with configuration options.

Like the VX1655-4K-OLED, you’ll find a handful of picture modes (Office, Movie, MAC, Mono, and Game) and the ability to tweak color temperature and adjust audio settings. Since the VX1654 is billed as a gaming monitor, you’ll also find a setting to turn AMD FreeSync support on or off. We confirmed that this feature works as advertised in Windows 11.

The OSD is controlled via a five-way joystick mounted conveniently on the back of the VX1654. Pressing in on the joystick brings up the OSD and selects actionable items. You navigate the OSD menu by moving up, down, left, and right with the joystick. A directional arrow diagram appears within the OSD to tell you how to navigate with the joystick.

Image Quality and Audio on the ViewSonic VX1654

The VX1654 features a 15.6-inch IPS display with a Full HD (1920 x 1080) resolution. However, increasing the maximum refresh rate from 60 Hz to 144 Hz sets it apart from other portable monitors. That refresh rate bump is complemented by support for AMD FreeSync, which minimizes frame tearing while gaming.

FreeSync is off by default, but I enabled the setting within the OSD to test in Windows 11. I confirmed that the 144 Hz refresh rate and FreeSync were enabled for my gaming sessions, which included my tried-and-true favorites like Red Dead Redemption 2 and Cyberpunk 2077. I also dabbled a bit in an oldie but goodie: Marvel’s Avengers.

The VX1654 had the demeanor of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde in our instrumented testing. We post the default, out-of-the-box results for sRGB and DCI-P3 color results and brightness in our reviews. Even when portable monitors offer different picture modes that alter the color settings, we don’t typically see a massive variance in the results. However, the VX1654 showed huge swings from one extreme to the other.

Using the default factory settings, the VX1654 covered 27.8 percent of DCI-P3 and 39.2 percent of sRGB, which are dismal results, even for some of the more budget-oriented panels we tested. However, the “Display Mode Text” setting in the OSD bumped the DCI-P3 and sRGB figures to 62.8 percent and 44.5 percent, respectively. However, the maximum measured brightness dipped to 219.4 nits.

The colors on the panel didn’t look off-hue, with reds skewing orange and blues that looked less saturated than competing panels. If your only concern is to score decent frame rates while gaming on the go, then the panel is adequate. But if you’re expecting more accurate colors, definitely look elsewhere.

With a pair of 0.8-watt speakers onboard, the VX1654 also didn’t impress on the audio front. Sound quality was lacking, which seems to be a running theme with the VX1654 across many areas. Audio distortion increased with higher volume levels, while music sounded flat and lifeless.

Bottom Line

The VX1654 is billed as a gaming monitor first and foremost, and ViewSonic devoted most of its resources to achieving a 144 Hz refresh rate with AMD FreeSync support. Every other aspect of the product took a backseat: the chassis is flimsy, the color support is lacking, and the speakers don’t sound good.

If you can still find one from online retailers, the Arzopa G1 is a far better choice. It is also around the $150 mark. The company also offers the Z1RC gaming monitor for around $100. It has a 144 Hz refresh rate but lacks Adaptive-Sync support.

Overall, the VX1654 is a low-effort product from ViewSonic designed to advertise a high refresh rate in a segment that lacks considerable options. However, there’s more to a product than a single bullet point on a spec sheet.

Over the years, desktop monitor users have taken 4K resolution for granted, and it is the high watermark for gaming. Typically, we see 4K panels in monitors ranging from 27 to 32 inches. But who’s to say that consumers in the market for the best portable monitors can’t enjoy the same high-resolution goodness afforded to desktop users?

ViewSonic offers several 4K portable monitors, including the VX1655-4K-OLED. This monitor has a 4K resolution with a 16-inch panel, translating to an incredible 275 pixels per inch (PPI). As its name implies, it features a vibrant OLED panel with a glossy finish. It also includes one of our favorite features on a portable monitor: an integrated kickstand.

The VX1655-4K-OLED doesn’t come cheap with a price tag approaching $500, but let’s look at how that price tag is justified.

Design of the ViewSonic VX1655-4K-OLED

The design of the VX1655-4K-OLED is striking for one reason: its thinness. Due to the self-emissive nature of OLEDs, which don’t require a backlight, ViewSonic was able to dramatically reduce the panel’s thickness compared to other portable monitors with traditional IPS panels. On my ruler, it measured just 3/16 of an inch, an incredible feat in this segment. The thinness also extends to the display bezels, which measure just 1/8 of an inch along the sides and top. At an inch thick, the bottom bezel is much larger. It also houses the ViewSonic branding front and center.

However, ViewSonic makes a fair compromise to achieve this thinness — all the ports are built into the integrated kickstand. At Tom’s Hardware, we love kickstands, and the one on the VX1655-4K-OLED is fantastic. It lets you choose your viewing angle easily and incorporates dual USB-C ports (with 60-watt passthrough capabilities), a joystick for navigating the OSD, a mini-HDMI port, and a 3.5 mm headphone jack. The VX1655-4K-OLED’s speakers are also integrated into this do-it-all kickstand.

Another benefit of having all the ports on the kickstand is that they are out of the way, and out of sight. Most portable monitors have their ports on the display panel’s side, meaning that USB-C or HDMI cables jutting out can be an eyesore.

ViewSonic includes many accessories in the box, including two USB-C cables, a mini-HDMI to HDMI cable, a 60-watt USB-C power adapter, and a magnetic cover that protects the display's glossy finish while traveling.

ViewSonic VX1655-4K-OLED Specifications

On-Screen Display of the ViewSonic VX1655-4K-OLED

Unlike the ViewSonic VG1656N and TD1656-2K I recently reviewed, the VX1655-4K-OLED features a comprehensive on-screen display (OSD). Those former two monitors didn’t feature picture modes, color modes, or even the option to adjust the OSD timeout. However, the VX1655-4K-OLED offers five preset picture modes (Office, Movie, MAC, Mono, and Game), along with contrast/brightness, HDR, color space, and color temperature.

You can even tweak the aspect ratio or enable the blue light filter, if you desire. Finally, there are various OSD-specific tweaks (timeout, size, position, background), ECO mode adjustments, and the ability to set an auto-sleep mode due to inactivity.

You control the OSD using a five-way joystick. Pressing in on the joystick brings up the OSD (and selects an option). You navigate the OSD menu by moving up, down, left, and right with the joystick. A handy directional arrow appears on the screen when in the OSD to tell you which operation the joystick will control depending on the current menu selection.

Image Quality and Audio on the ViewSonic VX1655-4K-OLED

The VX1655-4K-OLED features a 15.6-inch OLED display with a 4K resolution. OLED displays aren’t nearly as prevalent in the portable monitor arena as they are for desktops, let alone those that sport an expansive 4K resolution (3840 x 2160). However, you must temper any high-fps gaming aspirations that you may have given the maximum 60 Hz refresh rate.

Our instrumented tests largely showed that the VX1655-4K-OLED trailed its OLED-equipped peers in nearly every category. Its 89.3 percent coverage of DCI-P3 and 126 percent coverage of sRGB put it well behind the others. With a maximum brightness of 347.2 nits, the VX1655-4K-OLED came in fourth place out of five.

ViewSonic’s ColorPro VP16-OLED scores better all-around, but its native resolution is just 1080p. The other 4K OLED monitor in this test, the Espresso 17 Pro, also outperformed the VX1655-4K-OLED in every metric, but it has an $800 price tag.

Looking past the numbers, the VX1655-4K-OLED impressed in everyday tasks. Colors looked amazing, and the brightness was more than enough in my brightly-lit home office. I had none of the color irregularities I saw in the VG1656N, with media content looking vibrant and true to life. Everything I played on it, from games to movies, looked great, with colors that popped in the former, and realistic skin tones in the latter. My only issue with the screen was reflections with the glossy display, but some careful angling of the screen using the kickstand was enough to vanquish most of them.

However, the speakers were a different story, as they sounded dreadful. Most portable monitors have speakers that are mediocre at best, but the speakers in the VX1655-4K-OLED are next-level bad. Music is muddled, with non-existent bass and distortion when the volume is increased. Speech is even affected; as I watched a segment of Saturday Night Live’s “Weekend Update,” the hosts sounded like they were broadcasting inside a plastic tub. Including the speakers was a checkbox addition for ViewSonic with the VX1655-4K-OLED, and it’s a horrid one. ViewSonic would have been better off omitting the speakers, as they are not on the level of the rest of the package that the VX1655-4K-OLED represents.

Bottom Line

The ViewSonic VX1655-4K-OLED excels at its primary mission: providing a great monitor. Its razor-thin body, slim bezels, and versatile kickstand make a great first impression. Its real-world visuals also impress, with a sharp 4K resolution OLED panel, nicely saturated colors, deep blacks, and excellent viewing angles.

The VX1655-4K-OLED's one big misstep is the integrated speaker system, which sounds horrible. We expect much better from ViewSonic for a portable monitor that costs $460 on sale. While the price tag is rather steep, a comparable 17-inch Espresso 17 Pro will set you back $800 (although you get touch support with that monitor).

If you can swing nearly $500 for a portable monitor, the VX1655-4K-OLED has excellent fundamentals if you need the extra resolution for your daily workflow. However, just don’t use speakers – you’ll thank me later.

ViewSonic is one of the most prolific portable monitor manufacturers. The company makes monitors in various sizes and resolutions, some geared toward general consumers and others more toward a professional audience. Due to its interesting feature set, ViewSonic’s VG1656N could appeal to a wide range of users.

Not only does the VG1656N go a step beyond the usual 1920 x 1080 resolution by offering a slightly taller, 1920 x 1200 panel, but it also supports wireless connectivity to a smartphone, tablet, or smartphone. This wireless support is achieved with a USB-C dongle that you plug into your computing device. Since it supports wireless functionality, it should be no surprise that the VG1656N also has a built-in battery to give you an authentic, wire-free experience. With a street price of less than $300, the VG1656N is designed to compete against the best portable monitors currently available.

Design of the ViewSonic VG1656N

The VG1656N is a 16-inch portable monitor with an unassuming appearance and a roughly 2-pound body made of plastic and aluminum. The main chassis (rear panel and sides) is made of aluminum, while the display bezels are made of black plastic. The top and side bezels measure just under a quarter of an inch, while the bottom bezel is half an inch thick. The only adornment on the front of the display is the word “ViewSonic” imprinted on the bottom bezel.

Speaker grills take up the upper half of the left and right side panels, and there’s one USB-C port on each side of the monitor. You get two USB-C ports, but no provisions for HDMI or DisplayPort connections. There’s also a Power button and a rocker switch to adjust the volume and navigate the OSD.

You’d never know it from looking at the monitor, but it includes a built-in 4,000 mAh battery to support its wireless mode, which provides up to three hours of endurance. When combined with the included power adapter, the VG1656N supports 60-watt passthrough over USB-C to a connected laptop.

Although the VG1656N doesn’t include a built-in kickstand, it does include a magnetic Smart Cover in the box. The Smart Cover allows the VG1656N to be used in landscape (at various angles) or portrait orientations. When the monitor is not in use, the Smart Cover fully envelopes the VG1656N to protect it during transport.

The VG1656N measures 14.04 x 9.25 x 0.38 inches and weighs 1.9 pounds without the stand (3.1 pounds with the included Smart Cover).

In addition to the Smart Cover, a USB-C cable and a 60-watt USB-C power adapter are included in the box. Another critical accessory that you’ll find is ViewSonic’s VG19948 USB-C wireless dongle. This device lets you wirelessly cast content from your laptop or smartphone to the VG1656N. The main body is made of rigid plastic and features a flexible cord that contains the USB-C connector. There’s a single connection status LCD and a pinhole button for pairing the dongle with the VG1656N. Of course, you don’t have to use the dongle – you can rely on the tried and true USB-C connection if you desire.

ViewSonic VG1656N Specifications

Wireless Support on the ViewSonic VG1656N

The headlining feature of the VG1656N is its wireless casting support via the VG19948 USB-C dongle. I successfully paired the USB-C dongle with a MacBook Pro, Mac mini, Lenovo ThinkPad X1 convertible, and an iPhone.

When connected to the iPhone, the VG1656N was treated as an AirPlay display, allowing video and audio to be transmitted wirelessly. Although I don’t have a personal use case for navigating iOS on a 16-inch portable display, playing games or video on the VG1656N is quite fun. I had plenty of fun playing Alto’s Adventure and GTA: Vice City on the comfort of a 16-inch display versus the 6.1-inch display of my iPhone 16 Pro.

The VG1656N also worked as expected in macOS 15.3 and Windows 11. Again, the monitor showed up as an AirPlay device in macOS and as a standard wireless display in Windows 11. Multimedia content was flawless, and I didn’t notice any syncing issues. For example, lip movements are accurately synced with speech. However, I noticed the slightest hint of lag when using my mouse and scrolling.

The VG1656N's built-in battery allows you to enjoy multimedia content or perform everyday productivity tasks without wires crisscrossing your desk. Another bonus of the built-in battery and wireless connectivity is that when using the VG1656N in portrait mode, you don’t have an unsightly USB-C cable sticking straight up in the air that then wraps around to connect to your PC.

On-Screen Display of the ViewSonic VG1656N

The VG1656N’s OSD looks nearly identical to the one featured on the TD1656-2K, which I reviewed in late 2024. When the OSD is inactive, the rocker switch adjusts the volume up or down. Pressing the power button invokes the OSD, after which the rocker switch functions to navigate up and down through the menu system—the power button then acts as an action comment.

The only picture settings available are to adjust brightness or contrast. There are no additional color modes or HDR options for the display. An audio menu allows you to choose from three settings: Standard, Voice, Movie, and Music. The only other notable option is the Input Select, which gives three options: USB-C, Wi-Fi Display, and Wi-Fi Re-pair. The first two settings are self-explanatory, while the third one reestablishes the connection between the wireless USB-C dongle and the VG1656N if there’s ever a problem.

As with the TD1656-2K, there are no settings for OSD positioning or even an OSD timeout. The last omission stings, because the OSD, by default, times out after just a few seconds.

Image quality and audio on the ViewSonic VG1656N

The VG1656N uses a 16-inch IPS panel with a 1920 x 1200 resolution. The panel is matte-finished to diminish reflections that might otherwise mar the viewing experience.

Looking at the actual instrumented test figures for the VG1656N, we can see where ViewSonic chose to devote most of its resources. You can’t have a large internal battery and wireless functionality in a 16-inch monitor for under $300 without some compromises, and ViewSonic chose to compromise on the display.

The IPS panel struggled in our color gamut tests, covering just 39.3 percent of DCI-P3 and 55.5 percent of sRGB. This put it behind even the Philips 16B1P3300, one of the worst performers in our testing database. At 238 nits, maximum brightness was also behind the competition.

In everyday use, the colors on the VG1656N didn’t look very vibrant or lifelike. I’m a 1/24 scale car modeling hobbyist, so I often watch videos of YouTubers painting, building, and customizing kits. I watched a video of a 1/24 scale Tamiya Mercedes 300SL Gullwing being assembled and the dashboard is painted bright red in real life. However, it looked reddish orange on the VG1656N. These color discrepancies were noticeable in all content and were even more unbearable because there were no color adjustments available in the OSD to massage the end result.

However, not all is bad here. The added vertical resolution is appreciated for web browsing, spreadsheets, and word processing. And despite offering the lowest maximum brightness of the assembled competition, I found the output more than adequate in my home office setting.

The VG1656N includes a pair of 2-watt speakers. I used the speakers to listen to music, movies, and podcasts. As with the TD1656-2K, speech output was OK, but music and films lacked any dynamic range, and bass was non-existent. Not many people buy portable monitors expecting to be blown away by the sound output, and ViewSonic wisely chose to focus its product budget elsewhere.

Bottom Line

ViewSonic has largely succeeded in creating a compelling, do-it-all portable monitor with the VG1656N. It offers a large 16-inch IPS panel with a 1920 x 1200 resolution and includes a Smart Cover in the case. The cover provides adequate protection for the display when not in use and doubles as a highly adjustable stand for use in portrait or landscape modes.

However, the VG1656N's crowning achievement is its wireless functionality, supported by the included USB-C dongle. Coupled with the integrated battery, this allows for a true, wire-free display when used as a primary or secondary monitor.

The VG1656N's poor color performance, which cannot be rectified due to limited OSD controls, is a letdown. In addition, the speakers are lacking, although this is true of most portable monitors.

That said, the VG1656N offers a lot of functionality for the buck. At around $270, it is an intriguing choice if the wireless feature is a benefit to you.

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In early 2024, I reviewed two of the best portable monitors from Espresso: the 13 Touch and the 17 Pro. Both monitors offer attractive, high-quality designs and beefy magnetic stands. However, one true standout feature was the ability to support touch and pen input within macOS in addition to Windows.

Espresso is back with an updated version of its 15-inch monitor, the Display 15. It addresses one of our issues with the previous generation: price. The Display 15 costs just $299, putting it in line with premium entries in the 15-inch portable monitor class. However, it had to sacrifice some features, like touch support and integrated speakers, to reach this price point.

Design of the Espresso Display 15

Like its siblings, the Display 15 is made of aerospace aluminum, giving it a premium feel. However, aluminum isn’t the rarity it once was in this space—even sub-$100 portable monitors feature the lightweight material in their construction. The Display 15 shines with its thicker gauge of metal and minimal flex, which imparts a sense of robustness.

As for the actual design of the Display 15, it’s somewhat odd compared to traditional portable monitors. You usually find portable monitors with thin bezels on all four sides, and occasionally, you’ll come across one with a double-width bottom bezel. The Display 15 bucks this trend thin bezels on the top, right, and left sides. The bottom bezel, however, is ginormous. The top and side bezels measure roughly 0.25 inches, while the bottom bezel (the glass portion) measures nearly an inch. In addition, the “chin” of the monitor extends a further 1.25 inches.

This makes for a somewhat awkward-looking, bottom-heavy design. It’s not an issue if you want to use the monitor in its standard landscape orientation, but its magnetic stand allows you to shift the Display 15 to portrait orientation. In portrait mode, the oddly shaped bottom bezel looks out of place.

Speaking of the stand, Espresso calls it the Stand+. It’s a refinement of the company’s previous magnetic stand, allowing you to adjust the height and tilt of the Display 15 easily. And since it’s magnetic, it firmly attaches to the back of the Display 15 without issue. You can then rotate the display in landscape or portrait mode to suit your viewing needs. It’s constructed of aluminum, like the monitor itself, and includes a weighted base and rubber feet to prevent it from sliding around on your desk.

The Stand+ goes one step further than the original with a new extension that allows the monitor to sit even higher off your desk. For example, you could mount the Display 15 on the Stand+ behind and above your laptop’s display. This would essentially give you a double-stacked display, which could be beneficial in some usage cases.

Regarding connectivity, you’ll find two USB-C ports on the bottom right side of the Display 15. Since it only has two USB-C ports for connectivity, you’ll need a laptop or desktop with a USB-C port that supports DisplayPort Alt-Mode. Otherwise, Espresso will gladly sell you a 3-foot HDMI or DisplayPort cable for $45 each. There aren’t any physical controls for adjusting brightness or accessing an OSD – all the controls are accessible using the EspressoFlow app for macOS or Windows.

The box includes the Stand+, a microfiber cloth to clean the glass covering, a quick-start guide, and a purple USB-C to USB-C cable.

One thing to note is that the Display 15 lacks touch functionality and integrated speakers. While this helps keep costs down, it is important to keep in mind that most portable monitors shipping today have speakers.

Espresso Display 15 Monitor Specifications

Display Performance on the Espresso Display 15

The Display 15 uses a 60 Hz, 15-inch 1080p IPS panel covered in glass (glossy finish). The factory-calibrated display is spec’d for 300 nits of maximum brightness, which is about average for portable monitors.

In our instrumented tests, the Display 15 performed similarly to the smaller, 13 Touch. We measured 77.6 percent coverage of DCI-P3 and 109.6 percent of sRGB. These figures were within a few points of the 13 Touch. There was a more significant variance in the maximum brightness, as our light meter measured just 258 nits for the Display 15 versus 274.6 nits for the 13 Touch. The Display 15 turned in the lowest numbers of all the assembled competitors, with the ViewSonic TD1656-2K leading the field, by far, at 363 nits.

However, in everyday use, the brightness was more than adequate in dimly lit or brightly lit rooms. The display was bright enough to counteract environmental reflections on the glossy finish.

I used the display for my daily workflow: browsing in Microsoft Edge, editing photos in Pixelmator Pro, typing in Microsoft Word, and watching YouTube videos or Sling TV in the background as I work. I found the display crisp and colorful in everyday use, with hardly any light falloff when viewing content at extreme angles.

No OSD is built into the Display 15, so to adjust brightness and contrast controls, you’ll need to use the EspressoFlow app, which is a separate download. You can adjust the brightness, contrast, and scaling of the picture. EspressoFlow also enables autorotation of the display, so when you shift from portrait to landscape orientations, the picture automatically adjusts without you having to delve into the operating system’s display settings.

Bottom Line

The Espresso Display 15 is a rather intriguing portable monitor, partly thanks to its versatile stand. The Stand+ allows you to place the Display 15 beside or above your laptop, in portrait or landscape orientation. The separate stand also allows the Display 15 to be incredibly thin—it’s barely thicker than the two onboard USB-C ports.

One of the things that we harped on with the 13 Touch and 17 Pro was the price, priced at $469 and $799, respectively. Likewise, the Touch 15 costs $549. The Display 15 is far more affordable at $299. However, to reach that price point, Espresso had to remove the onboard speakers (which weren’t that great in the first place) and the touch functionality. I think the touch functionality, especially in macOS, combined with the excellent EspressoFlow software, is the “killer app” for Espresso monitors. Without it, the Display 15 is more akin to other mainstream monitors on the market, albeit with a trick stand.

With this in mind, you should ask yourself if the Stand+ and high-quality construction are worth a $200+ premium over monitors like the Arzopa A1. In addition, at the $299 price point, the ViewSonic TD1656-2K is worth considering. It has a larger 16-inch IPS display, integrated speakers, and touch support in macOS and Windows 11. We’d consider it a much better buy, especially if you need touch support.

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Chinese e-ink manufacturer Dasung just launched the Paperlike 103, a 10.3-inch e-ink display that boasts a 60 Hz refresh rate, lifting e-ink screens to par with many LED screens on the market in terms of refresh rate. According to Chinese tech outlet Sina (machine translated), this new portable device offers a 1,874 x 1,404 pixels resolution, giving it a 4:3 aspect ratio which is great for productivity tasks like reading and typing. It also sports a front light with adjustable brightness and color temperature, helping you avoid eyestrain when looking at the screen for extended periods.

Dasung has been working on other fast-refresh e-ink displays and monitors, and it has already introduced a 25.3-inch curved black and white e-ink screen with a resolution of 3,200 x 1,800 pixels. Aside from that, it was the first in the world to offer a color e-ink monitor, back in 2023, and it also started offering a 12-inch portable color e-ink touchscreen monitor in the U.S. last year.

However, these displays usually only had refresh rates of around 30 Hz to 40 Hz, which can make using them feel less responsive, especially if you’re used to higher refresh rates. The introduction of the Paperlike 103 will hopefully solve this issue, as its 60 Hz refresh rate is the standard that most ordinary LED TVs use today.

This might not sound like much of an achievement, especially as many affordable portable devices now use 90 Hz and 120 Hz displays, and high-end gaming monitors and TVs can already reach refresh rates of 360 Hz or more without outlandish prices attached. But you should note that these emissive displays that can cause optical stress and suck far more power.

In contrast, e-ink displays use so much less power, and they can even retain the last viewed information on the screen without power. Furthermore, these screens are not backlit or light emissive, meaning you need ambient light to see them. While some may consider that a disadvantage, those who are used to staring at a screen for several hours daily might consider this a godsend.

Despite these advancements, e-ink screens are still way behind LED (or even CRT) display technology when it comes to color accuracy, HDR, and several other features. However, the introduction of 60 Hz refresh rates should go a long way towards making e-ink more useful for productivity use — like writing or working with spreadsheets — alongside its more common application in e-readers.

A portable monitor can provide an extra screen for your laptop when you travel, serve as a compact display for a Raspberry Pi project, help you test a desktop that's still on your workbench, or even connect to a game console when you take it on vacation. When it comes to the best portable monitors, we prioritize good image quality, a lightweight chassis, strong usability, and versatile connectivity options.

There is a lot of variety in this space, with prices ranging from around $50 to well over $700 and screen sizes measuring from 10.5 inches to 18.5+ inches and beyond. You can find portable monitors with a 4K resolution, 240Hz+ refresh rates, touch input, and even wireless connectivity.

No matter what kind of user you are, I'm sure you can find a portable monitor that suits your needs at a price you're comfortable with. With this in mind, I've tested a range of brands and models to help you find the best portable monitor for your needs.

Below are our top choices, followed by some portable monitor shopping tips and details on how we benchmark. If you're looking for a screen that stays on your desk, check out our list of the best gaming monitors.

Prime Day Exceptional Portable Monitor Deal

Here is standout deal from the Prime Day event, which is currently taking place. Our list of best overall picks continues below.

The Best Portable Monitors You Can Buy Today

Best Overall Portable Monitor

The ViewSonic TD1656-2K is the sweet sport when it comes to portable monitors. Not only does it have a large 16-inch IPS panel, but it also boasts a generous 2K (2560 x 1600) display. At this price point, you’re usually stuck with 1080p or 1200p panels, so the TD1656-2K is a cut above the rest.

The TD1656-2K also has multi-touch, which is natively supported in Windows 11. However, that support also extends to macOS thanks to ViewSonic’s vTouch software package. An active stylus pen is also included in the box to assist in taking notes or drawing images in macOS or Windows.

Beyond the excellent hardware features (including a premium-feeling aluminum chassis), the TD1656-2K was near the top of the class in DCI-P3 and sRGB coverage and topped all competitors in brightness (363 nits).

More: ViewSonic TD1656-2K Review

Best Budget Portable Monitor

Over the past few years, we’ve seen a race to the bottom with respect to portable monitor pricing. However, the steep decline in street prices doesn’t mean that you have to contend with extremely poor quality (as was once the case in this segment).

Enter the Arzopa A1, which is a value-priced, no-frills 15.6-inch portable monitor. It has a 1080p resolution, which is standard for this class, and an integrated kickstand (which we absolutely love for portable monitors).

The A1 features two USB-C ports and even includes a mini-HDMI port (which is sometimes left out to reach a lower price point). I was even surprised at the dual 1-watt speakers, which offer good clarity and output. This is almost unheard of in a portable monitor that costs well under $100.

You can’t have it all regarding a budget monitor, and the A1 does fall behind the competition in color performance. In addition, its maximum brightness (which we measured at 228 nits) was vastly outperformed by its competitors. However, the current street price for the A1 is $70, making it an easy pick for value-conscious consumers.

More: Arzopa A1 review

Best Portable Monitor for Productivity

We’ve previously been impressed with the Espresso Displays 17 Pro, a 17-inch portable monitor that offers a remarkable picture, a high-quality chassis, and a trick magnetic stand. Now, the company has delivered a slightly smaller counterpart that still has all of those perks with a lower price tag.

The new 15 Pro features a 15.6-inch IPS panel (down from 17.3 inches), but still retains a 4K (3840 x 2160) resolution. Espresso Displays also managed to improve upon the 17 Pro by boosting the maximum brightness by over 50 percent in our testing.

The monitor ships with the Stand+, which is a versatile articulating stand that magnetically attaches to the back. Because of the magnets, you can easily transition the 15 Pro from landscape to portrait mode. Likewise, you can adjust the height and tilt to suit your viewing preferences. There’s also an extra hinged “leg” at the bottom of the stand that allows you to position the 15 Pro above your laptop’s integrated display.

But the perks don’t end there. The 15 Pro also has multi-touch support, which works natively in Windows 11. However, that support extends to macOS when you install the free EspressFlow software. EspressoFlow also lets you configure virtual desktops for the 15 Pro.

With a price tag of $699, the 15 Pro isn’t cheap, but it offers a complete package for productivity warriors who crave some extra display resolution, flexibility with viewing modes, and a well-integrated software experience.

More: Espresso Displays 15 Pro Review

Best Portable Gaming Monitor

The Nexigo NG17FGQ achieves a feat that we don't often see in the portable monitor realm: it offers a tantalizing 300Hz refresh rate in a 17.3-inch form factor and connects to a laptop or desktop via HDMI or USB-C (DisplayPort Alt-Mode).

However, you'll need to connect the monitor to a PC with a USB-C cable to reach that 300Hz threshold. Connecting via an HDMI cable limits you to 240Hz, which is still not bad for a portable monitor.

Thanks to its good build quality, excellent color representation, and great performance while gaming, the NG17FGQ is hard to beat for mobile gamers looking for a step up in performance. If that wasn't enough, a remote is included in the box to make it easier to navigate the OSD (instead of fumbling with sometimes poorly-placed physical buttons on the actual monitor) along with built-in speakers.

More: Nexigo NG17FGQ Review

Best Portable Wireless Monitor

ViewSonic has a vast portfolio of portable monitors, many of which I’ve reviewed for Tom’s Hardware. However, one of the company’s most impressive entries is the VG1656N, a feature-packed entry retailing for less than $300.

The monitor measures a relatively large 16 inches across with a resolution of 1920 x 1200 (16:10). If you’re looking for HDMI connectivity, you won’t find it here. However, the VG1656N does include two USB-C ports with DisplayPort Alt Mode support. More importantly, the VG1656N also supports wireless connectivity via the ViewSonic VG19948 USB-C dongle.

You can use the dongle with smartphones, tablets, laptops, and other computing devices. For example, the VG1656N shows up as an AirPlay display on Apple devices, allowing me to enjoy iOS games on the 16-inch display instead of my iPhone 16 Pro’s built-in 6.3-inch display. Bolstering this wireless support is a built-in battery for true “wireless” connectivity.

From a performance perspective, the VG1656N is among the top performers in terms of color but is mid-pack in brightness.

With a price tag of $299, the VG1656N isn’t an impulse buy for a portable monitor. However, it offers plenty of enticing features that make it a perfect fit for mobile warriors.

More: ViewSonic VG1656N review

FAQs for Best Portable Monitors

Shopping Tips for Best Portable Monitors

Discounts on the Best Portable Monitors

Whether you're shopping for one of the screens that made our list of best portable monitors above or something else, you may find savings by checking out our best monitor deals page, along with our lists of Dell coupon codes, Lenovo coupon codes, LG coupon codes, HP coupon codes, Monoprice coupon codes and Newegg promo codes.

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Sometimes, one screen just isn't enough, whether you are browsing the internet on your phone or laptop or streaming your favorite video games on Twitch. Having a larger screen or second monitor can help to improve your workflow or be used to display extra information, such as your follower chat. You can view our list of the best portable monitors for an idea of the options. There are limits to adding a second screen, such as price, size, room, connectivity, and power requirements. That's where today's deal can help - the Arzopa S1 Table is small and compact and easily transportable and doesn't take up much space to set up.

Falling to its lowest-ever price, the Arzopa S1 Table is available for just $56 at Amazon, which is an amazing price for a second screen and a superb price reduction from the $109 MSRP. I've seen this portable monitor often reduced to around $75, but today's $56 price tag is an all-time low.

The Arzopa S1 Table has a 15.6-inch IPS screen with a 60Hz refresh rate, the resolution of the compact panel is 1920 x 1080 pixels with a 16:9 picture ratio. There are built-in speakers (1Wx2), and the screen covers 72% of the sRGB color gamut. You can easily connect the portable monitor to your device and use the included magnetic cover/stand to prop up the display and monitor your content.

To connect your device to the Arzopa S1 Table, you can use USB Type-C with display and power delivery or HDMI. There are included cables with the screen consisting of a USB-C to USB-C cable, a USB-C to USB-A cable, and a Mini HDMI to HDMI cable.

Don't forget to look at our Amazon coupon codes for December 2024 and see if you can save on today's deal or other products at Amazon.

How low can they go? When it comes to the best portable monitors, multiple manufacturers seem to be testing the lower limits of what’s possible regarding pricing. Arzopa is one such company. We’ve already reviewed its G1 Game portable monitor, which offers a 15.6-inch 1080p panel with a 144Hz refresh rate. Now, we’re looking at the A1, the company’s entry-level portable monitor.

The monitor is $75 on Amazon, but it was available for as low as $63 on Black Friday. But don’t let the low price fool you. Arzopa has added some nice touches to this portable monitor, making it an excellent bargain for anyone seeking a secondary monitor for travel use.

Design of the Arzopa S1 Portable Monitor

The S1 sets itself apart from similar entries in this price segment due to its choice of materials for the chassis. While most value-priced portable monitors use a plastic chassis to keep costs down, the S1 uses an aluminum frame instead. This imparts a sense of quality you can’t get from cheap, thin plastic that flexes easily. The chassis is rigid and finished in matte black.

Thin bezels run along the sides and top, while a more significant “chin” resides below the 15.6-inch panel, which features Arzopa branding. We love to see integrated kickstands on portable monitors, and Arzopa includes one on the S1. It’s a long, rectangular kickstand that is top-hinged. The stiff hinge lets you configure the monitor to your ideal angle for the best viewing experience.

The S1 features three ports on its left side: two USB-C (DisplayPort Alt-Mode supported) and an HDMI port. Arzopa also includes USB-C to USB-C, USB-C to USB-A (for auxiliary power), and HDMI to Mini-HDMI cables in the box. There are three buttons located at the top left of the S1. There’s a multi-function power/input switch/return button, a rocker switch (which navigates the OSD or controls brightness/volume), and an OSD button.

Arzopa A1 Portable Monitor Specifications

On-Screen Display for the Arzopa A1 Portable Monitor

The OSD is simple and includes basic controls for the A1. There are controls for brightness, contrast, color temperature, Eco modes, low blue light mode, HDR mode, and input switching.

Pressing the bottom button brings up the OSD while pressing the rocker switch up or down navigates through the menu system. Another press of the OSD button dives deeper into the menu systems and activates an option, while the top button backs out of menus (and out of the entire OSD if you’re on the main screen).

When you’re not already in the OSD, the top button switches the input on the monitor (USB-C 1, USB-C 2, HDMI). The rocker switch has an interesting dual-mode usage when not in the OSD. If you first press up, it brings up the brightness controls. Then subsequent presses up and down raise and lower the brightness. If you first press down on the rocker switch, it calls up the volume controls. Once invoked, pressing up increases the volume, and pressing down lowers the volume.

Image Quality and Performance of the Arzopa A1 Portable Monitor

The most popular size and resolution in the portable monitor space is 15.6 inches and Full HD (1920 x 1080). Not surprisingly, this is how Arzopa specs the A1, including a 60Hz panel refresh rate compared to 144Hz for the more gaming-oriented G1. According to the manufacturer’s specifications, the A1’s IPS panel has a contrast ratio of 1,200:1 and a maximum brightness of 300 nits. However, it didn’t take long to discover that the panel is the limiting factor with the A1, and probably why it’s available for so cheap.

The panel covered 66.4 percent of sRGB and just 47.1 percent of DCI-P3 in our instrumented tests. It outpaced the $200 Plugable USBC-PDMON in the former but lagged it in the latter test. In other words, you won’t be using this monitor for color-critical applications. Maximum brightness was also a bit disappointing, coming in at 228 nits. That’s not the lowest we’ve recorded in this segment (the Lepow C2 could only muster 148 nits), but it’s below average.

In my well-lit home office, the display was adequately bright for typical work-duty tasks such as typing up this review in Microsoft Word, editing a spreadsheet in Excel, or manipulating images in my photo editor. However, while watching an episode of Star Wars: Skeleton Crew on the monitor, I sometimes struggled to make out objects and character features in darker scenes.

There was also a slight drop-off in brightness and color when content was viewed off-center. Keep this in mind if you’re not planning to use the A1 directly in front of you, i.e., placing it beside your laptop’s main display.

Audio on the Arzopa A1 Portable Monitor

I was pleasantly surprised by the audio from the two 1-watt speakers on the A1. Even when set to 50 percent volume, they filled my home office, while cranking them to 100 percent allowed the sound to travel to the other side of my house with surprising clarity.

The speakers don’t have thumping bass, but they’re perfectly fine for listening to music or watching movies in a pinch. I’d even go so far as to say that they’re better than many laptop speakers that I’ve recently tested. Given the budget pricing of the A1, I’d consider the speakers an excellent value add-in.

Bottom Line

The Arzopa A1 is an intriguing entry into the crowded portable monitor space. While we’ve seen value-priced entries before, the A1 is particularly noteworthy, with a price tag below $80. In recent weeks, it’s fallen to as low as $63.

With a price tag this low, you can’t have everything. In the case of the A1, off-axis viewing resulted in slightly lower brightness and washed-out colors (more than other portable monitors that I’ve tested). This shouldn’t be a problem if you have the monitor directly in front of you, but it could be more prominent if you’re attempting to use it in a multi-monitor setup. You also wouldn’t want to use the A1 for color-critical work, although that’s understandable given the price point.

However, the A1 compensates for these deficiencies with a sturdy kickstand for choosing your optimal viewing angle. The speakers are excellent for a portable monitor (at any price point). Add to this the excellent build quality, thanks to the aluminum chassis, and the A1 is definitely worthy of your consideration.

Mini-PC specialist Minisforum has just launched a portable dual monitor equipped with two 15.6-inch 1920 x 1080 screens. They’re attached via a hinge, allowing for a more ergonomic experience when using the built-in stand. Aside from that, you can also fold it outward like a tent, allowing you to easily share your screen with someone in front of you. The Minisform MDSA156 is compatible with both Windows and Mac and is priced at $231 on the Minisforum website.

Looking through the key specs, we note possible weaknesses, such as the low max brightness level, the relatively narrow color gamut, and the slow-ish quoted response time. Potential buyers will have to balance these aspects against the dual-screen utility value and price.

The monitor has two USB Type-C ports, allowing you to use one cable for power and data transfer. If your Mac or PC cannot deliver enough power via USB-C, you could use the other Type-C port to ensure power supply stability. Of course, you could also use the HDMI port to connect the portable monitor to your PC, although you won’t be able to use the dual monitors as two independent screens.

You can use the Minisforum MDSA156 in three different modes: 90 degrees reading mode, where you get two side-by-side vertical monitors, 180 degrees desktop mode, where the two 15.6-inch displays are stacked horizontally, and the 315-degree shared mode, best for small person-to-persons presentations. It also offers a splice mode, where you can use the two 15.6-inch screens as a single 23.8-inch screen.

Aside from its display chops, you also get two built-in speakers, so you don’t have to worry about bringing an extra Bluetooth speaker. But if you prefer using your wired audiophile headphones, you could plug it into the portable display with the available 3.5mm audio jack.

Although the monitor is designed for portable use, you could also permanently mount it with the 75 x 75mm mounting holes at the back of the lower display. Even if it’s not VESA-certified, this should fit the standard VESA bracket. But if you want to increase your productivity when you’re on the go without breaking your back, the Minisforum MDSA156 weighs just 3.5 pounds — a little more than the 15-inch M3 MacBook Air. It’s also about the same size as a typical 15-inch laptop, so you could easily slip it into a laptop sleeve for transport and storage.

If you ever travel with your laptop, want to game on a console in places where you don't have access to a TV, or just want a second (or third) screen for your desk, a portable monitor is a must-have. And with many screens at all-time lows, veering into impulse-buy territory (this 15-inch model is incredibly $49), there's never been a better time to pick one up.

But how do you know what to buy when there are dozens of brands (especially on the low end) that you've probably never heard of (I haven't, and I've covered tech for nearly 20 years)? Below are a few quick portable monitor shopping tips, followed by four of our favorite current deals.

• LCD, IPS, or OLED? OLED is the best in terms of color saturation and deep blacks, but it costs much more. IPS has better viewing angles than lesser screen technologies, and is becoming the standard even on budget screens. So you should stick to IPS or OLED at this point.
• Get a monitor with a kickstand. Most portable monitors still have floppy folding covers that double as stands. I've had a screen with one for years and it's awful. A rigid kickstand that's attached to the back and swings out will make you want to use your monitor more often and in more places. All of our deal picks below have kickstands.
• Pay attention to brightness. This spec is often buried on product pages, but it matters a lot, especially if you use the monitor in bright spaces. If using it with your laptop, try and get something that is close to the brightness of that screen. You don't want a washed-out second display.
• Get a cover or sleeve. Since these screens have a kickstand, they likely don't come with a protective cover. But you'll certainly one something to at least protect the screen while traveling. So budget in some extra money to protect your second-screen investment.

Productivity pick: Veout VE-1 16-inch portable monitor

The VE-1 isn't the cheapest deal of this bunch, but I'd argue it's the biggest bargain. It's a little larger than most, thanks to its 16:10 display, which also gives it more pixels for getting work done. It's also rated to 300 nits of brightness and is slim and light for travel. It also comes in different colors for a few dollars more. I like this deal so much that I bought one to replace my aging portable monitor from 2018.

Better for movies and games: Arzopa A1 15.6-inch portable monitor

This glossy FHD model is better for movie watching and games, as it's 16:9 and has a glossy screen. I couldn't find a brightness spec for the A1, but most of the over 1,100 reviews on Amazon seem to be happy with its brightness. It's also light at just 1.6 pounds.

The sub-$50 budget king: WGK W156F1

This screen has a few things going for it, other than its shockingly low price. It has a kickstand and VESA mounts so you can attach it to an arm. It also sports a matte screen, which is better for work and for use under bright lights. Don't believe the spurious claims of HDR and surround sound from the tiny speakers. But for the price, this portable screen is a steal.

The OLED champ: Innocn 15A1F

Yes, at $179, the Innocn 15A1F is more than $100 more expensive than the other deals here. But it's also the best portable monitor we've tested, and it typically sells for close to $300. It's brighter than most portable screens (we measured 373 nits) and delivers more vivid colors (139.6% of the DCI-P3 color space) than any other portable screen we've tested.

If you're a photo or video editor on the go or you just want a screen that will look good next to your laptop's OLED or Mini LED display (or you might be both), this is the screen to splurge on. And it's not really a splurge. I spent over $200 on my last portable monitor purchase, and it's far less bright and colorful than this screen.

If you're looking for other products, check out our Cyber Monday Computer Hardware Deals Live blog for a range of products, or dive deeper into our specialized SSD and Storage Deals Live blog, Monitor Deals Live, Graphics Card Deals, or CPU Deals pages.

It’s a great time to be in the market for one of the best portable monitors. Not only has pricing come down low enough that you can get a 15.6-inch 1080p panel for less than $60, but you can find panels as small as 10.5 inches or as large as 17.3 inches. There are dual-screen options, monitors with built-in battery packs, or portable monitors dedicated to gaming.

Our ViewSonic TD1656-2K review unit fits into the premium side of the market with a 16-inch QHD panel (instead of the typical 1080p) and even includes touch and pen support (a pen is included). It’s a well-rounded product with an MSRP of $399. While that price puts it into the realm of some dual-screen offerings like the Limink LK14, the quality, and breadth of features available here are well worth the price of entry.

Design of the ViewSonic TD1656-2K Portable Monitor

You can tell that the TD1656-2K is a premium offering as soon as you take it out of the box. Instead of the usual cheap and bendy black plastic that you typically find with value-priced entries in this segment, the TD1656-2K features an aluminum frame, which is topped off with a 16-inch IPS panel covered in a glossy finish. The entire frame is incredibly sturdy and could take quite a beating if you frequently travel.

There are two 2.5-watt speakers built-in to the monitor, one at the top-left and one at the top-right of the chassis. There are also two USB-C ports at the bottom left and right corners. Both USB-C ports support 65-watt pass-through for charging a connected laptop. On the right side, a small button invokes the on-screen display (OSD) along with a rocker switch directly above it. The rocker switch natively adjusts the brightness, and once inside the OSD, it’s used to move up and down through the menu system. This monitor has no 3.5mm headphone jack or HDMI port, which is a bummer for systems that lack USB-C ports.

The TD1656-2K also features magnets inside the chassis to interact with the included Smart Cover. In its most basic function, the Smart Cover protects your monitor’s screen when not in use. However, it can operate in several modes to suit your viewing needs.

For example, there are two tilt angles for using the TD1656-2K in landscape mode and a third mode that allows the monitor to hover a few inches higher off your desk. There’s a mode to use the TD1656-2K in portrait mode, and even mode that lays the tablet down at an ideal angle for using it as a drawing pad. The Smart Cover is sturdy and covered in a high-quality fabric that won’t mar the screen during transport, yet is grippy enough to not slide around on your desk.

The TD1656-2K measures 14.04 x 9.25 x 0.39 inches and weighs 1.8 pounds without the stand (2.8 pounds with the stand). Besides the Smart Cover stand, the TD1656-2K also comes with a single white USB-C cable.

ViewSonic TD1656-2K Specifications

Touch Support on the ViewSonic TD1656-2K

One of the great benefits of the TD1656-2K is its touch support, allowing you to interact with the screen using 10-point multi-touch. Touch support is automatically enabled when connecting to a Windows 11 system. For example, I tested the TD1656-2K with Lenovo LOQ 15ARP9 laptop, and it worked natively without issue.

Surprisingly, touch support on the TD1656-2K also works with macOS, a rarity among portable monitors. We’ve previously seen such capabilities from Espresso, an Australian designer of premium portable monitors. However, you need to download the vTouch software package and install it on your macOS device to enable the support.

Once vTouch was installed on my 14-inch MacBook Pro test system (M3 Pro), I could use my finger as a mouse cursor in macOS Sequoia 15.1 Beta. The software package installs UPDD Commander, which allows you to customize touch behavior for any installed application on your Mac. Gestures, taps, and presses can be defined and modified for your specific needs. You can define both system-wise and application-specific controls.

If the Windows and Mac touch support wasn’t enough, ViewSonic also includes an active pen that supports both operating systems. It’s a basic pen without buttons, but I had no trouble navigating through Windows 11 or macOS and using it to take notes or draw primitive illustrations (which is in keeping with my poor drawing skills). Regardless, it’s a nice add-in, enhancing ViewSonic's overall package with the TD1656-2K.

On-Screen Display of the ViewSonic TD1656-2K

The TD1656-2K features a primitive-looking on-screen display (OSD), which appears when you press the small button on the right side of the monitor’s chassis. The menu brings up basic options for adjusting contrast, brightness, volume, and audio mode – that’s it. There are no color menus or even settings for OSD positioning or OSD timeout. It’s just a barebones OSD, which ViewSonic has probably settled on because most users won’t muck around with the settings anyway.

I would prefer options to change the color temperature, picture modes, etc. However, the picture out-of-the-box on the TD1656-2K looked excellent, so I won’t harp too much on the issue.

Image quality and audio on the ViewSonic TD1656-2K

Not surprisingly, the IPS panel on our TD1656-2K review unit was excellent. The TD1656-2K uses a 16-inch IPS panel with a 2560 x 1600 (QHD+) resolution and a 16:10 aspect ratio. We rarely see portable monitors with this resolution, and it’s a fair compromise between offering more usable real estate than a 1080p monitor while not getting too far into the pricey realm of 4K displays.

ViewSonic quotes a contrast ratio of 1,500:1, which is well above average for the IPS portable monitors usually available in this size class. The maximum brightness for the monitor is listed at 330 nits, but we measured an impressive 363 nits for the monitor, allowing it to just edge out the Plugable USBC-PDMON (355.6 nits). Our color tests showed the TD1656-2K trailing only the Espresso 13 Touch. It covered 69.6 percent of DCI-P3 and 98.3 percent of sRGB.

In everyday use, I had the TD1656-2K sitting side-by-side with the 15.6-inch 1080p display of the Lenovo LOQ 15ARP9. While the displays are roughly the same size, the TD1656-2K had a slight edge in resolution. Although it might not seem like a big difference from a numbers perspective, at maximum brightness (310 nits for the LOQ), the TD1656-2K looked far brighter while displaying the same content.

One other notable advantage (or disadvantage depending on your perspective), is the use of a glossy coating for the display. This enhances the clarity of the image and makes content look a tad more colorful. The disadvantage is that certain angles can amplify the reflections from your surrounding environment. When indoors under my household LED lighting, reflections weren’t objectionable. However, they were more apparent outside under the natural light from the sun.

I appreciated the extra vertical and horizontal resolution when working on spreadsheets in Microsoft Excel and browsing in Microsoft Edge. The overall color performance was also admirable, with accurate skin tones while watching one of my favorite epic films, Dances with Wolves. The vast expanse of the American frontier was represented in all its glory, in living color. I also partook in about an hour of playing Cyberpunk 2077 and came away impressed with the image quality, even if the LOQ’s GeForce RTX 4060 couldn’t quite keep the framerates as high as I would like at 1600p resolution.

The TD1656-2K features two 2.5-watt speakers, which is typical of what you’ll find in a portable monitor. The speakers are good enough for speech, but when music is played, or loud explosions are expected in movie or game content, there is just not enough bass or dynamic range to make them seem like more than an afterthought. But this is the case with most portable monitors, so it’s not a knock against the TD1656-2K specifically, and more of an indictment of the quality of speakers that manufacturers choose to include on products in this segment.

Bottom Line

The ViewSonic TD1656-2K is a great all-around portable monitor with very few drawbacks. It features a bright IPS display that offers a step-up in resolution (2560 x 1600) compared to most of its peers. The USB-C ports offer up to 65-watt power pass-through, and it includes a versatile Smart Cover that allows the TD1656-2K to be used in various positions, in both portrait and landscape orientations.

In addition, it offers touch support natively in Windows 11 and in macOS with a separate software utility. The icing on the cake is that the TD1656-2K includes a stylus in the box to help you jot quick notes on the screen or sketch out an idea that just sprung to mind. My only two knocks against the monitor are the lack of HDMI connectivity for users with legacy systems (i.e., without DisplayPort Alt-Mode options) and an OSD that is extremely limited in functionality.

Hong Kong-based electronics firm InnLead has launched a 15.6-inch 4K Edge OLED 5D portable monitor that offers some unique features. It has a magnetic back that allows you to attach accessories to the display à la MagSafe. Some of these accessories include a magnetic cover stand, a snap stand, a wireless RGB monitor light bar, and a magnetic phone mount, making it downright convenient to use as a portable workstation. The portable monitor is currently available on Indiegogo, starting at $339.99 for the Super Early Bird option with a trade-in, or $399.99 without a trade-in.

The Edge OLED 5D uses a 60 Hz Samsung OLED panel, giving you the advantages of this screen technology like a near-infinite contrast ratio. The monitor covers 100% DCI-P3 for ultimate color accuracy, plus 10-bit color gamut, making it an attractive display for creative professionals who prefer working on the go. It also hits a brightness level of 440 nits, so that you can see what you’re doing in moderately bright spaces.

Aside from its 4K OLED screen and magnetic attachment plus points, Inn Lead also offers a wireless transmitter accessory, allowing you to use the portable monitor without the need for restrictive HDMI cabling. This mmWave transceiver has a 100-ft range, and you could even set up multiple transceivers, allowing you to switch devices at the touch of a button.

All these features come tightly packed in a light, portable, and elegant CNC-machined housing. The 15.6-inch screen weighs 1.46 pounds. or 666 grams, which makes it more than 50% lighter than a 15-inch MacBook Air, and it’s just 7.6mm thick, making it thinner than an iPhone. You also get two speakers on the display, along with two USB Type-C ports, a mini-HDMI port, and a 3.5mm headphone port.

The portable monitor comes in two flavors: a non-touch model that starts at $339.99 when you trade in an old monitor or tablet ($399.99 if nothing to trade in) if you get in at the Super Early Bird level. But if you wait for it to hit store shelves, the Edge OLED 5D (non-touch) has a purported retail price of $569. InnLead also offers a touchscreen version with a built-in battery for $459.99 with a trade-in and $519.99 via the Super Early Bird option. The touchscreen display’s expected retail price is $700, though, so it is probably tempting to reserve one now if you’re interested in it.

Note that this does not include any accessories yet, except for the free magnetic cover stand (and lightbar or phone mount, depending on the package you choose). The magnetic phone mount will cost you $15.99, while the snap stand starts at $29.99, and the RGB wireless magnetic lightbar is $26.99. However, acquiring the mmWave transceiver requires a much more significant extra amount, $199.00.

As usual, please note that buying products on Indiegogo is not an outright purchase. Instead, you’re investing in it with the hope that you’ll be among the first to receive the product if and when it hits the market. So, you’re bearing some risk whenever you get something on platforms like Indiegogo or Kickstarter. Nevertheless, the Edge OLED 5D seems to be an interesting display, and we can’t help but wonder how it would perform against the best portable monitors in our regularly updated buyers' guide.

Plugable has introduced a new portable monitor that seems unassuming from the outside, but actually packs some handy features for increasing your productivity. It’s called the 15.6" USB-C Portable Monitor, or USBC-PDMON, but we'll stick with the latter for brevity's sake.

The USBC-PDMON carries a 1080p resolution with a 60 Hz refresh rate, which is common for some of the best portable monitors. However, it also supports 75-watt pass-through charging to the host, which should be suitable for most ultra-portable and non-gaming laptops. In addition, it has an integrated cover that also doubles as a stand for the monitor. But for its price of $199, are you getting enough for the money? 

Plugable 15.6-inch USB-C Portable Monitor Specifications

Plugable 15.6-inch USB-C Portable Monitor Design

The Plugable USBC-PDMON uses a 15.6-inch IPS panel surrounded by 0.25-inch bezels on the top and sides and a 0.5-inch bezel on the bottom. The Plugable logo is squeezed into the left side of that bottom bezel.

If you look at  the right side of the USBC-PDMON, you’ll find three buttons: brightness up, brightness down, and picture mode. Moving further down, you’ll find three USB-C ports. The USBC-PDMON doesn’t feature a physical HDMI (mini or otherwise); only one USB-C cable is provided in the box. This could be an issue for customers who don’t have a laptop that supports DisplayPort Alt-Mode. Many other portable monitors get around this hardware limitation by including at least two USB-C cables in the box or USB-C to USB-A cables to provide supplemental power.

However, the most interesting part of the USBC-PDMON’s design is its integrated cover/stand. When the display is not in use, the cover flips over the top of the display to protect it from damage. However, you can also swivel the cover 180 degrees and fold it backward (origami-style) to serve as a stand to prop up the USBC-PDMON. You can’t adjust the monitor's viewing angle, so what you see is what you get with this solution. If you don’t want to bother with the stand, pressing two buttons on the circular attachment point on the cover removes it from the USBC-PDMON. The overall feel and operation of the stand/cover reminds me of the Apple Smart Folio cases for the iPad family of tablets.

One additional feature that can come in handy is the pass-through charging capabilities. While the USBC-PDMON doesn’t include a wall adapter in the box, you can use your own to supply up to 75 watts to the host PC. This should help reduce cable clutter on your desk or when traveling.

While the features of the USBC-PDMON are commendable, I was let down by the build quality. It’s great that Plugable achieved a light 1.85 pounds with the 15.6-inch frame of the monitor, but the materials used leave a lot to be desired. The plastic is thin and the entire frame bends and warps with just a slight twist from your hands. I’d be surprised if the device survived a drop from a desk (although I was not brazen enough to attempt such a feat with a review unit).

On-Screen Display on the Plugable 15.6-inch USB-C Portable Monitor Design

I’ve seen barebones OSDs on portable monitors before, but the USBC-PDMON takes the cake. Only three buttons are on the monitor, and two are dedicated to screen brightness. The button labeled with a brightly shining sun increases brightness, while the button with a darkened sun decreases the level.

The only other button changes the color mode. Pressing the button cycles through Cool, Normal, Warm, sRGB and User. There are no further refinements/changes that can be made other than to select a color mode. I assumed that pressing the buttons assigned to brightness would allow you to fine-tune the picture settings, but this isn’t the case.

Image Quality and Performance of the Plugable 15.6-inch USB-C Portable Monitor Design

The USBC-PDMON comes with a 15.6-inch IPS panel with a resolution of 1920 x 1080 and a refresh rate of 60 Hz. However, in our instrumented testing, the USBC-PDMON’s color performance was typical of what we expect from budget portable monitors.

We measured 44.6 percent coverage of DCI-P3 and 63 percent of sRGB. This put it on a near-even footing with the Philips 16B1P3300 from our data archives. The Espresso 13 Touch and Lepow C2 (another 15.6-inch 1080p offering) faired better in each category. However, the USBC-PDMON really stood out with maximum brightness, which came in at 355.6 nits. The next-closest competitor was the Espresso Touch 13 at 274.6 nits.

None of the monitors in this comparison have problems displaying content in my home office, which has an abundance of overhead lights. However, the USBC-PDMON has an advantage in viewability outside with direct sunlight. It held a slight advantage in viewability over the Espresso 13 Touch on my back porch (partly cloudy conditions), which was further enhanced by the USBC-PDMON’s matte screen finish that kept reflections at bay.

I noticed that colors tended to push more toward red in the Normal setting, making skin tones look slightly unnatural. The Cool picture mode dialed things back a bit, but I still never quite settled on a mode in which I was completely satisfied. The lack of fine-grain controls in the OSD for the picture settings only exacerbates the problem.

Bottom Line

The Plugable 15.6" USB-C Portable Monitor (USBC-PDMON) is a perfectly competent portable monitor, even if its color performance was average for this category. Its standout performance was in brightness, where it maxed out at 355.6 nits, far greater than the assembled IPS-panel competition.

It also has other things going for it, like the 75-watt pass-through power and two downstream USB-C ports. And we can’t forget the integrated cover for the USBC-PDMON that doubles as a stand. Although the stand isn’t adjustable for tilt, it’s still a well-made accessory for those who would frequently pack up the USBC-PDMON when traveling.

On the other hand, the cheap plastic chassis of the USBC-PDMON is disappointing, as it easily flexes with minimal applied pressure. This is made even more egregious by the monitor’s price, which is $199.99. Although Plugable says that a 10 percent discount will be available to Amazon Prime members, $180 is still at least twice the price of the value-centric offerings that are currently available. 

For example, you can grab a KYY K3 15.6-inch portable monitor with an integrated cover/stand for $60 at Amazon. Is Plugable’s offering worth 3x the price of the K3? I think not. If you’re willing to go down a couple of inches in overall screen size, you can find 13.3-inch OLED monitors for as low as $120. So, while we think that the USBC-PDMON is a good monitor, you can easily find more bang for your buck elsewhere.

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Many dual-display laptop extenders have come across my testing bench over the years, and they offer a great way to add workspace for your productivity needs. The new Redalf S6 is yet another take on this familiar form factor, but it has a few tricks up its sleeve that make it a winning formula we haven’t seen from even many of the best portable monitors.

Redalf uses dual 15.6-inch 1080p IPS panels for the S6, which is not uncommon. However, what is rather intriguing is the use of a hinge/pivot system that allows each display to function independently in landscape or portrait modes when flanking a laptop’s primary display. In addition, the S6 can be configured in a standalone mode with its two displays stacked one on top of the other (landscape + landscape or landscape + portrait).

It's a versatile tool with a few quirks that mar the experience but is ultimately redeemed by its value-priced $300 price tag.

Redalf S6 Screen Extender Specifications

Design of the Redalf S6 Screen Extender 

Like some premium entries in the dual-screen portable monitor field, the Redalf S6 is constructed primarily of lightweight aluminum. Aluminum is used on the display housing, the kickstand, and the swing arms attached to the displays. High-quality plastic is used for the base (which can expand to accommodate laptops ranging from 13 to 17 inches, and the attachment/pivot points for the displays. Both displays can be used with the stand, or separately with an included plastic “single monitor” stand.

The layout allows the Redalf S6 to have more flexibility in positioning the displays. The kickstand allows you to adjust the forward/back tilt of displays, while the aluminum arms allow you to swing the displays toward or away from your laptop’s display. In addition, you can also pivot the displays. The displays have a landscape orientation in their default position (which most people will likely use). But you can pivot one or both to stand vertically (or any combination of the two). This makes the Redalf S6 very versatile for productivity tasks, particularly when you’re editing documents in portrait mode.

However, you can also use the Redalf S6 without its displays flanking your laptop. There are multiple standalone modes to use. One of my favorites combines the multi-functional base with the plastic stand used for propping up a single display. In this mode, the two displays stack on top of each other in landscape mode. Or if you prefer, the bottom display can be in landscape mode, while the top display sits in portrait mode.

Each monitor has identical ports and controls: two USB-C ports, one USB-C DisplayPort port, and a power button/jog wheel. For connecting the R6 to your laptop, Redalf includes six cables in the box: two USB-C to USB-C, two USB-C to USB-A, and two USB-C to HDMI. There’s also a tote bag included for carrying the S6 around.

I used a 14-inch MacBook Pro (M3 Pro) with three Thunderbolt 4 ports for my testing. I can usually connect portable monitors to the MacBook Pro with a single USB-C cable, leveraging DisplayPort Alt-Mode over Thunderbolt 4. However, the single-cable connection wouldn’t work for some reason with the S6. So, I connected one monitor using the USB-C to HDMI cable (with an additional USB-C to USB-C cable for power) and the other using two USB-C to USB-C cables. It makes for a mess of cables to deal with, which is the biggest drawback of the S6. On the plus side, the cables are mostly out of sight, hidden behind the displays when using the setup on a desk.

That brings me to an additional observation: the S6 is strictly a desk-based solution. You can’t use the S6 on your lap, as the monitors don’t physically attach to your laptop. And even if they could somehow attach them, the weight and complexity of the setup would make lap use unbearable.

On-Screen Display on the Redalf S6 Screen Extender

Each display on the S6 has an independent OSD, which is beneficial if you want to use each for different tasks. You can choose from six primary display modes: Standard, RTS, FPS, Text, Movie, and Game. We performed our instrumented testing in Standard mode.

While I’m glad that an OSD is included (interestingly, some portable monitors don’t even bother to include one), I wish it were easier to control. The only physical interface for the OSD is a single jog wheel on the back of each display and located right next to the USB-C #2 port. Not only is this positioning awkward when you’re fumbling around blind with the controls while trying to look at the OSD, but if there’s a cable in the USB-C #2 position, it’s also a tight fit for your finger to navigate.

A non-intuitive control scheme for navigation compounded my OSD frustrations. You must first press on the jog wheel to invoke the OSD. You must then scroll left or right to move up and down the menu system. Pressing once confirms an action (or takes you deeper into the menu) while pressing the jog wheel for two seconds takes you back one menu level. Pressing for three seconds turns off the display. You can access volume controls for the built-in speakers by moving the jog wheel left and right without accessing the OSD. I would have preferred separate buttons for navigation (up, down, action, back) or a 5-way joystick over the system that Redalf has in place.

Image Quality and Performance of the Redalf S6 Screen Extender

Our S6 review unit features dual 15.6-inch IPS panels with a resolution of 1920 x 1080 and a refresh rate of 60 Hz. Both displays feature a matte finish to help reduce glare, which is common in the portable monitor space (glossy displays are the exception, not the rule). Given that the panels are identical and performed nearly the same in every instrumented test, the results you see below apply to both.

Compared to our assembled field of portable monitors, which primarily consists of dual-display units. The S6 was average in all the tests, covering 56.1 percent of DCI-P3 and 79.2 percent of sRGB. Both figures were well below the Limink LK14, which is the color performance segment leader among dual display monitors.

It was a similar story with maximum brightness, which edged in at 229 nits. While this was good enough for second place (just barely ahead of the KYY X90A), it was well behind the LK14, which maxed out at 388.6 nits. That said, brightness was more than adequate in my brightly lit office setting.

I used the S6 to catch up on some old episodes of Breaking Bad, specifically season 3, episode 7. In this episode, Hank faces off against the Salamanca twins, and eventually comes out victorious (at great physical peril to himself). Even at maximum brightness, some parts of the scene appeared a bit too dark, obscuring details. Colors were also a little lacking in vibrancy, particularly with respect to reds.

However, for typical office productivity work (Word, Excel, etc.), the S6 was perfectly fine. I settled on using the left display (landscape orientation) for entering data in Excel and the right display for Word (in portrait mode).  I wouldn’t use the S6 if color accuracy were a prime goal, but I had no issue editing photos in Pixelmator Pro. 

I’ll also note that each display has a built-in speaker, but they are nothing to write home about. They lack any power and sound horrible even at 100 percent volume. Bass is lacking, speech sounds muddled, and music has no dynamic range. Sure, they’ll work in a pinch if you have nothing else to work with, but they’re best left alone.

Bottom Line

The Redalf S6 is a versatile portable monitor, although it isn’t without its faults. The chassis is constructed of sturdy aluminum rather than the creaky plastic found in budget offerings. In addition, the Redalf enables the S6’s displays to individually be used in landscape or portrait orientation. And if that wasn’t enough, the monitors can even be stacked on top of each other as a single unit separate from your laptop.

However, the OSD controls are cumbersome to use, thanks to a poorly-placed jog wheel that serves as the only navigational aid. In addition, although the monitor is billed as supporting DisplayPort Alt-Mode with a single USB-C cable connection to support Mac or Windows machines, I couldn’t get the feature to work. Single-cable operation failed on both a MacBook Pro with an M3 Pro processor and equally capable Windows 11 desktops and laptops. This means that I had to use one USB-C cable for video and another to supply additional power.

Many of the S6’s foibles can be overlooked due to its price tag. The S6 sells for $299 on Amazon, making it a great bargain in the dual monitor space. For comparison, the Limink LK14 has a street price of $399. The KYY X90A is cheaper at $209 (after a $20 coupon), but it doesn’t support independent landscape/portrait orientation modes when attached to your laptop. However, we still think that even with its $100 higher price tag, the LK14 is still a better pick among dual-display portable monitors.

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A developer has jailbroken an Amazon Kindle eReader tablet and repurposed it as a portable E Ink monitor. Twitter/X user Adhityaa felt compelled to undertake this project after a laptop screen cataclysm this weekend. Instead of throwing the offending clamshell computer in the trash, Adhityaa says they “did the obvious thing and jailbroke my Kindle to use it as a monitor.”

E Ink monitors are notoriously pricey, so being able to repurpose an affordable Amazon Kindle Paperwhite as a portable model would appear to be a winning (life) hack. Thankfully, for those who may feel like following in their footsteps, Adhityaa shared some details and links related to the Kindle-as-a-monitor hack on GitHub.

You can head on over to that link for the full details, but here is a summary of the steps that need to be followed to create your own E Ink monitor on the cheap:

• Jailbreak your Amazon Kindle using guides available from the likes of mobileread.com. Any method is OK for this hack as long as you get access to a root shell, noted Adhityaa. The model used in the video example was an Amazon Kindle Paperwhite 3.
• Write “like under 30 lines” of Go code to continuously display screenshots that are going to be sent from the connected computer. Sadly, the dev “lost the Go source code, but it was pretty simple.”
• Next, use Adhityaa’s script to continuously capture the computer screen and convert it to a Kindle-ready format, which is then “transferred over usbnet using netcat,” for display on the Kindle E Ink display.

Adhityaa admits that sending display updates from their Mac to Kindle this way leaves much room for improvement. Its ability to run at around 3 to 4 FPS is quite remarkable. However, they reckon it would be “pretty easy” to optimize a few parts of the image piping process to hit 10 FPS or so.

E Ink monitors aren’t famous for fast performance, so a 10 FPS external display for second-screen monitoring of some stats, details, or feeds might be unsuitable. However, if someone refined and productized a solution like this, it could, therefore, earn a dedicated following.

In related news, we recently reported on the Dasung Paperlike color portable e-ink monitor, which arrived on the U.S. market. This device may offer a premium build, color visuals, and a larger 12-inch diagonal. However, its $849 ticket price puts it out of reach of an impulse purchase.

Dasung has made the Paperlike Color portable E Ink monitor available via its official U.S. web store. This 12-inch device with 2,560 x 1,600 pixels supplements the eye-friendly color e-ink screen appeal with a front light, touch screen functionality, and simple USB-C connectivity. However, $849 (including shipping) may be prohibitive for many interested.

The Dasung Paperlike Color portable first became available in China in March of this year. However, now that it is available in the U.S., this 12-incher is worth a closer look at. The main appeal is, of course, the E Ink display. This technology has several advantages: power efficiency, wide viewing angles, and easy-on-the-eye paperlike readability. Dasung has built upon this solid foundation with advancements like the richer color reproduction of this display and an integrated E Ink ComfortGaze front light with color temperature adjustments.

E Ink Kaleido 3 technology is behind the enhanced visuals. This new generation panel means E Ink devices can boast 16 grayscale levels and up to 4,096 colors. Kaleido 3 is claimed to boost color saturation by 30% compared to the previous generation. Moreover, E Ink says this third-gen color display has increased responsiveness and is more usable for the playback of animations and videos.

This Dasung monitor will surely be on the radar of those who like the fundamental appeal of E Ink technologies and are watching out for a portable monitor. Extra frills like Kaleido 3 color saturation and ComfortGaze lighting help build the case for this device. 

However, a screen just 12 inches in diagonal but touted as a remedy for eye strain creates some dissonance. Last but not least, the price is very high, as we mentioned in the introduction, but E Ink aficionados should be used to that by now.

We keep a close eye on portable monitors, as our Best Portable Monitors 2024 feature shows. You can find our opinions on many portable monitors for productivity or gaming, with sizes from 10-inches to expansive dual-screen setups, from 60 to 144 Hz refresh rates, and using panel tech such as IPS, VA, and even OLED.

Prime Day is less than 24 hours away, and we’re already beginning to see some early deals slip through the cracks. One such deal is on the KYY K3 portable monitor, which has an MSRP of $135.99 but is regularly on sale for $89.99. This is already a fantastic price for a portable monitor of any size. However, the pre-Prime Day sale sees that price fall to just $65.99 at Amazon, thanks to a $24 instant coupon that applies at checkout.

We've reviewed several KYY portable monitors over the years and have been impressed with their overall quality, features, and aggressive pricing. This latest discount makes the K3 a great buying opportunity for anyone needing a second monitor to carry while traveling or to use as a smaller secondary monitor next to their traditional desktop monitor.

So, what does a sub-$70 price tag get you these days? The K3 features a larger 15.6-inch IPS panel with a 1920x1080 (FHD) resolution. The refresh rate is 60 Hz and the panel is covered in a matte, anti-glare finish. The K3 features two USB-C ports supporting DisplayPort Alt Mode for a one-cable USB-C connection (data and power) to your laptop or desktop. There's also a mini-HDMI port for legacy connections or for connecting with devices like a Raspberry Pi.

Despite the bargain basement price, the K3 offers some nice added touches, like dual integrated speakers. Also, KYY includes a faux-leather smart case that doubles as a multi-position stand for the K3. When the portable monitor is not in use, the case covers the display, preventing it from being damaged during transport. The smart case also allows the K3 to be used in either a horizontal or vertical orientation. It's a simple and effective 2-in-1 solution for frequent travelers.

The K3 weighs just 1.3 pounds and is 0.3 inches thin, allowing it to easily slip into a laptop bag. Included in the box are a USB-A to USB-C cable, a USB-C to USB-C cable, and a mini-HDMI to HDMI cable. There's no listed expiration for this extra $24 discount on the KYY K3 at this time, but it's probably best to strike while the iron is hot.

Vaio Corporation has announced that it has created the world’s lightest portable monitor. The Japanese firm says the new Vaio Vision+ 14 weighs just 0.72 pounds (325g). Despite the lightweight, Vaio insists its new portable USB Type-C monitor features a sturdy construction. Taken at face value, the Vaio Vision+ 14 may thus be a compelling choice for tech road warriors.

The CEO of Vaio Corporation announced the Vaio Vision+ 14 as part of the firm’s 10th anniversary celebrations. Thus, this new portable monitor might be seen as a new flagship product, demonstrating Vaio no longer exists in the shadow of Sony, which sold off its personal computer division in 2014.

So, the Vaio Vision+ 14 can be remarkably thin, with parts of the slab just 3.9mm (0.15 inches) thick. However, in the product images, you can see the thicker protruded area housing the ports and electronics and where Vaio attaches a utilitarian metal kickstand.

The kickstand alone is enough to shove this display to the side of your PC or laptop in landscape mode. However, Vaio’s protective cover lets you use this second screen over your laptop. This may feel more comfortable for some, making working on smaller desks more manageable.

Packing the included cover significantly increases the weight of this device. Vaio’s 334mm x 222mm cover adds some thickness and weighs more than the screen at 440g. That would mean a total weight of 765g (1.7 pounds). Given the Vaio Vision+ 14’s touted durability, shoving it coverless into your laptop bag might be tempting.

In addition to its portability and ease of use, Vaio touts the quality of its new portable monitor. It has shared a few videos that attest to its durability. It also boasts that the Vision+ 14 is wholly made in Japan, has undergone rigorous quality testing, and that units always get a pre-shipment check.

Green credentials aren’t forgotten, with the new portable monitor claimed to have been constructed from select materials, put into environmentally friendly packaging, and manufactured in a factory converted to solely use renewable energy.

Vaio Corporation retails products directly in the U.S., but there were no listings for the Vaio Vision+ 14 at the time of writing. With the Japanese retail unit going for around $340, including local sales tax, we wouldn’t be surprised to see it at around $300 in the U.S. when/if it arrives on these shores.

Given the wide breadth of portable monitors available on the market, it is sometimes daunting to find the perfect one to suit your needs. ViewSonic has a vast portfolio of portable monitors, and one of its more compelling products is the ColorPro VP16-OLED.

As premium desktop monitors and laptops have been shifting steadily to OLED panels, the same transition is happening with the best portable monitors. The ColorPro VP16-OLED uses a 16-inch OLED panel with a 1920 x 1080 resolution and a 60 Hz refresh rate. ColorPro VP16-OLED also features an articulating, built-instand for tilt and height and even allows the monitor to be used in portrait mode.

The ColorPro VP16-OLED's size and versatility make it a great option for both desktop and travel duties. At $399, it’s not too far removed from other premium entries in the portable monitor sector.

Design of the ViewSonic ColorPro VP16-OLED

The ColorPro VP16-OLED display housing is constructed of lightweight aluminum. It feels sturdy with no flex, which I couldn’t say about the ViewSonic VA1655 that I recently reviewed. However, the bezels around the OLED panel are plastic. The bezels measure 0.25 inches around the top and sides, while the bottom bezel (with centered ViewSonic branding) is just under an inch thick.

The use of plastic extends to the built-in stand, which is one of the best I’ve encountered on a portable monitor. The stand is double-hinged, allowing you to adjust for tilt and height. The base pedestal houses four buttons that control the OSD while the thebase itself is attached to the “neck” of the monitor with a hinge. The neck, which attaches to to the bottom of the display via a second hinge, features a 3.5mm headphone jack, two USB-C ports, and a micro-HDMI port on the left-hand side (only a power button sits on the right side).

You can fold the multi-level base so the ColorPro VP16-OLED sits on a table like a traditional portable monitor. The angle of the display can then be changed by tilting it. You can also adjust the monitor's height, bringing it closer to eye level. This can only be achieved with other portable monitors if you place them on a platform. Even in the raised position, you can still tilt the display to your liking or even lay it completely flat. You can even position the ColorPro VP16-OLED to sit in a portrait orientation, supported by the origami-like stand.

Overall, the ColorPro VP16-OLED weighs 2.2 pounds, which is a little on the heavier side for a portable monitor. However, given the stand's configurability, I think it’s a fair compromise for the added versatility. It measures 14.1 x 8.92 x 0.8 inches, compared to 14.1 x 8.9 x 0.7 inches and 1.5 pounds for the ViewSonic VA1655.

ViewSonic includes a display hood in the box, which reduces glare (which can be an issue with the glossy screen coating) and helps improve color accuracy. In addition, the hood can also be used as a protective cover when transporting the ColorPro VP16-OLED.

There is an HDMI to micro-HDMI cable, a USB-C to USB-C cable, USB-C to USB-A cable, and a USB-C wall adapter in the box. However, the wall adapter isn’t necessary when connecting the ColorPro VP16-OLED to a PC or Mac with a compliant USB-C port with DisplayPort Alt-Mode support.

ViewSonic ColorPro VP16-OLED Specifications

On-Screen Display on the ViewSonic ColorPro VP16-OLED 

The ColorPro VP16-OLED OSD is controlled by four buttons on its base. Unlike the sleek OSD found in the ViewSonic VA1655, the ColorPro

VP16-OLED uses a stripped-down, vertically-aligned interface. Then, you use the up/down buttons to navigate to each main menu setting, then hit the action button to go

deeper. The back button does what you’d expect: it takes you back one level in the menu system (and it serves as an exit button for the OSD).

You’ll find the standard picture profiles, adjustments for brightness/contrast, color modes, and various OSD settings (e.g., OSD position and timeout). There are also controls for the blue light filter, among other options.

However, remember that the OSD controls are only accessible when using ColorPro VP16-OLED in its vertically extended position. Otherwise, the controls are covered. It’s a minor inconvenience but one that should be brought to your attention.

Display and Audio Performance of the ViewSonic ColorPro VP16-OLED

The ColorPro VP16-OLED has a 15.6-inch Full HD (1920 x 1080) OLED display, a noticeable upgrade from the IPS panels typically seen in the portable monitor sector. Its refresh rate maxes out at 60 Hz, which is expected for a portable monitor (unless you’re angling for a gaming-centric offering like the 300 Hz Nexigo NG17FGQ).

The ColorPro VP16-OLED didn’t quite hit the manufacturer’s claim of 400 nits in our brightness tests. It had to settle for 369.8 nits, which puts it in close contention with the Elecrow CrowView and the InnoCN 15A1F. However, it couldn’t keep up with the larger 17.3-inch Espresso 17 Pro at 405.2 nits.

Regarding color performance, the monitor covered 133.9 percent of DCI-P3 and 189 percent of the sRGB color space. This put the ColorPro VP16-OLED just slightly behind the 15A1F, which has long been one of our favorite portable monitors.

For some real-world action, I watched the latest online trailer for Deadpool & Wolverine. The two full-length trailers (with this new one being the second) have restored my faith in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The trailer looked gorgeous on the ColorPro VP16-OLED, with accurately-presented colors. Reds looked red, and yellows looked yellow. This was clearly visible in how the blue and yellow of Wolverine’s suit popped on the monitor. The comic book-accurate design and colors of Wolverine’s suit made me even more hyped to see the movie when it hits theaters. Oh, and I can’t forget the epic splatters of blood as Deadpool sliced his way through faceless henchmen.

The ability to raise and lower the ColorPro VP16-OLED was a boon for productivity. Most portable monitors sit on your desk much lower than eye level, so you always look down at the screen. That might be ok if you are using your laptop’s screen at the same time and your laptop is also at desk level. But what if it’s your only monitor, you’re pairing it with a desktop or your laptop is on a stand?

With the ColorPro VP16-OLED raised to its maximum height (the bottom of the display sat about 4.25 inches above my desk), the 15.6-inch screen was closer to my line of sight and to the height of a non-portable external monitor This helped immensely with data entry in Microsoft Excel and when writing this review in Microsoft Word. The height adjustability is an ergonomic boon that many people will appreciate whether they’re using the monitor as a permanent fixture on their desk or as a tag along for their laptop when traveling.

As for audio performance, don’t expect to be treated to a high-quality concert for your ears. Like most portable monitors, the onboard 1-watt speakers are more of an afterthought (i.e., checkbox feature) than something that adds real value. Even at maximum volume, the speakers lack any dynamic range or bass, while music and even speech sound like the speakers are being smothered with a pillow. If you’re hooking the ColorPro VP16-OLED up to your laptop, there’s a 99.9% chance that those speakers will be far superior.

Bottom Line

The ViewSonic ColorPro VP16-OLED is a do-everything portable monitor geared towards professionals. The screen is bright, colorful, and accurate, while an included screen hood doubles as a protective case. However, for once, the OLED panel is not the star of the show: it’s the versatile stand.`

The articulating stand allows the ColorPro VP16-OLED to contort into various positions (both landscape and portrait orientation) and is even height-adjustable to bring it closer to eye level when sitting on your desk. The double-hinged design allows for greater flexibility when positioning the monitor, and it’s incredibly sturdy in each position you choose.

The ColorPro VP16-OLED is not cheap. At $399, it’s roughly $80 more expensive than the InnoCN 15A1F, but it’s also $150 cheaper than the Espresso 15 Touch. Given its features and performance, I consider it an easy pick among the best portable monitors currently available.

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A portable monitor is a handy tool to have in your laptop bag when you are traveling. These devices are a lightweight and efficient way to provide additional workspace while on the go, and many can do so relatively affordable. We’ve reviewed several portable monitors available for around $100 or less, and that distinction extends to the ViewSonic VA1655.

The VA1655 is a 15.6-inch IPS-based portable monitor with a 1080p resolution and a 60Hz refresh rate. Its lightweight design, built-in adjustable kickstand, and easy-to-use OSD make a good first impression. However, it takes more than a low price tag (around $109) to be considered one of the best portable monitors on the market.

Design of the ViewSonic VA1655

The VA1655 is lightweight at just 1.5 pounds, primarily due to its all-plastic construction. However, this isn’t the typical thick, high-grade plastic seen in this price category. Given its thin and flexible nature, this plastic is a few rungs down on the quality ladder. The monitor feels “empty” when picked up, with no sense of heft or substance. It’s a bit unsettling. It doesn’t leave me with high confidence that it will survive many bumps and drops along the way, even with its included carrying case.

That said, the 15.6-inch panel is framed by thin bezels along the sides and top. However, a much larger bezel is at the bottom of the panel with a ViewSonic logo in the center. The left side of the VA1655 is devoid of any ports, but you will find a single LED that lights up when the monitor is on. On the left side, you’ll discover two USB-C ports, one mini-HDMI, a 3.5mm audio jack, and a Kensington lock port.

When the kickstand is open, a five-way joystick is revealed, which is used to navigate the OSD. Other design details of note are the rubber grippers, two speaker grills on the bottom of the display and kickstand to provide stability, and two additional speaker grilles on the back of the unit.

ViewSonic includes a case in the box made from a neoprene-like fabric. The VA1655 is secured inside the case by a flap that fastens with Velcro. In addition to the monitor and the case, ViewSonic also provides an HDMI to mini-HDMI cable and a USB-C to USB-C cable in the box. However, you won’t find a wall adapter to provide the necessary 5V at 2A when using the HDMI cable.

The VA1655 measures 14.1 x 8.9 x 0.7 inches and weighs 1.5 pounds. For comparison, the Lepow C2 also features a 15.6-inch panel while measuring 14.6 x 8.9 x 0.27 inches with a weight of 1.65 pounds. The TD1655, which is another 15.6-inch panel from ViewSonic, has dimensions of 14.0 x 8.8 x 0.6 inches and weighs 2.1 pounds.

ViewSonic VA1655 Specifications

On-Screen Display on the ViewSonic VA1655

The VA1655’s OSD is controlled by a five-way joys trick on the back of the display – it sits on the right side of the monitor underneath where the kickstand resides when closed. It’s easy to access in this position and doesn’t require much thought or any finger gymnastics. Once activated, the OSD presents a well-designed and attractive interface with a Menu system that moves horizontally.

The main Menu consists of Input Select, Audio Adjust, View Mode, Color Adjust, Manual Image Adjust, and Setup Menu. While the first menu option is self-explanatory, audio adjust allows you to mute the internal speaker and adjust the volume. View Mode allows you to select Visual presets for Office, Movie, MAC, Mono, or Game. The Office preset has a further sub-menu to customize for web or text, while the Game sub-menu has customizations for RTS and FPS games, among others.

You’ll find contrast/brightness, color temperature, and gamma settings in the Color Adjust menu. Manual Image Adjust has settings for sharpness, aspect ratio, and the blue light filter. Finally, the Setup Menu has a plethora of controls, including OSD timeout, OSD background, auto power off, and eco modes.

Display and Audio Performance of the ViewSonic VA1655

The VA1655 is on the larger side for a portable monitor at 15.6 inches, putting it in contention with mainstream laptops. ViewSonic employs an IPS panel, with claimed horizontal and vertical viewing angles of 170 degrees. Although I didn’t notice much color shift at those extreme angles, I did see a significant drop in brightness when off-center.

The 1920 x 1080 panel is covered with a matte finish, which helps to minimize distracting reflections in overly bright locations. ViewSonic claims that maximum brightness for the VA1655 is 250 nits, and we measured 244 nits with default settings, which is close to the mark. In my well-lit office, I had no trouble with the brightness level, and when using the panel in the dark, it wasn’t an eye-searing experience. As mentioned before, the only brightness pitfalls I noticed were extreme off-axis viewing, which will not be a problem for most users.

Looking at the VA1655's color performance, this is not a monitor you’d want to use for color-critical work (instead, check out the Asus ProArt PA148CTV). DCI-P3 coverage registered at 41.8 percent, while sRGB coverage was just 59 percent. The MSI Optix MAG161V has long been near the bottom of the pack in our back catalog of portable monitor reviews in these categories, but the VA1655 represents new competition.

I watched a variety of video content on the VA1655, ranging from The Marvels to descending into a rabbit hole of episodes of the classic 80s cartoon series Chip and Dale’s Rescue Rangers. The color woes were very apparent in The Marvels. During the musical number in the movie, fabric colors that should have looked like a crimson red skewed more orange, while colors that should have been dark turquoise looked like a blueish gray. I noticed similar color mismatches throughout the film.

However, I appreciated the added real estate in Windows 11 and macOS, particularly when I was performing productivity tasks. When tossing a Word document or Excel spreadsheet to a secondary, portable monitor, I’m less concerned about color performance and more about seeing more text or cells on the screen at once. . 

The VA1655 has a pair of 0.8-watt speakers that seem more like an afterthought regarding sound quality. Even at 100 percent volume, the output from the speakers was no louder than someone speaking at an almost whisper in a quiet room. The lack of bass or any mid-range punch was also readily apparent when listening to the song “Fa Fa” by Guster.

Overall, the audio experience was disappointing, especially considering that the speakers couldn’t crank to more than an iPhone, with its volume at roughly 20 percent.

Bottom Line

The ViewSonic V1655 is a mixed bag of a portable monitor. . It’s priced right, with a street price of just over $100, and offers a spacious 15.6-inch Full HD IPS panel. It also has an integrated kickstand, which we prefer for portable monitors over fiddly external stands.

However, the monitor feels cheaply made, which makes me wonder if it would survive years of frequent travel. . Its color performance also lags well behind its similarly-priced peers, and the integrated speakers are mediocre. The slightly smaller (14-inch) Elecrow CrowView offers superior color performance, an even brighter panel, and various viewing modes (attached to your laptop, portrait, landscape, etc.) for only $20 more. It’s $20 well spent in this case.

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Minisforum continues to widen its product portfolio, this time with a portable monitor dubbed the MSS-A156. The name implies its 15.6-inch size, but further specs include the monitor’s 2560 x 1440 resolution, 144 Hz refresh rate (with FreeSync), 100% DCI-P3 color coverage, and 10-point touch support. The MSS-A156 is available now for $189.

The best portable monitors are aimed at enhancing productivity on the go. A fairly typical use-case might be to add a second screen to a laptop, to double the screen real estate for a user jet-setting from hotel to hotel. We have seen a few portable monitors that could appeal to gamers though, and the Minisforum MSS-A156 might fill this niche with its fast refresh and FreeSync compatibility.

Minisforum claims that the display can crank up to 400 nits of brightness, offers an HDR mode, and has the wide viewing angles and 1,000:1 contrast ratio you would expect of an IPS panel.

Portable monitors should also be compact, light, and sturdy and offer the ports you need for connectivity. Minisforum mentions that its MSS-A156 measures 357 x 223 x 4 mm, but we think the 4 mm figure only refers to the thinnest section of the monitor. In the section where the ports and physical controls are located, it looks thicker. The MSS-A156 is said to weigh 900 g (about 2 pounds), but again there is some uncertainty about this spec – we are unsure if that number includes the magnetic protective case that also works as a stand. This monitor is made from aluminum alloy.

The magnetic case / stand facilitates both landscape and portrait monitor modes. There isn’t a sensor to auto-adjust this for you though, you will have to make adjustments in your operating system.

The MSS-A156 can be used via a single USB Type-C connection. Minisforum says you can connect computers, smartphones, tablets, consoles, and cameras to its monitor. Most modern devices can use USB Type-C, but there is a Mini HDMI socket, power adaptor, and Micro USB port for older gadgets to connect. There’s also a headphone jack in the bezel on the same side as the on / off switch and + / - keys for fiddling with the OSD. Lastly, there are stereo 1W speakers built into this portable display.

Minisforum announced the availability of the MSS-A156 Portable Monitor on its site via both its US and Japan stores on its Discord channel. When we checked the US link also had links for buyers from the EU and UK. At the time of writing the MSS-A156 is listed at $189, which is claimed to be a $34 discount from the regular price. It's unclear how long that will last.

If you want a portable monitor that is compact yet still packs a laundry list of features, Feelworld has a solution for you. The company’s DH101 is a 10.1-inch touch screen display with a 60 Hz, 1920 x 1200 IPS panel and integrated speakers It has the usual dual USB-C ports for power and video, mini-HDMI, and a third USB-C port for connecting a mouse, keyboard or storage device.

Feelworld combines all this functionality into an attractive design with a well-designed integrated stand for just $133. If you like the 10.1-inch form factor and could benefit from touch, this could be the best portable monitor for you.

Feelworld DH101 Portable Monitor Specifications

Design of the Feelworld DH101 Portable Monitor

The DH101 has a rather intriguing design. While the entire device is constructed of plastic, it doesn’t feel cheap like some budget monitors I’ve tested. The plastic itself is thick, with little flex. The grey plastic has a shimmering effect under light, which provides a little bit of visual excitement to monitor. Diagonal lines are sculpted into the back of the monitor and on its kickstand, which is a nice touch and allows for a grippier surface when carrying it around.

Speaking of the kickstand, this is perhaps my favorite part of the DH101’s design. When stowed, the stand lays flat against the back of the DH101. To use the kickstand, you simply pull outward, and the stand swings out via the hinge mounted about halfway up the back of the monitor. The hinge is not very stiff; however, the DH101 will sit at any angle you set without issue. Another nice touch is that Feelworld includes a rubber foot at the bottom of the monitor and two feet on the bottom of the kickstand to ensure that it doesn’t slide around on your desk (and it also contributes to maintaining your desired viewing angle).

Feelworld wisely incorporated all the controls and ports on the kickstand rather than on the monitor itself. With this layout, cords poking out from the side are further back from your visual reach instead of jutting out from the same plane as the display. The right side of the kickstand features five buttons (Power and four buttons for navigating the OSD) and a USB-C port for connecting peripherals. The left side of the stand is home to a 3.5mm headphone jack, two USB-C ports (DisplayPort Alt-Mode supported), and a mini-HDMI port. The two downward-firing speakers are integrated into the bottom of the kickstand.

A USB-C to USB-C cable is provided, allowing for a single-cable connection for video/power with supported computers. Also in the box is a USB-C to USB-A cable to provide 5V power when using the included mini-HDMI to HDMI cable. In case you were wondering, Feelworld doesn’t include a 5V USB-A power brick in the box.

The IPS panel is covered in glass, with noticeable bezels all around. The top and bottom bezels measure 0.25 inches, while the side bezels are twice as thick at 0.5 inches.

The DH101 weighs 1.43 pounds and measures 9.52 x 5.98 x 0.74 inches. For comparison, the 10.5-inch Eyoyo EM105 weighs just 0.8 pounds and measures 9.17 x 6.5 x 0.31 inches. However, the EM105 uses a separate stand, which isn’t figured into its weight or overall dimensions. The DH101 is also diminutive compared to a more mainstream 15.6-inch portable monitor form factor, whereas the InnoCN 15A1F measures 14.1 x 9.0 x 0.3 inches and weighs 1.6 pounds.

On-Screen Display on the Feelworld DH101

The DH101 has four buttons dedicated to the on-screen display (OSD) on the right side. While the buttons are easy to reach, the labels for each are placed on the front side of the kickstand. That means that you need to turn the monitor so that you can see which button to press as you navigate through the OSD. This can be annoying at first, but once you remember what each button does, you can perform those tasks without looking.

The topmost button is “Menu,” which brings up the OSD and doubles as an action button. The button directly below it moves left through the OSD, while the next button moves right. The final button dedicated to the OSD is “Exit,” which allows you to navigate back through a menu item or exit the OSD completely.

The OSD has the usual brightness and contrast settings, picture modes (Standard, Game, Movie, Text), color temp/settings, OSD timeout/transparency/position, and an option to revert all settings to the factory default. An information screen displays the current display resolution and gives you the version number of the installed firmware.

Touch Screen and USB-C Hub on the Feelworld DH101

Despite its tiny size, Feelworld equipped the DH101 with some useful features, like touch support. Touch support is automatically enabled if you plug the DH101 into a Windows PC with the USB-C port. My only issue is that some Windows 11 UI elements are so small at 1920 x 1200 resolution with a 10.1-inch display. Tapping buttons (e.g., to close or minimize a window) was sometimes troublesome with my fingers. However, touch functionality is a nice addition at this price point.

Another add-in with the DH101 is a third USB-C port for accessories. I tested it with a wired mouse and keyboard connected via a USB-A to USB-C adapter, and each worked fine. I also successfully plugged in and used a USB-C SDXC reader with a 256GB SDXC card inserted. The USB-C port worked in Windows 11 and with macOS Sonoma 14.4 without installing additional drivers.

Display and Audio Performance on the Feelworld DH101

The DH101 uses a 10.1-inch 1920 x 1200 IPS display with a 60 Hz refresh rate. The panel is covered in glass with a glossy (reflective) coating. However, the display kept the reflections mostly at bay indoors. It wasn’t until I took the DH101 outside that the reflections became more of a hindrance to the viewing experience. Viewing angles were also good off-axis, which is typical for IPS panels.

Feelworld claims that the DH101 achieves a maximum brightness of 350 nits. Our tests bore out that claim with an average of 351.2 nits using our light meter. Using our colorimeter, we recorded 101.6 percent coverage of sRGB and 72 percent of DCI-P3. Both of those figures were slightly behind those of its 10-inch class peer, the Eyoyo EM105.

I took a trip down memory lane with the DH101 by watching the official teaser trailer for Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, 36 years after the original debuted in theaters. As a child of the 80s, I trembled in excitement (and nostalgia) watching the trailer. The trailer isn’t flush with bright colors, which is par for the course for Tim Burton films. However, the DH101 performed well, bringing out the bold red of Delia’s lipstick during a funeral scene and accurately capturing the familiar impish grin of the title character.

I also enjoyed watching the trailer for The Fall Guy, noting how well the DH101 handled the bright fluorescents and reddish-orange explosions.

When used for productivity tasks, it’s necessary to dial up the scaling in Windows 11 to make the text legible. Text is so tiny that at the default 100 percent scaling, you’ll strain a lot to read text. I settled on 150 percent to prevent eye strain when looking at text, particularly in dense spreadsheets.

Feelworld includes a pair of speakers on the DH101, and they are serviceable for mobile duty. They aren’t the highest quality, which is expected given the $133 price point, but they are decent. They’re fine for Zoom/Google Meet/Microsoft Teams duty, but are lacking in bass and overall clarity to make them enjoyable for music or movies.

Bottom Line

The Feelworld DH101 accomplishes quite a lot in a small, 10.1-inch form factor. Not only does it have a dense (for its size) 1920 x 1200 resolution, but it also has excellent built quality and a sturdy kickstand that serves as the “home base” for all the ports and buttons for controlling the OSD.

Feelworld threw in an extra USB-C port that allows you to connect low-power devices like keyboards, mice, and thumb drives. The overall image quality for a device that costs less than $140 is great. If I’m being picky, the speakers could be better, but that’s a small concession to an overall package that excels in many ways.

At the time of this writing, the Eyoyo EM105 is priced at $104 compared to $133 for the DH101. While the former is lighter and thinner, the integrated stand and the extra USB-C port of the DH101 are significant upgrades for people who frequently use portable monitors, and it is worthy of your attention.

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I’ve reviewed some small portable monitors here at Tom’s Hardware, but this 10.5-inch product from Eyoyo is likely the smallest. The Eyoyo EM105 is not only small in stature (just 0.31 inches thick) but it also weighs just 0.8 pounds.

Despite its size, the $105 EM105 includes two USB-C ports (DisplayPort Alt-Mode supported), a mini HDMI port, stereo speakers, and a 3.5mm headphone jack. For frequent travelers who need a secondary monitor that won’t take up much space in a laptop bag, the Eyoyo could be a compelling option. It also could make a great display for a Raspberry Pi project. 

Despite one notable flaw in the form of a significant stand, the EM105 is among the best portable monitors for anyone who prioritizes portability and flexibility.

Eyoyo EM105 Portable Monitor Specifications

Design of the Eyoyo Portable Monitor

The EM105 has a simple design, with a body constructed of black anodized aluminum (it is an absolute fingerprint magnet). The bezels around the panel are plastic and minimal in width (although the bottom bezel is slightly larger than the other three sides). There are two USB-C ports (DisplayPort Alt-Mode) and a mini HDMI port on the right side of the display. You’ll find a 3.5mm headphone jack along with a three-way rocker switch and an exit button for navigating the on-screen display (OSD) on the left side.

The back of the EM105 is bare, save for four holes to accept a VESA 75 mount. You won’t find an integrated stand, magnetic attachment point, or a socket to attach a tripod—instead, the portable monitor ships with a small plastic stand that is adjustable for tilt.

The EM105 sits on the stand, and then you adjust the tilt of the stand to your desired viewing angle. I would have preferred that the EM105 included an integrated stand (as this tiny stand is bound to get lost while traveling), but this was a design compromise to create such a thin device. The stand isn’t very wide, nor is the EM105 securely attached when you place it on the stand. A stray arm could easily topple the portable monitor, so keep that in mind.

A thin, faux leather case is included with the EM105, and I almost missed it at first. It wasn’t until later that I noticed the case taped to the underside of the lift-off box top. It doesn’t offer much drop protection and is mainly meant to keep the screen from being damaged during transport inside a larger laptop bag.

We should note that Eyoyo even managed to find room to fit in a pair of decent speakers, which is incredible for a monitor of this size. When you are not within the OSD, the rocker switch can be used to turn the volume up or down quickly.

Regarding power, the simplest way of connecting the EM105 to a PC is with a single USB-C cable (provided in the box) and a USB-C that fully supports DisplayPort Alt-Mode. In this case, video and power are delivered over that one cable. Alternatively, you can use the included HDMI cable along with a USB-C to USB-A cable that plugs into a 5V wall adapter (all included in the box). When connecting via HDMI, you can also use the USB-C to USB-A cable alone to power the EM105 via a USB-A port (5V at 2A).

WIthout its stand, the EM105 measures 9.17 x 6.5 x 0.31 inches and weighs 0.8 pounds. For comparison, the 15.6-inch InnoCN 151AF, which is one of the best portable monitors, measures 14.1 x 9.0 x 0.3 inches and weighs 1.6 pounds.

On-Screen Display on the Eyoyo EM105 Portable Monitor

You invoke the OSD on the EM105 by pressing in on the three-way rocker switch on the left side of the chassis. Up pops a basic user interface (shared with many budget-oriented portable monitors), where flicking the rocker switch upward navigates up through the OSD and vice versa. You select a menu item by pushing in on the rocker, and then up/down to adjust settings (like brightness and contrast). There’s a dedicated back button to return to the previous menu screen.

This no-frills OSD has the usual controls for color temperature, enabling the low blue light mode and adjusting the position of the OSD. I also discovered that the monitor supports AMD FreeSync (which was not documented by the Eyoyo), and that support was confirmed via AMD’s Adrenalin driver software.

Image Quality and Sound on the Eyoyo EM105 Portable Monitor

The EM105 measures 10.5 inches across and has a 3:2 aspect ratio. That results in an IPS panel with a resolution of 1920 x 1280, versus the more typical 1920 x 1080 in this segment. However, some people will likely appreciate the extra vertical real estate. It also bucks the trend with a glossy screen coating, which we usually see covering OLED panels.

The manufacturer claims 100 percent coverage of sRGB and a maximum brightness of 420 nits. However, our testing showed that the EM105 exceeded the former but fell well short of the latter. The EM105 covered 109.7 percent of sRGB according to our colorimeter and 77.7 percent of DCI-P3. Maximum brightness measured a modest 292 nits, far undershooting the 420 nits specified by Eyoyo. However, that’s still much brighter than most competitors.

In everyday tasks, the EM105 was perfectly usable as a secondary monitor. Its size means you’ll need to tinker in Windows to make text easier to read. My “old” eyes needed assistance working with Microsoft Word and Excel on the small monitor.

I also used the display to watch the first episode of X-Men ’97 on Disney Plus. The colors looked great for the animated show, and surprisingly, glare wasn’t an obvious issue with the EM105. I often have problems with reflections on portable monitors with a glossy finish, but the EM105 bucked this trend. The brightness deficiency compared to the manufacturer spec also didn’t prove to be a hindrance in my home office, which has abundant overhead LED lighting.

I was shocked to find that the EM105 includes a set of stereo speakers, and even more surprised that they sounded pretty good. Of course, they aren’t powerhouses regarding output, but music and speech sounded good through the speakers, even with the volume cranked to about 75 percent. The speakers are lacking in bass, but at this price point, the speakers are a welcome addition to the EM105.

Bottom Line

The Eyoyo EM105 portable monitor offers a convincing combination of small size and light weight in a relatively-robust aluminum chassis. It has both USB-C and HDMI connectivity, allowing it to connect with various types of electronics, from PCs to Macs to smartphones to game consoles to Raspberry Pi boards. The EM105 even includes a set of speakers that sounds pretty good, which we can’t often say about portable monitors.

I was very impressed with the EM105’s overall presentation and performance, but its one glaring downside is the stand. It feels cheap, doesn’t provide a solid connection to the monitor, and is inferior in almost every way to an integrated stand.

However, the pluses outweigh the disappointment of the stand, and with a price tag of $105 at Amazon, the EM105 makes it easy on your wallet and your back to carry a portable monitor wherever you go.

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The world of portable monitors is vast and growing at a rapid clip. You can find bargain basement offerings for less than $80 or spend upwards of $700 for premium, aluminum-clad dual-screen monitors. Australia-based Espresso has a lineup of productivity-focused portable monitors that look stylish and include functionality that makes them appealing to Windows and macOS users alike.

The company provided review samples of its 13 Touch and 17 Pro portable monitors with 13.3-inch and 17.3-inch panels, respectively. The former has a 1080p resolution, while the latter delivers 4K goodness. As you may have surmised by the name of the smaller model, both monitors include a touch screen that works in Windows 11 and macOS along with versatile, detachable stands for finding the perfect viewing angle.

With a price tag of $439 and $749, respectively, these are premium entries scrambling for a spot among the best portable monitors on the market. But as you’ll see as you read further, there’s more than meets the eye. 

Espresso 13 touch and 17 Pro Specifications

Design of the Espresso 13 Touch and 17 Pro

The first thing you’ll notice when examining the 13 Touch and 17 Pro is how thin they are. Espresso says that the 13 Touch is the thinnest portable monitor on the market, and we have no reason to doubt that claim. The 13.3-inch monitor measures just 0.2 inches thick and weighs only 1.5 pounds.

The 13 Touch has a premium, natural-colored aluminum chassis with tight tolerances, but the display effectively has a “double chin.” The bezels around the top and sides are minimal (0.31 inches); however, there is a large black bezel (0.875 inches) under the display. In addition, there’s another 1.25 inches of aluminum bezel beneath the glossy-coated glass. It’s an odd look, with a lot of wasted space visually. This effect is amplified when using the 13 Touch in portrait mode, where the asymmetric appearance could distract some people.

The 17 Pro is also constructed of black anodized aluminum, is thicker (0.35 inches), and weighs 2.4 pounds. Its design is more mainstream, with the same 0.31-inch bezels along the side and top, along with a 0.875-inch bezel below the screen. There isn’t an additional aluminum bezel to contend with, which gives it a cleaner appearance.

Both monitors include two USB-C ports (DisplayPort Alt-Mode) on the bottom right side of the monitor. You'll need to look elsewhere if you want HDMI connectivity out-of-the-box on a PC or Rasberry Pi. Espresso, however, will sell you a USB-C to HDMI adapter fro $45. A cleaning cloth and USB-C cable are included in the box: the 13 Touch comes with a run-of-the-mill white USB-C cable, while the 17 Pro’s USB-C cable comes in an eye-catching purple finish.

Espresso can make these monitors so thin because they don’t include a built-in stand. Instead, both monitors ship with separate, color-matched stands. The aluminum stands articulate, allowing you to adjust the monitors for height and tilt. And since the monitors attach to the stands with magnets, you can easily transition from landscape to portrait modes.

The 17 Pro’s stand has an added feature that makes it useful for creative professionals who want to use the touch display for drawing and writing.

A purple-colored plastic tab (which matches the USB-C cable) attached to the stand’s hinge can pivot and slot into the back of the monitor when it lowers for writing and drawing. This effectively locks the display at an ergonomic 18-degree angle so it won’t move when pressure is applied.

Both stands are weighted with rubber feet on the bottom, providing a sturdy platform for the display. The stands’ hinges also move precisely, allowing you to find the perfect angle for viewing your content. However, the separate stand also means that you have another accessory to keep up with when traveling, and they are pretty heavy. The 13 Touch’s stand weighs just over a pound, while the 17 Pro’s stand weighs nearly two pounds. So, what Espresso taketh away in weight for the displays, it giveth back (and then some) with the beefy stands.

Touch, espressoPen and On-Screen Display with the Espresso 13 Touch and 17 Pro

Most portable monitors (and desktop monitors) have physical controls for accessing the OSD (if they have one at all). However, that is all software-based with the 13 Touch and 17 Pro. You swipe up from the bottom of the display with two fingers, which brings up controls for volume, contrast, and brightness.

The Espresso 13 Touch and 17 Pro feature multi-touch, and that support is natively recognized by Windows 11 when you plug in the USB-C cable. Opening the espressoFlow utility provides access to additional OSD controls such as color profiles (work, play, create and night), lock the screen rotation, rotate the display, and scale the display. espressoFlow also supports auto-rotation, so when you rotate the display on its magnetic stand from landscape to portrait (or vice versa), it will adjust the picture automatically (rather than needing to make the switch in Windows 11’s Display Settings menu).

EspressoFlow also includes workspace management tools, so you can create desktop layouts to suit your specific needs. You can switch to a workspace with app windows arranged to your liking.

With espressoFlow on macOS, you can use the same gesture controls as Windows 11 and some macOS-specific gestures. For example, you can scroll through a document or web browser using a two-finger swipe. Right click is accomplished with a two-finger tap, while you can swap between Spaces using a three-finger swiping gesture from left to right (or vice versa). Although I don’t use Launchpad often in macOS, it can be accessed by pinching with all fingers on one hand (which is identical to bringing up Launchpad using a MacBook’s touchpad).

As I noted in my review of the Geminos T, interacting with macOS using touch is a bit weird at first, then becomes second nature. Espresso also provided us with an espressoPen to use, which recharges via USB-C and supports a powerful tool called Jot that is currently exclusive to macOS. In macOS, Jot is a digital canvas that you can import into popular apps like Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft OneNote, Google Slides and Apple’s Notes app.

Jot can be used for drawing, taking notes, or marking up screenshots. You can then drop that media into an app of your choosing. Jot is accessed by pressing and holding on the expressPen’s solitary button and tapping the screen. Then, a C-shaped menu pops up to allow you to start a blank canvas. 

You can even share your creation via AirDrop or copy and paste it into another app. Below you’ll see my poor attempt at drawing the Tom’s Hardware logo in Jot, which was then pasted into Apple’s Notes app on macOS using the espressoPen.

Jot can also take a quick screenshot of your screen – or any section of the screen that you select (or draw around) – that can be dropped into another app or shared. The single button on the espressoPen functions as a right-click, or you can use it to open the Jot menu. Check out this YouTube video to see Jot in action within macOS.

Display Performance on the Espresso 13 Touch and Espresso 17 Pro

The Espresso 13 Touch and Espresso 17 Pro use IPS displays covered with glass. Unfortunately for those who work in brightly lit areas, the glass is very shiny, which introduces unsightly reflections and glare. However, we can’t argue that a glossy finish generally leads to images that pop a bit more and have enhanced contrast than an identical display with a matte finish.

The 13 Touch features a 1920 x 1080 resolution, a 60 Hz refresh rate, and a claimed maximum brightness of 300 nits. However, our light meter showed that the 13 Touch achieved just 274.6 nits, putting it on par with the InnoCN 13K1F, which uses an OLED panel. Colorimeter tests showed 74.2 percent coverage of DCI-P3 and 104.8 percent coverage of sRGB. Those figures pale in comparison to the OLED panel on the 13-inch InnoCN 13K1F while offering similar brightness levels.

The 17 Pro, on the other hand, comes with a stunning 17.3-inch 4K (3840 x 2160) IPS panel. It is also covered with glass that is a reflection magnet. Espresso claims that the 17 Pro can reach a maximum brightness of 450 nits; however, our tests showed that it maxed out at 405.2 nits, which is still really bright. In this grouping of portable monitors, the 17 Pro still came out well ahead of the second-place InnoCN 15A1F at 373.6 nits. It also significantly improved in color performance over its smaller sibling, achieving 110.4 percent DCI-P3 and 155.9 percent coverage of sRGB. While those figures were not a match for the OLED-equipped 13K1F and 15A1F, it far outpaced that of the Asus ZenScreen Ink MB14AHD, which also has a touch screen (albeit limited to only supporting Windows operating systems).

Both the 13 Touch and 17 Pro had excellent off-axis viewing performance, and colors stayed true and accurate. I took turns watching The Rock on the 13 Touch and 17 Pro, and the glossy screens did well highlighting the right yellow Ferrari 355 Spider that was featured early in the film, along with the explosions and muzzle flashes during gun battles later in the movie.

Audio on the Espresso 13 Touch and 17 Pro

Both monitors feature built-in speakers; however, they’re nothing to write home about. The speakers are barely adequate for playing music. On the 13 Touch, there are two sets of miniscule speaker holes on the bottom left edge of the display. 

The 17 Pro has two sets of speaker openings on either side of its bottom edge. They sound tinny and underpowered to handle music at moderate volumes. Crank up the volume to the max, and the cacophony that emanates is grating. I winced in horror as the strings on Hooverphonic’s “No More Sweet Music” turned into a muddy mess as I moved the OSD’s volume slider upward.

The speakers on these two monitors are fine for playing system alerts or for hopping on to your daily meetings on Google Meet or Zoom. However, you'll want to look elsewhere if you expect a high-quality audio experience with music or movies.

While I had no issue producing sound from the 13 Touch with a single USB-C cable, the 17 Pro was not so lucky. The volume controls in the OSD didn’t work, and selecting the 17 Pro as the audio output in Windows or macOS resulted in no sound being played, no matter what I tried. 

I resorted to doing a Google search, where I discovered that the 17 Pro needs auxiliary power for the speakers to function. In other words, you must plug in a second USB-C cable for additional power. After connecting a USB-C cable plugged into a wall wart, the 17 Pro’s speakers sprung to life.

Bottom Line

The Espresso 13 Touch and 17 Pro are impressive pieces of hardware, especially in the increasingly crowded portable monitor market. The Australian company created two incredibly thin monitors with touch support for Windows and macOS while delivering crisp visuals and punchy colors (although the 17 Pro has an edge on colors and brightness). Using either monitor with touch in macOS is a fun endeavor, especially with the Jot app and the espressoPen.

Of the two, the 17 Pro is the looker, as its bottom bezel is narrower, and its 4K panel looks magnificent. I wish I could say the same for the 13 Touch, but its double-stack bottom bezels leave wasted visual space that looks odd when rotating the monitor into portrait mode.

The stand included with each monitor is a real… standout. They are heavy, but they at least fold down to a compact size when not in use. Not only do they allow the monitors to adust for height and tilt, but also rotation thanks to the use of magnets. This makes them more akin to desktop monitors in their adjustability when used on a desk. It’s also worth mentioning that the stands feature the same high build quality as the monitors.

Both monitors could benefit from better speakers, although that likely won’t be a dealbreaker for many people. However, pricing and the need for accessories to get the most out of the monitors could become roadblocks. The 13 Touch costs $439 with a stand. You can get the same monitor without touch for $299 or step up to the 15 Touch (15 inches, 1080p) for $449. The 15 Touch would be the obvious choice out of that trio for our money.

Keep in mind that you can get a 13-inch or 15-inch InnoCN portable monitor with a 1080p OLED pan for $179 and $219, respectively. They don’t have touch screens, but you’ll have to decide if the price premium is worth it. The 17 Pro is even pricier, coming in at a steep $749 with the stand (compared to $189 for a 16-inch 3840 x 2400 portable monitor with an IPS display – albeit without touch). 

If you want to add the espressoPen with either monitor, it will cost you another $89. That’s a lot of money to spend for a portable monitor, but the software integration in Windows and macOS  – especially with touch support --  is second to none and may be worth the price of admission for creative professionals.

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KYY is a brand we've covered in the past, as we reviewed the company's 15.6-inch K3-3 with a 4K (3840 x 2160) panel. If one portable display isn't enough, KYY is back in the saddle with the X90A. KYY describes this as a “Triple Portable Monitor,”  where the two displays of the X90A flank your laptop's display.

In this instance, KYY features dual 14-inch, 1080p IPS displays, each of which can rotate from 0 to 210 degrees. The X90A features an integrated kickstand that can tilt the displays at a maximum 90-degree angle.

With a 60Hz refresh rate, KYY isn't targeting gamers, but it is undoubtedly an ideal productivity booster for general consumers. And with a price tag of around $400, it's one of the cheapest dual-screen monitors available, albeit one that doesn't quite reach the status as one of the best portable monitors. 

Design of the KYY X90A Triple Portable Monitor

The X90A features a central spine with an integrated kickstand that supports various operating modes. Extended mode that will likely be most useful, which has the center spine backed up against the laptop lid, with the two displays sticking out from the side.

There's also a portrait mode, where you can vertically orient one of the displays. In Presentation mode, both screens flip backward so that you can share your screens with someone situated in front of you.

The primary material used in its sturdy aluminum (including the kickstand) with no hints of creaking or warping. It's a solid unit. The build quality reminds me a lot of the Limink LK14, which also uses aluminum for its primary chassis.  Most portable monitors use a primarily plastic construction to hit lower price points, so we appreciate KYY going with a more premium look and feel.

KYY says that the 3.2-pound X90A can accommodate laptops with displays measuring 12 to 16 inches, and thanks to the double-hinge design, I used the X90A with a 16-inch Acer Swift Edge 16 laptop.

Given that there are two separate displays on the X90A, one set of controls exists for each. The left display has four buttons: Power, Menu, Plus and Minus, while the right display only has the latter three. These separate controls allow independent configuration of the display settings for people who want to use each screen for a separate task. For example, you might want to apply different settings for viewing a movie on the left display while working on a spreadsheet on the right display.

KYY Triple Portable Monitor Specifications

Connecting the KYY X90A Triple Portable Monitor

Interestingly, the X90A doesn’t feature an HDMI port, which most portable monitors have. Instead, it only has two USB-C ports. The bottom USB-C port is for power (if your laptop can’t provide the necessary power for the X90A), while the top USB-C port is for connecting to your computer.

While the USB-C requirement isn’t much of a concern for modern laptops, it would have been nice to see an HDMI port so it could work with Raspberry Pi boards, consoles and older computers. . You also won’t find a 3.5mm headphone jack or integrated headphones, as seen on other portable monitors in this price class.

I plugged the X90A into a free USB-C port on an Acer Swift Edge 16 ultraportable laptop, and both screens lit up without needing additional drivers.

My home office setup features dual 27-inch 4K monitors mounted side-by-side. So, I felt right at home with the extra displays flanking the Swift Edge 16, providing two 14-inch Full HD (1920 x 1080) panels to augment the laptop's primary 16-inch 3200 x 2000 display in Extended mode.

Portrait mode involves folding/stowing one of the displays and using the central spine as a hinged base for the remaining display. You can, of course, use Portrait mode on either side of the laptop. Presentation mode involves folding both displays backward until they come to a point. That way, two people sitting in front of your laptop can view content mirrored from your laptop’s display. Finally, there is the Second Screen mode. This mode is similar to the Extended mode, except one of the displays is stowed. This mode might be helpful if you have limited space to accommodate both displays in Extended mode.

I used the X90A almost exclusively in Presentation mode, with the monitor's base propped at a 90-degree angle. However, you can use the built-in kickstand to recline the whole apparatus backward to match the angle of your laptop lid.

OSD on the KYY X90A Triple Portable Monitor

As previously mentioned, the X90A has separate controls for each display, meaning each has its own on-screen display (OSD). The OSD is basic, with controls for color, brightness, contrast, temperature, and sharpness. There are also options to adjust the vertical/horizontal position of the OSD overlay and the timeout period for the OSD before it disappears.

Unfortunately, the positioning of the OSD controls makes them hard to use. They are placed close to the hinges of the X90A, which positioned them in a crook behind the Swift Edge 16’s display. I needed to place a hand behind the display and use my other hand to press the buttons to navigate the OSD (otherwise, pressing the OSD buttons without having an opposing force would cause the X90A to move on my desk). I would have preferred to see the OSD controls move to the outer edges of the displays for easier access.

Image quality on the KYY X90A Triple Portable Monitor

The X90A is a dual-screen IPS monitor, with each display measuring 14 inches across with a Full HD (1920 x 1080) resolution. KYY claims a maximum brightness of 300 nits, a contrast ratio of 1,000:1, and a 60Hz refresh rate.

Identical 14-inch IPS panels are used, so the scores you see charted below are indicative of both. No matter which display mode we used, and there are several (Default, Game, Movie, Photo, Vivid), color was just average for the X90A.

We measured 62 percent coverage of sRGB and just 43.9 percent coverage of DCI-P3 using the Default settings. According to our colorimeter, all the other picture modes were within one or two points of the Default mode. The X90A also scored lower than even the Sidetrak Swivel, which reached new low points for portable monitors in our previous lab tests.

In real-world testing, the colors on the display were muted, which the matte display coating made even more readily apparent. Greens and reds were dull and lifeless when I watched the Super Mario Bros. Movie (which is an extremely vibrant film rich in colors).

The lack of vibrancy in the colors was even more noticeable compared to the 16-inch OLED display for the Swift Edge 16, which was sandwiched between the two displays of the X90A. Moving the Super Mario Bros. Movie from the Swift Edge 16’s native display to either of the two X90A displays immediately impacted the image quality.

Of course, it’s not entirely fair to compare an IPS display to OLED concerning colors and contrast, but it is a scenario that many people will likely run into when using the X90A.

That said, the X90A proved more than capable of handling everyday productivity tasks without issue. The color performance didn’t mar my experience when using multiple windows of Microsoft Edge, Word, and Excel and apps like Slack and Gimp.

KYY claims that the X90A can hit a maximum of 300 nits, but our light meter showed that the monitor comes up well short. It averaged 228 nits in the Default mode, while the highest we ever saw was 248.6 nits in Game mode. This brightness shortfall wasn’t an issue in my home office, but I wished for extra headroom when using the X90A outside.

Bottom Line

KYY has made a valiant effort with the X90A Triple Portable Monitor. It has solid build quality reminiscent of the Limink LK14, which we rated very highly. The sturdy kickstand and double-hinged mechanism for the displays offer various operating modes that can be useful to laptop users. Although I gravitated toward the Extended mode, Portrait mode could be useful for document editing.

However, there are quite a few “misses” here that prevent this from being one of the best portable monitors, like the lack of HDMI connectivity and the awkwardly placed OSD controls, which makes navigating a chore. In addition, the X90A comes up short on the manufacturer’s claim of maximum brightness, while its color performance was at the back of the pack.

But the question remains: can these tradeoffs be overlooked given its price point? If you’re coming from a purely cost perspective, the X90A is a good buy – even with its demerits. However, the Limink LK14 Triple Portable Monitor sells for $499 at Amazon. The LK14 also comes with higher-resolution IPS panels that are brighter and offer more color. I think I’d part with the extra $90 and opt for the LK14 without a second thought. 

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The Mobile Pixels Geminos T is an odd monitor, or rather, a grouping of two displays. Each panel measures 24 inches diagonally, and they are stacked in a landscape orientation. An intricate hinge mechanism allows the two displays to close clamshell-style (like a laptop) for transport.

But the dual displays aren’t the only party trick here: Mobile Pixels incorporated touch support into the bottom display. Coupled with the ability of the bottom display to tilt at an ergonomic angle to suit your needs, it adds a new dimension to everyday productivity for creative professionals. When you throw in a USB hub, Ethernet, a 1080p webcam, and integrated speakers, the Geminos T is a full-featured productivity powerhouse. All of these features work in Windows and macOS.

The price tag of $720 isn’t for the faint of wallet, especially compared to some of the best computer monitors on the market, but it’s hard to argue with the results if you fall into the narrow target that Mobile Pixels aims for.

Design and Construction of the Geminos T

You can use the Geminos T in various ways to suit your ergonomic preference. You can position both displays so that they are stacked directly in line with each other vertically. Or you can pull down gently along the sides of the bottom panel, which causes the top panel to lower. At the same time, the bottom panel begins angling outward. As the top panel lowers (while remaining vertically aligned), the bottom panel can be positioned to a completely horizontal position (or any angle in between).

This capability is crucial because the bottom panel is touch-enabled, allowing you to interact with Windows like a touch-enabled tablet or laptop. 10-point multi-touch is supported. We should also note that touch is supported in macOS, which we’ll discuss later in this review.

If the touch support wasn’t enough of a party trick, the Geminos T also features a 1080p webcam, integrated microphone, built-in dual speakers, two USB-A ports, two USB-C ports (65-watt power delivery), 2 HDMI ports, 3.5mm audio jack, Ethernet and an SD card slot. In other words, Mobile Pixels is positioning the Geminos T as an all-in-one workhorse that serves as a powerful dock for your productivity needs.

Mobile Pixels Geminos T Specifications

Connecting the Geminos T

The Geminos T offers a few methods for connecting to your PC, and Mobile Pixels includes all the necessary cables to suit your needs (two HDMI cables, two USB-C cables, one USB-C to USB-A adapter). The first method uses two HDMI cables to connect to your PC. This method is reserved for desktop PCs, as we don’t know of many (if any laptops) that have two native HDMI ports. The second method is to connect the Geminos T with one HDMI cable and one USB-C cable. The final method involves using two USB-C cables to connect the Geminos T.

However, you’ll want to note that all the added hub functionality of the Geminos T is only available if you use the second and third methods to connect the monitors. If you go with an HDMI-only setup, you lose access to the webcam, speakers, network port, SD reader and USB functionality. We doubt that many customers will opt for this setup.

Onscreen Display for the Geminos T

This was probably the most confounding and infuriating feature that I interacted with on the Geminos T. Rather than opt for a simple joystick and multiple buttons to invoke and navigate the OSD, Mobile Pixels decided to go high-tech with a touch surface in the lower bezels of the bottom display. Each monitor is controlled by three touch-sensitive “buttons” – the left set controls the top display, while the right controls the bottom.

The central button brings up the OSD, and pressing it cycles through the different menu options. The problem with this navigation method is that if you accidentally toggle past your desired menu option, you must keep pressing the center button until you cycle back around. The buttons flanking the center button move left or right on the currently selected menu option (i.e., they can be used to lower/raise volume or brightness levels).

This arrangement is not intuitive and requires you to keep an eye on your finger placement due to the touch-sensitive nature of the buttons. While this advanced control scheme might enamor some people, sometimes simpler is better.

With that said, the OSD is rather basic, providing controls for panel brightness, speaker volume, contrast, color saturation, color temperature, and the low-blue light mode. An indicator also tells you how each display is currently connected to a PC (or Mac). However, there are no options to display your current display resolution/refresh rate or even position the OSD on the screen. Likewise, there are also no settings to adjust the OSD timeout.

Using the Geminos T

I first connected the Geminos T to a Windows 11 PC using one HDMI and one USB-C cable (DisplayPort Alt-Mode). Both displays on the Geminos T were immediately recognized. I then installed the drivers to ensure that all features would function properly. Each display on the Geminos T shows up as a standalone unit. My desktop’s usual monitor was designated #1 by Windows 11, while the Geminos T added monitors #2 and #3.

The additional accessories worked as expected. I was particularly impressed with the webcam, which provided a crisp and accurate image. At first, I was unsure of the high placement of the webcam, which sits at the top of the display. However, the webcam is hinged, allowing it to tilt down a few degrees to ensure your face is fully framed. This shows that Mobile Pixels thought of almost everything with the Geminos T.

At first, I couldn’t get the touchscreen feature to work in Windows 11. However, it didn’t take long before I realized that my desktop’s usually-connected monitor was set as the primary. Once I navigated to Display Settings and set the bottom Geminos T display to primary, the 10-point multi-touch worked just as intended.

To set up the Geminos T in macOS 14 with a 14-inch MacBook Pro, I had to install two drivers before connecting the HDMI and USB-C cables. The first was a display driver, while the second was a Universal Pointer Device Driver (UPDD) that adds touch support to the OS for the bottom display.

The latter driver also installs UPDD Commander, which allows you to set touch actions/gestures for individual macOS apps. The app is surprisingly configurable, although I didn’t perform any additional customizations. The standard control scheme for each app worked just fine for me.

However, I will say that using a touch-based display on a Mac seems a bit “wrong,” per se. Apple has blatantly refused to add touchscreen support to Macs, yet here I am using a touchscreen with a Mac. I won’t say it’s a life-altering experience, but it’s a weird one nonetheless. macOS wasn’t designed around a touch interface, so there’s nothing eye-opening here when using the Geminos T. However, I found editing photos (specifically using the trim tools) much easier using my pointer finger on the bottom display.

I will note that all the Geminos T’s “extras,” like the webcam, network card, and SD reader worked as expected in macOS.

The ability to tilt the bottom display to an ideal position (for your needs) makes it a perfect platform for touch input. It could be a boon for musicians and video editors who want to fine-tune controls with a finger swipe. The bottom display could also benefit photo manipulation and countless other tasks.

However, one question that many folks reading this review might ask is, “Why not just buy two monitors?” Well, the official company line from Mobile Pixels is that the Geminos T is superior to a traditional dual-monitor setup because its monitors are stacked, which takes up less desk space. While true, you could buy a desk or wall mount for two traditional monitors and stack them vertically. However, you would still miss out on the added features of the Geminos T, like touch support, webcam, and network interface.

Display Performance of the Mobile Pixels Geminos T

The Geminos T features dual 24-inch IPS displays, with one stacked above the other. Although both panels share the same basic specs (1920 x 1080 resolution, 60Hz refresh rate, 1,000:1 contrast ratio, 250 nits maximum brightness), the bottom display is where the magic happens courtesy of its touch support.

Our lab testing found some slight differences in color performance between the top and bottom panels. Our colorimeter showed that the top panel measured 77.5 percent of DCI-P3 and 109.4 percent of sRGB. The bottom panel wasn’t far behind, measuring 76.5 percent and 107.9 percent, respectively.

However, we noticed a steeper fall-off in brightness between the two panels, with the top hitting a maximum of 257 nits (above-spec) on our light meter compared to just 239.2 nits for the bottom panel.

With an anti-reflective coating applied to both panels, visibility in my brightly-lit home office was good. Mobile Pixels isn’t marketing the Geminos T as a tool for pristine color accuracy, nor will it impress gamers with high refresh rate panels (60 Hz is all you get here). But it gets the job done with its productivity—centered focus.

Bottom Line

The Mobile Pixels Geminos T is unlike any other monitor I’ve previously tested. While I’ve experienced dual monitors that flank your laptop’s display, the double-stacked Geminos T is a different beast. And I do mean beast, given the size of the dual displays and the hulking weight of the all-aluminum chassis.

Everything from the feel of the chassis to how the screens raise, lower, and pivot exudes quality. And we can’t forget the value-adds, which include multiple USB-A and USB-C ports, an Ethernet port, and an SD reader. It even brings videoconferencing to the forefront with a top-mounted 1080p webcam, dual speakers and a built-in microphone. However, we must note that you’ll need to connect the Geminos T to your PC or Mac with a USB-C cable to take advantage of these added features.

The novelty of the dual screens is made even more useful with the bottom touch display. Not only does the touch functionality work in Windows, but it also surprisingly works in macOS.

Besides the wonky touch controls for the OSD, the biggest Achilles heel for the Geminos T is its price. At this writing, the unit is priced at $720 direct from Mobile Pixels. If $720 is too rich for your blood, Mobile PIxels offers the cheaper Geminos (minus the “T”), which lacks the bottom touchscreen. This version costs $629, which is still a hefty price for a dual-monitor setup.

You could grab a couple of 24 to 27” monitors for around $400 and add a cheap desk mount to achieve a similar vertically stacked layout. However, you wouldn’t be able to duplicate the completely integrated design of the Geminos T or leverage its extra built-in features.

When it comes to display shopping, the best gaming monitors and best computer monitors for your desktop typically get the most attention. After all, many people want a reasonably large workspace for gaming and productivity needs, with 32 to 34 inches being the sweet spot. However, there are times when a much smaller monitor can benefit people, particularly laptop users who are always on the go. And with Black Friday deals appearing, now is the time to look out for great deals on portable monitors.

Why Choose a Portable Monitor?

Portable monitors make a lot of sense for people with laptops who want more screen real estate than their built-in display can offer. 15.6 inches is the most popular screen size for laptops, and it can be tempting to double that by adding a similarly-sized portable monitor.

Your laptop’s built-in display can serve as a primary focal point for your oft-used apps like a web browser, word processor, or photo editor. You could then use a portable monitor to extend your workspace for, perhaps, spreadsheets, messaging apps, or even a full-screen movie while you work. It’s also great for keeping reference material such as that PDF or website you need to read while writing your document.

Of course, using a portable monitor with your laptop is only feasible if you’re sitting at a desk. Adding a secondary monitor is not lap-friendly unless you opt for something like the SideTrak Swivel.

However, portable monitors are not only beneficial to laptop users. Raspberry Pi makers often use portable monitors for their projects due to their compact dimensions and miserly power requirements. Likewise, desktop PC (or Mac) users can also take advantage of portable monitors. For example, my primary machine is a laptop that I connect to a Thunderbolt 3 dock on my desk. Two 27-inch 4K monitors are attached to the dock for my daily work duties. But I also have an Intel NUC hooked up to a 15.6-inch 1080p portable monitor due to its small footprint and single-cable connection.

In addition, given how thin and lightweight portable monitors are (typically less than 2 pounds), they can easily fit into a medium-sized laptop bag for travel.

Connectivity Options with Portable Monitors

Most portable monitors offer two ways to connect to a PC or Mac: HDMI and USB-C. Due to the smaller size of portable monitors, the HDMI port is provided in Mini or Micro flavors. A second display connection option is via USB-C (most portable monitors offer two USB-C ports). DisplayPort Alt-Mode over USB-C allows a portable monitor to connect to a computer using a single cable for data and power (which isn’t possible with HDMI). However, your device must support it as most recent laptops do, but Raspberry Pi does not.

Wi-Fi is another less common method for linking up a portable monitor with your laptop. For example, the Asus ZenScreen Go MB16AWP is a 15.6-inch monitor with an integrated Wi-Fi radio and a built-in battery. It supports Apple AirPlay and Miracast, allowing you to mirror content to the monitor without any necessary cables (if the battery is charged).

Great Portable Monitor Deals Right Now

These are some of the best prices we’re seeing on portable monitors right now. 

What Features to Look for in a Portable Monitor

• Screen Size: There is a wide variety of portable monitors on the market, although not nearly as vast as what’s available on the desktop. Still, you can find monitors ranging in size from 12 to 17.3 inches, with several stops in between (13.3, 14, 15.6, and 16 inches). The most popular option for portable monitors seems to be 15.6 inches, which makes sense given the popularity of 15.6-inch laptops. However, 13 and 14-inch models are more portable.
• Resolution: The options aren’t so diverse when it comes to resolution, as you’ll typically find just 1920 x 1080 (Full HD), 2560 x 1440 (QHD), and 3840 x 2160 (4K). Regarding bang for the buck, the sweet spot for portable monitors is 15.6 inches with a Full HD resolution. Most portable monitors feature a 60 Hz refresh rate, although some high-end gaming options have 144 Hz and even 300 Hz panels for gamers looking for that extra edge.
• Panel type: OLED or IPS? Another thing to consider is the type of panel used for the portable monitor you select. Most portable monitors feature IPS panels, which provide good color, viewing angles, and brightness. However, they can be lacking with regard to contrast. The other option, which comes at a price premium, is OLED.
  
  OLED panels provide rich colors and unmatched contrast to deliver inky blacks. However, they often can’t get as bright as IPS panels and cost more. If you don’t mind spending a bit more on your portable monitor, it’s hard to say no to the beauty of an OLED panel.
  
• Speakers? Some, but not all, portable monitors feature integrated speakers. However, remember that due to space constraints, they are typically of poor quality and won’t sound any better than the speakers on your laptop.
  
• Stand Type: Finally, and this is a big one, pay attention to the type of stand the portable monitor you select uses. This can make or break the user experience for you. I vastly prefer products that have an integrated, hinged kickstand. This makes adjusting the screen angle easy and is the sturdiest option.
  
  Some monitors use a magnetic kickstand that attaches to the back of the monitor. The only downside is that it’s yet another component that can get lost while traveling. The last type is folio/case stand. While these appendages can protect the screen when you are traveling, converting them into stand mode often leaves users with an unstable stand mechanism with limited adjustability for the screen angle.

Happy Hunting

Armed with the above information, we hope you can find a portable monitor that best suits your usage case, be it to expand your laptop’s screen real estate while working in a hotel or as a permanent fixture on your desk in your home office. 

The Portable Monitor is a relatively new company that is now launching its second-generation Slide designed for “professionals on the movie.” The company’s Slide V2 features a dual-screen form factor vastly different from the Limink LK14 I reviewed.

Instead of using dual screens that fold up when not in use, the Slide V2 instead stows the panels by sliding them into a central base. It’s an interesting way to protect the displays when not in use. With that said, the $726 Slide V2 offers a relatively simple way of adding additional desktop space to your laptop. It provides several operating modes for boosting productivity or sharing content with coworkers.

Design of the Portable Monitor Slide V2

The Slide V2 uses a rather intriguing design compared to other dual-screen monitors. Rather than rely on a design that strictly folds or unfolds the display, the screens on the Slide V2 actually slide out from a central base. Each screen features a rather flimsy pull tab (which seems questionably attached to the inside of the display housing). Pulling on the tab extracts the display from the base, after which they can rotate fore and aft to provide various viewing angles.

When you’re ready to pack things up, bring the displays back to the straight position and push them back into the central base. A plastic locking clip secures the panels for travel. Each display panel also has a backlit logo on the back to spruce up the design.

The Slide V2 can attach to your laptop display lid semi-permanently using four plastic pucks. The pucks attach using tape, and the Slide V2 slips onto your laptop with four accompanying clips. I don’t like the idea of unsightly pucks sticking to my laptop when the Slide V2 is not in use, and I would have preferred a friction-style clamp mechanism (as seen on the Limink LK14).

An integrated stand features a pull tab, which allows you to adjust the recline of the display. 14 detents help you find the optimal viewing angle for your use case.

The Slide V2 leaves a lot to be desired regarding its construction. It’s made primarily of low-quality plastic, which leads me to question how durable this device will be in the long term. The central housing features thin plastic that flexes and creaks. The bezels around the display are constructed of an even thinner plastic. The bottom bezel, in particular, can be easily pressed inward with your thumb as the plastic is roughly the thickness of an index card. Metal is used for the hinge mechanism and the backplate for each display.

If you plan to use the Slide V2 at your desk and won’t move it around a lot, these build-quality foibles might not bother you that much. However, you've been warned if you plan to transport the unit frequently. I find it interesting that the Slide V2 manages to be both heavier and more fragile than the Limink LK14, which features an aluminum construction and larger FHD+ (1920 x 1200) panels.

The Slide V2 features two 60Hz 13.3-inch IPS panels with an FHD (1920 x 1080) resolution. The panels have a claimed maximum brightness of 250 nits, although our test results fell well short of that figure. The Slide V2 measures 10.12 x 14.88 x 0.79 inches and weighs nearly four and a half pounds.

Connecting the Portable Monitor Slide V2

The Slide V2 only has two ports, both of which are USB-C with DisplayPort Alt-Mode support. For most laptops, you only need to plug a single USB-C cable (included in the box) to the USB-C on the bottom right of the monitor. If your laptop cannot provide enough power for the dual screens, a second USB-C port located on the bottom left of the monitor can give extra juice to get you up and running.

I’m used to plugging in a portable monitor and instantly being ready to work in either Windows or macOS environments. However, the Slide V2 is a bit different. After initially plugging the Slide V2 into my Windows 11 machines, the panels went into an onboard diagnostic/configuration mode to prepare them for use in Windows. The screens flashed a few times with the company logo during the process. After about two minutes, Windows 11 recognized both monitors and I was able to begin my testing. However, The Portable Monitor says this configuration process can last up to five minutes, depending on your system.

There are four primary operating modes for the Slide V2: Panoramic, Flip 180, Triangle, and Vertical. Panoramic is likely the most used mode, as it is the most traditional. Your laptop display is the primary, central display, while the Slide V2’s two additional panels provide an extended viewing experience to your left and right.

Flip 180 allows you to extend the right display in its normal front-facing position. The left panel then flips 180 degrees, facing the opposite direction. The left panel is magnetically locked against the central base in this mode.

Triangle mode allows you to rotate both screens backward to form a triangle. The edges of the displays are equipped with magnets to lock this position.

The last mode is Vertical, which doesn’t involve attaching the Slide V2 to your laptop. Instead, you leave one display stowed inside the central display and extend the other, then rotate it 90 degrees.

We should also note that the Slide V2 doesn’t feature an on-screen display (OSD). As a result, you don’t have any physical control over brightness, contrast, display modes, etc.

Image Quality of the Portable Monitor Slide V2

The Slide V2 uses two identical 60 Hz IPS panels. As a result, all the instrumented tests you see below apply to both panels. Each panel measures 13.3 inches across and has a Full HD (1920 x 1080) resolution. The Portable Monitor claims a contrast ratio of 900:1, which is below average for this category. Likewise, maximum brightness is listed at 250 nits.

However, in our testing, the light meter showed that the Slide V2 could muster only 193 nits on average, which is more than a 20 percent shortfall compared to the manufacturer’s claim. This result is roughly half the maximum brightness of the Limink LK14 and over 100 nits short of the Sidetrak Swivel.

According to our colorimeter, the Slide V2 achieved 70.5 percent of the DCI-P3 color space, outpacing the underperforming Sidetrack Swivel, but behind the LK14 and Asus ZenScreen Go MB16AWP. sRGB coverage came in at 99.6 percent.

Given the 60 Hz panels at play here, the Slide V2 isn’t billed as a gaming accessory. Instead, it’s positioned to boost personal productivity and collaborate with colleagues. The Slide V2 excelled in this area, greatly expanding my workspace.

My daily workflow consists of using Microsoft Edge and Google Chrome web browsers, Microsoft Word and Excel, Slack, NetNewsWire, along with widgets for weather and tracking my favorite stocks. I often used my laptop’s display for word processing and spreadsheets while reserving the Slide V2’s left panel for watching world news on Sling TV in a full-screen Edge window.

I’d then use the right display for a grab bag of Slack, Excel and NetNewsWire windows. This expanded real estate allowed me to easily keep track of all my daily work duties at a glance without the “closed-in” feeling of working solely from my primary laptop’s 3024 x 1964 14-inch display.

I also used the Slide V2 to watch Pixar’s Elemental. The colors looked a little muted on the display, with a distinct lack of “punch” in the oranges and reds that compromise the character Ember Lumen. The overall image quality was good, but it was a little lacking for a device costing over $700.

Bottom Line

The Portable Monitor Slide V2 finds itself in a somewhat awkward position. On the one hand, it sets out and easily conquers the task of being a versatile productivity monitor offering flexible viewing modes and relative ease of operation. It connects via a single USB-C cable and brings two additional Full HD displays to your laptop.

However, how the Slide V2 achieves those ends is the troubling part. For starters, build quality is passable at best. The low-quality plastics and creaky construction make me question the long-term durability of the unit. Secondly, the Slide V2 weighs 4.4 pounds, which is like carrying around a second 14-inch laptop in your bag. That added weight might have been more palatable if the Slide V2 were constructed of higher-quality materials.

The final dagger in the heart of the Slide V2 is its price. At $726.99 direct from The Portable Monitor, this is a very spendy accessory made even more egregious considering our concerns about quality and weight.

The Limink Lk14 gives you dual 14-inch FHD+ displays, an aluminum chassis with impeccable build quality and is priced at $699. However, the monitor regularly goes on sale for less than $600. The LK14 doesn’t offer all the operating modes that are possible with the Slide V2, but for those that simply want additional workspace without the bells and whistles of acrobatic displays, it is the far and away better choice.

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The portable monitor field is becoming vast and multi-faceted. There are options geared toward basic productivity, gaming, and content creation. Some even support wireless connectivity with a PC, while others provide dual monitors to expand your workspace greatly.

Elecrow is entering the fray with its CrowView monitor, which recently exited a successful Kickstarter campaign. It is similar in many regards to the SideTrak Swivel in that it can attach directly to a laptop or function as a standalone monitor in portrait or landscape modes. However, the CrowView, in many ways, is the superior product at a lower price, and and a surefire addition to our best portable monitors list. 

Elecrow CrowView Portable Monitor Specifications

Design of the Elecrow CrowView Portable Monitor

The CrowView is similar in concept to the SideTrak Swivel in that it attaches to the back of your laptop’s lid, providing an additional display that juts out from the side. Like the Swivel, you can place the monitor on either the left or right side of your laptop’s display. You can even use the portable monitor detached from your computer thanks to the included kickstand (in either portrait or landscape mode).

Attaching the CrowView to your laptop is achieved via three spring-loaded clamps mounted on the backplate. When using it as a standalone monitor, a kickstand pops out from the CrowView’s backplate. Its rubber-covered foot also extends to adjust the display angle. A simple button located on the kickstand allows the extension to retract when you’re ready to stow it.

I prefer the CrowView’s mounting system and kickstand approach over the Swivel’s semi-permanent adhesive mounting plate that must remain attached to your laptop. The CrowView’s system is easily adaptable for 13- to 16.5-inch screen sizes, mounts securely, and quickly removes when it’s time to pack up and go.

The CrowView is lightweight (1.76 pounds), without feeling cheap. The entire unit is made of high-quality black plastic. The relatively thick bezels around the display have a woodgrain-esque finish that looks quite attractive to my eyes. I liken it to a dark espresso wood finish, popular with modern furniture.

The CrowView’s ports are located on its right side, where you’ll discover two USB-C (DisplayPort Alt-Mode) and one mini HDMI port for connecting to your laptop or other devices. There’s also a 3.5mm headphone jack. There are four buttons on the back of the display for the OSD. Elecrow includes a USB-A to USB-C, USB-C to USB-C, HDMI to mini HDMI and a USB-A wall adapter in the box.

The monitor is double-hinged, meaning that you can position the monitor facing you, angled inward, or even flipped around 180 degrees (there are 230 degrees of rotation available).

Connecting the Elecrow CrowView Portable Monitor

Attaching the CrowView to a Dell Latitude laptop was very easy. Three spring-loaded clamps are mounted on the CrowView’s backplate that attach to your laptop’s display. One clamp located near the display’s hinge flips outward and adjusts to the thickness of your display lid. A second spring-loaded clamp is on the opposite side of the back attachment plate and extends outward to accommodate varying display lid widths. The final spring-loaded clamp is located on the top of the mounting plate. This clamp is removable to use in a left-mounted configuration.

The CrowView fit snuggly on my laptop’s display and couldn’t be jostled loose, even when I picked up my laptop and transported it to another room. The monitor is also light enough not to weigh down my laptop’s display (in other words, it didn’t tip backward). However, you can deploy the kickstand if the CrowView proves too heavy for your laptop hinge.

With the kickstand, the CrowView can also be used as a standalone monitor (landscape mode). Alternatively, you can use it in portrait mode, with the backplate serving as an adjustable stand.

I used a single USB-C cable for data and power when connecting the CrowView to my laptop. However, an HDMI connection is supported if your laptop doesn’t have a compliant USB-C port.

On-Screen Display on the Elecrow CrowView Portable Monitor

The CrowView features a barebones on-screen display (OSD), accessible using the four buttons on the back of the monitor. This isn’t an ideal position, as you can’t see what buttons you’re pressing as you’re looking at the OSD. However, after a few minutes, I became acclimated to blindly navigating through the OSD using the buttons (Menu, up, down, back).

The OSD is first accessed using the Menu button; then you use the up/down buttons to navigate. Pressing the Menu button again selects a menu and subsequent options within the submenus. The back button returns to the previous menu until you exit the OSD.

You’ll find all the usual settings in the OSD for controlling brightness, color temperature, horizontal/vertical OSD positioning, OSD transparency, Low Blue Light modes and more. Several display modes include Standard, RTS, FPS, Movie, Game and Text. The CrowView even supports AMD FreeSync if you want to game on the side (albeit at a maximum of 60Hz).

Image Quality of the Elecrow CrowView Portable Monitor

The CrowView features a 14-inch Full HD (1920 x 1080) IPS panel with a 60Hz refresh rate.

Our light meter testing showed that the CrowView hit 370 nits, which wasn’t quite as high as the manufacturer’s claim of 400 nits. However, this performance put it well ahead of the SideTrak Swivel (301.4 nits) and the Portable Monitor Slide V2 (193.2 nits). However, it trailed the Limink LK14 (388.6 nits). We should note that Game and Movie modes limit the backlight and maximum brightness, dropping it to a maximum of 207.6 nits.

Our colorimeter revealed that the CrowView is about average in this class in sRGB and DCI-P3 coverage. DCI-P3 coverage came in at 75.1 percent, putting it in between the Slide V2 and LK14. The CrowView’s sRGB coverage also came squarely between the Slide V2 and LK14, at 99.6 percent.

I preferred the Standard picture mode for everyday productivity use, which provided rich color. Occasionally, when testing portable monitors, there can be a dramatic difference in quality compared to the native laptop panel. However, the panel size, matte finish, and colors on the CrowView largely mirrored the Dell Latitude I used as a testbed. This made swapping from one screen to the other less jarring and made for a more pleasant user experience. However, testing the CrowView with a 14-inch MacBook Pro left me preferring the latter’s Mini-LED panel to accomplish the bulk of my daily work.

Speaking of work, I primarily used the Latitude’s built-in display with Microsoft Word documents side-by-side, split evenly on the display. I then used the CrowView’s full display area for an instance of Microsoft Edge.

Switching to Movie mode, I watched one of my favorite movies, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, on Disney Plus. I wouldn’t say that the Indiana Jones flicks are known for lavish color palettes. Instead, it skews more to earthy tones and more drab colors (greys and browns). However, the skin tones looked accurate, without appearing too oversaturated, and the viewing experience was enjoyable. I also connected the CrowView to a PC supporting AMD FreeSync and loaded Cyberpunk 2077 for tear-free gaming.

Bottom Line

It’s hard to find fault with the Elecrow CrowView. The portable monitor is lightweight without feeling cheap (a huge accomplishment), offers a bright and colorful screen, and is extremely versatile. Not only can it attach to your laptop, but it can also be used as a standalone monitor in either landscape or portrait mode. Best of all, the CrowView is priced at just $115, direct from Elecrow.

If I’m being picky, I can admonish Elecrow for the poorly-placed OSD buttons, which really should be located along the side edges of the monitor (near the I/O ports) instead of the back. And it would be nice to see a higher resolution panel on future iterations (perhaps 1920 x 1200 or 2560 x 1440). But those are small nitpicks in an otherwise excellent product that will soon be joining the ranks on our best portable monitors page.

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Portable monitors come in various sizes with widely varying feature sets. Some models cater to the productive set with vivid OLED panels and others with hyperactive refresh rates, like the Nexigo NG17FGQ, that gamers seek after. But for those who just want a monitor to expand their workspace (and game on the side) at a reasonable price, this 15.6-inch entry from Arzopa deserves your attention.

The Arzopa G1 Game portable monitor offers a 1080p resolution, 144 Hz refresh rate, HDMI and USB-C connectivity, and built-in speakers. It does all this with a list price of $189.99, which is already low among portable monitors. However, the monitor currently sells for $149.99 at Amazon, and an additional $20 off coupon takes it to $129.99. The price is right, but are you getting enough bang for your buck for consideration among the best portable monitors? Let's find out.

Arzopa G1 Game Portable Monitor Specifications

Design of the Arzopa G1 Game Portable Monitor

The G1 Game is a 15.6-inch portable monitor that is a lot lighter compared to some of its peers. This is due to its design, which lacks an integrated kickstand or an I/O base like the Asus ZenScreen MB16QHG. However, this streamlined design means the G1 Game has some glaring downsides, which I’ll discuss later in this section.

On the plus side, the G1 Game makes a good first impression. Rather than the usual plastic that proliferates throughout the portable monitor segment, the G1 Game is constructed out of aluminum alloy. That gives it a premium feel, and the chassis has very little flex. The overall feel bodes well for the durability of the G1 Game, especially for frequent travelers.

The design is rather basic, with thin bezels surrounding the sides and top of the display. A larger bezel sits below, with a thin silver accent line adding a touch of visual interest. Below the accent line is the Arzopa logo.

There’s a headphone jack, a three-way rocker switch for the OSD, and a back button for the OSD on the monitor’s right side. The left side houses the inputs, which include two USB-C ports and a full-size HDMI port.

Since the G1 Game doesn’t have a built-in way to prop up the display, you must rely on the included faux leather case, which doubles as a stand. And that’s where the problems come in. While the case protects the screen when transporting it, it is horrible as a stand.

You must flip the screen cover portion of the case backward so that the upper portion attaches magnetically to the back of the monitor. The lower half then extends slightly to prop up the monitor.

The problem is that this design only allows the monitor to sit at one fixed angle. Even worse, the contact points between the monitor and the area of the case that touches your desk are so shallow that even the lightest touch can cause the entire thing to fall over. It’s a shame because Arzopa made a conscious decision to use high-quality materials for the actual monitor. Compromising the whole effort with a shaky and non-adjustable case/stand is a huge letdown.

Image Quality and Performance of the Arzopa G1 Game Portable Monitor

The G1 Game has a 15.6-inch IPS 1080p panel with a 144 Hz refresh rate. The latter is a relatively lofty figure for a portable monitor and lives up to the “Game” in its name. Arzopa also quotes a contrast ratio of 1,000:1 and a maximum brightness of 300 nits.

Our instrumented testing showed that the G1 Game far surpassed the manufacturer’s estimate on brightness, achieving an average of 357.2 nits in Standard mode (354.2 nits in Game mode). The IPS panel covered 84.1 percent of the DCI-P3 color space and 118.7 percent of sRGB. In this grouping, the G1 bested all the other portable gaming monitors across the board, including a considerable lead in brightness.

Regarding refresh rates, the G1 Game is well above the 60Hz average for portable monitors. We recently looked at the Asus ZenScreen MB16QHG, which has a 120 Hz panel. The G1 Game ups the ante with a 144 Hz panel for on-the-go gamers. Despite the 144 Hz maximum, the G1 Game does not support Adaptive-Sync, which means that Nvidia G-Sync and AMD FreeSync compatibility is nonexistent.

Given that this is a gaming monitor, I decided to see how it handled Overwatch 2. I hooked the monitor to a Hades Canyon NUC with an Intel Core i7-8890G processor with AMD Radeon RX Vega M GH graphics. 

With the graphics presets to High, I quickly hit up against the 144 Hz limit at 1080p resolution. However, I did occasionally notice some frame tearing, which is unsightly in the heat of combat. I also hooked the monitor up to my son’s Nintendo Switch OLED (using the Switch’s dock and HDMI) and did a few rounds of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe without issue.

Everyday productivity performance on the monitor was excellent. My standard daily workload involves multiple Microsoft Edge and Google Chrome windows, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Slack and a photo editor. The monitor handled each easily, and the amped 144 Hz refresh rate afforded me smoother scrolling in apps but otherwise was indistinguishable from lesser monitors.

Overall, the colors for the monitor looked good, but not great. However, this is a monitor that retails for less than $200. For everyday productivity use and for gaming, the G1 Game will serve your needs just fine. However, if you’re into color-critical work, you might want to look at something like the ZenScreen MB16QHG or Zion Pro.

On-Screen Display for the Arzopa G1 Game

The G1 Game uses a three-way rocker switch to evoke and partially navigate through the on-screen display (OSD). Pushing the switch up or down translates into the respective movement through the menu system. Pressing in on the rocker will take you to the next sub-menu and finally confirm a settings choice. The separate back button will take you to the previous menu in the OSD. Pressing the back button while not in the OSD will display the currently selected signal source.

The OSD is relatively barebones, with the usual brightness, contrast, color temperature, and OSD position/timeout controls. There are also settings to control the maximum brightness, low blue light, and Eco mode. In addition, the monitor’s current resolution and refresh rate is displayed at the top of the OSD.

Audio on the Arzopa G1 Game

Like most speakers on portable monitors, the ones included in the G1 Game are more of an afterthought. They sound worse than laptop speakers, which is bad. There’s distortion as you pass 80 percent volume and there’s no base. I played “Canela” by Santana and it sounded like the song was recorded in a gas station bathroom. It was empty, lifeless and hollow.

But remember that most folks buy portable monitors to increase their productivity rather than listen to music. So, consider it a bonus, albeit one that doesn’t add much to the entire package.

Bottom Line

The Arzopa G1 Game represents a remarkable value for those looking for a portable gaming monitor. The aluminum chassis feels durable, and the build quality is excellent. In addition, the thin and lightweight design makes it an easy travel companion.

However, while the included case does a good job of protecting the G1 Game’s IPS panel, it serves as a poor stand. You cannot adjust the monitor's angle when the stand is in use, and it’s not very sturdy in this position. We expect more, given the quality of the monitor itself. And while the 144 Hz refresh rate is nice in this space, the lack of FreeSync/G-Sync support is a big bummer.

The G1 Game retails for $189.99, but it has been on sale for $149.99 for the past month at Amazon. On top of that, a $20 instant coupon takes the price down to $129.99. That’s a screaming bargain for a 144 Hz portable monitor, which helps us to overlook some of its downsides (like subpar speakers).

If you want something with better color and inky blacks, look at the InnoCN 15A1F. However, the G1 Game is untouchable as a portable gaming monitor at this price. 

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The best portable monitors come in all shapes, sizes, and form factors. One of the weirdest designs I reviewed was the Sidetrack Swivel, which is semi-permanently attached to your laptop’s display lid or standalone like a traditional portable monitor (in either portrait or landscape mode).

However, the new Limink LK14 Portable Tri-Screen Monitor takes things one step further. Rather than just one display that attaches to one side of your laptop’s integrated monitor, it has two displays flanking your internal display, hence the “tri-screen” moniker.

This is one of the most well-thought-out portable monitors I’ve tested, and it’s the highest quality, using a sturdy aluminum alloy for all structural components.  With various connectivity options for hooking up to your laptop and a comprehensive mounting system, the only thing standing in the way of the Tri-Screen is its $700 price tag.

Limink LK14 Portable Tri-Screen Monitor Specifications

Design of the Limink LK14 Portable Tri-Screen Monitor

Thanks to its aluminum alloy construction, the LK14 looks right at home attached to an Apple MacBook Pro. The color scheme clashes with most Windows laptops, which typically feature darker palettes for their display lids. When you take the LK14 out of its included book-style case, it is folded with a foam block inserted to protect the two screens.

Next, you need to unfold both displays and the inner flaps that sit behind your laptop’s display. Those inner flaps are spring-loaded and feature two metal hoops you pull with your fingers to extend. Releasing the hoops allows the edges of the inner flaps to firmly “grab” the side of your laptop’s internal display. The clamping force was tight enough that the LK14 easily stayed attached to my 14-inch MacBook Pro. The LK14 supports 13- to 16-inch laptops.

However, for further support, an adjustable kickstand is mounted on the back of the left inner flap to support the added weight of the LK14. The stand folds out from the inner flap and can move up or down an indented track to help you find the perfect angle.

Not only is the kickstand adjustable but the monitors themselves can be positioned flat to match your laptop’s display or angle inward to your liking. The hinge is very stiff, allowing you to find the perfect angle for either of the LK14’s displays.

I’ll take this time to say that the LK14 is extremely well-built. There is no flex to the display panels, and everything is screwed together with a level of precision that you don’t usually see with portable monitors (which are typically constructed of cheap plastic to save weight). In addition, Limink includes rubber pads on the inner flaps so that the LK14 doesn’t scratch your laptop’s lid. There are additional rubber strips along the edges of the inner flaps so that they don’t scratch the edges of your laptop’s lid.

The LK14 features two 60Hz 14-inch IPS panels with an FHD+ (1920 x 1200) resolution. Limink claims 400 nits of brightness and 81 percent of DCI-P3 coverage. The LK14 measures 7.92 x 12.8 x 1.18 inches and weighs just over three pounds.

Connecting the Limink LK14 Portable Tri-Screen Monitor

Connecting the LK14 to my MacBook Pro on the first try took about a minute. It took this long because I was unfamiliar with the process and didn’t want to damage the dual screens. However, once I got used to the process and figured out how to use the hoops to adjust the inner flaps (it’s incredible what you can learn if you actually read the manual), I was able to complete the task in about 20 seconds.

Limink provides multiple ways to connect the LK14 to your laptop, and each monitor comes with two USB-C ports and one mini HDMI port. You can connect one monitor with HDMI + USB-A for power and the other with USB-C. If you have a Thunderbolt 3/4 laptop or one equipped full-function USB-C ports, you can simplify the connection process by using two USB-C cables for video and power.

I took this route, as my MacBook Pro features three Thunderbolt 4 ports. The left display connected to a Thunderbolt 4 port on the left of my MacBook Pro, while the right panel connected to the sole Thunderbolt 4 port on the right of my laptop. There’s no real way to hide the USB-C cables from view while using the LK14, as all the ports are on the sides instead of the back of the panels.

Limink provides two USB-C to USB-C cables, two USB-C to USB-A, and two HDMI to mini HDMI cables in the box.

Given a weight of over three pounds, the LK14 is not suitable for use on your lap. You’ll need a desk or table to place your laptop on and the kickstand to support the weight of the hardware.

On-Screen Display on the Limink LK14 Portable Tri-Screen Monitor

The LK14 is treated as two monitors, each showing up individually in macOS and Windows 11. The same goes for the on-screen display (OSD). Each monitor has its own OSD and physical controls, allowing you to adjust settings for each independently.

Adjusting settings is achieved with a rocker switch that moves left or right to navigate the menu system. Pressing in on the rocker serves as the action button, while a separate round button acts as a “back” command in the OSD or a power button when the OSD is inactive.

The OSD is basic, with settings for brightness, contrast, color, HDR, and controls for adjusting where the OSD appears on the display. While you can change the settings for each monitor individually for specific usage cases, I configured each identically.

Image Quality of the Limink LK14 Portable Tri-Screen Monitor

The LK14 fared well in our testing suite compared to the other portable monitors we tested. However, I must reiterate that the LK14 uses two identical IPS panels, and our testing showed that they performed identically. So, the numbers you see below apply to both panels on our review unit.

The LK14 hit 80.9 percent of the DCI-P3 color space, according to our colorimeter, putting it right on top of the 81 percent claim from the factory. When it came to the sRGB color gamut, it came in at 114.2 percent, putting it in line with the Asus ZenScreen Go MB16AWP. Our light meter showed that the LK14 came up a little short of the factory 400 nits brightness claim, delivering a still impressive 388.6 percent. This was enough to shoot the LK14 to the top of the pack, surpassing the OLED-backed InnoCN 15AF.

Limink bills the LK14 as a productivity-centric device, and I used it mainly for this purpose. I typically used my MacBook Pro’s display for Microsoft Edge (and dozen+ tabs), while I used the LK14’s auxiliary panels for a mix of apps like Word, Excel, Slack, NetNewsWire, and UltiMaker Cura for tinkering with my 3D prints.

I also used the LK14 to watch the final episode of Marvel’s Secret Invasion on the left monitor while I worked on a Word document with my MacBook Pro’s display and input data in an Excel file with the right monitor. The overall image quality looked excellent on both the LK14’s displays, with good color reproduction and contrast (the purple blood splatters of Skrulls succumbing to headshots particularly stood out). However, even the top-notch image quality couldn’t save this trainwreck of a show.

Bottom Line

The Limink LK14 is a versatile product that greatly increased my daily productivity. Most portable monitors sit off your laptop's side at a lower position than your integrated display. This can cause some “eye hunting” as your gaze switches from display to display.

With the LK14, the monitors attach to the back of your laptop’s lid and are adjustable for height to achieve near-perfect positioning. And with the sturdy attachment mechanism and aluminum finish that matches my MacBook Pro, it provides a more integrated look than other portable monitor solutions. The only thing that distracted me from the experience is that the two USB-C cables jut out from the side and hang down, which is a bit of an eyesore.

However, the biggest issue that users may have is with the price, which isn’t cheap. The LK14 has an MSRP of $699 on Amazon, which is easily twice the price of some of the most competitive portable monitors, like the OLED-equipped InnoCN 15AF. However, the LK14 is currently on sale, with a coupon taking the price down to a more palatable $595. That’s still a large sum of money, but you are getting two monitors, and the highly-integrated design and quality justify the price.

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