The actual freedom of mobility is in our hands now. So what if you are on the go? Who says you can’t play your favorite games, watch movies or read your pending articles when you are traveling? Everything is possible guys, even you can have a second screen right next to your laptop/PC or your smartphone to share the joy with your peers. Check out the latest and trendy best portable gaming monitor of the year 2022.
Common Faqs about the Best Portable Gaming Monitor
Why do we need a portable monitor?
Honestly speaking this question sounds irrelevant yet important at the same time. Let’s ask a question ourselves, why do we have a tablet when we have a monitor on our desk? It is because of the portability. The lighter version (in terms of weight) of the devices are always attractive substitutes in our lives, so do the portable monitors are. You can’t take your 10 pounds monitor along with you on a road trip, we believe, that’s why you need a portable monitor.
Who should buy a portable monitor?
Many of us are students, entrepreneurs, businessmen, housewives, or even kids too. All of us want an extended form (if not only for portability) of the display right in our hands while sitting in our comfort zones. Other than gaming, it can be used to watch movies, read books, follow a recipe for dinner, even a great presentation source, and accelerate productivity. There is no specific area where there is no need for this device, from home ground to commercial sectors, portable monitors have penetrated our lives like a necessity.
How to connect my host devices with the portable monitor?
You can connect your Xbox, PS4, PS5, Nintendo Switch, cameras, laptop, or PC via the HDMI port given on the portable monitor. For the mouse and keyboard, use the USB port. Whereas you can connect your smartphone, tablet, or in some cases your laptop too via USB Type C. Thus the only thing you need to see is, whether your host device has the same interface the portable monitor has or not, to know the compatibility of both the devices. If they are not compatible, you might need to take help from an adapter or a docking station, depending on the portable monitor you intend to buy.
Does a portable monitor have a built-in battery?
Some of the portable monitors have built-in batteries but most don’t have one, hence they entirely rely on the power cable connection that is called PD/DP given in the port section of the monitor. Although if you are lucky enough to find one with a built-in battery, which is a perfect companion for travelers especially, then these types of portable monitors usually run up to 3 hours approx. But if they are touchscreen featured then the running time would be around 2 hours and few minutes hardly depending upon the size of the battery in mAh.
Does the second screen aka portable monitor have speakers?
In a few monitors, you may find built-in speakers along with an audio jack too, but the quality of the speakers is poor from what we have experienced while testing many in this whole process. Nevertheless, you will find yourself comfortable either with the headphones or with the external speakers at the end.
Read complete guide for choosing Best gaming monitor.
Top 10 Best Portable Gaming Monitors 2022
- Asus Rog Strix XG17AHP – Best 240Hz portable monitor
- Uperfect touchscreen – Best portable touchscreen monitor
- Uperfect 4k – Best 4k portable monitor
- Dragon Touch S1 Pro – Best HDR portable monitor
- G-Story GST173 – Best Freesync portable monitor
- Gaems Sentimental Pro XP – Best portable console monitor
- NexiGo – Best portable gaming monitor for Xbox & PS4
- ViewSonic VG1655 – Best portable monitor for Nintendo Switch
- MSI Optix MAG161V – Best portable monitor for PS4
- Eyoyo – Best 1440p portable monitor
Best Portable Gaming Monitors 2022 Reviews
1. Asus Rog Strix XG17AHP – Best high refresh rate portable monitor
Size of the screen: 17.3 inch IPS display | Resolution: 1920x1080p (FHD) | Refresh rate: 240Hz | Response time: 3ms | Ports: Micro HDMI, USB Type C & Headphone plug-in
We have a high refresh rate portable monitor for your best gaming experience in the name of Asus Rog Strix. A great companion to your PC or a laptop with more versatility on the edge to compete for the fastest gaming without putting a break. You are getting Adaptive Syncing on this monitor for tear-free and lag-free gaming each time. It is 100% sRGB color-saturated, has a 1000:1 contrast ratio, 300 nits brightness, and is packed with all the glorious gaming features like Dark Boost, Shadow Boost, Trace Free technology, GamePlus modes etc.
Looking at its design, it’s a 170.3 inches wide display, which is pretty good for a multiple display setup with your laptop, and it also having a foldable tripod stand to facilitate you for this purpose. It weighs 2.3 lbs. and is 0.4 inches thin, which is extremely easy to carry along. Due to its 240Hz fast refresh rate and advanced gaming features, this is indeed a perfect option for FPS and RTS gaming.
2. Uperfect touchscreen – Best portable monitor with touchscreen
Size of the screen: 15.6 inch IPS display | Resolution: 1920x1080p (FHD) | Refresh rate: 60Hz | Response time: 3-5ms | Ports: HDMI, USB Type C, USB 3.0, PD port & Headphone plug-in
A touchscreen is an attractive feature and pretty useful for multi-taskers whether it’s just gaming, working on a presentation, or producing a portfolio. Uperfect touchscreen portable monitor, by all means, fills this gap. Having a 5 point capacitive touch, enables the user to be more productive than before. However, the touch feature is accessible for only fully featured USB Type C connections, thus you wouldn’t be able to get this touchscreen for console gaming or mobile devices.
Talking about the picture details, it has a 2000:1 high contrast ratio which is quite impressive compared to standard monitors. Have 250 nits brightness, and is 100% sRGB color coverage. Apart from having HDMI and Type C ports, you are also having a USB 3.0 port for direct connection of keyboard or mouse without any need of drivers or adapter and has a port for external power supply if you don’t want to drain out your main host device. It is 1.26 lbs. light in weight. There is a kickstand that is rotatable to have optimal landscape and portrait mode and is also extendable to increase the slope of the monitor.
3. Uperfect 4k – Best UHD portable monitor
Size of the screen: 15.6 inch IPS display | Resolution: 3840x2160p (4k/UHD) | Refresh rate: 60Hz | Response time: 1-3ms | Ports: Mini HDMI, USB Type C, PD port & Headphone plug-in
A great source of APC i.e. the Advanced Phone Computer, bringing your smart working on your portable monitor to enhance the productivity. Uperfect has nailed the perfection for what a multitasker really wants. Although it’s good for gaming too, compatible with Xbox, PS4, etc, the Uperfect dual screen is more like a personal computer where you can accelerate your overall working, watching movies, and doing some professional work instead.
Having said that, Uperfect copies your primary device screen, extends to browse more, or can become a second screen and let your host device rest for a while. However, it does drain your host device battery if not connected to the external source. Moving towards the picture quality, it is a 4k HDR monitor with 100% sRGB color saturation and 400 nits impressively high brightness compared to the standard monitor. It’s an anti-glare matte-finished screen, thus it’s pretty nice to bring out on the go. Further, it is 75×75 VESA compatible as well.
4. Dragon Touch S1 Pro – Best HDR portable gaming monitor
Size of the screen: 15.6 inch IPS display | Resolution: 3840x2160p (4k/UHD) | Refresh rate: 60Hz | Response time: 3-5ms | Ports: Mini HDMI, USB Type C & Headphone plug-in
Dragon Touch S1 Pro is not a touchscreen portable monitor, but believe me, what it offers is way better than any advanced features dual-screen nowadays. The exceptional details, quality of the image, vivid colors, and lively spectrum, altogether presents great effects whatever the type of content on the screen is. It’s a 100% sRGB color saturated with 300 nits peak brightness, further, the HDR quality is pretty awesome as well.
In addition, the dual USB Type C ports allow games consoles, laptop/PC, Mac, Drone cameras and so much more to get the privilege of the second screen. With just a 0.34-inch thin structure and 1.7 lbs weight, this is extremely easy to carry anywhere you want it to. The PU leather case binding/cover acts as a protective case and a kickstand too. No matter whether it’s for gaming, multitasking, business trips, or studies, Dragon Touch S1 pro is a nice option to avail of every time.
5. G-Story GST173 – Best Freesync/ G-Sync portable monitor
Size of the screen: 17.3 inch IPS display | Resolution: 1920x1080p (FHD) | Refresh rate: 165Hz | Response time: 1ms | Ports: Mini HDMI, HDMI, USB Type C & Headphone plug-in
G-story portable monitors are always being lifted whenever gaming comes into mind. This is certainly one of the best portable gaming monitors every year that comes under the nomination. With the versatile connectivity, any console from Xbox One, Xbox S/X, Xbox 360, PS4, PS5, PS4 Pro, Raspberry Pi, Nintendo Switch to any of the models, and MacBook, Surface, Tablet, iPad, PC, or any digital device can easily connect. It is indeed a house of gaming with 1ms fast response time and high refresh rate, a great choice for RTS, FPS, and FTG gaming.
The coolest fact is, you can have FreeSync or G-Sync compatibility with PC gaming as a result of which no stuttering could be noticed in the whole gaming session. Consequently, for this, you need to connect via HDMI for Freesync and Type C for G-Sync. Whereas talking about the HDR, the quality is not good. You are getting an 800:1 contrast ratio and 300 nits brightness alongside 99% sRGB color saturation.
6. Gaems Guardian Pro XP – Best console gaming monitor
Size of the screen: 24 inch IPS display | Resolution: 2560x1440p (QHD) | Refresh rate: 60Hz | Response time: 9ms | Ports: HDMI, USB 3.0 & Headphone plug-in
If you are a dedicated gamer purely for consoles, who doesn’t want to compromise its gaming at any cost no matter where you are sitting or if you are traveling, then GAEMS Guardian Pro XP is one of the best portable gaming monitors you can have. Built like a briefcase, made up of solid plastic with very little aluminum touch within, Guardian Pro XP is a walking station for gaming. It is compatible with Xboxone, Xbox One S/X, Xbox 360, PS4, PS5, mobile devices, and even goes with ATX PC tower.
It is not only good for gaming but can do much more including editing, streaming, watching movies, and vlogging at the same time, thanks to the built-in camera and microphone, so you wouldn’t miss anything worth recording. Whereas the more exciting feature is the space given for accessories, which helps to get every cable managed and dongle swiped within the interior without messing it out. The dual 9 Watt stereo speakers with powerful subwoofers are there, again to make each thing spicier.
7. NexiGo – Best portable gaming monitor for PS4, PS5 & Xbox One
Size of the screen: 17.3 inch IPS display | Resolution: 1920x1080p (FHD) | Refresh rate: 144Hz | Response time: 4ms | Ports: HDMI, USB Type C, PD & Headphone plug-in
Another great option for PS4 and Xbox owners. The next-generation game consoles, like, Xbox one S and Xbox One X, which support up to 120Hz refresh rate, NexiGo with 144Hz is a quite suitable pick for them. With this portable monitor, you are covering a variety of devices from consoles to laptops and MacBooks, from PCs to mobile devices. Every digital device with USB Type C or HDMI is acceptable with this portable monitor. It is durable and lasts longer than any fragile dual screens we have tested so far.
The picture quality depends on its 72% NTSC, 300 nits brightness, and 1000:1 contrast ratio on an FHD resolution. Equally good for gaming, working, and entertainment purposes. Although it lacks VESA mounting, the protective case works like a kickstand which is not flimsy but solid enough to bear the long hauls of gaming. However, the speakers lack enough audibility for streaming, that’s why you have to rely on either headphones or external speakers. Overall, this portable monitor is much suitable for consoles with up to 144Hz refresh rate.
8. ViewSonic VG1655 – Best portable gaming monitor for Nintendo Switch
Size of the screen: 15.6 inch IPS display | Resolution: 1920x1080p (FHD) | Refresh rate: 60Hz | Response time: 6ms | Ports: HDMI, USB Type C & Headphone plug-in
Meet ViewSonic VG1655 portable gaming monitor, its compatibility includes PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, mobile devices, laptops, and PC. It has 250 nits brightness, 800:1 contrast ratio, and the color saturation depends on the 45% NTSC and 64% sRGB. There is a little reflection on the screen especially when brought out in the daylight, which might not be good for outdoor activities like taking it for hiking or camping.
In addition, the ViewSonic portable gaming monitor is pretty attractive while inspecting closely. The aluminum body is smooth on touch, it is having just a 0.6-inch thin profile without the magnetic cover, however, the cover allows you to use this monitor in portrait and landscape mode. Furthermore, there is a built-in kickstand as well, if you remove the cover, the stand will be there to let the slope accommodate you. In short, the overall design and performance are quite good for all types of activities, not just for gaming.
9. MSI Optix MAG161V – Best portable monitor for PS4 & PS5
Size of the screen: 15.6 inch IPS display | Resolution: 1920x1080p (FHD) | Refresh rate: 60Hz | Response time: 25ms | Ports: Mini HDMI, USB Type C & Headphone plug-in
For consoles like PS4, PS4 Slim, PS4 Pro, PS5, etc who didn’t go any up by 60Hz refresh rate, MSI Optix portable monitor is an adequate option. It’s also good for PC gaming unless you intend to go for a high refresh rate intentionally. Furthermore, the GTG response time is pretty high, that’s why it is less recommended to be your second screen for desktop for AAA games. However, it matches the criteria for light gaming via consoles.
Looking at the picture quality, this portable monitor doesn’t have much to attract as the color saturation is pretty lanky. The 180 nits low brightness and 700:1 contrast ratio might not suffice for professionals who intend to touch little editing. Nevertheless, putting aside these matters and simply considering it for less demanding game titles, console gaming, and watching movies or streaming, the MSI Optix portable monitor catches the right points under its bracket.
10. Eyoyo – Best 2k portable gaming monitor
Size of the screen: 12 inch IPS display | Resolution: 2160x1440p (QHD) | Refresh rate: 60Hz | Response time: 8-10ms | Ports: HDMI, VGA, DP & Headphone plug-in
Lastly, we have rolled out the best 2k portable monitor for gaming by Eyoyo. It has a VGA port and an HDMI but no USB Type C port, making it incompatible for mobile devices unless you buy a separate Type C to HDMI adapter for this. However, the other compatible devices include game consoles, like, Xbox One, PS4, PS5, Nintendo Switch, Raspberry Pi, etc. Other than that, you can take this out to present your efforts in your classroom or in front of your colleagues. A nice dual screen for a laptop or PC to enhance multitasking and a source of entertainment.
Moving towards the picture quality, this portable monitor has significant improvement for the color details compared to many expensive screens with FHD resolution out there. With 99% sRGB color gamut, 1000:1 impressive contrast ratio, and 400 nits brightness, you are getting very crisp and vibrant images. As for speakers, they are not very loud but are pretty audible that you may not find the need to plug in external speakers or headphones.
How to choose the best portable gaming monitor? Buyers Guide
We are specifically talking about “Gaming” via a portable monitor or call it the second screen for a laptop or PC. For gaming, there are some facts that need to be taken into consideration. For instance, refresh rate, response time, resolution, and most of all which devices are allowed to be entertained. Let’s get started with these imperative features you have to look for.
Refresh rate
The most commonly found refresh rate for the portable monitor is 60Hz. This is the minimum fresh rate to satiate the immersive gaming experience for PC gaming as well as for consoles. However, if you are lucky enough to get your hands on the refresh rate higher than this, then it is feasible for PC gaming, but useless for consoles, as most of the consoles like PS4 and Xbox One didn’t do any better than 60Hz.
Response time
The best response time is within 1 to 5ms, which determines the fast and ultra responsiveness, ideal for RTS and FPS games. Though for portable monitors, you will find a response time higher than 5ms which is not as bad as it might seem, so you should at least try to get a monitor with a response time within 10ms.
Resolution
The resolution of the portable monitor for gaming is certainly a personal choice, if you prefer FHD resolution or higher than this, like, QHD (1440p) and UHD (4k) then you can pick accordingly. However, the most common resolution for portable monitors is 1080p, a very suitable resolution for not only PC gaming but consoles too.
Interface/ Ports
Don’t fret especially when you are checking the compatibility of the monitor with the host device you intend to use. For consoles, like, PS4, PS4 Slim, PS4 Pro, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox One S/X, Xbox 360, Nintendo Switch, etc, and laptop/PC, you need to have a portable monitor with an HDMI port. For OTG or mouse and keyboard connection, you have to look for a USB port, although many of the laptops like MacBook, Surface, and tablets, including smartphones, require a USB Type C port. In short, whatever the device you are having to connect with the monitor, both of them should have identical ports, otherwise, you have to buy adapters, bringing out an extra accessory and weight to carry along.
Other features to consider
The given above are the most important features underlined you have to look for, but there are some others with secondary importance. Let’s see what they are.
Built-in battery
Of Course, we don’t want to drain out the host devices with which the portable monitor is connected when we are away from an external power source or on a road trip. Therefore, for travelers, students, photographers, try to buy a portable monitor with a built-in battery to lessen the chance of draining out the battery of your laptop, smartphone, etc. As for gaming exclusively, we recommend not to go for a built-in battery, but an external power source is good instead.
Portrait and landscape mode
For readers, creative writers, editors, we recommend you to find the landscape and portrait mode because they are pretty helpful to generate or accelerate your productivity. Besides gaming, these modes are not useful as they are for multitasking. So make your mind first and the purpose of buying a portable monitor and then go for the required features accordingly.
Protective case
Most of the portable monitors come with a protective case or a bag although there are many as well which lack this accessory and come naked straight out of the box. Again you need to calculate the chances of traveling if not just for gaming at home, or simply you probably find this useful, as this will protect the monitor from scratches and bumps.
VESA mounting
The VESA mount compatibility eases the user to the great extent. This feature is very useful in the industrial sector, where hours of monitoring are required and the person has to hold it for an extensive level of time. Not only this, but it is also pretty useful at home or office, allowing the comfort for whatever task you intend to have with it.
Conclusion
Portable gaming monitors are extremely useful devices on home ground as well as in the commercial sector. Extending the screen for more tabs or windows enhances the productivity of one and sharing it with a friend while gaming boosts the level of entertainment. There is not just one purpose bound to make you feel good to buy a portable monitor but there is a number of reasons to spend on a second screen.