The Best Portable Gaming Monitor In 2021

Portable gaming monitors are the next step forward towards on-the-go gaming. These monitors are not limited to laptops or desktops and can be carried along easily to connect with a console or another desktop via DisplayPort or HDMI for gaming anywhere.

But if you want the best portable gaming monitor, look beyond just the screen size. A satisfactory gaming experience depends much on the features and specs but it also on the product design and whether it delivers what it shows on paper.

How to Choose the Best Portable Gaming Monitor?

The best portable gaming monitor is set apart from ordinary ones based primarily on display resolutions, refresh rates, and connectivity options. There are several related factors that you should consider before you decide to buy the monitor that matches your gaming requirements.

Refresh Rates

For starters, a higher refresh rate is the answer to common gaming issues like ghosting, on-screen jittering, motion blur, stuttering, etc. But make sure to match out the performance outputs of your portable gaming monitor and the gaming hardware first.

If the console or GPU fps is lower than what the monitor can deliver, you are missing out on a lot of graphics. It is the same if the monitor offers lower refresh rates in comparison to what the console or the graphics card can pump out as fps.

So, if you have a powerful console or PC that can churn out 120 fps on your games, make sure to go for a monitor offering 144Hz refresh rates or higher. Note that, most portable gaming monitors are limited to 60Hz. If you still want a 144Hz portable 1080p monitor, you will need a $500 budget and this.

Display Resolutions

Other than refresh rates, display resolution, and quality also affect gaming performance. The best portable gaming monitors will offer FHD resolutions, but the display quality rendered will differ between brands and the type of display panel. IPS panels will offer better display quality but LED or E-LED alternatives will be easier on your budget.

Connectivity

Check if the portable gaming monitor of your choice includes HDMI or a DisplayPort and USB-C ports. These connectivity options are just some of the basic requirements which you need to create multi-display or even single display setups with your gaming console or your PC. Compatibility is another pointer to check in this context. While some monitors are compatible with PC OS, others may be only for Xbox and PlayStation. But there are some monitors compatible on both so choose according to your needs.

Top 10 Best Portable Gaming Monitor Today

1. Asus Zenscreen

The lightweight and slim ASUS Zenscreen comes with a large built-in 7800mAh battery and a USB Type-C port, immediately ticking the essential checkboxes for portable gaming. A single charge can last up to 4 hours of moderate gaming.

The quick-response 10-point touch screen is a breeze and one of the best features of this monitor. it delivers wide viewing angles, sufficient for at least two individuals to enjoy with ease.

The monitor features hybrid signal micro-HDMI and USB-C connectivity for easy plug-and-play. It comes with an installed driver that allows USB Type-A connectivity too.

The Zenscreen comes with 2 integrated built-in speakers, surprisingly powerful and chirpy. The innovative foldable smart case has a smart and professional feel just like the monitor with its all metallic finish.

For $250, you can consider buying this ASUS Zenscreen if you are looking for a portable FHD monitor with ample connectivity and gaming performance capped at 60 Hz.

Tech Specifications

Weight: 2.94 kg | Dimensions: 19.1 x 12.01 x 2.99 inches | Operating System: Windows 7 / 8 / 10, Android 6 or above, Chrome OS, Linux, Mac OS 10.15 or older | Max Screen Resolution: 1920 x 1080 Pixels, Full HD | Standing Screen Display Size: 15.6 Inches

Pros

• Stylus input and gesture-based
• Excellent contrast ratio
• Loud and clear built-in speakers

Cons

• Expensive
• Dull colors
• Not lightweight

2. Lepow Portable Monitor

The Lepow portable gaming monitor comes with both an HDMI and USB-C port, among the few 1080p portable displays to do so. It is customized as a gaming monitor and it delivers on all fronts.

This is an IPS FHD LCD screen offering display outputs comparable with the best portable 1080p displays around. This is a plug-and-play display, although you can use the HDMI port for even better graphics renditions.

At 60 Hz refresh rates, this monitor can easily deliver true 16:9 FHD resolution gaming lag-free. Lepow states brightness at 300 nits, more than fair for a portable display.

The monitor is lightweight despite the 15.6-inch display. It has a minimalist design, with all ports on the left as well as the added in speaker. This is a low bezel display and unlike most other portables, the cover protects both the screen and its rear.

If you are looking for a slim gaming monitor with sufficient display oomph and ease of use, you can get this portable 1080p display for less than $180. However, this display is plug-and-play and best suited only for multi-display PC gaming.

Tech Specifications

Weight: 770 gm | Dimensions: 14.5 x 8.8 x 0.34 inches | Operating System: Android, Windows 7 / 8 / 10, PS3, PS4, Xbox ONE, or Nintendo Switch | Max Screen Resolution: 1920×1080, Full HD | Color: Black | Standing Screen Display Size: 15.6 inches

Pros  

• Lightweight and portable
• Affordable price
• Handy OSD controls
• Easy to use

Cons

• Poor and dull image quality
• Portrait mode not supported
• Plug-in only

3. Virzen 15.6-Inch Portable Gaming Monitor

Among the cheapest portable monitors on this list but surprisingly high rated, the Virzen 15.6 portable monitor is manufactured for gaming and it has everything you may expect from a portable display plus more.

To start off, you get a class-leading range of connectivity options including separate power and USB-C ports, an HDMI port, and an OTG port, the only monitor in this list to have one. The USB-C port offers both video and power.

With so much connectivity, you get a lot of compatibility as well. You can use this portable display as a twin-monitor via HDMI. Or you can use it as a standalone monitor with your PS4, Nintendo, or PC.

A bonus, you can even use this monitor as a supporting display for your smartphone via USB-C!

It looks premium as well with a glass back and a sharp display up front. Just like the other portable monitors, refresh rates are capped at 60 Hz although it does provide satisfactory performance at high Hz.

Image quality is above-par for this pricing and FHD outputs do not disappoint.

At 0.2 inch slim and weighing just above 500 grams, this is an extremely portable monitor priced very competitively at under $190.

It offers everything that the other portable gaming monitors in this list do but, this is not the sturdiest one around.

Tech Specifications

Weight: 0.54 kg | Dimensions: 13.90 x 9.00 x 0.20 inches | Operating System: Windows 7 / 8 / 10, Mac, Nintendo, PS4, Smartphone-compatible | Max Screen Resolution: 1920 x 1080 Pixels, Full HD | Standing Screen Display Size – 15.6 Inches

Pros

• Lightweight and Slim
• Budget buy
• Excellent dual-display quality

Cons

• No Xbox support
• Not the most durable monitor

4. GeChic 1503H

This GeChic portable gaming monitor is ideal for professional gamers. Compatibility is one of its USPs as this monitor can connect with consoles and PCs. The monitor comes with dual built-in speakers and Full HD resolutions. The design includes a rear dock expansion to store cables, a handy addition.

This is an LED-backlit display offering nearly a 950:1 contrast ratio and vivid graphics. Brightness is stated at around 250 nits, sufficient for usage in bright indoor setups. The monitor comes with OSD color effects with 5 color adjustment modes and 6 different color settings.

The color flexibility allows you to calibrate colors, vital to optimally manage dual monitor setups.

You can get all these features of the GeChic portable gaming monitor at around $280, well worth it. This is one of the best portable 1080p monitors you can buy. But mind its USB-C power only cable which means you will need an HDMI adapter for display usage.

Tech Specifications

Weight: 800 gm | Dimensions: 15 x 0.4 x 9.7 inches | Operating System: PC, Mac | Max Screen Resolution: 1920 x 1080 Pixels, Full HD | Standing Screen Display Size: 15.6 Inches

Pros

• Excellent image quality
• Easy setup
• Top-notch display quality

Cons

• Expensive
• Plastic-finish

5. Planar Helium PCT2235

The Planar Helium is a surprise package. It scores better than most other portable gaming monitors but does falter on some aspects.

For starters, this monitor features a capacitive multi-touch technology that can register 10 touch points simultaneously, like the Zenscreen. It comes with an ergonomic design along with an adjustable stand that can easily be tilted from 15 to 70 degrees.

Out of all the monitors reviewed so far, this portable monitor has the largest screen option of 27 inches. And you will enjoy its color clarity and hue depth. The Planar Helium also offers adjustable blue light to reduce eye strain, perfect for marathon gaming sessions.

This is one of the few monitors which seems custom-designed for gaming. It comes with additional connectivity ports including HDMI and DisplayPort, perfect for console or dual-monitor gaming. But the biggest letdown is the poor response times.

It is available for under $200 without the stands and only for the 22-inch version. The price can go upwards $375 for the 27-inch FHD display with a dual-hinge stand.

But this is one of the few portable monitors with HDMI and it does offer substantial gaming, although competitive gaming is not is recommended considering the poor response times and some input lag as well.

Tech Specifications

Weight: 3.6 kg | Dimensions: 1.9 x 19.3 x 11.8 inches | Operating System: Windows 7/ 8/ 10 | Max Screen Resolution: 1920 x 1080 Pixels, Full HD | Standing Screen Display Size: 22 Inches / 27 Inches

Pros

• Budget buy
• Multiple built-in inputs
• Impressive contrast

Cons

• Heavy for a portable monitor
• Poor GTG response times

6. Elecrow 13.3 Inch Portable Monitor

This 13.3-inch Elecrow display is one of the cheapest portable monitors with HDMI you will find, and it can offer substantial gaming performance. The dual HDMI interface, slim profile, along with a bundled-in stand immediately shows the value-for-money on offer.

The IPS panel provides premium and stunning color performance across substantial viewing angles.

The stylish slim monitor can be wall-mounted with 4 standard M4 VESA screw holes. It is ideal for gaming as well considering its compatibility with several systems including WiiU, Xbox 360, Raspberry Pi series 4, 3, 2, Windows, Mac, and even as car dashboard or headrest displays.

You can simply plug-and-play and enjoy a hassle-free gaming marathon. Elecrow also provides in-built speakers with a 3.5mm stereo-out cord.

For under $150, you get to enjoy a large compatibility range along with lightweight portability. But do not expect display outputs close to what you can get from the higher-end models.

Tech Specifications

Weight: 640 gm | Dimensions: 12.6 x 7.9 x 0.55 inches | Operating System: Raspberry Pi, WiiU, Xbox 360, Windows PC | Max Screen Resolution: 1920 x 1080 Pixels, Full HD | Standing Screen Display Size: 13.3 inches

Pros

• Slim and lightweight
• Metal frame with semi-gloss finish
• Dual HDMI port

Cons

• Mediocre speakers
• Poor contrast and color depth

7. GAEMS M155

This 15.5-inch E-LED 1080p portable gaming monitor is custom-built for gamers and offers lag-free display outputs. With multiple connectivity options including HDMI and USB ports, this is the perfect affordable display add-on for a gaming console.

Plug it in via USB for power and the HDMI with your Xbox or PlayStation to start off right away. Although it does not offer the quality or the display depths like an IPS, you still get 1080p resolutions at 60 Hz refresh rates and around 12ms response times.

You do not get touchscreen functions or excellent hue depth. At best, you can compare the display outputs to TN panels. But this monitor does display sufficient gaming performance, easily managing F1 2020 without lag. Also, you get nearly all Xbox and PlayStation compatibility options you may need.

For under $200, this is one of the most comprehensive gaming monitors you can buy for console gaming or even PC gaming. But display brightness is not the best and nor should you expect IPS display qualities.

Tech Specifications

Weight: 900 gm | Dimensions: 6.22 x 17.09 x 11.34 inches | Operating System: PC, Xbox One S, Xbox One, Xbox 360, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 3, Mobile Devices, Xbox One X, Xbox One, Xbox 360, PlayStation 4 Pro, PS4, PS3, Nintendo Switch, Mobile | Max Screen Resolution: 1920×1080, Full HD | Color: Glossy Black | Standing Screen Display Size: 15.6 inches

Pros

• Excellent gaming performance
• Portability and compatibility
• Protective neoprene sleeve

Cons

• Poor viewing angles
• Blurry text display

8. ViewSonic TD2230

This ViewSonic display can easily double-up as a portable gaming monitor with multiple features similar to that of the Planar Helium. But it does a better job of it.

With a 10-point projected capacitive multi-touch technology, ViewSonic delivers brilliant front-of-screen performance and accurate touch response. The full frameless design makes for a durable display which users can tap, pinch, zoom, and swipe with ease.

The improved ergonomic stand provides a VESA-compatible wall mount which offers flexible mounting either on the wall or a stand. The freestanding tablet design has an anti-scratch surface as well.

The flicker-free technology along with the blue light filter minimizes eye strain from prolonged viewing periods. The SuperClear IPS panel delivers vivid high-quality images across a wide range of viewing angles.

Along with the 60 Hz refresh rates and the 7ms response times, this is one of the best portable monitors with HDMI you can find. It also comes with a DisplayPort 1.2 and USB 3.0, perfect for plugged-in console or multi-display PC gaming.

Priced at over $250, this is an expensive portable 1080p monitor and it does deliver with ample and immersive graphics. But you may find the design and placement of ports not the smartest ones around.

Tech Specifications

Weight: 3.6 kg | Dimensions: 1.9 x 19.3 x 11.8 inches | Operating System: Windows 10, certain Android and Linux OS versions | Max Screen Resolution: 1920×1080, Full HD | Standing Screen Display Size: 22 inches

Pros

• Ultra-responsive touch display
• Excellent display quality
• Best-in-class gaming performance

Cons

• Heavy for a portable monitor
• Narrow viewing angles

9. ASUS MB169B+

This 15.6-inch USB powered ASUS portable monitor is perfect for plug-and-play gaming. It is one of the lightest and slimmest monitors you will find. The all-metal finish also makes it among the most handsome displays around.

Design features do include utilitarian add-ons – a smart protective neoprene sleeve and 2-way adjustable back stand, ideal for table use. This portable monitor comes with a single USB 3.0 port, best suited for multi-display gaming.

The 1080p display outputs are vivid and crisp. This is one of the best IPS displays you can buy. You will also enjoy a lag-free experience although the 25 ms response times may get in the way of competitive gaming.

One of the few monitors to come with a wide-screen 16:9 output, this portable 1080p monitor is not custom-built for gaming. But you can easily compare its display outputs to that of a TN monitor, a bargain along with its portability for a price under $180.

Tech Specifications

Weight: 800 gm | Dimensions: 0.33 x 14.92 x 9.29 inches | Operating System: Windows, Mac OS, Chrome OS, Linux | Max Screen Resolution: 1920×1080, Full HD | Standing Screen Display Size: 15.6 inches

Pros

• Excellent display quality
• Fantastic viewing angles
• Slim and portable

Cons

• Poor response times

10. HP Business S14

The HP Business S14 also comes with a USB Type-C port and FHD resolutions but it is smaller than the Asus MB169B+ with a 14-inch display screen. Yet that is just what makes this LED-backlit monitor easier to use on-the-go.

In short, this is a direct entry by HP into the high-end portable gaming monitor segment. The display is an IPS panel and offers up to 60 Hz refresh rates. Display clarity and color depth are satisfactory but do not expect more than 200 nits of brightness.

The design does set this monitor apart. Embedded magnets hold the folding stand in its place and attach to the screen which comes with a matte-finish and anti-glare to tame reflections from nearby windows and light sources. Plugged in, this display can offer seamless outputs at peak refresh rates.

The HP Business S14 is marketed as an all-rounder portable display. But it is more than suitable as a portable gaming monitor and is arguably one of the best around.

It is a little expensive than the Asus, priced around $220, and more ergonomic as well. This should be your first choice if you have the budget and do not mind the smaller screen size.

Tech Specifications

Weight: 1 kg | Dimensions: 12.91 x 0.34 x 8.25 inches | Operating System: Windows 10, Mac | Max Screen Resolution: 1920 x 1080 Pixels, Full HD | Standing Screen Display Size: 14 Inches

Pros

• Lightweight and portable
• Easy single cable setup
• Exceptional display outputs

Cons

• Expensive for a 14-inch display

Which Portable Gaming Monitor You Should Buy?

If you are looking for the best gaming monitor under $150, you can choose between GAEMS M155 or the Elecrow portable monitor. You can go for a better option and get the super-slim the ASUS MB169B+ if you do manage to extend your budget a little.

In case you want a wide viewing angle and quick response time to experience pro-grade gaming sessions, you can choose between the ViewSonic TD2230 and the Planar Helium PCT2235.

However, if touch screen functions are a must, choose between the ASUS Zenscreen or the HP S14. Priced closer to the $250, it is a question of budget, but these are also the best portable 1080p displays you can get.