Just a few decades ago, computer monitors were large, clunky, and chugged much power. Now, monitors are so thin, light, and power-efficient that we now have portable USB monitors that allow us to add more screen real estate with less space.
But a portable USB monitor isn’t just good for your home setup. You can do a few different things with them to help you get the most out of them.
Bring a Multi-Monitor Setup With You on the Go
These days, having a multi-monitor setup is practically a necessity for productivity. And once you get used to running a multi-monitor setup, it’s hard to go back to just one screen. But if you work on a laptop and want to take your work with you, then you’ll have to do just that. Or do you?
With a portable USB monitor in tow, you can quickly bring a to promptly set up shop at a table. Or you can always get a clip-on portable monitor, allowing you to utilize your multi-monitor setup anywhere you want.
Add Touchscreen Capabilities to Your PC
Modern tech is dominated by touchscreens, thanks to smartphones and tablets. For desktop PCs, touchscreens aren’t necessary, but they certainly can add a bit of convenience.
Of course, you can always find a touchscreen monitor to go with your PC. But if you’re already happy with the monitor you have, and you’d rather add a small secondary monitor for touchscreen input, a portable touchscreen USB monitor can work really well.
ASUS ZenScreen MB16ACE ($229.99)
Because they’re portable, you won’t need to set up a bulky monitor in your workspace. And since they’re generally smaller than most PC monitors, adding one to your setup won’t take up as much space.
Use as a Camera Preview Monitor
Whether you’re a hobbyist or a professional, a portable monitor can help you with your camera work. For example, for photography, you can use a portable monitor to help you get a clearer picture of your shot before you take it, giving you a better idea of how your images look from another display and angle.
If you’re more into making videos, you could use one as a real-time feedback monitor. This setup could be beneficial if you’re presenting in front of a camera, as it allows you to make adjustments on the fly and ensure everything looks right in the video you’re shooting.
Scale Up Your Smartphone
Another cool thing you can do with a portable monitor uses it as a display for your phone. Some phones, such as Samsung’s recent flagship phones, come with integrated software (like Dex) that allows you to use your phone like a desktop computer when connected to a monitor.
For phones that don’t have Dex or a similar desktop mode, Micro USB/Type C to HDMI Cables allow you to plug your phone into an HDMI display. Paired with a portable monitor, you can easily upscale your phone to a larger screen for a more comfortable video viewing experience.
In fact, you could even grab a Bluetooth controller and combine it with the portable monitor to take your Android gaming experience to the next level.
Transform Your Gaming Experience
Gaming on the go has been a facet of our reality for decades, ever since Game Boy popularized portable gaming in the 90s. But one of the biggest problems mobile gaming systems had for years was that they’d offered a watered-down gaming experience.
Of course, portable gaming has gotten better and continues to get better. Since the introduction of the Razer Blade gaming laptop in 2011, PC gamers have been able to take their gaming on the go. And with current generation gaming consoles like the Nintendo Switch and the Steam Deck transforming mobile gaming yet again, it’s clear that there’s a hunger for mobile gaming.
However, what about your other consoles? Maybe you want to bring your Xbox to a friend’s house for a night of LAN gaming, but you don’t want to haul your TV with you. Perhaps you’re going on vacation and want to have your PlayStation with you for the road. That’s where a portable USB monitor can help.
MSI Optix MAG162V ($179.99)
A portable monitor is sleeker and easier to carry than an entire TV or computer monitor. And because most monitors have an HDMI input, nearly any gaming console you have should be able to connect to the monitor. They’re also a great companion for a small ITX gaming computer.
But they aren’t just useful for home consoles and small gaming PCs. With the Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck, and – as mentioned earlier – Android devices giving you the option to output the display on a larger screen, a portable monitor can easily give you a bigger screen to play on. That way, you can share the fun with your friends without huddling around a small display.
What To Look For When Shopping for a Portable USB Monitor
We’ve gone over some uses for a portable USB monitor. Now, let’s cover some things you should look for when deciding which monitor you should get.
Lenovo ThinkVision M14 ($204.00)
Size and Weight
If you plan on taking your portable monitor with you on the road, you’ll want something portable enough for your needs. It would help to consider where, when, and how you’ll use it.
If you want to use it with your laptop, you might want a similarly-sized monitor to the one on your laptop. Maybe you want a simple fold-out extension monitor, like the one we mentioned earlier, so you can utilize a second monitor while you’re on using your laptop in your lap.
Or, perhaps you’re trying to travel light and place more emphasis on a small and lightweight monitor than a feature-rich monitor with a big screen.
Resolution and Color
Depending on what you plan to use the monitor for, the resolution and color of the monitor can make a big difference. For example, if you’re planning to use the monitor to play videos while you work, you might not be so concerned with resolution and color.
But suppose you’re using the monitor for creative endeavors, like using it as a photography preview monitor or an ancillary monitor for video editing. In that case, you’ll want a high-resolution, color-accurate monitor.
Features
Aside from size, resolution, and color, you’ll also want to pay attention to other features on the monitor. What features you need will depend on how you plan on using it.
Are you looking to add touch input to your computer? Then you’ll want to ensure the monitor you grab has a touchscreen. Plan on spending a lot of time on the road with your monitor in tow? Then you’ll probably want one that has a built-in battery. Plan on using it to play games or watch movies? Then you should probably make sure to get a monitor with built-in speakers.
