Stay Connected Anywhere, Anytime: The Top 4 Cheapest Portable Computer Monitors of 2023
Are you looking for a computer monitor that’s not only affordable, but also portable for your on-the-go lifestyle? Look no further! In this article, we’ve handpicked the 4 cheapest portable computer monitors available in Q1 2023 and reviewed them to help you make an informed decision. Whether you’re a digital nomad, a gamer, or simply need a secondary screen for work, these monitors offer high-quality displays and features at a budget-friendly price. So, join us as we explore the best portable computer monitors that won’t break the bank in 2023.
I. The Best Portable Monitor.
1. Top Pick: Portable Monitor
ASUS ROG Strix XG16AHPE
Why is the ASUS ROG Strix XG16AHPE a top choice for portable gaming monitors? This compact, portable monitor that’s perfect for gaming on the go. It boasts a high refresh rate and an impressive response time, resulting in clear motion and minimal blur for fast-moving objects. Additionally, it has a built-in battery that delivers up to 3 hours of gameplay at the max refresh rate. However, the stand on this version isn’t very versatile, so finding a comfortable viewing position may be difficult. The small size of this display results in amazing text clarity, but it can be challenging for multitasking.
The ASUS ROG Strix XG16AHPE is a great option for gamers looking for a portable monitor. It has superb low input lag for a responsive gaming experience and works with both G-SYNC and FreeSync sources. The compact size does not provide the most immersive gaming experience, but it delivers an extremely sharp image.
Overall, the ASUS ROG Strix XG16AHPE is a solid choice for gaming on the go, office use, watching videos, or media creation. Its wide viewing angles, excellent accuracy out of the box, and near-perfect coverage of the sRGB color space make it a versatile option. However, it should be noted that it has some limitations, such as bad ergonomics and small size. Additionally, it does not support HDR.
Specs & Additional Features
- Brand: ASUS
- Model: ROG Strix XG16AHPE
- Product Recommendation: Top Pick Portable Monitor
- Size:16″
- Weight: 2.0 lbs (0.9 kg)
- Pixel Type: IPS
- Variable Refresh Rate: Adaptive Sync
- Max Refresh Rate: 144 Hz
- Native Resolution: 1920 x 1080
- Build Quality: Decent build quality, decent materials.
PROS
- 7800mAh battery is great for portability.
- Remarkable response time.
- Image remains accurate at an angle.
- Fast refresh rate.
- Superb low input lag.
- Great gray uniformity.
- Amazing text clarity.
CONS
- Bad ergonomics, as expected for a portable monitor.
- Small screen size isn’t ideal for some uses.
- Low contrast ratio.
- Doesn’t support HDR.
2. The Best Portable Monitor For Gaming
ASUS ROG Strix XG17AHPE
The ASUS ROG Strix XG17AHPE is the perfect portable monitor for gamers on the go. With a high refresh rate, fast response times, and support for variable refresh rate technology, this monitor delivers a smooth gaming experience with little to no blur. The built-in battery provides up to 3 hours of game time, and its compact size easily fits into most laptop bags. However, the stand is not very versatile, so ergonomics may be a concern. This monitor also comes with a compact tripod mount, or it can be mounted to a standard camera mount for added versatility.
Not just for gaming, the XG17 is also a decent choice for a mobile office setup. Its small size and 1080p resolution make text clarity great, making it easy to work on the go. However, it may not be bright enough to overcome glare and blacks appear gray in a dark room. It’s also an okay choice for multimedia or media creation, but the small size makes it best-suited for quick edits. Overall, the ASUS ROG Strix XG17AHPE is a great option for those looking for a portable monitor for gaming and office use.
The ASUS XG17 is also an excellent option for gaming. With high refresh rate and low input lag, it delivers a responsive gaming experience with clear fast-moving objects. The support for VRR technology ensures a nearly tear-free gaming experience. However, it may not be bright enough for outdoor gaming. But it’s a great option for quick gaming sessions away from home.
Specs & Additional Features
- Brand: ASUS
- Model: ROG Strix XG17AHPE
- Product Recommendation: The Best Portable Monitor For Gaming
- Size:17″
- Weight: 2.4 lbs (1.1 kg)
- Pixel Type: IPS
- Variable Refresh Rate: Adaptive Sync
- Max Refresh Rate: 240 Hz
- Native Resolution: 1920 x 1080
- Build Quality: Excellent build quality, the frame is entirely metal.
- Stand: Isn’t very versatile, resulting in bad ergonomics.
PROS
- 7800mAh battery is great for portability.
- Remarkable response time.
- Great gaming performance.
- Outstanding response time.
- Low input lag.
- Excellent gray uniformity.
- Okay viewing angles.
CONS
- Disappointing black uniformity.
- Blacks look gray in a dark room.
- Might not be bright enough to overcome glare.
3. Top Mid-Range Portable Monitor
Dell C1422H
The Dell C1422H is a 14 inch portable monitor designed to boost productivity on the go. With a 1080p screen, it offers excellent text clarity and good visibility in bright environments. Its USB-C ports support DisplayPort Alt Mode, but it lacks other inputs, so an adapter may be needed. It also doesn’t have a built-in battery, and a wall adapter is required if your computer doesn’t support USB-C Power Delivery. However, it is not the best option for gaming as it has a slow response time and no advanced gaming features.
The Dell C1422H is perfect for mobile office use, as it increases productivity when working on a laptop. The monitor offers excellent text clarity, good visibility in bright rooms, and excellent gray uniformity, making it a decent option for media creators or for watching videos. However, it is not as good for gaming due to its slow response time, terrible overshoot, and lack of advanced gaming features.
The Dell 14 Portable Monitor C1422H is good for gaming, it has superb low input lag for a responsive gaming experience, good bright room visibility and decent peak brightness and good reflection handling. However, it has a low refresh rate, a slow response time, and terrible overshoot, resulting in very blurry motion. It also lacks any advanced gaming features like FreeSync or G-SYNC to reduce tearing. So it is better suited for productivity and media consumption.
Specs & Additional Features
- Brand: DELL
- Model: C1422H
- Product Recommendation: Top Mid-Range Portable Monitor
- Size:14″
- Weight: 1.3 lbs (0.6 kg)
- Pixel Type: IPS
- Variable Refresh Rate: No VRR
- Max Refresh Rate: 60 Hz
- Native Resolution: 1920 x 1080
- Build Quality: Decent overall build quality. The stand feels fairly solid and supports the display well.
- Stand: serves as a counterweight, and it also houses the monitor’s inputs and controls.
PROS
- High pixel density results in crisp images and text.
- Image remains accurate at moderate angles.
- Good reflection handling.
- Excellent SDR color gamut.
- Low input lag.
CONS
- Slow response times makes motion look blurry.
- Blacks look gray in a dark room.
- Bad ergonomics, as expected for a portable monitor.
- Small screen size isn’t ideal for some uses.
- No HDR support.
4. Best Budget Portable Monitor
LEPOW Z1
The Lepow Z1 portable monitor is a great option for those looking for a portable office monitor. Its small size and high resolution provide great text clarity, and its gradient performance is outstanding. However, it does have some drawbacks, such as poor response times and color inaccuracies. If you’re looking for a portable monitor for media creation or gaming, the Lepow Z1 may not be the best choice. But as a second monitor for gaming, it can help to look up hints while gaming on your main display.
The Lepow Z1 is a great portable office monitor, but it’s not the best choice for media creation or gaming. The color accuracy and response times are not up to par, and the color gamut is narrow. If you’re looking for a monitor for color-critical needs or gaming, you may want to consider other options.
For gamers, the Lepow Z1 is a disappointing option. The response times are terrible and fast-moving objects appear blurry and have a long blur trail behind them. Although the monitor has relatively little input lag, it’s not recommended for gaming. It can be used as a second monitor while gaming, but not as a primary one. Additionally, enabling HDR on this monitor will not add much value due to the serious issues with response times.
Specs & Additional Features
- Brand: Lepow
- Model: Z1
- Product Recommendation: Best Budget Portable Monitor
- Size:15″
- Weight: 1.8 lbs (0.8 kg)
- Pixel Type: IPS
- Variable Refresh Rate: No VRR
- Max Refresh Rate: 60 Hz
- Native Resolution: 1920 x 1080
- Build Quality: has okay build quality. The frame is sturdy, with almost no flex, but the bezels are slightly loose.
- Stand: has a magnetic folio case that doubles as a stand.
PROS
- High pixel density results in crisp images and text.
- Image remains accurate at moderate angles.
- Good reflection handling.
- Excellent SDR color gamut.
- Low input lag.
CONS
- Slow response times makes motion look blurry.
- Blacks look gray in a dark room.
- Bad ergonomics, as expected for a portable monitor.
- Small screen size isn’t ideal for some uses.
- No HDR support.
4. Entry Level Portable Monitor
VIEWSONIC VG1655
The ViewSonic VG1655 is a Practical Portable Monitor. With its 15.6 inch screen and 1080p resolution, it’s perfect for on-the-go use and for viewing documents or messages. The adjustable tilt stand and portrait mode display are additional features to enhance your viewing experience. The dual USB-C inputs support DisplayPort Alt Mode and deliver up to 60W power delivery.
However, if you’re a content creator, this monitor may not be the best choice for you. It has a narrow color gamut, causing colors to appear washed out and lacking in vibrancy. Additionally, it doesn’t get bright enough to use in brightly lit environments.
For gaming, the ViewSonic VG1655 may not deliver the performance you’re looking for. It has slow response times and poor viewing angles, causing the image to look darker as you move off-center. Overall, the ViewSonic VG1655 is best for office use and for those who need a secondary monitor on the go.
Specs & Additional Features
- Brand: ViewSonic
- Model: VG1655
- Product Recommendation: Cheapest & Entry Level Portable Monitor
- Size:15.6″
- Weight: 1.8 lbs (0.8 kg)
- Pixel Type: IPS
- Variable Refresh Rate: No VRR
- Max Refresh Rate: 60 Hz
- Native Resolution: 1920 x 1080
- Build Quality: is okay. It has a solid metal frame, except the thinner top portion of the monitor flexes more.
- Stand: easel-style stand that attaches to the back of the screen and can’t be removed.
PROS
- Excellent text clarity thanks to high pixel density.
- Low input lag.
- Adjustable incline stand.
CONS
- Image looks darker at wide viewing angles.
- Narrow SDR color gamut; colors look washed out.
- Limited to 60Hz panel and no VRR support.
- Slow response time makes motion look blurry.
- Low contrast ratio.
- Doesn’t get bright.
Final Thought
In conclusion, choosing the right portable computer monitor for your needs can be a challenge. Whether you’re a digital nomad or just looking for an extra screen for your workspace, it’s important to consider key factors such as screen size, resolution, color accuracy, and connectivity options. With our review of the 4 cheapest portable computer monitors of Q1 2023, we hope to make your search a little easier. From the lightweight and compact ASUS ROG Strix to the budget-friendly but versatile LEPOW Z1, each of these monitors offers a great balance of affordability and performance. Ultimately, the right choice will depend on your specific needs, but these 4 monitors are a great place to start your search.
