Best Portable Monitor for MacBook Pro Reviewed and Spec’d

A high-quality portable monitor serves as a great companion for any MacBook Pro user who wants to use a second screen. You might also consider getting the best portable monitor for MacBook Pro if you have plans of investing in an easy-to-move primary monitor.

It is a great innovation that benefits different kinds of professionals, like designers, digital artists, filmmakers, and programmers. You will find this portable monitor useful especially if you tend to open several apps at once.

Fortunately, it is not that hard to find amazing deals for these portable monitors nowadays. You can now access them from different providers and brands. Whether you intend to use it for work or recreation, you have plenty of choices available at various price points and styles, including the following:

Best Portable Monitors for MacBook Pro Product Reviews

ASUS ZenScreen MB16AC 15.6-inch Full HD Monitor

The first recommendation in this article is the ASUS ZenScreen MB16AC. One of the best qualities of this full HD monitor is its portability. It is portable enough that using it will never be that hard.

It is also slim and compact, which means it will not take a lot of space. This makes the unit a great travel companion since this means you can easily slide it to your bag or briefcase.

Another advantage of this monitor is that it features advanced display settings that you can toggle with ease. The 15.6-inch screen is just enough to see everything that is displayed in there clearly.

It has an auto-rotation feature, which you can take advantage of with the aid of its smartpen hole and cover. This will let you set the screen in either portrait or landscape orientations.

This monitor also makes use of IPS technology, which helps boost the screen’s flexibility. Such improved flexibility results in excellent contrast and color even when viewing the screen from extreme positions.

Pros:

• Portable, slim, and compact design, making it travel-friendly
• Comes with a clear 15.6-inch HD screen
• Allows setting the screen into either portrait or landscape orientations
• Guarantees fantastic color and contrast even when used in viewing from extreme positions, thanks to the improved flexibility brought on by its IPS technology
• Utilizes the brand’s flicker-free technology, which lessens the risk of eyestrain and assures users of a convenient viewing experience

Cons:

• Does not have a built-in dedicated port
• Not that detailed leaflet manual

Best For

ASUS ZenScreen MB16AC is best for anyone who needs a secondary monitor, especially for use on dual-monitor presentations. It versatile and portable that any hardworking professional, including those who travel for work purposes, can benefit from it.

Newsoul Portable Monitor

The Newsoul Portable Monitor is also another fantastic choice for anyone who wishes to invest in the best portable monitor for the MacBook Pro. One thing that makes it so incredible is its ability to offer an immersive and enjoyable viewing experience through its vivid images and clear visuals.

It is because of its 1920×1080 resolution capable of showcasing amazing color reproduction and visuals. It features a 15.6-inch screen, which is enough to see everything with clarity.

The 178-degree full viewing angle paired with the use of eye care technology is also a big help during prolonged use of the monitor. It is because the two features ensure that your eyes will not get too tired or strained from staring at the monitor for too long.

The monitor also aids in preventing or lowering the risk of eye fatigue through its blue light filter. Moreover, you can immediately sense its versatility with the plenty of options it offers for digital connection.

It has ports for OTG, mini-DP, HDMI, Type-C, and USB, promoting ease in connecting it not only to laptops and PCs but also to phones, keyboard, mouse, and other devices.

Pros:

• Truly portable and lightweight, allowing you to bring it with you anywhere without the hassle
• Provides a versatile and extensive digital connection as it gives you the chance to connect it to various devices
• Clear and amazing visuals, thanks to its 15.6-inch screen and full viewing angle
• Prevents tired and strained eyes with the aid of its eye care technology and blue light filter
• Loud and clear sounds produced by its dual stereo speaker

Cons:

• Not that impressive and durable buttons

Best For

It is a great choice for entertainment or work purposes. You can use it as a way to extend your screen or enjoy games while traveling, taking a business trip, or entertaining yourself at home.

Lepow 15.6-inch Computer Display Portable Monitor

The Lepow 15.6-inch Computer Display Portable Monitor is also one of the most positively reviewed portable monitors in the market today. One thing that you will surely love and enjoy from this monitor is its impressive 1920×1080 resolution visuals.

Combine that with its excellent color reproduction and I’m sure your viewing experience will turn out to be truly one-of-a-kind and enjoyable. At 15.6 inches, the Full HD IPS screen is not difficult to look at. This screen even has a sort of eye protection, which ensures that your eyes will stay fully protected from straining and tiredness.

This is especially helpful if you plan to use the monitor for long hours. It has ports for USB-C and mini HDMI, further enhancing the versatility of its connection. It is also hassle-free to use as you will only need a single Type-C or HDMI cable so you can enjoy HD video signal transmission.

You can also take advantage of the auto-rotate option provided by the monitor. This allows you to set it either on landscape or portrait mode, promoting speed when finishing up your tasks. This option can also improve your experience, especially if you plan to view papers or websites.

Pros:

• Offers multiple options for connection, thanks to a couple of ports integrated into the monitor
• Easy to connect to laptops and PC and promotes quick and hassle-free HD video signal transmission
• Provides an auto-rotate option, allowing you to view papers and websites in either landscape or portrait mode
• Offers eye protection, preventing your eyes from getting too strained
• Impressive resolution and clear visuals provided by its large yet portable screen

Cons:

• The built-in speaker is somewhat lacking in terms of volume.

Best For

This portable monitor is ideal for anyone who travels a lot while carrying a lightweight and compact monitor. It also suits the needs of entrepreneurs, graphic designers, engineers, artists, programmers, and writers who need an additional monitor to get their tasks done.

Lepow Computer Display Portable Monitor

This is another version of the 15.6-inch portable monitor offered by Lepow. There are so many things to love about this portable monitor – one of which is its slim, portable, and lightweight construction. It boasts of its slim profile at only around 0.3 inches.

It also weighs only a little over 1 pound, which means bringing it anywhere is easy and convenient. With its 15.6-inch screen, your viewing experience will also be top-notch. You can easily connect the monitor to your laptop or desktop just by plugging a Type C or HDMI cable into the built-in Type C and HDMI inputs.

A sturdy smart cover with its exterior made from PU leather also forms part of the monitor. This can protect it from possible damage, like scratches. This cover also has a soft lining that can further protect the monitor.

Another advantage of the cover is that it is foldable into various positions. You can, therefore, form a stand out of it so you can use it for reading, watching, or typing. Moreover, there is a screen protector, which offers complete protection against scratches.

Pros:

• Lightweight, slim, and portable construction, making it a travel-friendly choice for many portable monitor users
• Easy to connect to laptop, desktop, and other devices
• Comes with a sturdy smart cover, which offers a sort of protection for the monitor
• Features a screen protector, which is extremely helpful in protecting the monitor from the risk of getting scratched
• Multiple options for connectivity provided – among which are the 2 USB C ports, headphone jack, and the mini HDMI port

Cons:

• Not that great built-in speaker

Best For

Due to its portable, slim, and lightweight structure, it will always be a great choice for entrepreneurs and workers who travel from one place to another for work purposes. It is also an ideal choice for gamers who want to have the most enjoyable and fantastic viewing experience.

ASUS MB169B+ 15.6-inch Full HD Portable Monitor

This portable monitor from ASUS is also another of its most fantastic offerings. Nothing can seem to beat its 15.6-inch display as well as its IPS panels that offer 178-degree viewing angles.

These features enhance the user’s viewing experience while ensuring that the colors and quality of images remain consistent regardless of the viewing position. The proven portability of this monitor from ASUS can be attributed to its light and slim structure.

It is also beautifully designed, too. It features a nice metallic finish. The monitor also boasts of its 15.6-inch screen, which is full HD, proving the clarity, quality, and brightness of all the images it displays.

You can use its USB 3.0 cable when it comes to transmitting power and data with ease. Another fantastic feature that forms part of this portable monitor from ASUS is its auto-rotating display.

Combine that with the brand’s smart case, protective sleeve, and adjustable stand and there is no reason why you will experience discomfort when using it.

Pros:

• Lightweight and slim design, which proves how portable it is
• Features a 15.6-inch display that assures users of a great viewing experience through the quality, brightness, and clarity of pictures it displays
• Beautifully designed and features a nice metallic finish
• Features a protective sleeve to keep the monitor protected from potential damage
• Lessens the possibility of eyestrain with the aid of its built-in blue light filter

Cons:

• Not as sturdy as other portable monitors offered by ASUS and other known brands

Best For

It suits the needs and demands of anyone who uses portable monitors most of the time. The lightness makes it perfect for gamers and business-minded people around who require this device so they can still do whatever they want to do anywhere.

Virzen Portable Monitor Display

There is also what we call as the Virzen Portable Monitor Display, which caters to the requirements of many users of portable monitors. It is extremely thin and lightweight, so your desire to own a truly portable device will surely be satisfied.

One thing that is so admirable about this portable monitor display is its compatibility with a wide range of devices. Aside from working well with MacBook Pro, computers and laptops, you can also use it with Nintendo, Xbox, PS4, and mobile phone, among many other devices.

Another reason to love this portable monitor is that it boasts of its user-friendly design. The only thing you have to do to take advantage of it is to use its appropriate built-in ports.

You will also love the incredible viewing experience provided by this monitor, especially if you use it to browse sites. It even lets you set it in landscape or portrait modes every time you connect it with an external monitor.

Moreover, it has this 3-in-1 display mode, namely the duplicate, extend, and the second screen mode. It is also very easy to set up.

Pros:

• Compatible with several devices
• Boasts of its user-friendly design, making it convenient and quick to set up right out of the box
• Comes with almost all the ports that you commonly need to boost connection versatility
• Thin and lightweight, which is the reason behind its portability
• Provides a clear view – that is whether you set it in landscape or portrait mode

Cons:

• Not as bright as what some users hoped for, even when setting the brightness at the highest

Best For

This portable monitor from Virzen is a great solution for playing games, TV series, pictures, slideshows, and videos. If you are an entrepreneur or someone who needs to play business presentations then this monitor is also perfect for you.

AOC I1659FWUX 15.6-inch Portable Monitor

The next portable monitor in this list is the AOC I1659FWUX, which is around 15.6 inches. The design is sleek, which makes it user-friendly. It also works fast because it has a built-in USB 3.0 connection.

This connection is highly beneficial as it assures you of high transfer rates while also ensuring that only high-quality images will be delivered. Another reason to love this portable monitor is that it lets you power it up using just a single cable.

The monitor’s piano-black glossy finish is also nice to look at. Another unique feature is the 16-inch diagonally viewable image, which assures most users of an incredible experience every time they use the monitor.

The screen is wide enough while still ensuring that it fits the portability requirements of most users. It is very convenient to use as it boasts of its plug-and-play connection. This means you no longer need to use a VGA cable or power cord.

It also has superior flexibility, thanks to the foldable Flexi-stand integrated into the monitor. Moreover, it guarantees full HD resolution, which assures you of HD picture quality, promoting vivid colors and superior clarity.

Pros:

• Sleek, user-friendly, and portable design, making it easy to use anywhere
• Full HD resolution guaranteed, so expect vivid colors and high-quality and clear pictures on display
• Plug-and-play connection, preventing the need for other cables and cords – All you need is the USB 3.0 connection.
• Maximum flexibility provided by the built-in foldable Flexi-stand
• Boasts of its piano-black glossy finish, which is very nice to look at

Cons:

• Somewhat thin neoprene sleeve, so it might not provide that much protection for the LCD

Best For

This monitor is ideal for travel with its slim and sleek structure. It also works well in case you need to deliver some presentations because of its high transfer rates.

ASUS MB169C+ 15.6-inch Full HD Portable Monitor

The last but surely not the least recommendation in this article is the ASUS MB169C+ Portable Monitor. There are so many rewarding and impressive features that form part of this device, making it truly a sound and wise investment.

One thing that I’m sure you will surely love in this portable monitor is its lightweight structure. It is slim and portable and only requires the use of one USB C cable to transmit videos and get enough power supply. With that, expect all your business travels to be easier and more convenient.

It comes with a blue light filter, which is extremely helpful in lessening blue light. This is a big help, especially if you are prone to getting eyestrain when staring at the monitor for long hours.

It also makes use of a USB 3.0 connection, which boasts of higher bandwidth. This assures you of images that have better clarity as well as speedy transmission. The monitor is also compatible with a wide range of devices, proving exactly how versatile it is.

Pros:

• Convenient to use since you only need a single cable to operate it in most cases
• Ideal for use even for long hours because it features a blue light filter for a lower risk of eyestrain
• Promotes clear images and speedy transmission
• Highly versatile, which can be proven by its compatibility with numerous devices
• Truly portable and lightweight, so expect it to be a fantastic travel companion

Cons:

• Some find this portable monitor too thin, which makes them somewhat question if it is sturdy enough to last for a long time.

Best For

This is ideal for anyone who needs to do mobile presentations frequently. It is also a great choice in case you want to have a simple yet fully functional dual-monitor setup, which suits your on-the-go lifestyle.

Buyer’s Guide

Investing in the best portable monitor for MacBook Pro requires thorough research and careful consideration of some important and crucial factors. After all, you will be the one who will use this device for a wide range of purposes.

You do not want to get a portable monitor that is not compatible with your device, do you? By conducting good research, you can assure yourself that what you are getting is that which suits your requirements and preferences the most.

In this section, we will tackle some factors and tips that will surely guide you towards finding the most suitable portable monitor for your MacBook Pro.

Understanding the Size

Screen size is one of the most crucial points to consider once you begin your hunt for a MacBook Pro monitor. One thing to note, though, is that the most suitable size for you will depend on where you intend to use it. Keep in mind that most users of this monitor prefer various sizes based on the specific nature of their work.

However, the most in-demand sizes at present are either the 15.6-inch or the 17.3-inch screen. The size, in this case, refers to the display’s diagonal measurement. Find out which among the various screen sizes perfectly suit the monitor’s intended purpose.

When choosing, remember that a bigger display also translates to a better working and viewing experience. If you intend to use the monitor for gaming then larger screen sizes will also work best for you.

Knowing the Resolution Sizes

Apart from the actual screen size, it is also advisable to determine the resolution sizes, too. Resolution refers to the number of pixels on display whether horizontally and vertically. It often comes with two numbers (first is the number of pixels displayed horizontally while the second refers to the number of pixels displayed vertically.

If you want to enjoy superior clarity in the form of sharp and clear images then consider going for higher resolutions. High-resolution monitors work well not only for watching movies and gaming but also for multitasking.

Avoid those with low resolution, too, as this might translate to blurred, fuzzy, and low-quality images. Most users prefer monitors with 1080P resolution because of the great clarity these can provide.

Look Out for Warranties

Check the warranty offered by the supplier of the monitor, too. The warranty will serve as your protection against defects and possible damage to parts. Make sure that the warranty coverage is reasonable enough.

Note that this is a tech device, so you have to study the warranty terms offered by your chosen provider. As much as possible, go for one with a display that comes with at least a 1-year warranty. The kind of warranty offered by the manufacturer also usually indicates how durable the product is.

Compatibility

You also have to pick a portable monitor with extensive compatibility. This means that it should be compatible with a wide range of devices, including your desktop, laptop, and mobile phone. It should not also have compatibility issues regardless of the operating system you are using.

This means that it should be able to work seamlessly and flawlessly with various operating systems, including Windows and iOS. If you are planning to use this device for business then it should also have a wide range of connectivity options – among which are HDMI, D-Sub plus audio0in, earphone jack, and

DisplayPort.

These options for connectivity can help ensure that all visiting or permanent workers will have an easier time connecting to the monitor.

Pricing

It is advisable to check and compare the prices of various portable monitors. The prices should play a vital role in your final buying decision. However, this should not be the sole factor that should contribute to your choice.

Make it a point to compare the prices of several monitors. Assess their overall quality as well as the features they offer. Ensure that all the features and specifications you need are present in the product.

Find out which among your choices comes with a price that suits your budget while having all the specifications and features you prefer. One thing to remember when it comes to pricing is that most HDMI portable monitors are costlier than those powered by USB.

Touchscreen

Another thing to consider is whether or not you should go for the touchscreen or non-touch monitor. If you want to go for one with a touch screen feature for the convenience it offers then ensure that you assess whether it is indeed user-friendly.

The touch’s intensity should also be carefully assessed. Make sure that the intensity is just right in the sense that you can easily access every inch of the monitor’s display.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What size should I get?

One of the most in-demand sizes of portable monitors for MacBook Pro nowadays is the 15.6-inch display. You also have other options in terms of sizes, so you should spend some time determining exactly the size you need.

One thing that can surely point you to the right size of a monitor is the nature of your work. Determine where you will be using the device the most. This will give you a clearer idea about the specific size that will work for you.

What accessories go well with the portable monitor for my Mac?

To take full advantage of your portable monitor for Mac, you may want to invest in other useful accessories. Among the accessories that tend to go well with this device are speakers, HDMI cable, and case or cover. The case or cover will serve as a way for you to protect the monitor from possible damage, like scratches.

What is the difference between full HD and WXGA?

Full HD and WXGA usually differ in terms of resolution. While HD displays often have a resolution of 1920×1080 pixels, WXGA, on the other hand, comes with a 1280×800-pixel resolution. In terms of brightness, WXGA also seems to be better than full HD.

Some even say that it is 11% times brighter compared to full HD monitors. WXGA also seems to work better than HD when it comes to presentations and is more compatible with a wide array of content.

Which portable monitor for my Mac is best for gaming?

One of the best portable monitors for gamers is the ASUS MB169B+ Full HD. The portability and brightness delivered by this device truly make it ideal for gaming purposes.

It has a great resolution, allowing it to bring your entire viewing experience when you are into your game into the next level. With its full HD display, you will surely have a wonderful experience each time you get yourself into a game. It is also versatile in the sense that you can use it for other purposes, like viewing movies and giving presentations.

Bottom Line

Portable monitors are truly among the most useful devices for professionals, students, and gamers. It is a great and effortless way of getting an additional screen for your PC or MacBook Pro. With your chosen portable monitor around, controlling multiple screens via the HDMI or USB ports is possible.

This means you no longer need to use more power plugs. The portability of these devices also means that you can fulfill your tasks and duties even if you are not in your office. Just make sure that what you are getting has the most appropriate resolution and size for your needs.

It should also provide a few connectivity options, such as VGA, USB, and HDMI. Furthermore, it needs to be compatible with Windows and iOS. With that, you will be able to maximize the benefits of your chosen portable monitor for MacBook Pro.