5 Best Portable Monitor 2018-USB Powered Monitor

Last updated on May 1st, 2020 at 06:53 pm

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Best Portable Monitor USBAt a point in time, you’ve been without a monitor at a place you needed it most.

Or maybe you travel a lot and needs every portability technology can offer.

You don’t really have a choice. Do you?

You can’t be carrying about your 25lbs monitor around.

Here is the solution!

A portable monitor, or what is also referred to as a USB powered monitor is all you need.

Luckily for you, we reviewed, researched and compared the best portable monitor for 2018, based on brands, features, and capabilities. The most comprehensive buying guide you won’t find anywhere; right here for you. 

Here is a summary of our review and our recommendation!

  • Overall ASUS MB169C+ stand out for us as the best portable monitor. This monitor has a modest screen size with essential features to give you a premium experience.
  • If you need extra connectivity, GeChic 2501H is the best USB monitor packed with a lot of connectivity option like VGA and HDMI Port. Be ready to connect to every one of your available devices and boost up your productivity.
  • On a budget, AOC E1659FUX possesses all the juice you’ll enjoy in a simple USB monitor without breaking the bank. Not only that, the monitor produces lag-free graphics consistently. 

We feel you need more than just a summary

Here is a detailed comparison of features for the 5 best USB powered monitors we reviewed below:

FAQ – SKIP IF NOT NECESSARY FOR YOU

You’ve seen the features and compared the best portable monitor in the market but you still are not convinced why you need one?

Here are the possible applications and why you should get one. 

Read - Why Buy a Portable Monitor

Portable Monitor Applications – Why buy One

A regular traveler needs to prepare for the journey and one of the things to pack apart from your blanket is a portable monitor. We’ll give you important reasons why you need a USB powered monitor.

Portable Monitors are Expandable

It’s not just about the weight which makes them easy to ferry around; portable monitors offer more than just that. A USB-powered monitor is a means of circumventing the limited video output most computer offers.

You can connect up to 14 USB powered monitors to a single computer using a Windows multipoint server, and an additional 4 more on a Mac.

Portability and Weightlessness

When size matters to you then a portable monitor is the integrated solution you need. They are always smaller, lighter and smarter than traditional displays.

Additionally, they are also energy efficient using just a single cable for power and video. What’s more? You can use a simple external USB charger for charging them; Right on the move.

Best for Extended Display

A USB powered monitor should suffice for merchandise with a need for a display in which customers can see their invoices while trying to check out.

Just a single cable to the PC will do the trick without any complications. In addition, you can use also for extending your mobile screen size when on the move.

There are many other applications for using a portable monitor, but let’s keep it simple here and hope we have motivated you enough.

Read - How large can the screen size of USB monitor be?

Big Screen Portable Monitor – How big can it be?

When we say portable, it means any monitor that can fit into your bags on the move. That means the larger the screen, the less portable it becomes.

However, who would not value a slightly larger screen. At least large enough to comfortably move it around and also work while on the move

Though there are different sizes of USB powered monitors from different brands. Ideally, the size should not be more than 16 Inch if it should be referred to as a portable monitor.

You can also make use of a 17.3 Inch monitor as a portable monitor so far it satisfies your needs and it’s flat enough and light to be carried

If this does not fit into what you need, you will have to make do with traditional display as there is not any other USB powered monitor bigger than these. The most common screen size is 13.3”, 15.6” and 17.3” So far its USB powered and fit into your luggage, it’s good for you.

Read - Top Brands of USB monitor to consider

Best Portable Monitor Brands 2018

There are some market leaders you should really have in mind or consider. It would surprise you to know it’s not just the usual monitor brands you are familiar with!

GeChic Portable Monitor

GeChic is by far the best portable monitor brand you will find. This manufacturer has thrived in a terrain where most other traditional monitor brands are scared of entering. GeChic has made quality USB powered monitors even a touchscreen-enabled portable monitor.

They are the market leader and trailblazer in the portable monitor segment of the monitor market. The top product you will find comes from this brand

AOC Portable Monitor

This brand may not have as many product and technology like GeChic when it comes to portable monitors, but they are in the best position to grab a large percentage of the market off GeChic in years to come.

From their first tryout of a portable monitor to their latest product, they’ve not compromised on quality. Our top5 list includes one of their popular products.

ASUS Portable Monitor

In the world of large screen traditional display, they are a big force to compete against. Their influence has also transferred to the USB powered monitor segment.

With strong, durable and sophisticated products carrying their brand name, they are likely to conquer this market soonest. One reason is that consumers respect the brand name more than GeChic and AOC brand.

Comparison of the 5 Best USB Monitors

FeaturesASUS MB169C+GeChic 2501H
GeChic 1303H
GeChic 2501C
AOC E1659FWUX
Screen Size15.6"15.6"13.3"15.6"15.6"
Resolution1920 by 1080p1920 by 1080p1920 by 1080p1366 by 768p1920 by 1080p
Response Time5ms17.5ms14ms8ms11ms
Weight1.8lbs1.7lbs2.3lbs2.7lbs2.34lbs
Power SourceUSBUSBUSBUSBUSB
Dimensions (Inches)17.2 x 2.3 x 11.715.5 x 10.2 x 0.613.9 x 8.9 x 0.410.2 x 15.2 x 0.59.16 x 14.64 x 1.4
DriverlessYesYesYesYesNO
PanelIPSIPSIPSTNTFT
Available PortsDisplayPort over USB-CHDMI, VGA, USBHDMI, VGA, MiniDisplay, USBUSB; Micro HDMIUSB 3.0
Headphone JackN/AYesYesYesNo
TouchscreenNoMulti-touchNoNoNo
SpeakersNoYesYesYesNo
Refresh Rate60Hz60Hz60Hz60Hz60Hz
Check PriceCheck PriceCheck PriceCheck PriceCheck Price

That said, here is our review of the 5 best portable monitors. We will highlight the distinguishing features, the cons, compare to others on the list, and round up with some factors you need to consider.

Review of the Five Best Portable Monitor for 2018

ASUS MB169C+ Review – (Editor’s Best Portable Monitor)

ASUS MB169C-Best Portable Monitor

ASUS has just changed the game with this portable monitor: a lightweight monitor that can fit into any handbag, side bag and backpack with ease. As at the time of its release it was the world first 15.6 monitor that uses the same cable for both power and video transmission.

This 15.6 Inch portable monitor has 1920 by 1080pixel resolution which respond to an input at 5ms. For the sake of your eyes, there’s an ultra-low blue light for a flicker-free emission. When we say this is portable, we meant just 0.8Kg; it’s not even up to a kilogram.

With the USB type C connection, the monitor has catered for the present and more importantly the future. The beauty of this USB type is the dual purpose it serves, both for power and video transmission.

Is that all?

No, you have to see the stunning aesthetics of this portable monitor and the amazing color reproduction which does not distort from 178 degrees viewing angle.

All of this without cons?

The Bad!!

Don’t expect it to perform flawlessly like a traditional monitor. The USB cable might give you a bit of a headache. We recommend you get a quality one.

The viewing angle also performs woefully from extreme angles.

Looking at it from a positive angle, this is a perfect fit for a dual display. This USB-powered monitor is built for user convenience and comfort. We recommend this as the Best Portable Monitor. It’s our top pick  

Features Recap:

  • 15.6 Screen Size
  • 1920 by 1080p resolution
  • 60Hz
  • 5ms response time
  • USB powered
  • 1.8lbs
  • ASUS Low Light
  • IPS Panel
  • Driverless

 

GeChic 2501H Review – (Best Portable Monitor with VGA and HDMI)

GeChic 2501H-Best Portable Monitor with VGA and HDMI

In other climes of monitors, GeChic might not be so popular, but in the realm of a USB-powered monitor, they are a force to reckon with. The clarity and precision of the screen is a worthy feature of GeChic 2501H.

Just like ASUS MB169C+, this portable monitor has a 15.6-inch screen with a Full HD resolution. Packed with 262K colors, the color depth and clarity is capable of functioning for image and video editing without a loss of value.

The IPS panel technology GeChic 2501H is built on enhances the response time and the refresh rate to an optimum level possible.

What’s the real story?

GeChic 2501H portable monitor is equipped with VGA and HDMI inputs. That’s not all. The USB port will power the monitor and serve as the input port to laptops, raspberry pi, game consoles, camera and even your smart-phone.

There’s a compromise:

The Bad!!

17.5ms of response time is way too late for a monitor of this caliber. The speakers are just there to boost the specs, it lacks the richness you’ll want in a speaker.

Bottom Line:

If you need a portable monitor with a great picture quality and extra connection, then GeChic 2501H would be a good buy. We recommend this as the Best Portable Monitor with VGA and HDMI.

Features Recap:

  • 15.6” screen size
  • Full HD
  • 60Hz refresh rate
  • 17.5ms response time
  • USB Powered
  • 1.7lbs weight
  • Dual 1W speakers
  • VGA, HDMI
  • Driverless
  • Cover stand

 

GeChic 1303H USB Portable Monitor Review – (Best for Mac Users)

GeChic 1303H-Best USB Portable Monitor for Mac Users

GeChic has done it well with this one again. That’s why they can be assumed to be one of the best portable monitor brands with their consistency in quality. The stunning color performance of this monitor is a strong point.

The screen size is a deviation from the norm, packing a 13.3 Inch screen and an FHD 1920 by 1080 pixel resolution.

Regardless of the operating system whether it’s Mac or Windows (works for both), this USB powered monitor will fit in perfectly

How can you actually use this?

Via the HDMI, VGA, and MiniDisplay, you can connect Mac Mini, MacBook, Camera, Windows laptops, and game consoles. This monitor power on automatically, there’s no need for installing a driver.

What’s the sad story?

The Bad!!

The casing of this portable monitor looks cheap in a plastic way. You may have to handle with care or get another one. So also, the speakers shouldn’t have been there at all, it’s inaudible to average human ears.

Nonetheless, the viewing panel will make this a great fit even if used for gaming purposes; In addition, the 178-degree viewing angles will make room for multiple players. Concluding, this is our top pick for the Best Portable Monitor for Mac users in need of multiple displays.

Features Recap:

  • 13.3” Screen size
  • Full HD 1920 by 1080p resolution
  • 60Hz Refresh rate
  • 14ms response time
  • USB powered
  • HDMI, VGA, and Mini Display ports
  • Driverless
  • 178 Degrees viewing angles
  • 2.3lbs
  • USB powered
  • Portrait and Landscape Mode
  • Cover Stand
  • VESA 100mm for mount and tripod

 

GeChic 2501C Review – (Best Portable Monitor for Photography and Video Editing)

GeChic 2501C - Best Portable Monitor for Photography and Video Editing

GeChic is not done with us yet and we are also not tired of reviewing their portable monitors due to the awesomeness it is equipped with. This is the monitor to take along to the coffee shop or for camping without fear of breakage in transit.

This 15.6” is not just beautiful, sleek and classy; it is strong and rugged for even mountain expeditions.

GeChic 2501C 1366 by 768-pixel resolution monitor is built on a Twisted Nematic (TN) panel that is housed securely in an ultrathin case with a narrow bezel to the sides.

There’s still more to it!

The buttons for adjusting the color temperature are touch-sensitive. Not only that, there’s a Micro-HDMI output with a 3.5mm audio jack. The weightlessness and the bezel at both 2 pounds and 1.25 cm respectively define the portability.

But here’s the downside:

The Bad!!

The resolution is not Full HD but a good picture is still achievable. The lack of VESA mount holes is another issue that we find disappointing.

In the final analysis, the monitor in overall performs excellently. So also, the device is competitively priced. Lastly and most importantly, it is USB powered monitor ready for Plug and Play. Because of the ruggedness and connectivity, we recommend this as the Best Portable Monitor for Photography and Video Editing.

Features Recap:

  • 15.6 Screen size
  • 1366 by 768p resolution
  • 8ms response time
  • USB powered
  • TN Panel
  • 2.27lbs with Cover
  • 1.25cm thick
  • 45 degree view angle

 

AOC E1659FWUX Portable Monitor Review – (Best Bang for your Buck)

AOC E1659FWUX Portable Monitor Review – Best Bang for your Buck

This USB monitor is the first tryout of AOC into the realm of Full HD USB-powered monitor, and they don’t have to do many before getting it right.

AOC E1659FWUX has a sleek design but with faster connections that deliver lag-free graphics.

This monitor joins the leagues of other 15.6” monitor with an FHD 1920 by 1080p resolution.

You might be wondering what makes this monitor unique:

The glossy finish of the USB powered monitor gives this a perfect look than others. In addition also is the removable base which allows for enough flexibility.

Higher transfer rate is achieved with the USB 3.0 which is packed on this USB monitor. The monitor responds gray to gray at just 11ms. The stand of AOC E1659FWUX is built in and comes handy.

Isn’t there any cons?

The Bad!!

One, the weight is not really good to carry around – Quite on a high side! The display is good but cannot be compared to other portable monitors on this list.

If the pros of the monitor are to be compared to the cons, AOC has done well with their first try – though it can be better. For what you get at a redeemable price we are recommending this as the Best Budget Portable Monitor. If you want an on the move monitor for just a simple task; go with this option.

Features Recap:

  • 15.6 Screen
  • 1920 by 1080p resolution
  • USB 3.0
  • 2.34lbs
  • Flexible stand
  • 11ms response time
  • 60Hz refresh rate
  • 90 degrees viewing angle
  • Travel case

 

Want to buy the Best Portable Monitor? – Consider these factors

No matter the brands you decide to go for, here are the most important factors to consider before you even think of buying a portable monitor.

Resolution

Portable monitors are usually for productivity and also outdoor use, creating a need for a high resolution.

In buying a USB Powered monitor, we believe one of the most important factors is the screen resolution. The highest resolution you can get right now is a Full HD 1920 by 1080p (as at the time of writing).

We would not recommend you go for something far less than this; anything close is ok.

Refresh Rate

In case you do not know, a refresh rate is important in every monitor no matter how big or small it is. The highest refresh rate on portable monitors available in the market right now is 60Hz, which is modest for a portable monitor.

In the future, we expect a higher refresh rate for USB powered monitors. When buying one, consider the refresh rate as VERY IMPORTANT.

Screen Size

We do not know what you want to utilize your portable monitor for, but there are a variety of screen sizes you can consider. You should know that the smaller the screen size, the more portable it is.

You should be able to store your monitor in at least backpack alongside your laptop, Mac-Book, game consoles, camera etc.

Charging Method

If you need a separate cable to power or charge it aside a USB, don’t even think of it at all.

A portable monitor is not complete if it has many cables that need to be feed from different sources. You should only consider a portable monitor that utilizes just the USB as the power source as well as the video input.

Dimensions

If this list is arranged in order of importance, this factor is supposed to be in the top echelon.

The dimension determines not only the size but the thickness of the monitor. If a USB-powered monitor is too thick to be handled easily with your hands, it has removed the P from portability which is an important characteristic of the monitor.

Weight

This is related to the thickness and can also be a consequence. Portable monitors are expected to be light and good for constant mobility.

A lightweight monitor makes packing your luggage easy and also reduces the cost of traveling.

We would not want to suggest the ideal weight, instead, we’ll let you carry a few and decide on which one will not weigh you down.

Driverless

The complexities of installing your monitor’s driver on every device you need to use it with is a stress that needs to be avoided.

An ideal portable monitor should be Plug_and_play. Meaning from inside the box, you can start using and enjoying it without looking for a compatible driver.

Operating Windows

You should beforehand know if the monitor you are planning to buy supports the operating system you use.

This will eliminate the need for going an extra mile to make it with the need of a driver or buying the wrong products.

Available Port Types

Even though USB is one of the considered future of connectivity, other forms of connections are still deemed important.

The available ports on your chosen portable monitor should be in cognizance of your need.

You can find VGA, HDMI and even Mini Display ports on USB powered monitors. We recommend if possible at least HDMI and Mini Display Port

Extra Features

You may also consider having a headphone jack or speakers. If it can function as a TV while in a camp or on the move; why not?

Those are the important factors you should consider. You should be fine if you have this few points in mind..

That’s it for portable USB monitors. If you have any opinion, questions, and suggestions, you can use the comment box.

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