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Last updated on May 1st, 2020 at 06:53 pm
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At 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!
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.
Comparison of the 5 Best USB Monitors
Features ASUS MB169C+ GeChic 2501H
GeChic 1303H
GeChic 2501C
AOC E1659FWUX
Screen Size 15.6" 15.6" 13.3" 15.6" 15.6"
Resolution 1920 by 1080p 1920 by 1080p 1920 by 1080p 1366 by 768p 1920 by 1080p
Response Time 5ms 17.5ms 14ms 8ms 11ms
Weight 1.8lbs 1.7lbs 2.3lbs 2.7lbs 2.34lbs
Power Source USB USB USB USB USB
Dimensions (Inches) 17.2 x 2.3 x 11.7 15.5 x 10.2 x 0.6 13.9 x 8.9 x 0.4 10.2 x 15.2 x 0.5 9.16 x 14.64 x 1.4
Driverless Yes Yes Yes Yes NO
Panel IPS IPS IPS TN TFT
Available Ports DisplayPort over USB-C HDMI, VGA, USB HDMI, VGA, MiniDisplay, USB USB; Micro HDMI USB 3.0
Headphone Jack N/A Yes Yes Yes No
Touchscreen No Multi-touch No No No
Speakers No Yes Yes Yes No
Refresh Rate 60Hz 60Hz 60Hz 60Hz 60Hz
Check Price Check Price Check Price Check Price Check 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 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?
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:
GeChic 2501H Review – (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: 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:
GeChic 1303H USB Portable Monitor Review – (Best 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 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:
GeChic 2501C Review – (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 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:
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? 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:
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. 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..Want to buy the Best Portable Monitor? – Consider these factors
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That’s it for portable USB monitors. If you have any opinion, questions, and suggestions, you can use the comment box.
