Best Portable Monitor for Macbook Pro [Reviews and Comparisons]

MacBook Pro is an incredible bit of kit. Powerful, super user-friendly, sleek, light, and beautiful. Everything that you expect from Apple. And everything that you need for working on the go.

Remote work has become more common. It is and will be even more so, in these COVID, and then post-COVID times. Whether working from home or a café or maybe even as a digital nomad, from a hammock on a beach somewhere.

Even in the office environment, ‘hot-desking with meetings in and out of different meeting rooms, is making a desktop computer at your fixed desk redundant.

MacBook Pro is perfect for this new work world.

But what do you do when your 13-inch Mac screen isn’t enough? An additional display will let you spread out your work. You’ll no longer need to switch between many different tabs on your small-screen MacBook Pro. You can then perform different tasks, or create and produce different projects, quicker and more efficiently.

Best Portable Monitor for Macbook Pro Comparison Table

PRODUCT FEATURES LATEST PRICE
1. Lepow Portable Monitor
  • Screen Size: 15.6”
  • Profile: 0.3”
  • Resolution: 1920 x 1080
  • Weight: 1.76lb
  • Hardware Interface: USB Type-, Mini HDMI
Check Price
2. ASUS ZenScreen MB16AC Portable Monitor
  • Screen Size: 15.6”
  • Profile: 0.3”
  • Resolution: FD 1080i
  • Weight: 1.7lb
  • Hardware Interface: Hybrid USB types A and C
Check Price
3. AOC e1659Fwu Portable Monitor
  • Screen Size: 16”
  • Profile: 0.9”
  • Resolution: 1366 x 768
  • Weight: 2.65lb
  • Hardware Interface: USB Type-C
Check Price
4. AOC I1601FWUX Portable Monitor
  • Screen Size: 15.6”
  • Profile: 0.33”
  • Resolution: 1920 x 1080
  • Weight: 1.81lb
  • Hardware Interface: USB Type-C, USB 2.0, HDMI
Check Price
5. G-Story Portable Monitor
  • Screen Size: 15.6”
  • Profile: 1”
  • Resolution: 3840 x 2160
  • Weight: 5.6lb
  • Hardware Interface: USB, USB Type-C, HDMI, 3.5mm Audio
Check Price
6. GEChic 1503E Portable Monitor
  • Screen Size: 15.6”
  • Profile: 0.43”
  • Resolution: 1920 x 1080
  • Weight: 1.75lb
  • Hardware Interface: USB Type-C, HDMI, VGA
Check Price
7. UPERFECT Portable Monitor
  • Screen Size: 13.3”
  • Profile: 0.47”
  • Resolution: 1920 x 1080
  • Weight: 1.4lb
  • Hardware Interface: USB Type C, USB, Thunderbolt, HDMI
Check Price

Whether a graphic designer, writer, coder, programmer, another worker, or a student; a portable monitor helps you to boost your productivity.

Like your Mac, and easily and simply connected to it by its USB Type-C port, a portable monitor is also slim, lightweight, and easy to carry around. Few need to be plugged into a separate power source, and even via HDMI, getting all of its power and video input from a single USB cable.

In the last few years, the number of different small and portable monitors available on the market has exploded. Which one is the best option for you? Choosing the right portable monitor is not an easy task because of the sheer number of various choices.

To help, we’ve selected what we consider to be the best portable monitors for MacBook Pro that are currently available. After testing, using, and reviewing them, taking into consideration the most important features, we’ll make our final verdict.

Our Best Portable Monitor for Macbook Reviews and Comparisons

1. Lepow Portable Monitor

Product Highlights

Lepow Portable Monitor is a 15.6-inch monitor designed to be carried around and used on-the-go.

It delivers stunning 1920 x 1080 resolution visuals. So even if you’re a gamer, you’ll love its visuals and color reproduction.

It’s compatible with not only MacBook Pro, but also most newer laptops and even smartphones, by its two USB Type-C ports for power and video.

Lepow Portable Monitor has a screen protector to make makes it fully protected from scratches. On its exterior its protected by a durable PU leather smart cover, keeping your monitor safe.

Features

  • Screen Size: 15.6”
  • Profile: 0.3”
  • Resolution: 1920 x 1080
  • Weight: 1.76lb
  • Hardware Interface: USB Type-, Mini HDMI

What We Like About Lepow Portable Monitor

The truly impressive screen uses IPS. This gives it, and you, an awesome viewing experience with vivid game playing image.

Lepow Portable monitor has a slim 0.3-inch profile and weighs just 1.76 pounds. It is also equipped with dual speakers and HDR mode enabling you to display multi-media files.

Its PU leather smart cover and looks good, but it’s functional too. As well as being durable, it’s foldable in different positions to make you more comfortable while reading, typing, or watching.

Of course, with its USB Type-C and Mini HDMI ports, it can connect to and be used with multiple devices.

What We Don’t Like About Lepow Portable Monitor

While the case looks good and is foldable, it has poor magnetic connections to hold it in place.

We found the controls of the Lepow portable monitor too small to use.

And it only has a manual brightness setting. Unlike many of its competitors in the market, this monitor does not automatically set the brightness.

PROS

  • The stylish and strong metal frame around the screen
  • The best bang for the buck compared to more expensive alternatives
  • Lepow’s customer service offered to send a USB to a type-C power cable that it doesn’t come with
  • Overall an impressive portable monitor

CONS

  • Enabling HDR disables all other settings
  • Speaker sounds tinny and not a very loud, even at the maximum volume
  • The user guide could be improved. Functional menu information is missing

2. ASUS ZenScreen MB16AC Portable Monitor

Product Highlights

ASUS ZenScreen MB16AC is designed for portability and has a sleek and lightweight body.

Its attractive case folds down into a thin package, weighing only 1.7 pounds and 0.3 is inches slim and comes with a smartpen and smart cover.

It has a 15.6” screen that delivers stunning 1080p visuals via its USB Type-C interface for both its power and video, so it’s really simple to connect and use.

ASUS has an IPS panel, so its color reproduction is great. Its perfectly well detailed, right down to its size of screen being and a good overall match overall with the 16” MacBook Pro.

Features

  • Screen Size: 15.6”
  • Profile: 0.3”
  • Resolution: FD 1080i
  • Weight: 1.7lb
  • Hardware Interface: Hybrid USB types A and C

What We Like About ASUS ZenScreen MB16AC Portable Monitor

The monitor is slim and stylish as well as its ultraportable design.

ASUS ZenScreen MB16AC features a hybrid signal solution for compatibility with USB Type-C and Type-A sources. The USB-C port also uses DisplayPort, so you can connect to computers without USB-C ports too, using the right cable (not included).

For a comfortable viewing experience, it features eye care technology with flicker-free backlighting and blue light filter. These help to minimize eye strain and similar ailments.

It comes with a well-functioning smart cover and smartpen complete with a storage hole, which helps prevent you from losing it.

What We Don’t Like About ASUS ZenScreen MB16AC Portable Monitor

The monitor requires installment of the Windows OS if you’re going to use it on something other than a Mac.

We found the connection a little unstable, with it disconnecting and reconnecting quite often.

ASUS ZenScreen MB16AC is perfect for mobile use. But if you do a lot of work in a fixed space, we’d recommend something bigger, with better ergonomics.

PROS

  • Practical must-have for the mobile professional
  • Amazing road warrior practicality of it
  • ZenScreen is supplied both power and video via the same cable
  • Use it to present to clients sitting on the opposite side of the table

CONS

  • Can’t repair or refund the screen since the warranty does not cover physical damage
  • If you touch the screen in any way or shake the table, the screen just turns off
  • Not the greatest technical support

3. AOC e1659Fwu Portable Monitor

Product Highlights

AOC e1659FWU is a good choice if you’re on a tighter budget for your dual-screen Mac setup.

This 16” monitor is slim enough at 0.9 inches, and although it weighs more than most of the competition, it isn’t exactly heavy at 2.65 pounds.

It handily only needs one USB cable to connect and operate, giving you an HD resolution of 1366 x 768 with a contrast ratio of 500:1.

AOC e1659FWU, at its price, is an unbeatable value for the money.

Features

  • Screen Size: 16”
  • Profile: 0.9”
  • Resolution: 1366 x 768
  • Weight: 2.65lb
  • Hardware Interface: USB Type-C

What We Like About AOC e1659Fwu Portable Monitor

You need just a single USB Type-C cable to connect it to your MacBook Pro for both display and power. With no other power supply required, it’s economical too. Plus, no other media cable is required as the USB cable also works for data transfer.

AOC e1659fwu comes with a portable stand that the monitor is easy to connect to, giving you a different view. You can auto rotate between landscape and portrait mode with convenience.

AOC e1659wu also has the convenience of it not having a button. It simply turns on whenever connected via USB to the power of your Mac, or of course another computer.

It has some other great user-friendly features with a touch screen, color adjustment ability, and pixel control with quality display.

What We Don’t Like About AOC e1659Fwu Portable Monitor

Irrelevant if you’re only going to connect your MacBook Pro, but connectivity with other devices can be a little bit fiddly.

If you enjoy listening to music while you work, then you’ll probably find its built-in speakers are too small.

AOC e1659wu is a budget model, and that’s reflected in it only coming with a limited warranty of just 90 days. After then, you don’t even get technical support.

PROS

  • Fits in a laptop backpack without adding any significant weight
  • Only requires the USB cord to power up and play, which is quite handy, and set up is quicker
  • Can use it to keep notes open or store work

CONS

  • Be careful! The warranty is only for 90 days, even for support
  • Some previous users have noted a short lifespan

4. AOC I1601FWUX Portable Monitor

Product Highlights

AOC I1601FWUX is the successor to its stablemate listed previously above. As such, it’s an upgrade.

Its size is the same as its previous model, which has a 15.6” HD IPS panel. Plus, it still gives you automatically converting landscape and portrait mode as you turn it.

But it weighs in less at 1.81 lbs. And measuring 14.81 x 0.33 x 9.26 inches, it’s considerably slimmer to easily fit into laptop bags and briefcases.

AOC I1601FWUX also has a better resolution, this time of 1920×1080.

Features

  • Screen Size: 15.6”
  • Profile: 0.33”
  • Resolution: 1920 x 1080
  • Weight: 1.81lb
  • Hardware Interface: USB Type-C, USB 2.0, HDMI

What We Like About AOC I1601FWUX Portable Monitor

As well as the much-improved resolution on its predecessor of 1920×1080, It also has a better contrast ratio of 700:1 and an aspect ratio of 16:9.

It’s kept the same low-blue light mode to protect your eyes from the potentially harmful blue spectrum lights of the display.

AOC I1601FWUX also comes with a protective coating as well as a protective case. This again is convertible into a stand for the tablet monitor. And also, still has that handy auto-pivot and simple USB-C connectivity for power, display, and data.

What We Don’t Like About AOC I1601FWUX Portable Monitor

The CD drive to install to get it started, now seems outdated.

Display-wise, we thought that it had an only middling dark-grayscale performance. Also, the color accuracy was a little skewed and the screen too reflective.

AOC I1601FWUX again, like its previous model, has an ungenerous warranty.

PROS

  • The cover/stand is ingenious
  • Great travel accessory
  • You need minimal additional kit to use

CONS

  • It comes with only a 3ft cable
  • Their website is a nonsensical jumble

5. G-Story Portable Monitor

Product Highlights

If you’re a gamer, even on-the-go, then this G-Story is the best portable monitor for your gaming needs. It’s specially designed for gaming.

It combines a reasonably-sized 15.6-inch touch screen with a high FPS rate, flicker-free backlighting, and a blue-light filter.

But its general specs and performance, including support for High Dynamic Range and full HD, make it a nice and versatile piece of travel kit for any needs. It even comes with a bracket for wall-mounting when you’re not hitting the road.

G-Story is one of the very best portable monitors for MacBook Pro overall. It ticks all the boxes for pretty much any purpose. Includes a 30 days free exchange and 13 months warranty guarantee to give you better reassurance than most of the competition, just in case you have a problem.

Features

  • Screen Size: 15.6”
  • Profile: 1”
  • Resolution: 3840 x 2160
  • Weight: 5.6lb
  • Hardware Interface: USB, USB Type-C, HDMI, 3.5mm Audio

What We Like About G-Story Portable Monitor

The Ultra High Definition picture gives you an unbeatably realistic visual gaming experience. That’s down to its 15.6-inch 4K display, with a 16:9 ratio. You can enjoy games to the max.

With HDR technology support, it can compensate for too dark or too bright areas. You can view every realistic or fantasy detail exactly, and how they were fully designed to play.

G-Story Portable Monitor is specially designed for FPS/FTS, with Game Plus Function giving you better performance in any gaming mode. The FreeSync technology provides a smooth plug-and-play HDR gaming, no lag time, flickering, or distortion.

It comes with multiple interfaces, including dual HDMI ports, so that you can connect it to another HDMI device, as well as your Mac at the same time. Its dual 3.5mm audio jacks mean that there’s no audio headset interference in two-player mode. But you can also dispense with the headsets and use the built-in speaker.

What We Don’t Like About G-Story Portable Monitor

At 5.6lb in weight and 1” depth, some may find it a little bit heavy and bulky. Although by no means is it a beast.

The USB Type-C port doesn’t support charging. You’ll need a separate cable, taking up another port to do so.

PROS

  • Construction is great and professional
  • Set up is simple, and it easily stands up with the case
  • Screen response time is even better than expected
  • Remote conveniently helps with navigating the menu

CONS

  • Be careful which seller you buy from. Some are selling this model for the same price as the ultra-thin, so check what you want and what you’re getting
  • Speakers are mid-grade and are rear-facing, so not pointed at you while you play
  • Display port connection doesn’t work

6. GEChic 1503E Portable Monitor

Product Highlights

This 15.6-inch portable monitor from GeChic includes an LED backlight and built-in speakers. It is very, very light. It only weighs 1.75 pounds!

GeChic 2501H has a vivid 1920×1080 IPS panel and a 15.6 UHD screen, for a resolution that’s precise and crystal clear.

Paired with your MacBook Pro’s excellent photo and video editing software, it’s made even better with its 262k colors. Your viewing will be in the exact correct color depth, which is very important for the 160° viewing angle to give multi-players optimal gameplay.

See Related Topic: Best Video Editing Monitor

GeChic 2501H even allows you to make the color adjustments to your preferences.

Features

  • Screen Size: 15.6”
  • Profile: 0.43”
  • Resolution: 1920 x 1080
  • Weight: 1.75lb
  • Hardware Interface: USB Type-C, HDMI, VGA

What We Like About GEChic 1503E Portable Monitor

It’s a nice and simple, plug and play device with a UHD IPS display for a high-quality picture.

With its multi expandable port, it’s compatible with your MacBook Pro via USB Type-C connection, which doubles as a power source.

GeChic 1503E gives you the 170 degrees vertical and horizontal viewing angle that is the best for color consistency, plus two other angles.

What We Don’t Like About GEChic 1503E Portable Monitor

We noticed the same as many previous reviewers and owners have noted, and indeed complained. That the included hardcover that is supposed to protect the monitor when transporting, presses on the power button on the side of the monitor. It’s been documented that after a few months the button gets harder to push before it fails.

While its multiple connection ports make it pairable with a lot of devices, this is only by use of awkward and ugly adapters and dongles.

GeChic 1503E Portable Monitor comes with a proprietary wall mount, if you want to use a standard monitor mount or tripod instead, you’ll need to buy an adapter, really just a small piece of metal with two screws, for almost $100 from the manufacturer.

While it’s not at all alone in its class for this, but the built-in speakers are small and weak.

PROS

  • Does what it promises, it’s first and foremost an ultralight, thin gaming monitor
  • Excellent image quality at full HD resolution
  • The quality display has settings that you can alter as you wish
  • This monitor includes everything you need

CONS

  • Must carry the propriety video cables for use
  • No VGA cable included and can’t buy on Amazon
  • Pitiful sound level

7. UPERFECT Portable Monitor

Product Highlights

UPERFECT Portable Monitor is excellent for those who need a second monitor for graphic design and similar tasks.

Its 1920×1080 resolution HD performance comes with an IPS panel for a 178° wide-angle. With stunning precision, thanks to its true color display, and HRD technology, you won’t be disappointed by its visual qualities.

UPERFECT Portable Monitor only requires a single USB TYPE-C connection, without even any program installation and format export. Although other connections are possible through your computer’s interface, including Thunderbolt. So, it delivers great convenience, as well as quality performance.

Features

  • Screen Size: 13.3”
  • Profile: 0.47”
  • Resolution: 1920 x 1080
  • Weight: 1.4lb
  • Hardware Interface: USB Type C, USB, Thunderbolt, HDMI

What We Like About UPERFECT Portable Monitor

The good build quality of its solid metal housing.

UPERFECT Portable Monitor has an FHD Display that gives impressive life-like visuals, with no flickering or disturbance. Its overall HD visual performance is top of its class, whether editing, designing, gaming, or viewing.

Its space and power-saving USB-C cable requirement for both display and power.

What We Don’t Like About UPERFECT Portable Monitor

We thought that its agile USB-C port was a little fragile. More than a little concerning when it’s the main single connection.

Also, concerning was its loud buzzing noise!

PROS

  • Great second or gaming monitor
  • Excellent traveling companion for MacBook Pro
  • Brightness is even with decent black levels and no light bleed

CONS

  • Ports are directly behind the LCD panel with hardly any barrier in between. Pressure from the HDMI might damage the screen
  • Unresponsive support

Final Verdict

We tested and compared what we consider to be the best portable monitors for MacBook Pro currently available in the market.

We considered all factors to come up with what we believe to be the best all-around solution according to the important criteria, and a wide variety of needs.

After days of using, testing, and reviewing, our final verdict for the best portable monitor for MacBook Pro is Lepow Portable Monitor.

Read Related Article: Best Monitor For MacBook Pro

Andrew Wyatt

Andrew Wyatt

Andrew Wyatt has been a tech geek for as long as he can remember. Whether it's laptops, cameras, or projects, he's obsessed with it all. When he's not researching the latest tech products, he likes to go on long hikes with his dogs.

Share the story

Recent Posts