The best portable monitors for gaming have changed dramatically over the years.𓄧 No, really, it feels like only yesterday using a mobile screen meant strapping a flip-up TFT display to a GameCube so that I could play Wind Wakeꦏr in the car. Now, you can basically pick up a panel that can match a desktop display in terms of specs, and premium options can even put living room TVs to shame.
When I say now is the perfect time to hunt for a portable screen, especially one that rivals the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best gaming monitors, I truly mean it. Not only are gaming handhelds like the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Steam Deck OLED equipped to plug straight into mobile screens with a single cable, but the Switch 2 is going to give me even more reaso🎐ns to take a display outside for some Mario Kart W🌞orld garden carnage.
I'm always on the hunt for new best portable monitor contenders to test, but the best one overall right now is the Asus ROG Strix XG17. The fact it packs a 1080p 240Hz panel means you'll be able to fully unleash the abilities of your 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:gaming handheld or laptop while still being extremely travel-friendly. It🐻's also got a 7800mAh battery built-in, so𒉰 you'll be able to cut the cord completely while enjoying 17.3 inches of extra screen.
The Umax 24 is incredibly large for a portable monitor🅷, but it features big specs to match its massive panel and is surprisingly lightweight for a 24.5-inch scree🅺n.
You're not♚ getting the 240Hz rates of the Asus at the top of this list, but with a 165Hz rate and adaptive sync at your disposal this is your next best (and much cheaper) option.
This ViewSonic model offers up a 4K resolution at a fair price⛄ - perfect for small-screen UHD gaming. You're getting wide compatibility with a range of ports and extra features.
If𒁃 you're after a multi-touc🎉h device with support for both Windows and Android, you've found yourself a good'un. This Asus model is perfect for big-screen thumb tapping on the go.
Phil l💦oves using portable monitors for gaming in creative ways, and they make sure to test all the latest options in different scenarios. One week, they'll be chilling in a coffee shop with an external display and a laptop, the next they'll be heading up the Scottish Highlands with a gaming handheld and a travel-friendly screen. As our resident monitor expert, you can trust our savvy hardware review y⛄ou point out all the pros and caveats you need to pick up the perfect panel.
The best portable monitor for gaming overall
Image 1 of 5
(Image credit: Future / Phil Hayton)
(Image credit: Future / Phil Hayton)
(Image credit: Future / Phil Hayton)
(Image credit: Future / Phil Hayton)
(Image credit: Future / Phil Hayton)
1. Uperfect Umax 24
The best portable monitor for gaming overall
Reasons to buy
+
High quality IPS panel
+
240Hz plus adaptive sync
+
Built-in battery
Reasons to avoid
-
Very expensive
-
No HDR support
Yes, the Uperfect Umax 24 does push the very definition of⭕ a portable monitor, but it turns out 24 inches is꧅ ideal when paired with the right specs. This screen goes a step further than its competitors by offering up a much larger 1440p panel that can hit 165Hz, all while boasting easy USB-C connectivity for Switch and Steam Deck,
Buy it if:
✅ You want beefy specs: The Umax 24 features hefty 1440p 165Hz abilities that make all the difference in 🅘terms of performance.
✅ You need something large: Uperfect's 24.5-inch screen is the largest portable monitor on the market, and the extra screen spac🌌e is invaluable for multiplayer session🌌s.
✅ You'd like something versatile: T💛he Umax 24's size and features like VESA mounting mean it can be used both as a desktop and portable monitor.
Don't buy it if:
❌ You need something for your backpack: The Umax 24 𝔍certainly isn't going to fit in your rucksack, and while it has its own carry case, iౠt's not ideal for backpackers.
❌You'd prefer a built-in battery: This screen doesn't come with a battery built-in, so 🀅you'll have to use your own Power Bank or fetch juice via USB-C.
Features: Size is certainly one of the Umax 24's biggest selling points. I know for a fact there are plenty of you heading to Google and Reddit looking for the biggest portable monitor possible, anꦍd Uperfect's larger 24.5-inch panel is a solid solution. It's big enough to serve as a desktop screen, but by maintaining a surprisingly light 2.64 kg (5.83 lbs) body that's only 0.63-inch-thick, the display maker has created something that's easy to take wit✤h you.
You'd be forgiven for thinking that the Umax 24 has to keep specs low to maintain a light form factor, but that's not remotely the case. We're talking about a QHD 165Hz panel that trades blows with desktop screens, even if its brightness is slightly lacking compared to full-blown panels. You're also getting plenty of ports, including two USB-C connectors for versatile power options and 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:gaming handheld connectivity, and the latter is super impꦫortant ahead of the Nintendo Switch 2.
Design: The Umax 24 is light, and while it's not going to fit in any normal backpack, there are bundles that come with an extra-large sleeve. That makes it arguably as easy to take with you as a laptop, albeit one that's 24.5 inches. Since it's already ridiculously large, it naturally forgoes any extras like a built-in battery to keep things slim, but you'll still be able to use your own power bank via USB-C. Plus, you're getting integrated speakers, which contributes to the all-in♕-one nature of the panel.
Performance: As an extra-large way to access your Switch, Steam Deck, or PC library on the go, the Umax 24 is a heavy hitter. It's nice and crisp at 1440🍸p, and the 165Hz refresh rate helps everything feel that bit slicker when you can hit higher frame rates. Even when you are sticking to 60fps, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe feels nice and swift thanks to the faster refresh rate, and while I wouldn't rely on this panel for proper competitive play in shooters, its 10ms response time isn't offensive.
Brightness is slightly lacking💎, and the panel's supposed HDR abilities fall short for that reason. But, that's a pitfall of many desktop screens that aren't much brighter, and since it pulls off respectable colors for an IPS display, it'll still make for an excellent way to fit some multiplayer sessions into your travels. The extra size means that whether you're in a hotel room, on a camping trip, or just having a wee garden get-together, the Umax 24 is going to feel like you're playin💮g on a proper-sized screen even though it's extremely easy to take with you.
Verdict: The Umax 24 isn't going to be ideal for those of you needing something that'll slip int༺o your backpack alongside a laptop. However, its size helps to excel when it comes to providing an on-the-go gaming setup, and it goes the extra mile in terms of resolution, refresh rate, and sheer panel size.
Portable monitors can cost a pretty penny, 𝔉but Verbatim's Portable Touchscreen Monitor manages to offer great features for less.
Buy it if:
✅ You want great specs for less: Verbatim's screen offers surprisingly great specs considering it's cheaper than its competitiꦛon
✅ You want a touchscreen: This panel will🌳 save ✤you having plug in additional peripherals when trying to browse menus or set things up.
✅ You need something sleek: This model is pret🌺ty thin, meaning it's more likely to fit in your bag without causing a fuss.
Don't buy it if:
❌ You'd rather have a built-in battery: Power ꦗbanks can provide this screen with juice, but you might prefer something with an🐬 integrated solution.
❌You want something bigger : At 15-inches, this screen will feel fairly sಞtandard in terꦦms of size.
Features: It's worth noting this screen lacks a built in batt♛ery, and that may matter if you're looking for a completely untethered experience. However, if you hook it up to your own battery bank, you'll be able to pair it with the best gaming handhelds out there and benefit from features like HDR and touchscreen support. Depending on what you're using it for, trading away an integrated battery for those traits is more than worthwhile, not to mention i💝t helps cut cost.
Design: In terms of design, Verbatim's monitor is cla🌜♈d with a metal shell, and it's pretty thin even by portable monitor standards. One of its stand out elements is the fact it has a kickstand built in, so you won't have to use any dual-use cases to prop it up on a desk.
Performance: We tested the Verbatim Portable Touchscreen Monitor using laptops and handhelds like the Steam Deck, and for thꦍe price, it performed admirably. 15.6 inches is arguably the perfect size for a 1080p screen🔴, and we didn't notice any particularly soft visuals as a result of sits resolution. Even PS5 gameplay looks pretty decent on this screen, which is a feat given that we normally use a 4K panel with our new gen consoles.
Verdict: Your mileage may vary when it comes to price, but you should be able to snag one of these monitors for under (or just over) the $200 mark in the US. If you're in the UK, you'll easily find it for under £200, and it's a faꦺntastic option for the money.
If your aim is to put together a dual screen monitor setup you can take on the go, the Jsaux❀ FlipGo could be key. This double-stacked panel comes armed with everything you'll need to bring a desktop experience with you, and it makes for a great way to enlarge your gaming handheld screen to boot.
Buy it if:
✅ You need a dual screen setup: A double helping of panels will enable you to use multiple💖 d🔜esktops on the go.
✅ You also care about productivity: While the FlipGo is great for gaming, it's real strengths lie ♐with multitasking
✅ You've got a gaming handheld: The FlipGo will hook up to your handhelds with a single cab🌳le, enabling you to play🐼 games and run other applications in desktop mode.
Don't buy it if:
❌You don't need two screens: It sounds silly, but if you don't actually need two displays,🐽 this isn't the monitor for you.
❌You'd prefer a horizontal layout : If the stacked approach isn'ꦑt your bag, you might be better off looking for alternative layouts.
Features: Wꦫearing a clam-shell design that's not unlike a gaming laptop, the FlipGo is designed to cram as much screen space into as small a footprint as possible. Rather than extending outwards like most dual options out there, Jsaux stacks things vertically, and it'll all fold dow💮n into something that'll fit in your backpack. It also comes with an orange cover that might not be to everyone's tastes, but is going to add some extra protection for the display's aluminium body.
Design: The FlipGo boasts both DisplayLink support and an UltraView mode, meaning you can use the display as two extra screens or one extended panel. You'll be able to plug USB-C devices straight into this screen with a single cable, but mini HDMI is also present to maximise compatibility. Sadly, there's no built-in battery with this one, so you'll need a power bank like the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Jsaux 20000mAh 65w if you want to truly cut the cord.
Performance: While the FlipGo is two screens in one, it doesn't s൩kimp on visual fidelity. Both panels look pretty great thanks to their QHD resolution, and contrast ain't half bad considering we're talking about IPS. The displays are also pretty brigh🦩t, with that 500 nits punching through even in brightly lit areas.
Verdict: As a dual screen package, the Jsaux FlipGo is a🍸rguably one of the most appealing options out there. The nature of its layout might not be directly suited to gaming, but there's a lot you can do with a duo of screens in this formfactor.
The G-Story GSV56QM is a portable monitor that actually gives the ASUS ROG Strix XG17 a run for its money, despite having a lower refresh rate. The part that makes this technically a better option solely based on speed is its snappier response༺ time, which will matter if you care about every frame in competitive scenarios.
Buy it if:
✅ You care about responsiveness: With a 1m🍷s response rate, this is one of the snappiest portable monitors around.
✅ You play at high frame rates: The G-Story's 165Hz refresh ratꩲe will feel silky smooth when boosting fps on the go.
✅ You want great performance for less: For the price, you're getting beefy specs that are on par with more expe🐼nsive options.
Don't buy it if:
❌You want a faster refresh rate: For most players, 165Hz will be plenty, but t💛hose of you looking for faster will want to up💖spent to Asus' screen.
❌You care about looks: The GSV56🎃QM isn't what we'd call pretty, and it's not going to impress anyone at a LAN event.
Features: At a glance, the GSV56QM feels fairly ordinary, wielding a 1080p display and a decent selection of ports, including a few USB-C connectors. Yet, it's actually a bit of a monster specs-wise, offering a 15.6-inch panel with a 165Hz refresh rate and that aforementioned 1ms response time. There's probably an argument to be had over whether 3ms paired with 240Hz is more beneficial, but it's still impressive to see respon🔯siveness like that in this sort of package.
Design: In terms of looks, the G-Story does look slightly dated, with a fairly thick bottom bezel and a logo that feels straight out of the 2000s. It's also strangely got a pair o🉐f micro USB ports facing outwards, even though that standard should be dead and buried by now. That said, the GSV56QM does feel well thought out when it comes to design, with a headphone jack conveniently facing outwards alongside some front firing speakers.
Performance: On paper, the GSV56QM holds up as a great portable competitive gaming monitor, especially when it ෴comes to response time. There is a bit question mark over why it labels itself as a HDR screen, however, as its 300 nit brightness capabilities and lack of local dimming mean it can't really pull off proper High Dynamic Range. That aside, this screen has the potential toဣ be a reliable speedy screen, providing your laptop can make use of 165Hz.
Verdict: For the money, the G-Story GSV56QM is a great option for players craving high refresh rate portable gaming. If 165Hz isn't enough to satiate your needs, you'll have to splash out on our top option, but it's hard to argue with𓆏 what this panel offers up for the price.
The best 4K portable monitor for gaming
(Image credit: ViewSonic)
5. ViewSonic VX1655-4K
The best 4K portable monitor
Reasons to buy
+
True 4K display
+
Relatively affordable
+
Wide compatibility
Reasons to avoid
-
No high refresh or HDR
-
No battery
If your hellbent on playing at 4K no matter where you are, the ViewSonic VX1655-4K will see you right. You'll pay extra for a UHD panel,ဣ but the package doesn't skimp on build quality and features to make room for its high resolution.
Buy it if:
✅ 4K visuals are a must: If you absolutely need to have a 4K screen, t𒆙his is a good p꧅ortable option.
✅ You want to play PS5: N🎶ot that we'd advise taking your console with you on a hiking trip, but this display will🉐 pair nicely with Sony's console.
✅ You need good compatibility: This display's ports will accommodate most modern consoles, PCs, and device๊s, so you won't be stuck trying to hook thin🧸gs up.
Don't buy it if:
❌ You've no need for 4K: Players who aren't planning on playing games at UHD resolution will be b🗹etter off choosing a lower spec option.
❌You want a bigger 4K display: At 15.6 inches, you might not feel the benefi🌠ts of UHD compared to larger displays, but they won't be cheap or easy to find.
Features: Kitted out with the usual USB-C and HDMI ports, you'll be able to easily hook this screen up to anything that can handle 4K visuals. Whether you've got one o🧔f the best gaming laptops around or you just fancy torturing your Steam Deck, proper UHD visuals are on the menu with this display.
Design: Aesthetically, the ViewSonic VX1655-4K is a bit conservative, which will suit some of you out there that aren't into gamer vibes. That said, i𓆉t cleverly uses its back IO block as a stick stand, meaning the extra bulk at the back serves more than one purpose.
Performance: Naturally, you'll be capped at 60Hz using this 4K monitor, but that's not going to matter so much if you're not into shooters (or lack a dec𓃲ent GPU). Response times aren't abysmal, but you might also want to curb your expectations ꦜif you're used to speedy desktop screens.
Verdict: We'll eventually see cheaper (a𒅌nd better) 4K screens hit the marker as the technology matures. For the time being, the📖 ViewSonic VX1655-4K is a reliable way to take UHD visuals with you on the go, and we'd pick this model over various no-name brands out there.
The best touchscreen portable monitor for gaming
(Image credit: Asus)
6. Asus Zenscreen
The best touchscreen portable monitor
Reasons to buy
+
Multi-touch capability
+
Supports Windows and Android
+
IPS image quality
Reasons to avoid
-
No high refresh or HDR
If picking up a ♔touchscreen is a portable monitor priority, you'll want to♚ head straight to the Asus Zenscreen.
Buy it if:
✅ You want great specs: The Zenscreen comes🔯 pretty close to its gaming sibling, which might be worthwhile if you need touch input.
✅ You need versatility: Asus' touc⭕hscreen is desigౠned to connect to a multitude of devices, whether you've got the latest smartphone or a handheld.
✅ You prefer slick looking devices: When it comes to aesthetics, th🍸e Zenscreen both looks stylish and avoids any garish gaming stereotypes.
Don't buy it if:
❌ You need brighter: Out of our top picks, t🐎he Zenscreen is a little dimmer, and𓆉 that might matter in some scenarios.
❌You'd rate touch for other specs: It's worth considering whether you need a tou☂chscreen or if you'll end up just using your devic🌜e to control things.
Features: This 10-point touch panel is n♌aturally going to appeal to those of you who are productive during the day, serving as a more intuitive way to i🐷nteract with PC apps and programs. However, there are surprising gaming benefits tied to this office feeling screen, as operating systems like SteamOS feel natural on a touchscreen.
Design: When it comes to looks, the Asus Zenscreen is extremely subtle. Bringing it into the office isn't going to serve as a distraction, and it effetely looks like the top part of a laptop. That's not a bad thing depending on your environment of choice, not to mention 🌠it's an appropriate look for a monitor that sticks to 1080p 60Hz🎃.
Performance: One of the more unique traits tie𒁏d to the Asus Zenscreen is its tripod support, as you can attach a stand to give it a more conventional desktop look. That could come in handy if you want to switch from using it out and about to at your desk, as it'll help you align it with your desk-bo🍨und screens.
Verdict: If you know for a fact you'll never touch this screen to navigate through anything, then you might wa🃏nt to look at traditional options instead. However, if you'll be using your fingers more than a controller or mouse, then this is the monitor we'd reccomend.
Best portable monitor: FAQs
Is a portable monitor worth it for gaming?
Ideally, you'll want to use a portable monitor for playing games on the go rather than solely at your desk🐓. Achieving a lighter weight and travel-friendly design normalꦛly means playing at lower resolutions and refresh rates, which is a perfect match for handhelds and laptops but not so much for high-spec desktop PCs.
Can you use a portable monitor for gaming?
Many portable monitors are made with gaming in mind, featuring higher refresh rate capabilities and extras like HDR support. Even if you're eyeing up a basic screen designed around productivity, the🍬re's nothing stopping you🐬 connecting a laptop, PC, or console and diving into your favorite outings.
How should I choose a portable monitor?
Before clicking buy on a portable monitor, it's worth breaking down your specific needs. For example, if you'ಞre going to be working or playing games away from power outlets, you're going to want a built in battery, while FPS fans might want to focus on getting something with a higher refresh rate. Ultimately, you should pick a screen that fits your requirements, rather than just opting for the model other people claim is best.
Can I use a portable monitor as a second screen?
When connected to a device, portable monitors function just like a secondary screens. You'll be able to configure your chosen display using a PC or laptop to extend or mirror your workspace, while consoles will send a si🌸ngle output through to the panel.
Can you use a portable monitor with the Steam Deck
Yes, the Steam Deck can be hooked up to a portable monitor, and most models will connect via a single USB-C cable. That'll save you picking up a separate docking station, meaning you won't have to carry as mu🤪ch kit around. Most portable PCs like the Asus ROG Ally and Lenovo Legion Go will play nice with on the go panels too, but you will need some sort of dock to use the Nintendo Switch.
Just like with stationary screens, we spend hours testing portable monitors, but there a few key differ✤ences involved. For example, if a display has a built in battery, we add in additional benchmarks to assess longevity and capacity, as both become vital when cutting the cord.
Of course, we also check each portable monitor's specs, design, features, and performance too, and all four traits help decide whether we should recommend a display. To do this, we typically use the pane👍l as our daily driver by playing the latest games, which enables us to push a screen's resolution and refresh capabilities to their limit. In turn, this also let's us assess other qualities like contrast, color, and brightness, all while seeing how it brings console and PC games to life.
I’m your friendly neighbourhood Hardware E🌳ditor at GamesRadar, and it’s my job to make sure you can kick butt in all your favourite games using the best gaming hardware, whether you’re a sucker for handhelds like the Steam Deck and Nintendo Sw𒅌itch 2 or a hardcore gaming PC enthusiast.
