8 Best Portable Monitor For MacBook Pro in 2024: Buying Tips

Last Updated on 2 months by Touhid

Do you need the best portable monitor? The features of the best Portable Monitor for MacBook Pro Air are exceptionally powerful. MacBook laptops come in different screen sizes; the most sold are the 14- and 13.3-inch models. You can often need more area to work, especially during gaming or editing.

Although you can use an extra monitor in your home, during travel, this becomes difficult, and a portable monitor can help you work from any place.

So, to help you find the best portable monitor, we’ll review the best monitors out there.

Do You Need the Best Portable Monitor?

A portable display for your MacBook might seem useless and a waste of money at first glance. But it isn’t so; read these reasons below to know whether or not you need the best Portable Monitor for MacBook Pro Air.

For gamers

As a video gamer, you may have the best gaming computer. Playing on a bigger screen creates an immersive video game experience since players can see more characters, locations, and details more clearly.

Visuals

Compared to the screen of the MacBook Pro, portable displays with greater resolutions and better refresh rates can provide crisper visuals, more fluid gaming, and less motion blur. For fast-paced games where quickness is important, this can be quite important.

Furthermore, gamers may set up a split-screen or have a separate screen for multiplayer games with an extra portable monitor, doing away with the necessity to share the MacBook Pro’s screen real estate.

Increase screen space

An increase in screen space can help improve productivity at a greater rate, and it has been scientifically proven. Increased screen size improves productivity tremendously by offering better data insights, freeing time for essential activities, and lowering stress levels for better problem-solving.

Furthermore, you may save much time that would have been spent on task switching if one screen was utilized as a workstation and the other as an interaction space.

Useful for creative workers

This is another reason why you need the Portable Monitor. The portable monitor can be useful if you are engaged in creativity-related work like coding, editing, designing, or even graphics-related work.

A larger display with accurate color will make things easier to see when editing or viewing intricate content. Additionally, a large, portable monitor displaying colors accurately is useful for this design work.

Consequently, you can pay attention to all the minor elements you need to do right, rendering your work simpler and better.

Easy for presentations

Another great usage for portable monitors for MacBook Pro is that you can use them to make your presentation easier. A personal presentation display, even a tiny one, can be quite helpful since it allows you to interact directly with the slides on your presentation without utilizing your laptop. 

It also lets you share your screen without requiring you to cram over a single laptop screen or compromise your primary display.

The Best Portable Monitors for 2024

Finding the best portable monitor can be painstaking due to the many choices available. Hence, our researchers have analyzed, tested, and created a list of the top 8 monitors to make your choice easier. Our researchers have considered your needs and budget so you can pick the best portable monitor. You can trust our recommendation list, and we hope you will find the best portable monitor for your laptop.

• Best Portable Monitor For Macbook: Cocopar
• Best Portable Monitor for Laptop: ViewSonic
• Best Portable Monitor For Macbook Pro Air: JoyReal
• Best Budget Portable Monitor For Macbook Pro: InnoView
• Best Portable Monitor For Apple Macbook Pro: HP EliteDisplay
• Best Portable Touchscreen Monitor For Macbook Pro: ASUS ProArt
• Best Portable Dual Monitor for Laptop: Alecewey
• Best Portable Monitor For Gaming: Upperizon Monitor

1. Best Portable Monitor For Macbook: Cocopar

This is the best portable monitor for MacBook in 2024, which ensures high performance and offers a unique, eye-catching design for home and office uses. It is easy to extend to increase your work efficiency for presentation, research, and programming.

The Cocopar portable monitor is a 15.6-inch display that looks sleek and comes with a resolution of 1080p. It weighs 726g and has a slimmest point of only 4mm.

Its 15.6-inch screen and Full HD 1080p resolution offer a clear and colorful display that can be used for various activities, including gaming and business.

The smooth compatibility with a broad range of devices, including laptops and MacBooks, makes it convenient for every type of user. With a stunning 72% color gamut, 178° FULL viewing angle, HDR, and Low Blue Light, the incredibly clear IPS A-grade screen has it all.

One of the key features of this best Portable Monitor is connecting with gaming consoles like the PS5, and Xbox. Even the Nintendo Switch, which is made all possible by the presence of HDMI and USB-C ports.

Additionally, this gadget just requires a single USB-C cable for power supply and display, and it enables power pass-through reverse charging, so you won’t need to carry any extra accessories.

The integrated speakers are a notable feature that adds convenience for people who are always on the go or in areas where using external speakers might not be feasible. It’s a great option if you travel a lot because of the attached stand-up cover, which improves mobility and offers reasonable protection.

Key Features

• Comes with a resolution of 1080p.
• The display is big and slim and has narrow bezels.
• It offers a 178-degree full viewing angle.
• Includes cover stand with two VESA holes.

Pros

• The VESA compatibility allows many mounting options to customize your workstation.
• Comes with built-in speakers for extra sound options.
• The display is crisp and offers a clear picture.
• Compatible with HDMI and USB-C.

Cons

• The brightness level could be higher.

Final Verdict

If you are looking for an FHD portable monitor that offers decent color levels and crystal-clear pictures on a budget, then the Cocopar monitor is for you. Moreover, if you play consoles, this display is an added advantage.

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2. Best Portable Monitor for Laptop: ViewSonic 

This is another best Portable Monitor for Laptop. The ViewSonic VP-16 portable OLED monitor is 15.6 inches, has a thickness of just 0.8 inches, and has a weight of 2 lbs. It offers a dimension of 1920 x 1080p.

Targeting designers, photographers, filmmakers, and other creative professionals, the ViewSonic VP16-OLED is a portable monitor with a lovely OLED screen and a very flexible, robust stand. This display requires less desk space because of its ergonomic design and smaller base than the monitor’s dimensions.

What makes this display more useful for designers is the Pantone validation. So, Pantone Matching System colors can be reproduced on this monitor, which is a great advantage as you will notice accurate real-life colors on the display.

It includes two USB type-C ports so, you can use this cable for fast data transfer, audio, and video transfer. With the 40W two-way charging, you can power your portable monitor via laptop.

Additionally, the OLED display has a resolution of 1920 x 1080 Pixels with a 60 HZ refresh rate and a 16:9 aspect ratio. Furthermore, the display also has a superb contrast ratio.

You will also find a kickstand with this portable display, which has an ergonomic design. So, you can adjust the height and viewing angle based on your preferences.

Key Features

• Offers a resolution of 1920 x 1080p.
• Comes with 1 HDMI, 2 USB-C ports, and a 3.5mm audio jack.
• Includes an ergonomic height adjustable stand and tripod mount.
• Has a 16:9 large screen aspect ratio.

Pros

• Excellent color accuracy for a portable display.
• You will find all the on-screen menu controls on the stand.
• Broad color coverage appropriate for the 10-bit color depth
• Plenty of options for customizing image quality.

Cons

• The speakers are not that loud.

Final verdict

If you have the budget and are looking for an OLED portable display suitable for creative professionals, then the ViewSonic VP-16 is for you. For a compact monitor, its brightness is astounding, and its wide color coverage and good contrast are appropriate for a screen with a 10-bit color depth.

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3. Best Portable Monitor For Macbook Pro Air: JoyReal 

The JoyReal portable monitor is a compact 12-inch full HD display extender weighing 4.49 lbs and has a thickness of only 0.8 inches. This is the best Portable Monitor for MacBook Pro Air, which is specifically designed for the 13.3-inch MacBook Pro Air.

This is not an additional monitor but more of a display extender that can be used in many different ways. Mirror, expand, span, and presentation are its four extra display modes. Moreover, it is very easy to attach to your MacBook.

Even though this is more of an extender display, it still offers an excellent 1080p resolution, which provides crisp and clear image quality.

You can connect the monitor to your mobile phone, PS5, or Switch for additional enjoyment. It is lightweight, foldable, and can be magnetically attached to your MacBook for easier traveling. 

Key Features

• Offers 1080 Pixels HD resolution.
• Comes with 2 multifunctional screen protection pads to protect the display from scratches.
• Includes an aluminum alloy and PU pads to protect the display from any damage.
• Has a portable and compact design.

Pros

• It can be connected quite easily without any additional cables.
• Easy to carry around due to the compact design.
• Specifically designed for 13.3-inch MacBook.
• Made of metal, which makes it quite durable.

Cons

• The 12-inch size might seem too small for multitasking.

Final Verdict

JoyReal is the best portable monitor which is only compatible with MacBook from 2016 and later versions. With its small size and portability, the JoyReal Portable Monitor is an excellent secondary monitor designed with 13.3-inch MacBook Pro or Air customers in mind.

Its USB-based connectivity makes setup easier, and its Full HD 1080p display provides excellent clarity, making it a desirable choice for professionals often on the go.

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4. Best Budget Portable Monitor For Macbook Pro: InnoView

The sophisticated IPS screen on this 15.6-inch InnoView portable monitor has a 1920×1080 resolution, 178° viewing angle, and 16:9 aspect ratio. This is the best budget Portable Monitor For Macbook Pro, has a thickness of 2 inches and a weight of 1.64 lbs.

For those looking for a multi-platform secondary display, its remarkable compatibility—which allows connections with laptops, desktop computers, MacBooks, cellphones, and gaming consoles like the PS5, PS4, Xbox, and Switch—adds a great deal of value. 

This monitor is a desirable option for those who are always on the go because of its protective casing, which also functions as a stand. Moreover, it has two built-in stereo speakers, making it perfect for gaming at home or on business trips and for projecting your screen.

Additionally, it uses HDR rendering technology to produce an amazing viewing experience by delivering better contrast, higher dynamic range, and visual details. The Display also produces 80% sRGB, so you will always get real, lifelike, accurate colors.

Key Features

• Has a 60 Hz screen refresh rate
• Includes a magnetic smart cover for easy positioning on your workspace.
• The display offers 80% sRGB.
• The IPS display has a resolution of 1920 X 1080 pixels.

Pros

• Easy to set up with a simple plug-and-play design.
• The built-in dual stereo speakers work very well.
• Has USB-C and HDMI ports.
• Comes at an affordable price.

Cons

• It might seem a bit heavy.

Final Verdict

If you are looking for the best budget portable monitor at an affordable price, then the InnoView monitor is for you. The pixel density is decent, refreshes smoothly, and the colors are vibrant. Moreover, it has a versatile design and can be used with many different devices like laptops, MacBooks, consoles, and more.

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5. Best Portable Monitor For Apple Macbook Pro: HP EliteDisplay

The HP EliteDisplay E24 is the best Portable Monitor For Apple Macbook Pro that you can carry around everywhere. But this 24-inch IPS FHD display can be a great secondary monitor for those looking for a large monitor for their MacBook Pro

One of the biggest advantages of this secondary monitor is its size; the large Full HD 24-inch monitor produces sharp images, and the narrow bezel makes the picture pop out even more.

This monitor is also compatible with Vesa mount, making it even easier to mount it anywhere.

Additionally, the display has several ports integrated into it, such as VGA, HDMI, and USB 3.0. So, you won’t run out of them and can easily connect not just to MacBook Pro but also to other laptops.

Moreover, you will be able to customize viewing angles for more comfort simply by adjusting the ergonomic stand that’s attached to the display. The Blue Light Filter, along with its clear display quality, makes for a comfortable viewing experience for both business and entertainment.

Key Features

• Has HDMI to USB-C adapter for easier connectivity.
• Comes with a resolution of 1920 x 1080 Pixels.
• Compatible with iPhones, iPads, MacBooks, and other gadgets.
• The stand can be customized to change the viewing angles.

Pros

• Comes with a blue light filter for extra protection of your eyes.
• Supports and offers multiple connectivity options directly integrated into the monitor.
• The large display makes sure you never run out of space.
• LED backlights make the display seem more pleasurable for the eyes.

Cons

• Not an easy option to carry around.

Final Verdict

In case you are searching for an additional display for your MacBook Pro that you wish to use at your home and office, then the HP E24, G4 is for you. This is an excellent display that comes at an affordable price and offers excellent video and image quality.

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6. Best Portable Touchscreen Monitor For Macbook Pro: ASUS ProArt

The Asus ProArt is a 14-inch Full HD IPS and is the best portable touchscreen monitor for MacBook Pro that has a thickness of only 0.47 inches with a weight of 1.63 lbs.

One of the best features of this portable display is its touchscreen capabilities. With a 1920 x 1080-pixel resolution, this 14-inch Full HD touchscreen display provides vivid images, snappy touch functionality, and a quick reaction time of 5 milliseconds.

Furthermore, one of the most remarkable features of the display is its 100% Rec. 709 and 100% sRGB color gamut. Additionally, it has a factory pre-calibrated Delta E < 2 for Calman certification, guaranteeing excellent color accuracy straight out of the box.

It is the best option for customers who need perfect color authenticity for operations like graphic design, picture editing, or any other color-critical application because of its careful calibration, which ensures accurate color reproduction.

The lightweight and thin design of this display makes it incredibly portable, making it the ideal choice for those who value mobility without sacrificing display quality.

Key Features

• The monitor is touchscreen.
• Has a resolution of 1920 x 1080 Pixels.
• Comes with an aspect ratio of 16:9 with a 178-degree viewing angle.
• The monitor is designed with flicker-free and low-blue light technologies.

Pros

• Exact and realistic color reproduction is ensured by factory-pre-calibrated Delta E < 2 and Calman certification.
• Its lightweight and slim design makes it easy to carry around.
• The touchscreen has a very fast response time.
• Includes 2 USB-C ports for easy connection.

Cons

• It is expensive compared to other portable monitors.

Final Verdict

If you are someone who needs to work with extremely accurate color, then the Asus ProArt is the best portable touchscreen monitor. This display also has a touchscreen which is extremely responsive making it more useful in graphics and designing related works. For creative personnel, its mobility, color accuracy, and flexible connection make it a great option.

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7. Best Portable Dual Monitor for Laptop: Alecewey

The Alecewey is the best portable dual monitor for laptop on your list. These come in three screen size options, but we will be discussing the 12 inches size. It comes at a thickness of 0.78 inches and a weight of 2.78 lbs

At a brightness of 300 nits, the 12-inch Full HD display produces visually pleasing images and gives customers an extra screen for more work or pleasure. Moreover, the screen also has a 178-degree viewing angle which gives you a perfect view of the monitor.

Because of its plug-and-play architecture, connecting this extension screen to your computer with just one cable—which is built right in—is simple. It has a simple clip-in design with the laptop and the cable is built in so, you don’t need to carry any additional accessories with this portable monitor.

Key Features

• Has a maximum resolution of 1920 x 1080 Pixels.
• Comes at a 12 inches size for easy portability.
• Suitable for 14.2-inch MacBook only.
• Offers a brightness of 300 nits.

Pros

• The incorporated wheel button makes it simple to adjust the settings.
• Compact and portable design
• The brightness is more than enough to accurately identify all colors.
• The 60 Hz refresh rate makes sure the transitions are precise.

Cons

• You might find the weight to be heavy considering it’s a small display.

Final Verdict

Despite its small and portable size, the Aleceway monitor does the job pretty well. Type-C connectivity and built-in speakers offer convenience, and it is suitable for users who are just looking for an extended display to get basic work done like presentations, watching movies, and things like that.

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8. Best Portable Monitor For Gaming: Upperizon Monitor

The last best Portable Monitor for gaming on our list is the Upperizon portable gaming monitor. This comes at a massive size of 18.5 inches with a Full HD resolution of 1080 P. Despite its large display size, it has a thickness of only 0.5 inches thick with a weight of 3 lbs.

For gaming, regular monitors are never enough and Upperizon is not your traditional portable monitor. Despite its compact design, it packs some heavy specs coming with a Full HD 1080 Pixels and 100 HZ of refresh rate.

The 18.5-inch portable monitor has an IPS panel with a resolution of 120%sRGB (86% NTSC), an 8-bit color depth, and a display of 16.7 million colors. Its unique blend of fluid graphics and vibrant colors sets it apart for both creative professionals and gamers.

What makes this monitor even more cool is the three-side frameless design so you will feel like the image is popping out giving you a feel like reality.

This adaptable monitor works with a variety of devices, not just your MacBook Pro. Its two USB-C connectors and one Mini-HDMI port allow it to be easily connected to a variety of popular devices, including gaming consoles like the Xbox, Switch, Proxy Server PS4, and PS5. 

Key Features

• Large 18.5 inches display with 1080 Pixels resolution
• High screen refresh rate of 100 Hz
• Comes with 2 USB-C ports and a mini-HDMI port….
• Includes a VESA kickstand.

Pros

• 250 Nits of brightness which is enough for gaming.
• Slim and compact design for a gaming monitor
• Compatible with a large number of devices
• Includes built-in speakers for a more immersive gaming experience.

Cons

• Your small backpack may not be able to fit this large monitor.

Final Verdict

Starting from the refresh rate to 120% sRGB, you cannot expect anything more from a portable gaming monitor at this price point. If you take gaming seriously and you find your MacBook Pro display not sufficient then the Upperizen gaming monitor can be the right choice.

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Best Portable Monitor 2024: Buying Guide 

The portable monitors are not cheap and if you end up buying a monitor that doesn’t serve your purpose then it’s a complete waste of money. So, our buying guide will help you understand how to choose the best portable monitor depending on your requirements.

Screen size

The first thing to consider is the screen size as portable monitors come in various screen sizes. It depends on you, how much extra screen you need for your work. Although many displays are larger than typical laptop screens, it’s crucial to keep in mind what you want to use the second screen for.

If you are just looking for an extra display for your presentation or just to have some extra working space, then a small display should be enough. Whereas if you are looking for monitor gaming or for editing photos and videos then it is important to get a large display.

Build quality

Build quality is often ignored when it comes to portable monitors for MacBook Pro but it is one of the key factors while choosing the best product.

Since you will be carrying this around, it must have a superior build quality to protect itself from accidental bruises, scratches, and pressure.

Weight and Design

Portable and compact design goes head-to-head together, so a portable monitor must have a compact and lightweight design, so it is easy to carry around.

Even while the additional display might not appear weighty when you’re shopping or looking over possibilities online, it will feel different after you’ve been lugging it around for the entire day between conferences and client meetings. Therefore, be sure to select the display appropriately.

Additionally, ensure it is small enough to fit beside your MacBook and other necessary items; otherwise, you may find yourself leaving it at home more frequently.

Screen resolution and refresh rate

Another important factor of the best portable monitor for MacBook is the screen resolution and refresh rate. If you have a MacBook Pro with ProMotion, you should get a portable monitor with a high refresh rate to go with that display. If not, your eyes may become disoriented.

It is therefore crucial to consider factors including viewing angles, color gamut, refresh rates, resolution, and monitor panel type.  If you are using a regular MacBook Pro and you just need a display for presentation or watching some content, then you might need a high refresh rate and high resolution like 4K.

However, you should always aim for a portable display that strikes a mix of performance, readability, and clarity when using your favorite apps and visiting websites.

Price

Price is also an important factor you must look at, portable gaming monitors come at a variety of prices starting from $100 to $1000. So what is the right monitor for you depends heavily on how much you are willing to spend on the product.

FAQs about Best Portable Monitor

By now you already should have an idea which portable monitor is the best choice for you. But if you are still having confusion about the best portable monitor for MacBook Pro Air, our FAQs below will help you clear it out.

Do Portable Monitors work with Mac?

Yes. The portable monitors work with Mac. Most portable monitors are designed with the latest Mac models to work with laptops, Apple, and MacBook Pro Air.

Which Monitor is best compatible with a MacBook Pro?

The best portable monitors, which are compatible with MacBook Pro are as follows:

• Best Portable Monitor For Macbook: Cocopar
• Best Portable Monitor for Laptop: ViewSonic
• Best Portable Monitor For Macbook Pro Air: JoyReal
• Best Budget Portable Monitor For Macbook Pro: InnoView
• Best Portable Monitor For Apple Macbook Pro: HP EliteDisplay
• Best Portable Touchscreen Monitor For Macbook Pro: ASUS ProArt
• Best Portable Dual Monitor for Laptop: Alecewey
• Best Portable Monitor For Gaming: Upperizon Monitor

Are portable monitors for MacBook Pro for everyone?

No, portable monitors are not necessary for everyone and not essential for casual users or those prioritizing extreme portability over added-screen real estate. However, if you are a gamer, editor, or designer then portable monitors can come real handy for you.

Do portable monitors for MacBook Pro require an extra power source?

Portable displays frequently use USB-C or other connecting methods to take power from the machine they are attached to, such a MacBook Pro. They can often operate just from the connection to the laptop and don’t need an additional power source.

This, however, may differ based on the power needs of the particular monitor type.

Does using a portable monitor with a MacBook Pro damage the battery?

No, using a portable monitor with a MacBook Pro doesn’t technically damage the battery. But it can drain the battery faster as the monitor uses power from the MacBook battery itself.

Moreover, it can also put more heat in the battery which can damage the battery in the long run. However, maintaining a proper usage cycle can protect the battery from any damage.

Final Words

Portable monitors for MacBook Pro might not seem useful for you if you use your MacBook Pro on your home mostly. But, if you are continuously on the move and you need larger screens to work anywhere you want to, a portable monitor is a must.

Depending on your preferences and budget, you will surely find the perfect monitor for you from the list that we have reviewed above.

The portable monitors have outstanding ratings with good reviews on the marketplace such as Amazon. We are confident, this post will be helpful to find out the best portable monitor for MacBook Pro Air in 2024.