Top Portable Monitors for Photographers
- 16” IPS screen
- 1920x1080 FHD resolution
- 60Hz refresh rate
- 800:1 contrast ratio
- Built-in speakers
- 3.2mm headphone jack
- Built-in tiltable stand
- Two USB-C ports, 1 Mini HDMI port
- 1.8 lbs
- 15.6” IPS screen
- 1920x1080 resolution
- 800:1 contrast ratio
- USB-C port
- 1.56 lbs
- 17.3” IPS screen
- 1920x1080 resolution
- 240Hz refresh rate
- Built-in speakers
- Built-in battery
- 100% sRGB coverage
- 2.34 lbs
- 12.5” IPS screen
- 1920x1080 resolution
- 600:1 contrast
- 1.64 lbs
- 15.6” ISP screen
- 1920x1080 resolution
- 1000:1 contrast
- Two USB-C inputs
- Headphone jack
- Built-in speakers
- 1.7 lbs
- 15.6" ISP screen
- 4K UHD resolution
- 1200:1 Contrast
- Micro USB, two USB-C Ports, HDMI, and headphone jack
- Built-in Hi-Fi speakers
- 1 lb.
- Why You Need a Curved Monitor for Photo Editing
- Monitor Buying Guide: Features That Minimize Eye Strain
photo by golubovy via iStock
I’ve never particularly liked reading through reviews for different photography monitors. Unlike camera reviews, I find portable monitor reviews sort of boring. I think the major problem is probably that a lot of the information in them goes over my head.
This is obviously a problem because I use my portable monitor all the time. If it weren’t for my portable monitor, I wouldn’t be able to work in the field as often, which would directly translate to me making a lot less money. And, if you’re like me, making money is pretty important this year especially.
So, I wanted to break down all of the top portable monitors for photographers in this article. I tried to make all of the information in it as simple as possible, because quite frankly you can read a ton of in-depth info on each portable monitor on this list online already. So, the goal here is to compare them.
ViewSonic VG1655
My favorite portable monitor is the ViewSonic VG1655. I actually only recently got my hands on one, but was immediately wildly impressed.
For starters, this isn’t a portable monitor you can’t afford. I’ve used really expensive portable monitors before and I’ve also used just about the cheapest portable monitor available to photographers. While I’d obviously choose the portable monitor worth thousands of dollars anyday, the ViewSonic VG1655 does an excellent job of packing a ton of great specs into a monitor that still costs under $200.
Since price is an obvious selling point for each portable monitor on this list, I wanted to mention the price up front.
Now, the ViewSonic VG1655 is a 15.6” monitor that features 1920x1080 FHD resolution.
This portable monitor is specifically one of my favorites because you can easily use it in either landscape or portrait mode. Its 16:9 aspect ratio makes this really simple.
It weighs just 2 lbs and is .6” thick, so you can carry it around with you all day without even realizing it. I can’t tell you the number of times I’ve accidentally brought it out with me on a shoot because it was tucked away in my bag from a previous editing session.
Other ViewSonic VG1655 Specs:
ASUS ZenScreen MB16ACE
Another good portable monitor option is the ASUS ZenScreen MB16ACE. This monitor comes with a similar sized 15.6” screen.
This portable monitor is a little bit more expensive than the ViewSonic, but it does come with some options the ViewSonic doesn’t. For starters, it is a bit smaller. It weighs just 1.5 lbs and is .3” thick.
This portable monitor’s case cover doubles as a prop stand. It does only come with one USB-C port, though.
You should be able to use this portable monitor out in the bright sunlight just fine as it comes with 250 cd/m2 brightness.
You can purchase this portable monitor on Amazon for $235.
Other ASUS ZenScreen MB16ACE Specs:
ASUS ROG Strix XG17AHP
The ASUS ROG Strix XG17AHP is a slightly larger portable monitor for those who feel 15” just won’t cut it. The display size on this portable monitor is 17.3”. It comes with the same 1920x1080 resolution.
But, its max brightness is a bit better than the previous two portable monitors at 300cd/m2. Likewise, its contrast is higher at 1000:1.
Of course, all of this extra functionality comes at a price. This portable monitor costs over double what the ViewSonic does at $500.
Another thing that the extra large price tag will buy you is 100% sRGB coverage, which is helpful if you’re working with especially picky clients in the field. Additionally, this is one of the only portable monitors on our list that is self-powered. As opposed to the other ASUS, which steals battery life from a laptop, this ASUS comes with a built-in battery.
You should be able to get 3.5 hours of life out of it on just one charge. Like the other ASUS, this portable monitor comes with a case that doubles as a stand.
One downside to this portable monitor is the fact that it’s larger, and a little bulky. It weighs over 2.3 lbs.
Other ASUS ROG Strix XG17AHP Specs:
Learn More:
SideTrak Attachable Portable Monitor
The SideTrak is one of the best portable monitors for photographers who don’t need a large screen.
The SideTrak’s display size is relatively small at 12.5”, but this size allows the monitor to be incredibly lightweight at just 1.64 lbs.
It comes with the same screen type as all of the others: 1920x1080p resolution. It is a little more expensive than the first two portable monitors on our list at $300, which means it comes with some features they don’t.
For instance, the max brightness on this portable monitor matches the max brightness on the ASUS ROG at 300 cd/m2. But, its contrast is a little disappointing at 600:1.
So, while I would typically recommend you skip the SideTrak in favor of one of the other portable monitors on this list, depending upon what you were looking for, the SideTrak has one thing that none of them do: it directly attaches to your laptop screen.
It’s a little odd, but once you get the hang of it, it is so nice to not need enough room for both your laptop and your portable monitor. So, for people who are out in the field a lot, this portable monitor ensures that their work isn’t disrupted by a lack of space.
Of course, a portable monitor this small isn’t incredible to work with, but for photographers on the go who truly need to save as much space as possible, this is a very good option.
Other SideTrak Attachable Portable Monitor Specs:
Lepow Z1 Gamut
The Lepow Z1 Gamut portable monitor most directly resembles the ViewSonic. For starters, its price tag is nearly identical at $200. Its display size, 15.6”, is also very similar.
But, what this extra $20 buys you is a better contrast ratio at 1000:1 and a slightly better max brightness at 320 cd/m2.
Unfortunately, the Lepow is a bit heavier at 1.7 lbs. I wouldn’t say it is cumbersome to carry around, but it is a bit heavier considering the fact that it still doesn’t come with a built-in battery.
One problem I have with this portable monitor is that its settings can be sort of difficult to work with. I understand this is likely a problem the makers are aware of and couldn’t fix given the cheap price of this monitor, but I haven’t had problems like this with even cheaper monitors like the ViewSonic.
Other Lepow Z1 Gamut Specs:
Desklab Ultralight Portable 4K Touchscreen Monitor
One of the best things about the Desklab 4K touchscreen monitor is that it is an all-in-one solution for your on-the-go monitor needs.
For example, it weighs in at about one pound and is a scant 6mm thick, so it's easily portable in your briefcase or backpack. It also has an array of ports so you can hook up any accessory you need to get your work done when you're traveling.
Desklab incorporated dual speakers as well, so you can enjoy great audio to match the beautiful 15.6" 4K UHD screen.
Speaking of the screen, it's an ultra-responsive touchscreen that offers a 1200:1 contrast ratio. In fact, it's twice as bright as competing monitors!
Additionally, you get the advantage of features like anti-glare technology, a low blue light filter, and low flicker performance to spare you from eye strain.
With all those ports, you can easily plug your phone into the monitor to view its screen in a larger size. And with the integrated magnetic stand, you can easily get setup for work or play.
This monitor is compatible with any device, too, so if you need a portable monitor that will work with Windows, Mac, Android, and so forth, this is it!
