Portable monitors are no longer the “nice-to-have” accessories they once were. In 2025 they’re powerful productivity tools, second screens for hybrid work, compact gaming displays for couch-level sessions, and even lightweight color-accurate panels for creators on the go. This guide covers the top 10 portable monitors you can get for under $500, what each model excels at, and how to choose the right one for your needs. I also compare the big-name brands (Dell, ASUS, ViewSonic, LG, BenQ, HP, AOC) with newer and highly-competitive brands like UPERFECT and KTC so you can shop with confidence.
UPERFECT - 24 inch portable monitor 4k (UPERFECT UColor T3 / UMax 24 family) - best for creators who want a large, high-res portable 4K monitor
ViewSonic TD1656-2K - best overall portable monitor (compact, reliable)
Asus (portable 15.6” / 17.3” models) - solid build and gaming options
BenQ (small 4K options / creative portable displays) - color-first panels
LG (UltraGear portable models) - slim design and good color
KTC MegPad A25 (25″) - great portability, integrated Android features for media/meetings
Arzopa A1 - best budget pick (15.6″, 1080p)
AOC (portable gaming line) - good refresh rates and value
UPERFECT UGame / Delta series (smaller gaming-focused models) - good refresh rates and features
A premium compact BenQ or Dell portable model - niche pick for those who want desktop-grade ergonomics/calibration on the go
A big-screen portable that leans toward creator workflows, UPERFECT’s 24″ 4K monitor is one of my top recommendations. UPERFECT positions it as a 23.8″ portable monitor with a 3840×2160 panel and wide color (100% sRGB) - making it suitable for photo/video editing, design, and any workflow where pixel density/color fidelity is a priority. HDR support is advertised for this model. It should display crisp text/fine detail at a size that’s still portable/semi-flexible. See the UPERFECT product page for their 4K collection as a primary source and see our Amazon links for retail.
Image quality & resolution: We prioritize 4K or high-PPI 2K (good sharpness for text)
Color accuracy: 100% sRGB or close for creator workflows.
Portability: weight, thickness, protective case/stand included.
Connectivity: USB-C with DisplayPort Alt Mode, full-size HDMI, extra USB hubs for smartphones/laptops
Refresh rate: 60Hz is typical for productivity; 120–165Hz is common for gaming portable monitors
Value: real-world MSRP or street price under $500 in 2025.
We cross-checked existing roundups and lab tests (industry reviewers and buyer guides), then only included models that balanced these factors well while remaining under $500. Good, general portable roundups with category trends/top portable picks in 2025 are from Tom’s Hardware and RTINGS. Those are excellent resources for roundups and testing context.
Best for creators who need size + resolution Why pick it: This UPERFECT 24″ 4K portable monitor is a top pick for editors/creators who want a large, high-res canvas while remaining under $500. At ~24 inches and 3840×2160, this monitor has a near-desktop pixel density in a portable package. That makes it excellent for photo editing, video timelines, coding (lots of vertical space), and multi-window workflows. The panel itself has wide color (100% sRGB per the product listing), and HDR support. HDR support at this size and price is rare in portable displays. It’s the best when you want to prioritize clarity/color over the absolute lightest weight. Limitations: The larger size means it’s heavier and less convenient for short trips. Battery-powered standalone operation is uncommon for a 4K portable at this size, so it’s something to consider whether you expect to use it at desks/semi-permanent setups most of the time.
Why pick it: This compact 16″ 2K model is a great balance between portability and screen real estate, and it’s often recommended as the best overall portable monitor in 2025 roundups because of the USB-C convenience and reliable panel. Perfect for remote workers and casual game streaming.
Why pick it: ASUS’s portable lineup includes models with higher refresh rates (up to 144Hz or more) and gamer-centric features (adaptive sync, low latency). They’re popular if you want a gaming-grade second screen that still packs into a laptop bag.
Why pick it: BenQ’s portable offerings focus on color accuracy/factory calibration - great for photographers/designers who need confidence out of the box. BenQ sometimes brings mini-LED and HDR to their top-tier displays too.
Why pick it: LG has nailed build quality and slimness. If you want a thin, elegant display and reliable panel tech, LG’s portable lines are worth a look.
Why pick it: The KTC MegPad A25 is a 25″ portable that doubles as an Android media device, and it’s good for presentations, media, and hybrid meeting rooms. It’s a different value prop: a portable display that can be a standalone system for content consumption. It’s fairly competitive on price for a large-screen portable device.
Why pick it: For <$200 budgets (on sale), Arzopa and similar budget brands give you a 15.6″ 1080p display with decent color and basic USB-C connectivity - great as a simple second screen for productivity.
Why pick it: These brands ship solid-performing 1080p/2K portable panels with refresh rates tuned for gaming while remaining very affordable.
Why pick it: UPERFECT’s gaming series has 16” - 18″ models with 144Hz, and some 23″–24″ desktop-grade feature-sets for gamers who want a portable but serious gaming panel. They’re competitive feature-wise with other gaming portable lines.
Dell / Premium compact models - Best for users wanting desktop-like ergonomics
Why pick it: When you want a portable monitor that feels closer to your desk monitor (better stands/VESA, cal-ready panels), Dell’s portable / compact options deliver. Labs like RTINGS often rank Dell high in overall monitor testing for color/brightness uniformity which translates to reliable portable models too.
If you edit photos/videos: choose a 4K or high-PPI 2K panel with wide color (100% sRGB or better). UPERFECT’s 24″ 4K is a top choice here.
If you travel every day: prioritize weight and an integrated folio stand (smaller 15.6″ – 17.3″ displays are ideal).
If you game on the go: look for 120–165Hz portable panels (ASUS, UPERFECT UGame series, AOC).
If you want a single-cable setup: ensure the display supports USB-C with DisplayPort Alt Mode + USB power delivery.
If color is critical: factory calibration/calibration reports and 100% sRGB/AdobeRGB coverage matter. BenQ and UPERFECT 4K offerings often advertise this.
If you want standalone Android features: KTC MegPad-type options are good. They’re effectively hybrid monitor/tablets.
If budget is tight: Smaller 1080p options from Arzopa or older viewsonic models deliver superb value.
Protective case + folio stand: Most portables include these but check whether they prop the monitor at ergonomic angles (they don’t always)
USB-C cable quality matters: For 4K@60Hz you need a cable that supports full DP Alt Mode bandwidth. Some bundled cables are under-spec; be ready to upgrade.
Power delivery: A number of 4K portables need 60W+ PD to both power/display. Ensure your laptop/charger supports this.
Color calibration: If you need precise color, plan to calibrate with a hardware colorimeter even if the panel advertises 100% sRGB. Factory numbers vary.
Retail prices fluctuate with sales and region, but the major trend in 2025 is that 4K portable monitor have become far more accessible - UPERFECT’s 24″ 4K is within reach of under-$500 budgets (especially during promotions), while compact 2K portables remain substantially cheaper and very portable. For lab-tested, general best-under-$500 monitor roundups (including portable/desktop), sites like RTINGS and Tom’s Hardware are consistently updated resources to check current pricing and lab results.
Digital creators/editors: UPERFECT 24″ 4K - largest portable canvas with strong color claims.
Remote worker who travels light: ViewSonic TD1656-2K or Arzopa A1 (budget).
Gamer on the road: UPERFECT UGame series, ASUS portable 144Hz models, or mid-range AOC portables.
Media/meeting-focused (standalone): KTC MegPad A25 - great for presentations and media in one device.
The portable monitor market has matured by 2025. You can get incredibly lightweight 2K screens for the ultimate in travel portability or large 4K portable panels that act like a second desktop (and pricing that often falls under $500 during promotions). UPERFECT’s 24″ 4K option is one of the most compelling “big portable” choices for creators who need extra canvas and accurate color. But brands like ViewSonic, ASUS, BenQ, and KTC all have compelling models too, depending on your priorities: portability vs. refresh rate or standalone Android features. Compare specs, check real-world reviews (Tom’s Hardware, rtings) and verify cables/charger needs before buying.
