The rise of remote and hybrid work has permanently changed how we think about our office. For many of us, the “office” is no longer a single place but a collection of spaces: a home desk, a coffee shop, a co-working space, or even an airport lounge. While this flexibility is liberating, it often comes with a significant productivity bottleneck: being confined to a single, cramped laptop screen.
This is where the portable monitor has become an essential tool for the modern professional. These lightweight, plug-and-play displays offer the multi-screen productivity of a desktop setup in a package you can slide into your backpack. To help you find the perfect travel-friendly second screen, here are the top 5 portable monitors ideal for remote work in 2025.
ASUS ZenScreen (OLED MQ16AH)
The ASUS ZenScreen has long been a leader in the portable monitor space, and its OLED models represent the pinnacle of picture quality. For creative professionals and anyone who values a stunning, vibrant image, the OLED ZenScreen stands out in its class.
Its per-pixel illumination delivers perfect black levels and an incredible contrast ratio, making it a dream for both work and entertainment.
- Stunning OLED Display: Offers a 1080p or higher resolution OLED panel with 100% DCI-P3 color gamut coverage and an incredible 1,000,000:1 contrast ratio.
- Incredibly Slim and Lightweight: The OLED technology allows for an ultra-thin profile, often just a few millimeters thick, making it extremely easy to pack and carry.
- Single-Cable USB-C Connectivity: Connects to your laptop for both power and video with a single USB-C (DisplayPort Alt Mode) cable, providing a clean, clutter-free setup.
- Smart Cover and Tripod Mount: Includes a versatile smart cover that folds into a stand and a standard tripod mount for flexible positioning.
Best For: Creative professionals, photographers, and anyone who demands the absolute best picture quality for both work and media consumption.
Dell 14 Portable Monitor (C1422H)
Dell has brought its expertise in building reliable, business-focused monitors to the portable market. The Dell C1422H is a no-nonsense, productivity-focused workhorse designed for professionals on the go.
It prioritizes a lightweight design, ease of use, and practical features that make it a perfect companion for a work laptop.
- Extremely Lightweight and Compact: At just over a pound, the 14-inch form factor is designed to perfectly match the size of many modern ultrabooks, fitting easily into the same laptop sleeve.
- Dual USB-C Ports with Power Passthrough: A key feature that allows you to plug your laptop’s charger into the monitor, and then connect the monitor to your laptop, powering both devices with a single wall outlet.
- IPS Panel with Wide Viewing Angles: The Full HD (1920×1080) IPS screen offers consistent colors and excellent viewing angles, making it ideal for collaboration with colleagues.
- Sturdy and Adjustable Stand: Features a solid, continuous tilting stand that allows you to adjust the viewing angle from 10 to 90 degrees for optimal ergonomics.
Best For: Business travelers, consultants, and remote workers who need a reliable, lightweight, and no-fuss second screen for pure productivity.
INNOCN 15K1F (or successor)
For those who want premium features like an OLED panel without the premium price tag, INNOCN has emerged as a powerful and popular brand. They consistently deliver high-quality displays packed with features at an incredibly competitive price.
The 15K1F is a fantastic all-rounder, offering the stunning visuals of OLED in a package that is accessible to a wider audience.
- Affordable OLED Technology: One of the most cost-effective ways to get a portable monitor with a beautiful, high-contrast OLED screen.
- Excellent Color and Brightness: Typically offers a 100% DCI-P3 color gamut, 400+ nits of brightness, and a 100,000:1 contrast ratio.
- Dual USB-C and Mini-HDMI Ports: Provides flexible connectivity options, allowing you to connect not just laptops but also cameras, game consoles, and other devices.
- Built-in Speakers: Includes small integrated speakers, which are a convenient addition for basic audio needs when you don’t have external speakers or headphones.
Best For: Budget-conscious creatives, students, and anyone who wants the visual benefits of an OLED display without the high-end brand premium.
Lenovo ThinkVision M14t (Touchscreen)
The Lenovo ThinkVision M14t takes the concept of a portable second screen and adds a layer of interactivity with its 10-point touchscreen and active pen support. It’s a versatile tool for professionals who need to sketch, sign documents, or interact with their applications by touch.
This is the perfect companion for a 2-in-1 laptop, extending its touch capabilities to a second screen.
- Responsive 10-Point Touchscreen: Use your fingers to navigate, scroll, and interact with applications, or use the included active pen for precise drawing and note-taking.
- Lightweight and Professional Design: Matches the iconic, professional aesthetic of Lenovo’s ThinkPad laptops and is incredibly thin and light.
- Dual USB-C with Power Passthrough: Like the Dell, it offers two USB-C ports for flexible connectivity and single-outlet charging of both devices.
- Auto-Rotation Feature: Can automatically rotate the display orientation from landscape to portrait when you turn the monitor, perfect for coding or reading long documents.
Best For: Digital artists, business professionals who need to sign documents on the go, and anyone who wants the added versatility of a touchscreen.
Arzopa A1 Gamut (or similar high-refresh-rate models)
While primarily marketed for gaming, high-refresh-rate portable monitors are becoming a fantastic option for remote workers who value an ultra-smooth user experience. The buttery-smooth scrolling and cursor movement can reduce eye strain and make everyday tasks feel more responsive.
Brands like Arzopa have become incredibly popular by offering these 120Hz or 144Hz displays at a very compelling price point.
- High Refresh Rate (120Hz/144Hz): Provides an exceptionally smooth and fluid visual experience. Scrolling through documents, browsing websites, and even moving your mouse feels noticeably better than on a standard 60Hz screen.
- Excellent Value for Money: Delivers a high-refresh-rate IPS panel with a 100% sRGB color gamut at a price that is often lower than 60Hz models from premium brands.
- Wide Connectivity: Typically includes dual USB-C ports and a Mini-HDMI port, allowing for easy connection to a wide range of devices.
- Lightweight and Slim Design: Despite its gaming-focused specs, it maintains a thin and light profile that is perfect for travel.
Best For: Remote workers who are sensitive to screen flicker and stutter, developers, and anyone who appreciates an ultra-smooth user experience for everyday productivity.
Conclusion
A portable monitor is one of the most significant productivity upgrades a remote worker can make. The “best” choice in 2025 depends on your specific needs. For ultimate picture quality, the ASUS ZenScreen OLED is unmatched. For a reliable business workhorse, the Dell C14 is a perfect choice. For an affordable OLED, INNOCN offers incredible value. For interactive touch, the Lenovo ThinkVision M14t is a versatile tool. For an ultra-smooth experience, a high-refresh-rate model is a surprisingly effective productivity booster.
By adding one of these mobile second screens to your toolkit, you can break free from the limitations of your laptop and create a truly productive, dual-screen workspace, no matter where you are.
