7 Best Portable Gaming Monitors 2020

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Gamers want a personal gaming experience on a high-resolution screen that is easy to carry around and take with them wherever, whenever. 

Sounds too good to be true? It’s not. 

The reason portable gaming monitors are one of the most important inventions for gamers is that they support an on-the-go lifestyle. They’re an excellent choice for people who need the portability of a small screen with the resolution and specs of a television or full-sized monitor. 

And let’s be honest, we’re all constantly on the go. So why not optimize your gameplay?

Sure, they may be an expensive alternative to only using the included screen on your Nintendo Switch or PC. However, they’re a great way to keep a high-quality game in a time where moving from place to place is constant. Even a simple, small 1080p screen can enhance the gaming experience and make it more immersive and fun.

In this review, we’ve put together a list of the best portable gaming monitors on the market today. We’ve taken into consideration the product specifications such as screen size, resolution, refresh rate, and aspect ratio. As well, we rank other factors such as appearance and weight. 

We’ve compiled all of this information to give you our reviews for several portable gaming monitors and our reasons for choosing them. At the end of the studies, we provide an in-depth and extensive buyer’s guide resource. You can use this to determine what to look for when choosing a portable gaming monitor.

The goal of this guide is to help you find the perfect portable gaming screen. It can be tedious to sift through hundreds of Amazon listings to try and find one suited to your needs. We’ve done the hard work for you, so all you have to do is read and buy!

We’ll start with the best portable gaming monitor on the list: The UPERFECT Portable Gaming Display.

Top 7 List: Quick Preview

Portable Monitor Name	Display Size	Weight in lbs	Price
UPERFECT 4k	15.6 Inches	1.9 lbs	View
Lepow Portable Monitor	15.6 Inches	1.7 lbs	View
EleDuino Portable Gaming Monitor	13.3 Inches	1.32 lbs	View
GAEMS Vanguard	19 Inches	11.5 lbs	View
GAEMS M155	15.5 Inches	1.7 lbs	View
NEWSOUL HDR	15.6 Inches	2.0 lbs	View
Elecrow LED	11.6 Inches	1.33 lbs	View

1) Best Overall: UPERFECT Portable Gaming Display

True to its name, the UPERFECT Portable Gaming Display redefines what it means to play games while on the go. This video game monitor comes equipped with 4K resolution, which is unheard of with small portable gaming monitors. With 4K vivid image quality, the resolution is high enough to see everything you need in the game.

The monitor features USB Type-C connectivity. The type of connectivity entails that it can accept several port connections through a straightforward interface. The monitor even comes with a stand cover and screen protector, so the monitor can stand and stay protected during and after use.

The price may be higher than other options on this list, but it’s the best portable monitor that money can buy. Read on to see why the UPERFECT Portable Gaming Display is our number one pick for the best portable gaming monitor.

Key Specifications:

• Screen Size: 15.6 inches
• Resolution: 3840*2160
• Response time: Not Listed
• Refresh rate: 60Hz
• Aspect ratio: 16:9

2) Best Value: Lepow Portable Monitor

Next, we can move on to the best value portable gaming screen on this list: the Lepow Portable Monitor. With a full 1080p HD display, the Lepow Portable Gaming Monitor delivers stunning visuals and superb color reproduction for a fantastic gaming experience.

It’s compatible with multiple devices and platforms, including laptops, PCs, consoles, and phones. You can connect to all of these via a simple USB-C or mini HDMI port. The device comes with a durable leather Smart Cover and a screen protector for the ultimate protection. It may be small and slim, but it’s durable and will last for years with the right care.

The built-in sound system includes two speakers for external game sound. The sound system is convenient for when you don’t have headphones or a speaker or when you just want the simplest set-up. For the price, the Lepow Portable Gaming Monitor is the best value gaming monitor that money can buy. Read on to see specifications and what we love about this gaming monitor by Lepow.

Key Specifications:

• Screen Size: 15.6”
• Resolution: 1920*1080
• Response time: Not Listed
• Refresh rate: 60Hz
• Aspect ratio: 16:9

3) Best Budget: EleDuino Portable Gaming Monitor

Are you looking to save money? We’ve found the best budget-friendly portable gaming monitor: the EleDuino Portable Gaming Monitor.

The device features a rich and intuitive interface, fast charging, and compatibility with several devices such as smartphones and laptops. All of this comes in the ultra-slim but budget-friendly monitor, making it the best portable gaming monitor out there for those on a budget.

The included protective case is adjustable for multiple viewing angles. The high-quality solid construction prevents damage from bumps, such as nicks and scratches.

It’s compatible with most laptops and several consoles, including Xbox One S, Xbox One, PS4, PS3, and Xbox 360, as well as with some smartphones. The compatibility makes it one of the best mobile gaming monitors on the market. Tech-savvy people can use the monitor for Raspberry Pi and Tinker Board as well.

Best of all, the monitor supports PD pass-through, which allows you to charge your gaming device if using the display over USB-C. Is the EleDuino Portable Gaming Monitor for you? Read on to see the specs.

Key Specifications:

• Screen Size: 13.3 inches
• Resolution: 2560*1440
• Response time: 10 ms
• Refresh rate: Not Listed
• Aspect ratio: 16:9

Now we’ll go over some alternative portable gaming monitors on the market. These aren’t necessarily top of the line picks or the most value for your money. However, they’re still great choices if none of the three options above catches your eye.

Here are the top three alternative portable gaming monitors.

4) Alternative Pick #1: GAEMS Vanguard

The GAEMS Vanguard isn’t just a portable gaming monitor—it’s an entirely portable and personal gaming environment. At first glance, you may not even recognize it as a gaming environment: When looking at photos on the Amazon listing, the entire unit looks more like a small DVD player than a monitor! Real gamers will appreciate the rugged look of this video game monitor. The included storage bag holds controllers, power supplies, and accessories for easy portability. The case even has interior LED lighting.

The 19 inch 720p screen is non-reflective and can scale down 1080p content to fit the screen. It has dual output jacks as well as integrated speakers. The system is compatible with all Xbox systems, PS4, and PS3 Slim, so anything you want to play can be played.

This large portable video game monitor is perfect for those who prefer a bigger screen to play games on the go.

Key Specifications:

• Screen Size: 19 inches
• Resolution: 1280*720
• Response time: Not Listed
• Refresh rate: Not Listed
• Aspect ratio: Not Listed

5) Alternative Pick #2: GAEMS M155

Another GAEMS portable video game monitor on this list is a sign that the brand is a reliable and trusted one! The GAEMS M155 offers virtually lag-free gaming with a 60Hz refresh rate. The monitor comes with a protective cover featuring a micro-felt interior, doubling as a stand. Compatible headphones connect via 3.5mm stereo jack, and the power is reliable via micro USB. Portability doesn’t mean you sacrifice power with this gaming monitor.

The portable video game monitor looks like a sleek tablet but acts like a full-on computer monitor. Compatible with all Xbox systems, PC, PS3, PS4, and mobile devices, the GAEMS M155 packs a punch in the world of portable gaming screens.

Key Specifications:

• Screen Size: 15.5 inches
• Resolution: 1280*720
• Response time: Not Listed
• Refresh rate: 60Hz
• Aspect ratio: Not Listed

6) Alternative Pick #3: NEWSOUL HDR Portable Monitor

This clean-looking monitor by NEWSOUL features a 1080p HDR screen and excellent color reproduction. With a 178-degree viewing angle, beautiful pictures are visible from anywhere. Connectivity is mainly via a convenient USB-C interface that can deliver power, signal, and USB interface functions. There is a dual stereo speaker built-in, providing loud and immersive 360-degree sound. The audio system is optimal those who love to listen to their games without the restrictions of headphones or headsets. 

With so many ports, compatibility with different platforms and devices isn’t an issue. USB-C, HDMI, Mini DisplayPort, On-The-Go USB, and regular USB ports make for secure connections.

Included is a smart cover made of durable PU leather with a soft lining that keeps the monitor safe. The HDR delivers clear FHD picture with no distortion and can be placed horizontally or vertically (landscape or portrait). Overall, this is one of the best alternative portable gaming monitors on the market.

Key Specifications:

• Screen Size: 15.6 inches
• Resolution: 1920*1080
• Response time: 3-5 ms
• Refresh rate: 60Hz
• Aspect ratio: 16:9

7) DO NOT Buy This: Elecrow LED Display Monitor

Sometimes, we come across a portable gaming monitor online that seems like a good deal but isn’t that great. The Elecrow LED Display Monitor is, unfortunately, one of those products. In our reviews, we found several reasons why you shouldn’t buy the Elecrow LED Display Monitor. You’re better off purchasing one of the other products on this list or using our buyer’s guide to find another portable gaming monitor yourself.

On the surface, this monitor may seem like a good enough value. However, when taking a closer look, several things could be better. First, the color: It’s an unpleasant orange that likely does not coordinate with other colors in your gaming set-up. The only other color the monitor comes in is black, which does go with everything. However, the color of the monitor is superficial and isn’t necessarily its only issue.

The Amazon listing advertises that it works perfectly for tons of different devices, which may be true but at a substantial cost. The ports for the various devices are all poking out from one side of the monitor, making it look rather unsightly. Nobody wants a gaming monitor that has ports that jut out on the side. The best portable video gaming monitors have clean lines and ports that are flush with the bezel.

On top of it all, the included power cord is so short that it hinders its usefulness entirely. This is a fault that several Amazon users have noted in their complaints. Imagine if you were to run out of battery in a coffee shop or restaurant. With the Elecrow, the only way you could continue playing while the unit charges would be to have it leaning against the electrical outlet. Not exactly ideal.

Long story short: For not much more, you can get much better options.

Key Specifications:

• Screen Size: 11.6in
• Resolution: 1920*1080
• Response time: Not Listed
• Refresh rate: Not Listed
• Aspect ratio: 16:9

As said before, there are several choices, but the Elecrow LED Display Monitor is a portable gaming monitor we would not recommend for the reasons above.

BUYERS GUIDE: What to Look for in a Portable Gaming Monitor

Now, we can go over the specifications to look for when buying a portable gaming monitor. The verbiage can be confusing when shopping for anything technical, with words like “aspect ratio” and “response time.” It is way too easy to just buy a gaming monitor (or any piece of technological equipment) simply because it has good reviews online. However, you don’t want to do so only to find out that it doesn’t do what we need it to do or perform well enough.

In this guide, we’ll delve into what to look for when shopping, so you can make an educated choice and get a portable gaming monitor that you love.

Refresh Rate

The refresh rate is the number of times per second that a monitor refreshes its image, measured in hertz or Hz. The movement on the screen displays the difference between consecutive frames. The measurement may seem to imply that the refresh rate is the same thing as the frame rate. However, that’s a common mix-up. The refresh rate is a characteristic of the monitor itself. The frame rate is a characteristic of the information that it receives.

As a baseline, most televisions will have a refresh rate of at least 60Hz. Some more expensive TVs will have a refresh rate of up to 120Hz. A monitor with a high refresh rate decreases “blur”, so sharp-eyed gamers can see a difference between a 60Hz and 120Hz refresh rate. Monitors with a low refresh rate will appear more blurry, even if they have a high resolution. Generally, a higher refresh rate will result in a smoother gameplay experience.

The problem occurs if you have a game that spits out frames at a rate beyond the refresh rate of the monitor. The disparity produces an effect called screen tearing. Screen tearing renders more frames than the monitor can handle, so half-frames show on-screen. Make sure to check out your games and their frame rates. You want to choose a monitor that has an appropriate frame rate that can accommodate the refresh rate.

Fun Fact: Most movies project at a smooth rate of 24fps because that’s what the human brain perceived as lifelike for so many years. The rate derives from when film was first developing (no pun intended). When producing movies at higher frame rates, the audience perceives it as unnaturally smooth with little blur and, therefore, strange. Games are typically animated, so the gamer knows that it’s supposed to be un-lifelike with less blur. In these settings, higher frame rates are more acceptable. 

Response Time

The response time of a monitor is the time it takes to switch from one color to another. Since the unit of measurement is time, it is typically in milliseconds (ms). LCD monitors have a typical response time of under 10 ms. This specification is harder to find than other specs like resolution or aspect ratio. As such, you may need to contact the manufacturing company of the monitor to find out this information.

Measuring response time is tricky. Some manufacturers will express it in terms of the panel going from black to white. Others will measure it by how long it takes the monitor to go from black to white and back to black. Either way, the response time depends on how long the panel takes to go through the full spectrum. Lower times are better because they minimize issues on-screen such as blurring.

Response time may not be of much importance for those who use their monitor for things such as word editing or surfing the web. For gaming, however, every millisecond counts. Monitors with lower response times between 1-5 ms are ideal for gamers who need a competitive edge.

The only downside to lower response times is that the images are of more moderate complexity. Gaming monitors will sacrifice complicated image processing in favor of fast response time. The result is that duller colors and reduced brightness are common. However, it’s worth it for a crisp and instantaneous gaming experience.

Compatibility

When we talk about compatibility, we’re talking about what the monitor can speak to (reliably). Different gaming consoles will have various ports and cables included with them. Most modern portable gaming monitors will at least have a USB-C port and cable that can either connect to a console or laptop. If not, they may have a converter (to USB, HDMI, or other) for connectivity. Older devices will have these older ports like HDMI and USB, along with a typical power cable.

Some monitors will not have the same ports as the console or PC you want to connect to it. However, that doesn’t mean the two devices can’t talk to each other. A PS4, for example, will have an HDMI port along with two Super-Speed USB ports and an AUX port. It will also have an Ethernet port. If you see a gaming monitor online that solely has a USB-C port, you shouldn’t necessarily be discouraged from purchasing it. There are plenty of converters and hubs you can buy so that the USB-C cable can still connect to the PS4. It’s only essential that the manufacturer’s notes state that the two devices can talk to each other. Look out for that, and you should be fine.

Still, other consoles and monitors will advertise that they have Bluetooth connectivity. This feature is not as important. Think about it: Transferring data takes time. It’ll take more time if it’s over a wireless connection. If you’re using your PS4 to play a game on a monitor that only connects via Bluetooth, the game will likely be laggy, which can affect gameplay. Bluetooth is convenient in some applications, but not really in the world of gaming monitors.

Size

The size of the portable gaming monitor can refer to multiple things, so it is somewhat of an ambiguous term. The screen size matters for obvious reasons. The overall dimensions can make or break a portable gaming monitor as well. When it comes to screen size, it’s pretty much up to you to determine the ideal size. Screen sizes measure diagonally from corner to corner. Most screens on the market will be between 11.6 to 15.6 inches, with some going up to a whopping 19 inches. Keep in mind that the bigger the screen, the heavier it will likely be. We will delve more into the weight of the screen later.

You should also keep in mind that a bigger screen does not necessarily equate a better picture. There are a lot of factors that go into determining the quality of the visuals. You want to think about the resolution, HDR capability, response time, and refresh rate. A bigger screen does not mean the image will be clearer or better. It merely means that it will be more visible from far away. Therefore, it is vital to consider the other factors slightly more than screen size when purchasing a portable gaming monitor.

If we had to give a standard for the size of the screen, however, the most convenient size for a portable gaming monitor is 15.6 inches. It isn’t too heavy, but it’s big enough to use in most applications without being overly large. If the portable video game monitor were too small, you’d have trouble seeing the images on the screen. If it were too large, it would be heavy and awkward to carry around. The entire idea of a portable video gaming screen is to take it around with you. You can’t do that if it’s too big to put in a case or backpack!

Weight

Weight is a crucial factor when it comes to portable gaming monitors or anything else that is portable. Since you’ll be carrying this monitor around with you, it’s vital that the weight is something you’ll be comfortable having.

Some larger monitors are better quality and easier on the eyes. However, they come at the cost of a sore back or shoulder from carrying them around all day. Even if you think you’ll be okay holding an 11 lbs. or 12 lbs. monitor, consider how tired you’ll be from holding it for hours on end.

The typical comfortable weight of a portable gaming monitor is anywhere between 2-5 lbs. Most thin portable gaming monitors between 11 and 15-inch screen size come in at this weight. Remember, the bigger the screen size, the heavier the monitor will be. Some people are okay with heavier weight as long as it’s distributed across both shoulders in a backpack, for example. Still, we wouldn’t recommend purchasing a screen that’s heavier than 15 lbs. If you do, you’ll want to invest in a separate carrying case solely for the monitor. A messenger bag is okay for the lighter monitors, but more cumbersome monitors will very likely strain your shoulders.

All in all, be sure that the weight of the portable gaming monitor is something with which you’re comfortable.

Aspect Ratio

The aspect ratio is the ratio of the width of the monitor to its height. For images, the aspect ratio is related to the resolution. For high definition video (1080p), typical aspect ratios are 4:3 and 16:9.

4:3 is the ideal ratio since the early times of television, but 16:9 is the more widescreen aspect ratio. Lots of gamers prefer to have an ultra-widescreen experience, which is a 21:9 aspect ratio. However, for portable gaming monitors, that aspect ratio simply isn’t possible. For a portable gaming monitor, the best aspect ratio to look for would be 16:9.

The aspect ratio doesn’t necessarily depend on the screen size, either. Most likely, you have been to a movie theater where the movie playing is in widescreen. The screen itself might be more square with black bars on the top and bottom of the screen and the image centers in the middle. The format is because the movie is a specific aspect ratio (likely 16:9), but the screen is a different ratio (4:3).

Different games will have different aspect ratios. It’s quite unlikely that you can purchase a gaming monitor where all of your games will take up the entire screen (game aspect ratio = screen aspect ratio). However, as stated before, the best aspect ratio to look for in a portable gaming monitor is 16:9 simply because most games will support this ratio.

Resolution

When it comes to monitor specs, the resolution is likely the first thing that comes to mind. Television screens, computer monitors, and portable monitors all advertise being 1080p, 1080i, 2K, and some are even 4K at this point.

You may not know what these numbers mean and just assume that higher numbers or fancy letters mean better quality. While this may be true to an extent, it’s essential to know the difference between these, so you can make an educated choice in a portable gaming monitor. To begin, we’ll explain the difference between different high definition resolutions.

720p (HD) is a progressive display format that consists of 1280 pixels displayed across the screen horizontally and 720 pixels displayed down the screen vertically. 720p was the standard for a high definition for a long time. It’s the most common resolution for cable and satellite television. Most 720p TVs and monitors can scale higher resolution content down to 720p to fit the monitor (although some 720p monitors and screens cannot scale 4K content). 720p is decent quality, but 1080p or 4K is starting to be the standard for high definition.

1080p (FHD, or full HD) resolution is the most common high definition progressive display format, consisting of 1920 horizontal pixels and 1080 vertical pixels. It has been the standard for high-definition for a while. However, 2K and 4K content are quickly pushing 1080p out of the market. For obvious reasons, the 1080p resolution will be a higher definition than 720p (more pixels). Most games released post-2015 will come in at least 1080p, and for this reason, the recommendation is to get a portable gaming monitor that is at least 1080p. (Note: 1080i has the same amount of pixels, but is interlaced rather than progressive. 1080p is crisper and cleaner than 1080i, which can produce excess blur and flickering.)

2K and 4K content are more of an up-and-coming technology. 2K or QHD (quad high definition) has a resolution of 2560*1440. 4K or UHD (Ultra HD) is perhaps the true successor to 1080p, doubling the horizontal and vertical resolutions.

4K is still relatively new, so not a whole lot of games will come in UHD. Similarly, not a lot of portable gaming monitors will be 4K capable since portable gaming monitors should be small and compact. It’s simply not very cost-effective to create a monitor that can process and display 4K resolution if that image is going to be on a 15-inch screen.

If you play games that are mostly 1080p, it’s best to just go for a screen that’s at least 1080p. You can save the 4K games for a full television set-up to experience them in their best light.

Conclusion

When purchasing a portable gaming monitor, it can be challenging to know what qualities to seek. There’s a lot to consider, from less technical things like size and weight to more technical things like refresh rate and aspect ratio. It’s best to not only know of but understand what these specifications mean and apply this knowledge to your purchase.

Hopefully, the buyer’s guide portion of these reviews is helpful and detailed enough that you know what to look for when purchasing a portable gaming monitor. You can use the information to find a device that suits your needs and helps you play games the way you want.

If looking at technical specs just isn’t your thing, use the reviews of the best portable gaming monitors to make your choice! We’ve looked at hundreds of options for monitors and selected only the best of the best for this list. Picking one can depend on what exactly you’re looking for in a portable gaming monitor, which is why we’ve separated them by types like “Best Value” and “Best Budget” as well as providing valuable alternatives.

Just as a recap: For the best overall portable gaming monitor, the UPERFECT Portable Gaming Display is the top of the line. It’s got incredible 4K resolution for such a small monitor, beautiful color contrast, and an excellent viewing angle. It’s lightweight, slim, and an overall fantastic pick for a portable gaming monitor. For the portable gaming monitor with the best value, the Lepow Portable Monitor is the best choice. In full 1080p resolution and comes with several cables included for compatibility, this slim and lightweight portable monitor is the best value. If you’re on a budget, the EleDuino Portable Gaming Monitor is simply a must-buy. It’s smaller but still offers 2K resolution and compatibility across devices and platforms.

We hope these reviews and guides can help you find the best portable gaming monitor on the market to serve your gaming needs and deliver the best experience possible. Again, looking for and finding the best portable gaming monitor can be difficult. However, keeping this knowledge in mind while shopping will help you find the perfect screen and play games on a whole new level with your new portable gaming monitor.