Apple's MacBook Air and MacBook Pro are some of the best laptops money can buy, especially since the introduction of Apple Silicon. The MacBook Pro is the best Mac for professionals who need monster power, while the MacBook Air is much better for those who are always on the move. These laptops have fantastic built-in screens, but one display often isn't enough for multitaskers who are taking full advantage of macOS Sonoma. Fortunately, you can invest in a portable monitor, which accompanies you and your Mac wherever you go, and to help you out, we've rounded up some of the best you can buy right now.

  • Editor's choice
    Lenovo ThinkVision M14d
    Brand
    Lenovo
    Screen Size
    14 inches
    Display Technology
    IPS
    Resolution
    2240 x 1400
    Aspect Ratio
    16:10
    Refresh Rate
    60Hz

    Lenovo's ThinkVision M14d is a 14-inch portable monitor with taller 16:10 aspect ratio, crisp 2240x1400 resolution, 100% sRGB color, and decent contrast. It has a built-in stand and comes with dual USB-C ports for easy connectivity to your Mac.

  • Best value
    Arzopa 15.6-inch Portable Monitor
    Screen Size
    15.6 inches
    Resolution
    1080p
    Max. Refresh Rate
    60Hz
    Connectivity
    2x USB-C, 1x Mini HDMI
    Brightness
    300 nits
    Speakers
    Built-in Speakers(1W*2)

    This 15.6-inch portable monitor from Arzopa is a basic 1080p option. It doesn't have a high refresh rate or great color accuracy, but it gets the job done for around $100. 

  • Premium pick
    Asus ZenScreen OLED MQ16AH

    This FHD OLED monitor offers multiple viewing options, including kickstand and tripod support, along with various connectivity ports, such as USB-C and Mini HDMI. You can pick between 13.3-inch and 15.6-inch variants.

  • Best 16-inch monitor
    LG Gram +View

    The LG gram +View may be a recent entry on portable monitors, but it's easily one of the best. Its large 16-inch panel has a 16:10 aspect ratio and it looks fantastic with its 99% coverage of DCI-P3. It's not cheap, but it's an excellent screen for just about anyone.

  • Great color accuracy
    ASUS ProArt PA148CTV 14-inch Portable Monitor

    The Asus ProArt PA148CTV is one of the best portable monitors for creatives thanks to its 100% sRGB and Rec.709 color reproduction with Calman certification. The 14-inch IPS panel has a 1920x1080 (FHD) resolution, there's a built-in stand for horizontal or vertical use, and you can easily connect with USB-C.

  • 4K pick
    UPERFECT 4K Portable Monitor

    Portable 4K monitors are rare, but those who want to cram in as many pixels as possible will want to check out this options from Uperfect. It's a 15.6-inch IPS display with 3840x2160 resolution, 100% AdobeRGB coverage, up to a brilliant 600 nits brightness, and even HDR support. A fold-out stand makes it easy to set up, and it comes with USB-C connectivity.

  • Best with battery
    ASUS ZenSCreen MB16AHP

    Portable monitors are generally powered by the USB-C connection to the laptop (or external power source), but the Asus ZenScreen MB16AHP has its own built-in 7,800mAh battery for a much longer combined runtime. It's a 15.6-inch screen with an included folio stand that works in portrait and landscape modes.

  • Best touchscreen
    ViewSonic TD1655

    Apple refuses to put touchscreens on itsd Macs, so if you want a display with touch support, the ViewSonic TD1655 is a great choice. It's a 15.6-inch Full HD panel that weighs less than two pounds, and it supports 10-point multi-touch. Plus, it works with a single USB-C cable and can even support power pasthrough.

  • Dual-screen pick
    Jsaux FlipGo Portable Dual Monitor
    Screen Size
    2x 13.5-inch displays
    Resolution
    2256 x 1504
    Aspect Ratio
    3:2
    Refresh Rate
    60Hz
    Ports
    2x USB-A, 1x USB-C (data), 2x USB-C (video), 1x mini HDMI
    Touchscreen Technology
    Optional

    Jsaux's FlipGo Portable Monitor is a great way to add a dual-screen setup to your Mac. This device has the form factor of a laptop while providing two 13.5-inch or 16-inch displays.

Our favorite portable monitors for Mac

Sometimes one screen just isn't enough, but sitting at a desk with a permanent display setup doesn't work for everyone. Especially if you need to multitask when you're on the move. That's where a portable display comes into play. These screens largely include many of the same great features as full-size desktop monitors, yet they're small enough to slip into a bag alongside your MacBook.

Our top recommendation is the Lenovo ThinkVision M14d. In our ThinkVision M14d review, XDA's own Arif Bacchus said, "It's a great portable display thanks to the 16:10 aspect ratio and 2240x1440 resolution." It looks good, and comes with a foldable kickstand, and dual USB-C ports make for easy connectivity. If you don't want to spend as much on an extra display, be sure to check out the Arzopa A1, which usually runs between $70 and $130.

Don't forget to check out more of the best MacBook Pro accessories to help you complete the setup for your laptop.

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