Portable monitors are a great accessory for MacBook Pro users who need additional screen real estate while on the go.
While MacBook Pros are great work machines, the single display can sometimes limit your efficiency and speed while working. This is especially true if you use your MacBook for commercial projects like graphic design, as a single display means that you have to constantly switch between tabs while working.
We’ve put together this list covering the best portable monitors for MacBook Pro users, including options from budget to top of the range.
Best Options At A Glance
Product Summaries
AOC I1601FWUX Portable Monitor
- Brand - AOC
- Dimensions - 0.33 x 9.26 x 14.81 cm
- Weight - 824 g
- Screen Size - 16"
- Special Feature - USB-C Connectivity
The I1601FWUX has a USB-C port for easy connectivity to your Macbook Pro, and it comes with a stand and a carrying case for added convenience.
Equally impressive is the smart cover that protects your display inside or outside your bag against dirt and damage. When the display is in use, the cover acts as a flexible screen holder, in portrait or landscape mode.
Despite the low price point, the AOC I1601FWUX is an impressive and practical portable monitor for the general user.
Buy the AOC I1601FWUX Portable Monitor from Amazon for only £169/$206:
ARZOPA 17.3 Inch Portable Monitor
- Brand - ARZOPA
- Dimensions - 0.33 x 9.3 x 14.8 cm
- Weight - 820 g
- Screen Size - 17.3"
- Special Feature - Thunderblot / USB-C Connection
It utilises an intuitive plug and play system, meaning that there’s no need to download any additional app. You can connect directly through a data cable (e.g Thunderbolt 3/USB-C 3.1/HDMI etc.).
It also features dual speakers, which provide high quality immersive audio without the need for additional accessories.
Finally the ARZOPA 17.3 Inch Portable Monitor also comes with a smart magnetic cover. The magnetic cover protects your monitor when it’s closed, but it also acts as an ergonomic stand during use.
If you’re looking for the best portable monitor for the macbook pro at a reasonable price, this is definitely a solid option.
Buy the ARZOPA 17.3 Inch Portable Monitor from Amazon for only £190/$229:
ASUS ZenScreen Go MB16AHP 15.6 InchQ
- Brand - ASUS
- Dimensions - 0.35 x 14.1 x 9 cm
- Weight - 860 g
- Screen Size - 15.6"
- Special Feature - IPS Technology
Additionally, the MB16AHP uses IPS technology to give you more flexibility when extending your screen, so you still get superb colour and contrast, even from extreme viewing positions.
Another great feature is the USB-C and micro-HDMI connectivity, allowing you to display content from a wide variety of devices, including laptops, smartphones, game consoles, and cameras.
The reversible any-way-up USB-C design enables quick, hassle-free connection to any device.
Buy the ASUS ZenScreen Go MB16AHP 15.6 InchQ from Amazon for only £295/$360:
NexiGo 144Hz 17.3 Inch Portable Gaming Monitor
- Brand - NexiGo
- Dimensions - 23.5 x 40 x 1 cm
- Weight - 907 g
- Screen Size - 17.3"
- Special Feature - 144Hz Refresh Rate
Additionally the NexiGo monitor has a couple of useful modes. Firstly we have copy mode. In this mode the NexiGo Monitor duplicates the screen on your PC or laptop. This is really useful in meetings to share the computer display with the group.
It can also be used in Extend Mode – Extend mode allows you to use the NexiGo Monitor as a second display for your system, allowing you to do completely different things with each screen. Simply drag the page to the left or right on your PC or Laptop to move it to the second screen.
The final mode is Second Screen Mode – Second screen mode allows you to use the NexiGo Portable Monitor as the primary monitor for the unit. Using this you can turn the primary monitor on the laptop or PC off, and use the NexiGo monitor as the only monitor on the system.
These features allow you to save power if your older primary monitor is power heavy, and also allow you to have a primary display with stunning Full HD resolution.
Buy the NexiGo Gaming Monitor from Amazon for only £329/$396:
ASUS ProArt PA148CTV Portable Monitor
- Brand - ASUS
- Dimensions - 18.9 x 37.8 x 28.1 cm
- Weight - 740 g
- Screen Size - 14"
- Special Feature - Flicker-Free Technology
Overall, it’s undeniable that the PA148CTV is a great choice for a professional grade portable monitor.
Buy the ASUS ProArt PA148CTV Portable Monitor from Amazon for £399/$480:
FAQs
- Firstly, you need to connect your external monitor to power using it’s included power cable. Depending on the monitor your using, there will likely be some indication that it’s powered, either through the screen turning on or through the illumination of an indicator light.
- Next, connect your external monitor to your MacBook Pro M1 using either an HDMI cable or a Thunderbolt cable – the cable you choose will depend on your chosen monitor, so double check which cables your monitor supports if you’re not sure (you can also buy adapters to convert cables to other port types if required, and they’re usually fairly cheap).
- Once your monitor has power and you’ve connected it to your MacBook, your MacBook should detect it automatically, and you’ll see your screen on your external monitor. You can then review your setting to create the perfect look for you.
- Firstly, you need to connect your external monitor to power using it’s included power cable. Depending on the monitor your using, there will likely be some indication that it’s powered, either through the screen turning on or through the illumination of an indicator light.
Almost all MacBooks have Thunderbolt ports, allowing you to connect to portable monitors using either a Thunderbolt cable or USB-C. You can also buy converters if your chosen monitor doesn’t work with your chosen cable, so there’s almost always a solution if you’re looking for some extra screen real estate.Your connections and monitor compatibility will depend on your model of MacBook, so it’s always worth checking this out before buying a monitor.
In short, yes. As long as you have already connected your MacBook to an external monitor, keyboard, and mouse, you shouldn’t have any issues closing your MacBook (this is also known as entering clamshell mode). You don’t need the keyboard and mouse if you don’t plan on using your MacBook while closed, like when you’re watching a movie. It’s worth mentioning that if you unplug your MacBook while it’s closed the external monitor will turn off automatically, so you’ll likely want to keep it plugged in.
You can connect your MacBook Pro with M1 or M2 up to two external monitors, and there’s a couple of ways to do this. One way to do this is by using a Thunderbolt 4 dock, which allows you to connect both your MacBook and your external monitors with ease. Alternatively, you can use the Thunderbolt and HDMI ports to connect your monitors directly into your MacBook, avoiding the need for a Thunderbolt 4 dock.
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