Desktop computers have lost their charm. This is because people now prefer to have their work with them wherever they go rather than be limited to a workstation. If you travel a lot and wish for portability in your computer, you might find a portable USB powered monitor to be an excellent addition to your life.
Table of Contents
What Is a USB Powered Monitor?
This technology is quite a recent creation. Therefore, there is a chance that some of you might not be aware of what it entails.
A USB powered monitor is a portable solution which requires a mere USB to function. As the name suggests, all you are required to do is connect a USB to the monitor and the product will be ready to be used.
This attached USB cable works both as a power supply as well as a cable for an interface. This feature of a USB powered monitor means that you don’t need to worry about managing cables. Instead, you can do you work conveniently, regardless of where you are.
Why You Need a USB Powered Monitor?
For those of you who are cynical of the technology, you might wonder why you should spend your hard-earned money on a USB powered monitor. Here are some of the benefits that might sway you into accepting that you need a portable monitor in your life.
Efficient
A traditional PC requires an array of cables. You will need to accompany yourself with wires for power supply and touch data and some for the various functions of the conventional display. However, in USB monitors, plugging in a USB is all that is needed, and you are good to go. This makes portability of the monitor possible and allows for efficient usage.
Bid goodbye to the need for various connectors by introducing a portable USB powered monitor into your life.
Less Power Consumption
Whether it be laptops or desktop computers, one commonality among these devices is the high amount of power they consume. The quick drain of the battery of most laptops greatly undermine the portability advantage offered as you are forced to look for a power adapter and outlet.
USB monitors tend to use approximately 80% less power than all old-style devices. This means that you can use more USB displays for a less total power usage than a single laptop or a second monitor. This feature also means that such devices do not tend to get hot as much and, therefore, have a less probability of getting damaged while multitasking.
Things to Consider When Choosing a USB Powered Monitor
While you might think that any USB powered monitor will suffice to provide you with the features you require, this is not the case. The act of choosing the best portable USB powered monitor is not as easy as it seems.
There are various factors that you need to consider before you make the decision. Here are some of the things you should look for.
The screen display of the monitor is a huge part of the overall offer provided to you by a given company. Make sure you opt for items that have HD resolutions. This is because if you get a monitor that features a low resolution, you will be stuck with low-quality images whose clarity is compromised. If you are a gamer or graphic designer, such a resolution might be a nightmare to work with. Therefore, ensure that the monitor display is crisp and of HD resolution to make tasks like editing photos a piece of cake.
Different USB powered monitors will offer you varying contrast ratio. It is your job to look for a product which provides you with a satisfactory ratio and an abundance of colors. This feature will allow you to alter the settings of the display and make it dimmer or brighter than the generic settings as per your liking. Believe us, when you start using a monitor, you are bound to desire enhanced autonomy when it comes to the settings of the product.
The whole point of selecting a USB powered monitor rather than a desktop solution is so that you can travel with the item. This usability of the product will be greatly undermined if you end up buying a product which is too heavy to be carried. Hence, ensure that you choose a lightweight device for ease in transportability and usability when on the go.
Now, this is an additional feature which you may or may not need. You see, most portable monitors are provided with built-in speakers that are not great in quality. However, there are a few products available in the market that are equipped with quality speakers. Whether or not you choose these products depends on if you require speakers to begin with. For those of you who rely on headsets rather than the built-in audio system of a given device, you might be satisfied without quality speakers. However, for those who don’t, this is just another thing you would have to look for.
| Monitor | Display | Resolution | Panel | RT | Ports | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GeChic 1303i | 13.3" | 1920x1080 | IPS | 14ms | Micro-HDMI, mDP, VGA, Micro USB | |
| HP S140u | 14" | 1600x900 | TN | 8ms | USB 3.0 | |
| ASUS MB169B+ | 15.6" | 1920x1080 | IPS | 14ms | USB 3.0 | |
| GeChic 1002 | 10.1" | 1280x800 | IPS | 25ms | Micro-HDMI, VGA, Micro-USB | |
| AOC E1659Fwux | 15.6" | 1920x1080 | TN | 11ms | USB 3.0 | |
| GeChic 1503H | 15.6" | 1920x1080 | IPS | 12.5ms | Micro-HDMI, VGA, USB-C |
Top Portable USB Powered Monitors
Are you overwhelmed by the decision of choosing the best portable USB powered monitor 2024 – 2025 has to offer? Don’t worry. We are here to provide you with a list of six products that are worthy of investment.
1. GeChic 1303i 13.3″ 1080p Touchscreen Portable Monitor
GeChic 1303i might be the perfect second monitor you need in your life. This product has managed to receive raving feedbacks from its customers owing to its quality performance.
Advanced Touch Technology
This monitor has taken the touch technology to a whole new level with the inclusion of its ten-finger usability. This multi-touch recognition is ideal for a gamer as well as an office worker. Why? Well, it allows you to simultaneously conduct an array of tasks, ranging from selecting and expanding to drawing on the monitor.
Enhanced Compatibility
Not only is the response time of this USB monitor very less, but it also features compatibility with Windows 7, 8 and 10. You can also install touch drivers for Android and Linux to further optimize the performance of the monitor. This feature helps the product to avoid lags.
Convenient to Use
The fact that you can use this product both vertically and horizontally has been appreciated by many. After all, such flexibility in usage is come to keep in handy when you are drawing a masterpiece on the product using a stylus. Moreover, the product can be used as a dual monitor which means that you can use it to mirror your desktop work when out on a coffee run.
Verdict
All in all, we found this portable USB monitor to be great at what it 2does. While there are a few flaws embedded in the product, when you consider the benefits provided by this USB monitor, you will find it easy to look over the minor issues.
- Since it is only 10.55 mm thick, the product is easy to store when on the go.
- The 700:1 contrast offers the perfect brightness.
- The LED backlight is excellent for providing high brightness.
- The cover stand renders the possibility of positioning the product in different angles possible.
- The scroll and drag options of the touchscreen can be improved.
- The quality of the cover stand is unsatisfactory.
2. HP EliteDisplay S140u 14-Inch LED Lit Monitor
Do you wish to create a dual-display workspace wherever you go? Are you always concerned about your work and wish to take it with you? If so, HP EliteDisplay might be the best monitor for you. Considering HP’s commitment to quality, this product’s exemplary performance is not unexpected.
Ultra-Portability
The major benefit of a USB monitor is the ease of transportability that it provides. Therefore, it comes as a surprise that there are various such monitors that fail to provide this necessary feature. However, that is not the case with this product.
Instead, HP vows to take the feature up a notch by providing a monitor which is ultra-thin and extremely lightweight. This is achieved by the fact that the product is half an inch thick and weigh 3.17 pounds. Therefore, you can easily slide it in your bag and take it with you to places.
Dual-Display Workspace
This display can be paired with devices like a notebook and tablet. You can use these devices to mirror the functions of the monitor. This will mean that whatever you do on your tablet will appear on the monitor but in a high resolution of 1600 x 900. This feature is perfect for artists.
Easy to Set Up
All you need is a USB port, and you can use this monitor effectively. Unlike desktop computers that are flooded with connectors, it requires a single USB cable that is to be attached to the port of the notebook to function. This will not only link the two devices together but also power up the monitor.
Verdict
We found that this product might not be suitable for a gamer. This is because the resolution of the monitor is not high enough for such usage. Apart from this flaw, there is nothing else that should stop you from giving this portable USB monitor a try.
- The size of the monitor is excellent for traveling.
- No additional installations are required.
- It is compatible with Windows 10.
- It does not have any lag in performance.
- The monitor is top heavy, so the upper part of the product cannot be used with force when on a cover stand.
- The resolution of the display can be improved.
3. ASUS MB169B+ 15.6″ Full HD IPS USB Portable Monitor
ASUS is known for delivering quality products, and this portable monitor has managed to uphold this legacy. It has caused quite a storm in the market owing to its light weight and premium performance.
Clear Pictures
Whether it be artists or gamers, most customers will be satisfied with the high-resolution display of this monitor. It is equipped with an aspect ratio of 16:9 which is good enough to offer customers a chance to experience crisp images. This feature is further enhanced by the inclusion of a contrast ratio of 500:1 which will allow you to appreciate the subtleties of a given picture.
Automatic Adjustments
Some display screens are a nightmare to work in varying lights. For instance, if you decide to use your monitor on a sunny day, some screens cannot provide you with the needed visibility. However, this ASUS portable USB monitor is equipped with the ability to automatically adjust the brightness of your screen as per the lighting of the surrounding.
EzLink Technology
You might have come across USB monitors that can work simultaneously with other monitors via the same device. ASUS has taken this feature to a different level by the inclusion of the EzLink Technology. This technology allows you to link up to five MB168B monitors in one go.
Verdict
ASUS has managed to deliver all the necessary features along with additional benefits to its users. The excellent performance of the product makes it one of the best monitors in town.
- The monitor comes with a three-year warranty.
- It features 1920×1080 HD resolution.
- Only one cable is enough for both data transmission and power supply.
- The USB cable accompanied by the product is quite short.
4. GeChic 1002 10.1″ Portable Touchscreen Monitor
This touch monitor might be a great solution for those of you who desire a way to make their PCs or laptops feature a touchscreen display. GeChic has succeeded in offering this benefit along with various other features to its users.
Wide-Viewing Panel
This 10.1-inch GeChic usb powered monitor comes with an IPS panel that is marked by high quality. This IPS panel plays an integral role in providing users with 170-degree viewing angles both vertically and horizontally. Moreover, whether you put the monitor on a flat surface or operate it by holding it in your hand, you will be able to view the crisp display in all cases. This is ensured by the inclusion of an HD resolution and an 800:1 contrast ratio.
Compatibility with PCs
As technology has progressed, most of us have forgotten what it felt like using old-school computers. However, for office usage and other purposes, these PCs still have an edge. For those of you who are used to working with touchscreen displays, you will find this GeChic monitor to be the perfect companion for your PC.
Aluminum Protection
Everyone wishes for their devices to be as durable as possible. While most known brands ensure such durability by focusing on the internal aspects of a USB monitor, GeChic also emphasizes on protecting the monitor externally. This ensures that the product does not get damaged when faced with impact.
This feature is guaranteed by the inclusion of an aluminum cover. This cover can also be used as a stand since it is accompanied by feet and can be adjusted to different positions to offer you varying viewing panels.
Verdict
While this product is excellent when it does work with a given device, the fact that it does not offer its services to all is a source of disappointment for many. Ensure that it is usable with your device before you purchase it. If it is, you will be satisfied.
- The high resolution is bound to match the performance of most quality PCs in the market.
- It is aesthetically pleasing.
- The light weight makes it ideal for transportability.
- It is not compatible with all devices.
5. AOC E1659Fwux-Pro 15.6-Inch Monitor
AOC is a highly popular brand in the tech market. Hence, this list will be incomplete without an AOC product. E1659Fwux is one of its many products which succeed in satisfying the masses.
Lightweight
This 15.6-inch monitor takes the matter of portability very seriously. This is evident by its sleek design along with its light weight of only 2.4 pounds. Its dimensions are 14.5″ x 9.0″ x 0.9″, which makes the monitor easy to store when you are carrying it around.
DisplayLink Technology
The portable USB monitor is accompanied by yet another additional feature of DisplayLink Technology. This feature plays a crucial role in making the product usable in business environments. This is because the technology enables the monitor to be connected to various other devices with the aid of the USB cable and USB port.
Affordable
One of the things that we loved about the monitor was its ability to offer such a wide variety of features while staying within an affordable budget. Tech devices are expensive to begin with, and USB monitors are known to be on the premium side of the spectrum owing to the unique characteristics of the product. However, AOC is able to make it accessible to the masses by charging an affordable price for it.
Verdict
Those of you who do not require a speaker to begin with will find the flaw of the product to be something that can be worked around. The low price of the display monitor makes it a likely choice for many.
- The USB ports are of high quality and manage to offer fast connectivity.
- You can control the brightness of the product.
- The sleek design makes it portable.
- It does not include built-in speakers.
- The viewing angles are limited.
6. GeChic 1503H 15.6″ IPS 1080p Portable Monitor
If you have used or heard of GeChic 2501C, you have been indirectly exposed to this product as well. This is because the 1503H serves to be an upgrade to the 2501C and has been successful in correcting the flaws exhibited by the previous model.
No Additional Installations
Ask anyone who has bought a portable USB monitor or any other device for that matter, and they will tell you that the incessant requirement of additional installations is a source of annoyance for them. When we buy a product, we wish to be able to use it from the get-go rather than indulge in additional setups. The manufacturers of this product pay heed to customers need for convenience and have made a product which does not require any driver installations.
OSD Color Settings
Are you planning on using your device as a dual monitor? Well, this product not only helps you do just that, but it also lets you fine-tune the colors of the two monitors with immense ease. This is guaranteed by the inclusion of OSD color settings that offer users the chance to select between five modes of adjustment and six color settings. Hence, you will be able to calibrate the color of the display monitor to your satisfaction.
Adaptability to Gaming Consoles
There are only a few monitors that can satisfy the needs of a gamer. Let’s just say that this monitor is one of them. How? Well, the USB monitor is known to be compatible with all gaming consoles, thereby giving all gamers the chance to use the monitor for their gaming adventures. The thrill of this adventure is further enhanced by the high-resolution display of the device.
Verdict
The durability and performance of the product make up for the high cost, thereby making it a worthy investment.
- The viewing angles offered are excellent.
- The additional power supply can be mounted on the product.
- The built-in speakers are high quality.
- The price is high.
- Unlike other items on the list, this product requires two USB cables and USB ports for connectivity and power supply.
Conclusion
While all the products mentioned on this list are great in one way or another, we recommend the ASUS MB169B+. We believe it to be the best portable USB powered monitor 2024 – 2025 has to offer owing to its ability to deliver quality, performance, and durability without being too cumbersome on the wallet.
Choose the best USB monitor as per your liking, and enjoy the perks of portability.
Author Profile
- Tech is my passion
-
I'm all about tech! I've been a tech enthusiast for as long as I can remember, and I'm constantly on the lookout for the latest developments, gadgets, and innovations in the ever-evolving world of technology.
My journey in the tech realm is backed by [mention relevant qualifications or experience], which has allowed me to delve deep into this fascinating domain. My goal is simple: I want to break down complex tech topics and make them understandable for everyone, regardless of their level of expertise.
Whether I'm dissecting the intricacies of artificial intelligence, reviewing the hottest gadgets on the market, or discussing the exciting future of technology, I'm committed to sharing my knowledge and insights with you.
So, join me on this tech adventure! You can stay connected and follow my tech explorations through my website.
Latest entries
- October 26, 2023Random TechBest Earbuds with Powerful Bass for an Immersive Audio Experience
- June 21, 2023Random TechThe Ultimate Guide to the Best Speakers for PS5 Gaming: Immersive Sound for Console Enthusiasts
- June 18, 2023Random Tech7 Best Vacuum Cleaners for a Spotless Home: A Comprehensive Review | WOWContent
- June 15, 2023MonitorsTop 5 Laptops for Digital Marketing in 2025: Boost Your Productivity!