best portable monitor with built-in speakers

In today’s increasingly mobile world, professionals, gamers, and students alike are constantly seeking ways to enhance their productivity and entertainment on the go. A crucial piece of tech that often gets overlooked is the portable monitor. While screen real estate is essential, integrated audio can significantly elevate the experience. The best portable monitor with built-in speakers combines the convenience of a secondary display with the immersive sound needed for presentations, gaming, or simply enjoying multimedia content. Finding the right one, however, can be a challenge. This guide dives deep into the top contenders on the market, highlighting their features, performance, and overall value, helping you make an informed decision that perfectly suits your needs.

What to Look For in a Portable Monitor with Built-In Speakers

Before diving into specific models, let’s break down the essential features and specifications you should consider when choosing the best portable monitor with built-in speakers for your particular use case.

Screen Size and Resolution

The screen size of a portable monitor typically ranges from 13 inches to 17.3 inches. A 15.6-inch display is a popular sweet spot, offering a good balance between portability and screen real estate. When it comes to resolution, Full HD (1920 x 1080) is the standard and is suitable for most tasks, including document editing, web browsing, and watching videos. However, if you’re a gamer or content creator who needs sharp visuals and detailed images, consider a 4K (3840 x 2160) portable monitor.

Panel Type

The panel type affects the monitor’s color accuracy, viewing angles, and response time. IPS (In-Plane Switching) panels are known for their excellent color reproduction and wide viewing angles, making them ideal for tasks that require accurate colors, such as photo editing and graphic design. TN (Twisted Nematic) panels offer faster response times, which is beneficial for gaming, but they typically have narrower viewing angles and less accurate colors. VA (Vertical Alignment) panels offer a compromise between IPS and TN panels, providing good contrast ratios and decent viewing angles.

Connectivity

The connectivity options of a portable monitor determine its compatibility with various devices. USB-C is the most versatile connection, as it can transmit both video and power over a single cable. This simplifies setup and reduces cable clutter. HDMI is another common connection, but it typically requires a separate power source. Other connectivity options to look for include Mini HDMI, DisplayPort, and headphone jacks.

Speaker Quality

While portable monitors with built-in speakers aren’t designed to replace dedicated audio systems, the speaker quality is still an important consideration. Look for monitors with at least 1W or 2W speakers per channel for decent sound output. The speaker placement also affects the audio experience. Front-facing speakers tend to provide a better soundstage than rear-facing speakers.

Portability and Design

The main advantage of a portable monitor is its portability. Look for monitors that are lightweight and slim, making them easy to carry in a backpack or briefcase. The design should also be durable enough to withstand the rigors of travel. A protective cover or stand is a welcome addition, as it can protect the screen from scratches and provide a stable viewing angle.

Power Consumption

Portable monitors typically draw power from the connected device via USB. However, some monitors may require an external power adapter, especially those with higher resolutions or brightness levels. Consider the power consumption of the monitor to ensure it doesn’t drain your laptop’s battery too quickly.

Additional Features

Some portable monitors come with additional features that can enhance the user experience. These may include:

• Blue Light Filter: Reduces eye strain during prolonged use.
• Flicker-Free Technology: Eliminates screen flickering, which can cause eye fatigue.
• HDR Support: Enhances the contrast and color range for a more immersive viewing experience.
• On-Screen Display (OSD) Menu: Allows you to adjust the monitor’s settings, such as brightness, contrast, and color temperature.
• VESA Mount Compatibility: Allows you to mount the monitor on a monitor arm or stand for improved ergonomics.

Top Portable Monitors with Built-In Speakers

Now that you know what to look for, let’s explore some of the best portable monitors with built-in speakers currently available on the market.

ASUS ZenScreen MB16AHP

The ASUS ZenScreen MB16AHP is a popular choice among professionals and travelers. It features a 15.6-inch Full HD IPS display with excellent color accuracy and wide viewing angles. The built-in speakers provide decent sound quality for basic audio needs. One of its standout features is the hybrid signal solution, which allows you to connect to your device via USB-C or USB-A. The monitor also comes with a smart cover that doubles as a stand.

Pros:

• Excellent color accuracy
• Wide viewing angles
• Hybrid signal solution (USB-C and USB-A)
• Slim and lightweight design

Cons:

• Speakers could be louder
• Relatively expensive

Lepow Z1-Pro

The Lepow Z1-Pro offers a great balance of features and affordability. It features a 15.6-inch Full HD IPS display with vibrant colors and good viewing angles. The built-in 2W dual speakers provide adequate sound for casual listening. The monitor comes with a smart cover that can be used as a stand, and it has multiple ports, including USB-C and HDMI.

Pros:

• Affordable price
• Good image quality
• Decent speakers
• Multiple ports

Cons:

• Build quality could be better
• Smart cover stand can be flimsy

GeChic 1503H

The GeChic 1503H is a versatile portable monitor that’s suitable for a variety of uses. It features a 15.6-inch Full HD display with wide viewing angles and decent color accuracy. The built-in speakers provide basic sound output. What sets this monitor apart is its VESA mount compatibility, which allows you to mount it on a monitor arm or stand. It also has multiple video inputs, including HDMI, VGA, and DisplayPort.

Pros:

• VESA mount compatibility
• Multiple video inputs
• Wide viewing angles

Cons:

• Bulky design
• Speakers are not very loud

Uperfect True 4K Portable Monitor

For gamers and content creators who demand the best image quality, the Uperfect True 4K Portable Monitor is an excellent choice. It features a 15.6-inch 4K (3840 x 2160) display with HDR support, delivering stunning visuals with incredible detail and vibrant colors. The built-in speakers provide decent sound quality for gaming and multimedia consumption. It connects via USB-C, making it easy to set up with laptops, smartphones, and gaming consoles.

Pros:

• Stunning 4K resolution
• HDR support
• USB-C connectivity

Cons:

• Higher price
• May require external power source

Cocopar Portable Monitor

The Cocopar Portable Monitor is a budget-friendly option that offers a good value for the price. It features a 15.6-inch Full HD display with decent image quality and built-in 2W dual speakers. It has a slim and lightweight design, making it easy to carry around. The monitor comes with a smart cover that can be used as a stand, and it has HDMI and USB-C ports for connectivity.

Pros:

• Very affordable
• Slim and lightweight
• Decent image quality

Cons:

• Build quality is not the best
• Speakers are not very loud

Choosing the Right Portable Monitor for Your Needs

Selecting the ideal portable monitor with built-in speakers depends heavily on your individual needs and priorities. Consider the following scenarios:

For Professionals on the Go

If you’re a professional who travels frequently and needs a portable monitor for presentations, document editing, and web browsing, the ASUS ZenScreen MB16AHP is an excellent choice. Its hybrid signal solution, excellent color accuracy, and slim design make it a versatile and convenient tool for boosting productivity on the go. If budget is a concern, the Lepow Z1-Pro offers a good balance of features and affordability.

For Gamers

Gamers who want to enjoy their favorite games on the go will appreciate the Uperfect True 4K Portable Monitor. Its stunning 4K resolution and HDR support deliver an immersive gaming experience. However, be aware that you’ll need a powerful device to run games at 4K resolution. For less demanding games or if you’re on a tighter budget, the ASUS ZenScreen MB16AHP or Lepow Z1-Pro are still decent options.

For Students

Students who need a portable monitor for studying, writing papers, and watching videos will find the Lepow Z1-Pro to be a great value. It’s affordable, has good image quality, and the built-in speakers are adequate for basic audio needs. The Cocopar Portable Monitor is another budget-friendly option that’s suitable for students.

For Content Creators

Content creators who need a portable monitor for photo editing, video editing, and graphic design should prioritize color accuracy and resolution. The Uperfect True 4K Portable Monitor is an excellent choice for its stunning 4K resolution and HDR support. The ASUS ZenScreen MB16AHP is also a good option for its excellent color accuracy, but it lacks the high resolution of the Uperfect monitor.

For General Use

If you’re looking for a portable monitor for general use, such as watching movies, browsing the web, and occasional document editing, the Lepow Z1-Pro or Cocopar Portable Monitor are both good options. They offer a good balance of features and affordability, and their built-in speakers are adequate for casual listening.

Tips for Using a Portable Monitor

To get the most out of your portable monitor, here are a few tips to keep in mind:

• Adjust the brightness and contrast: Adjust the monitor’s brightness and contrast to suit your environment. Too much brightness can cause eye strain, while too little brightness can make it difficult to see the screen.
• Use a stand: Using a stand can improve your viewing angle and reduce neck strain. Most portable monitors come with a built-in stand or a smart cover that can be used as a stand.
• Connect to an external power source if needed: Some portable monitors may require an external power source, especially those with higher resolutions or brightness levels. If your monitor is draining your laptop’s battery too quickly, connect it to an external power source.
• Use headphones or external speakers for better audio quality: While portable monitors with built-in speakers are convenient, they’re not designed to replace dedicated audio systems. If you want better audio quality, use headphones or external speakers.
• Protect your monitor during travel: When traveling with your portable monitor, protect it from scratches and damage by using a protective sleeve or case.

The Future of Portable Monitors

The portable monitor market is constantly evolving, with new technologies and features being introduced all the time. Some of the trends we can expect to see in the future include:

• Higher resolutions: 4K portable monitors are becoming more common, and we can expect to see even higher resolutions in the future.
• OLED displays: OLED displays offer superior contrast ratios and color accuracy compared to LCD displays. We can expect to see more portable monitors with OLED displays in the future.
• Wireless connectivity: Wireless connectivity, such as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, will become more common in portable monitors, allowing you to connect to your devices without cables.
• Improved battery life: Portable monitors that can run for longer periods on battery power will become more desirable.
• Foldable displays: Foldable displays could revolutionize the portable monitor market, allowing for even more compact and portable designs.

Choosing the best portable monitor with built-in speakers is a personal decision that depends on your individual needs and budget. By considering the factors outlined in this guide and exploring the top models available, you can find a portable monitor that enhances your productivity, entertainment, and overall mobile experience.