I was never a true believer of portable monitors until I was convinced to give this 15.6-inch version a shot by a T+L associate editor Anna Popp who has a larger version of the same model – and I’ve never looked back. With a big, bright, and crisp anti-glare display that’s on par with most computers, it helps streamline my workflow and maximizes my productivity whether I’m working at home, at a coffee shop, or while traveling. I own the S1 version, which comes with a magnetic kickback stand that helps keep my monitor propped up while also doubling as a protective cover. It’s durable and sturdy, and the monitor never slips when in use – you’d need to give it a good nudge for it to fall. 

The monitor seamlessly connects to your device via the included USB-C, mini HDMI, or USB-C to USB-A cables, and requires no fiddling with drivers and settings. It draws all of its power from the device it’s plugged into, so you don’t have to worry about working near a power source or having to pack extra cables when on the move. Clocking in at just under 1.7 pounds, it’s incredibly lightweight and portable, which is why I’ve taken it with me on domestic and international travels, including to Washington D.C., Key West, and Rome. While it’s almost 3 inches wider than my 13-inch laptop, it can easily fit into a carry-on suitcase or a laptop backpack, making it a savvy investment for workers who are often on the go.

The Details: 14 x 8.3 x 0.3 inches | 1.7 pounds | FHD | 1920 x 1080 resolution | USB-C, mini HDMI | 1-year warranty

This monitor is so compact that we barely even notice it when we pack it to work away from home. We love that it has a touchscreen, which gives us more flexibility when rearranging our views, and that it comes with a built-in kickstand that keeps the monitor from toppling over. Simply attach a USB-C cable or mini-HDMI cable to your device for an extended display and you’re set.

It’s especially featherlight at just 1.6 pounds, and we’ve brought this everywhere from coffee shops to friends’ houses. “This monitor is so slim and lightweight that it fits inside my laptop sleeve with my actual laptop in there, so it takes up no additional room as a separate item,” says T+L associate editorial director Morgan Ashley Parker. Our only gripe is that the monitor’s screen isn’t very big (it’s basically the same size as our 13-inch laptop) so we think it’s best suited to those who want more screen real estate instead of a second wider screen.

The Details: 12.01 x 7.62 x 0.51 inches | 1.6 pounds |  LED | 1920 x 1080 resolution | USB-C, mini HDMI | 2 and 3-year warranties

While this 17.3-inch monitor may be on the bigger side, it’s surprisingly lightweight at just 2.4 pounds. Best of all, it plugs directly into your device’s USB-C port with an included cord, so you don’t need to purchase an adapter or extra cables. As the owner of the most compact monitor on this list as well, Parker notes that this is the one she packs when heading out for several days (versus several hours). Not only did she completely rely on the screen’s vivid 4K resolution while working from Barbados over the holidays, it’s her go-to model when she wants a second screen back at home, too.

The monitor is compatible with an adjustable and versatile magnetic stand (sold separately for $99) so you can easily maneuver your screen to best suit your needs. That means you can position it vertically to save space at a coffee shop table or your desk; quasi-flat at an 18-degree angle for graphic designing or editing photos; or simply horizontally at the same height as your laptop. While the monitor may have a steep price tag, its versatility and design is a worthwhile investment for any remote worker. 

The Details: 9.6 x 15.6 x 0.3  inches | 2.4 pounds | LCD | 3840 x 2160 | USB-C | 2-year warranty

The slightly larger version of the 15.6-inch Azropa S1 monitor, this 16.1-inch option is still lightweight and easy to travel with. It can fit into larger laptop cases, as well as most backpacks and tote bags, although some might find it a bit cumbersome to pack away. It also comes with a USB-C cord, mini HDMI cable, a USB-C to USB-A cable and kickback stand to keep the monitor stable and upright. 

Despite being slim and lightweight, the monitor is quite sturdy and durable — it even survived being (accidentally) checked by T+L associate editor Anna Popp, emerging from the ordeal with no damage whatsoever. Popp travels with this larger version every time she’s away from home for several weeks, and has used it to work remotely from Oregon, Washington, and Arizona. “I mostly fly with it, but it’s been on a few road trips, too. I checked it once and it came out as good as new, so it’s shockingly durable for a large screen,” she says. 

The Details: 8.27 x 14.96 x 19.29 inches | 1920 x 1080 | 1.7 pounds | LCD | USB-C, mini HDMI | 1-year warranty

We love how easy the 15.6-inch MSI Pro Monitor is to take on the road thanks to its lightweight and compact design. It features a fold-out adjustable kickstand that can tilt up to 180 degrees, enabling you to position the monitor in both portrait or landscape modes. It also has a super clear and grain-free display. Best of all, it comes with its own carrying pouch. While it may be too long to fit into most backpacks, it can easily fit into a tote or messenger bag when traveling. T+L senior editor Jasmine Grant shares that this one is super portable, adding “I was on the fence about how likely I am to bring it on a trip because it’s just one more piece of electronic equipment to get through security, but it weighs less than my laptop and easily fits inside a tote bag.”

The Details: 14.26 x 9.17 x 0.7 inches | LCD | USB-C, mini HDMI | 1920 x 1820 | 1.65 pounds