Why Choose a Pricey Portable Monitor Over a Desktop Monitor?

When contemplating the purchase of a 13”-16″ portable monitor instead of a larger desktop monitor, you may ponder if the portable option is worth it. Sure, it offers a mobile workstation setup that can be carried anywhere. Yet it’s also more expensive and smaller in terms of screen size.

Portable monitors excel in scenarios where mobility and flexibility are paramount. They are ideal for professionals who frequently travel or work beyond their homes. However, if you prioritize screen size and a fixed workstation, a regular external monitor may better serve your needs.

Let’s explore and weigh the different factors to help you make an informed decision.

The Value of Portable Monitors

First, why are portable monitors such a popular and valued tool?

Although smaller in size, portable monitors have gained popularity for several compelling reasons.

People opt for portable monitors primarily for their portability and versatility. Location-independent individuals, travelers, and remote workers turn to portable monitors to use a second screen while on the move or working away from home, enhancing productivity and adaptability in various environments.

Undoubtedly, the primary selling point of portable monitors, as the name suggests, is their portability.

Slim and lightweight, portable monitors are built to be carried in a laptop bag alongside a portable keyboard and mouse. They are perfect for professionals who are always on the move or prefer a flexible setup – whether from a coffee shop, a co-working space, or a hotel room halfway across the world. The convenience of extending your laptop’s display wherever you go and creating a dual-screen workstation virtually anywhere, by itself, is a compelling argument for using a portable monitor.

Yet, not everyone needs total flexibility with remote setups.

Portable monitors entail common disadvantages: smaller screen sizes can limit productivity, and many models are more costly. Compared to regular monitors, portable monitors may have further productivity drawbacks, if their ergonomic options are limited and their display quality is noticeably worse.

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The Screen Size Disadvantage of Portable Monitors

Let’s address the elephant in the room – screen size.

Most portable monitors come in sizes that range from 13.3 inches to 15.6 inches. Their screen sizes pale in comparison to the 24-inch to 27-inch behemoths of the regular monitor world.

Are portable monitors too small for real productive use?

This depends on the nature of your work tasks. Ask yourself questions like the following:

Must you work with large spreadsheets or databases?
Do you do design work such as video editing or graphic design?
Do you often NEED to display a full-width app that is best viewed on a LARGE screen, or are you fine with 2 smaller, separate screens of similar sizes (i.e. your laptop and portable monitor)?

By the way, there is a way to estimate the minimum non-negotiable screen space you need for productivity – I show you step by step how this can be done in another article.

For those who rely heavily on monitors for tasks like video editing, graphic design, or data analysis using spreadsheets and database tools like Google Sheets and Airtable, the reduced screen size of portable monitors may be a significant drawback. Working on a portable monitor may be tedious and unenjoyable.

But for others, portable monitors would work just fine.

If you are fine with the full-width display size of apps on your laptop screen, you likely won’t have a problem with a similar-sized portable monitor either.

In short, the nature of your work will determine if the smaller screen of a portable monitor is adequate, an inconvenience, or a complete deal-breaker.

In fact, I’d suggest this: If you work remotely beyond your home or office (perhaps at least 1-3 times per week) and find that the smaller screen size of a portable monitor is only a slight inconvenience, go with the portable monitor.

Consider how often you plan to work remotely with two screens and how much a 13.3 to 15.6-inch screen might limit your productivity.

Other Factors that Favour Desktop Monitors

The differences do not stop at screen size, which is the obvious.

Depending on your use cases and requirements, you may find desktop monitors preferable. Larger monitors suit specialized tasks, may be better for ergonomics, and tend to offer better display quality.

Whether you need a regular desktop monitor depends on your computing needs. If you heavily multitask or do specialized tasks such as graphic design or video editing, regular monitors often have better specifications. They have higher resolutions, faster refresh rates, and better color accuracy – all at a cost-effective price.

Besides, desktop monitors can be mounted on adjustable stands, allowing you to customize the screen’s height and angle for better ergonomics. On the other hand, portable monitors often come with a basic kickstand or case that provides limited viewing angle adjustments.

Why Are Portable Monitors More Expensive Than Desktop Monitors?

Now comes another potential setback – price.

It’s important to get a portable monitor that does exactly what you need, without breaking the bank. Yet it is undeniable that portable monitors are generally more expensive than regular external monitors.

The more expensive nature of portable monitors can be explained by their compact, portable, yet high-quality screens, built via advanced technology and engineering. In addition, premium features like touchscreens or high-resolution panels contribute to their elevated cost.

On the other hand, regular external monitors offer a budget-friendly solution to expand your screen real estate. You can often find larger screens with higher resolutions at a lower cost than their portable counterparts.

Simply put, the affordability of regular monitors comes with the trade-off of reduced portability.

Portable monitors justify their higher price point by providing the versatility and mobility that regular monitors can’t match. They offer greater connectivity options, which contribute to the higher cost. Unlike regular monitors that may require additional adapters or docking stations, most portable monitors are designed to be compatible with laptops and other mobile devices, making them incredibly easy to set up and use on the go. Portable monitors typically connect via USB-C, HDMI, or DisplayPort, depending on the model.

If you value the ability to work from various locations without compromising your productivity, the extra cost of a portable monitor may well be justified.

But is it possible to find portable monitors at reduced price points?

I would advise that you know exactly what to look out for in portable monitors, so that you only buy those with features you need. If you can systematically identify features you do NOT need and weed out the more expensive options, you can find cheaper yet well-rated or well-reviewed monitors.

I suggest avoiding premium features if you are on a budget. These are advanced technology such as touchscreens and high-resolution panels. These features inflate the costs of portable monitors, and you most likely wouldn’t need them. (Unless you are doing specialized tasks such as design work, which necessitates spending more for better quality.)

But you do not want the cheapest option either. Features like adjustable stands, built-in speakers, and protective casing increase the cost of a portable monitor, but you may prefer to have some of these features. Minimally, your portable monitor should have at least full HD (1080p) resolution, a decent stand, and decent brightness settings.

Conclusion

After considering all the factors, it’s time to answer the question: Should you choose a pricey portable monitor over a desktop monitor, or vice versa?

The decision ultimately hinges on your specific needs and preferences, but here’s a quick breakdown to help you make an informed decision:

Choose a portable monitor if:

You need a mobile workstation for remote work or travel.
Portability and convenience are top priorities.
You value plug-and-play connectivity and simplicity.
You can work effectively with a smaller screen size.
You do not mind paying a little more for portability.

Choose a desktop monitor if:

You require a larger screen for everyday tasks and apps in your workflow.
You have a fixed workspace and don’t need to move your monitor often.
Ergonomics and adjustable stands are essential for your comfort.

Of course, if you have the budget for it, go with a hybrid approach. Invest in both: a desktop monitor for your home office and a portable monitor for working remotely. Having both monitors keeps you equipped with the right tools for the right environments and tasks.

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