I’m looking at getting a portable monitor like this for work, ideally one that just runs on USB-C with my MacBook Pro (m1). I took a chance on one a while back, but the image looked so terrible (especially beside my Mac) that I returned it. Any recommendations? Trying to stay below $200 (preferably below $150), at least 13", don’t care about touchscreen, 1080P or higher.
What are you doing on the screen? Text edit?
I’ve got a pretty base level AOC I1659FWUX that’s minimally serviceable for my purposes (IT, basic CAD). However I suggest you avoid this model due to its questionably light construction and requirement that you use its bespoke USB3 cable.
That being said, it works without a hitch on two different laptops without installing a driver or special software - the latter supposedly allows for auto-orientation switching. I do make a point to handle it as little as possible. The included case makes it larger in the X-Y dimensions than it needs to be while offering little protection; I suggest retaining the included cardboard screen overlay. As an additional caveat I have used it perhaps a dozen times in total.
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I have been using this daily since 2018 and it still works perfectly. It has stood up to a lot of time in my backpack and a lot of wear. I have heard the newer models aren’t as good though.
This is a tough ask if you are focused on image quality. Particularly if your standard is your Mac screen.
There are >1080P units out here, but most are no-name Chinese brands. To say that the quality is variable is charitable.
I have an ASUS MB16C that is 1080P and you are welcome to look at. It’s several years old. It’s USB-C. I use it a s second monitors for documents and code when doing CAD and writing code. It has decent image and video quality.
I’ve been kind of lusting after a newer version of this (MB-16AHT) that has HDMI in and and touch.
The ASUS line is here:
I have a AOC that is functional (15" WXGA) but it’s probably three times as thick as the ASUS and feels crushalble. Not exactly delicate, but I think it needs it’s own padded bag.
The AOC has a FAR better built in stand than the ASUS. the ASUS case/stand is pretty hopeless.
I’ve bought all mine off Craigslist and Marketplace because they show up there cheap, and they are niche item for me. I don’t use them all the time. I’ve purchase a number and sold off the worst ones.
All things considered, I prefer the ASUS units.
Be aware that a number of the older units use a display protocol that requires special drivers. I have not seen a USB-C or HDMI unit that has this issue.
Ohh boy something else for my list & to carry around in my bag.
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It’s been my observation that at the ~$200 price tier you’re looking at features and build quality distinctions but not big leaps in image quality.
PCMag looks to have an updated comparo noting the surprisingly inexpensive Viewsonic VA1655 is a good all-arounder however image quality is given faint praise. It appears that one has to spend more than double to begin earning high marks for image quality ala the Lenovo ThinkVision M14d
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Above your price range, but if a graphics tablet feature would be of use, it might be worth the differential:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07M5X7MH1
I carry one in my laptop bag. Works very well.
Mostly development and web design
I kinda figured, but I’ve also been surprised by a few completely off name brands for other things (dongles, headphones, etc).
Yup, why I said “the quality is variable is charitable.”
The real problem is the average is low, and support is uniformly zero. That, and when you find that good one, once the current stock is gone, they are gone for good OR a flood of almost indistinguishable knock offs appears.
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Probably overkill for what you need, but you can get portable pen display monitors with 4K, 2.5k, and 1080p options with great color from companies like XP-Pen and Huion in the 13" to 16" size range. Both are reliable and well known brands in the graphic design industry. We have a new XP Pen monitor in Creative Arts if you’d like to see something they make ahead of time.
One option here ( a touch above your price range):
This particular model is 1080p @ 13", and can be powered & driven from a single USB C cable connected to a laptop.
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I have this same monitor (actually 2 of them) and they work great. I’m just using them for regular work stuff so super high resolution or image quality wasn’t a concern.
Mine works fine too for my basic uses - I simply fear for its longevity in the face of my sometimes ungentle handling and losing the bespoke USB cable.
Sounds like it might make sense to pay a little more for a known brand. One of the main issues I had with the off brand one I tried was the brightness. Turning it up bright enough to use gave it this hazy, washed out look, and no amount of tinkering with (poor) settings would fix things.
Maybe something like this Asus: https://www.amazon.com/Zenscreen-MB16AMT-Portable-Non-Glare-Speakers/dp/B071S84ZW7
That is precisely the model I’ve had an eye on. I saw one come up used in San Antonio, but I couldn’t find a time to meet the seller while I was in town. It’s basically a slight upgrade of what I already have.
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Astrud and I bought this model in 2020 if you want to take a look. It’s been replaced with newer versions but could give you a baseline to evaluate from…
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B07J4SX1MS?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title
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My only hangup with the Asus models is the lack of a min-hdmi input. Heard too many stories of people accidentally jacking up that one USB-C input and being stuck.
I almost tried out the Viewsonic, but after reading a couple 3rd party review sites, I risked it on this one: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08QTLYPVT.
So far so good! It’s not going to win any awards, but it’s plenty bright and has enough detail to be a good “sitting in a coffee shop” second monitor 
Thanks for all the recommendations! I’ll let you guys know if I have to resume my search.
I believe some of the new models are USB-C & Mini/Micro HDMI I need to look at mine.
mine have been traveling with me for work extensively and banged around going thru tsa and typical cramming bag into overhead bins in aircraft. I’m surprised they have lasted as long as they have.