I took this portable monitor on a work trip, and it supercharged my productivity

It’s hard to believe, but there was a time when I didn’t see the value in a second monitor. I figured juggling multiple tabs was good enough — until I finally set up a dual-monitor setup with my desktop and instantly realized what I’d been missing. Now, I can’t imagine working without one.

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For frequent travelers, portable monitors offer the same boost in productivity, but on a smaller scale. I’ve recommended many, but my new favorite is now the HP Series 5 Pro 14-inch WQXGA Portable Monitor. The name may be a mouthful, but this lightweight display is the perfect companion for anyone traveling to events or working from a coffee shop.

Stunning (and portable)

As you can imagine, the main strength of the HP Series Pro 14-inch Portable Monitor is its visual output. It’s excellent, rivaling some larger desktop screens. Despite its compact size, the display feels cramped. Its WQXGA resolution (2,560 x 1,600 pixels) panel is paired with a 16:10 aspect ratio, providing ample workspace. You could comfortably fit two windows side by side.

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Pixel density plays a big role here. At 216 PPI (pixel per inch), images appear sharp and detailed. You could look closely at the screen and not see a single pixel out of place, every line is as smooth as the next. On top of that, HP gave its accessory support for IPS Black with NEO: LED to enhance color vibrancy. Additionally, the monitor supports the entire Adobe RGB and Display P3 color gamut.

So, what you have is a panel that is perfect for creative professionals who rely on accurate colors. In the image below, I compared the HP Pro Portable Monitor to my Lenovo laptop. Just at a glance, you can see the difference. Reds look more accurate on the HP screen; not as orange.

Brightness maxes out at 400 nits, which isn’t the highest, but the combination of the anti-glare coating and the 2,000:1 contrast ratio allows the accessory to hold up well in brightness environments. During testing, I was able to clearly view the screen outdoors under the bright Arizona sun without issue.

I should also note that the refresh rate is capped at 75Hz. That’s fine for everyday use; but might not be ideal for watching movies or fast-paced gaming. You may experience screen tearing with certain titles. That said, the monitor is good enough to handle light gaming. I connected my Lenovo Legion Go S and managed to play a few indie titles without issue.

Design and features

There’s a lot more to the portable monitor than just its panel. The HP Series Pro screen is impressively lightweight, measuring just 0.34 inches thick and weighing a little 1.5 pounds. Its slim profile allows the model to easily slip into almost any bag. Its design is notably minimalist, offering only the essentials. 

A few side buttons let you adjust the brightness and switch between output modes. These include Night mode, which introduces an orange filter for low-light work; Native mode, which saturates colors; and HP Enhance+, which produces sharper images.

Connectivity is handled through DisplayPort inputs on either side of the monitor, supplying video via USB-C. The included cable is thoughtfully designed, as one end features a standard plug, while the other has a 90-degree angle connector to prevent damage and ensure a more streamlined appearance. 

What’s particularly interesting is that the ports support power delivery up to 65W. So, if you need to charge your smartphone but forgot your charger, you can simply connect it directly to the monitor.

However, since power delivery is only 65W, recharge times are slow. I connected my OnePlus Nord N20 to the screen at 60% for 30 minutes, and in that time, it only recharged up to 64%. Still, it’s handy to have.

Lastly, I should mention that port placement determines the screen’s orientation and how browser windows move between the portable monitor and your laptop. For example, if you choose the port located underneath the buttons, apps can be transferred over through the right side. If you choose the port on the opposite side, then apps can only transfer through the left side. It’s a small detail, but it is important to know when setting up your workspace.

ZDNET’s buying advice

The HP Series 5 Pro 14-inch WQXGA Portable Monitor is on sale for $339 over the HP’s digital storefront, and orders will start shipping on January 6, 2026. I highly recommend this mini-screen to anyone who wants to bring a dual-monitor setup on the road. I used it myself on a work trip, and it greatly improved my workflow; this level of utility cannot be understated.

For the price, it delivers a lot of value. Amazon offers a wide range of lower-cost portable monitors, including those with high resolutions. But none of them are as versatile, and none of them have a set of supportive features as HP’s model.