Do portable monitors drain laptop battery faster?

Yes, a USB-C powered portable monitor draws 5-10W from your laptop, reducing battery life by roughly 1-2 hours. Monitors with their own power input or battery eliminate this drain.

Can I use a portable monitor with my phone?

If your phone supports USB-C video output (Samsung DeX, Motorola Ready For, some USB-C phones), yes. iPhones require a Lightning/USB-C to HDMI adapter and a monitor with HDMI input.

Best Portable USB-C Monitors 2026