Acer PM161Q B1bmiuux 15.6" Black 2025

The Acer PM161Q is a $100 portable monitor that punches way above its weight. Just keep it out of direct sunlight and don't expect it to last a decade.

The 1080p IPS panel is the star here. Colors look decent out of the box and the 178-degree viewing angles mean you can actually see the screen from the side, which matters when you're hunched over a coffee shop table. The 60Hz refresh rate and 4ms response time are fine for productivity and light gaming, but don't expect this to replace a gaming monitor. The real surprise is the connectivity. Dual USB-C ports with DisplayPort support and HDMI 1.4 mean you can plug this into almost anything, including a MacBook Air or Dell Precision, and it just works. The 250 nits brightness is the weak spot. It's fine indoors but struggles in bright rooms or near windows, especially if you're powering it only from a laptop's USB-C port on battery.

The PM161Q isn't competing with the ASUS TUF Gaming VG34VQL1B or LG UltraGear 27GS75Q-B. Those are big, powerful gaming monitors. This is a portable productivity tool. The real competition is other portable monitors, and here the Acer holds its own. It's more compact than most, with a 97th percentile compactness score, and its connectivity is top-tier at 96th percentile. The HP OMEN 27qs G2 and KOORUI 34E6UC are better if you want a desktop setup, but they're not portable. If you need a second screen for travel or remote work, the PM161Q is the better choice.

At USD 90 to USD 110 in the US, this is a steal. The best deal we found is at Amazon.com at USD 90, which undercuts the higher end of that range by USD 20. In Canada, the spread is wider, from CAD 117 to CAD 181, so shop around. For a portable second screen with this connectivity and build quality, you're getting a lot for the money. Just don't expect it to last forever.

The Acer PM161Q is a portable monitor that nails the basics and doesn't pretend to be anything else. It's a 15.6-inch 1080p IPS panel that's thin, light, and gets you a second screen for your laptop without a fuss. The one thing to know: for around $100, this is one of the best value portable monitors you can grab, as long as you understand its brightness limits.

If you need a bright, color-accurate display for photo editing or outdoor use, this isn't it. The 250 nits brightness and 17th percentile color score will frustrate you. Go get a higher-end portable monitor with better brightness and color coverage instead.

If you need a portable second monitor and you're on a budget, buy the Acer PM161Q. It's not perfect, but at this price, the flaws are easy to forgive. The brightness is the main issue, and the long-term durability is a gamble, but for most people, this is the best portable monitor under $150.