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The espresso 17 Pro is a 17.3-inch, 4K touchscreen portable monitor built for people who want a large, detailed second display away from a desk. Its sharp image and claimed wide color coverage make it appealing for creative workflows, but the glossy reflective screen, wired-only operation, host-power requirements and premium price mean it is not an automatic upgrade for every laptop user.
What the espresso 17 Pro offers
The espresso 17 Pro is a 16:9 LCD portable monitor with a 17.3-inch screen, 3840 × 2160 resolution and a 60 Hz refresh rate. It supports touch with Mac and Windows, has two USB-C ports with power passthrough and built-in speakers, and comes with a USB-C cable and stand according to the manufacturer’s product page. The manufacturer claims a peak brightness of 450 nits, 1.07 billion colors and 100% DCI-P3 coverage; those are specifications and claims, not independent measurements.
That combination is the product’s main draw: it offers a bigger, higher-resolution workspace than many portable displays, with touch input as an additional way to interact. The 4K resolution can be useful for detailed image review, footage work or keeping several windows visible. It is worth asking whether those benefits matter in your workflow: on a portable screen, the higher pixel count may be less valuable than lower cost, reduced glare or simpler power requirements.
How good is the screen?
Sharpness and color
The 4K panel delivers a dense, detailed image for a screen of this size. iMore’s December 2023 review praised its sharp picture and vivid color. Tom’s Hardware also reported strong measured color coverage in its February 2024 review, though color performance can vary by sample and test method.
#1 Best Overall
- 15" 4K Touch with 100% Adobe RGB - Brilliant 550 nits display for accurate color-critical editing and professional work
- Ultra-Thin 9mm Aluminum Build - Lightweight, durable CNC machined premium space grade aluminium
- True Single-Cable USB-C - One cable for power + display. Fastest, cleanest setup with Mac, Windows & iPad (iPad extended display requires iPad Pro M1 or later (iPadOS 16+); mirror mode works on all iPads)
- Responsive Multi-Touch Screen- Intuitive interaction for drawing, annotating, and multitasking
- Magnetic espressoStand+ Included - Adjustable ergonomic stand for ideal dual-screen viewing & behind laptop placement
Brightness: claimed versus measured
Espresso claims a maximum brightness of 450 nits. In its 2024 review sample, Tom’s Hardware measured a maximum of 405.2 nits—below the manufacturer’s claim. That result is a single publication’s test measurement, not a guarantee of what every unit will measure or how bright the screen will appear in every setting.
Glossy finish and reflections
The screen’s glossy surface is a practical downside in bright rooms or near windows. iMore reviewer Tammy Rogers wrote, “There are definite, distracting reflections.” Tom’s Hardware likewise observed reflections. If your usual work location has strong ambient light, glare may interfere with the benefits of the detailed image. A matte protector may be worth considering, but check the exact product and bundle before assuming one is included or compatible.
Rank #2
- Expand Your View - Elevate your productivity with the 17" LG gram +view Portable Monitor—a versatile second screen that lets you see more, accomplish more, and collaborate effortlessly, no matter where you are.
- 17” Screen for Anywhere Productivity - Expand your workspace with our 17” portable monitor, the perfect companion to your laptop. With a 16:10 display, the gram +view portable monitor is built to boost your productivity and keep you efficient all day long.
- Bold Colors, Stunning Visual Clarity - Up to 99% DCI-P3 color gamut delivers bold, vibrant visuals on a 17” anti-glare IPS display, perfect for any lighting condition.
- Stay Connected - Effortlessly expand your workspace with the gram +view. Connect to your laptop using USB Type-C or mini HDMI for a seamless dual-screen setup, perfect for boosting productivity and collaboration on the go.
- Extreme Portability with Ultra Lightweight - Set up an optimized workstation anywhere with a portable second screen for your laptop. Weighing just 1.7 pounds, the gram +view is lightweight and easy to carry, making it the perfect work gear companion.
Touch and sound
Touch support is available for Mac and Windows, according to the manufacturer. Tom’s Hardware lists touch and pen support, but the supplied materials do not establish whether a pen is included in every package; check the current listing if stylus input matters to you. The monitor has built-in speakers, but Tom’s Hardware found them weak, so they are best treated as a convenience rather than a substitute for dedicated speakers or headphones.
Setup, power and compatibility
This is a wired display, not a wireless monitor. Espresso’s support guidance says the 17 Pro has no internal battery and must be connected by cable to a host. A USB-C connection also has to support video output and provide enough power. Peak brightness can require additional power, so a laptop that can drive the display at lower brightness may not sustain its brightest setting without extra power.
Rank #3
- Immersive Gaming Experience: Immerse yourself in stunning visuals with the ARZOPA monitor's expansive 17.3" display and 103% sRGB IPS screen, delivering vibrant colors and high gamut color accuracy for an astonishing viewing experience. Whether you're exploring vast virtual worlds or engaging in intense battles, this monitor is perfectly suited for gaming, providing smooth game play and responsive visuals that elevate your gaming sessions to new heights
- Versatile Flexibility: Enjoy ultimate flexibility with the built-in stand, allowing seamless switching between landscape and portrait modes, along with adjustable viewing angles tailored to your preference, whether for business presentations, gaming, or multimedia consumption
- Universal Compatibility: Experience hassle-free connectivity with Type C and mini HDMI ports, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of devices including laptops, PCs, smartphones, gaming consoles like PS5 and Xbox, making it the perfect companion for various tasks and entertainment needs
- Multi-Display Modes: Enhance productivity and creativity with three display modes - duplicate, extend, and second screen mode, enabling you to configure your setup according to your specific requirements, whether you need to mirror your screen, expand your workspace, or utilize it as a secondary display
- Effortless Setup: Streamline your setup process with easy plug-and-play functionality, requiring only one USB-C cable for both video signal and power transmission (phones require full-featured USB ports), eliminating the need for additional drivers or applications and ensuring a hassle-free experience from the get-go
The manufacturer recommends connecting the display directly to the computer. Adapters, hubs and switches are unlikely to work, and the monitor’s USB-C ports do not support daisy-chaining. Some third-party USB-C cables may also fail. Before buying, confirm that your computer supports video over the port you plan to use and can provide sufficient power; do not assume that any USB-C port or cable will do.
Price and what to check before buying
The espresso US product page listed the 17 Pro at $799 when accessed on October 1, 2026. That is a time-sensitive listing, not a guaranteed current price; verify the live price and included items before checkout. Review prices published in 2023 and 2024 are historical and should not be used as current comparisons.
Rank #4
- 18.5-inch Large Screen, Lightweight: Equipped with an 18.5-inch 1080p FHD IPS large screen, the VisionOwl portable gaming monitor was designed to create a larger viewing experience. Weighing only 2.7 Lb, 0.24-inch in minimum thickness, and 0.55-inch in maximum thickness, the VisionOwl portable monitor can also be easily carried for travel, work, or relocation
- 100Hz High Refresh Rate Monitor: Compared to low refresh rate monitors, the VisionOwl external monitor for laptop with a 100hz high refresh rate features 125% sRGB (88%NTSC) and 8-bit color depth with 16.7M colors. It is able to provide a smoother and more exciting gaming experience by displaying more frames per second and reducing lag and motion blur, allowing you to gain an advantage over opponents in the game
- Wide Compatibility, Well Designed: With two USB-C ports and one upgraded standard HDMI port, the VisionOwl portable screen can be easily connected to any major device on the market, such as all Apple MacBooks, Surface, laptops, PC, Xbox, PS5, and more. If your device has a Thunderbolt 3/4/5 or Full-Featured USB-C port, all you need is a single USB-C to USB-C cable to connect without any hassle
- VESA Mountable and Integrated Stand: The portable laptop monitor has two mounting options to meet your needs: Standard 75x75mm VESA holes provide multiple options to mount the portable second display on any wall or tabletop. The monitor also has a built-in stand that offers great flexibility and versatility for different scenarios
- Premium Build and Long-Lasting Performance: Featuring a robust metal back panel and integrated metal stand, the VisionOwl portable monitor offers exceptional durability while maintaining a sleek, modern look. Every unit undergoes strict quality control to ensure consistent performance and reliable use for years.
Also compare the total cost of the setup you actually want. The manufacturer lists a cable and stand as included, while accessories such as a pen, protective cover, matte screen protector or additional power supply may depend on the current bundle and your needs. iMore noted the high price and accessory costs in its 2023 review. Check the exact listing rather than assuming a particular accessory is included or required.
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It makes sense if
- You want a relatively large portable second screen with 4K detail and touch input.
- You review photos or footage, or need a high-resolution workspace while traveling or moving between work locations.
- Your computer can provide video and enough power over a compatible direct connection.
- You can work around a glossy screen, or your usual environments have manageable reflections.
Consider another kind of portable monitor if
- You need wireless use or a display that can run independently of a host; the 17 Pro has no battery or wireless mode.
- You often work outdoors or in bright spaces where reflections are difficult to control.
- You primarily need an inexpensive extra screen and do not benefit from 4K resolution or touch.
- Your computer relies on a hub or adapter for its display connection, or cannot supply adequate power.
How to compare alternatives
There are alternatives, but the available information does not establish current competitor prices or a like-for-like winner. Compare options against your actual requirements rather than assuming that resolution alone settles the choice.
Quick Recap
| What to compare | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Total current cost | Include the monitor and any stand, cable, power supply, pen or protective accessory you want; bundle contents and prices can change. |
| Size and resolution | A larger 4K panel can provide a detailed workspace, but may be unnecessary for basic documents, messaging or reference windows. |
| Touch and stylus support | Confirm that the monitor supports the input method and host operating system you plan to use, and check whether any pen is sold separately. |
| Brightness and surface | Look for independent brightness results where available, and consider whether a glossy or matte finish suits your lighting. |
| Weight and stand | Check the combined carry weight of the display and the stand or cover you plan to use; that total affects how portable the setup feels. |
| Host and cable compatibility | Verify video output, power delivery and direct-connection requirements for your computer, rather than relying on the connector shape alone. |
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
