How much does a portable second-screen setup really weigh?
Short answer: portable monitor stands weigh anywhere from 212g (Flexsta) to 900g (ASUS MTS02D). Paired with a 730g ASUS ZenScreen, that makes 942g to 1,630g for the monitor and stand, before cables and a sleeve.
For me, a good travel setup means having enough screen space to work properly, without filling my whole bag with work stuff. I like to pack ultra light!
The monitor's listed weight doesn't include everything you'll carry. If you want your screen raised off the desk, you've got a stand to carry too. Depending on which one you choose, that can add quite a bit of weight.
Building the lightest portable monitor stand we can is one of our core goals for Flexsta. So I wanted to pull the numbers and see how our competitors stack up.
Portable monitor and stand weights compared
Here's the same ASUS screen with Flexsta, Tern and ASUS's own stand, followed by an espresso screen with Flexsta and espresso Stand+.
The monitor-and-stand combinations below weigh between 942g and 1,630g, before cables and protection. Flexsta accounts for 212g of that total.
| Monitor | Stand | Monitor weight | Stand weight | Monitor + stand |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ASUS ZenScreen MB16AH | Flexsta | 730g | 212g | 942g |
| ASUS ZenScreen MB16AH | Tern Portable Monitor Stand | 730g | 335g | 1,065g |
| ASUS ZenScreen MB16AH | ASUS MTS02D | 730g | 900g | 1,630g |
| espresso 15 Touch V2 | Flexsta | 865g | 212g | 1,077g |
| espresso 15 Touch V2 | espresso Stand+ | 865g | 565g | 1,430g |
Weights come from manufacturer specifications for the ASUS ZenScreen MB16AH, ASUS MTS02D and espresso Stand+, a review of the espresso 15 Touch V2, and an independent reviewer's measurement of the Tern stand. Totals are for the monitor and stand only, excluding cables, protection and any additional mounting accessories.
How much difference does the stand make?
The ASUS comparison is the biggest gap. Its MTS02D stand weighs 900g on its own, which is more than the monitor in this example. With Flexsta, the monitor and stand come to 942g instead of 1,630g. That's 688g less to carry, before adding the rest of your kit.
With the espresso screen, changing from espresso Stand+ to Flexsta saves 353g. Same screen, with the monitor-and-stand weight dropping from 1,430g to 1,077g.
Tern is a closer comparison, as it also uses a magnetic tripod. But the Flexsta stand is still 37% lighter, saving 123g. When you're packing for a multi-leg trip, every gram counts.
Don't forget the rest of the bag
I wouldn't call 942g the full weight of that ASUS setup. You still have to connect it and protect it while travelling.
The easiest way to work out your own total is to put the monitor, stand, mounting plate, cable and sleeve on the scales together. Add a separate power supply if you need one. That's the weight you'll actually be carrying.
Using the same cable and sleeve with two stands won't change the saving in grams. It will make the percentage saving across the whole kit smaller, though.
What would I look for?
Weight matters to me, but so does getting the screen into a position I actually want to work in. If the monitor's own kickstand does that for you, great, you don't need another thing in your bag.
If you want to raise it to eye height, check the stand's fit and weight limit as well as its carrying weight. This table only compares weight. For a customer's experience of stability, one LG gram +view owner describes Flexsta as a "super-sturdy mount" after using it daily.
Flexsta weighs 212g and is designed for compatible monitors up to 900g. You can check your model in our compatibility guide. If you're still choosing a screen, I've also put together a comparison of lightweight portable monitors.
Obviously, I built Flexsta! Keeping the stand small and light was the point.