espresso Display 15 Monitor Review
The espresso Display 15 markets itself as a top-second screen for remote workers’ productivity and work motivation. And we’re here to put that claim to the test.
With our own combined experience of the digital nomad lifestyle and using a ton of second screens for our remote work needs, we wanted to see whether or not this portable monitor lives up to its promise.
We’ve previously reviewed the espresso 17 pro and really loved its high resolution and sleek design, but now it’s time to share our hands-on review of the updated 15” Display model. Keep reading to learn our in-depth breakdown of the product’s features, performance, and actual value for remote workers.
Pros and Cons at a Glance
Espresso Display 15: First Impressions
Right out of the gate, the espresso Display 15 Monitor impresses. The product arrives in a sleek box that’s beautifully branded with espresso’s signature bright colors. Pull off the lid, and you’ll find your 15-inch display screen satisfyingly nestled within.
What we noticed immediately was just how lightweight yet durable the portable monitor feels. At just 0.2 inches thick, we can believe espresso’s claim that this is the thinnest portable monitor in the world. You might expect a screen that thin to seem flimsy, but thanks to the aerospace aluminum chassis, it’s an incredibly solid piece of tech.
Already stuck to the back of the screen with a magnet is the Stand+, all you need to do is unfold the stand and adjust the height and angle to your liking.
Also in the box is a 3ft USB-C to USB-C cable. If you’re wondering where the power cable is…this is it! The screen doesn’t need its own dedicated power supply and, instead, just plugs straight into your phone or laptop.
We were immediately excited by the initial color vibrancy and image quality, although the brightness could have been better. You also don’t need to download any additional drives or apps (finally) to start using the lightweight portable monitor straight out of the box.
Use the code 'NOMADS10' for 10% off on all espresso products
Don't miss out — Make sure to apply the code at checkout to secure your discount!
Use the code nowEspresso also offers a couple of optional extras that pair really well with the display. The microfiber case snaps onto the back of the monitor with magnets, keeping it protected when you’re on the move. What’s cool is that it also works as a kickstand, so you can prop it up easily wherever you’re working. There’s also a screen protector that feels almost like paper, which is great if you want a bit more texture while keeping the display safe from scratches. Both are sold separately but are great additions to round out the setup.
espresso Display 15: Performance Overview
Here’s how the espresso Display 15 compares specs-wise to some of our other favorite portable monitors:
| Product | espresso 15 Display | Asus ProArt 14” | ViewSonic ColorPro VP16-OLED |
|---|---|---|---|
| Panel Type/Backlight | IPS / WLED | IPS / LED | OLED |
| Screen Size | 15.6” | 14” | 15.6” |
| Max Res and Refresh Rate | 1920 x 1080 @ 60Hz | 1920 x 1080 @ 60Hz | 1920 x 1080 @ 60Hz |
| Color Depth | 8-bit | 8-bit | 10 bit (8 bit + FRC) |
| Max Brightness | 300 nits | 300 nits | 400 nits |
| Contrast | 1,000:1 | 700:1 | 100,000:1 |
| Response Time | 10 to 20 ms typical | 5 ms | 1 ms |
| Dimensions | 14.09 x 10.07 x 0.2“ | 8.05 x 12.84 x 0.47” | 14.1 x 8.9 x 0.8” |
| Weight | 1.68 lbs / 0.76 kg | 1.63 lbs / 0.74 kg | 2.2 lbs / 0.98 kg |
| Warranty | 2 years | 3 years | 3 years |
| Ports | 2x USB-C | USB-C and micro HDMI | 2x USB-C and micro HDMI |
| Speakers | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Retail Price | $299 | $399 | $399.99 |
Design and Portability
We know that portability is probably the most important factor when it comes to your digital nomad setup, and we’re happy to say that the espresso Display 15 ticks all of our boxes. At 0.2 inches (that’s a little over 5mm), it’s slim enough to slide into any bag and adds almost no weight.
We’re also really into the monitor’s sleek design. The brushed aluminum finish and beveled edges give the second screen a really cool look, with the Stand+ seamlessly matching the design. We wish the stand had a swivel feature, however, being able to raise the screen up to 14 inches / 262 mm is amazing for ergonomics.
Display Quality
The espresso Display 15 monitor is not a 4k HD screen, but nor is it trying to be. The second screen is designed to support your work on the go, with the 1080p resolution easily meeting most of the common remote work needs.
The color is vivid, accurate, and comes factory color calibrated. The display quality is also really clean for regular work needs like spreadsheets, research, and even video calls. That being said, it might not cut it for super high-quality photo retouching or detailed digital art. We also found the screen to be quite dim when in bright environments, e.g., working outside at one of our favorite coworking spaces.
Use the code 'NOMADS10' for 10% off on all espresso products
Don't miss out — Make sure to apply the code at checkout to secure your discount!
Use the code nowespresso 15: Features
This might be a super lightweight portable monitor in the world, but it certainly isn’t light on features.
One thing that stands out is that you can use the monitor horizontally or vertically - this really came in handy when scrolling through documents or editing vertical content.
We do have to say, the 60Hz refresh rate is limiting when it comes to fast-paced tasks and gaming, but for day-to-day work, we don’t have any complaints.
Compatibility and Power Consumption
What sets the espresso Display 15 apart is that it’s powered through one USB-C cable plugged into your laptop. Okay, this can drain your laptop’s power faster than if you’re not using the screen, however, only having to find one plug socket to charge both your laptop and second screen is huge.
If you’re worried about the screen’s power consumption, espresso also sells a power bank accessory called Charge, which magnetically fits to your stand for streamlined extra power.
Using the screen’s USB-C port, the espresso Display 15 monitor is compatible with most major players, including:
- Apple Macs
- Windows computers
- iPhones and iPads
- Samsung Galaxy phones
- Android phones
- Gaming consoles
Software and User Experience
So you don’t technically need to download any software to use the espresso Display 15, but if you want to upgrade the experience, we recommend downloading espresso Flow. The free app enables things like auto-rotation and snapping between applications.
Even without Flow, the user experience with the espresso Display 15 is incredibly intuitive and hassle-free. It comes color-calibrated out of the box, and being able to plug and play is so nice compared to other complicated remote work gadgets (although a little more control over settings like brightness and contrast would be nice).
Use the code 'NOMADS10' for 10% off on all espresso products
Don't miss out — Make sure to apply the code at checkout to secure your discount!
Use the code nowIs the espresso Display 15 Worth It for Digital Nomads and Remote Workers?
Every tech product is made for a different type of consumer, and luckily for us, the espresso Display 15 monitor is designed specifically with digital nomads in mind. We can testify to its portability, durability, and functionality (the essential trio for a nomadic lifestyle.
In fact, if you’re looking for the best portable monitor for remote work in general, we would definitely recommend the espresso Display 15. Especially with the magnetic stand, their monitors are the perfect addition to a portable cafe, hotel, or cowork office setup.
The vertical setup would be really helpful for short-form content creation, however, if you’re looking for a monitor to support more detailed and higher resolution video editing, then you might want to look for something like the espresso 17 pro instead, which offers 4k resolution and 10-bit color depth.
Our Verdict
It shouldn’t surprise you to learn that we’re big fans of this portable monitor. Combined with the Stand+, we’ve found it to be a perfect addition to our on-the-go office that doesn’t weigh us down or require extra cables and charging.
Having a second screen has been a major productivity hack that we think all digital nomads should try out. If you’re interested in levelling up your remote work desk, then why not try out the espresso Display 15 for yourself? The best part? They even offer a 30-day risk-free trial just in case you don’t love the second screen as much as we do.
Use the code 'NOMADS10' for 10% off on all espresso products
Don't miss out — Make sure to apply the code at checkout to secure your discount!
Use the code nowReady to Level Up Your Remote Work Setup?
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