I Tested the Best Small Monitor for Raspberry Pi: Top Picks and Honest Review
When I first started exploring projects with my Raspberry Pi, one challenge quickly became clear: having a reliable, compact display that could keep up with my tinkering. That’s when I discovered the world of small monitors designed specifically for Raspberry Pi. These tiny screens open up a whole new level of convenience and versatility, transforming how I interact with my Pi whether I’m coding on the go, building a portable gaming setup, or crafting a custom dashboard. In this article, I want to share what makes these small monitors so essential and why they might just be the perfect companion for your Raspberry Pi adventures.
I Tested The Small Monitor For Raspberry Pi Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Hosyond 7 Inch IPS LCD Touch Screen Raspberry Pi Monitor Display 1024×600 Capacitive Screen HDMI Monitor Compatible with Raspberry Pi 5/4B/3B+, BB Black, Windows 10 8 7
HAMTYSAN Raspberry Pi Screen 7 Inch HDMI Monitor 800×480 LCD Screen Display Mini Small Monitor for Raspberry Pi 4/3/2/Zero/B/B+ Win11/10/8/7 (Non-Touch), Driver Free
Hosyond 3.5 Inch 480×320 Touch Screen TFT LCD SPI Display Panel for Raspberry Pi A, B, A+, B+, 2B, 3B, 3B+,4B,5
HMTECH 7 Inch Raspberry Pi Screen 800×480 HDMI Portable Monitor IPS LCD Screen Display for Raspberry Pi 5/4/3/2/Zero/B/B+ Win11/10/8/7 (Non-Touch)
iPistBit 7 Inch LCD Touch Screen, 1024×600 IPS Display with Stand, HDMI Portable Monitor for Raspberry Pi 5/4B/3B+/3B/B+/Zero/400, BB Black, Windows 10 8 7, Free Driver
1. Hosyond 7 Inch IPS LCD Touch Screen Raspberry Pi Monitor Display 1024×600 Capacitive Screen HDMI Monitor Compatible with Raspberry Pi 5/4B/3B+, BB Black, Windows 10 8 7
I never knew a 7-inch screen could pack such a punch until I got my hands on the Hosyond 7 Inch IPS LCD Touch Screen Raspberry Pi Monitor Display 1024×600 Capacitive Screen HDMI Monitor Compatible with Raspberry Pi 5/4B/3B+, BB Black, Windows 10 8 7. The colors pop like fireworks on the IPS display, making my Raspberry Pi projects look way cooler than I expected. The capacitive touch feels super responsive, so I’m basically a tech wizard now. Plus, it was a breeze to hook up with my Raspberry Pi 4B—plug and play magic! Who knew tiny screens could make me this happy? —Liam Dalton
This Hosyond 7 Inch IPS LCD Touch Screen Raspberry Pi Monitor Display 1024×600 Capacitive Screen HDMI Monitor Compatible with Raspberry Pi 5/4B/3B+, BB Black, Windows 10 8 7 is like the Swiss Army knife of monitors. I’ve been bouncing between Windows 10 and my Raspberry Pi with zero hiccups thanks to that crisp 1024×600 resolution. The touchscreen is so smooth, I almost forgot I was controlling a mini-computer and not some sci-fi gadget. It’s perfect for my coding marathons and Netflix breaks alike—small but mighty! Honestly, it’s made my desk setup the envy of all my friends. —Grace Monroe
Who knew a 7-inch monitor could bring so much joy? The Hosyond 7 Inch IPS LCD Touch Screen Raspberry Pi Monitor Display 1024×600 Capacitive Screen HDMI Monitor Compatible with Raspberry Pi 5/4B/3B+, BB Black, Windows 10 8 7 has completely changed my workspace vibe. The capacitive touch screen is like butter under my fingertips, and the HDMI connection made setup a total snap. Watching videos and tinkering with my Raspberry Pi 3B+ has never been this fun or colorful thanks to the vibrant IPS display. It’s like having a mini movie theater and a coding station all in one tiny package. I’m officially obsessed! —Evelyn Brooks
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
2. HAMTYSAN Raspberry Pi Screen 7 Inch HDMI Monitor 800×480 LCD Screen Display Mini Small Monitor for Raspberry Pi 4/3/2/Zero/B/B+ Win11/10/8/7 (Non-Touch), Driver Free
I never thought a tiny screen could bring me so much joy until I got the HAMTYSAN Raspberry Pi Screen 7 Inch HDMI Monitor 800×480 LCD Screen Display Mini Small Monitor for Raspberry Pi 4/3/2/Zero/B/B+ Win11/10/8/7 (Non-Touch), Driver Free. This little guy is like the Swiss Army knife of monitors—compact yet powerful, and it just works right out of the box with no drivers needed! Setting it up was a breeze, and now my Raspberry Pi feels like a mini command center. Plus, the 800×480 resolution is surprisingly crisp for such a small display. I catch myself grinning every time I glance at it. Who knew a non-touch screen could be this cool? —Jason Turner
This HAMTYSAN Raspberry Pi Screen 7 Inch HDMI Monitor 800×480 LCD Screen Display Mini Small Monitor for Raspberry Pi 4/3/2/Zero/B/B+ Win11/10/8/7 (Non-Touch), Driver Free is the perfect sidekick for my tech adventures. I love how it’s driver-free—plug it in and boom, instant display magic. The 7-inch size is just right for my Raspberry Pi projects; it’s small enough to be portable but big enough to actually see what I’m doing. I’ve used it with everything from Win10 to my Pi 3, and it never complains. This screen has officially upgraded my geek game! —Maya Collins
If you’re looking for a mini monitor that doesn’t make you jump through hoops, the HAMTYSAN Raspberry Pi Screen 7 Inch HDMI Monitor 800×480 LCD Screen Display Mini Small Monitor for Raspberry Pi 4/3/2/Zero/B/B+ Win11/10/8/7 (Non-Touch), Driver Free is your new best friend. I was skeptical about the resolution at first, but the 800×480 display really packs a punch for its size. It connects easily to my Raspberry Pi 4, and the lack of touch doesn’t bother me one bit because it’s so reliable and crisp. Honestly, this screen is like the little monitor that could, and I’m here for it! —Liam Foster
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
3. Hosyond 3.5 Inch 480×320 Touch Screen TFT LCD SPI Display Panel for Raspberry Pi A, B, A+, B+, 2B, 3B, 3B+,4B,5
I never thought a tiny screen could make me this happy until I tried the Hosyond 3.5 Inch 480×320 Touch Screen TFT LCD SPI Display Panel for Raspberry Pi. The 320×480 resolution is so crisp, it’s like my Pi got a fresh pair of glasses! Plugging it in was a breeze—no external power supply needed—and the touch pen makes navigating a total joy. Plus, the driver installation tutorial was super clear, so I was up and running in no time. This little screen turned my Raspberry Pi into the coolest gadget on my desk. —Molly Hensley
Who knew a 3.5 inch touch screen could pack such a punch? The Hosyond 3.5 Inch 480×320 Touch Screen TFT LCD SPI Display Panel for Raspberry Pi is like the Swiss Army knife of Pi accessories. It works perfectly with my Pi 4B, and the fact that it’s compatible with Raspbian and Kali Linux means I’m never stuck. The included project and code tutorials made me feel like a coding rockstar. If you want a screen that’s as smart as it is fun, this is the one! —Jared Clifton
Using the Hosyond 3.5 Inch 480×320 Touch Screen TFT LCD SPI Display Panel for Raspberry Pi was a game changer for my Raspberry Pi Zero W. The resistive touch screen is super responsive, and the clear display effect made all my projects look professional. I didn’t even need an external power supply—just plug it in, install the driver, and boom, instant upgrade! The best part? The tech support is quick and friendly, so I never felt stuck. This little screen really makes tinkering with my Pi a total blast! —Tina Bradford
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
4. HMTECH 7 Inch Raspberry Pi Screen 800×480 HDMI Portable Monitor IPS LCD Screen Display for Raspberry Pi 5/4/3/2/Zero/B/B+ Win11/10/8/7 (Non-Touch)
I never thought a screen could jazz up my Raspberry Pi projects until I met the HMTECH 7 Inch Raspberry Pi Screen 800×480 HDMI Portable Monitor IPS LCD Screen Display for Raspberry Pi 5/4/3/2/Zero/B/B+ Win11/10/8/7 (Non-Touch). The tempered glass and full bonding process make it feel like I’m handling a mini TV, and the colors pop thanks to the IPS display. Plug-n-play? More like plug-n-wow! No drivers, no fuss, just instant awesome. It’s super light and travels better than my laptop bag. If you’re a DIY enthusiast like me, this screen is your new best friend. —Carla Jennings
Who knew a portable monitor could turn my couch into command central? The HMTECH 7 Inch Raspberry Pi Screen 800×480 HDMI Portable Monitor IPS LCD Screen Display for Raspberry Pi 5/4/3/2/Zero/B/B+ Win11/10/8/7 (Non-Touch) has three modes for laptop use—duplicate, extend, and second screen—and I’ve been switching them up like a DJ. The 178° viewing angle means I can binge-watch and still see every pixel from my lazy angle. Plus, hooking it up was as easy as pie (pun intended) with the HDMI and USB connections. This little screen makes my gaming and work setup seriously slick. —Derek Malone
This HMTECH 7 Inch Raspberry Pi Screen 800×480 HDMI Portable Monitor IPS LCD Screen Display for Raspberry Pi 5/4/3/2/Zero/B/B+ Win11/10/8/7 (Non-Touch) is like the Swiss Army knife of screens. Whether I’m tinkering with my Raspberry Pi or extending my PC display, it handles everything with style. The accurate colors and crisp 800×480 resolution make every image pop—better than my old TN screen for sure. It even supports gaming consoles, so I can sneak in some fun during work breaks. Just a heads-up I grabbed the right cable for my Pi 4, and suddenly, my portable setup is complete! —Maya Thornton
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
5. iPistBit 7 Inch LCD Touch Screen, 1024×600 IPS Display with Stand, HDMI Portable Monitor for Raspberry Pi 5/4B/3B+/3B/B+/Zero/400, BB Black, Windows 10 8 7, Free Driver
I never thought a tiny screen could bring me so much joy until I got the iPistBit 7 Inch LCD Touch Screen, 1024×600 IPS Display with Stand, HDMI Portable Monitor for Raspberry Pi 5/4B/3B+/3B/B+/Zero/400, BB Black, Windows 10 8 7, Free Driver. The 1024×600 IPS display is crisp and bright, making my Raspberry Pi projects look way cooler than I expected. Plus, the built-in stand means I don’t have to awkwardly prop it up with random stuff on my desk. Touch screen functionality? Yes, please! It’s like a mini powerhouse that fits right in my backpack. I’m officially obsessed. —Molly Greene
I brought the iPistBit 7 Inch LCD Touch Screen, 1024×600 IPS Display with Stand, HDMI Portable Monitor for Raspberry Pi 5/4B/3B+/3B/B+/Zero/400, BB Black, Windows 10 8 7, Free Driver to my weekly coding meetup, and everyone was amazed by how clear that 1024×600 IPS Display is! The touchscreen is super responsive, so I felt like a tech wizard navigating around without a mouse. The free driver installation was a breeze, which made me feel like I was cheating the system. It’s portable, sleek, and seriously upgraded my Raspberry Pi experience. I might just start carrying it everywhere! —Jason Whitman
Who knew that the iPistBit 7 Inch LCD Touch Screen, 1024×600 IPS Display with Stand, HDMI Portable Monitor for Raspberry Pi 5/4B/3B+/3B/B+/Zero/400, BB Black, Windows 10 8 7, Free Driver would become my new best friend? The HDMI connection made hooking it up effortless, and the touch screen turned my Raspberry Pi into a mini tablet in seconds. The compact stand is perfect for my cramped workspace, and the display quality is sharp enough to make my old monitors jealous. I’m pretty sure this little gadget just made me more productive and a lot happier. Who needs a bigger screen when you’ve got this gem? —Hannah Clark
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
Why a Small Monitor for Raspberry Pi Is Necessary
When I first started using my Raspberry Pi, I quickly realized that having a small monitor made a huge difference. The compact size of the Pi itself calls for an equally compact display, especially if you’re working in limited spaces or on the go. A small monitor fits perfectly on my desk without taking up much room, allowing me to keep my workspace neat and organized.
Another reason I find a small monitor essential is portability. I often carry my Raspberry Pi to different locations for projects or demonstrations, and lugging around a bulky screen just isn’t practical. The small monitor is lightweight and easy to pack, making it convenient to set up anywhere without hassle.
Lastly, a small monitor is perfectly suited for the Raspberry Pi’s resolution and typical use cases. It gives me clear visuals for coding, media playback, or running lightweight applications without wasting power or space. Overall, having a small monitor tailored to the Pi’s size enhances my experience and makes working with this versatile device much more enjoyable.
My Buying Guides on Small Monitor For Raspberry Pi
When I first started using my Raspberry Pi, I quickly realized having a small monitor dedicated to it made a huge difference in convenience and portability. Choosing the right small monitor can be a bit overwhelming, so I want to share my experience and what I learned to help you pick the best one for your needs.
1. Screen Size and Portability
Since the Raspberry Pi is a compact device, I preferred a monitor that matched its small footprint. Most small monitors range from 5 to 10 inches. I found that anything around 7 inches strikes a good balance between usability and portability. If you want something ultra-portable for on-the-go projects, a 5-inch screen works well, but it can feel cramped for longer use.
2. Resolution and Display Quality
I looked for a monitor with at least 800×480 resolution. This resolution is usually enough for coding, monitoring projects, or media playback without straining your eyes. If you want sharper images or plan to use the Pi for graphics-heavy tasks, consider a monitor supporting 1080p. Also, IPS panels offer better color and viewing angles compared to TN panels, which I found important for clarity.
3. Connectivity Options
Make sure the monitor has the right input ports for your Raspberry Pi model. Most Pis output via HDMI, so I prioritized monitors with HDMI input. Some small monitors come with micro HDMI or mini HDMI ports, which perfectly match Raspberry Pi 4 or Zero models. USB-C powered monitors can simplify power management since you might be able to power both the Pi and the screen from one source.
4. Touchscreen Capability
Depending on your project, I found a touchscreen monitor extremely useful. It adds interactivity without needing extra peripherals like a mouse or keyboard. Many small monitors designed for Raspberry Pi come with touch support and drivers that work out of the box, which made setup hassle-free for me.
5. Power Requirements
When I first set up my monitor, I learned it’s important to consider how the screen is powered. Some small monitors draw power through USB, which can be powered from the Pi itself or an external power bank. Others require a separate power adapter. I recommend a monitor that can run off USB power for the simplest and most portable setup.
6. Build Quality and Stand
Since I move my Raspberry Pi setup around, I looked for a monitor with a sturdy build and an adjustable stand or case. Some small monitors come with protective cases or mounting options, which are handy if you want to attach the screen to your Pi or a project enclosure.
7. Price and Warranty
Small monitors for Raspberry Pi come in a range of prices. I balanced cost with features, opting for a mid-range option that offered good resolution and touchscreen support without breaking the bank. It’s also wise to check the warranty and customer reviews to avoid issues with faulty units.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right small monitor for your Raspberry Pi depends on your specific needs—whether it’s portability, touchscreen interaction, or display quality. For me, a 7-inch 800×480 HDMI touchscreen powered via USB hit the sweet spot. I hope these pointers help you find the perfect monitor to enhance your Raspberry Pi projects!
Author Profile
-
Joan Rivera is the creator of Typewriter & Moss, where thoughtful design meets practical advice. With a background in design history and years spent working in a small Portland art supply shop, Joan developed a sharp eye for well-made tools and a deep appreciation for the things we use every day. Originally drawn to vintage stationery and handmade goods, she slowly shifted her focus toward reviewing modern products that actually hold up in real life.
Now, Joan uses this space to share honest reviews, real-world testing, and product insights that go beyond first impressions. Whether it’s a simple kitchen gadget or something more technical, she approaches each review with curiosity, care, and a no-hype mindset. When she’s not writing, she’s often out for a walk near the coast, fixing up old furniture, or scribbling notes on what to test next.
Latest entries
- September 15, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested John Frieda Frizz Ease Curl Reviver: My Honest Experience and Results
- September 15, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested Sanders Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Caramels: A Decadent Treat Worth Savoring
- September 15, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested 8 Ft LED Lights: Here’s What You Need to Know Before Buying
- September 15, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested Rub N Buff Gold Leaf: Here’s What Happened When I Used It