Buying Guide
The Best Portable Monitor for Laptop Gaming
We weighed four monitors on refresh rate and screen size; the ARZOPA Z1FC has the largest screen size, and the KYY 15.6 costs the least.
By The PC Journal editorial team
11 min read4 products evaluated
A portable monitor gives a gaming laptop a second screen for chat or guides. Every pick is 18 inches or smaller, ordered from the lowest price.
Rankings weigh refresh rate, resolution and size as the makers state them; we did not test these monitors ourselves, and if a maker skips refresh rate, the guide says so.
Quick Picks
Our 4 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Lowest Price Here
KYY 15.6-inch Portable
The cheapest way into this group, below the TECLAST 16.
Best for: Getting PU leather smart cover that doubles as a stand for the least money.
Our take Check price for KYY 15.6-inch Portable (opens in a new tab)
FreeSync Adaptive Sync
TECLAST 16-inch 144Hz Portable
A freeSync.
Best for: Buyers who want a freeSync.
Our take Check price for TECLAST 16-inch 144Hz Portable (opens in a new tab)
Largest Screen Size
ARZOPA Z1FC 16.1-inch 144Hz Portable
The largest screen size here (16.1 inches).
Best for: Buyers who put screen size first.
Our take Check price for ARZOPA Z1FC 16.1-inch 144Hz Portable (opens in a new tab)
Premium Pick
cocopar 15.6-inch Portable
The top of this price range, adding VESA mounting holes.
Best for: Spending more for the fullest feature set.
Our take Check price for cocopar 15.6-inch Portable (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it’s here | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| The cheapest way into this group, below the TECLAST 16. | Getting PU leather smart cover that doubles as a stand for the least money. | Check price for KYY 15.6-inch Portable (opens in a new tab) |
| A freeSync. | Buyers who want a freeSync. | Check price for TECLAST 16-inch 144Hz Portable (opens in a new tab) |
| The largest screen size here (16.1 inches). | Buyers who put screen size first. | Check price for ARZOPA Z1FC 16.1-inch 144Hz Portable (opens in a new tab) |
| The top of this price range, adding VESA mounting holes. | Spending more for the fullest feature set. | Check price for cocopar 15.6-inch Portable (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Lowest Price Here1 of 4
KYY 15.6-inch Portable on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
KYY's 15.6-inch 1080p IPS portable is the lowest-priced here at the time of writing.
Best for
- Getting PU leather smart cover that doubles as a stand for the least money.
Skip if
- Skip it if you need to know its refresh rate before buying; the maker doesn't publish one.
Why we like it
It connects over USB-C. Its 15.6-inch IPS screen is 0.3 inches thin and weighs 1.7 lbs, and two USB-C ports plus mini-HDMI connect laptops and consoles. It matches the cocopar 15.6 on screen size (15.6 inches).
It shares a 1920x1080 (1080p) resolution with the ARZOPA Z1FC and cocopar 15.6; the TECLAST 16 goes with a 1920x1200 resolution. It also offers a PU leather smart cover that doubles as a stand and two built-in speakers. No other pick here cost less at our last price check, and the TECLAST 16 was closest. If you want a confirmed refresh rate, look to the TECLAST 16 instead: it offers 144Hz, while this one gives no figure.
Key dimensions & specs
- Resolution: 1920x1080 (1080p)
- Size: 15.6 inches
- Panel: IPS
- USB-C: Yes
Pros
- an IPS panel with wide viewing angles
- a USB-C input for laptops
- PU leather smart cover that doubles as a stand
- Two built-in speakers
Cons
- No published refresh rate
FreeSync Adaptive Sync2 of 4
TECLAST 16-inch 144Hz Portable on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
TECLAST's 16-inch portable runs 1920x1200 at 144Hz with 100% sRGB coverage and FreeSync.
Best for
- Buyers who want a freeSync.
Skip if
- Skip it if price comes first: the KYY 15.6 cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It combines a taller screen with a high refresh rate. Its 16-inch 1920x1200 panel runs at 144Hz with 100% sRGB, and one USB-C cable carries video and power. HDMI covers consoles.
On refresh rate it ties with the ARZOPA Z1FC at 144Hz. Its 16 inches screen size ranks second of 4 here, behind the ARZOPA Z1FC (16.1 inches) and ahead of the cocopar 15.6 (15.6 inches). A 1920x1200 resolution is unique to it among these picks, while the ARZOPA Z1FC uses a 1920x1080 (1080p) resolution. When we checked, only the KYY 15.6 cost less, and the ARZOPA Z1FC cost more.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 144Hz
- Resolution: 1920x1200
- Size: 16 inches
- Panel: IPS
- Color gamut: 100% sRGB
- Adaptive sync: FreeSync
- USB-C: Yes
Pros
- 144Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen
- an IPS panel with wide viewing angles
- 100% sRGB colour coverage
- FreeSync to reduce screen tearing
Cons
- Costs more than the KYY 15.6 at the time of writing
Largest Screen Size3 of 4
ARZOPA Z1FC 16.1-inch 144Hz Portable on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
ARZOPA's Z1FC is a 16.1-inch 1080p IPS portable at 144Hz with 106% sRGB coverage.
Best for
- Buyers who put screen size first.
Skip if
- Skip it if price comes first: the KYY 15.6 cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It adds a high refresh rate at a low price. It matches the TECLAST 16 on refresh rate (144Hz). Nothing else here matches its 16.1 inches screen size; the TECLAST 16 comes closest at 16 inches.
Like the KYY 15.6 and cocopar 15.6, it has a 1920x1080 (1080p) resolution, while the TECLAST 16 uses a 1920x1200 resolution. You also get a built-in kickstand and portrait and landscape modes. At 1080p, 144Hz is within reach of mid-range graphics cards in esports titles; use DisplayPort if your card's HDMI port is older. On price it sat third of 4, between the cheaper TECLAST 16 and the pricier cocopar 15.6, at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 144Hz
- Resolution: 1920x1080 (1080p)
- Size: 16.1 inches
- Panel: IPS
- Color gamut: 106% sRGB
- USB-C: Yes
Pros
- 144Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen
- an IPS panel with wide viewing angles
- 106% sRGB colour coverage
- a USB-C input for laptops
Cons
- Costs more than the KYY 15.6 at the time of writing
Premium Pick4 of 4
cocopar 15.6-inch Portable on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The cocopar 15.6 stands out for VESA mounting holes, and it adds built-in speakers.
Best for
- Spending more for the fullest feature set.
Skip if
- Choose another pick if you can't accept this: a 60Hz refresh rate that suits work more than fast games.
Why we like it
It also offers a 60Hz refresh rate and offers a 15.6 inches screen size. Two full-featured USB-C ports and an HDMI port connect laptops, PS4 and Xbox, and one USB-C cable can carry video and power. Its 60Hz refresh rate is the lowest in this group; the TECLAST 16 leads at 144Hz.
Like the KYY 15.6 and ARZOPA Z1FC, it has a 1920x1080 (1080p) resolution, while the TECLAST 16 uses a 1920x1200 resolution. It was the highest-priced of the 4 picks at the time of writing, so the case for it rests on what it adds over the ARZOPA Z1FC and the rest.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 60Hz
- Resolution: 1920x1080 (1080p)
- Size: 15.6 inches
- Panel: IPS
- USB-C: Yes
Pros
- an IPS panel with wide viewing angles
- a USB-C input for laptops
- VESA mounting holes
- Built-in speakers
Cons
- a 60Hz refresh rate that suits work more than fast games
- Refresh rate trails the TECLAST 16 (144Hz)
- Screen size trails the ARZOPA Z1FC (16.1 inches)
How We Chose
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- Panel
- We noted panel type and the trade-offs it brings for motion, contrast and burn-in.
- Connectivity and stand
- We checked ports, USB-C and stand adjustment where the listing states them.
- Resolution and refresh
- We compared listed resolution and refresh rate against the graphics power each needs.
- HDR and colour
- We recorded DisplayHDR certifications and listed colour gamut.
What to Look for in a Portable Monitor for Laptop Gaming
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
How much refresh rate you need
Among these picks, refresh rate runs from 60Hz on the cocopar 15.6 to 144Hz on the TECLAST 16. Settle how much you need before comparing prices, since paying for more rarely helps if your use never reaches it.
Choose a refresh rate you can reach
A higher refresh rate only helps when your PC delivers matching frame rates. 144Hz to 180Hz suits most players; 240Hz and above rewards competitive shooters.
Check ports and cables
High refresh rates at 1440p and 4K need DisplayPort 1.4 or HDMI 2.1. Consoles need HDMI 2.1 for 4K at 120Hz.
Consider the stand
A stand with height, tilt and swivel adjustment saves buying a monitor arm. Check VESA mounting if you plan to use one anyway.
Read HDR labels carefully
HDR10 means the monitor accepts an HDR signal, not that it displays it well. DisplayHDR 600 or True Black 400 certifications say more about real HDR performance.
How to Choose a Portable Monitor for Laptop Gaming
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Getting PU leather smart cover that doubles as a stand for the least money | KYY 15.6 | The cheapest way into this group, below the TECLAST 16 |
| Buyers who want a freeSync | TECLAST 16 | A freeSync |
| Buyers who put screen size first | ARZOPA Z1FC | The largest screen size here (16.1 inches) |
| Spending more for the fullest feature set | cocopar 15.6 | The top of this price range, adding VESA mounting holes |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
Figures as each maker states them.
| Monitor | Refresh rate | Resolution | Size | Panel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| KYY 15.6 | Not listed | 1920x1080 (1080p) | 15.6 inches | IPS |
| TECLAST 16 | 144Hz | 1920x1200 | 16 inches | IPS |
| ARZOPA Z1FC | 144Hz | 1920x1080 (1080p) | 16.1 inches | IPS |
| cocopar 15.6 | 60Hz | 1920x1080 (1080p) | 15.6 inches | IPS |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
Prices change often; these tiers reflect Amazon prices when this guide was updated.
| Price tier | Monitors |
|---|---|
| About $50 to $100 | KYY 15.6, TECLAST 16, ARZOPA Z1FC |
| About $100 to $150 | cocopar 15.6 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How do these monitors compare on screen size?
The ARZOPA Z1FC, at 16.1 inches. The TECLAST 16 follows at 16 inches, while the cocopar 15.6 has 15.6 inches.
Which is the cheapest pick in this guide?
The KYY 15.6 cost the least when we checked, and the cocopar 15.6 sat at the top of the range. Prices move often, so check the current listing before buying.
Is 1080p fine on a 27-inch monitor?
It works, but text and detail look softer. 1440p is sharper at 27 inches; 1080p is best at 24 to 25 inches.
Does a FreeSync monitor work with an NVIDIA card?
Most do as G-SYNC Compatible over DisplayPort. Check the product page or NVIDIA's compatibility list for the model.
Is OLED burn-in still a problem?
It is a risk with static elements over many hours. Current OLED monitors use pixel-refresh routines to reduce it; check the maker's warranty for burn-in coverage.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the KYY 15.6, chosen for the cheapest way into this group, below the TECLAST 16. Look at the TECLAST 16 for a freeSync, the ARZOPA Z1FC for the largest screen size here (16.1 inches) and the cocopar 15.6 for the top of this price range, adding VESA mounting holes if those matter more to you.
Check that your laptop's USB-C port carries video before relying on one cable.