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Buying Guide

The Best Portable Monitors

Six USB-C portable monitors from 15.6 to 16.1 inches, including 144Hz and 180Hz models.

By , PC Hardware Editor

12 min read6 products evaluated

Desktop monitors on monitor arms above a wooden desk with keyboards and mice
Illustrative image
Jump to
  1. Quick Picks
  2. Our Picks
  3. How We Chose
  4. What to Look For
  5. Comparison
  6. FAQ

A portable monitor turns a laptop into a two-screen setup and can serve a handheld or console on the go. All six connect over USB-C.

We compared resolution, refresh rate and color coverage from each listing.

Quick Picks

Which of the 6 picks to look at first. Tap a name for the full analysis.

  1. Fastest Refresh

    ARZOPA Z3FC 16.1-inch 2.5K 180Hz Portable

    The highest refresh rate here (180Hz).

    Best for: Esports players with a GPU that can feed high frame rates.

    Check price for ARZOPA Z3FC 16.1-inch 2.5K 180Hz Portable on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

  2. Best 16:10 Screen

    VisionOwl 16-inch 2.5K 144Hz Portable

    2560x1600 at 144Hz.

    Best for: Documents and games.

    Check price for VisionOwl 16-inch 2.5K 144Hz Portable on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

  3. Best 144Hz Value

    TECLAST 16-inch 144Hz Portable

    144Hz with FreeSync near $90.

    Best for: Budget gaming.

    Check price for TECLAST 16-inch 144Hz Portable on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

  4. Best 1080p 144Hz

    ARZOPA Z1FC 16.1-inch 144Hz Portable

    144Hz with 106% sRGB.

    Best for: Handheld and laptop gaming.

    Check price for ARZOPA Z1FC 16.1-inch 144Hz Portable on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

  5. Best Brand Pick

    ASUS ZenScreen MB166C 15.6-inch Portable

    An ASUS 15.6-inch IPS screen.

    Best for: Laptop second screens.

    Check price for ASUS ZenScreen MB166C 15.6-inch Portable on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

  6. Lowest Price

    KYY 15.6-inch Portable

    1080p IPS near $70.

    Best for: Tight budgets.

    Check price for KYY 15.6-inch Portable on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

Our Picks

Fastest Refresh1 of 6

ARZOPA Z3FC 16.1-inch 2.5K 180Hz Portable

ARZOPA's Z3FC raises a 16.1-inch portable to 2560x1440 at 180Hz with 400 nits of listed brightness.

Best for

Esports players with a GPU that can feed high frame rates.

Skip if

If budget leads, the KYY 15.6 was cheaper at our last price check.
Check price on Amazon for ARZOPA Z3FC 16.1-inch 2.5K 180Hz Portable (opens in a new tab)
ARZOPA Z3FC 16.1-inch 2.5K 180Hz Portable

Why we like it

It is the sharpest and fastest portable here. Its 180Hz refresh rate is the highest here; the VisionOwl 16 comes next at 144Hz. On screen size it ties with the ARZOPA Z1FC at 16.1 inches.

It is the only pick here with a 2560x1440 (1440p) resolution; the VisionOwl 16 has a 2560x1600 resolution instead. It is the only pick here with a 107% sRGB color gamut; the TECLAST 16 has a 100% sRGB color gamut instead. It also comes with two USB-C ports and mini HDMI and a listing that names PS5, Xbox and Steam Deck. Its price falls between the ARZOPA Z1FC and the ZenScreen 15.6, based on our last check.

Key specs

Refresh rate
180Hz
Resolution
2560x1440 (1440p)
Size
16.1 inches
Color gamut
107% sRGB
USB-C
Yes

Pros

  • 180Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen
  • 1440p resolution, sharper than 1080p at 27 inches
  • 107% sRGB colour coverage
  • a USB-C input for laptops

Cons

  • Costs more than the KYY 15.6 at the time of writing
Check price on Amazon for ARZOPA Z3FC 16.1-inch 2.5K 180Hz Portable (opens in a new tab)

Best 16:10 Screen2 of 6

VisionOwl 16-inch 2.5K 144Hz Portable

VisionOwl's 16-inch portable runs 2560x1600 at 144Hz with 110% sRGB coverage.

Best for

Documents and games.

Skip if

Skip it if price comes first: the KYY 15.6 cost less when we checked.
Check price on Amazon for VisionOwl 16-inch 2.5K 144Hz Portable (opens in a new tab)
VisionOwl 16-inch 2.5K 144Hz Portable

Why we like it

The 16:10 shape suits documents as well as games. On refresh rate it ties with the TECLAST 16 and the ARZOPA Z1FC at 144Hz. It matches the TECLAST 16 on screen size (16 inches).

You get a 2560x1600 resolution here, which sets it apart from the TECLAST 16 and its a 1920x1200 resolution. You get a 110% sRGB color gamut here, which sets it apart from the TECLAST 16 and its a 100% sRGB color gamut. It also offers 470 nits brightness, a full-size HDMI port and a 16:10 aspect ratio. Only the ZenScreen 15.6 came close to it on price at the time of writing; it cost the most of the 6 picks.

Key specs

Refresh rate
144Hz
Resolution
2560x1600
Size
16 inches
Panel
IPS
Color gamut
110% sRGB
USB-C
Yes

Pros

  • 144Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen
  • an IPS panel with wide viewing angles
  • 110% sRGB colour coverage
  • a USB-C input for laptops

Cons

  • Costs more than the KYY 15.6 at the time of writing
Check price on Amazon for VisionOwl 16-inch 2.5K 144Hz Portable (opens in a new tab)

Best 144Hz Value3 of 6

TECLAST 16-inch 144Hz Portable

TECLAST's 16-inch portable runs 1920x1200 at 144Hz with 100% sRGB coverage and FreeSync.

Best for

Budget gaming.

Skip if

Price-first buyers should look at the KYY 15.6, which cost less when we checked.
Check price on Amazon for TECLAST 16-inch 144Hz Portable (opens in a new tab)
TECLAST 16-inch 144Hz Portable

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 VisionOwl 16 and the ARZOPA Z1FC at 144Hz. It matches the VisionOwl 16 on screen size (16 inches). A 1920x1200 resolution is unique to it among these picks, while the KYY 15.6 uses a 1920x1080 (1080p) resolution.

A 100% sRGB color gamut is unique to it among these picks, while the VisionOwl 16 uses a 110% sRGB color gamut. When we checked, only the KYY 15.6 cost less, and the ARZOPA Z1FC cost more.

Key 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
Check price on Amazon for TECLAST 16-inch 144Hz Portable (opens in a new tab)

Best 1080p 144Hz4 of 6

ARZOPA Z1FC 16.1-inch 144Hz Portable

ARZOPA's Z1FC is a 16.1-inch 1080p IPS portable at 144Hz with 106% sRGB coverage.

Best for

Handheld and laptop gaming.

Skip if

Skip it if refresh rate matters most to you; the ARZOPA Z3FC offers 180Hz.
Check price on Amazon for ARZOPA Z1FC 16.1-inch 144Hz Portable (opens in a new tab)
ARZOPA Z1FC 16.1-inch 144Hz Portable

Why we like it

It adds a high refresh rate at a low price. It matches the VisionOwl 16 and the TECLAST 16 on refresh rate (144Hz). On screen size it ties with the ARZOPA Z3FC at 16.1 inches.

Like the ZenScreen 15.6 and KYY 15.6, it has a 1920x1080 (1080p) resolution, while the TECLAST 16 uses a 1920x1200 resolution. No other pick in this guide offers a 106% sRGB color gamut; compare the TECLAST 16, which has a 100% sRGB color gamut. 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 6, between the cheaper TECLAST 16 and the pricier ARZOPA Z3FC, at the time of writing.

Key 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

  • Refresh rate trails the ARZOPA Z3FC (180Hz)
  • Costs more than the KYY 15.6 at the time of writing

The catch

The trade-off is refresh rate; for more, the ARZOPA Z3FC offers 180Hz.

Check price on Amazon for ARZOPA Z1FC 16.1-inch 144Hz Portable (opens in a new tab)

Best Brand Pick5 of 6

ASUS ZenScreen MB166C 15.6-inch Portable

ASUS's ZenScreen is a 15.6-inch 1080p IPS portable powered over USB-C.

Best for

Laptop second screens.

Skip if

Pass if a published refresh rate matters; this one has none.
Check price on Amazon for ASUS ZenScreen MB166C 15.6-inch Portable (opens in a new tab)
ASUS ZenScreen MB166C 15.6-inch Portable

Why we like it

It is the brand-name choice for a laptop second screen. It runs from USB-C or USB-A and is TÜV-certified flicker-free. It matches the KYY 15.6 on screen size (15.6 inches).

It shares a 1920x1080 (1080p) resolution with the ARZOPA Z1FC and KYY 15.6; the VisionOwl 16 goes with a 2560x1600 resolution. It also offers a kickstand for portrait or landscape, USB-C or USB-A connection and an anti-glare surface. Worth noting: an IPS panel with wide viewing angles.

It was priced above the ARZOPA Z3FC and below the VisionOwl 16 at the time of writing. There is no published refresh rate figure, whereas the ARZOPA Z3FC offers 180Hz.

Key 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
  • Kickstand for portrait or landscape
  • USB-C or USB-A connection

Cons

  • No published refresh rate
  • Costs more than the KYY 15.6 at the time of writing
Check price on Amazon for ASUS ZenScreen MB166C 15.6-inch Portable (opens in a new tab)

Lowest Price6 of 6

KYY 15.6-inch Portable

KYY's 15.6-inch 1080p IPS portable is the lowest-priced here at the time of writing.

Best for

Tight budgets.

Skip if

Skip it if you need to know its refresh rate before buying; the maker doesn't publish one.
Check price on Amazon for KYY 15.6-inch Portable (opens in a new tab)
KYY 15.6-inch Portable

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 ZenScreen 15.6 on screen size (15.6 inches).

It shares a 1920x1080 (1080p) resolution with the ARZOPA Z1FC and ZenScreen 15.6; the ARZOPA Z3FC goes with a 2560x1440 (1440p) resolution. It also comes with a PU leather smart cover that doubles as a stand and two built-in speakers. Another plus: an IPS panel with wide viewing angles. No other pick here cost less at our last price check, and the TECLAST 16 was closest.

Key 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
  • Screen size trails the ARZOPA Z3FC (16.1 inches)

The catch

If you want a confirmed refresh rate, look to the ARZOPA Z3FC instead: it offers 180Hz, while this one gives no figure.

Check price on Amazon for KYY 15.6-inch Portable (opens in a new tab)

How We Chose These Portable Monitors

Alex Morgan compared the manufacturer specifications, connectivity, warranty terms and compatibility of every pick. Figures come from the makers unless a third-party source is named; we did not test these products ourselves.

A desk with a laptop, a monitor and a small portable screen
A desk with a laptop, a monitor and a small portable screen
What we compared
We compared six monitors on refresh rate, resolution, screen size and panel as the makers state them. These are research figures, not bench results: 2 of 6 picks leave out refresh rate.
What every pick has in common
All 6, from the ARZOPA Z3FC to the KYY 15.6, state resolution, screen size and USB-C and share USB-C.
Where the specs have gaps
The ZenScreen 15.6 and the KYY 15.6 give no refresh rate; the ARZOPA Z3FC gives no panel.
Price range
At our last check the picks ran from the KYY 15.6 ($50 to $100) to the VisionOwl 16 ($150 to $250).

What to Look for in a Portable Monitor

Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.

  1. Screen size

    Across these 6 picks screen size spans 15.6 inches (the KYY 15.6) to 16.1 inches (the ARZOPA Z3FC). The ARZOPA Z1FC comes second at 16.1 inches, in the same price tier as the ARZOPA Z3FC.

  2. Refresh rate across these picks

    The ARZOPA Z3FC tops refresh rate at 180Hz and the ARZOPA Z1FC sits lowest at 144Hz. The ARZOPA Z3FC is the pick for refresh rate. The ZenScreen 15.6 and the KYY 15.6 give no refresh rate figure, so 4 of 6 picks are compared here.

    Two monitors side by side on a desk
    Two monitors side by side on a desk

  3. Color gamut

    The ARZOPA Z3FC lists 107% sRGB; the VisionOwl 16 lists 110% sRGB; the TECLAST 16 lists 100% sRGB; the ARZOPA Z1FC lists 106% sRGB. Settling color gamut first narrows 4 picks to 1, 1 or 1 or 1.

  4. Extras that separate them

    The ARZOPA Z1FC: portrait and landscape modes. The ZenScreen 15.6: USB-C or USB-A connection. The KYY 15.6: two built-in speakers.

    A desk with a main monitor and small extra screens beside it
    A desk with a main monitor and small extra screens beside it

  5. Where your budget lands

    $50 to $100 buys the KYY 15.6 and the TECLAST 16; $100 to $150 buys the ARZOPA Z1FC, the ARZOPA Z3FC and the ZenScreen 15.6; $150 to $250 buys the VisionOwl 16 at our last check.

How to Choose a Portable Monitor

By priority

PriorityConsiderWhy
Esports players with a GPU that can feed high frame ratesARZOPA Z3FCThe highest refresh rate here (180Hz)
Documents and gamesVisionOwl 162560x1600 at 144Hz
Budget gamingTECLAST 16144Hz with FreeSync near $90
Handheld and laptop gamingARZOPA Z1FC144Hz with 106% sRGB
Laptop second screensZenScreen 15.6An ASUS 15.6-inch IPS screen
Tight budgetsKYY 15.61080p IPS near $70

Scroll sideways to see every column.

A monitor beside a vertical second screen
A monitor beside a vertical second screen

Key specs side by side

The ARZOPA Z3FC leads on screen size at 16.1 inches, ahead of the ARZOPA Z1FC at 16.1 inches. "Not listed" marks refresh rate where the ZenScreen 15.6 and the KYY 15.6 leave the figure out.

MonitorRefresh rateResolutionSizePanel
ARZOPA Z3FC180Hz2560x1440 (1440p)16.1 inchesNot listed
VisionOwl 16144Hz2560x160016 inchesIPS
TECLAST 16144Hz1920x120016 inchesIPS
ARZOPA Z1FC144Hz1920x1080 (1080p)16.1 inchesIPS
ZenScreen 15.6Not listed1920x1080 (1080p)15.6 inchesIPS
KYY 15.6Not listed1920x1080 (1080p)15.6 inchesIPS

Scroll sideways to see every column.

By price at the time of writing

The KYY 15.6 was the lowest-priced pick ($50 to $100) and the VisionOwl 16 the highest ($150 to $250) when we checked; tiers move with Amazon pricing.

Price tierMonitors
About $50 to $100KYY 15.6, TECLAST 16
About $100 to $150ARZOPA Z1FC, ARZOPA Z3FC, ZenScreen 15.6
About $150 to $250VisionOwl 16

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the VisionOwl 16 compare with the ARZOPA Z3FC on refresh rate?

Between the top two, it is 180Hz on the ARZOPA Z3FC against 144Hz on the VisionOwl 16, a 25% difference. The ZenScreen 15.6 and the KYY 15.6 don't state a refresh rate figure, so they sit outside this comparison; 4 of 6 picks are ranked.

What does the VisionOwl 16 add over the KYY 15.6?

The spec sheets show screen size (16 inches against 15.6 inches) in its favour. On our last price check the KYY 15.6 was in the $50 to $100 tier and the VisionOwl 16 in the $150 to $250 tier, with 4 other picks between them; pay the difference only if screen size decides your purchase.

Why is the ARZOPA Z1FC our Best 1080p 144Hz pick?

It carries the badge for 144Hz with 106% sRGB. The KYY 15.6, the cheapest pick, sat in the $50 to $100 tier against $100 to $150 here, without out-ranking it on any listed spec. It makes sense for handheld and laptop gaming.

Do the ARZOPA Z3FC and the VisionOwl 16 differ on resolution?

The ARZOPA Z3FC uses 2560x1440 (1440p); the VisionOwl 16 uses 2560x1600; the TECLAST 16 uses 1920x1200; the ARZOPA Z1FC, the ZenScreen 15.6 and the KYY 15.6 use 1920x1080 (1080p).

What extras do the ARZOPA Z3FC and the VisionOwl 16 include?

The ARZOPA Z3FC: 400 nits brightness. The VisionOwl 16: 470 nits brightness. The TECLAST 16: 144Hz with FreeSync.

Bottom Line

ARZOPA's Z3FC is the sharpest and fastest. VisionOwl's 16:10 screen suits work, and KYY's model is the lowest-priced.

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About the author

PC Hardware Editor

Alex covers PC hardware, monitors, components, upgrades and peripherals for The PC Journal, with a focus on helping readers understand specifications, compatibility and meaningful product trade-offs.

Covers: Monitors, Graphics cards, Processors, PC components, Peripherals, Upgrades and compatibility

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