Buying Guide
The Best Portable Monitors Under $100
Three monitors compared, from the KYY 15.6 to the ARZOPA Z1FC, with the trade-offs of each named.
By The PC Journal editorial team
11 min read3 products evaluated
A $100 ceiling rules out the premium models, which makes the differences between the rest matter more. Every monitor here cost $100 or less when we checked and is a portable screen of 18 inches or less, ordered by refresh rate.
This is a research roundup, not a lab test: refresh rate, resolution and size come from each maker's published specs; a missing refresh rate is flagged, not filled in, and no figure here comes from our own testing.
Quick Picks
Our 3 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
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)
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)
| Pick | Why it’s here | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 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) |
Our Picks
FreeSync Adaptive Sync1 of 3
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
- Price-first buyers should look at the KYY 15.6, which 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 screen size it sits mid-pack at 16 inches: the ARZOPA Z1FC comes in at 16.1 inches, and the KYY 15.6 comes in at 15.6 inches. It is the only pick here with a 1920x1200 resolution; the ARZOPA Z1FC has a 1920x1080 (1080p) resolution instead. Worth noting too: 144Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen. Its price falls between the KYY 15.6 and the ARZOPA Z1FC, based on our last check.
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 Size2 of 3
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
- Price-first buyers should look at the KYY 15.6, which cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It adds a high refresh rate at a low price. Nothing else here matches its 16.1 inches screen size; the TECLAST 16 comes closest at 16 inches. It shares a 1920x1080 (1080p) resolution with the KYY 15.6; the TECLAST 16 goes with 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. Only the TECLAST 16 came close to it on price at the time of writing; it cost the most of the 3 picks.
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
Lowest Price Here3 of 3
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
- The maker gives no refresh rate, so look elsewhere if that figure decides it for you.
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. On screen size it trails the group at 15.6 inches, while the ARZOPA Z1FC comes in at 16.1 inches.
Like the ARZOPA Z1FC, it has a 1920x1080 (1080p) resolution, while the TECLAST 16 uses a 1920x1200 resolution. You also get a PU leather smart cover that doubles as a stand and two built-in speakers. It was the cheapest of the group when we checked; the TECLAST 16 was the next step up. Buyers who need a confirmed refresh rate should compare it with the TECLAST 16, which offers 144Hz.
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
- Screen size trails the ARZOPA Z1FC (16.1 inches)
How We Chose These Portable Monitors Under $100
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- What we compared
- We lined up three monitors on refresh rate, resolution, screen size and panel from manufacturer specifications. We did not test them in-house.
- The shared baseline
- All 3, from the TECLAST 16 to the KYY 15.6, state resolution, screen size and panel and share IPS panel and USB-C.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The KYY 15.6 gives no refresh rate; the KYY 15.6 gives no color gamut.
- Price range
- From the KYY 15.6 to the ARZOPA Z1FC, all sat in the $50 to $100 tier when we checked.
What to Look for in a Portable Monitor Under $100
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Screen size
Here screen size runs from 15.6 inches on the KYY 15.6 to 16.1 inches on the ARZOPA Z1FC. For less, the TECLAST 16 is the runner-up at 16 inches.
Color gamut
The TECLAST 16 lists 100% sRGB; the ARZOPA Z1FC lists 106% sRGB.
Features beyond the spec table
The TECLAST 16: USB-C single-cable video and power. The ARZOPA Z1FC: portrait and landscape modes. The KYY 15.6: two built-in speakers.
Where your budget lands
All 3 sat in one tier when we checked, from the KYY 15.6 at the low end to the ARZOPA Z1FC at the top, so decide on features first.
Match the pick to your priority
Buyers who want a freeSync: the TECLAST 16. Buyers who put screen size first: the ARZOPA Z1FC. Getting PU leather smart cover that doubles as a stand for the least money: the KYY 15.6.
How to Choose a Portable Monitor Under $100
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| 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) |
| 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 |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The ARZOPA Z1FC leads on screen size at 16.1 inches, ahead of the TECLAST 16 at 16 inches. "Not listed" means the maker leaves that figure out.
| Monitor | Refresh rate | Resolution | Size | Panel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TECLAST 16 | 144Hz | 1920x1200 | 16 inches | IPS |
| ARZOPA Z1FC | 144Hz | 1920x1080 (1080p) | 16.1 inches | IPS |
| KYY 15.6 | Not listed | 1920x1080 (1080p) | 15.6 inches | IPS |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the ARZOPA Z1FC ahead of the TECLAST 16 on screen size?
The ARZOPA Z1FC leads at 16.1 inches, with the TECLAST 16 at 16 inches. The KYY 15.6 is at the other end of this group with 15.6 inches.
Is the ARZOPA Z1FC worth paying more than the KYY 15.6?
On paper it adds screen size (16.1 inches against 15.6 inches). The KYY 15.6 was the lowest-priced pick when we checked, so pay the difference only if those gains matter to you.
What makes the ARZOPA Z1FC the Largest Screen Size?
It earns the label for the largest screen size here (16.1 inches). It suits anyone who put screen size first.
Do the TECLAST 16 and the ARZOPA Z1FC differ on resolution?
The TECLAST 16 uses 1920x1200; the ARZOPA Z1FC and the KYY 15.6 use 1920x1080 (1080p).
Beyond the specs, what sets the TECLAST 16 and the ARZOPA Z1FC apart?
The TECLAST 16: 144Hz with FreeSync. The ARZOPA Z1FC: a built-in kickstand. The KYY 15.6: a PU leather smart cover that doubles as a stand.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the TECLAST 16, chosen for a freeSync. Look at the ARZOPA Z1FC for the largest screen size here (16.1 inches) and the KYY 15.6 for the cheapest way into this group, below the TECLAST 16 if those matter more to you.
Measure desk depth before buying a larger screen.