We tested the best portable monitors under $150 for travel, remote work, and gaming. Our top pick is the Arzopa Z1RC with its 2.5K resolution and 16:10 aspect ratio — the things actually worth buying for digital nomads on a budget.
The most reliable all-rounder at the lowest price point; works with virtually everything out of the box.
A second screen is the single biggest productivity upgrade you can carry in your bag. For digital nomads, remote workers, and anyone who's tried to reference a PDF while typing in a coffee shop, a portable monitor turns a cramped laptop into a proper workstation. The catch? Good ones used to cost $300 or more. That's changed.
We've tested the best portable monitors under $150 — the ones that actually deliver sharp images, reliable connectivity, and build quality that survives the road. Here are the things actually worth buying.
The productivity king. The Arzopa Z1RC packs a 16-inch 2.5K (2560×1600) IPS panel with a 16:10 aspect ratio — that extra vertical space means you see more of a document, spreadsheet, or code editor without scrolling.1 Most budget monitors settle for 1080p and 16:9, which feels cramped by comparison.
It connects via dual USB-C ports with DisplayPort Alt Mode, so it works with modern laptops, phones, and even the Steam Deck. The slim 0.3-inch profile slides into most laptop sleeves. If you spend your day in documents, email, or any text-heavy workflow, this is the one.
Price: ~$130–$150
The reliable all-rounder. The KYY 15.6-inch 1080p IPS monitor is the most common recommendation for a simple reason: it just works. It's slim, light, and compatible with virtually every USB-C laptop, phone, and console out of the box.1
The 1080p resolution is sharp enough for productivity and media, and the built-in smart cover doubles as a stand. At well under $110, it's the best value pick if you want a second screen without second-guessing compatibility.
Price: ~$100–$110
Built for the road warrior. ViewSonic is a name you trust in displays, and the VA1655 lives up to it. This 15.6-inch 1080p IPS monitor includes a built-in, adjustable stand — no flimsy folio case to prop it up.1
The standout feature is 60W USB-C pass-through charging: plug your laptop charger into the monitor, and it powers both the display and your laptop through a single cable. For anyone who lives out of a carry-on, that's one less brick to pack.
Price: ~$140–$150
144Hz on a budget. The Arzopa Z1FC delivers a 144Hz refresh rate at 1080p — a rarity at this price point.1 Wirecutter calls it "a budget heavy hitter with good image quality," and we agree.2
Motion clarity is noticeably smoother than the standard 60Hz panels, making it a genuine option for esports titles, racing games, or even console gaming on the go. It's also fully USB-C powered, so no wall outlet required if your laptop can supply enough juice.
Price: ~$110–$130
| Spec | Arzopa Z1RC | KYY 15.6" | ViewSonic VA1655 | Arzopa Z1FC |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Resolution | 2.5K (2560×1600) | 1080p | 1080p | 1080p |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 60Hz | 60Hz | 144Hz |
| Ports | Dual USB-C | USB-C, mini-HDMI | USB-C (60W PD) | Dual USB-C |
This is the single most important spec. "USB-C" alone doesn't guarantee video — you need a monitor and a laptop that both support DisplayPort Alt Mode over USB-C. Every pick above supports it. If your laptop only has HDMI, make sure the monitor includes an HDMI port or comes with an adapter.1
Most portable monitors use the standard 16:9 widescreen ratio. A 16:10 panel (like the Arzopa Z1RC) gives you about 7% more vertical space — the difference between seeing 25 lines of code vs. 22, or a full email thread without scrolling. For productivity-first buyers, it's worth the premium.1
The cheapest monitors use a folio-style smart cover that's awkward on a cramped tray table. Mid-range picks like the ViewSonic VA1655 include a proper kickstand. If you work from planes, trains, or co-working spaces, a real stand matters.
Your choice comes down to one question: text sharpness or motion smoothness?
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Each contender was set up from the box and lived with for a week of normal use — judged on the things that actually matter for this category (performance, battery or latency, build and fit) and scored against its price, never spec sheets alone.
| Key Strength |
| 16:10, sharp text |
| Best value |
| Pass-through charging |
| Smooth motion |
