Best portable monitors (2026): Add a second monitor I’ve tested

Stay away from The office means working on my laptop, yet productivity fades into oblivion. The problem, for me at least, is the screen, or rather the lack thereof. A portable monitor solves this dilemma easily, and works in the same way Set up an external monitor In the office, but also with mobility in mind. While larger portable monitors (especially multi-panel ones) may require a dedicated power connection, most can use your laptop’s USB port to get everything they need.

The portable monitor category is a very large category, occupied by both brand name producers of laptops and desktop monitors as well as a lot of companies you’ve never heard of. For this buying guide, I evaluated 20 portable monitors from a wide range of manufacturers representing price points ranging from roughly $70 to $700. I divide my top recommendations across four main categories, with runner-ups available for most of them.

Best portable monitor overall

Arzub

Z3FC portable monitor

If you’re simply looking for one extra display alongside your laptop and don’t need the touch features, Arzopa’s Z3FC is the top choice for most users. This spacious 16.1-inch display costs just $136, but it’s packed with features. The 2560 x 1440 pixel resolution delivers ample detail for any type of task whether for work or entertainment, and the screen offers an unusually fast 180Hz refresh rate. It has one of the brightest displays available across all portable monitors – and an impressive color gamut rating, measuring 99% of the sRGB area covered in my tests. Color quality is equally consistent, with an average accuracy measurement of 1.10.

The hardware is simple but effective, with the screen raised by a thin arm that slides out from the back of the screen and connectivity options including a mini HDMI port and two USB-C ports. Since it only consumes 13W, you don’t need an external power adapter if you connect via USB to your laptop. (Note that since HDMI connections don’t carry power, you’ll need to use one of the USB ports to connect to a power source if you choose this option.) The second USB port can be used to charge your phone or connect other USB peripherals, and the monitor also includes dual 2-watt speakers, which, while not exactly useful, is at least better than nothing.

Best of all is how easy the monitor is to hold: At just 1.64 pounds, it’s one of the lightest portable monitors on the market, especially at this display size.

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