Arzopa holds a narrow lead over ViewSonic for portable second screens. ViewSonic becomes the usual choice when shoppers look for general portable monitors.
Top-rated portable monitors are categorized below by their standout use-case:
Best Overall / Productivity Touch:ViewSonic TD1656-2K — Features a sharp 2K resolution and responsive 16-inch touchscreen workspace, making it a favorite for expanding a laptop screen cleanly on the road.
Best for Professionals & Color Accuracy: espresso Pro 15 — A premium, thin, and sleek 15.6-inch display with exceptional build quality, striking color depth, and touch capabilities tailored for mobile professionals.
Best Mid-Range / Compact Productivity:Lenovo ThinkVision M14t Gen2 — A 14-inch 16:10 touchscreen monitor that features fantastic ergonomics, an adjustable kickstand, and a compact size that pairs seamlessly with smaller ultraportable laptops.
As of October 2026, my top recommendation for most people is the ViewSonic TD1656-2K if you want a premium portable monitor for work, while the ViewSonic VA1655 is a better budget pick. If picture quality is your priority, a 4K OLED model is worth considering.
Recent reviews from Tom’s Hardware, RTINGS, and TechRadar favor different models depending on whether you prioritize sharpness, portability, color quality, or price.
What is the best portable monitor for a second screen on the go?
Best Budget ChoiceArzopa A1 or MSI Pro MP165 E6 — Highly affordable 15.6-inch Full HD options that deliver plug-and-play USB-C connectivity without breaking the bank.
Tom’s Hardware’s top pick for its sharp 2.5K display, premium build, touchscreen support, and versatile stand. A strong choice for multitasking and office work.
Best for: Everyday productivity and frequent travel.
2. Viewsonic VA1655 15.6" Full HD (1920 x 1080) 60Hz Portable M…
$109.99
15.6-inch · 1080p · IPS
A straightforward, affordable second screen for spreadsheets, email, documents, and travel. It offers USB-C connectivity without paying for premium resolution or OLED technology.
An excellent premium option if you want deep blacks, vivid colors, and very fine detail for photos, video, and creative work. The trade-offs are its higher cost and the extra graphics workload of driving a 4K display.
A compact productivity option with a sharper-than-Full-HD display and touch input. Worth considering for note-taking and interactive workflows, especially if you prefer a smaller screen.
Before buying, check that your laptop's USB-C port supports video output (DisplayPort Alt Mode), or choose a monitor with an appropriate HDMI connection. Many portable monitors don't have a built-in battery and draw power from the laptop.
ViewSonic VP16-OLED (Best for Color Accuracy & Creative Professionals)
Features a stunning 15.6-inch 1080p OLED panel with Pantone validation and deep blacks. It is lightweight (around 2.0 lbs), features a versatile built-in ergonomic stand, and works seamlessly with Macs and PCs.
Highly rated for its sharp 2K resolution and dependable touch responsiveness, making it a well-rounded option for everyday office workflows and extended screen real estate.
An affordable, plug-and-play 15.6-inch Full HD IPS display that won't break the bank. It delivers reliable secondary screen space for basic multitasking and fits easily in a backpack alongside a laptop.
Features a stackable dual-screen portable layout that breaks away from the traditional single horizontal monitor, ideal if you want maximum vertical workspace on a compact footprint.
ASUS ROG Strix XG17AHPE (Best for Gaming & High Refresh Rate)
If your main goal is a reliable second screen for a laptop while traveling, I’d pick the HP Series 5 Pro 514pn overall. PCWorld currently rates it the best mid-range portable monitor, praising its 14-inch 2560×1600 IPS Black panel, color accuracy, slim design, and 1.4-lb weight.
My top picks
Pick
Best for
Why
HP Series 5 Pro 514pn
🏆 Best overall
Premium, very light, excellent text/color, 14" 2560×1600
ThinkVision M14t Gen 2
Lenovo
✋ Touchscreen
14", 2240×1400, touchscreen, 16:10, ~1.5 lb
ASUS ZenScreen MB16FC
💰 Value
16", 16:10, USB-C + mini-HDMI, around $120
ARZOPA Z1RC
💰 Budget + sharp image
16", 2560×1600, 16:10, around $150
ASUS ZenScreen Duo OLED
🖥️ Maximum workspace
Two 14" OLED screens in one foldable unit
The Lenovo ThinkVision M14t Gen 2 is particularly compelling if you want touch: it has a 2240×1400 16:10 panel, built-in stand, two USB-C ports, and up to 65W power passthrough. The downside is that its glossy screen isn't great around bright windows.
For a cheaper option, the ASUS ZenScreen MB16FC is currently around $120 and weighs about 2 lb, while offering 16:10 resolution, USB-C power passthrough, and mini-HDMI.
If you want maximum screen real estate without spending $600+, the ARZOPA Z1RC is interesting: 16", 2560×1600, 16:10, and currently around $150.
What I'd buy
For frequent business travel: HP Series 5 Pro 514pn For MacBook + touch: Lenovo M14t Gen 2 For ~$150 or less: ARZOPA Z1RC For the lightest/most compact setup: 14" Lenovo/HP For two extra screens: ASUS ZenScreen Duo OLED
One important thing: check your laptop's USB-C capabilities before buying. Ideally, the USB-C port supports DisplayPort Alt Mode; then one USB-C cable can carry both video and power.
If you tell me your laptop model, budget (e.g. <$150/$250/$400), and whether you use Mac or Windows, I can narrow this to the single best monitor for your setup.
