Best of · Monitors
Best portable monitors in 2026: second screens for laptops from $50
A USB-C portable monitor doubles your laptop's screen anywhere. Seven picks from a $50 basic panel to a dual-screen OLED and a 300Hz gaming display.
Our pick: ViewSonic VG1655 for most people; Arzopa Z1FC on a budget; ASUS ZenScreen Duo OLED for a two-screen travel setup
ViewSonic
VG1655
8.1$199.99
A light 15.6-inch 1080p IPS with two USB-C ports and Mini-HDMI: the dependable all-rounder.
Pros
- • 1.8 lb
- • Two USB-C plus Mini-HDMI
Cons
- • 1080p only
Arzopa
Z1FC
7.7$109.99
A 16.1-inch 1080p 144Hz IPS for about $110: smooth enough for laptop gaming.
Pros
- • 144Hz
- • USB-C and Mini-HDMI
- • $109.99
Cons
- • 3.1 lb, heavier than most
Ricoh
150
7.9~$180
The lightest here at 1.23 lb, with an OLED panel and 10-point touch.
Pros
- • OLED
- • 10-point touch
- • 1.23 lb
Cons
- • USB-C only
ASUS
ZenScreen Duo OLED MQ149CD
8.3$499 (sale)
Two 14-inch 1920 x 1200 OLED panels that stack or sit side by side.
Pros
- • Two OLED screens
- • Two USB-C, Mini-HDMI, dedicated charging port
Cons
- • 2.4 lb
- • Expensive
ViewSonic
VX1655-4K-OLED
8.0$499.99
4K OLED in a 1.5 lb portable: sharp enough for photo work on the road.
Pros
- • 15.6-inch 4K OLED
- • USB-C, Mini-HDMI, headphone jack
Cons
- • $499.99
NexiGo
NG17FGQ
7.8$449
A 17.3-inch 300Hz IPS for esports on a gaming laptop or handheld.
Pros
- • 300Hz
- • Full-size HDMI plus two USB-C
Cons
- • 2.2 lb
- • 1080p
ForHelp
F156-P1
6.8$49.99
The cheapest usable portable monitor: a 15.6-inch 1080p IPS for $50.
Pros
- • $49.99
- • USB-C and Mini-HDMI
Cons
- • Basic build
- • Unknown long-term support
Portable monitors are thin USB-C screens, usually 14 to 17 inches, that fold into a laptop bag. Prices run from $50 for a basic 1080p IPS to $500 for 4K OLED and dual-screen models. These picks come from BGR's March 2026 roundup and manufacturer specs; we have not tested them.
Portable monitors compared
| Monitor | Size and panel | Resolution | Refresh | Weight | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ViewSonic VG1655 | 15.6-inch IPS | 1080p | — | 1.8 lb | $199.99 |
| Arzopa Z1FC | 16.1-inch IPS | 1080p | 144Hz | 3.1 lb | $109.99 |
| Ricoh 150 | 15.6-inch OLED, touch | 1080p | 60Hz | 1.23 lb | ~$180 |
| ASUS ZenScreen Duo OLED MQ149CD | 2 x 14-inch OLED | 1920 x 1200 each | — | 2.4 lb | $499 (sale) |
| ViewSonic VX1655-4K-OLED | 15.6-inch OLED | 4K | — | 1.5 lb | $499.99 |
| NexiGo NG17FGQ | 17.3-inch IPS | 1080p | 300Hz | 2.2 lb | $449 |
| ForHelp F156-P1 | 15.6-inch IPS | 1080p | 60Hz | 1.5 lb | $49.99 |
Best overall: ViewSonic VG1655
At 1.8 lb with two USB-C ports and Mini-HDMI, the VG1655 connects to almost anything and is easy to carry. It is a 15.6-inch 1080p IPS for $199.99.
Best budget: Arzopa Z1FC and ForHelp F156-P1
The Arzopa Z1FC adds 144Hz to a 16.1-inch 1080p IPS for $109.99, though it weighs 3.1 lb. The ForHelp F156-P1 is the cheapest usable option at $49.99.
Best OLED: Ricoh 150 and ViewSonic VX1655-4K-OLED
Ricoh's 150 is a 1.23 lb 1080p OLED with 10-point touch for about $180. ViewSonic's VX1655-4K-OLED puts a 4K OLED in a 1.5 lb body for $499.99.
Best dual screen: ASUS ZenScreen Duo OLED MQ149CD
Two 14-inch 1920 x 1200 OLED panels give a laptop two extra screens in one 2.4 lb package, with two USB-C inputs, Mini-HDMI, and a dedicated charging port. BGR found it at $499 on sale. At Computex 2026, ASUS also announced an IPS ZenScreen Duo MB14FCD with a 360-degree hinge.
Best for gaming: NexiGo NG17FGQ
A 17.3-inch 1080p IPS at 300Hz with full-size HDMI, for gaming laptops and handhelds, at $449.
Questions we get
Do portable monitors need a power supply?
Most run off a single USB-C cable from a laptop that supports DisplayPort Alt Mode and supplies enough power. Over HDMI, or from a phone or low-power laptop, they need a separate USB-C power source.
Will a portable monitor work with a MacBook?
Yes, over USB-C, within the Mac's external display limit. M1 and M2 MacBook Airs support one external display; later Airs support two. Touch input on a portable monitor does not work in macOS without third-party software.
Can I use a portable monitor with a Nintendo Switch or Steam Deck?
Usually, over USB-C or HDMI. The Switch needs enough USB-C power passed through, so check the monitor maker's compatibility notes, and use the HDMI dock if in doubt.