The Best Portable Monitors Under $150 for 2025

Portable monitors used to be travel‑tech unicorns, either overpriced or junky. Not anymore. Thanks to falling panel costs and USB‑C everything, you can now grab a crisp, lightweight second screen for the price of a nice dinner. Below are five hand‑picked portable monitors under $150, each tested by reviewers and backed by live listings on Amazon and Walmart. We’ve got a 144 Hz gaming option, a business workhorse, and three solid all‑rounders, so you can stop juggling windows and get back to work (or Fortnite) wherever you roam.

Heads‑up: links are affiliate links. If you click and buy, I may earn a tiny commission that keeps Carl and Ruby in treats, at no extra cost to you.

Quick list: My top 5 picks for portable monitors under $150

1. Arzopa Z1FC 16.1″ — 144 Hz gaming pick
2. MNN 15.6″ — ultra-slim bright pick
3. InnoView 15.6″ — built‑in kickstand champ
4. ViewSonic VA1655 15.6″ — best for business travel
5. KYY K3 15.6″ — best value overall

Need the nitty‑gritty? Scroll for specs, pros, cons, and real‑world impressions.

Arzopa Z1FC 16.1″ 144 Hz portable monitor

Why I love it

Most budget portables top out at 60 Hz. The Z1FC pushes 144 Hz, so shooters and racers feel buttery smooth. Toss in 100 % sRGB coverage and a sturdy aluminum shell with an integrated kickstand, and you’ve got a legit gaming sidekick that weighs about 1.5 lb.

Key specs

• Resolution: 1920 × 1080 (IPS)
• Refresh: 144 Hz
• Brightness: ~300 nits
• Ports: 2 × USB‑C (video + power), 1 × mini‑HDMI
• Weight: 1.5 lb / 0.3 in thick

Pros

• Smooth 144 Hz for esports and high‑FPS titles
• Premium all‑metal build
• True single‑cable setup with dual USB‑C

Cons

• Speakers are whisper quiet
• High refresh drains laptop batteries faster

Grab one

• Check price on Amazon → CLICK HERE
• See deal at Walmart → CLICK HERE

MNN 15.6″ portable monitor

Why I love it

MNN packs a vibrant 15.6-inch 1080p IPS panel and stays feather-light at about 1.4 lb. The matte screen hits roughly 300 nits, so you can work in bright cafés without squinting. The smart cover doubles as a stand, and at only 0.3 inch thin this is the slimmest display here.

Key specs

• Resolution: 1920 × 1080 (IPS)
• Brightness: ~300 nits
• Color: 100 % sRGB (manufacturer rated)
• Ports: 2 × USB-C, 1 × mini-HDMI
• Weight: 1.4 lb

Pros

• Slimmest, lightest pick in the roundup
• Matte finish reduces glare
• Includes HDR mode and low-blue-light filter

Cons

• 60 Hz refresh only, not ideal for esports
• Stand relies on cover, limited angles

Grab one

• Check price on Amazon → CLICK HERE

InnoView 15.6″ portable monitor with kickstand

Why I love it

An integrated 180° kickstand means zero fiddling with flimsy covers. USB‑C passthrough can charge your laptop while powering the monitor—cable clutter solved.

Key specs

• Resolution: 1920 × 1080 (IPS)
• Brightness: 250–300 nits
• Ports: 2 × USB‑C (60 W PD), 1 × mini‑HDMI
• Extras: HDR, FreeSync, sleeve case
• Weight: 1.5 lb

Pros

• Built‑in stand, nothing to lose
• USB‑C power delivery up to 60 W
• Durable metal chassis

Cons

• HDR is more marketing than mind‑blowing
• Speakers are just OK

Grab one

• Check price on Amazon → CLICK HERE
• See deal at Walmart → CLICK HERE

ViewSonic VA1655 15.6″ portable monitor

Why I love it

Name‑brand reliability, a fold‑out stand that supports portrait mode, and 60 W USB‑C passthrough make this a killer business travel companion. Text looks sharp, and the anti‑glare coating fights reflections in office lighting.

Key specs

• Resolution: 1920 × 1080 (IPS)
• Brightness: 250 nits
• Ports: 2 × USB‑C (PD), 1 × mini‑HDMI
• Stand: Built‑in, landscape/portrait
• Weight: 1.5 lb

Pros

• Trusted ViewSonic build quality
• Portrait mode great for coding or docs
• Single‑cable power + video

Cons

• Dimmer than others outdoors
• Speakers lack oomph

Grab one

• Check price on Amazon → CLICK HERE
• See deal at Walmart → CLICK HERE

KYY K3 15.6″ portable monitor

Why I love it

KYY nails the value trifecta: bright 1080p panel, slim 0.3‑inch profile, and a price that often dips below $100. HDR mode and VESA mount holes sweeten the deal.

Key specs

• Resolution: 1920 × 1080 (IPS)
• Brightness: 300 nits
• Ports: 2 × USB‑C, 1 × mini‑HDMI
• Extras: HDR, low blue light
• Weight: 1.7 lb

Pros

• Cheapest pick without feeling cheap
• Colorful 85 % NTSC (~100 % sRGB) gamut
• VESA mount compatible

Cons

• Cover stand offers only two angles
• Plastic shell scuffs easier than metal rivals

Grab one

• Check price on Amazon → CLICK HERE
• See deal at Walmart → CLICK HERE

Buying guide: how to choose a portable monitor under $150

Size vs. portability: 15‑ to 16‑inch panels provide full‑laptop real estate without hogging backpack space. Anything bigger hikes weight quickly.

Resolution: 1080p on 15–16 inches keeps text crisp at ~140 PPI. 4K isn’t available at this price.

Brightness: Look for 250 nits minimum for indoor work, 300 nits if you brave sunlight.

Connectivity:

• USB‑C with DisplayPort Alt Mode carries video, audio, and power.
• Power Delivery passthrough lets the monitor charge your laptop.
• Mini‑HDMI works for consoles but needs separate power.

Refresh rate: Gamers should chase 120 Hz or higher. Everyone else is fine at 60 Hz.

Stand options: Built‑in kickstands (InnoView, ViewSonic) are fuss‑free. Folio covers (Lepow, KYY) double as screen guards.

Speakers: All built‑ins are mediocre. Pack earbuds if audio quality matters.

Warranty & support: Aim for at least 12‑month coverage; ViewSonic offers a three‑year limited warranty when purchased new from authorized partners.

FAQs about portable monitors under $150

Are these monitors truly plug‑and‑play?
Yes. If your laptop’s USB‑C supports DisplayPort Alt Mode, one cable handles everything. For HDMI, power the monitor via the second USB‑C.

Will a portable monitor drain my laptop battery?
A USB‑powered screen sips roughly 5–8 W, so expect two to three hours less runtime. Use a wall adapter or power bank for marathon sessions.

Can I use these with a Nintendo Switch or Steam Deck?
Definitely. Plug in via HDMI or USB‑C (Steam Deck supports DisplayPort Alt). Remember to power the monitor separately if you use HDMI.

Do any of these support touch input?
Not under $150 yet. ViewSonic’s TD1655 adds touch but costs around $200.

Are they suitable for color‑critical photo work?
They’re good for casual editing. For pro‑level color accuracy you’ll want full Adobe RGB coverage and calibration, which is above this price bracket.

Verdict: which budget portable monitor is best for you?

• Need high‑FPS gaming? Grab the Arzopa Z1FC for its 144 Hz refresh.
• Working outside? The MNN offering wins on brightness.
• Hate extra stands? InnoView’s built‑in kickstand is a lifesaver.
• Corporate traveler? The ViewSonic VA1655 brings brand reliability and portrait mode.
• Just want maximum value? Go KYY K3 and pocket the savings.

No matter which you pick, you’ll ditch window‑toggling gymnastics and reclaim productivity (or rack up easy wins in your favorite games) without breaking the bank on one of these portable monitors under $150.

Happy dual‑screening!

Tony Simons

Tony has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Phoenix and over 14 years of writing experience between multiple publications in the tech, photography, lifestyle, and deal industries.