Why Consider a Portable Monitor in 2025?
Laptops are powerful, yes but their screens are often too small for serious multitasking. That’s where portable monitors shine. They’re lightweight, compact, and let you expand your digital workspace without committing to a full multi-monitor setup. From side-by-side document editing to impromptu client presentations, having a portable display like the Arzopa Z1RC can seriously boost your workflow.
But can a budget-friendly screen like this really compete with pricier alternatives? And more importantly, does it deliver on its promises? Let’s find out.
Quick Overview: What Is the Arzopa Z1RC?
The Arzopa Z1RC is a 16-inch portable monitor that features a crisp 2560 x 1600 resolution. It uses IPS display technology and supports both USB-C and Mini HDMI inputs, making it highly versatile across a wide range of devices. What's more impressive is that it's entirely USB-powered, which means no bulky power brick or external adapter is necessary perfect for mobile users and minimalists alike.
In terms of display type, it's an 8-bit IPS panel that’s capable of handling most everyday visual tasks with ease. The screen reaches up to 337 nits of brightness, and although that's not blindingly bright, it’s more than enough for indoor usage. Connectivity is handled through two USB-C ports and one Mini HDMI input, ensuring compatibility with modern laptops, desktops, gaming consoles, and even select smartphones.
Power is drawn through USB, so it’s truly plug-and-play for those with the right ports. The refresh rate is standard at 60Hz, and the whole unit weighs only 763 grams, making it one of the most travel-friendly monitors on the market. At an average price of around $120 or £129, it competes directly with low-end 1080p monitors but offers a significantly sharper screen.
Price & Availability: A Bargain That Beats Expectations
You can get your hands on the Arzopa Z1RC directly from the Arzopa website, with shipping options available globally, including Europe. The pricing is quite competitive, especially when compared to premium portable displays that offer similar form factors but cost significantly more.
For buyers in the United States, the retail price has been slashed from $189.99 down to just $119.99. In the United Kingdom, that translates to a still very affordable £129.99. This makes the Z1RC an exceptional value proposition, especially when you consider that most monitors in this price range are stuck at 1080p resolution. Simply put, the Z1RC delivers a whole lot of screen for not a lot of money.
Design & Build: Practical, Minimal, and Travel-Ready
At its core, the Arzopa Z1RC is built for simplicity and functionality. The design doesn’t scream luxury, but it’s incredibly efficient. It’s a 16-inch IPS panel with basic onboard controls, a sparse OSD (on-screen display), and a built-in kickstand. There’s no internal power supply, which helps keep it light and portable.
Inside the box, you’ll find three essential cables and a short printed user guide that walks you through connecting the monitor to various host devices. If you're using the HDMI input, you’ll need an external power source, which could be your laptop’s USB port or even a portable power bank. The Z1RC only requires about 9 watts of power, so even smaller power banks can do the job.
If you have a laptop that supports USB-C video output and power delivery, you can run the Z1RC using just a single USB-C cable. That’s both the video signal and power, all in one tidy connection no adapters or dongles required.
All the ports are located on the left-hand side, including the two USB-C inputs and the Mini HDMI port. Just next to them, you’ll find the buttons for powering the screen on and off, adjusting volume and brightness, and opening the on-screen menu. Interestingly, the power button is almost unnecessary, as the screen activates the moment it’s plugged in.
The OSD allows for basic adjustments such as brightness, contrast, sharpness, ECO modes, and dynamic contrast ratio (DCR). There’s also a menu for changing the color temperature. However, in most cases, users will primarily use the OSD to switch input sources if they’re connecting more than one device.
The Z1RC does include built-in speakers, though Arzopa doesn’t disclose the wattage. Judging by their modest performance, they’re probably under 1 watt. They’re usable for basic tasks but not something you’d rely on for serious audio.
Perhaps the most underrated feature is the integrated kickstand. This slim metal strip folds out from the back and supports the display in both portrait and landscape modes. It’s sturdy, intuitive, and won’t get lost like a detachable stand might. In landscape orientation, it also allows for some degree of angle adjustment, adding to its flexibility.
The 2560 x 1600 resolution is a bit unusual but welcome. It’s slightly taller than 1440p, which gives you more vertical screen real estate. On a 16-inch panel, 1080p can feel cramped, while 4K would be overkill and unnecessarily expensive. This resolution hits the sweet spot for productivity.
Overall, while the Z1RC is not flashy, it is thoughtfully designed for users who value function over flair.
Setup & Connectivity: Plug, Play, and Go
One of the Z1RC’s strongest advantages is how easy it is to set up. If your laptop supports USB-C with DisplayPort Alternate Mode and power delivery, you can get everything up and running using just one cable. That single connection will deliver both video and power, eliminating the need for external power bricks or additional cords.
For devices that only offer HDMI output, Arzopa includes a Mini HDMI to standard HDMI cable. In this case, you’ll also need to supply power via USB-A to USB-C, which is also included. The monitor pulls around 9 watts of power, so a modest power source like a power bank or USB wall charger will do the trick.
Compatibility is broad, too. Whether you're connecting it to a Thunderbolt 3 or 4 port, a USB 4.0 device, or just a basic HDMI output, you’ll find the Z1RC to be extremely accommodating.
Display Quality: Impressive Resolution, Minor Trade-offs
The display’s 2560 x 1600 resolution makes a big difference in daily use. It offers crisp visuals, sharper text, and more room to breathe when working across multiple windows. It's noticeably more refined than 1080p and doesn't overwhelm smaller devices like a 4K monitor might.
However, the brightness doesn't quite reach the promised 500 nits. Real-world testing showed it maxing out at around 337 nits, and while that’s perfectly usable indoors, it might not be ideal for bright outdoor environments. More concerning is the lack of brightness uniformity. The top edge is noticeably brighter than the bottom, with up to a 15% drop in luminance. It’s not a deal-breaker, but it is noticeable, especially when working with light backgrounds or watching darker videos.
Color reproduction is surprisingly solid for a monitor at this price. It manages to cover 100% of the sRGB color gamut, which is more than sufficient for everyday tasks. In more advanced color spaces, it reaches about 89% AdobeRGB, 95% DCI-P3, and 69% Rec. 2020. These numbers are respectable, but they’re not up to par for professional color work. If you’re a designer or video editor who needs precise calibration, you’ll want to invest in a more advanced display.
As for viewing angles, the panel supports about 85 degrees both horizontally and vertically. While this is on the lower end for IPS technology, it’s acceptable for personal use. Just be aware that brightness and color can shift slightly if you're not looking at the screen dead-on.
Audio & User Interface: Minimal but Functional
The Z1RC’s built-in speakers are serviceable for casual use think Zoom calls or YouTube videos but don’t expect any bass or volume. They’re functional, but far from impressive. If you care about audio quality, plug in your favorite headphones or external speakers.
The on-screen display is straightforward and gives you control over most basic settings, including brightness, contrast, and color temperature. It won’t win any UI awards, but it’s functional and easy to navigate.
Real-World Use Cases
The Z1RC is ideal for remote workers and digital nomads who need a portable second screen. Weighing just over 800 grams with the cables, it's light enough to throw into a backpack without much thought. Just remember that it doesn’t include a protective sleeve, so transporting it in the original box is a wise move.
IT professionals and server administrators will also find it incredibly useful for quick access to on-site systems. It’s perfect for plugging into a rack-mounted server or performing diagnostics on the fly.
Students can also benefit from the extra screen space when juggling research tabs, notes, and online lectures simultaneously. Console gamers looking for a quick plug-and-play solution for the Nintendo Switch or Steam Deck will appreciate its simplicity just make sure to have a USB power source handy.
Portability & Durability: Travel Light, But Protect It
Weighing in at 763 grams without cables and just over 800 grams with everything included, the Arzopa Z1RC is incredibly easy to carry. That said, it doesn’t come with a case or sleeve, and the 12-month warranty is relatively short. You’ll want to take some precautions while traveling whether that’s keeping the box or investing in a padded sleeve.
Final Verdict: Should You Buy the Arzopa Z1RC?
The Arzopa Z1RC may not be perfect, but for under $130, it delivers outstanding value. It’s sharp, lightweight, easy to set up, and perfect for everyday productivity. Sure, the brightness could be better, and the backlight could be more consistent but those are small sacrifices considering the price and feature set.
If you need accurate color for your work, this won’t be your monitor. But if you're looking for a solid second screen that travels well, powers up easily, and doesn't break the bank, the Z1RC is one of the best budget picks of 2025.