Second Screens for Freelancers: Benefits & Best Portable Monitors

In the ever-growing freelance economy, productivity is king. Whether you're designing in Figma, managing spreadsheets, or hopping between Zoom meetings and Slack messages, having a second screen is no longer a luxury — it's a necessity. Here's why freelancers are investing in portable second screens to level up their workflow.

The Rise of the Freelance Economy

The freelance workforce has grown significantly over the last decade. With over 4.4 million self-employed workers in the UK as of 2024, many professionals are ditching traditional office spaces in favour of flexible, remote working arrangements. Creative roles like graphic design, copywriting, web development, and online consultancy thrive in this new setup. But as flexibility increases, so does the need for tools that support a productive work-from-anywhere lifestyle.

One of the most popular additions to a freelancer's toolkit? A portable second screen.

What is the Advantage of Having Two Monitors?

Before diving into the setup steps, let’s explore why so many remote workers, freelancers, and digital nomads are turning to portable second screens.

Multitasking Made Efficient

Switching between apps and windows can drain mental energy and break your focus. With a second screen, you can write on one display while referencing notes or data on the other. For freelancers, this means faster task-switching and fewer errors.

Less Disruption, More Flow

Every time you alt-tab or swipe between screens, you interrupt your creative momentum. Second screens allow you to stay immersed in your workflow. Designers can view their toolset on one screen and the output on another. Writers can research and draft simultaneously.

Creativity and Visual Freedom

Freelancers in visual fields, such as video editing or UX/UI design, benefit immensely from extra screen space. It allows for a clearer overview, better layer management, and a more organised interface.

Flexible Workspaces

A major benefit of second screens — particularly portable ones — is mobility. Whether working from a coffee shop, train, or co-working space, a second monitor adds minimal weight but major productivity.

Best Second Screen Options for Freelancers

Here are a few models we recommend for freelancers looking for portability, clarity and reliable performance:

Arzopa Z1RC Portable Monitor

• 15.6" FHD 1080P

• Ultra-slim and lightweight

• USB-C and HDMI connectivity

• Ideal for remote workers and designers on the go

Best for: Graphic designers, writers, consultants, and business professionals.

Why choose Arzopa Z1RC Portable Monitor?

This is a well-rounded second screen for general productivity tasks. If you’re a freelancer who frequently works from cafes, trains, or coworking spaces — and you value clarity and ease of use — the Z1RC delivers excellent performance without extra weight or setup hassle. It’s especially useful for those juggling presentations, research, and content creation.

Choose Arzopa Z1RC Portable Monitor if you need a reliable, lightweight portable monitor for daily multitasking, Zoom calls, and office applications.

Arzopa Z1FC 144Hz Portable Monitor

• Smooth 144Hz refresh rate

• Great for creatives and light gaming

• Eye-care tech for long work hours

Best for: Creative freelancers, gamers, video editors, and those who prefer smoother visuals.

Why choose Arzopa Z1FC Portable Monitor? The 144Hz refresh rate is a game-changer if you're working with animations, editing high-frame-rate video, or enjoy gaming in your downtime. It’s also a great option for freelancers who are sensitive to screen flicker and strain, especially during long work hours.

Choose  Arzopa Z1FC Portable Monitor if your freelance work involves visual creation, editing, or you want a screen that can double as an entertainment monitor after hours.

Arzopa vs. Lepow vs. ASUS ZenScreen

While all three brands are known for portability, Arzopa stands out with better colour calibration, plug-and-play usability, and more competitive pricing in the UK market.

Arzopa offers the best value for freelancers looking for great visuals, lightweight design, and easy setup at a competitive price.

Explore more: Arzopa UK Store

How to Use Portable Monitor as Second Screen for Laptop mac?

Want to boost your productivity, extend your workspace, or make multitasking easier while working remotely or on the go? A portable monitor is the perfect solution - and setting it up as a second screen for your MacBook is easier than you might think.

1. Use USB-C to USB-C cable

• Connect your portable monitor like Arzopa Z1FC portable monitor to the Thunderbolt 3/4 port on your MacBook.
• The monitor should turn on and mirror your screen by default.

2. Change to extended display

• Go to System Settings > Displays
• Click “Use as Extended Display” to expand your workspace.

3. Adjust resolution & layout

In the same menu, you can arrange screen positions, resolutions, and scale as needed.

Conclusion

Whether you're a writer, developer, marketer or designer, a second screen can enhance your efficiency, creativity, and overall work experience. For UK freelancers, Arzopa offers affordable, high-performance portable monitors that fit right into your backpack and your workflow.

Ready to take your freelance productivity to the next level? Discover Arzopa portable monitors today.

👉 Shop Arzopa Monitors in the UK

FAQs

Is life with multiple monitors actually better?

Yes - multiple studies have shown that using two or more monitors can significantly improve productivity. Freelancers benefit from reduced window switching, enhanced multitasking, and a more immersive work experience. Whether you’re editing videos or juggling emails and calendars, a second screen helps you stay organised and efficient.

Are portable monitors compatible with MacBooks?

Yes. Most modern portable monitors like those from Arzopa support USB-C, which works seamlessly with MacBooks. Some models may also work with HDMI via adapters.

Do portable monitors need external power?

Not necessarily. Many models, including Arzopa’s, can be powered directly through the USB-C cable from your laptop. However, if you're using HDMI, you may need to connect an external power source.

Can I use a second screen with my smartphone or tablet?

Yes, if your phone or tablet supports video output via USB-C (like Samsung DeX), you can connect it to a portable monitor for a larger display experience.