Best USB-C monitor of 2024
Top displays for Windows laptops and MacBooks
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We list the best USB-C monitors currently available, to make it simple and easy to add one or more extra screens to your laptop setup.
1.Best overall2.Best affordable3.Best for photographers4.Best high-end5.Best Mac-friendly6.Best 5K2K7.Best superwide8.Best big screen9.Best all-rounder10.Best for professionals11.FAQs12.How we test
Do yourself a favor and get one of the best USB-C monitors if you plan on using a Macbook Pro or Windows Ultrabooks with your display. Not only will you be able to connect one of these to USB-C equipped computers but you get plenty of other benefits as well. They come with incredibly quick transfer speeds and can deliver data, video signal, and power through just one connection. And, that same USB-C connection can connect yourUltrabookto features like a USB hub without needing an extra cable.
If you own alaptopsuch as anUltrabookor athin and light laptop, you’ll find that they often only come withUSB-Cports. TheDell XPS 13and the13-inch MacBook Proare prime examples. Unless you want to deal with storing and using adapters, a USB-C monitor is the best way to add that second screen.
Unless you’re limiting yourself to a desktop PC, invest in one of these USB-C monitors for your next display. You’ll also find a few4K monitorsfor creatives as well ascurved monitorsthat gamers will appreciate. If you want a more seamless setup and workflow – not to mention, gorgeous visuals – one of these will suit your needs. And, while the included price comparison tool should help you score thebest monitor deal.
We’ve also listed thebest USB-C docks.
The best USB-C monitor of 2024 in full:
Why you can trust TechRadarWe spend hours testing every product or service we review, so you can be sure you’re buying the best.Find out more about how we test.
Best overall
1. BenQ EW3270U
Our expert review:
Whether it’s for your MacBook Pro or your Windows laptop you’re looking to buy a USB-C monitor for, the BenQ EW3270U is a great all-around choice. This4Kdisplay delivers beautiful picture quality withHigh Dynamic Rangesupport,AMDFreeSync and Opt-Clarity technology, making it great for streaming movies and shows as well as casual gaming. But, perhaps it’s key selling points are its Flicker-Free, Low Blue Light and Brightness Intelligence Plus features, which all help to make this display easy on its users’ eyes. This monitor is designed to reduce eye fatigue and strain so even when you’ve been on your computer for hours, your eyes won’t feel like it.
Read the fullBenQ EW3270U review.
Best affordable
2. LG UltraFine 24MD4KL-B
Our expert review:
Fledgling content creators will find a great value in theLGUltraFine 24MD4KL-B, if they’re looking for the best USB-C monitor that won’t break the bank. This 4K display’s high resolution and color accuracy get things done while its USB-C and Thunderbolt 3 is a boon forApplefans. It’s still pretty pricey, especially for everyday users. However, it’s a pretty good purchase for content creators, especially if you’re used to more expensive models. Though you do have to compromise with a smaller screen size and thicker bezels. If you’re working with a smaller desk space, this is definitely ideal.
Read the fullLG UltraFine 24MD4KL-B review.
Best for photographers
3. BenQ SW321C PhotoVue
Our expert review:
Pro-level displays are no longer the premium priced, inaccessible purchase they started out to be. At least as far as the BenQ SW321C PhotoVue is concerned. This 32-inch 4K photo monitor is up a step or two in terms of both performance and usability, featuring an incredibly wide color gamut of 99% of theAdobeRGB color space and 95% of DCI-P3.
If you’re in the cinematography or photography sphere, that’s exactly what you need. And, that’s on top of all the other features this monitor boasts – including a plethora of ports like downstream and upstream USB 3.1, DisplayPort, HDMI, SD card reader and, of course, USB-C. This is among the best USB-C monitors for photo editing you’ll find, and the best part is you’re getting it for cheaper than all others.
Read the fullBenQ SW321C PhotoVue review.
Best high-end
4. Dell U3818DW UltraSharp 38-inch Curved USB-C Monitor
With a curved 38-inch InfinityEdge screen, thisDellmonitor is definitely beautiful. The wide canvas allows you to work with multiple windows at once, perfect for graphic design or other creative fields. However with its sRGB color gamut, it’s equally suitable for charging into battle or fighting off zombies.
Best Mac-friendly
5. BenQ DesignVue PD3220U
Our expert review:
Designed for creative professionals for both Mac and PC environments, the BenQ DesignVue PD3220U tops our list of the best USB-C monitors for a few compelling reasons. Though its color accuracy isn’t as impeccable as content creators would have preferred, this monitor boasts a lovely IPS panel, a strong feature set like 4K HDR10 video support and Thunderbolt 3 connectivity, and slim bezels all wrapped in a gorgeous package. Charge via USB-C, daisy chain multiple displays and experiment with its different colour space modes. Just be prepared to pay a hefty price to take this one home, as it isn’t the cheapest.
Read the fullBenQ DesignVue PD3220U review.
Best 5K2K
6. MSI Prestige PS341WU
Our expert review:
If you’re looking for a monitor that’s a cut above the 4K norm, then you’ve got theMSIPrestige PS341WU. Showing up any impeccable 4K monitor is by no means an easy feat, but this monitor does so with the huge 5K2K native resolution (and 21:9 ultrawide aspect ratio) of its luscious 34-inch IPS screen. It doesn’t come cheap, but it does have a great feature set to make up for that, including a Nano IPS panel with DCI-P3 color gamut, HDR support and comprehensive connectivity. All that packed in a beautiful white aesthetic, and you’ve got yourself one of the best USB-C monitors.
Read the fullMSI Prestige PS341WU review.
Best superwide
7. HP Z38c
Our expert review:
Despite missing HDR support, a comparatively mediocre refresh rate of only 60Hz and not color-accurate enough for content creation, there’s a lot to love about theHPZ38c. This superwide productivity workhorse has the real estate for users who need space, and a lot of it, which makes this among the best USB-C monitors in the large panel arena. That high quality chassis, paired with its high quality stand, houses a serious tool for productivity fiends. And its curved design helps immerse you in your work even more, because when you’re multitasking on the job, distractions are definitely unwelcome.
Read the fullHP Z38c review.
Best big screen
8. Acer Predator CG7
Our expert review:
If a big screen is essential to your workflow, but you can’t go all out, then a 43-inch monitor might be a good fit. The Acer Predator CG7 is like the Goldilocks of monitors in terms of screen size – not too small and not too big, just right especially if you’re a designer or a photo/video editor who needs real estate but doesn’t have a lot of desk space. Content creation extras include its 90% DCI-P3 coverage and great port selection. One of the best USB-C monitors, it’s a gaming monitor as well, fitted with all the frills for gaming like a 144Hz refresh rate, 1ms response time and Nvidia G-Sync. If you’re just as much of a gamer as you are a content creator, you’ve got an ace in this.
Read the fullAcer Predator CG7 review.
Best all-rounder
9. MSI Optix MAG272CQR
Our expert review:
Gaming monitors don’t necessarily have to be expensive to be good. Take the MSI Optix MAG272CQR, which delivers excellent features like a 165Hz refresh rate, 1ms response time, AMD FreeSync and a curved design. It won’t set you back as much as other gaming monitors out there, making it ideal for gamers with a limited budget. Of course, there are compromises to be made: it’s only got a VA panel and it’s not 4K. However, it’s a great (and fast) all-rounder that’s best for not just gaming, but also productivity and creative workloads.
Read the fullMSI Optix MAG272CQR review.
Best for professionals
10. BenQ PD2720U 27 inch 4K UHD IPS Monitor
This 27-inch BenQ monitor is certainly not the cheapest USB-C option on the market. But, with its 4K resolution, incredibly accurate color reproduction, and two thunderbolt ports, it’s certainly worth the price of admission. It also comes with HDR10 support, modes to accommodate different work environments, and a puck for easy on-the-fly settings adjustments.
Check out the best MacBook deals available now.
FAQs
How to choose the best USB-C monitor for you
Knowing what to look for in the best USB-C monitor is important when choosing the right one for you. Of course, if you plan on using yours for creative workflows, you should consider one with excellent color accuracy, the right color spaces for your work, higher brightness levels and a higher contrast ratio. If you plan on using it for gaming, you’ll want to take a closer look at the refresh rate, response time, and G-Sync or FreeSync support. Other important things to consider are the aspect ratio, viewing angles and HDR capabilities.
How we test
We test a USB-C monitor like we test any other monitor. We start by setting it up and using it as our main monitor for a few days. We utilize it for our day-to-day workloads, streaming movies and shows, and, especially if it’s agaming monitor, playing our favorite AAA games. This is how we gauge its real-world performance.
We do more than that, however. We also test very specific features like color reproduction, refresh rates and response times. We make sure that the visuals are smooth, clean, and artifact-free. And, we check just how good its marquee features – HDR, adaptive sync technology, RGB lighting – are.
We then note its design, build and other physical features like bezels, ports and viewing angles.
Finally, we gather all that information and compare it to its price to see if it’s a great value to consumers overall.
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Matt is TechRadar’s Managing Editor for Core Tech, looking after computing and mobile technology. Having written for a number of publications such as PC Plus, PC Format, T3 and Linux Format, there’s no aspect of technology that Matt isn’t passionate about, especially computing and PC gaming. He’s personally reviewed and used most of the laptops in our best laptops guide - and since joining TechRadar in 2014, he’s reviewed over 250 laptops and computing accessories personally.
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