A single screen isn’t enough to manage this kind of workflow, which is why investing in a secondary external display is a good idea. Our product experts tested and reviewed some of the best USB-C monitors from renowned brands including LG, Dell, and ASUS to help you make the right choice. While most external monitors on the market have a number of different ports (e.g. HDMI, 3.5mm audio), it’s advisable to go for a monitor that (also) has a USB-C port, even if that means spending a little extra money. That’s because this nifty port isn’t just small and reversible, it’s also multi-functional. A USB Type-C port can transfer data, transmit video signals, and even deliver electrical power to the external display. When it comes to picking a USB-C monitor, it’s important to keep the target usage scenario in mind. For example, if you plan to use the display for high-accuracy tasks like photo editing, high resolution and color accuracy are vital. For gaming monitors, on the other hand, a high refresh rate and fast response time would be critical characteristics. Whatever your use case, there’s a monitor out there for you. Here are our top picks for some of the best USB Type-C monitors you can buy. With a white back panel and a matte silver stand, the 27UK850-W looks quite modern. The monitor can tilt forward (up to 20 degrees) and backward (up to 5 degrees), and has a height adjustment of up to 4.7 inches. It can be used in both landscape and portrait orientations, and switching between the two modes worked seamlessly during our reviewer’s testing. You get a single joystick button for managing all the essential functions (e.g. split-screen presets, HDR control). The 27UK850-W packs in a plethora of I/O and connectivity options, including USB Type-C (with data transfer, 4K output, and power delivery capabilities), USB Type-A, HDMI, DisplayPort, and 3.5mm audio. Among other notable additions are dual 5W speakers and support for AMD’s FreeSync technology. Size: 27-inch | Panel Type: IPS | Resolution: 3840 x 2160 pixels | Refresh Rate: 60Hz | Aspect Ratio: 16:9 | Inputs: USB Type-C, USB Type-A, HDMI, DisplayPort, and 3.5mm audio That said, the 34UM69G-B is primarily billed as a gaming monitor and thus comes with several gaming-oriented features. It supports AMD’s FreeSync technology that matches the monitor’s frame rate with that of your AMD graphics card, resulting in smoother gameplay. Interestingly, our product tester Bill Loguidice found the monitor to have (some) support for NVIDIA’s G-Sync technology as well, with stable performance from an NVIDIA graphics card. You also get dual 7W speakers, motion blur reduction, and a customizable Game Mode. With respect to connectivity and I/O ports, the 34UM69G-B includes USB Type-C, HDMI, DisplayPort, and 3.5mm audio. The monitor can be tilted both forward (up to 20 degrees) and backward (up to 5 degrees), and has a height adjustment of up to 4.7 inches too. It’s backed by a one-year warranty. Size: 34-inch | Panel Type: IPS | Resolution: 2560 x 1080 pixels | Refresh Rate: 75Hz | Aspect Ratio: 21:9 | Inputs: USB Type-C, HDMI, DisplayPort, and 3.5mm audio The built-in dual 3W speakers deliver a surprisingly loud and clear sound. Our product tester Andy Zahn noted exceptional clarity in high notes, even with the bass being on the weaker side. This is primarily due to onboard audio processing, which is the result of a joint effort between ASUS, ICEpower, and Bang & Olufsen. You can also choose from a variety of preset sound modes (e.g. movie, music), or configure your own audio settings. ASUS Designo MX27UC features USB Type-C (with 4K output, data transfer, and power delivery functions), USB Type-A, HDMI, DisplayPort, and 3.5mm audio for I/O and connectivity. Some other noteworthy additions include Adaptive Sync support and customizable blue light filter levels. Size: 27-inch | Panel Type: IPS | Resolution: 3840 x 2160 pixels | Refresh Rate: 75Hz | Aspect Ratio: 16:9 | Inputs: USB Type-C, USB Type-A, HDMI, DisplayPort, and 3.5mm audio The panel can be used in both landscape and portrait orientations, and comes bundled with a smart cover that doubles as a kickstand. It can also be tilted forward (up to 25 degrees) and backward (up to 5 degrees) for easy adjustment of the viewing angle(s). Despite its metal alloy casing, the I1601FWUX weighs just 1.8 pounds, which makes it light enough to be tossed in a backpack. That being said, it’s not exactly the best as far as parameters like brightness and color accuracy are concerned. Since the I1601FWUX is designed with portability in mind, it comes with a single USB Type-C port that works for both power delivery and video output functions. You also get just one button (Power on/off) for changing settings via the on-screen menu. Size: 15.6-inch | Panel Type: IPS | Resolution: 1920 x 1080 pixels | Refresh Rate: 60Hz | Aspect Ratio: 16:9 | Inputs: USB Type-C Among the most interesting features of the EW3270U is a dedicated button, which lets you choose from four levels of HDR processing for the best picture quality. The monitor includes numerous preset modes (e.g. smart focus, super resolution) for enhancing video quality and emits less blue light, thereby reducing eye fatigue. It also supports AMD’s FreeSync technology for a smoother gameplay experience with your AMD graphics card. In regard to I/O and connectivity options, the EW3270U comes with USB Type-C (having data transfer and video output functions), DisplayPort, HDMI, and 3.5mm audio. You also get dual 2W speakers, forward (up to 15 degrees) and backward (up to 5 degrees) tilt adjustment, and more. Size: 31.5-inch | Panel Type: VA | Resolution: 3840 x 2160 pixels | Refresh Rate: 60Hz | Aspect Ratio: 16:9 | Inputs: USB Type-C, HDMI, DisplayPort, and 3.5mm audio The U4021QW produces decent audio with 9W built in speakers, and features an enormous array of ports that enable it to function as a powerful and versatile USB hub. It’s also capable of accepting inputs from two separate sources, and will automatically detect and display those inputs on the one monitor. Furthermore, the monitor uses Auto KVM software to seamlessly switch control between the two PCs. This enables you to use two computers at the same time on one screen with the same keyboard and mouse. The U4021QW is also built with environmental sustainability in mind, with energy conservation measures built in, and packaging that’s mostly recycled and Styrofoam free. Size: 40-inch | Panel Type: IPS | Resolution: 5120 x 2160 pixels | Refresh Rate: 60Hz | Aspect Ratio: 21:9 | Inputs: Displayport 1.4, 2 HDMI 2.0, Thunderbolt 3, USB 3.2 Gen 2, USB Type-B Upstream Port, USB Type-C Downstream Port, 4 USB Type-A ports, 3.5mm Jack, RJ45 Port Bill Loguidice has more than 20 years’ experience writing for a variety of major technology publications including TechRadar, PC Gamer, and Ars Technica. He is an expert in computers, tablets, and their peripherals.
What to Look For in a USB-C Monitor
USB-C Hub
If your laptop has a limited number of USB ports, look for a monitor that includes a built-in USB-C hub. This is a great feature, since it allows you to use a single USB-C connection on your laptop to send video to your monitor, power your laptop, and even plug in as many extra USB devices as the monitor supports.
Thunderbolt
USB-C and Thunderbolt 3 connectors look the same and are mostly compatible, but you need a Thunderbolt-equipped computer to take advantage of a Thunderbolt-equipped monitor. If your laptop has a regular USB-C connection but not Thunderbolt, don’t spend extra money on a monitor that has Thunderbolt-dependent features.
Additional Connections
The great thing about USB-C monitors is that you can accomplish the work of multiple cables with a single USB-C connection, but that doesn’t mean you’ll never need additional connections. Look for a monitor that includes multiple HDMI inputs if you want to connect game consoles and other video sources, or one that includes a headphone jack if you want to plug in headphones.
