USB-C monitors are a fast-growing market because you get high resolution, high-speed Data transfer, and charging abilities all from one cable. Most USB-C monitors also work as docking stations because they come with multiple ports, which frees up space in your work area.
The other reason why USB-C monitors are an advantage is the size of the port is minuscule, and most new devices have multiple USB-C ports which can be used for Data, charging, and display. USB-C is the jack of all trades set up that grants users far more options. You can even connect multiple monitors via USB-C cable and then to your device, creating a chain link of monitors. It’s all very sexy stuff, so let’s get into which USB-C monitors we feel give you the best options and bang for your buck.
During the next two days, you can find huge savings on some of our best monitors and more during Amazon Prime Day deals happening right now. Stay tuned as we are curating some of the best deals on USB-C monitors.
Why buy a USB-C monitor?
Why you can trust Laptop Mag Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.
You may be wondering why I would need a USB-C monitor? What are the advantages? Are there disadvantages, who are you to tell me what to buy? We are the crack staff at Laptop, along with our mad scientist in the lab who do all the due diligence in advance to help you select what best suits your needs. So let me break it down to you.
The main advantage most USB-C monitors have is the ability to use one connection for video, data, and charging, which is a game-changer as it frees up space in your work area. The other advantage is most USB-C monitors also act as docking hubs as they trend towards having multiple USB ports, HDMI, Display ports, and audio ports. Some even come with built-in cameras and speakers.
As we all know, sometimes we use more peripherals than our laptop or desktop may have ports to support, so having the option to use one cable from your computer to your monitor that then allows you to connect multiple devices to your computer via the monitor, is a fantastic and freeing option.
Lastly, USB-C monitors tend to come with higher resolution, which we all love and use, especially those working with graphics, photos, and video. Plus, the ability to charge your laptop once you're connected is a huge bonus means there's no need to carry the laptop's charger with you, which can often be bulky and cumbersome.
With a beautiful 4K panel focused on color accuracy, a very user-friendly amount of adjustability, and an ergonomically pleasing design, the fact that the Dell UltraSharp 27 4K USB-C Monitor (U2720Q) only costs $539 is shocking. Targeting creative professionals and people that place a high value on productivity, the monitor has a healthy amount of ports, which create a productivity-enhancing atmosphere for those working with high-end color graphics, photos, and video.
The Dell Ultrasharp 27 4K U2720Q is a business workflow beast. The monitor offers many connection options with its wide array of ports. It even has the ability to charge your laptops and devices as you move around the office. Its accurate color reproduction is a thing of beauty and makes the monitor a great option for any office, small business, or content creators seeking a leg up.
See our full Dell Ultrasharp 27 U2720Q review
The HP E27d G4 is a great monitor for mobile professionals looking to upgrade their home offices. What it lacks in top-tier specs is offset with enterprise features, like an anti-glare panel, IR camera for facial recognition and 100W power delivery.
Those additions make the E27d a practical option. Just plug in your laptop with the included USB-C cable then use the IR webcam to instantly log in. From there, enjoy the bright and vivid reflection-free 27-inch screen all while your laptop is being charged. On top of that ease of use, the E27d has a built-in Ethernet port and the arm is extremely adjustable, allowing you to orient the display in portrait mode.
See our full HP E27d G4 monitor review
Throw this monitor in your bag, and you'll have a second display wherever and whenever you need it. The USB-C connection powers the display, so you don't have to worry about finding an outlet. Boasting Thunderbolt 3 compatibility and autorotation, the ZenScreen makes a compelling argument for getting a second monitor. While this model is marketed as a travel monitor, it's flat design makes the screen fragile, so you should always keep it protected before putting it in your backpack or suitcase.
See our full Asus ZenScreen MB16AC review
The big daddy of USB-C monitors, the LG 49WL95-W targets deep-pocketed professionals and the enthusiast crowd. This panel has a gorgeous 5120 x 1440 resolution, which makes 4K look rather quaint. This resolution is overkill for the average user — but hey, if you've got it, flaunt it. The LG offers two USB-A ports, with the sole USB-C port for display only.
If you work on projects with sequential program layouts, the extra space granted by this behemoth ensures that the entirety of your timeline will fit on the screen without the need for zooming out. And as this display boasts 99% of the sRGB gamut, you'll see every color pop.
Offering the ability to adjust brightness and color temperature based on the content on screen and ambient light conditions, the BenQ EW3270U will ensure that your games will always be optimized. FreeSync guarantees the smoothest graphics at all times. For games in which every detail is important and stutter must be avoided, BenQ provides a solid display that would be ranked even higher with the addition of power delivery.
You can stare at this screen all day — literally. Thanks to Asus Eye Care technology, which reduces eye strain, you can work for hours in relative comfort. Now, you can use those sweet peepers of yours to admire your uncluttered, single-cable setup. The USB Type-C port gives you power delivery, 4K video and data transmission. Dual 3-watt speakers paired with optimized sound will impress the average user and deliver the rich, spacious sound audiophiles crave.
An elegant, icicle-gold finish encompasses the whole package and complements premium laptops such as a gold MacBook Pro. If you're looking for a monitor with USB-C functionality, impressive external speakers and a slick aesthetic, look no further than Asus' Designo.
The Lenovo ThinkVision M14t offers excellent image quality; it’s wonderfully light and has a sturdy kickstand. The touchscreen works exceptionally well and can be helpful under the right circumstances. The included Active Pen also makes the ThinkVision M14t a standout with its excellent features and 4,096 levels of pressure. The plug-and-play ThinkVision M14t worked with every laptop I plugged connected it to flawlessly. The ThinkVision M14t’s 1920 x 1080-pixel screen produced stunningly vibrant colors and super sharp images. I was shocked it wasn’t a 4K panel.
However, although everything about the ThinkVision M14t is premium, some may find the near $400 price steep for something that’s just a portable screen with only two USB-C ports. Still, it’s the secret weapon for workaholic travelers.
Read our full Review.
