Best USB-C Monitor 2021: Our Top Picks For November


If you're looking for the best USB-C monitor but don't know where to start, we've got you covered with our list of top picks here.

USB-C cables are becoming increasingly popular thanks to their ability to transfer video, data and power in a single cord.

They are a great solution for connecting a monitor to your MacBook or laptop to expand your display size, and are becoming a bit of a feature piece in most productivity setup videos nowadays.

We've looked closely at reviews, specs and additional features to what we think are some of the best USB-C monitors around.

So, whether you're looking for a brilliant ultrawide monitor like the Dell U3818DW or you're on the hunt for a cracking gaming monitor in the MSI Optix MAG272CQR, we've got you covered.

Let's dive in!

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Best USB-C monitor

Best USB-C Monitor For Picture Editing - BenQ SW321C 32-inch PhotoVue

Best USB-C Monitor BenQ
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Image Credit: BenQ

Brand: BenQ | Screen Size: 32-Inch | Maximum Display Resolution: 3840 x 2160 pixels | Connectivity Technology: USB-C x1, HDMI x2, DisplayPort x1 | Response Time: 5ms | Refresh Rate: 60Hz

The BenQ SW321C PhotoVue is an outstanding choice when it comes to photo and video editing and we think this is a worthy contender for one of the best BenQ monitors out there.

This 32-inch monitor boasts a stunning 4k display, with 99% RGB and 95% DCI-P3, producing a wide colour gamut, clearly visible from a range of viewing angles thanks to the IPS technology.

This screen also boasts a new anti-reflection technology which further increases the colour accuracy and along with increased brightness, it should be effective even in a well-lit room.

The USB-C connection provides 60W power and allows for a one-cable connection to a laptop or computer when performing hardware calibration.

For photographers, the BenQ PhotoVue could be for you.

Best USB-C Monitor Ultra-wide - Dell U3818DW 37.5-inch Curved Monitor

Best USB-C Monitor Ultra-wide
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Image Credit: Dell

Brand: Dell | Screen Size: 37.5-Inch | Maximum Display Resolution: 3840 x 1600 Pixels | Connectivity Technology: USB-C x1, HDMI x2, DisplayPort x1 | Response Time: 5ms | Refresh Rate: 60Hz

If you've managed to grab one of the best laptops for video editing, then you may be looking to pair it with an equally impressive monitor, like the Dell U3818DW.

The USB-C connection allows you to transfer your MacBook display to maximise screen space and go deeper into detail.

The 37.5-inch display boasts a 3840 x 1600 resolution on an immersive, ultra-wide curved screen, allowing for multiple windows to be open simultaneously, which can be a useful tool when editing.

The IPS-panel type from this screen boasts a range of over 1 billion colours again increasing your ability to look at precise detail when editing.

Paired with any of the best USB-C cables, the Dell U3818DW is a standout choice for us.

Best USB-C Monitor 27-Inch - Dell U2720Q UltraSharp

Best USB-C Monitor 27-inch, product image of a black monitor
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Image Credit: Dell

Brand: Dell | Screen Size: 27-Inch | Maximum Display Resolution: 3840 x 2160 Pixels | Connectivity Technology: 2x USB-C, DisplayPort, HDMI, 3x USB | Response Time: 5ms | Refresh Rate: 60Hz

Dell makes this list not once but twice with their U2720Q Ultrasharp clocking as one of the best USB-C monitors with a 27-inch panel.

You'll find it's also a 4K offering with accurate colours and 300 nits of brightness should be plentiful, considering the 99% sRGB coverage with what we think looks to be great colour saturation.

For ports, expect plenty as this Dell monitor packs 2 USB-C ports for connecting and also charging devices, a DisplayPort and HDMI for legacy choices and 3 USB ports for hooking up things like hard drives.

The IPS panel here should also be great for providing wider viewing angles and it's also an anti-glare screen too.

If you do need to adjust this monitor, the U2720Q Ultrasharp features 5.1 inches of height adjustment and 90 degrees of pivot and 45 degrees either side of swivel, too.

Best USB-C Monitor Budget - GIGABYTE M27Q 27 inch Gaming Monitor

Best USB-C Monitor Gigabyte
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Image Credit: Gigabyte

Brand: Gigabyte | Screen Size: 27-Inch | Maximum Display Resolution: 2560 x 1440 Pixels | Connectivity Technology: USB-C x1, HDMI x2, DisplayPort x1 | Response Time: 1ms | Refresh Rate: 170Hz

If you're looking for a monitor that has a USB-C connection and is fantastic for gaming at the same time, the Gigabyte M27Q could be for you.

The 27-inch screen has an impressive 1ms response time and a whopping 170Hz refresh rate, though this is limited to 120Hz while gaming, it is still a powerful combination.

With USB-C and multiple HDMI ports, you'll be able to connect your MacBook and gaming console at the same time and seamlessly switch between work and gaming thanks to the KVM feature.

The USB-C input also allows for charging of smaller devices such as smartphones, making it adaptable to suit your needs.

We think the Gigabyte M27Q is a real winner!

Best USB-C Monitor Curved - MSI Optix MAG272CQR

Best USB-C Monitor MSI
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Image Credit: MSI

Brand: MSI | Screen Size: 27-Inch | Maximum Display Resolution: 2560 x 1440 Pixels | Connectivity Technology: USB-C x1, HDMI x2, DisplayPort x1 | Response Time: 1ms | Refresh Rate: 165Hz

If you're after a curved USB-C monitor but don't want to break the bank, the MSI Optix MAG272CQR is a brilliant budget alternative.

This curved 1500R monitor offers WQHD resolution with a 165hz refresh rate and 1ms response time, exceptional for gaming and allows for greater immersion into the atmosphere of any game.

This also comes with VRR thanks to AMD FreeSync which reduces screen tearing and framerate drops.

While a strong contender for one of the best gaming monitors out there, the USB-C connection will also allow you to connect select laptops to give you a truly epic workspace.

The MSI Optix is a solid all-rounder and gives you some serious bang for your buck!

Best USB-C Monitor Large Screen - Acer Predator CG437KP

Best USB-C Monitor Acer
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Image Credit: Acer

Brand: Acer | Screen Size: 43-Inch | Maximum Display Resolution: 3840 x 2160 Pixels | Connectivity Technology: USB-C x3, HDMI x3, DisplayPort x2 | Response Time: 1ms | Refresh Rate: 120Hz

If you're after a larger screen, but one you can still use on a desk while working, the Acer Predator CG437KP could be for you.

This 43-inch display offers 4k resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate, though if you're gaming at 4k you'll be capped to 60Hz as there is no HDMI 2.1 port.

Offering three USB-C and HDMI inputs makes this monitor extremely versatile, potentially allowing you to connect your MacBook, smartphone, speakers, computer, PS5 and Xbox Series X all at once.

If you're a content creator and a gamer, this monitor will allow you to go deeper into editing with 90% DCI-P3 and enhance your gaming experience with features such as Nvidia G-Sync, which is a form of VRR that is designed to eliminate screen-tearing, in short.

The Acer Predator is a premium choice but we think it could be well worth the money.

Why Go For A USB-C Monitor?

There are a ton of reasons why USB-C monitors have a bit of an advantage over the 'everyday' monitor.

USB-C Monitors allow for super-fast data transfer

First and foremost, you can transfer data, as we mentioned, super quick, and it supports high resolution, making it great when pairing with some of the best laptops, like the MacBook Pro for instance.

If you want a minimal setup, USB-C monitors are a must-have

They also save a load of space on your setup, and if you are anything like us, having as few cables visible as possible can make all the difference when it comes to working...and mood!

All the best setups we've seen have a stunning USB-C monitor at the centre of them, so if you're all about that minimal aesthetic...look no further.

USB-C monitors can charge desk accessories

The really the big plus point about USB-C monitors is that they offer charging capabilities, so if you've got wireless charging pads, speakers, and other desk accessories, you can just plug them into the monitor and again, hideaway those pesky cables.

USB-C connectivity is quickly becoming the standard

It always used to be Apple that had the one-size-fits-all cable with the Lighting port being used for charging and data transfer, whilst the swathes of USB connectors were left floundering.

Now though, USB-C is quickly becoming a standard with not only super-fast data transfer but also widespread uses for connecting devices like monitors through Thunderbolt 4 and device charging.

This makes picking up a Type C monitor an ideal investment as it will stand the test of time when it comes to ports.

Read More: Best Monitors For Video Editing

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