Finest USB-C displays 2023: These shows have a hidden expertise

USB-C is the one connection to rule all of them—actually, in lots of circumstances, due to a latest regulation handed by the European Parliament. Its recognition has made USB-C a standard sight on new displays. A USB-C monitor can simply join with a variety of gadgets, from laptops to smartphones; and a few USB-C displays may even cost a related gadget whereas in use.
The small print of USB-C may be complicated, nonetheless, and pricing for USB-C displays is usually greater than that for displays that lack the interface. Our information to the most effective USB-C displays will assist you to choose the correct show to your wants.
To study extra, see our part on what to search for in a USB-C monitor under our suggestions.
For much more monitor suggestions, try our roundup of the most effective displays throughout all classes.
Up to date 03/01/2023: To incorporate the Viewsonic ColorPro VP16 OLED as our alternative for greatest transportable USB-C monitor. Learn under for more information on our newest choose.
1. Dell U3223QE – Finest USB-C monitor total

Execs
- IPS Black panel fulfills its promise
- Correct colour with broad gamut
- Excessive brightness in SDR
- USB-C hub with 90 watts of energy
Cons
- Edges of show are noticeably vibrant
- HDR efficiency disappoints
- Solely a 60Hz panel
Worth When Reviewed:
$1,149.99
The Dell U3223QE, which ranks as our greatest monitor total, is a wonderful USB-C monitor with an enormous vary of connectivity. It additionally packs a cutting-edge IPS panel with alluring picture high quality.
Connectivity is great. The monitor has a USB-C port with DisplayPort Alternate Mode and as much as 90 watts of Energy Supply for charging a related gadget. It additionally drives a USB hub with a complete of 5 further USB-A ports, ethernet, and DisplayPort-out. That’s sufficient to attach a wired mouse, keyboard, and show—and nonetheless have a number of ports left over for exterior drives or your smartphone.
This monitor is among the many valuable few with an IPS Black show panels. Because the identify implies, this know-how improves black ranges, providing roughly twice the distinction ratio of competing displays with IPS panels. Only a few displays have this panel, so it provides the Dell U3223QE a major edge over its rivals. The monitor additionally has 4K decision and very good out-of-the-box colour accuracy.
This monitor has a smaller twin, the Dell U2723QE, which packs the identical options and IPS Black panel at a cheaper price. It’s a good selection for those who don’t need an enormous 32-inch monitor or do need a USB-C monitor on a extra modest price range.
Learn our full
Dell U3223QE assessment
2. NZXT Canvas 27Q – Finest price range USB-C monitor

Execs
- Engaging and sturdy design
- 4 video inputs together with USB-C
- Nice colour efficiency
- Excessive movement readability at 144Hz and 165Hz
Cons
- Restricted picture high quality adjustment
- Audio system not included
- HDR mode is barebones
Worth When Reviewed:
$319.99
The NZXT Canvas S27Q is the go-to alternative if you need a USB-C monitor and don’t want a variety of USB-C hub connectivity. Its extra threadbare characteristic set helps NZXT ship USB-C connectivity and very good picture high quality for lower than $300.
This monitor has a USB-C port with DisplayPort Alternate Mode, which means it could possibly deal with video enter. It lacks Energy Supply, nonetheless, so the USB-C port gained’t cost a related laptop computer or pill. The USB-C port connects to 2 further USB-A ports. On the plus aspect, this monitor has two HDMI-in ports and one DisplayPort-In, for a complete for 4 video inputs. Most inexpensive displays have simply two or three.
The NZXT Canvas S27Q is a 27-inch 1440p monitor with an IPS panel and a refresh charge of as much as 165Hz. It additionally helps AMD FreeSync Premium and Nvidia G-Sync, which is nice information for players.
The monitor has glorious picture high quality and scores notably nicely in colour efficiency and accuracy. It might probably go toe-to-toe with rivals priced $100 to $200 above it, so it’s a fantastic alternative if you need most worth to your cash.
Learn our full
NZXT Canvas 27Q assessment
3. Asus ProArt PA348CGV – Finest ultrawide USB-C monitor

Execs
- Wonderful SDR picture high quality
- Sturdy, hefty design
- Big selection of customization
- 120Hz refresh charge
Cons
- USB-C hub lacks video-out or ethernet
- HDR is merely satisfactory
Worth When Reviewed:
729.99
The Asus ProArt PA348CGV is a spectacular ultrawide USB-C monitor. It manages to serve an enormous vary of individuals, from players to prosumers and professionals, with out letting anybody down.
This monitor has a USB-C port with DisplayPort Alternate Mode and as much as 90 watts of Energy Supply, so it could possibly cost a related laptop computer or desk. The USB-C port can drive as much as 4 further USB-A ports, providing a variety of bodily connections. It doesn’t help ethernet or video-out, nonetheless, so some homeowners will nonetheless want a further adapter.
Picture high quality is great. Colour accuracy is great, the colour gamut is broad, and most brightness is excessive. The monitor’s 34-inch panel has a decision of 3440×1440, which is roughly equal to a 27-inch 1440p monitor and appears sharp in on a regular basis use. The monitor has a most refresh charge of 120Hz and helps AMD FreeSync Premium Professional, which is nice information for players.
The ProArt PA348CGV within reason priced, as nicely, at $729.99—not a discount, however decrease than most ultrawide displays with comparable options. Its value, wide selection of options, and glorious picture high quality make the ProArt PA348CGV a fantastic USB-C monitor for players and content material creators.
Learn our full
Asus ProArt PA348CGV assessment
4. LG DualUp 28MQ780-B – Finest USB-C monitor for productiveness

Execs
- Distinctive side ratio is helpful for photograph, video modifying
- Makes an superior second monitor
- Extremely adjustable stand
- Vivid, correct colour
Cons
- Tough to slot in a small house workplace
- USB-C port presents restricted downstream connectivity
- Can lack immersion in some content material
Worth When Reviewed:
699.99
The LG DualUp 28MQ780-B is a USB-C monitor with a novel 16:18 side ratio that’s virtually precisely sq.. It might probably rotate right into a 18:16 side ratio for those who’d want. The monitor is far taller than most displays and, consequently, has an adjustable stand that clamps to the rear of your desk as an alternative of a traditional desktop stand.
The monitor’s odd type issue is right for viewing giant, complicated paperwork and may be helpful for modifying portrait or sq. photographs. It’s additionally nicely fitted to use as a second monitor alongside a big 32-inch show.
The DualUp 28MQ780-B has a USB-C port with DisplayPort Alternate Mode and 90 watts of Energy Supply, so it could possibly cost a related laptop computer or pill. The USB-C port can prolong connectivity to 2 further USB-A ports. Sadly, the monitor lacks ethernet or video-out, so some homeowners may have a further adapter.
What about picture high quality? It’s nice. The monitor has nice colour accuracy, a large colour gamut, and respectable sharpness due to its decision of 2560×2880. Simply be warned: The odd side ratio makes it a wierd match for gaming and films. It is a monitor constructed for work, not play.
Learn our full
LG DualUp 28MQ780-B assessment
5. Viewsonic ColorPro VP16 OLED – Finest transportable USB-C monitor

Execs
- Versatile, helpful stands
- Good connectivity, cables included
- Quite a few picture high quality customization choices
- Prime-tier picture high quality even at default settings
Cons
- Audio system are included, however weak
- Expensive for a transportable monitor
- No HDR
Worth When Reviewed:
$399.99
The Viewsonic VP16-OLED is a exceptional transportable OLED monitor that brings collectively top-notch picture high quality, USB-C connectivity, and an progressive stand design.
The monitor’s 15.6-inch 1080p OLED panel delivers distinctive colour accuracy, gamut, and distinction. It surpasses many full-sized OLED displays and practically all transportable displays. This makes it a fantastic alternative for productiveness, although it additionally appears glorious when viewing motion pictures or taking part in video games.
The VP16-OLED’s stand can be utilized as a kickstand or expanded to carry the monitor upright, making it best for professionals who wish to maximize their workspace or want improved ergonomics. The stand consists of two USB-C ports, each of which may present energy and video enter to the monitor, and a micro-HDMI port for compatibility with non-USB-C gadgets. The monitor consists of all the required cables in addition to a USB-C energy brick.
There’s a downside: the associated fee. The Viewsonic VP16-OLED’s MSRP of $399.99 is dear for a transportable monitor. Nonetheless, for those who place a excessive worth on picture high quality and wish the most effective monitor to your transportable workplace, the Viewsonic VP16-OLED is a wonderful alternative.
Learn our full
Viewsonic ColorPro VP16-OLED assessment
What to search for in a USB-C monitor
Many options fascinating in a USB-C monitor are the identical as on some other show. A pointy, vivid, vibrant, and contrast-rich display is greatest. Nonetheless, customers who wish to purchase a USB-C monitor ought to control particulars solely related to USB-C.
Bear in mind, too, {that a} USB-C show can be utilized in two contexts. First, you may join your USB-C monitor to a desktop PC or laptop computer by way of a USB-C cable, and use it like a standard USB-C hub by way of the USB-C cable’s 20Gbps interface. That’s fairly easy.
Second, you may as well use the USB-C cable as a substitute for a show cable like HDMI or DisplayPort, particularly for newer laptops that may get rid of an HDMI or DisplayPort port.
It’s right here that USB-C displays can get difficult. The normal rule of thumb is {that a} USB-C port can help a 4K show at 30Hz decision. DisplayPort Alternate Mode (see under) will increase that to 4K60, which is far simpler on the eyes. Newer laptops use DisplayPort 1.4, which mixes a high-bit-rate mode (HBR3) with a DSC compression mode that ought to enable for 4K60 video alongside the flexibility to make use of USB 3.1 storage gadgets.
Bear in mind, nonetheless, that the USB-C cable’s 20Gbps throughput could not enable for video to be handed to premium shows just like the NZXT Canvas S27Q at its full 1440p, 165Hz refresh charge. These specs most likely assume that you simply’re utilizing a devoted video port like DisplayPort, as an alternative, in addition to its separate video cable. You possibly can actually join the show to your laptop computer utilizing each a video cable and the USB-C cable concurrently, nonetheless.
In case your laptop computer makes use of both Thunderbolt 3 or Thunderbolt 4 or USB4 — all of which use a 40Gbps information connection and a USB-C port in your laptop computer — it’s best to most likely haven’t any points connecting your laptop computer to the monitor on the full refresh charge utilizing a Thunderbolt cable. Simply seek the advice of your laptop computer’s specs and/or guide to ensure.
Energy Supply
USB-C Energy Supply gives energy over a USB-C cable. It’s not a part of the core USB-C specification, so gadgets with USB-C (together with displays) don’t at all times help it. Energy Supply can pack as much as 240 watts, however most USB-C displays present simply 65 to 90 watts. It’s an ideal match for many who personal a thin-and-light laptop computer, 2-in-1, or pill.
Energy Supply is insufficient for some gadgets, resembling gaming laptops, which eat extra energy than present USB-C displays can present. These laptops should still cost when left at idle however will cost slowly (and even discharge the battery) when in use.
Ethernet
Wired ethernet is a fascinating characteristic in a USB-C monitor. Many fashionable laptops lack a bodily Ethernet port, so its inclusion on a monitor is handy. It might probably enhance the pace and reliability of a related gadget’s web connection.
Whereas helpful, that is an costly characteristic accessible solely on premium fashions. The Dell U3223QE is the one USB-C monitor on this listing with ethernet help.
DisplayPort Alternate Mode
DisplayPort Alternate Mode is a characteristic accessible to USB-C that handles video as if the USB-C cable was a DisplayPort cable. It helps all of the options you’d count on from DisplayPort together with excessive refresh charges and adaptive sync.
A monitor with out this characteristic gained’t settle for video over USB-C, which means you’ll have to attach each USB-C and a separate video enter. All of the displays on this listing help DisplayPort Alternate Mode.
How we check displays
PC World’s monitor guides are the results of impartial exams by PC World employees members and freelance know-how journalists.
We check every monitor with a SpyderXElite colour calibration device. This device can measure a monitor’s brightness, distinction, colour gamut, colour accuracy, uniformity, gamma, colour temperature, and different necessary points of show high quality. Utilizing a device that measures goal high quality helps us objectively evaluate dozens of displays.
Our exams of USB-C displays additionally contemplate the vary of USB-C connectivity and options accessible. We want to see a USB-C monitor with an entire vary of bodily connectivity together with ethernet and a minimum of 90 watts of Energy Supply, however these fascinating options are balanced towards the monitor’s value.
FAQ
Do I really want a USB-C monitor?
A USB-C monitor is an effective way to broaden your pc’s connectivity with out the added litter of a USB-C hub or dock. It reduces the wires current in your desk, liberating up house for different makes use of. PC World’s information to USB-C hub displays has the complete story.
USB-C displays are glorious when used with a USB-C laptop computer that consumes lower than 90 watts of energy at load. Docking a laptop computer at a desk may be annoying for those who use a wired keyboard, wired mouse, and exterior monitor. A USB-C monitor can consolidate all of your wired gadgets to a single USB-C cable.
If these advantages sound good, then a USB-C monitor might be for you. If not, you could get extra worth from a standard monitor.
Are USB-C displays costly?
Sure, USB-C displays are dearer. Primary displays with out USB-C retail for as little as $100, whereas comparable displays with USB-C begin round $150.
That value premium persists via all value classes. You possibly can count on to pay round $50 to $100 extra for a USB-C monitor than you’ll for the same monitor with out it.
Premium productiveness {and professional} displays are an exception. Practically all displays in these classes supply some type of USB-C help. They continue to be costly, although, and are sometimes priced between $500 to $1,000 (and typically extra).
Are USB-C displays good for gaming?
Technically talking, USB-C displays may be nice for gaming. USB-C video is dealt with over DisplayPort Alternate Mode, which preserves all the standard advantages of DisplayPort. This consists of nice help for top refresh charges, excessive resolutions, and adaptive sync.
However there’s a catch: Many displays which have a USB-C port don’t help necessary gaming options like an enhanced refresh charge, low pixel response instances, or adaptive sync. The Asus ProArt PG348CGV, our choose for greatest ultrawide with USB-C, and the NZXT Canvas 27Q, our greatest price range choose, are two notable exceptions. Simply just be sure you’re connecting to them with a devoted DisplayPort or HDMI video cable, and never utilizing the USB-C cable because the video cable, too.