Best USB-C monitors 2024: These displays have a hidden talent

The Dell U2724DE Ultrasharp has exceptional connectivity that caters to a mix of office productivity, gaming, and multimedia use. It supports Thunderbolt 4, USB-C, USB-A, Ethernet, and video-out. It also provides up to 90 watts of Power Delivery over USB-C for charging a connected laptop or tablet.

Dell employs a new type of display panel called IPS Black, which achieves a better contrast than past IPS panels. It enhances the monitor’s depth and immersion which, though not able to conquer OLED or Mini-LED, is better than average for its category. The monitor scores high marks in color accuracy and offers a wide, vibrant color gamut.

The most surprising feature is the monitor’s 120Hz refresh rate. Boosting the refresh rate improves motion clarity and fluidity in 3D games. It also makes the Windows desktop feel more responsive. Very few competing USB-C monitors have a 120Hz (or better) refresh rate, and those that do lack the U2724DE’s range of connectivity.

Dell makes a couple sacrifices to achieve a refresh rate of 120Hz. It sticks to a modest display resolution of 2560×1440 instead of 4K (3840×2160). HDR is missing, too. Those willing to sacrifice the 120Hz refresh rate for 4K resolution and HDR should consider the U2724DE’s predecessor, the U2723QE. 

Dell’s U2724DE carries a reasonable MSRP of $649.99 which, though not inexpensive, is good value for the monitor’s many features. It’s a great USB-C monitor for work and play.

The BenQ GW2790QT is an inexpensive monitor that doesn’t skimp on USB-C. Though priced at just $300 (with occasional drops to $280 on Amazon), it features a USB-C port with 65 watts of Power Delivery and DisplayPort Alternate Mode, which makes it possible to connect and charge a laptop or tablet.

It also has HDMI, DisplayPort, three USB-A 3.2 downstream ports, and a 3.5mm audio jack. It even includes DisplayPort-out, a rare feature that simplifies cable management by enabling daisy-chaining to a second monitor.

That’s not all. The GW2790T has built-in speakers and a microphone, which makes it an all-in-one video conferencing display. The microphone admittedly isn’t the best, but it’s fine for video conferencing.
BenQ throws in an ergonomic stand with adjustments for height, tilt, swivel, and pivot. The stand’s sturdy base ensures the monitor remains securely in place on your desk. It also has a unique cut-out that can be used as a smartphone or tablet stand.

The GW2790T’s many strengths are offset by a couple downsides. It lacks gaming-oriented features like AMD FreeSync or Nvidia G-Sync, and it doesn’t support HDR. These missing features make the GW2790T less useful for entertainment, but it’s a go-to pick if you want an affordable USB-C monitor for your office.

The Viewsonic VP16-OLED is a remarkable portable OLED monitor that brings together top-notch image quality, USB-C connectivity, and an innovative stand design. 

The monitor’s 15.6-inch 1080p OLED panel delivers exceptional color accuracy, gamut, and contrast. It surpasses many full-sized OLED monitors and nearly all portable monitors. This makes it a great choice for productivity, though it also looks excellent when viewing movies or playing games. 

The VP16-OLED’s stand can be used as a kickstand or expanded to hold the monitor upright, making it ideal for professionals who want to maximize their workspace or need improved ergonomics. The stand includes two USB-C ports, both of which can provide power and video input to the monitor, and a micro-HDMI port for compatibility with non-USB-C devices. The monitor includes all the necessary cables as well as a USB-C power brick.

There is a drawback: the cost. The Viewsonic VP16-OLED’s MSRP of $399.99 is expensive for a portable monitor. However, if you place a high value on image quality and want the best monitor for your portable office, the Viewsonic VP16-OLED is an excellent choice.

The LG DualUp 28MQ780-B is a USB-C monitor with a unique 16:18 aspect ratio that’s almost exactly square. It can rotate into a 18:16 aspect ratio if you’d prefer. The monitor is much taller than most monitors and, as a result, has an adjustable stand that clamps to the rear of your desk instead of a normal desktop stand.

The monitor’s odd form factor is ideal for viewing large, complex documents and can be useful for editing portrait or square photos. It’s also well suited for use as a second monitor alongside a large 32-inch display.

The DualUp 28MQ780-B has a USB-C port with DisplayPort Alternate Mode and 90 watts of Power Delivery, so it can charge a connected laptop or tablet. The USB-C port can extend connectivity to two additional USB-A ports. Unfortunately, the monitor lacks ethernet or video-out, so some owners may need an additional adapter.

What about image quality? It’s great. The monitor has great color accuracy, a wide color gamut, and respectable sharpness thanks to its resolution of 2560×2880. Just be warned: The odd aspect ratio makes it a strange fit for gaming and movies. This is a monitor built for work, not play.

The Philips Evnia 8000 takes the crown as the ultimate big-screen, super-ultrawide monitor. This 49-inch QD-OLED monitor combines top-notch design and extensive connectivity with impressive image quality.

Philips nails the design with the Evnia 8000. The sleek white-and-silver aesthetic and geometric rear panel stand out in any setup. Although the ergonomic stand requires more desk space than some might prefer, it offers height, tilt, and swivel adjustments. The enjoyable 30-watt speaker system delivers clear, loud audio, and the ultra-bright Ambiglow lighting system provides customizable RGB LED backlighting.

Connectivity is a perk. It features multiple HDMI 2.1 ports, DisplayPort 1.4, and a USB-C port with 90W Power Delivery, catering to a wide range of devices from gaming PCs to work laptops. The monitor also includes a USB hub with four USB-A ports and an additional USB-C port, making it easy to connect peripherals like keyboards, mice, and webcams.

Image quality doesn’t disappoint. The display has 5120×1440 resolution and a 240Hz refresh rate for vibrant visuals and smooth, responsive motion. The monitor also excels in contrast and color accuracy.

The Philips Evnia 8000 is priced at an intimidating $1,350, but it’s not a bad value for what it offers. Its size, connectivity, and image quality make for an impressive yet versatile display.