dell monitors for macbook pro

Best USB-C monitors of 2021: top displays for Windows laptops and MacBooks

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These are the best USB-C monitors 2021 has on offer. (Image credit: Future)

One of the best USB-C monitors may just be the best monitor for your MacBook Pro. MacBook Pros may have impeccable displays, but being laptops, sometimes those small displays just aren't enough. And, because MacBook Pros – as well as other thin and light laptops and Ultrabooks for that matter – are now using USB-C ports, USB-C monitors are the simplest solutions.

Whether you want a bigger screen or just need to replace your aging display, consider one of the best USB-C monitors on this list. Don't worry; they're not just the best monitor for MacBook Pro owners. By also bringing in a wealth of other benefits like a USB hub and passthrough charging, they're also a boon to those with multiple devices – from creative professionals and gamers to multi-user households.

If you're not quite familiar with this new generation of displays, we're here to help. From some of the best curved monitors and the best 4K monitors to excellent displays for creative pros, we've rounded up the best USB-C monitors for you so you can find the one that best suits your needs. No matter if you're looking for the best monitor for Macbook Pros or if you want a more seamless workflow and have gorgeous visuals. One of these will suit your needs.

Here the best USB-C docks of 2021 no matter your budget

1. BenQ EW3270U

A beautiful 4K display

Specifications

USB-C: Yes x 1

Screen size: 31.5 inches

Resolution: 3840 x 2160

Aspect ratio: 16:9

HDMI inputs: 2

Display ports: DisplayPort v1.4 x 1

Reasons to buy

+Blue light options +Wide port variety

Reasons to avoid

-Lackluster speakers -Weird headphone jack placement

Whether it's for your MacBook Pro or your Windows laptop you're looking to buy a USB-C monitor for, the BenQ EW3270U is a great all-around choice. This 4K display delivers beautiful picture quality with High Dynamic Range support, AMD FreeSync and Opt-Clarity technology, making it great for streaming movies and shows as well as casual gaming. But, perhaps it's key selling points are its Flicker-Free, Low Blue Light and Brightness Intelligence Plus features, which all help to make this display easy on its users' eyes. This monitor is designed to reduce eye fatigue and strain so even when you've been on your computer for hours, your eyes won't feel like it.

Read the full review: BenQ EW3270U

2. LG UltraFine 24MD4KL-B

Certainly more than fine

Specifications

USB-C: Yes x 3

Screen size: 24 inches

Resolution: 3840 x 2160

Aspect ratio: 16:9

HDMI inputs: none

Display ports: none

Reasons to buy

+Incredible color accuracy +Bright and vivid +USB-C and Thunderbolt 3 compatibility

Reasons to avoid

-Expensive -Thick bezels

Fledgling content creators will find a great value in the LG UltraFine 24MD4KL-B, if they're looking for the best USB-C monitor that won't break the bank. This 4K display's high resolution and color accuracy get things done while its USB-C and Thunderbolt 3 is a boon for Apple fans. It's still pretty pricey, especially for everyday users. However, it's a pretty good purchase for content creators, especially if you're used to more expensive models. Though you do have to compromise with a smaller screen size and thicker bezels. If you're working with a smaller desk space, this is definitely ideal.

Read the full review: LG UltraFine 24MD4KL-B

3. BenQ SW321C PhotoVue

Best 4K monitor for photographers

Specifications

Screen size: 32-inch

Aspect ratio: 16:9

Resolution: 3,840 x 2,160

Brightness: 250 cd/m2

Response time: 5ms

Viewing angle: 178/178

Contrast ratio: 1,000:1

Color support: 99% AdobeRGB, 95% P3, 100% sRGB

Weight: 25.6kg

Reasons to buy

+Improved brightness and colour uniformity +USB-C connectivity +Hardware calibration with 16-bit LUT precision

Reasons to avoid

-Main connection bay is hard to reach -'Paper Color Sync' needs refining to be truly useful

Pro-level displays are no longer the premium priced, inaccessible purchase they started out to be. At least as far as the BenQ SW321C PhotoVue is concerned. This 32-inch 4K photo monitor is up a step or two in terms of both performance and usability, featuring an incredibly wide color gamut of 99% of the Adobe RGB color space and 95% of DCI-P3. If you're in the cinematography or photography sphere, that's exactly what you need. And, that's on top of all the other features this monitor boasts – including a plethora of ports like downstream and upstream USB 3.1, DisplayPort, HDMI, SD card reader and, of course, USB-C. This is among the best USB-C monitors for photo editing you'll find, and the best part is you're getting it for cheaper than all others.

Read the full review: BenQ SW321C PhotoVue

4. Dell U3818DW UltraSharp 38-inch Curved USB-C Monitor

A fantastic high-end USB-C monitor for those who need the very best

Specifications

USB-C: Yes

Screen size: 38 inches

Resolution: 3840 x 1600

Aspect ratio: 21:9

HDMI inputs: 2

Display ports: 1

Reasons to buy

+Wide color gamut +VESA mount

Reasons to avoid

-No FreeSync -Contrast ratio is poor

With a curved 38-inch InfinityEdge screen, this Dell monitor is definitely beautiful. The wide canvas allows you to work with multiple windows at once, perfect for graphic design or other creative fields. However with its sRGB color gamut, it's equally suitable for charging into battle or fighting off zombies.

5. BenQ DesignVue PD3220U

A Mac-friendly 4K monitor

Specifications

USB-C: Yes x 2

Screen size: 31.5 inches

Resolution: 3,840 x 2,160

Aspect ratio: 16:9

HDMI inputs: HDMI v2.0 x 2

Display ports: DisplayPort v1.4 x 1

Reasons to buy

+Gorgeous design +Lovely IPS panel

Reasons to avoid

-Only good color accuracy -Not cheap

Designed for creative professionals for both Mac and PC environments, the BenQ DesignVue PD3220U tops our list of the best USB-C monitors in 2021 for a few compelling reasons. Though its color accuracy isn't as impeccable as content creators would have preferred, this monitor boasts a lovely IPS panel, a strong feature set like 4K HDR10 video support and Thunderbolt 3 connectivity, and slim bezels all wrapped in a gorgeous package. Charge via USB-C, daisy chain multiple displays and experiment with its different colour space modes. Just be prepared to pay a hefty price to take this one home, as it isn't the cheapest.

Read the full review: BenQ DesignVue PD3220U

6. MSI Prestige PS341WU

When 4K just doesn't cut it...

Specifications

USB-C: Yes

Screen size: 34 inches

Resolution: 5,120 x 2,160

Aspect ratio: 21:9

HDMI inputs: HDMI 2.0 x 2

Display ports: DisplayPort v1.4 x 1

Reasons to buy

+Empty Glorious 5K2K resolution +Superb Nano IPS panel +Great feature set

Reasons to avoid

-Patchy build quality -Mediocre HDR performance

If you're looking for a monitor that's a cut above the 4K norm, then you've got the MSI Prestige PS341WU. Showing up any impeccable 4K monitor is by no means an easy feat, but this monitor does so with the huge 5K2K native resolution (and 21:9 ultrawide aspect ratio) of its luscious 34-inch IPS screen. It doesn't come cheap, but it does have a great feature set to make up for that, including a Nano IPS panel with DCI-P3 color gamut, HDR support and comprehensive connectivity. All that packed in a beautiful white aesthetic, and you've got yourself one of the best USB-C monitors of 2021.

Read the full review: MSI Prestige PS341WU

7. HP Z38c

A superwide productivity workhorse

Specifications

USB-C: Yes x 1

Screen size: 38 inches

Resolution: 3840 x 1600

Aspect ratio: 21:9

HDMI inputs: HDMI v2.0 x 1

Display ports: DisplayPort v1.2 x 1

Reasons to buy

+Huge panel for productivity +High quality chassis

Reasons to avoid

-Mediocre pixel pitch -No HDR support

Despite missing HDR support, a comparatively mediocre refresh rate of only 60Hz and not color-accurate enough for content creation, there's a lot to love about the HP Z38c. This superwide productivity workhorse has the real estate for users who need space, and a lot of it, which makes this among the best USB-C monitors in the large panel arena. That high quality chassis, paired with its high quality stand, houses a serious tool for productivity fiends. And its curved design helps immerse you in your work even more, because when you're multitasking on the job, distractions are definitely unwelcome.

Read the full review: HP Z38c

8. Acer Predator CG7

An epic screen

Specifications

USB-C: Yes x 3

Screen size: 24 inches

Resolution: 3840 x 2160

Aspect ratio: 16:9

HDMI inputs: Yes x 3

Display ports: Yes x 2

Reasons to buy

+Responsive +G-Sync support +4K support

Reasons to avoid

-Expensive -Lacks some features List

If a big screen is essential to your workflow, but you can't go all out, then a 43-inch monitor might be a good fit. The Acer Predator CG7 is like the Goldilocks of monitors in terms of screen size – not too small and not too big, just right especially if you're a designer or a photo/video editor who needs real estate but doesn't have a lot of desk space. Content creation extras include its 90% DCI-P3 coverage and great port selection. One of the best USB-C monitors of 2021, it's a gaming monitor as well, fitted with all the frills for gaming like a 144Hz refresh rate, 1ms response time and Nvidia G-Sync. If you're just as much of a gamer as you are a content creator, you've got an ace in this.

Read the full review: Acer Predator CG7

9. MSI Optix MAG272CQR

A great all-rounder

Specifications

USB-C: Yes x 1

Screen size: 27 inches

Resolution: 2560 x 1440

Aspect ratio: 16:9

HDMI inputs: Yes x 2

Display ports: Yes x 1

Reasons to buy

+Great feature set +Punchy colors and contrast +165Hz refresh and adaptive sync

Reasons to avoid

-Patchy response from VA panel -Not a true HDR display

Gaming monitors don't necessarily have to be expensive to be good. Take the MSI Optix MAG272CQR, which delivers excellent features like a 165Hz refresh rate, 1ms response time, AMD FreeSync and a curved design. It won't set you back as much as other gaming monitors out there, making it ideal for gamers with a limited budget. Of course, there are compromises to be made: it's only got a VA panel and it's not 4K. However, it's a great (and fast) all-rounder that's best for not just gaming, but also productivity and creative workloads.

Read the full review: MSI Optix MAG272CQR

10. BenQ PD2720U 27 inch 4K UHD IPS Monitor

Perfect for creative professionals with less desk space

Specifications

USB-C: Yes

Screen size: 27 inches

Resolution: 3840x2160

Aspect ratio: 16:9

HDMI inputs: 2

Display ports: 1

Reasons to buy

+Two thunderbolt ports +Great color accuracy

Reasons to avoid

-Weak speakers

This 27-inch BenQ monitor is certainly not the cheapest USB-C option on the market. But, with its 4K resolution, incredibly accurate color reproduction, and two thunderbolt ports, it's certainly worth the price of admission. It also comes with HDR10 support, modes to accommodate different work environments, and a puck for easy on-the-fly settings adjustments.

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