The Allure of USB-C Monitors: A Comprehensive Guide

USB-C has rapidly become the ubiquitous connection, streamlining our digital lives and offering a single port solution for a multitude of devices. Its prevalence extends to the monitor market, where USB-C monitors are gaining traction due to their versatility and convenience. These monitors not only offer the core function of displaying visuals but also act as integrated USB hubs, providing additional ports for connecting peripherals. Beyond that, the USB-C port can serve as a video input alternative to traditional options like HDMI or DisplayPort, and in some cases, even charge connected devices.

However, the complexities of USB-C can be daunting, and the price point of USB-C monitors often exceeds that of their counterparts lacking this feature. This guide delves into the benefits and considerations surrounding USB-C monitors, helping you navigate the landscape and determine if one is right for your needs.

What Makes USB-C Monitors Special?

The key advantage of a USB-C monitor lies in its multifaceted functionality. It’s more than just a display; it’s a central hub for your devices. Here’s a breakdown of its core capabilities:

• USB Hub Functionality: USB-C monitors typically include multiple USB-A ports, allowing you to connect peripherals like keyboards, mice, external hard drives, and webcams directly to the monitor. This eliminates the need for a separate USB hub and reduces cable clutter on your desk.

• Video Input: The USB-C port can transmit video signals, serving as an alternative to HDMI or DisplayPort. This is particularly useful for laptops that may have limited ports or for simplifying your setup with a single cable connection.

• Power Delivery (PD): Many USB-C monitors support Power Delivery, which means they can charge connected devices, such as laptops, tablets, and smartphones, through the USB-C port. This feature is especially beneficial for those with thin-and-light laptops or 2-in-1 devices that rely on USB-C for charging.

Recommended USB-C Monitors

Here’s a look at some notable USB-C monitors across different categories, catering to various needs and budgets:

• Dell Ultrasharp U3225QE: This monitor is designed for professionals seeking top-tier display quality and best-in-class USB-C connectivity. Its Thunderbolt 4 / USB-C ports deliver 140W of Power Delivery, capable of charging most laptops. It also boasts HDMI, DisplayPort, a secondary DisplayPort for daisy-chaining, a 2.5Gbps Ethernet port, six USB-A ports, and KVM switch functionality. The 31.5-inch 4K IPS Black panel offers excellent color accuracy and a 120Hz refresh rate. A smaller version, the Dell Ultrasharp U2725QE, offers similar features in a 27-inch size.

• BenQ GW2786TC: For budget-conscious users, the BenQ GW2786TC provides a compelling USB-C experience for under $200. It features a 27-inch 1080p IPS display with a 100Hz refresh rate. Its USB-C port supports 65W Power Delivery. Other features include DisplayPort-out for daisy-chaining, built-in speakers, a noise-canceling microphone, and an ambient light sensor.

• Viewsonic VP16-OLED: This portable OLED monitor stands out with its exceptional image quality and innovative stand design. The 15.6-inch 1080p OLED panel delivers stunning color accuracy, gamut, and contrast. It has two USB-C ports (both supporting power and video input) and a micro-HDMI port.

• LG DualUp 28MQ780-B: The LG DualUp is known for its unique 16:18 aspect ratio, offering a taller display ideal for viewing large documents and editing portrait photos. Its USB-C port provides 90W of Power Delivery.

• Philips Evnia 8000: This super-ultrawide monitor boasts a 49-inch QD-OLED panel, impressive image quality, and extensive connectivity. It features multiple HDMI 2.1 ports, DisplayPort 1.4, and a USB-C port with 90W Power Delivery. The monitor also includes a USB hub with four USB-A ports and an additional USB-C port.

Navigating the USB-C Landscape: Key Considerations

While USB-C offers numerous advantages, it’s essential to understand the nuances of its implementation in monitors. Here are some critical factors to consider:

• DisplayPort Alternate Mode (DP Alt Mode): This feature allows the USB-C port to transmit video signals, essentially acting as a DisplayPort connection. Without DP Alt Mode, you’ll need to connect both USB-C and a separate video input (HDMI or DisplayPort) for video output. All of the monitors recommended in this guide support DisplayPort Alternate Mode.

• Power Delivery (PD): The amount of power delivered through the USB-C port varies among monitors. Most USB-C monitors provide 65 to 90 watts, which is sufficient for charging thin-and-light laptops, 2-in-1s, and tablets. However, power-hungry devices like gaming laptops may require more power than the monitor can provide.

• USB-C Data Transfer Rate: The USB-C port’s data transfer rate impacts its ability to handle video and data simultaneously. Newer laptops with DisplayPort 1.4 and DSC compression can support 4K60 video alongside USB 3.1 data transfer. However, older laptops or high-refresh-rate monitors may require a separate video cable (HDMI or DisplayPort) for optimal performance.

• Thunderbolt Support: If your laptop has Thunderbolt 3, Thunderbolt 4, or USB4, you should be able to connect to the monitor at its full refresh rate using a Thunderbolt cable. These technologies offer a 40Gbps data connection, providing ample bandwidth for video and data transmission.

• Ethernet Port: Some premium USB-C monitors include a built-in Ethernet port, which provides a stable and fast wired network connection. This is particularly useful for laptops that lack a physical Ethernet port.

USB-C for Gaming?

While USB-C monitors can technically be used for gaming, there are some caveats. USB-C video is handled over DisplayPort Alternate Mode, which supports high refresh rates and adaptive sync technologies like AMD FreeSync and NVIDIA G-Sync.

However, not all USB-C monitors are designed with gaming in mind. Many lack important gaming features like high refresh rates, low pixel response times, and adaptive sync. If you’re looking for a USB-C monitor for gaming, make sure it specifically advertises these features. It’s important to make sure that you use either a DisplayPort or HDMI cable for video. Using the USB-C for video alongside other USB connections could limit the available bandwidth, and may not support the advertised refresh rate of the display.

Is a USB-C Monitor Right for You?

A USB-C monitor can be a valuable addition to your setup, especially if you:

• Use a USB-C laptop or tablet: A USB-C monitor simplifies docking by consolidating video, data, and power into a single cable.
• Want to reduce cable clutter: By acting as a USB hub, a USB-C monitor eliminates the need for multiple cables connecting peripherals to your computer.
• Need a portable workstation: A USB-C monitor can easily connect to your laptop on the go, giving you a larger screen to work with.

However, if you primarily use a desktop computer or have a laptop with ample ports, a traditional monitor may be more cost-effective.

The Price Premium

USB-C monitors generally cost more than their non-USB-C counterparts. Expect to pay $50 to $100 more for a similar monitor with USB-C support. Premium productivity and professional monitors often include USB-C as a standard feature, but they also command a higher price point.

Conclusion

USB-C monitors offer a compelling blend of convenience, versatility, and functionality. By understanding the nuances of USB-C and considering your specific needs, you can determine if a USB-C monitor is the right choice for your setup. While the initial investment may be higher, the benefits of streamlined connectivity, reduced cable clutter, and integrated power delivery can make it a worthwhile upgrade.