- Best Ultrawide Gaming Monitor 2018
- Best Ultrawide Curved Monitor 2018
- Best Ultrawide Monitor 2018
- Best Cheap Ultrawide Monitor
- Best Ultra Wide Monitor For Video Editing
The best USB-C monitors are picking up more and more attention for many professionals and creatives. Given that USB-C is now the de default (and sometimes only) input in Apple’s latest MacBook Air and MacBook Pro laptops, and an increasingly common port on Windows 10 machines as well, the best USB-C monitors are more important than ever.
USB-C is incredibly popular, and it’s easy to see why. With this standard, data transfers at extraordinarily high speeds, which really comes in handy when it comes to gaming. USB-C also offers charging capabilities, so you can drive your monitor and charge your laptop at the same time, with the same cable.
Best Ultrawide Gaming Monitor 2018
So, if you have a USB-C equipped laptop, and you want to pick up the best monitor, without having to shell out for extra dongles, you’ve come to the right place. Picking up the best USB-C monitor is a particularly great choice for anyone with a recent MacBook: you not only get that second display, but also a USB-C hub to connect your other peripherals, plus battery charging through the same port.
34 inch is the best size of ultrawide gaming monitor, and it is also the perfect size for productivity. If 29-inch size monitors did not tickle your fancy, these monitors most certainly would do. Therefore, the sweet spot for Ultrawide gaming monitor is 34 inch. Currently waiting to purchase the 2018 macbook pro and later buy an ultra-wide monitor. As for connection it seems usb c to usb c is the best way but very few monitors have usb c and if they do they are extremely expensive.
There are a ton of USB-C monitors out there with every major monitor manufacturer offering something, so there’s quite a selection to choose from. Luckily, we here at TechRadar have found the best USB-C monitors on the market. Whether you’re looking for one of the best gaming monitors or a big, color-accurate display for work, you’ve come to the right place.
1. LG 27UD88-W 27-inch 4K USB-C Monitor
A great USB-C monitor with the perfect balance of price and performance
USB-C: Yes | Screen size: 27 inches | Resolution: 3840 x 2160 | Aspect ratio: 16:9 | HDMI inputs: 2 | Display ports: 1
The smaller sibling to the Ultrafine 5K display below, this 27-inch LG monitor was designed with gaming in mind. It features 4K resolution and FreeSync anti-tearing processing, as well as three gaming presets, two custom presets, and two calibration presets. While this is one of the best USB-C monitors, it might be getting a little long in the tooth as it’s a couple of years old now. So it's gotten a lot cheaper - despite the fact that it's still a top option for just about anybody.
Read the full review: LG 27UD88-W
2. Dell U3818DW UltraSharp 38-inch Curved USB-C Monitor
A fantastic high-end USB-C monitor for those who need the very best
USB-C: Yes | Screen size: 38 inches | Resolution: 3840 x 1600 | Aspect ratio: 21:9 | HDMI inputs: 2 | Display ports: 1
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.
3. LG Ultrafine 24MD4KL
More than fine
USB-C: Yes x 3 | Screen size: 24 inches | Resolution: 3840 x 2160 | Aspect ratio: 16:9 | HDMI inputs: none | Display ports: none
Are you a fledgling photo or video editor? You’ll find a lot to love in the LG Ultrafine 24MD4KL, from its 4K resolution and color accuracy, to its plethora of USB-C and Thunderbolt 3 ports. And with its buttonless design and fairly light weight, this is a perfect match for your Mac or ultrabook – not to mention, make it easy to forgive those bizarrely thick bezels and high price tag. Get ready to break that piggy bank.
Read the full review: LG Ultrafine 24MD4KL
4. Acer H277HU 27-inch USB-C monitor
Reasonably priced, this USB-C screen is for you if price and design are your chief concerns
USB-C: Yes | Screen size: 27 inches | Resolution: 2560 x 1440 | Aspect ratio: 16:9 | HDMI inputs: 1 | Display ports: 1
The H7 Series USB-C monitor is a fantastic option for content consumption and casual gaming. The H7 Series doesn't have quite the high-end specs you'll want for video editing and graphic design, but it's ideal for home or small office users who are willing to shell out a bit more to view content on a luxury device. The USB-C functionality of one of the best USB-C monitors is just the cherry on top of what is an already-delicious sundae.
5. LG 34UM69G-B 34-inch UltraWide USB-C monitor
A superwide USB-C monitor that's cheap due to its lower resolution
USB-C: Yes | Screen size: 34 inches | Resolution: 2560x1080 | Aspect ratio: 21:9 | HDMI inputs: 1 | Display ports: 1
It’s clear LG was thinking about one thing when it built this 34-inch wide-screen monitor: gaming. Its 1ms motion blur reduction, FreeSync technology, and Dynamic Action sync are all included with the gamer in mind. But if that wasn't enough, there are three customizable gaming modes: two first-person shooter modes and one pre-set RTS mode. Meanwhile, the aesthetics of one of the best USB-C monitors out there will fit right in with your gaming rig.
6. BenQ PD2710QC 27-inch designer USB-C monitor
A budget option, this would make a decent second screen for the home office
USB-C: Yes | Screen size: 27 inches | Resolution: 2560x1440 | Aspect ratio: | HDMI inputs: 1 | Display ports: 2
Another very affordable USB-C-equipped option, this BenQ monitor might not keep up with other high-end displays, but it holds its own at this price-point. It comes equipped with IPS to ensure it looks good from every angle, and has an sRGB color gamut to deliver a beautiful, vivid picture.
7. Dell S2718D 27-inch Ultra-thin USB-C Monitor
It's super thin and super gorgeous, this USB-C monitor ticks many of the boxes including the one marked 'great value'
USB-C: Yes | Screen size: 27 inches | Resolution: 2560 x 1440 | Aspect ratio: 16:9 | HDMI inputs: 1 | Display ports: 0
Dell has called the S2718D 27-inch USB-C monitor the ‘world’s thinnest monitor’, and, well, we can see it. As one of the best USB-C monitors, this svelte display looks like it would be more at home in an art studio, with a streamlined design that’ll see it fit even the most luxurious desk. There are no speakers, or even a display port, but this IPS display features HDR10 compatibility. The best part? The Dell S2718D is affordable: you can have high quality and a low price.
8. LG 27MD5KA 27-inch UltraFine 5K USB-C Monitor
This super high res USB-C screen is perfect for your high end MacBook Pro
USB-C: Yes | Screen size: 27 inches | Resolution: 5120 x 2880 | Aspect ratio: 16:9 | HDMI inputs: 0 | Display ports: 0
Pushed by Apple, this LG monitor is being endorsed as the preferred companion to your MacBook Pro - and for good reason. Its 5K display is a thing of beauty; it comes equipped with IPS and a P3 color gamut. With only USB-C and Thunderbolt inputs, it's obviously geared towards Macs, which may make it one of the best USB-C monitors we could imagine for Apple fanatics.
9. Acer XR382CQK 38-inch Curved USB-C Monitor
It's enormous and awesome, this USB-C screen is perfect for gaming
USB-C: Yes | Screen size: 37.5 inches | Resolution: 3840 x 1600 | Aspect ratio: 21:9 | HDMI inputs: 2 | Display ports: 1
The Acer XR382CQK curved gaming monitor boasts a humongous 38-inch display, complete with AMD’s FreeSync technology. But, there are some more subtle qualities here which make it one of the best USB-C monitors, like an ergonomic stand with height, tilt and swivel. There’s also the normal arrangement of eye-protecting features like an anti-flicker mechanism and a blue light filter. What’s more, this monitor is made for gaming, so the Acer XR382CQK can switch at the drop of a hat between three different display profiles, and pull off tricks like changing black levels to more easily see opponents hiding in dark corners.
Michelle Rae Uy also contributed to this article.
Today's best deals on the best USB-C monitors:
BestUSB-C Monitors for MacbooksiMore2019
If your daily-use Mac is a MacBook and you need a bigger display than the 13 or 15-inch laptop screen, your best bet is LG's 27-inch 4K display for its versatility and price. It's perfect for most people, though there are other monitors better suited to different needs.
Best Overall: LG 27UK850-W
LG's latest 4K display is perfectly sized for most people at 27-inches. It supports a wide range of peripherals, including USB-C, USB-A, DisplayPort, HDMI, and standard headphones.
The best part of this monitor is its ability to power your MacBook while acting as a display so that your battery does not limit you. It can even power the 13-inch MacBook Pro with ease (though it struggles to keep the 15-inch MacBook Pro juiced up more than a trickle during use).
Pros:
- Built-in USB hub for all your peripherals
- Easy setup
- 4K display
- 60Hz refresh rate and 5ms response time
- IPS 3-side borderless display
Best Overall
LG 27UK850-W
The best USB-C monitor for most people.
This 4K monitor is perfectly situated between price and features with a variety of ports, high-speed data transfer, and 60W charging for your MacBook.
The 27-inch Envy has a great display that looks as good as its hardware. It's ultra-thin with a 'micro-edge' bezel, meaning it has a 3-sided nearly bezel-less edge, so you see more on the screen than, say an iMac's 27-inch screen. The USB-C connector powers up to the 13-inch MacBook Pro (it'll trickle charge the 15-inch MacBook Pro, too) so you won't have to worry about battery drain.
It's got a small base for minimal desktop footprint and can be mounted on a wall. With two HDMI ports, a DisplayPort, and support for AMD FreeSync, it's the perfect gaming display, movie-watching screen, and everyday monitor.
Pros:
- 4K display
- Fast 60Hz refresh rate
- Zero lag for gaming
Best Value
HP Envy 27
An affordable option that looks as great as it performs.
The HP Envy 27 is a quality model monitor for this price. With a 27-inch 4K display and USB-C connection, you're getting the biggest bang for your buck.
The price tag on the LG UltraFine 4K is very appealing. You can have a quality 4K monitor that works seamlessly with your Mac. Though it doesn't have the Apple design aesthetic, the good stuff is all on the inside. Just like an Apple brand monitor, all of the monitor's controls are available in the settings section of your Mac.
This 24-inch display fits right into the pocket of reasonably priced and excellent quality if you don't mind the boxy black look. As for the price, you can get two of them for almost the price of one LG UltraFine 5K Display.
Pros:
- Two Thunderbolt 3 ports
- Dual-screen full 4K display support
- Supports 85W charging
- Easy to set up
Best for daisy-chain
LG UltraFine 4K
Dual-screen full 4K support.
Hook up two for a beautiful, bright, and convenient workflow for your Mac laptop.
Though LG's UltraFine 5K was designed specifically with Apple's MacBook Pro in mind; it's the 34WK95U-W that wins our hearts. This 5K monitor has a 5120 x 2160 resolution, 34-inch display, a Thunderbolt 3 port, an HDMI port, a DisplayPort port, and a couple of USB-A ports. It's more versatile than the UltraFine, and that's ultra-fine with us.
Pros:
- Pro-quality technology
- Nano ISP color 5K display
- USB hub
- Versatile input options
Cons:
- No built-in camera or microphone
- Poor built-in speaker quality
Premium option
LG 34WK95U-W Nano-ISP UltraWide
From MacBook to iMac with LG and Thunderbolt 3.
Use LG's UltraWide monitor with your Mac laptop and daisy chain it with a second 4K monitor and have data transfer up to 40Gbsp and 85W charging.
With LG's latest update to its UltraFine 5K monitor, you can use it along with your 2018 (or later) iPad Pro with USB-C. That's because the monitor now supports USB-C and Thunderbolt. The Thunderbolt 3 charges the MacBook Pro and the three USB-C ports offer 5Gbps downstream. Its 27 inches big, which is about the size of Apple's larger iMac, and has a similar P3 wide color gamut with 500 nits brightness. For full 5K resolution on a larger display, the UltraFine 5K is your perfect choice.
Its biggest downfall is that it doesn't quite have that Apple aesthetic. LG has designed an attractive Edge-Arcline base for some of its monitors, which looks better with Apple products. The UltraFine 5K, unfortunately, still has that big, boxy black base.
Pros:
- Up to 5K resolution
- Designed for Apple
- Thunderbolt 3 and USB-C
- Built-in speakers, camera, and mic
Best for iPad Pro
LG UltraFine 5K
Full 5K display plus support for USB-C.
If your workflow includes both a MacBook Pro and an iPad Pro, this is the monitor you want for performance, reliability, and productivity.
The future is curved, and LG is the pioneer of bending the display rules. This 38-inch UltraWide monitor has a 21:9 ratio with split-screen support and is perfect for graphic designers and professional photo and video editors. The display has a USB-C data transfer port, two USB- A ports, plus a couple of HDMI ports, and a DisplayPort port.
Pros:
- Well-designed
- Easy setup
- Versatile ports
- Good built-in audio
Best Curved
LG 38WK95C-W Curved UltraWide
Ahead of the curve.
If you need to charge your Mac laptop and transfer data at the same time, you're in luck because this curvy beauty has what you want.
The ZenScreen is a favorite around the iMore office for its incredible portability. It's a 15.6-inch screen with a USB-C connector. You can rotate between landscape and portrait mode, and it's compatible with Thunderbolt 3. If you need a second screen when you're headed for the coffee shop, this takes up just the right amount of space without being a burden on your portability.
Pros:
- Weighs less than 2 pounds
- Ultra-slim at only 8mm thick
- Comes with its own cover
- 60Hz refresh rate
Best on a budget
ASUS ZenScreen
As portable as it gets.
Best Ultrawide Curved Monitor 2018
The ZenScreen is ASUS's very portable monitor with its own USB-C port, a great-looking IPS panel, and Eye Car technology to prevents eye fatigue.
Bottom line
Best Ultrawide Monitor 2018
Picking the right second screen for your MacBook, MacBook Air, or MacBook Pro is a difficult one. It's important to consider how much room you have on your desk, what you plan to use your Mac laptop for, and how much you can afford. That's why the LG 27UK850-W is the perfect fit for most people. At 27-inches, it's big, but not too big. It's got an incredible 4K screen resolution and a variety of versatile ports for connecting all manner of peripherals.
If the LG 27Uk850 is just a bit out of your range, the HP Envy 27 truly is the next best thing. With 4K resolution and USB-C support, it doesn't have all the bells and whistles that the LG model does, but it's got everything you need to make your second screen work for you. Your most significant compromise is that there are fewer ports than the more expensive model, and the base isn't as sturdy.
Credits — The team that worked on this guide
Lory Gil is iMore's managing editor and spends more time in front of her monitors than she does anywhere else. She's constantly switching between desktop and mobile for work and knows how important an easy setup is.
Luke Filipowicz is iMore's gaming guru and knows how important a great monitor with zero lag is. If he had the room on his desk, he'd surround himself with 360-degrees of 4k displays.
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