With more and more gaming monitors starting to offer USB-C connectivity with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery, we decided to make a dedicated buyer’s guide to help you pick the USB-C gaming monitor for you!
You can still check out the non-gaming 60Hz-75Hz models in our best USB-C monitors guide.
Note that all monitors in this guide have a USB-C port that supports DisplayPort Alternate Mode with enough power delivery (at least 65W) to charge a laptop!
Type | Monitor | Size | Resolution | Refresh Rate | Panel | Power Delivery | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Best 1440p USB-C Gaming Monitors | 27” | 2560x1440 | 100Hz | IPS | 65W | ||
27” | 2560x1440 | 165Hz | IPS | 65W | |||
27” | 2560x1440 | 240Hz | IPS | 65W | |||
Best 4K USB-C Gaming Monitors | 28” | 3840x2160 | 144Hz | IPS | 65W | ||
32” | 3840x2160 | 144Hz | IPS | 65W | |||
Best UltraWide USB-C Gaming Monitors | 34” | 3440x1440 | 100Hz | VA | 65W | ||
34” | 3440x1440 | 180Hz | IPS | 85W | |||
38” | 3840x1600 | 144Hz | IPS | 94W Thunderbolt 3 | |||
49” | 5120x1440 | 144Hz | IPS | 90W | |||
Best HDR USB-C Gaming Monitors | 27” | 2560x1440 | 165Hz | IPS | 90W | ||
27” | 3840x2160 | 160Hz | IPS | 90W | |||
32” | 3840x2160 | 144Hz | IPS | 90W | |||
27” | 2560x1440 | 240Hz | OLED | 65W | |||
34” | 3440x1440 | 175Hz | OLED | 65W |
To ensure you’re getting the monitor that’s most suited for your use case, check out the review summaries below.
Further, keep in mind that in order to utilize USB-C on these monitors, your laptop must also support DisplayPort Alt Mode and Power Delivery over its USB-C port. You will also need a proper cable in case you didn’t get one with your monitor or laptop.
If you want to view our changelogs for this particular buying guide, you can do so at the end of this article.
Best 1440p Gaming USB-C Monitors
If you want a high refresh rate gaming monitor with USB-C, you’ll have to invest in a 1440p display as there are no 1080p models available.
Luckily, 1440p displays have significantly dropped in price recently and with modern GPUs, maintaining decent frame rates at 1440p is no longer an issue.
Pixio PX275C Prime
Best Budget USB-C Gaming Monitor
Size: 27”
Resolution: 2560×1440
Refresh Rate: 100Hz
Panel: IPS
Power Delivery: 65W
The Pros:
- Vibrant colors
- Plenty of features, including VRR up to 100Hz
- Ergonomic stand, rich connectivity options
The Cons:
- IPS glow and mediocre contrast ratio (as expected from this panel technology)
- Slow response time speed
About The Monitor
The Pixio PX275C Prime is the cheapest monitor that offers a high refresh rate and a USB-C port with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery!
Image Quality
The 1440p resolution looks great on 27″ sized monitors as you get a pixel density of ~108 PPI (pixels per inch), resulting in sharp text and plenty of screen space without having to use any scaling.
Moreover, the IPS panel of the monitor offers 178° wide viewing angles for flawless image quality regardless of the angle you’re looking at the screen.
The Pixio PX275C Prime also boasts a wide color gamut with 90% DCI-P3 coverage for more saturated colors. It has a decent peak brightness of 350-nits (more than bright enough under normal lighting conditions) and a static contrast ratio of 1,000:1, which is expected from IPS panel displays.
Further, the monitor supports variable refresh rate up to 100Hz for tear-free gameplay with a 48-100Hz dynamic range. LFC (Low Framerate Compensation) prevents screen tearing even below 48FPS by multiplying the frame rate (47FPS -> 94Hz).
Sadly, it doesn’t have a very fast response time speed, which results in trailing artifacts behind fast-moving objects. So, it’s not ideal for fast-paced games.
Design & Connectivity
The design of the monitor features ultra-thin bezels at all four sides of the screen, as well as full ergonomic support, including up to 150mm height adjustment, 90° pivot, -8°/18° tilt, +/- 45° swivel and 100x100mm VESA mount compatibility.
Connectivity options include DisplayPort 1.2, HDMI 1.4, USB-C (DP 1.2 Alt Mode, 65W PD), a headphone jack and dual 3W built-in speakers.
Pixio PX277 Pro
Best USB-C Gaming Monitor Under 400 USD
Size: 27”
Resolution: 2560×1440
Refresh Rate: 165Hz
Panel: IPS
Power Delivery: 65W
The Pros:
- Vibrant colors
- Quick response time
- Plenty of features, including VRR and MBR up to 165Hz
- Ergonomic stand, rich connectivity options, KVM
The Cons:
- IPS glow and mediocre contrast ratio (as expected from this panel technology)
About The Monitor
If you want a bit higher refresh rate, a faster response time, a wider color gamut and additional features, the Pixio PX277 Pro is an excellent option for ~$70 extra.
Image Quality
The Pixio PX277 Pro offers a higher 165Hz refresh rate, which along with the fast 1ms GtG pixel response time speed offers a more responsive gaming experience.
You also get a wider 96% DCI-P3 color gamut for even more vibrant colors and a bit higher 450-nit peak brightness!
VRR is supported up to 165Hz and you can also use MBR (Motion Blur Reduction) – it’s a backlight strobing technology that reduces perceived motion blur at a cost of picture brightness. It can’t be active at the same time as VRR though.
Design & Connectivity
The stand is sturdy and offers height adjustment up to 90mm, -5°/20° tilt, +/- 20° swivel, 90° pivot and 100x100mm VESA mount compatibility.
Connectivity options include DisplayPort 1.2, HDMI 2.0, USB-C (DP 1.2 Alt Mode, 65W PD), a headphone jack, USB for firmware updates, a dual-USB 3.0 hub (2 downstream + 1 upstream), dual 2W speakers and an Ethernet port.
The monitor also has integrated KVM functionality, allowing you to control two PCs connected to the monitor via one set of keyboard and mouse.
MSI G274QPX
1440p 240Hz Gaming Monitor With USB-C
Size: 27”
Resolution: 2560×1440
Refresh Rate: 240Hz
Panel: IPS
Power Delivery: 65W
The Pros:
- Vibrant colors
- Quick response time
- Plenty of features, including VRR up to 240Hz
- Ergonomic stand, rich connectivity options
The Cons:
- IPS glow and mediocre contrast ratio (as expected from this panel technology)
About The Monitor
Nowadays, you can even find 1440p 240Hz gaming monitors with USB-C, such as the MSI G274QPX.
Image Quality
The monitor boasts a rapid 1ms GtG response time speed and a high 240Hz refresh rate, providing you with a buttery-smooth performance while 1440p resolution ensures crisp details on the 27″ sized screen.
It also boasts a wide 98% DCI-P3 color gamut coverage for more saturated and vibrant colors.
AMD FreeSync is supported up to 240Hz and VRR works well with compatible NVIDIA cards. Other specifications include a 400-nit peak brightness, a 1,000:1 contrast ratio and 178° wide viewing angles.
Design & Connectivity
The stand offers full ergonomic support with up to 130mm height adjustment, +/- 45° swivel, +/- 90° pivot, -5°/20° tilt and 75x75mm VESA mount compatibility.
Connectivity options include USB-C (DP 1.4 Alt Mode, 65W PD), DisplayPort 1.4 with DSC, two HDMI 2.0 ports and a headphone jack.
Alternatives
Acer offers a 27″ 1440p 300Hz gaming monitor with USB-C (65W PD), the Nitro XV272U KF. However, it’s almost twice the price, so we don’t find that the extra 60Hz is worth it.
Best 4K Gaming USB-C Monitors
In case you’ve got a high-end PC rig, you should consider investing in a 4K UHD model for sharper image quality.
Acer XB283K KV
28″ 4K 144Hz IPS Gaming Monitor With USB-C
Size: 28”
Resolution: 3840×2160
Refresh Rate: 144Hz
Panel: IPS
Power Delivery: 65W
The Pros:
- Vibrant colors, high pixel density
- Quick response time
- Plenty of features, including VRR and MBR up to 144Hz
- Ergonomic stand, rich connectivity options, KVM
The Cons:
- IPS glow and mediocre contrast ratio (as expected from this panel technology)
About The Monitor
If you’d rather have a bit bigger screen and a higher resolution than a 240Hz refresh rate, the Acer XB283K KV is for you!
Image Quality
The pixel response time speed is rapid at 1ms GtG, so you won’t have any ghosting in fast-paced games.
4K UHD is a lot more demanding than 1440p though, so make sure your GPU will be able to handle it. Further, the XB283K KV has ~90% DCI-P3 gamut coverage for vibrant colors.
Other specifications are the same and include a 400-nit peak brightness, a 1,000:1 contrast ratio and 178° wide viewing angles.
FreeSync is supported up to 144Hz for tear-free gameplay and it works without issues with NVIDIA cards. Visual Response Boost is available as well.
Check out our XB283KKV review for more details.
Design & Connectivity
The design is robust and versatile with a good range of ergonomics, such as +/- 20° swivel, 90° pivot, 115mm height adjustment, -5°/20° tilt and 100x100mm VESA mount compatibility.
Connectivity options include two HDMI 2.1 inputs, DisplayPort 1.4 with DSC, USB-C (DP 1.4 Alt Mode, 65W PD), a quad-USB 3.0 hub, a headphone jack, two 2W integrated speakers and a built-in KVM switch.
Acer XB323QK NV
32″ 4K 144Hz Gaming Monitor With USB-C
Size: 32”
Resolution: 3840×2160
Refresh Rate: 144Hz
Panel: IPS
Power Delivery: 65W
The Pros:
- Vibrant colors, high pixel density
- Quick response time
- Plenty of features, including VRR up to 144Hz
- Ergonomic stand, rich connectivity options
The Cons:
- IPS glow and mediocre contrast ratio (as expected from this panel technology)
About The Monitor
The Acer XB323QK NV is basically the 32″ version of the XB283K KV.
Image Quality
You get the same 90% DCI-P3 color gamut and rapid 1ms GtG pixel response time speed for rich colors and no ghosting in fast-paced games.
Peak brightness amounts to 400-nits, while the contrast ratio is 1,000:1, as expected from an IPS panel display.
You also get wide viewing angles, 10-bit color depths support, excellent Delta E < 1 factory calibration and VRR up to 144Hz.
Design & Connectivity
The stand is robust and fairly ergonomic with up to 130mm height adjustment, -5°/25° tilt, +/- 30° swivel and 100x100mm VESA mount compatibility.
There’s also RGB lighting at the rear of the monitor that can be synchronized with on-screen content or audio.
Connectivity options include USB-C (DP 1.4 Alt Mode, 65W PD), DisplayPort 1.4 with DSC, two HDMI 2.1 ports, a quad-USB 3.0 hub and a headphone jack.
Alternatives
- AOC AG324UX – USB-C (90W), KVM
Best UltraWide Gaming USB-C Monitors
Looking for an ultrawide monitor with USB-C PD that’s also great for gaming? Look no further – here are the best models available!
Philips 346E2CUAE
100Hz UltraWide Gaming Monitor
Size: 34”
Resolution: 3440×1440
Refresh Rate: 100Hz
Panel: VA
Power Delivery: 65W
The Pros:
- Vibrant colors
- High contrast ratio
- Plenty of features, including VRR up to 100Hz
- Ergonomic stand, rich connectivity options
The Cons:
- Minor ghosting in dark scenes
About The Monitor
The Philips 346E2CUAE offers everything you need for an immersive and responsive gaming experience at an affordable price.
Image Quality
Here’s why: it is based on a VA panel, so you won’t get as accurate and consistent colors as on the IPS alternatives, but you will get a higher static contrast ratio of 3,000:1 for deeper blacks.
Further, the monitor has a wide color gamut with 121% sRGB gamut volume for more vibrant and life-like colors and a strong 450-nit peak brightness.
You also get VRR support up to 100Hz for tear-free gameplay. However, VA panels are prone to brightness flickering with fluctuating frame rates when using VRR, so it’s something to keep in mind.
As expected from a VA panel display, some smearing is noticeable in fast-paced games, mainly in darker scenes.
Other noteworthy features include PiP/PbP support.
Design & Connectivity
The Philips 346E2 offers a robust design with up to 100mm height adjustment, -5°/20° tilt and 100x100mm VESA mount compatibility. It also has a steep screen curvature of 1500R for added immersion!
Finally, Connectivity options include DisplayPort 1.2, HDMI 2.0, USB (DP 1.2 Alt Mode, 65W PD), a quad-USB 3.0 hub, a headphone jack and dual 5W integrated speakers.
Alternatives
- LG 35WN75C / LG 35BN75C – A 35″ 3440x 100Hz curved VA monitor, but no wide color gamut support. USB-C with DP Alt Mode and 94W PD is supported.
- LG 34WP75C – A 34″ 3440×1440 160Hz curved VA monitor with USB-C (65W PD) and standard sRGB color gamut.
- Pixio PXC348C – A 34″ 3440×1440 144Hz curved VA monitor with USB-C (65W PD) and a wide 96% DCI-P3 color gamut, but it’s limited to 100Hz over USB-C.
- Cooler Master GM34-CWQ – A 34″ 3440×1440 144Hz curved VA monitor with USB-C (65W PD) and wide 98% DCI-P3 color gamut.
Overall, we find that the Philips 346E2CUAE offers the best value for money here at ~$400. The Pixio PXC348C is a similar option, but it doesn’t have a USB hub. It does support 144Hz over DisplayPort, so if you plan on using it with both a PC and a laptop, it’s a better option for gaming.
The LG 35WN75C (35BN75C is the same monitor, just a different warranty) is great if you need a stronger power delivery, but just like the 34WP75C, it only has the basic sRGB gamut coverage, so the colors won’t be as vibrant. The prices of these three LG models vary from ~$400 to $600, so we only recommend considering them on sale.
If you want to invest $600, then get the Cooler Master GM34-CWQ. It has the widest color gamut and plenty of features. It’s a bit expensive for a VA panel considering that you can find better gaming IPS ultrawides at this price range (though without USB-C), but it is the best USB-C ultrawide model available if you can’t afford the following model.
Acer X34GS
Best 34″ UltraWide USB-C Gaming Monitor
Size: 34”
Resolution: 3440×1440
Refresh Rate: 180Hz
Panel: IPS
Power Delivery: 85W
The Pros:
- AMD FreeSync up to 180Hz for smooth performance
- USB-C PD up to 85W
- Ergonomic design and rich connectivity options
- Vibrant colors, quick response time
The Cons:
- IPS glow and mediocre contrast ratio (as expected from this panel technology)
- Expensive
About The Monitor
Want a faster ultrawide gaming monitor? You’re going to love the Acer Predator X34GS!
Image Quality
First of all, the monitor is based on an IPS panel with a rapid 1ms GtG pixel response time speed, so there won’t be any ghosting in fast-paced games!
Further, it goes up to 180Hz and supports a variable refresh rate for buttery-smooth performance, while the panel covers 98% of the DCI-P3 color space for saturated and rich colors.
Other panel-related specifications include a 400-nit peak brightness for SDR (550-nits for HDR), a 1,000:1 contrast ratio, 178° wide viewing angles, 10-bit color depth support and Delta E < 2 factory calibration.
Design & Connectivity
The stand is robust and versatile with up to 130mm height adjustment, -5°/35° tilt, +/- 30° swivel and 100x100mm VESA mount compatibility.
Connectivity options include USB-C (DP 1.4 Alt Mode, 85W PD), DisplayPort 1.4, two HDMI 2.0 ports, a quad-USB 3.0 hub, a headphone jack and dual 7W integrated speakers.
LG 38WN95C
Best UltraWide USB-C Gaming Monitor
Size: 38”
Resolution: 3840×1600
Refresh Rate: 144Hz
Panel: IPS
Power Delivery: 94W
The Pros:
- FreeSync up to 144Hz
- Wide color gamut and strong peak brightness
- Quick pixel response time
- Ergonomic stand, rich connectivity options
The Cons:
- IPS glow and mediocre contrast ratio (as expected from this panel technology)
About The Monitor
If you want a big ultrawide monitor that’s great for work, gaming and has Thunderbolt 3, you’re going to love the LG 38WN95C.
Image Quality
This is crazy: in addition to the crystal-clear image quality provided by the 3840×1600 resolution, you get gorgeous colors thanks to the monitor’s wide 98% DCI-P3 color gamut — plus excellent HDR image quality with DisplayHDR 600 certification.
As it’s the case with all IPS panel monitors, the contrast ratio is mediocre at 1,000:1, but the peak brightness of 600-nits does help deliver stunning details and highlights.
There are 12 dimming zones, which can sometimes help improve the contrast ratio, depending on the scene.
Finally, the LG 38WN95C offers a very responsive and enjoyable gaming experience thanks to its high 144Hz refresh rate and rapid 1ms GtG pixel response time speed.
Design & Connectivity
You can adjust the height of the screen by up to 100mm, swivel it by +/- 15°, tilt it by ~20°, or VESA mount it. Additionally, the screen also has a subtle but noticeable 2300R curvature for added immersion.
Connectivity options include DisplayPort 1.4, two HDMI 2.0 ports (limited to 75Hz), two downstream USB 3.0 ports, a headphone jack, dual 5W integrated speakers and Thunderbolt 3 with DP Alt Mode, 40 Gbps and 94W Power Delivery.
Alternatives
- Acer Nitro XR383CUR P – 38″ 3840×1600 165Hz HDR-600 model based on the same panel. It has USB-C with a lower 65W PD, but it supports HDMI 2.1 and has built-in KVM
- Innocn 40C1R – A 40″ 3440×1440 144Hz flat-screen IPS ultrawide gaming monitor with USB-C (90W PD), but it’s limited to 60Hz over USB-C
LG 49WQ95C
Best 49″ Gaming Monitor With USB-C
Size: 49”
Resolution: 5120×1440
Refresh Rate: 144Hz
Panel: IPS
Power Delivery: 90W
The Pros:
- Accurate, consistent and vibrant colors
- Quick response time
- Plenty of features, including VRR up to 144Hz
- Ergonomic stand and rich connectivity options, KVM (software)
The Cons:
- IPS glow and mediocre contrast ratio (as expected from this panel technology)
About The Monitor
In case you want a 49″ super-ultrawide monitor for color-critical work and gaming, the LG 49WQ95C is for you!
Image Quality
A 49″ 5120×1440 super-ultrawide 32:9 monitor is basically equivalent to two 27″ 2560×1440 displays side by side – just without the bezels in between them!
So, you get sharp details, plenty of screen space and an immersive viewing experience!
The LG 49WQ95C has an IPS Panel with a wide 98% DCI-P3 color gamut for vibrant colors, a strong 400-nit peak brightness and a quick response time speed!
It supports VRR up to 144Hz for tear-free gameplay and offers basic HDR support. Check out our full LG 49WQ95C review for more information.
Design & Connectivity
The stand of the monitor is sturdy and offers a good range of ergonomics, including up to 110mm height adjustment, -5°/20° tilt, +/- 15° swivel and 100x100mm VESA mount compatibility.
The screen has a subtle 3800R curvature for added immersion without distorting the image for color-critical work.
Connectivity options include two HDMI 2.1 ports, DisplayPort 1.4 with DSC, a USB-C port (DP Alt Mode, 90W PD), a dual-USB 3.0 hub, a headphone jack and two 10W built-in speakers.
Alternatives
- Innocn 44C1G – A 44″ 3840×1080 120Hz flat-screen IPS monitor with USB-C (65W PD). It’s good for work-related use, but when it comes to gaming, we find that its screen is too wide for a comfortable viewing experience.
- AOC AG493UCX2 – A 49″ 5120×1440 165Hz curved VA monitor with USB-C (65W PD). However, its USB-C port is limited to 120Hz.
Best HDR USB-C Gaming Monitors
Want both – an immersive HDR image quality and the convenience of USB-C connectivity? Check out the following models!
Cooler Master Tempest GP27Q
Best USB-C 1440p HDR Gaming Monitor
Size: 27”
Resolution: 2560×1440
Refresh Rate: 165Hz
Panel: IPS
Power Delivery: 90W
The Pros:
- Exceptional color gamut
- 576-zone mini LED FALD backlight with 1200-nit peak brightness
- Quick response time
- Plenty of features, including VRR and MBR up to 165Hz
- Ergonomic stand, rich connectivity options, KVM
The Cons:
- Minor blooming/haloing noticeable in certain scenes
About The Monitor
If you want a USB-C monitor with excellent HDR image quality, the Cooler Master GP27Q is an excellent choice!
Image Quality
The GP27Q uses a 27″ 1440p IPS panel with wide viewing angles and a very wide color gamut, covering 99% Adobe RGB and 98% DCI-P3 color space for amazing colors.
Additionally, it has a 576-zone mini LED FALD (full-array local dimming) backlight that allows it to display bright highlights (up to 1,200-nits) while dimming parts of the screen that are supposed to be dark for a significant boost in contrast ratio.
On top of that, it has a fast pixel response time speed and supports VRR and MBR (not at the same time) up to 165Hz.
Be sure to visit our full Tempest GP27Q review for more information.
Design & Connectivity
The stand offers height adjustment up to 110mm, tilt by -5°/15°, +/- 15° swivel, 90° pivot and 100x100mm VESA mount compatibility.
Connectivity options include DisplayPort 1.4, two HDMI 2.0 ports, USB-C with DP 1.4 Alt Mode and 90W Power Delivery, a headphone jack, a dual-USB 3.0 hub, dual 3W integrated speakers and built-in KVM.
Alternatives
- KTC M27T20 – 27″ 1440p 165Hz VA gaming monitor with 576-zone mini LED FALD, USB-C 90W and KVM, also for $500. Its VA panel offers a higher contrast ratio for less noticeable blooming, but it doesn’t have as wide viewing angles or as wide color gamut. KTC is also yet to release a firmware update that allows VRR and local dimming to work at the same time.
Acer XV275K P3
Best USB-C 4K HDR Gaming Monitor
Size: 27”
Resolution: 3840×2160
Refresh Rate: 160Hz
Panel: IPS
Power Delivery: 90W
The Pros:
- Exceptional color gamut
- High pixel density
- 576-zone mini LED FALD backlight with 1200-nit peak brightness
- Quick response time
- Plenty of features, including VRR up to 160Hz
- Ergonomic stand, rich connectivity options, KVM
The Cons:
- Minor blooming/haloing noticeable in certain scenes
About The Monitor
The Acer Nitro XV275K P3 is basically the 4K version of the GP27Q, though it has a bit lower 160Hz refresh rate, no MBR support and it’s $150 more expensive (or just $50 more expensive when on sale).
Image Quality
So, the choice between the two models mainly comes down to your budget, PC rig and use case.
While 4K UHD looks significantly better on a 27″ sized monitor when looking at text and fine details, the difference in comparison to 27″ 1440p is not that big in games and videos.
Of course, if you have a high-end PC rig that can output high frame rates at 4K without sweating, it’s worth the investment. Additionally, in case you plan on using the display for editing or productivity work, it makes sense to get the higher resolution model too.
Design & Connectivity
The XV275KP3 has a fully ergonomic stand with up to 150mm height adjustment, tilt, swivel, pivot and 75x75mm VESA mount compatibility.
Connectivity options include DisplayPort 1.4 with DSC, two HDMI 2.1 ports, USB-C (DP 1.4 Alt Mode, 90W PD), a dual-USB 3.0 hub, a headphone jack and KVM.
Alternatives
- Innocn 27M2V, Redmagic GM001J – similar models with better 1152-zone mini LED FALD, but they’re often out of stock and more expensive ($800+), while the XV275K P3 can be found on sale for $600
If you’re looking for more HDR monitors with USB-C, be sure to check out the Innocn 32M2V, the Corsair 27QHD240 and the Samsung OLED G8.
Conclusion
Did you find the best USB-C gaming monitor for you? Feel free to leave us a comment below if you need any help!
Overall, if you’re on a tight budget, the Pixio PX275C Prime is a good choice. If you can, we recommend investing in the Acer XV275K P3 (or the Cooler Master GP27Q if you don’t have a good enough PC for 4K UHD gaming) for much better HDR image quality, the MSI G274QPX for more responsive gameplay or the Philips 346E2CUAE for better immersion.
In case you have a high-end PC rig, one of the 4K models are also worth considering. As for the premium ultrawides, we find that the LG 49WQ95C offers the best value (it’s often on sale for ~$1,000), but depending on your preference, the Acer X34GS and the LG 38WN95C won’t disappoint either.
Updates +
- July 10, 2023:
– Replaced the Acer XV272UV with the MSI G274QPX.