smallest usb-c monitor

Most modern monitors no longer rely only on HDMI port as an input source. That's why you get to see various video out ports, such as the DisplayPort connections, Thunderbolt port, or USB-C connections. Out of them, the versatility of USB-C ports is what everyone's betting on. Besides allowing you to connect it to your USB-C laptop directly, some affordable USB-C monitors also let you juice your laptop.

Best Budget USB C Monitors That You Can Buy

Do note that when it comes to USB-C monitors, the affordable range is a tad different. While you do get some displays for around $250, most of them are priced upwards of $300. The good news is if you know your requirements well, you can easily find a good external display without burning a hole in your pocket.

So if you are looking for some budget USB-C monitors in the market, here are our recommendations below. But first,

Clear away the clutter with these affordable monitor arms
Which USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type‑C Cables should you buy and why

1. LG 34WN80C-B Curved UltraWide IPS Monitor

Resolution: 3440 x 1440 | Size: 34-inch | Refresh rate: 60Hz | Panel: IPS
Port: 2 x HDMI 2.0, 1 x DisplayPort 1.4, 1 x USB-C, 1 x USB 3.0, 1 x 3.5mm audio out
Power Output: 60W

The LG 34WN80C-B makes a great pick if you are looking for a monitor to drive your productivity. The ultrawide screen and the ample screen area means you get enough space to open more than two windows simultaneously. It can display 99% of the sRGB color gamut, making it great for creatives and professionals alike. Plus, the 4K resolution paves the way for an immersive display.

It has a standard refresh rate of 60Hz. However, let that not deter you from trying out a couple of casual games. Though it doesn't bundle any adaptive sync tech like FreeSync or G-Sync, you can easily play a couple of casual games. There's no blurring, and the accurate and vivid picture quality helps its case.

The LG 34WN80C-B packs quite a few ports. Apart from the USB-C port, it brings home a duo of HDMI 2.0 ports, a single DisplayPort 1.2, and a pair of USB 3.0 ports. So even if you want the monitor to be connected to your Xbox and your computer, the dual HDMI port makes it possible.

The LG 34WN80C-B is a popular monitor out there for all these reasons. So far, it has amassed a fair number of user reviews, with people praising its immersive display and the value-for-money proposition.

2. LG 27UK850-W IPS LED Monitor with HDR10

Resolution: 3840 x 2160 | Size: 27-inch | Refresh rate: |Panel: IPS
Port: 2 x HDMI 2.0, 1 x DisplayPort 1.2, 1 x USB-C 3.1, 1 x 3.5mm audio out
Power Output: 60W

Another beautiful monitor from LG which is perfect for photo-editing work is the LG 27UK850-W. It bundles a normal IPS screen with a 16:9 aspect ratio (no ultrawide screen business here) and boasts a slew of features like dual HDMI ports and 99% sRGB. The latter means vibrant and accurate colors, thereby making it a good pick for color-sensitive work. This is further backed by the IPS panel, which delivers rich and vibrant colors.

It's a versatile monitor and can be used for casual gaming as well. The FreeSync support ensures that there's no ghosting and screen tear when playing. Of course, FreeSync will kick into play only when you pair it with a compatible AMD GPU.

Apart from the FreeSync support and the smaller screen space, most of the features are the same. For instance, you get Power Delivery up to 60W via the USB-C port. At the same time, you can use this port to transfer stuff to your laptop or computer.

Also on Guiding Tech

3. BenQ EW3270U Entertainment Monitor

Resolution: 3840x2160 | Size: 31.5-inch | Refresh rate: 60Hz | Panel: VA
Port: 1 x HDMI, 1 x DisplayPort v1.4, 1 x USB-C
Power Output: No

If you want a USB-C monitor that can work as your source of entertainment as well as an office monitor (without burning a hole in your pocket), the BenQ EW3270U makes for a good pick. This bigger screen and the sharpness of the 4K screen combine to give you an immersive display. It's a VA panel, and it brings home a great contrast and 'almost' accurate picture quality.

Above all, the BenQ EW3270U is a versatile monitor. It also doubles up as an effective monitor for the home office. As noted earlier, the ample screen space means you can open more than two windows side by side and carry on your work. The only issue is that the narrow viewing angle might be an issue if you often share your screen with your colleague.

There are a few extras as well. Though it has a native refresh rate of 60Hz, this BenQ monitor also supports FreeSync and G-Sync compatibility. So if you pair it with the right GPU, you can get your share of blur-free and tear-free gaming.

It's not perfect. Though it lets you connect to a USB-C laptop, it doesn't support passthrough charging.

4. MSI Optix MAG251RX eSports Gaming Monitor

Resolution: 1920 x 1080 | Size: 24.5-inch| Refresh rate: 240Hz | Panel: IPS
Port: 1x DisplayPort 1.2a, 2x HDMI 2.0, 1x USB-C, 3x USB-A 2.0, 1x USB-B, 1 x 3.5mm audio out
Power Output: 15W

Speaking of gaming, if you are a true gaming enthusiast looking for a high-speed display with a USB-C connection, you won't be disappointed with the MSI Optix MAG251RX. Firstly, this one comes with a refresh rate of whooping 240Hz. Yep, you read that right. And if that is not a reason enough, let me tell you that it also bundles customizable RGB lighting at the back and is G-Sync compatible. Cool, right?

This FHD gaming monitor is not expensive either. The Optix MAG251RX also promises an immersive display, even though it's an FHD monitor. For the record, it packs a contrast ratio of 1,000:1, displays 100% of the sRGB color gamut, and the panel can get bright up to 400 nits. And hey, it supports HDR as well.

As you may have guessed already, the 240Hz display is super fast. With the FreeSync support, you can play intensive games like Red Dead Redemption 2 with ease.

There is an ample number of ports. If you need to connect it to your MacBook Pro to view your work on an extended display, it's completely doable, thanks to the USB-C port. In fact, this one provides power up to 15W. Sadly, you can't use the USB-C port for data transfers.

Other than that, you can connect it to two gaming sources, thanks to the dual HDMI port. Here, FreeSync works over both DisplayPort and HDMI.

Also on Guiding Tech

5. ViewSonic VG2455 IPS Monitor with USB C

Resolution: 1920x1080 | Size: 24-inch | Refresh rate: 60Hz | Panel: IPS
Port: 1 x VGA, 1 x HDMI 1.4, 1 x DisplayPort 1.2, 1 x USB-C 3.1, 1 x USB-B, 3 x USB-A 3.1
Power Output: 60W

The ViewSonic VG2455 ticks plenty of boxes when it comes to picking a budget USB-C monitor. For one, this is one of the cheapest USB-C monitors on this list. In fact, it was one of the first USB-C monitors in this price range. Secondly, it proves to a great pick if you are looking for a USB-C monitor for your home office.

Quite naturally, this one offers a lesser screen space than its counterparts above, but a 24-inch screen is just about enough for regular work if you ask me. While you may not get the widescreen advantage, it's good enough to let you open at least three windows side by side to boost your productivity.

Plus, the USB-C charging of 60W means a lesser cable on your computer setup, provided your laptop's battery can sustain on the provided power.

Aside from that, it offers a decent picture quality. It's sharp enough, and the text appears clear.

The bottom line is if you want a monitor for your home office for productivity and one with USB-C charging and plenty of USB-A ports, this one makes the cut.

Also on Guiding Tech

Welcome to the Future

With more and more laptops opting for only USB-C connections, a monitor with a USB-C port is one of the many ways to connect it to an external display.

However, if you find a monitor with DisplayPort or HDMI more appealing, worry not, for the humble USB-C port is versatile. Provided your laptop (and the cable) supports DisplayPort Alt Mode, you can use an adapter to connect to a DisplayPort monitor.

Last updated on 15 Mar, 2021
The above article may contain affiliate links which help support Guiding Tech. However, it does not affect our editorial integrity. The content remains unbiased and authentic.