Buying Guide
The Best 4K USB-C Monitors
Five monitors compared, from the XG27UCSR to the MPG 321URX, with the trade-offs of each named.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read5 products evaluated
A 4K panel quadruples the pixels of 1080p, so plan for upscaling in demanding games. Every monitor here is 4K and accepts video over USB-C, ordered by refresh rate.
This is a research roundup, not a lab test: refresh rate, resolution and size come from each maker's published specs; a missing refresh rate is flagged, not filled in, and no figure here comes from our own testing.
Quick Picks
Our 5 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Also Consider
Alienware AW2725Q 4K QD-OLED
Dolby Vision support.
Best for: Buyers who want Dolby Vision support.
Our take Check price for Alienware AW2725Q 4K QD-OLED (opens in a new tab)
Premium Pick
MSI MPG 321URX QD-OLED
The top of this price range, adding a built-in KVM with picture-in-picture.
Best for: Spending more for the fullest feature set.
Our take Check price for MSI MPG 321URX QD-OLED (opens in a new tab)
Lowest Price Here
ASUS ROG Strix XG27UCSR
Undercutting the M70B 43 on price when we checked.
Best for: Spending as little as possible.
Our take Check price for ASUS ROG Strix XG27UCSR (opens in a new tab)
Largest Screen Size
Samsung M70B 43-inch Smart Monitor
The largest screen size here (43 inches).
Best for: Buyers who put screen size first.
Our take Check price for Samsung M70B 43-inch Smart Monitor (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
ASUS ProArt PA329CRV
96W USB-C power delivery.
Best for: Buyers who want 96W USB-C power delivery.
Our take Check price for ASUS ProArt PA329CRV (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it’s here | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dolby Vision support. | Buyers who want Dolby Vision support. | Check price for Alienware AW2725Q 4K QD-OLED (opens in a new tab) |
| The top of this price range, adding a built-in KVM with picture-in-picture. | Spending more for the fullest feature set. | Check price for MSI MPG 321URX QD-OLED (opens in a new tab) |
| Undercutting the M70B 43 on price when we checked. | Spending as little as possible. | Check price for ASUS ROG Strix XG27UCSR (opens in a new tab) |
| The largest screen size here (43 inches). | Buyers who put screen size first. | Check price for Samsung M70B 43-inch Smart Monitor (opens in a new tab) |
| 96W USB-C power delivery. | Buyers who want 96W USB-C power delivery. | Check price for ASUS ProArt PA329CRV (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Also Consider1 of 5
Alienware AW2725Q 4K QD-OLED on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Alienware's AW2725Q is a 26.7-inch 4K QD-OLED at 240Hz with USB-C and a height, tilt, swivel and pivot stand.
Best for
- Buyers who want Dolby Vision support.
Skip if
- Skip it if this is a deal-breaker for you: oLED burn-in risk with static desktop elements.
Why we like it
It has one of the most adjustable stands among the OLED models here. On refresh rate it ties with the MPG 321URX at 240Hz. Its 26.7 inches screen size is the smallest in this group; the M70B 43 leads at 43 inches.
It shares a QD-OLED panel with the MPG 321URX; the PA329CRV goes with an IPS panel. It shares a DisplayHDR True Black 400 with the MPG 321URX; the PA329CRV goes with a DisplayHDR 400. A 99% DCI-P3 color gamut is unique to it among these picks, while the PA329CRV uses a 98% DCI-P3 color gamut.
It also offers Dolby Vision support, 166 PPI at 4K and USB-C with 15W power delivery. Reaching 240Hz at 4K needs DisplayPort 1.4 with DSC or HDMI 2.1 on your graphics card, and a GPU able to render well above 100fps at 4K. When we checked, only the M70B 43 and cheaper picks cost less, and the PA329CRV cost more.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 240Hz
- Resolution: 3840x2160 (4K)
- Size: 26.7 inches
- Panel: QD-OLED
- Response: 0.03ms
- HDR: DisplayHDR True Black 400
- Color gamut: 99% DCI-P3
- Stand: height, tilt, swivel and pivot
- USB-C: Yes
Pros
- a 240Hz refresh rate for fast motion
- 4K resolution for sharp text and detail
- a QD-OLED panel with per-pixel contrast
- DisplayHDR True Black 400 certification
Cons
- OLED burn-in risk with static desktop elements
- Screen size trails the M70B 43 (43 inches)
- Costs more than the XG27UCSR at the time of writing
Premium Pick2 of 5
MSI MPG 321URX QD-OLED on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
MSI's MPG 321URX is a 31.5-inch 4K QD-OLED at 240Hz with a built-in KVM, so one keyboard and mouse can switch between a desktop and a laptop.
Best for
- Spending more for the fullest feature set.
Skip if
- Pass on it if oLED burn-in risk with static desktop element rules it out for your setup.
Why we like it
USB-C input rounds out the ports. On refresh rate it ties with the AW2725Q at 240Hz. It matches the PA329CRV on screen size (31.5 inches).
It shares a QD-OLED panel with the AW2725Q; the PA329CRV goes with an IPS panel. It shares a DisplayHDR True Black 400 with the AW2725Q; the PA329CRV goes with a DisplayHDR 400. It also offers HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 1.4a inputs and an HDMI 2.1 input for consoles.
Reaching 240Hz at 4K needs DisplayPort 1.4 with DSC or HDMI 2.1 on your graphics card, and a GPU able to render well above 100fps at 4K. Leave the maker's pixel-refresh routines enabled and hide static taskbars to limit burn-in risk. Only the PA329CRV came close to it on price at the time of writing; it cost the most of the 5 picks.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 240Hz
- Resolution: 3840x2160 (4K)
- Size: 31.5 inches
- Panel: QD-OLED
- Response: 0.03ms
- HDR: DisplayHDR True Black 400
- USB-C: Yes
Pros
- a 240Hz refresh rate for fast motion
- 4K resolution for sharp text and detail
- a QD-OLED panel with per-pixel contrast
- DisplayHDR True Black 400 certification
Cons
- OLED burn-in risk with static desktop elements
- Costs more than the XG27UCSR at the time of writing
Lowest Price Here3 of 5
ASUS ROG Strix XG27UCSR on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The XG27UCSR adds USB-C and a dual mode at 1080p 324Hz, with ASUS's 3-year warranty.
Best for
- Spending as little as possible.
Skip if
- Pass on it if refresh rate of 160Hz, behind the AW2725Q (240Hz rules it out for your setup.
Why we like it
On refresh rate it sits mid-pack at 160Hz: the AW2725Q offers 240Hz, and the M70B 43 comes in at 60Hz. Its 27 inches screen size ranks fourth of 5 here, behind the M70B 43 (43 inches) and ahead of the AW2725Q (26.7 inches). It shares an IPS panel with the PA329CRV; the MPG 321URX goes with a QD-OLED panel.
A 95% DCI-P3 color gamut is unique to it among these picks, while the PA329CRV uses a 98% DCI-P3 color gamut. Reaching 160Hz at 4K needs DisplayPort 1.4 with DSC or HDMI 2.1 on your graphics card, and a GPU able to render well above 100fps at 4K. No other pick here cost less at our last price check, and the M70B 43 was closest.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 160Hz
- Resolution: 3840x2160 (4K)
- Size: 27 inches
- Panel: IPS
- Response: 0.3ms
- Color gamut: 95% DCI-P3
- USB-C: Yes
- Warranty: 3-year
Pros
- 160Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen
- 4K resolution for sharp text and detail
- an IPS panel with wide viewing angles
- 95% DCI-P3 colour coverage
Cons
- Refresh rate of 160Hz, behind the AW2725Q (240Hz)
Largest Screen Size4 of 5
Samsung M70B 43-inch Smart Monitor on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Samsung's M70B is a 43-inch 4K smart monitor with built-in TV apps, wireless display and USB-C.
Best for
- Buyers who put screen size first.
Skip if
- Worth skipping when a 60Hz refresh rate that suits work more than fast game is a problem.
Why we like it
It runs at 60Hz, so it suits streaming and casual play. Its 60Hz refresh rate is the lowest in this group; the AW2725Q leads at 240Hz. Its 43 inches screen size is the largest here; the MPG 321URX comes next at 31.5 inches.
No other pick in this guide offers an HDR10; compare the MPG 321URX, which has a DisplayHDR True Black 400. It also offers wireless display from phones and laptops and SmartThings IoT hub. At 4K, check that your graphics card and cable support 4K at the refresh rate you want before you buy. On price it sat second of 5, between the cheaper XG27UCSR and the pricier AW2725Q, at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 60Hz
- Resolution: 3840x2160 (4K)
- Size: 43 inches
- Response: 4ms
- HDR: HDR10
- USB-C: Yes
Pros
- 4K resolution for sharp text and detail
- a USB-C input for laptops
- Built-in streaming TV apps
- Wireless display from phones and laptops
Cons
- a 60Hz refresh rate that suits work more than fast games
- HDR10 support without a DisplayHDR certification
- Refresh rate trails the AW2725Q (240Hz)
Strong Alternative5 of 5
ASUS ProArt PA329CRV on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
ASUS's ProArt PA329CRV is a 31.5-inch 4K IPS screen listing 98% DCI-P3 and DisplayHDR 400.
Best for
- Buyers who want 96W USB-C power delivery.
Skip if
- Pass if a published refresh rate matters; this one has none.
Why we like it
Its 96W USB-C port can power a larger laptop over one cable. It matches the MPG 321URX on screen size (31.5 inches). It shares an IPS panel with the XG27UCSR; the MPG 321URX goes with a QD-OLED panel.
You get a DisplayHDR 400 here, which sets it apart from the AW2725Q and its a DisplayHDR True Black 400. You get a 98% DCI-P3 color gamut here, which sets it apart from the XG27UCSR and its a 95% DCI-P3 color gamut. It also comes with Calman Verified with Delta E below 2 and DisplayPort MST output for a second screen.
At 4K, check that your graphics card and cable support 4K at the refresh rate you want before you buy. It was priced above the AW2725Q and below the MPG 321URX at the time of writing. There is no published refresh rate figure, whereas the AW2725Q offers 240Hz.
Key dimensions & specs
- Resolution: 3840x2160 (4K)
- Size: 31.5 inches
- Panel: IPS
- HDR: DisplayHDR 400
- Color gamut: 98% DCI-P3
- USB-C: Yes
- Warranty: 3-year
Pros
- 4K resolution for sharp text and detail
- an IPS panel with wide viewing angles
- 98% DCI-P3 colour coverage
- a USB-C input for laptops
Cons
- No published refresh rate
- Costs more than the XG27UCSR at the time of writing
How We Chose These 4K USB-C Monitors
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- The figures behind the order
- We compared five monitors on refresh rate, resolution, screen size and panel as the makers state them. We did not test them in-house.
- The shared baseline
- All 5, from the AW2725Q to the PA329CRV, state resolution, screen size and USB-C and share 3840x2160 (4K) resolution and USB-C.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The PA329CRV gives no refresh rate; the M70B 43 gives no panel.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the XG27UCSR ($250 to $500) to the MPG 321URX ($500 to $1000).
What to Look for in a 4K USB-C Monitor
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Screen size across these picks
Here screen size runs from 26.7 inches on the AW2725Q to 43 inches on the M70B 43. The M70B 43 is the pick for screen size.
Refresh rate
Here refresh rate runs from 60Hz on the M70B 43 to 240Hz on the AW2725Q. Start with the AW2725Q if refresh rate decides it. No figure for the PA329CRV.
Response
The AW2725Q and the MPG 321URX list 0.03ms; the XG27UCSR lists 0.3ms; the M70B 43 lists 4ms. Settle this first, then compare prices.
Features beyond the spec table
The XG27UCSR: a dual mode that switches to 1080p at 324Hz. The M70B 43: wireless display from phones and laptops. The PA329CRV: Calman Verified with Delta E below 2.
Budget
$250 to $500 buys the XG27UCSR and the M70B 43; $500 to $1000 buys the AW2725Q, the PA329CRV and the MPG 321URX at our last check.
How to Choose a 4K USB-C Monitor
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Buyers who want Dolby Vision support | AW2725Q | Dolby Vision support |
| Spending more for the fullest feature set | MPG 321URX | The top of this price range, adding a built-in KVM with picture-in-picture |
| Spending as little as possible | XG27UCSR | Undercutting the M70B 43 on price when we checked |
| Buyers who put screen size first | M70B 43 | The largest screen size here (43 inches) |
| Buyers who want 96W USB-C power delivery | PA329CRV | 96W USB-C power delivery |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The M70B 43 leads on screen size at 43 inches, ahead of the MPG 321URX at 31.5 inches. "Not listed" means the maker leaves that figure out.
| Monitor | Refresh rate | Resolution | Size | Panel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AW2725Q | 240Hz | 3840x2160 (4K) | 26.7 inches | QD-OLED |
| MPG 321URX | 240Hz | 3840x2160 (4K) | 31.5 inches | QD-OLED |
| XG27UCSR | 160Hz | 3840x2160 (4K) | 27 inches | IPS |
| M70B 43 | 60Hz | 3840x2160 (4K) | 43 inches | Not listed |
| PA329CRV | Not listed | 3840x2160 (4K) | 31.5 inches | IPS |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
The XG27UCSR was the lowest-priced pick and the MPG 321URX the highest when we checked; tiers move with Amazon pricing.
| Price tier | Monitors |
|---|---|
| About $250 to $500 | XG27UCSR, M70B 43 |
| About $500 to $1000 | AW2725Q, PA329CRV, MPG 321URX |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the M70B 43 ahead of the MPG 321URX on screen size?
The M70B 43 leads at 43 inches, with the MPG 321URX at 31.5 inches. The AW2725Q is at the other end of this group with 26.7 inches.
Is the MPG 321URX worth paying more than the XG27UCSR?
On paper it adds screen size (31.5 inches against 27 inches) and refresh rate (240Hz against 160Hz). The XG27UCSR was the lowest-priced pick when we checked, so pay the difference only if those gains matter to you.
What makes the M70B 43 the Largest Screen Size?
It earns the label for the largest screen size here (43 inches). It suits anyone who put screen size first.
Do the AW2725Q and the XG27UCSR differ on panel?
The AW2725Q and the MPG 321URX use QD-OLED; the XG27UCSR and the PA329CRV use IPS. The maker of the M70B 43 doesn't say.
Beyond the specs, what sets the AW2725Q and the MPG 321URX apart?
The AW2725Q: Dolby Vision support. The MPG 321URX: a built-in KVM with picture-in-picture. The XG27UCSR: a dual mode that switches to 1080p at 324Hz.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the AW2725Q, chosen for Dolby Vision support. Look at the MPG 321URX for the top of this price range, adding a built-in KVM with picture-in-picture, the XG27UCSR for undercutting the M70B 43 on price when we checked and the M70B 43 for the largest screen size here (43 inches) if those matter more to you.
Measure desk depth before buying a larger screen.