Buying Guide
The Best Budget USB-C Monitors
From the KYY 15.6 to the S2725QC: five monitors ranked on refresh rate and screen size, with who should skip each one.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read5 products evaluated
With USB-C, a single cable can drive the screen and keep a laptop charged. Every monitor here accepts video over USB-C and cost $300 or less when we checked, ordered from the lowest price.
This is a research roundup, not a lab test: refresh rate, resolution and size come from each maker's published specs; nothing here was tested in-house, and a missing refresh rate is flagged, not filled in.
Quick Picks
Our 5 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Lowest Price Here
KYY 15.6-inch Portable
The cheapest way into this group, below the TECLAST 16.
Best for: Getting PU leather smart cover that doubles as a stand for the least money.
Our take Check price for KYY 15.6-inch Portable (opens in a new tab)
FreeSync Adaptive Sync
TECLAST 16-inch 144Hz Portable
A freeSync.
Best for: Buyers who want a freeSync.
Our take Check price for TECLAST 16-inch 144Hz Portable (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
ARZOPA Z1FC 16.1-inch 144Hz Portable
A built-in kickstand.
Best for: Buyers who want built-in kickstand.
Our take Check price for ARZOPA Z1FC 16.1-inch 144Hz Portable (opens in a new tab)
Fastest Refresh
ASUS ROG Strix XG27WCMS Curved
The highest refresh rate here (280Hz).
Best for: Competitive shooters where motion clarity matters most.
Our take Check price for ASUS ROG Strix XG27WCMS Curved (opens in a new tab)
Premium Pick
Dell 27 S2725QC 4K USB-C
The highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with USB-C with up to 65W power delivery.
Best for: Buyers who want the most complete package.
Our take Check price for Dell 27 S2725QC 4K USB-C (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Lowest Price Here1 of 5
KYY 15.6-inch Portable on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
KYY's 15.6-inch 1080p IPS portable is the lowest-priced here at the time of writing.
Best for
- Getting PU leather smart cover that doubles as a stand for the least money.
Skip if
- Its refresh rate is not published, which rules it out if you need that number.
Why we like it
It connects over USB-C. Its 15.6-inch IPS screen is 0.3 inches thin and weighs 1.7 lbs, and two USB-C ports plus mini-HDMI connect laptops and consoles. On screen size it trails the group at 15.6 inches, while the XG27WCMS comes in at 27 inches.
Like the ARZOPA Z1FC, it has a 1920x1080 (1080p) resolution, while the S2725QC uses a 3840x2160 (4K) resolution. It also offers a PU leather smart cover that doubles as a stand and two built-in speakers. It undercut the TECLAST 16 and every other pick on price at the time of writing. The maker doesn't give its refresh rate; if that figure matters, the XG27WCMS offers 280Hz.
Key dimensions & specs
- Resolution: 1920x1080 (1080p)
- Size: 15.6 inches
- Panel: IPS
- USB-C: Yes
Pros
- an IPS panel with wide viewing angles
- a USB-C input for laptops
- PU leather smart cover that doubles as a stand
- Two built-in speakers
Cons
- No published refresh rate
- Screen size trails the XG27WCMS (27 inches)
FreeSync Adaptive Sync2 of 5
TECLAST 16-inch 144Hz Portable on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
TECLAST's 16-inch portable runs 1920x1200 at 144Hz with 100% sRGB coverage and FreeSync.
Best for
- Buyers who want a freeSync.
Skip if
- Price-first buyers should look at the KYY 15.6, which cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It combines a taller screen with a high refresh rate. Its 16-inch 1920x1200 panel runs at 144Hz with 100% sRGB, and one USB-C cable carries video and power. HDMI covers consoles.
It matches the ARZOPA Z1FC on refresh rate (144Hz). On screen size it sits mid-pack at 16 inches: the XG27WCMS comes in at 27 inches, and the KYY 15.6 comes in at 15.6 inches. No other pick in this guide offers a 1920x1200 resolution; compare the XG27WCMS, which has a 2560x1440 (1440p) resolution.
No other pick in this guide offers a 100% sRGB color gamut; compare the ARZOPA Z1FC, which has a 106% sRGB color gamut. You get a FreeSync here, which sets it apart from the S2725QC and its a FreeSync Premium. On price it sat second of 5, between the cheaper KYY 15.6 and the pricier ARZOPA Z1FC, at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 144Hz
- Resolution: 1920x1200
- Size: 16 inches
- Panel: IPS
- Color gamut: 100% sRGB
- Adaptive sync: FreeSync
- USB-C: Yes
Pros
- 144Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen
- an IPS panel with wide viewing angles
- 100% sRGB colour coverage
- FreeSync to reduce screen tearing
Cons
- Costs more than the KYY 15.6 at the time of writing
Also Consider3 of 5
ARZOPA Z1FC 16.1-inch 144Hz Portable on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
ARZOPA's Z1FC is a 16.1-inch 1080p IPS portable at 144Hz with 106% sRGB coverage.
Best for
- Buyers who want built-in kickstand.
Skip if
- Skip it if price comes first: the KYY 15.6 cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It adds a high refresh rate at a low price. On refresh rate it ties with the TECLAST 16 at 144Hz. Its 16.1 inches screen size ranks third of 5 here, behind the XG27WCMS (27 inches) and ahead of the KYY 15.6 (15.6 inches).
It shares a 1920x1080 (1080p) resolution with the KYY 15.6; the XG27WCMS goes with a 2560x1440 (1440p) resolution. A 106% sRGB color gamut is unique to it among these picks, while the S2725QC uses a 99% sRGB color gamut. It also offers a built-in kickstand and portrait and landscape modes.
At 1080p, 144Hz is within reach of mid-range graphics cards in esports titles; use DisplayPort if your card's HDMI port is older. When we checked, only the TECLAST 16 and cheaper picks cost less, and the XG27WCMS cost more.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 144Hz
- Resolution: 1920x1080 (1080p)
- Size: 16.1 inches
- Panel: IPS
- Color gamut: 106% sRGB
- USB-C: Yes
Pros
- 144Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen
- an IPS panel with wide viewing angles
- 106% sRGB colour coverage
- a USB-C input for laptops
Cons
- Costs more than the KYY 15.6 at the time of writing
Fastest Refresh4 of 5
ASUS ROG Strix XG27WCMS Curved on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
ASUS's XG27WCMS curves a 27-inch 1440p panel and overclocks it to 280Hz.
Best for
- Competitive shooters where motion clarity matters most.
Skip if
- Skip it if price comes first: the KYY 15.6 cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
USB-C input and a three-year warranty are listed. On refresh rate it leads this guide at 280Hz, ahead of the TECLAST 16 (144Hz). On screen size it ties with the S2725QC at 27 inches.
No other pick in this guide offers a 2560x1440 (1440p) resolution; compare the ARZOPA Z1FC, which has a 1920x1080 (1080p) resolution. No other pick in this guide offers a 95% DCI-P3 color gamut; compare the S2725QC, which has a 99% sRGB color gamut. You get a G-SYNC Compatible here, which sets it apart from the S2725QC and its a FreeSync Premium.
To see 280Hz at 1440p, connect over DisplayPort or HDMI 2.1; older HDMI 2.0 ports cap the refresh rate lower. G-SYNC Compatible works on NVIDIA cards over DisplayPort, and FreeSync covers AMD cards. On price it sat fourth of 5, between the cheaper ARZOPA Z1FC and the pricier S2725QC, at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 280Hz
- Resolution: 2560x1440 (1440p)
- Size: 27 inches
- HDR: HDR
- Color gamut: 95% DCI-P3
- Adaptive sync: G-SYNC Compatible
- USB-C: Yes
- Warranty: 3-year
Pros
- a 280Hz refresh rate for fast motion
- 1440p resolution, sharper than 1080p at 27 inches
- 95% DCI-P3 colour coverage
- G-SYNC Compatible to reduce screen tearing
Cons
- Costs more than the KYY 15.6 at the time of writing
Premium Pick5 of 5
Dell 27 S2725QC 4K USB-C on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
What the S2725QC brings to the table is USB-C with up to 65W power delivery, plus 4K at 120Hz.
Best for
- Buyers who want the most complete package.
Skip if
- Skip it if refresh rate matters most to you; the XG27WCMS offers 280Hz.
Why we like it
It also offers a 120Hz refresh rate and offers a 27 inches screen size. On refresh rate it trails the group at 120Hz, while the XG27WCMS offers 280Hz. A 3840x2160 (4K) resolution is unique to it among these picks, while the TECLAST 16 uses a 1920x1200 resolution.
A 99% sRGB color gamut is unique to it among these picks, while the XG27WCMS uses a 95% DCI-P3 color gamut. No other pick in this guide offers a FreeSync Premium; compare the TECLAST 16, which has a FreeSync. It also comes with 1500:1 contrast.
At 4K, check that your graphics card and cable support 4K at the refresh rate you want before you buy. At our last price check it topped the group, with the XG27WCMS the nearest cheaper option. Refresh rate is its weakest area, and the XG27WCMS covers it better at 280Hz.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 120Hz
- Resolution: 3840x2160 (4K)
- Size: 27 inches
- Panel: IPS
- Response: 4ms
- Color gamut: 99% sRGB
- Adaptive sync: FreeSync Premium
- USB-C: Yes
Pros
- 4K resolution for sharp text and detail
- an IPS panel with wide viewing angles
- 99% sRGB colour coverage
- FreeSync Premium to reduce screen tearing
Cons
- Refresh rate trails the XG27WCMS (280Hz)
- Costs more than the KYY 15.6 at the time of writing
How We Chose These Budget USB-C Monitors
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- What we compared
- We lined up five monitors on refresh rate, resolution, screen size and panel, using each maker's published specs. We did not test them in-house.
- The shared baseline
- All 5, from the KYY 15.6 to the S2725QC, state resolution, screen size and USB-C and share USB-C.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The KYY 15.6 gives no refresh rate; the XG27WCMS gives no panel.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the KYY 15.6 ($50 to $100) to the S2725QC ($250 to $500).
What to Look for in a Budget 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 15.6 inches on the KYY 15.6 to 27 inches on the XG27WCMS. The XG27WCMS is the pick for screen size.
Refresh rate
Here refresh rate runs from 120Hz on the S2725QC to 280Hz on the XG27WCMS. The TECLAST 16 comes second for less money. No figure for the KYY 15.6.
Color gamut
The TECLAST 16 lists 100% sRGB; the ARZOPA Z1FC lists 106% sRGB; the XG27WCMS lists 95% DCI-P3; the S2725QC lists 99% sRGB. Settle this first, then compare prices.
Features beyond the spec table
The ARZOPA Z1FC: portrait and landscape modes. The XG27WCMS: USB-C input. The S2725QC: 4K at 120Hz.
Where your budget lands
$50 to $100 buys the KYY 15.6, the TECLAST 16 and the ARZOPA Z1FC; $250 to $500 buys the XG27WCMS and the S2725QC at our last check.
How to Choose a Budget USB-C Monitor
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Getting PU leather smart cover that doubles as a stand for the least money | KYY 15.6 | The cheapest way into this group, below the TECLAST 16 |
| Buyers who want a freeSync | TECLAST 16 | A freeSync |
| Buyers who want built-in kickstand | ARZOPA Z1FC | A built-in kickstand |
| Competitive shooters where motion clarity matters most | XG27WCMS | The highest refresh rate here (280Hz) |
| Buyers who want the most complete package | S2725QC | The highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with USB-C with up to 65W power delivery |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The XG27WCMS leads on screen size at 27 inches, ahead of the S2725QC at 27 inches. "Not listed" means the maker leaves that figure out.
| Monitor | Refresh rate | Resolution | Size | Panel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| KYY 15.6 | Not listed | 1920x1080 (1080p) | 15.6 inches | IPS |
| TECLAST 16 | 144Hz | 1920x1200 | 16 inches | IPS |
| ARZOPA Z1FC | 144Hz | 1920x1080 (1080p) | 16.1 inches | IPS |
| XG27WCMS | 280Hz | 2560x1440 (1440p) | 27 inches | Not listed |
| S2725QC | 120Hz | 3840x2160 (4K) | 27 inches | IPS |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
The KYY 15.6 was the lowest-priced pick and the S2725QC the highest when we checked; tiers move with Amazon pricing.
| Price tier | Monitors |
|---|---|
| About $50 to $100 | KYY 15.6, TECLAST 16, ARZOPA Z1FC |
| About $250 to $500 | XG27WCMS, S2725QC |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has the highest refresh rate: the XG27WCMS or the TECLAST 16?
The XG27WCMS leads at 280Hz, with the TECLAST 16 at 144Hz. The S2725QC is at the other end of this group with 120Hz. The KYY 15.6 doesn't state a figure, so it sits outside this comparison.
Is the S2725QC worth paying more than the KYY 15.6?
On paper it adds screen size (27 inches against 15.6 inches). The KYY 15.6 was the lowest-priced pick when we checked, so pay the difference only if those gains matter to you.
What makes the TECLAST 16 the FreeSync Adaptive Sync?
It earns the label for a freeSync. It suits anyone who wants a freeSync.
Do the KYY 15.6 and the TECLAST 16 differ on resolution?
The KYY 15.6 and the ARZOPA Z1FC use 1920x1080 (1080p); the TECLAST 16 uses 1920x1200; the XG27WCMS uses 2560x1440 (1440p); the S2725QC uses 3840x2160 (4K).
Beyond the specs, what sets the KYY 15.6 and the TECLAST 16 apart?
The KYY 15.6: a PU leather smart cover that doubles as a stand. The TECLAST 16: 144Hz with FreeSync. The ARZOPA Z1FC: a built-in kickstand.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the KYY 15.6, chosen for the cheapest way into this group, below the TECLAST 16. Look at the TECLAST 16 for a freeSync, the ARZOPA Z1FC for a built-in kickstand and the S2725QC for the highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with USB-C with up to 65W power delivery if those matter more to you.
Check that your GPU has the port the monitor needs for its full refresh rate.