Buying Guide
The Best USB-C 4K Monitors
From the XG27UCG to the MPG 321URX: three monitors ranked on refresh rate and screen size, with who should skip each one.
By The PC Journal editorial team
11 min read3 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.
We sorted these picks by refresh rate, resolution and size, working from the makers' own data; nothing here was tested in-house, and if a maker skips HDR, the guide says so.
Quick Picks
Our 3 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)
Largest Screen Size
MSI MPG 321URX QD-OLED
The largest screen size here (31.5 inches).
Best for: Buyers who put screen size first.
Our take Check price for MSI MPG 321URX QD-OLED (opens in a new tab)
Lowest Price Here
ASUS ROG Strix XG27UCG
The lowest price among these monitors at the time of writing.
Best for: Spending as little as possible.
Our take Check price for ASUS ROG Strix XG27UCG (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 largest screen size here (31.5 inches). | Buyers who put screen size first. | Check price for MSI MPG 321URX QD-OLED (opens in a new tab) |
| The lowest price among these monitors at the time of writing. | Spending as little as possible. | Check price for ASUS ROG Strix XG27UCG (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Also Consider1 of 3
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
- Worth skipping when oLED burn-in risk with static desktop element is a problem.
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 MPG 321URX leads at 31.5 inches.
It shares a QD-OLED panel with the MPG 321URX; the XG27UCG goes with an IPS panel. 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.
Leave the maker's pixel-refresh routines enabled and hide static taskbars to limit burn-in risk. It was priced above the XG27UCG and below the MPG 321URX at the time of writing.
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 MPG 321URX (31.5 inches)
- Costs more than the XG27UCG at the time of writing
Largest Screen Size2 of 3
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
- Buyers who put screen size first.
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. Its 31.5 inches screen size is the largest here; the XG27UCG comes next at 27 inches.
It shares a QD-OLED panel with the AW2725Q; the XG27UCG goes with an IPS panel. 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. At our last price check it topped the group, with the AW2725Q the nearest cheaper option.
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 XG27UCG at the time of writing
Lowest Price Here3 of 3
ASUS ROG Strix XG27UCG on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The XG27UCG is a 4K 160Hz monitor that can switch to 1080p at 320Hz for shooters, and adds USB-C for a laptop.
Best for
- Spending as little as possible.
Skip if
- Skip it if refresh rate matters most to you; the AW2725Q offers 240Hz.
Why we like it
On refresh rate it trails the group at 160Hz, while the AW2725Q offers 240Hz. Its 27 inches screen size ranks second of 3 here, behind the MPG 321URX (31.5 inches) and ahead of the AW2725Q (26.7 inches). You get an IPS panel here, which sets it apart from the MPG 321URX and its a QD-OLED panel.
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. G-SYNC Compatible works on NVIDIA cards over DisplayPort, and FreeSync covers AMD cards. It cost the least of the 3 picks at the time of writing, with the AW2725Q the next step up. It gives ground on refresh rate, where the AW2725Q offers 240Hz.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 160Hz
- Resolution: 3840x2160 (4K)
- Size: 27 inches
- Panel: IPS
- Response: 1ms
- Color gamut: 95% DCI-P3
- Adaptive sync: G-SYNC Compatible
- 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 trails the AW2725Q (240Hz)
How We Chose These USB-C 4K Monitors
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- The figures behind the order
- We compared three 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 3, from the AW2725Q to the XG27UCG, state refresh rate, resolution and screen size and share 3840x2160 (4K) resolution and USB-C.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The XG27UCG gives no HDR; the MPG 321URX gives no color gamut.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the XG27UCG ($250 to $500) to the MPG 321URX ($500 to $1000).
What to Look for in a USB-C 4K Monitor
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Refresh rate
Here refresh rate runs from 160Hz on the XG27UCG to 240Hz on the AW2725Q. The AW2725Q is the pick for refresh rate.
How much screen size you need
Here screen size runs from 26.7 inches on the AW2725Q to 31.5 inches on the MPG 321URX. The XG27UCG comes second for less money.
Response
The AW2725Q and the MPG 321URX list 0.03ms; the XG27UCG lists 1ms.
Features beyond the spec table
The AW2725Q: 166 PPI at 4K. The MPG 321URX: HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 1.4a inputs. The XG27UCG: a dual mode that switches to 1080p at 320Hz.
Where your budget lands
$250 to $500 buys the XG27UCG; $500 to $1000 buys the AW2725Q and the MPG 321URX at our last check.
How to Choose a USB-C 4K Monitor
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Buyers who want Dolby Vision support | AW2725Q | Dolby Vision support |
| Buyers who put screen size first | MPG 321URX | The largest screen size here (31.5 inches) |
| Spending as little as possible | XG27UCG | The lowest price among these monitors at the time of writing |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The AW2725Q leads on refresh rate at 240Hz, ahead of the MPG 321URX at 240Hz.
| 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 |
| XG27UCG | 160Hz | 3840x2160 (4K) | 27 inches | IPS |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
The XG27UCG 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 | XG27UCG |
| About $500 to $1000 | AW2725Q, MPG 321URX |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the MPG 321URX ahead of the XG27UCG on screen size?
The MPG 321URX leads at 31.5 inches, with the XG27UCG at 27 inches. The AW2725Q is at the other end of this group with 26.7 inches.
Is the MPG 321URX worth paying more than the XG27UCG?
On paper it adds refresh rate (240Hz against 160Hz) and screen size (31.5 inches against 27 inches). The XG27UCG was the lowest-priced pick when we checked, so pay the difference only if those gains matter to you.
What makes the MPG 321URX the Largest Screen Size?
It earns the label for the largest screen size here (31.5 inches). It suits anyone who put screen size first.
Do the AW2725Q and the XG27UCG differ on panel?
The AW2725Q and the MPG 321URX use QD-OLED; the XG27UCG uses IPS.
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 XG27UCG: a dual mode that switches to 1080p at 320Hz.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the AW2725Q, chosen for Dolby Vision support. Look at the MPG 321URX for the largest screen size here (31.5 inches) and the XG27UCG for the lowest price among these monitors at the time of writing if those matter more to you.
Check that your GPU has the port the monitor needs for its full refresh rate.