The PC Journal

Buying Guide

The Best USB-C Monitors

From the KYY 15.6 to the XG27UCGR-W: five monitors ranked on refresh rate and screen size, with who should skip each one.

By , PC Hardware Editor

12 min read5 products evaluated

Desktop monitors on monitor arms above a wooden desk with keyboards and mice
Illustrative image
Jump to
  1. Quick Picks
  2. Our Picks
  3. How We Chose
  4. What to Look For
  5. Comparison
  6. FAQ

A USB-C monitor can carry video, data and laptop charging over one cable. Every pick has USB-C, ordered from the lowest price.

Our comparison rests on published figures for refresh rate, resolution and size; nothing here was tested in-house, and where a maker leaves out refresh rate, we say so.

Quick Picks

Which of the 5 picks to look at first. Tap a name for the full analysis.

  1. 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.

    Check price for KYY 15.6-inch Portable on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

  2. FreeSync Adaptive Sync

    TECLAST 16-inch 144Hz Portable

    A freeSync.

    Best for: Buyers who want a freeSync.

    Check price for TECLAST 16-inch 144Hz Portable on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

  3. Also Consider

    ASUS ProArt PA278CGRV

    Factory calibration to Delta E under 2.

    Best for: Buyers who want factory calibration to Delta E under 2.

    Check price for ASUS ProArt PA278CGRV on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

  4. Strong Alternative

    ASUS ROG Strix XG27UCSR

    A dual mode that switches to 1080p at 324Hz.

    Best for: Buyers who want dual mode that switches to 1080p at 324Hz.

    Check price for ASUS ROG Strix XG27UCSR on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

  5. Fastest Refresh

    ASUS ROG Strix XG27UCGR-W

    The highest refresh rate here (162Hz).

    Best for: Competitive shooters where motion clarity matters most.

    Check price for ASUS ROG Strix XG27UCGR-W on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

Our Picks

Lowest Price Here1 of 5

KYY 15.6-inch Portable

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.
Check price on Amazon for KYY 15.6-inch Portable (opens in a new tab)
KYY 15.6-inch Portable

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 ProArt PA278CGRV comes in at 27 inches.

No other pick in this guide offers a 1920x1080 (1080p) resolution; compare the XG27UCSR, which has a 3840x2160 (4K) resolution. It also offers a PU leather smart cover that doubles as a stand and two built-in speakers. Worth noting: an IPS panel with wide viewing angles. It undercut the TECLAST 16 and every other pick on price at the time of writing.

Key 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 ProArt PA278CGRV (27 inches)

The catch

The maker doesn't give its refresh rate; if that figure matters, the XG27UCGR-W offers 162Hz.

Check price on Amazon for KYY 15.6-inch Portable (opens in a new tab)

FreeSync Adaptive Sync2 of 5

TECLAST 16-inch 144Hz Portable

TECLAST's 16-inch portable runs 1920x1200 at 144Hz with 100% sRGB coverage and FreeSync.

Best for

Buyers who want a freeSync.

Skip if

Skip it if price comes first: the KYY 15.6 cost less when we checked.
Check price on Amazon for TECLAST 16-inch 144Hz Portable (opens in a new tab)
TECLAST 16-inch 144Hz Portable

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 ProArt PA278CGRV on refresh rate (144Hz). On screen size it sits mid-pack at 16 inches: the ProArt PA278CGRV 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 XG27UCSR, which has a 3840x2160 (4K) resolution.

No other pick in this guide offers a 100% sRGB color gamut; compare the ProArt PA278CGRV, which has a 97% DCI-P3 color gamut. On price it sat second of 5, between the cheaper KYY 15.6 and the pricier ProArt PA278CGRV, at the time of writing.

Key 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
Check price on Amazon for TECLAST 16-inch 144Hz Portable (opens in a new tab)

Also Consider3 of 5

ASUS ProArt PA278CGRV

What the ProArt PA278CGRV brings to the table is factory calibration to Delta E under 2, plus a 144Hz variable refresh rate.

Best for

Buyers who want factory calibration to Delta E under 2.

Skip if

Skip it if refresh rate matters most to you; the XG27UCGR-W offers 162Hz.
Check price on Amazon for ASUS ProArt PA278CGRV (opens in a new tab)
ASUS ProArt PA278CGRV

Why we like it

It also offers a 144Hz refresh rate and offers a 27 inches screen size. On refresh rate it ties with the TECLAST 16 at 144Hz. You get a 2560x1440 (1440p) resolution here, which sets it apart from the XG27UCGR-W and its a 3840x2160 (4K) resolution.

You get a 97% DCI-P3 color gamut here, which sets it apart from the XG27UCSR and its a 95% DCI-P3 color gamut. Worth noting: an IPS panel with wide viewing angles. It was priced above the TECLAST 16 and below the XG27UCSR at the time of writing. It gives ground on refresh rate, where the XG27UCGR-W offers 162Hz.

Key specs

Refresh rate
144Hz
Resolution
2560x1440 (1440p)
Size
27 inches
Panel
IPS
Color gamut
97% DCI-P3
USB-C
Yes

Pros

  • 144Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen
  • 1440p resolution, sharper than 1080p at 27 inches
  • an IPS panel with wide viewing angles
  • 97% DCI-P3 colour coverage

Cons

  • Refresh rate trails the XG27UCGR-W (162Hz)
  • Costs more than the KYY 15.6 at the time of writing
Check price on Amazon for ASUS ProArt PA278CGRV (opens in a new tab)

Strong Alternative4 of 5

ASUS ROG Strix XG27UCSR

The XG27UCSR adds USB-C and a dual mode at 1080p 324Hz, with ASUS's 3-year warranty.

Best for

Buyers who want dual mode that switches to 1080p at 324Hz.

Skip if

If budget leads, the KYY 15.6 was cheaper at our last price check.
Check price on Amazon for ASUS ROG Strix XG27UCSR (opens in a new tab)
ASUS ROG Strix XG27UCSR

Why we like it

On refresh rate it sits mid-pack at 160Hz: the XG27UCGR-W offers 162Hz, and the ProArt PA278CGRV comes in at 144Hz. It shares a 3840x2160 (4K) resolution with the XG27UCGR-W; the ProArt PA278CGRV goes with a 2560x1440 (1440p) resolution. A 95% DCI-P3 color gamut is unique to it among these picks, while the ProArt PA278CGRV uses a 97% 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. When we checked, only the ProArt PA278CGRV and cheaper picks cost less, and the XG27UCGR-W cost more.

Key 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

  • Costs more than the KYY 15.6 at the time of writing
Check price on Amazon for ASUS ROG Strix XG27UCSR (opens in a new tab)

Fastest Refresh5 of 5

ASUS ROG Strix XG27UCGR-W

What the XG27UCGR-W brings to the table is a white finish, plus a dual mode with 4K at 162Hz or 1080p at 485Hz.

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.
Check price on Amazon for ASUS ROG Strix XG27UCGR-W (opens in a new tab)
ASUS ROG Strix XG27UCGR-W

Why we like it

It also offers a 162Hz refresh rate and offers a 27 inches screen size. On refresh rate it leads this guide at 162Hz, ahead of the XG27UCSR (160Hz). On screen size it ties with the ProArt PA278CGRV and the XG27UCSR at 27 inches.

Like the XG27UCSR, it has a 3840x2160 (4K) resolution, while the KYY 15.6 uses a 1920x1080 (1080p) resolution. It is the only pick here with a fast IPS panel; the KYY 15.6 has an IPS panel instead. Reaching 162Hz 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 was the most expensive pick when we checked, so weigh what it adds over the XG27UCSR.

Key specs

Refresh rate
162Hz
Resolution
3840x2160 (4K)
Size
27 inches
Panel
Fast IPS
Response
0.3ms
Adaptive sync
G-SYNC
USB-C
Yes

Pros

  • 162Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen
  • 4K resolution for sharp text and detail
  • a Fast IPS panel with wide viewing angles
  • G-SYNC to reduce screen tearing

Cons

  • Costs more than the KYY 15.6 at the time of writing
Check price on Amazon for ASUS ROG Strix XG27UCGR-W (opens in a new tab)

How We Chose These USB-C Monitors

Alex Morgan compared the manufacturer specifications, connectivity, warranty terms and compatibility of every pick. Figures come from the makers unless a third-party source is named; we did not test these products ourselves.

A desk with a monitor showing code next to a laptop
A desk with a monitor showing code next to a laptop
What we compared
We lined up five monitors on refresh rate, resolution, screen size and panel, using each maker's published specs. These are research figures, not bench results: 1 of 5 picks leave out refresh rate.
The shared baseline
All 5, from the KYY 15.6 to the XG27UCGR-W, state resolution, screen size and panel and share USB-C.
Where the specs have gaps
The KYY 15.6 gives no refresh rate; the KYY 15.6, the TECLAST 16 and the ProArt PA278CGRV give no response.
Price range
At our last check the picks ran from the KYY 15.6 ($50 to $100) to the XG27UCGR-W ($250 to $500).

What to Look for in a USB-C Monitor

Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.

  1. Screen size

    Here screen size runs from 15.6 inches on the KYY 15.6 to 27 inches on the ProArt PA278CGRV, a 73% spread. Start with the ProArt PA278CGRV if screen size decides it.

  2. How much refresh rate you need

    The XG27UCGR-W tops refresh rate at 162Hz and the ProArt PA278CGRV sits lowest at 144Hz. The XG27UCSR comes second at 160Hz, in the same price tier as the XG27UCGR-W. The KYY 15.6 gives no refresh rate figure, so 4 of 5 picks are compared here.

    A white desk with two monitors and a laptop
    A white desk with two monitors and a laptop

  3. Panel

    The KYY 15.6, the TECLAST 16, the ProArt PA278CGRV and the XG27UCSR list IPS; the XG27UCGR-W lists Fast IPS. Settling panel first narrows 5 picks to 4 or 1.

  4. Features beyond the spec table

    The ProArt PA278CGRV: a 144Hz variable refresh rate. The XG27UCSR: a dual mode that switches to 1080p at 324Hz. The XG27UCGR-W: a dual mode with 4K at 162Hz or 1080p at 485Hz.

    A monitor showing a desktop app in a dim room
    A monitor showing a desktop app in a dim room

  5. Budget

    $50 to $100 buys the KYY 15.6 and the TECLAST 16; $250 to $500 buys the ProArt PA278CGRV, the XG27UCSR and the XG27UCGR-W at our last check.

How to Choose a USB-C Monitor

By priority

PriorityConsiderWhy
Getting PU leather smart cover that doubles as a stand for the least moneyKYY 15.6The cheapest way into this group, below the TECLAST 16
Buyers who want a freeSyncTECLAST 16A freeSync
Buyers who want factory calibration to Delta E under 2ProArt PA278CGRVFactory calibration to Delta E under 2
Buyers who want dual mode that switches to 1080p at 324HzXG27UCSRA dual mode that switches to 1080p at 324Hz
Competitive shooters where motion clarity matters mostXG27UCGR-WThe highest refresh rate here (162Hz)

Scroll sideways to see every column.

A three-monitor work desk beside a laptop
A three-monitor work desk beside a laptop

Key specs side by side

The ProArt PA278CGRV leads on screen size at 27 inches, ahead of the XG27UCSR at 27 inches. "Not listed" marks refresh rate where the KYY 15.6 leaves the figure out.

MonitorRefresh rateResolutionSizePanel
KYY 15.6Not listed1920x1080 (1080p)15.6 inchesIPS
TECLAST 16144Hz1920x120016 inchesIPS
ProArt PA278CGRV144Hz2560x1440 (1440p)27 inchesIPS
XG27UCSR160Hz3840x2160 (4K)27 inchesIPS
XG27UCGR-W162Hz3840x2160 (4K)27 inchesFast IPS

Scroll sideways to see every column.

By price at the time of writing

At our last check the cheapest pick, the KYY 15.6, sat in the $50 to $100 tier, 2 tiers in all up to the XG27UCGR-W at $250 to $500; Amazon prices move, so recheck before buying.

Price tierMonitors
About $50 to $100KYY 15.6, TECLAST 16
About $250 to $500ProArt PA278CGRV, XG27UCSR, XG27UCGR-W

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the XG27UCSR compare with the XG27UCGR-W on refresh rate?

Between the top two, it is 162Hz on the XG27UCGR-W against 160Hz on the XG27UCSR, a 1% difference. The ProArt PA278CGRV is at the other end of this group with 144Hz. The KYY 15.6 is left out of this ranking because its refresh rate isn't stated; 4 of 5 picks are ranked.

Is the XG27UCGR-W worth paying more than the KYY 15.6?

The spec sheets show screen size (27 inches against 15.6 inches) in its favour. The KYY 15.6 sat in the $50 to $100 tier and the XG27UCGR-W in the $250 to $500 tier when we checked, with 3 other picks between them; pay the difference only if screen size decides your purchase.

What makes the TECLAST 16 the FreeSync Adaptive Sync?

It carries the badge for a freeSync. It makes sense for anyone who wants a freeSync.

Do the KYY 15.6 and the TECLAST 16 differ on resolution?

The KYY 15.6 uses 1920x1080 (1080p); the TECLAST 16 uses 1920x1200; the ProArt PA278CGRV uses 2560x1440 (1440p); the XG27UCSR and the XG27UCGR-W use 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 ProArt PA278CGRV: factory calibration to Delta E under 2.

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 ProArt PA278CGRV for factory calibration to Delta E under 2 and the XG27UCSR for a dual mode that switches to 1080p at 324Hz if those matter more to you.

Check the power delivery wattage against your laptop charger.

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About the author

PC Hardware Editor

Alex covers PC hardware, monitors, components, upgrades and peripherals for The PC Journal, with a focus on helping readers understand specifications, compatibility and meaningful product trade-offs.

Covers: Monitors, Graphics cards, Processors, PC components, Peripherals, Upgrades and compatibility

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