Buying Guide
The Best USB-C Monitors
From the KYY 15.6 to the M70B 43: 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
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
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)
FreeSync Premium Adaptive Sync
Dell 27 S2725QC 4K USB-C
A freeSync Premium.
Best for: Buyers who want a freeSync Premium.
Our take Check price for Dell 27 S2725QC 4K USB-C (opens in a new tab)
Fastest Refresh
ASUS ROG Strix XG27UCSR
The highest refresh rate here (160Hz).
Best for: Competitive shooters where motion clarity matters most.
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)
| Pick | Why it’s here | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| The cheapest way into this group, below the TECLAST 16. | Getting PU leather smart cover that doubles as a stand for the least money. | Check price for KYY 15.6-inch Portable (opens in a new tab) |
| A freeSync. | Buyers who want a freeSync. | Check price for TECLAST 16-inch 144Hz Portable (opens in a new tab) |
| A freeSync Premium. | Buyers who want a freeSync Premium. | Check price for Dell 27 S2725QC 4K USB-C (opens in a new tab) |
| The highest refresh rate here (160Hz). | Competitive shooters where motion clarity matters most. | 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) |
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 M70B 43 comes in at 43 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. 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 XG27UCSR offers 160Hz.
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 M70B 43 (43 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
- Skip it if price comes first: the KYY 15.6 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.
Its 144Hz refresh rate ranks second of 4 here, behind the XG27UCSR (160Hz) and ahead of the M70B 43 (60Hz). On screen size it sits mid-pack at 16 inches: the M70B 43 comes in at 43 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 S2725QC, which has a 99% sRGB color gamut. On price it sat second of 5, between the cheaper KYY 15.6 and the pricier S2725QC, 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
FreeSync Premium Adaptive Sync3 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 a freeSync Premium.
Skip if
- Skip it if price comes first: the KYY 15.6 cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It also offers a 120Hz refresh rate and offers a 27 inches screen size. On refresh rate it sits mid-pack at 120Hz: the XG27UCSR offers 160Hz, and the M70B 43 comes in at 60Hz. It shares a 3840x2160 (4K) resolution with the XG27UCSR and M70B 43; the TECLAST 16 goes with a 1920x1200 resolution.
A 99% sRGB color gamut is unique to it among these picks, while the XG27UCSR uses a 95% DCI-P3 color gamut. 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. When we checked, only the TECLAST 16 and cheaper picks cost less, and the XG27UCSR cost more.
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
- Costs more than the KYY 15.6 at the time of writing
Fastest Refresh4 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
- Competitive shooters where motion clarity matters most.
Skip if
- If budget leads, the KYY 15.6 was cheaper at our last price check.
Why we like it
Its 160Hz refresh rate is the highest here; the TECLAST 16 comes next at 144Hz. It matches the S2725QC on screen size (27 inches). It shares a 3840x2160 (4K) resolution with the S2725QC and M70B 43; the TECLAST 16 goes with a 1920x1200 resolution.
A 95% DCI-P3 color gamut is unique to it among these picks, while the S2725QC uses a 99% sRGB 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 S2725QC and cheaper picks cost less, and the M70B 43 cost more.
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
- Costs more than the KYY 15.6 at the time of writing
Largest Screen Size5 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 XG27UCSR leads at 160Hz. Nothing else here matches its 43 inches screen size; the S2725QC comes closest at 27 inches.
Like the S2725QC and XG27UCSR, it has a 3840x2160 (4K) resolution, while the KYY 15.6 uses a 1920x1080 (1080p) resolution. 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. It was the highest-priced of the 5 picks at the time of writing, so the case for it rests on what it adds over the XG27UCSR and the rest.
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 XG27UCSR (160Hz)
How We Chose These 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 M70B 43, 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 M70B 43 gives no panel.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the KYY 15.6 ($50 to $100) to the M70B 43 ($250 to $500).
What to Look for in a USB-C Monitor
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Screen size
Here screen size runs from 15.6 inches on the KYY 15.6 to 43 inches on the M70B 43. For less, the S2725QC is the runner-up at 27 inches.
How much refresh rate you need
Here refresh rate runs from 60Hz on the M70B 43 to 160Hz on the XG27UCSR. The TECLAST 16 comes second for less money. No figure for the KYY 15.6.
Response
The S2725QC and the M70B 43 list 4ms; the XG27UCSR lists 0.3ms. Rule out the mismatches before looking at price.
What to check at home
At 4K, check that your graphics card and cable support 4K at the refresh rate you want before you buy. 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.
Features beyond the spec table
The S2725QC: 4K at 120Hz. The XG27UCSR: a dual mode that switches to 1080p at 324Hz. The M70B 43: wireless display from phones and laptops.
Size for your desk distance
24 to 25 inches suits 1080p and competitive play at a typical desk. 27 inches pairs well with 1440p and 4K; 32 inches suits 4K at a deeper desk.
How to Choose a 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 a freeSync Premium | S2725QC | A freeSync Premium |
| Competitive shooters where motion clarity matters most | XG27UCSR | The highest refresh rate here (160Hz) |
| Buyers who put screen size first | M70B 43 | The largest screen size here (43 inches) |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The M70B 43 leads on screen size at 43 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 |
| S2725QC | 120Hz | 3840x2160 (4K) | 27 inches | IPS |
| XG27UCSR | 160Hz | 3840x2160 (4K) | 27 inches | IPS |
| M70B 43 | 60Hz | 3840x2160 (4K) | 43 inches | Not listed |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
The KYY 15.6 was the lowest-priced pick and the M70B 43 the highest when we checked; tiers move with Amazon pricing.
| Price tier | Monitors |
|---|---|
| About $50 to $100 | KYY 15.6, TECLAST 16 |
| About $250 to $500 | S2725QC, XG27UCSR, M70B 43 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the S2725QC compare with the M70B 43 on screen size?
The M70B 43 leads at 43 inches, with the S2725QC at 27 inches. The KYY 15.6 is at the other end of this group with 15.6 inches.
Is the XG27UCSR ahead of the TECLAST 16 on refresh rate?
The XG27UCSR leads at 160Hz, with the TECLAST 16 at 144Hz. The M70B 43 is at the other end of this group with 60Hz. The KYY 15.6 doesn't state a figure, so it sits outside this comparison.
Is the M70B 43 worth paying more than the KYY 15.6?
On paper it adds screen size (43 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 S2725QC the FreeSync Premium Adaptive Sync?
It earns the label for a freeSync Premium. It suits anyone who wants a freeSync Premium.
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 S2725QC, the XG27UCSR and the M70B 43 use 3840x2160 (4K).
What should I check before buying the M70B 43?
At 4K, check that your graphics card and cable support 4K at the refresh rate you want before you buy. In this guide it ranks fifth of 5, as our Largest Screen Size pick.
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 S2725QC for a freeSync Premium and the M70B 43 for the largest screen size here (43 inches) if those matter more to you.
Check the power delivery wattage against your laptop charger.