Buying Guide
The Best USB-C Monitors Under $400
Four monitors compared, from the ARZOPA Z1FC to the M70B 43, with the trade-offs of each named.
By The PC Journal editorial team
11 min read4 products evaluated
A $400 ceiling rules out the premium models, which makes the differences between the rest matter more. Every monitor here cost $400 or less when we checked and accepts video over USB-C, ordered by refresh rate.
Our comparison rests on published figures for refresh rate, resolution and size; where a maker leaves out HDR, we say so, and no figure here comes from our own testing.
Quick Picks
Our 4 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
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)
Also Consider
ARZOPA Z3FC 16.1-inch 2.5K 180Hz Portable
400 nits brightness.
Best for: Buyers who want 400 nits brightness.
Our take Check price for ARZOPA Z3FC 16.1-inch 2.5K 180Hz Portable (opens in a new tab)
Lowest Price Here
ARZOPA Z1FC 16.1-inch 144Hz Portable
Undercutting the ARZOPA Z3FC on price when we checked.
Best for: Spending as little as possible.
Our take Check price for ARZOPA Z1FC 16.1-inch 144Hz Portable (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 highest refresh rate here (280Hz). | Competitive shooters where motion clarity matters most. | Check price for ASUS ROG Strix XG27WCMS Curved (opens in a new tab) |
| 400 nits brightness. | Buyers who want 400 nits brightness. | Check price for ARZOPA Z3FC 16.1-inch 2.5K 180Hz Portable (opens in a new tab) |
| Undercutting the ARZOPA Z3FC on price when we checked. | Spending as little as possible. | Check price for ARZOPA Z1FC 16.1-inch 144Hz Portable (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
Fastest Refresh1 of 4
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
- If budget leads, the ARZOPA Z1FC was cheaper at our last price check.
Why we like it
USB-C input and a three-year warranty are listed. Nothing else here matches its 280Hz refresh rate; the ARZOPA Z3FC comes closest at 180Hz. On screen size it sits mid-pack at 27 inches: the M70B 43 comes in at 43 inches, and the ARZOPA Z1FC comes in at 16.1 inches.
Like the ARZOPA Z3FC, it has a 2560x1440 (1440p) resolution, while the ARZOPA Z1FC uses a 1920x1080 (1080p) resolution. It is the only pick here with a 95% DCI-P3 color gamut; the ARZOPA Z3FC has a 107% sRGB color gamut instead. 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. Its price falls between the ARZOPA Z3FC and the M70B 43, based on our last check.
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 ARZOPA Z1FC at the time of writing
Also Consider2 of 4
ARZOPA Z3FC 16.1-inch 2.5K 180Hz Portable on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
ARZOPA's Z3FC raises a 16.1-inch portable to 2560x1440 at 180Hz with 400 nits of listed brightness.
Best for
- Buyers who want 400 nits brightness.
Skip if
- Price-first buyers should look at the ARZOPA Z1FC, which cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It is the sharpest and fastest portable here. On refresh rate it sits mid-pack at 180Hz: the XG27WCMS offers 280Hz, and the M70B 43 comes in at 60Hz. It matches the ARZOPA Z1FC on screen size (16.1 inches).
It shares a 2560x1440 (1440p) resolution with the XG27WCMS; the M70B 43 goes with a 3840x2160 (4K) resolution. A 107% sRGB color gamut is unique to it among these picks, while the ARZOPA Z1FC uses a 106% sRGB color gamut. It also comes with two USB-C ports and mini HDMI and a listing that names PS5, Xbox and Steam Deck. When we checked, only the ARZOPA Z1FC cost less, and the XG27WCMS cost more.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 180Hz
- Resolution: 2560x1440 (1440p)
- Size: 16.1 inches
- Color gamut: 107% sRGB
- USB-C: Yes
Pros
- 180Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen
- 1440p resolution, sharper than 1080p at 27 inches
- 107% sRGB colour coverage
- a USB-C input for laptops
Cons
- Costs more than the ARZOPA Z1FC at the time of writing
Lowest Price Here3 of 4
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
- Spending as little as possible.
Skip if
- Skip it if screen size matters most to you; the M70B 43 offers 43 inches.
Why we like it
It adds a high refresh rate at a low price. On refresh rate it sits mid-pack at 144Hz: the XG27WCMS offers 280Hz, and the M70B 43 comes in at 60Hz. It matches the ARZOPA Z3FC on screen size (16.1 inches).
You get a 1920x1080 (1080p) resolution here, which sets it apart from the XG27WCMS and its a 2560x1440 (1440p) resolution. You get a 106% sRGB color gamut here, which sets it apart from the ARZOPA Z3FC and its a 107% sRGB color gamut. You also get 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. It cost the least of the 4 picks at the time of writing, with the ARZOPA Z3FC the next step up. It gives ground on screen size, where the M70B 43 comes in at 43 inches.
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
- Screen size trails the M70B 43 (43 inches)
Largest Screen Size4 of 4
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
- Choose another pick if you can't accept this: a 60Hz refresh rate that suits work more than fast games.
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 XG27WCMS leads at 280Hz. On screen size it leads this guide at 43 inches, ahead of the XG27WCMS (27 inches).
It is the only pick here with a 3840x2160 (4K) resolution; the ARZOPA Z1FC has a 1920x1080 (1080p) resolution instead. 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 most expensive pick when we checked, so weigh what it adds over the XG27WCMS.
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 XG27WCMS (280Hz)
How We Chose These USB-C Monitors Under $400
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- The figures behind the order
- We lined up four monitors on refresh rate, resolution, screen size and HDR from manufacturer specifications. We did not test them in-house.
- The shared baseline
- All 4, from the XG27WCMS to the M70B 43, state refresh rate, resolution and screen size and share USB-C.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The ARZOPA Z3FC and the ARZOPA Z1FC give no HDR; the M70B 43 gives no color gamut.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the ARZOPA Z1FC ($50 to $100) to the M70B 43 ($250 to $500).
What to Look for in a USB-C Monitor Under $400
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
How much refresh rate you need
Here refresh rate runs from 60Hz on the M70B 43 to 280Hz on the XG27WCMS. For less, the ARZOPA Z3FC is the runner-up at 180Hz.
Screen size across these picks
Here screen size runs from 16.1 inches on the ARZOPA Z1FC to 43 inches on the M70B 43. The XG27WCMS comes second for less money.
Color gamut
The XG27WCMS lists 95% DCI-P3; the ARZOPA Z3FC lists 107% sRGB; the ARZOPA Z1FC lists 106% sRGB. Settle this first, then compare prices.
USB-C
The XG27WCMS, the ARZOPA Z3FC, the ARZOPA Z1FC and the M70B 43 have it. Settle this first, then compare prices.
Features beyond the spec table
The ARZOPA Z3FC: two USB-C ports and mini HDMI. The ARZOPA Z1FC: portrait and landscape modes. The M70B 43: wireless display from phones and laptops.
How to Choose a USB-C Monitor Under $400
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Competitive shooters where motion clarity matters most | XG27WCMS | The highest refresh rate here (280Hz) |
| Buyers who want 400 nits brightness | ARZOPA Z3FC | 400 nits brightness |
| Spending as little as possible | ARZOPA Z1FC | Undercutting the ARZOPA Z3FC on price when we checked |
| 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 XG27WCMS leads on refresh rate at 280Hz, ahead of the ARZOPA Z3FC at 180Hz. "Not listed" means the maker leaves that figure out.
| Monitor | Refresh rate | Resolution | Size | HDR |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| XG27WCMS | 280Hz | 2560x1440 (1440p) | 27 inches | HDR |
| ARZOPA Z3FC | 180Hz | 2560x1440 (1440p) | 16.1 inches | Not listed |
| ARZOPA Z1FC | 144Hz | 1920x1080 (1080p) | 16.1 inches | Not listed |
| M70B 43 | 60Hz | 3840x2160 (4K) | 43 inches | HDR10 |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
The ARZOPA Z1FC 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 | ARZOPA Z1FC |
| About $100 to $150 | ARZOPA Z3FC |
| About $250 to $500 | XG27WCMS, M70B 43 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has the highest refresh rate: the XG27WCMS or the ARZOPA Z3FC?
The XG27WCMS leads at 280Hz, with the ARZOPA Z3FC at 180Hz. The M70B 43 is at the other end of this group with 60Hz.
How does the XG27WCMS compare with the M70B 43 on screen size?
The M70B 43 leads at 43 inches, with the XG27WCMS at 27 inches. The ARZOPA Z1FC is at the other end of this group with 16.1 inches.
Is the M70B 43 worth paying more than the ARZOPA Z1FC?
On paper it adds screen size (43 inches against 16.1 inches). It does not win everywhere: the ARZOPA Z1FC still leads on refresh rate (144Hz). The ARZOPA Z1FC was the lowest-priced pick when we checked, so pay the difference only if those gains matter to you.
What makes the XG27WCMS the Fastest Refresh?
It earns the label for the highest refresh rate here (280Hz). It suits competitive shooters where motion clarity matters most.
Do the XG27WCMS and the ARZOPA Z1FC differ on resolution?
The XG27WCMS and the ARZOPA Z3FC use 2560x1440 (1440p); the ARZOPA Z1FC uses 1920x1080 (1080p); the M70B 43 uses 3840x2160 (4K).
Beyond the specs, what sets the XG27WCMS and the ARZOPA Z3FC apart?
The XG27WCMS: a curved 1440p panel overclocked to 280Hz. The ARZOPA Z3FC: 400 nits brightness. The ARZOPA Z1FC: a built-in kickstand.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the XG27WCMS. Look at the ARZOPA Z3FC for 400 nits brightness, the ARZOPA Z1FC for undercutting the ARZOPA Z3FC on price when we checked and the M70B 43 for the largest screen size here (43 inches) if those matter more to you.
Check that your GPU has the port the monitor needs for its full refresh rate.