Best USB-C Monitors for MacBook and MacBook Pro (2016 – 2018)
- jul
- 22
USB-C is the future and a USB-C monitor is perfect for your MacBook.
Apple just updated its entire line of MacBook and MacBook Pro computers with the Kaby Lake chipset, 50 percent faster speeds on SSD, and faster graphics on the 15-inch MacBook Pro. With all this under-the-hood ramping up, why not get a nice big screen to go with it?
USB-C is the future. Transfer rates are lightning quick, it's easy to plug in, it can replace just about any cable under the sun — what more could you need? The new MacBook Pro only has USB-C ports (Thunderbolt 3), so it's an awesome time to check out compatible monitors. There are those that can power your MacBook Pro and even act as USB hubs, all through a single connection!
Here are the best USB-C monitors you can buy right now:
LG 27UD88
Our Pick
This 4K monitor is hands-down the best USB-C monitor you can buy to complement your Mac experience. Via one cable, USB-C, you can power your MacBook, transfer video, and use the monitor as a USB hub, with the ability to interface with any peripheral you plug into the UD88's two USB 3.0 ports.
You can calibrate the colors with your MacBook so that you glance back and forth between each screen and have it be seamless and pleasing to the eye. You also have 14 options for layout, so you can view multiple windows simultaneously — run your Apple TV via HDMI while using your MacBook!
As mentioned, the best part of this monitor is its ability to power your MacBook while acting as a display, so that you're not limited by your battery. You can snag it on Amazon for around $600.
Acer H277HU
Fan Favorite
Acer's slim-bezeled H277HU has a great display that looks as good as its hardware. The golden chin bezel and collar-shaped stand are gorgeous and eye-catching, though not distracting since the bezel around the rest of the screen is minimal.
Like a good USB-C monitor, when it comes to the 2016 MacBook Pro and newer, the H277HU powers your MacBook Pro via USB-C, so you can work all day and night.
This monitor isn't for folks with a wonky setup who need to swivel it around to portrait mode or anything like that, since it can only tilt backward 15 degrees and forward 5. Other than that, it's a great companion to your MacBook, adding a 1440x2560 display, an HDMI port, and a DisplayPort (though you cannot interface with peripherals via your MacBook and the USB-C input). Check it out for around $400.
LG Ultrafine 5K
Premium Option
I mean, say no more! The LG Ultrafine 5K was developed with Apple, specifically for the 2016 MacBook Pro. This 27-inch IPS panel has a 5120x2880 resolution and pairs perfectly with the new MacBook Pro (at least, the upper-model 13-inch and 15-inch models), offering an 85W charging port and three 5 Gbps USB-C/Thunderbolt 3 ports.
You can orient this monitor in just about any configuration you like or mount it on a VESA arm using the included VESA cover. This monitor even comes with a Thunderbolt 3 cable!
For more information, check out Rene's review. You can grab this monitor straight from Apple for around $1300.
ASUS Designo MX27UC
Mid-range Option
For under $550, the ASUS Designo packs a lot into a 27-inch package: a 4K IPS display, two 3W speakers, USB-C PD, a gorgeous frameless design, and DisplayPort, HDMI, as well as the ability to act as a USB hub. For productivity, screen quality, and ports, it's hard to find better in the $500 range.
The Designo also features ASUS' Eye Care, which provides flicker-free backlighting and blue light filtering. Thanks to the in-plane switching, viewing angles are great, at roughly 178 degrees with no color shifting.
ASUS ZenScreen
Budget Option
The ZenScreen is ASUS's very portable monitor, which has its own USB-C port and offers a great-looking IPS panel. This 15.6-inch screen features ASUS' Eye Car technology to prevent eye fatigue and has flicker-free backlighting and a blue light filter to help keep you productive for longer.
It also has a great display widget that lets you play with advanced settings in order to tweak things just how you like them. The best part? It's only $250! It also weighs about two pounds, so it shouldn't add too much more heft to your laptop bag. In fact, it's so light, one Amazon reviewer did some finagling and basically mounted it atop their MacBook screen.
12.9-inch iPad Pro
Double Duty
With a hand USB-C to Lightning cable, you can easily turn your iPad Pro into a monitor for your MacBook or MacBook Pro. It's not a huge monitor, but it'll do in a pinch if you're traveling and can't carry a 27-inch monitor with you everywhere you go. All you need is the Duet Display app ($15), and away you go.
The best part is that, if you're using any of the iWork apps, you can simply continue work you started on your MacBook right on your iPad Pro, so you can put the laptop away when you don't need it and keep working. You basically have two computers in one.
Yes, the iPad Pro has no USB-C port of its own, but that USB-C to Lightning cable makes it work. Grab a Wi-Fi-only version from $649.
Any more?
Have you found an awesome monitor that features USB-C to use with your Mac? Let us know in the comments below!
Updated July 2018: Added the ASUS Designo as our new mid-range pick. Removed the Lenovo ThinkVision X1 due to lack of availability.
