- Best 4k Computer Monitors 2018
- Best External Monitor For Mac
- Best 4k Monitor For Macbook Usb C
- Connect 4k Monitor To Macbook Pro
Best 4K Display for MacBook Pro 2016 Model (USB-C) If you have bought a MacBook Pro from late 2016, you can choose to get a 4K display that can be powered via the USB-C cable. The best USB-C monitor for MacBook Pro 2016 model is the LG UltraFine 4K Display, which Apple themselves helped create. USB-C and Thunderbolt 3 Display Buyer's Guide for New MacBook Pro. USB-C displays can display up to 4K video, transfer data, and charge the new MacBook Pro at up to 60W over a single cable.
Your guide
- Nick Guy
Many modern laptops use small, versatile USB-C ports to connect to everything from chargers to monitors to hard drives, but most monitors, TVs, and projectors still only have older, more common ports like HDMI or DisplayPort. We’ve found the best USB-C to HDMI, DisplayPort, DVI, and VGA cables and adapters to let you use your new computer with the video display you prefer.
The research
Why you should trust me
As Wirecutter’s accessory writer, I’ve tested hundreds of accessories across a wide swath of categories over the past several years. I’ve been deeply immersed in the confusing world that that is USB-C since the standard launched. Before that, I was the accessories editor at iLounge for a little more than three years, where I reviewed more than 1,000 products, including dozens of adapters.
The best USB-C–to–HDMI cable
Choetech’s USB-C to HDMI Cable is an expensive-feeling nylon braided cable with a USB-C connector set at a right angle to the cable (the only such clever design among the cables we tested), meaning it’ll stay out of your way; it’ll run back from the computer and towards your monitor without putting any strain on the cable itself. It works perfectly: the 3.9-foot cable properly transmitted a 4K signal at 60 Hz from our Dell XPS 13.
Choetech USB-C to HDMI Cable
More than just functional (the cables we tested worked identically), this cable is especially well designed, with a right-angle connector on the USB-C end to reduce strain on your USB-C port. Transmits a 4K signal at 60 Hz.
Buying Options
The best USB-C–to–HDMI adapter
Plugable’s USB-C to HDMI 2.0 Adapter is the best way to connect a USB-C computer to a high-definition TV or monitor if you already have an HDMI cable you like. The Plugable is our pick because it’s fairly inexpensive, its plastic body won’t take up much room in your bag, and it works properly with both Windows PCs and Macs, so it’s the most versatile (it supports 60 Hz 4K video for Windows PCs, but only 30 Hz 4K for the 2016 MacBook Pro we tested it with). Some other models’ spec sheets explicitly list that they don’t work with the newest Macs, or we found customer reviews warning that they don’t.
Plugable USB-C to HDMI 2.0 Adapter
One of the least expensive adapters that supports 4K video at 60 Hz for HDMI 2.0 computers and monitors. Unlike some models we tested, it also works with the newest Macs, albeit at only 30 Hz for 4K screens.
Buying Options
Most people who want to connect a Mac to a 60 Hz 4K monitor will be best off doing so with a DisplayPort cable or adapter. If you absolutely need to use HDMI you’ll need to make sure that your monitor or TV is HDMI 2.0-enabled, and use an HDMI 2.0 adapter and HDMI 2.0 cable; Apple recommends Belkin’s USB-C to HDMI Adapter and Ultra High Speed 4K HDMI Cable. Even then, you may need to adjust the settings on the screen so that it doesn’t default to 30 Hz operation. DisplayPort works without all of this rigmarole, and is cheaper, too.
The best USB-C–to–DisplayPort cable
Every USB-C–to–DisplayPort cable we tested worked perfectly, offering a pixel-perfect image and full 60 Hz performance, even at 4K. That said, we recommend the Cable Matters USB-C to DisplayPort 4K 60Hz Cable because it’s the only one of the five cables we tested that has a clip on the DisplayPort plug housing to hold the plug in place securely—you have to squeeze the clip to release the cable from the port. This is only a tiny advantage, and the Accell U188B-006B USB-C to DisplayPort Cable, Plugable USB-C to DisplayPort Adapter Cable, and StarTech USB-C to DisplayPort Adapter Cable, which are all identical to one another but missing the aforementioned clip, work just as well if the Cable Matters cable is out of stock or more expensive. The Cable Matters comes in 3-foot, 6-foot, and 10-foot lengths.
Cable Matters USB-C to DisplayPort 4K 60Hz Cable
All the DisplayPort cables we tested worked perfectly at 4K resolution and 60 Hz, but this one will stay in place better thanks to the clip on its DisplayPort end.
Buying Options
May be out of stock
The best USB-C–to–DisplayPort adapter
If you already have a DisplayPort cable or just want to carry an adapter for connecting to a DisplayPort monitor and cable at an office or workspace, we recommend the Cable Matters USB-C to DisplayPort Adapter. It passed a proper 60 Hz refresh rate at 4K resolution and is a few dollars cheaper than the competition.
Cable Matters USB-C to DisplayPort Adapter
A simple adapter that can drive 60 Hz 4K screens with both PCs and Macs.
Buying Options
*At the time of publishing, the price was $17.
The best USB-C–to–DVI cable
We found only a handful of USB-C–to–DVI cables in our research, and the best among them is the Cable Matters USB-C to DVI Cable. The 6-foot cable can pass a signal up to 1920×1200 at 60 Hz; USB-C Dual-Link DVI cables that support higher resolutions don’t exist yet. Unlike the other cables we tested, this one doesn’t have a big plastic collar around the cable to contain its converter chip and DisplayPort controller, which makes it better for packing.
Cable Matters USB-C to DVI Cable
Supports up to 1920×1200 at 60 Hz, and no need to buy a separate DVI cable.
Buying Options
The best USB-C–to–DVI adapter
Kanex’s USB-C to DVI Adapter performs as well as StarTech’s cable (and every other DVI adapter we tested). The main advantage it has over the competition is that it’s just a bit longer, 9.75 inches from end to end, for the same price. It’s enough of a difference to give you more options for positioning the cable on your desk, but not so much that the extra length will get in the way or make it less portable.
Kanex USB-C to DVI Adapter
A convenient single-link DVI adapter that edges out the competition by being just a bit longer; supports resolutions up to 1920×1200 at 60 Hz.
Buying Options
The best USB-C–to–VGA cables
If you need VGA to connect to an older projector or monitor, we recommend picking up Plugable’s USB-C to VGA Cable. The 6-foot cable puts out 1920×1080 resolution at 60 Hz at a reasonable price. We like that the VGA end of the cables has thumb screws, allowing for a secure connection into your display (most other VGA cables we tested lacked these).
Plugable USB-C to VGA Cable
Connects to VGA monitors and projectors at up to 1920×1080 at 60 Hz.
Buying Options
The best USB-C–to–VGA adapter
If you already have a VGA cable and just want an adapter (or want to carry one around in case you need to use an older projector for presentations), we recommend the Kanex USB-C to VGA Adapter. All the adapters we tested worked equally well, pushing out 1920×1080 resolution at 60 Hz. The Kanex model is one of the least expensive we found. It comes from a very reputable brand, and its 7-inch cable gives you a bit more flexibility making your cable runs than the other models we considered.
Kanex USB C to VGA Adapter
A solid choice for an older projector or display with a VGA input.
Buying Options
How we picked and tested
We focused our research on simple, inexpensive adapters and cables from reputable companies. There are more expensive options that provide extra features, such as passthrough power or USB-A ports, but this guide is specifically about video accessories.
In general, we recommend USB-C-to-video cables that plug directly into your computer and your monitor rather than adapters to make older cables USB-C-compatible, because cables cost around the same price and there's one less thing to accidentally disconnect. But if you already have a cable you’d like to keep using—because it's already wired into your setup or it's a specific length— an adapter may be better.
Macs don’t support a 60 Hz refresh rate at 4K resolution over HDMI, but PCs with HDMI 2.0 ports do.
We tested each adapter and cable with both a MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2016, Four Thunderbolt 3 Ports), the early 2018 USB-C–only Dell XPS 13, and a 2018 12.9-inch iPad Pro running iOS 12.1 to ensure compatibility across platforms. This was especially important when it came to HDMI, as Macs don’t support a 60 Hz refresh rate at 4K resolution over HDMI, but PCs with HDMI 2.0 ports do. For the male-to-male cables, we connected directly to the monitor we were using, and we used cables we knew to be good to connect the male-to-female adapters. We used a Dell P2715Q for HDMI and DisplayPort testing and an older Dell monitor with DVI and VGA inputs for those connector types. To measure the refresh rate, we relied on the Blur Busters Motion Tests.
The competition
Unless specified below, almost all of the cables and adapters we tested worked the way they were supposed to, and in many cases the difference between a pick and a non-pick came down to a few Amazon reviews, a price difference, or better shipping options.
USB-C–to–HDMI
The product listing for the Cable Matters USB 3.1 Type C to HDMI 4K UHD Adapter says it works with Apple’s 2016 MacBook Pro models, but we can’t recommend it because too many customer reviews on Amazon say they’ve experienced issues using it with those computers.
The Plugable USB-C to HDMI 2.0 Adapter has a warning that explicitly says “NOT compatible with late 2016 MacBook Pro.”
The Accell U187B-002B USB-C to HDMI 2.0 Adapter and StarTech USB-C to HDMI Adapter both work well, but were more expensive than our pick when we tested and don’t provide any advantages.
The Choetech USB 3.1 Type-C to HDMI Adapter and Kimwood USB C to HDMI Adapter performed well and are both a little cheaper than our pick, but they also felt cheaper in terms of materials and build quality.
The adapters we tested from AmazonBasics, Monoprice, and Kanex were plastic, although they still seemed well-made. We prefer our pick, but if it’s out of stock any of these would do.
Nonda’s USB-C to HDMI Adapter performed fine and had a cute fold-up design, but we found it hard to unfasten (outweighing the cuteness of said design).
Satechi’s Aluminum Type-C to HDMI Adapter looks expensive (and it is) but it felt flimsy to hold and didn’t outperform our pick.
We liked USB-C to HDMI cables from Cable Matters, Plugable, and Nekteck, but none compared to our pick from Choetech in terms of build quality or the clever right angle USB-C connector.
Anker’s Premium USB-C to HDMI Adapter works just as well as our pick, the Plugable USB-C to HDMI 2.0 Adapter, but is a little longer and more expensive without any benefits.
USB-C–to–DisplayPort adapters
The Accell U188B-006B USB-C to DisplayPort Cable, Plugable USB-C to DisplayPort Adapter Cable, Moshi USB-C to DisplayPort Cable, and StarTech USB-C to DisplayPort Adapter Cable are identical to one another and work as well as our top pick—they just lack the clip that locks the DisplayPort plug in place. Don’t hesitate to get one of these if the price is particularly good or if our pick is out of stock.
Monoprice’s Select Series USB-C to DisplayPort Adapter works as well as our pick, but Monoprice’s shipping isn’t quite as convenient as purchasing from Amazon, especially not if you’re an Amazon Prime member.
Kanex’s USB-C to DisplayPort Adapter is also a strong contender, but it is more expensive than our pick by a fair margin without any benefits.
USB-C–to–DVI
Cable Matters’s USB-C to DisplayPort Adapter is just a bit shorter than our pick, but it otherwise works as well.
StarTech’s USB-C to DVI Cable is more expensive than our pick without performing any differently, and it has a large plastic collar around the cable that makes it less convenient to take with you.
USB-C–to–VGA
The Accell U187B-004B USB-C to VGA Adapter and Aukey Aluminum USB-C to VGA Adapter (currently unavailable) both lack screw holes to hold the attached cable in place. It’s a small fault, but considering that everything else performed just as well, it’s enough to knock these cables out of the running.
The Aukey USB-C to VGA Adapter, Belkin USB-IF Certified USB Type C (USB-C) to VGA Adapter, and Cable Matters USB 3.1 Type C to VGA Adapter are all functionally equivalent to our pick, but they cost more and offer no advantages.
The CableCreation Gold USB 3.1 Type C (USB-C) to VGA Adapter worked well in our testing, but enough customer reviews cite failure over time that we don’t feel comfortable recommending this adapter.
The Monoprice Select Series USB-C to VGA Adapter performs as well as our adapter pick, but it’s a little more expensive when you factor in shipping.
The Cable Matters USB-C to VGA Cable costs the same as our pick and works just as well, but doesn’t have as many customer reviews to back it up.
Nekteck’s USB-C to VGA Cable reported the proper resolution and refresh rate in our testing, but the image on the display looked fuzzy and the laptop screen blacked out during some of our tests.
The best USB-C monitors are picking up more and more attention for many professionals and creatives. Given that USB-C is now the de default (and sometimes only) input in Apple’s latest MacBook Air and MacBook Pro laptops, and an increasingly common port on Windows 10 machines as well, the best USB-C monitors are more important than ever.
USB-C is incredibly popular, and it’s easy to see why. With this standard, data transfers at extraordinarily high speeds, which really comes in handy when it comes to gaming. USB-C also offers charging capabilities, so you can drive your monitor and charge your laptop at the same time, with the same cable.
So, if you have a USB-C equipped laptop, and you want to pick up the best monitor, without having to shell out for extra dongles, you’ve come to the right place. Picking up the best USB-C monitor is a particularly great choice for anyone with a recent MacBook: you not only get that second display, but also a USB-C hub to connect your other peripherals, plus battery charging through the same port.
There are a ton of USB-C monitors out there with every major monitor manufacturer offering something, so there’s quite a selection to choose from. Luckily, we here at TechRadar have found the best USB-C monitors on the market. Whether you’re looking for one of the best gaming monitors or a big, color-accurate display for work, you’ve come to the right place.
1. LG 27UD88-W 27-inch 4K USB-C Monitor
A great USB-C monitor with the perfect balance of price and performance
USB-C: Yes | Screen size: 27 inches | Resolution: 3840 x 2160 | Aspect ratio: 16:9 | HDMI inputs: 2 | Display ports: 1
FreeSync
The smaller sibling to the Ultrafine 5K display below, this 27-inch LG monitor was designed with gaming in mind. It features 4K resolution and FreeSync anti-tearing processing, as well as three gaming presets, two custom presets, and two calibration presets. Makeup colors for redheads. While this is one of the best USB-C monitors, it might be getting a little long in the tooth as it’s a couple of years old now. So it's gotten a lot cheaper - despite the fact that it's still a top option for just about anybody.
Read the full review: LG 27UD88-W
2. Dell U3818DW UltraSharp 38-inch Curved USB-C Monitor
A fantastic high-end USB-C monitor for those who need the very best
USB-C: Yes | Screen size: 38 inches | Resolution: 3840 x 1600 | Aspect ratio: 21:9 | HDMI inputs: 2 | Display ports: 1
Wide color gamut
No FreeSync
With a curved 38-inch InfinityEdge screen, this Dell monitor is definitely beautiful. The wide canvas allows you to work with multiple windows at once, perfect for graphic design or other creative fields. However with its sRGB color gamut, it's equally suitable for charging into battle or fighting off zombies.
3. LG Ultrafine 24MD4KL
More than fine
USB-C: Yes x 3 | Screen size: 24 inches | Resolution: 3840 x 2160 | Aspect ratio: 16:9 | HDMI inputs: none | Display ports: none
Incredible color accuracy
USB-C and Thunderbolt 3 compatibility
Thick bezels
Are you a fledgling photo or video editor? You’ll find a lot to love in the LG Ultrafine 24MD4KL, from its 4K resolution and color accuracy, to its plethora of USB-C and Thunderbolt 3 ports. And with its buttonless design and fairly light weight, this is a perfect match for your Mac or ultrabook – not to mention, make it easy to forgive those bizarrely thick bezels and high price tag. Get ready to break that piggy bank.
Read the full review: LG Ultrafine 24MD4KL
4. Acer H277HU 27-inch USB-C monitor
Reasonably priced, this USB-C screen is for you if price and design are your chief concerns
USB-C: Yes | Screen size: 27 inches | Resolution: 2560 x 1440 | Aspect ratio: 16:9 | HDMI inputs: 1 | Display ports: 1
Gorgeous stand
No 4K version
The H7 Series USB-C monitor is a fantastic option for content consumption and casual gaming. The H7 Series doesn't have quite the high-end specs you'll want for video editing and graphic design, but it's ideal for home or small office users who are willing to shell out a bit more to view content on a luxury device. The USB-C functionality of one of the best USB-C monitors is just the cherry on top of what is an already-delicious sundae.
5. LG 34UM69G-B 34-inch UltraWide USB-C monitor
A superwide USB-C monitor that's cheap due to its lower resolution
USB-C: Yes | Screen size: 34 inches | Resolution: 2560x1080 | Aspect ratio: 21:9 | HDMI inputs: 1 | Display ports: 1
Best 4k Computer Monitors 2018
FreeSync
Screen Split
It’s clear LG was thinking about one thing when it built this 34-inch wide-screen monitor: gaming. Its 1ms motion blur reduction, FreeSync technology, and Dynamic Action sync are all included with the gamer in mind. But if that wasn't enough, there are three customizable gaming modes: two first-person shooter modes and one pre-set RTS mode. Meanwhile, the aesthetics of one of the best USB-C monitors out there will fit right in with your gaming rig.
6. BenQ PD2710QC 27-inch designer USB-C monitor
A budget option, this would make a decent second screen for the home office
USB-C: Yes | Screen size: 27 inches | Resolution: 2560x1440 | Aspect ratio: | HDMI inputs: 1 | Display ports: 2
Sleek design
Not 4K
Another very affordable USB-C-equipped option, this BenQ monitor might not keep up with other high-end displays, but it holds its own at this price-point. It comes equipped with IPS to ensure it looks good from every angle, and has an sRGB color gamut to deliver a beautiful, vivid picture.
7. Dell S2718D 27-inch Ultra-thin USB-C Monitor
It's super thin and super gorgeous, this USB-C monitor ticks many of the boxes including the one marked 'great value'
USB-C: Yes | Screen size: 27 inches | Resolution: 2560 x 1440 | Aspect ratio: 16:9 | HDMI inputs: 1 | Display ports: 0
Streamlined design
No display port
Dell has called the S2718D 27-inch USB-C monitor the ‘world’s thinnest monitor’, and, well, we can see it. As one of the best USB-C monitors, this svelte display looks like it would be more at home in an art studio, with a streamlined design that’ll see it fit even the most luxurious desk. There are no speakers, or even a display port, but this IPS display features HDR10 compatibility. The best part? The Dell S2718D is affordable: you can have high quality and a low price.
8. LG 27MD5KA 27-inch UltraFine 5K USB-C Monitor
This super high res USB-C screen is perfect for your high end MacBook Pro
USB-C: Yes | Screen size: 27 inches | Resolution: 5120 x 2880 | Aspect ratio: 16:9 | HDMI inputs: 0 | Display ports: 0
Stunning 5K display
Ugly design
Pushed by Apple, this LG monitor is being endorsed as the preferred companion to your MacBook Pro - and for good reason. Its 5K display is a thing of beauty; it comes equipped with IPS and a P3 color gamut. With only USB-C and Thunderbolt inputs, it's obviously geared towards Macs, which may make it one of the best USB-C monitors we could imagine for Apple fanatics.
Best External Monitor For Mac
9. Acer XR382CQK 38-inch Curved USB-C Monitor
It's enormous and awesome, this USB-C screen is perfect for gaming
USB-C: Yes | Screen size: 37.5 inches | Resolution: 3840 x 1600 | Aspect ratio: 21:9 | HDMI inputs: 2 | Display ports: 1
Best 4k Monitor For Macbook Usb C
Multiple display profiles
Ports difficult to access
The Acer XR382CQK curved gaming monitor boasts a humongous 38-inch display, complete with AMD’s FreeSync technology. But, there are some more subtle qualities here which make it one of the best USB-C monitors, like an ergonomic stand with height, tilt and swivel. There’s also the normal arrangement of eye-protecting features like an anti-flicker mechanism and a blue light filter. What’s more, this monitor is made for gaming, so the Acer XR382CQK can switch at the drop of a hat between three different display profiles, and pull off tricks like changing black levels to more easily see opponents hiding in dark corners.
Michelle Rae Uy also contributed to this article.
Today's best deals on the best USB-C monitors:
Connect 4k Monitor To Macbook Pro
We check over 130 million products every day for the best prices