Many of the best laptops for photo editing now come with a USB-C port. It's an extremely versatile connection that is all the more useful now that it's the standard connection type for the latest Apple Macbooks.
Using a single USB-C cable, not only will the best USB-C monitors replicate (or extend) the screen of your laptop, they can also transmit data. This means they can act like a USB hub, so you can plug other USB devices – such as keyboards, mice and external hard drives – into the monitor, and your laptop will be able to use them.
Some of the best USB-C monitors for photo editing will also charge your laptop when it's plugged in via USB-C – so you won't need a separate power supply for your laptop. However, not every USB-C monitor supports this, so make sure you look out for the USB Power Delivery feature before you buy.
• See also: Best monitors for MacBook Pro
Here’s our pick of the best USB-C monitors for photo editing right now...
Best USB-C monitors
Why you can trust Digital Camera World Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out how we test.
Sure, this USB-C monitor isn't exactly cheap, but if you're serious about photo or video editing, you need wide color space coverage so you're able to see as much color as possible. With 100% sRGB, 100% Rec. 709 and an impressive 98% DCI-P3 color coverage, the Dell UltraSharp U2723E comes close to much pricier displays for color accuracy.
It also packs 10-bit color depth and an excellent 2000:1 maximum contrast ratio, all inside a smart case with ‘InfinityEdge’ ultra-thin bezels. Video ports include HDMI, DisplayPort, plus there's a built-in USB 3.0 hub and 2x USB-C ports, one of which can supply up to 90w of power to an attached laptop.
As we'd expect from a premium IPS-based monitor, the U2723QE's image quality impresses right out of the box, with excellent color vibrancy, contrast intensity and uniformity, none of which shifts if you change your viewing angle. During our testing we also found Dell's color space coverage claims to be spot-on, as was the factory-calibrated Delta E color accuracy of <2. Even color and brightness uniformity were top notch.
Dell UltraSharp U2723QE USB-C monitor really is very hard to beat at this price point.
Dell UltraSharp U2723QE full review
The U2720Q isn't quite as well specced as our top pick U2723QE (above), but then it is noticeably cheaper to buy. Color fidelity is still very good though, as this monitor will display 99% sRGB, 99% Rec. 709 and 95% of the DCI-P3 color spaces, as well as being factory calibrated to a Delta-E deviance of less than 2. The 4K (3840 x 2160) pixel resolution is super sharp over the 27-inch screen screen size, while DisplayHDR 400 certification ensures excellent highlight and shadow rendition. Oh, and don't forget the 90W USB-C power delivery, meaning even a power-hungry laptop can be powered directly from the monitor.
This monitor may be a bit pricier than the an entry-level budget screen, but it offers far better specs at what's still a very reasonable price. 100% sRGB and 100% Rec. 709 color space coverage puts this display up there with some of the best specced screens on the market, as does the out-of-the-box color accuracy of Delta-E <2. USB-C Power Delivery of 65W isn't class leading, but it's enough to power most typical modern laptops, and there's even a pair of speakers inside. The only potential drawback with this monitor is its resolution. 2560 x 1440 is some way short of 4K, but it's crisp enough over the 27-inch screen size, so don't let this be a deal-breaker unless you simply must have a pixel-less 'Retina' effect.
This is another excellent USB-C for professional photographers, mainly thanks to its incredibly accurate colors. It covers 100 per cent of the sRGB color space and an almost-unparalleled 99 per cent of the huge Adobe RGB color space, plus the monitor will even remind you when it's due to be calibrated. It has a high quality stand that's super-stable and it allows the screen to be flipped into portrait mode, which can come in handy if you're editing photographs in that orientation. Its USB-C connections enables up to 60W Power Delivery, plus there are two USB Type-A ports and an SD card reader - useful if your laptop lacks or is short on these. This isn't a cheap monitor, but the price you pay is fair given the incredible color accuracy and image quality.
Usually top monitor specs will cost top money, but not here. Ok, you're not getting a 4K screen, but for less than £400/$400 this screen has quality IPS screen technology that translates to supreme image quality with reliably accurate color, contrast and viewing angles. There's also the all-important USB-C connectivity that can transmit video, sound and up to 60w of power over one cable, while regular HDMI and DisplayPort sockets are also present to maximize compatibility with non-USB-C computers. Just be sure to pick this VG2755-2K model with its 2560 x 1440 screen res. A plain VG2755 can also be had, but this version makes do with a lower Full HD 1920x1080 resolution, which we reckon is a little too low for a 27-inch screen, as it can make for a slightly pixelated image.
The LG UltraFine 5K USB-C monitor is the best USB-C monitor for photographers looking for extremely high (above 4K) resolution. Its 5120 x 2880 resolution offers 14.7 million pixels across a 27-inch screen. Photos are breathtakingly rich in detail, vibrant and lifelike, with 218 pixels per inch and a 60Hz refresh rate. It’s aimed at Mac-users, with four Thunderbolt 3/USB Type-C ports on the back. Of course, any laptop with a USB-C port is supported, but be warned that it doesn't have any other video inputs, so if your laptop doesn't have a USB-C port, this minimalist monitor won't be for you.
See our guide to the best USB-C cables
If you're after an ultra-wide USB-C monitor to make use of that wider screen size (so you don't need multiple monitors on a desk, for example), then the LG 34WP85C-B represents superb value for money. For starters, it's an IPS display, so color and contrast accuracy should be more reliable than a cheaper curved monitor using VA LCD screen technology. You also get a decent 95% DCI-P3 color space coverage, plus there's HDR10 certification for viewing high dynamic range content. The 3440 x 1440 aspect ratio is to be expected for this screen size, and matches equivalently-sized curved monitors at higher price points. All things considered, this huge LG panel really is a bargain USB-C monitor!
Read more:
- The best monitors for photographer
- The best ultrawide monitors for photo editing
- Best monitors with webcams
- The best camera for streaming
- The best portable hard drives for photographers
- The best all-in-one printers
- Best laptop stands
- Best TV for a computer monitor •
- How to calibrate a monitor
- Best monitor calibrators
- Best monitor arm
- Best monitor stands
- Best USB-C hubs
- Best student laptops
