Explainer · Monitors
USB-C monitors explained: power delivery, DisplayPort Alt Mode, and Thunderbolt
One USB-C cable can carry video, data, and laptop charging, but only if the port supports all three. What to check: Alt Mode, wattage, and whether you need Thunderbolt.
A USB-C monitor can replace a laptop dock: one cable carries video, connects the monitor's USB ports and Ethernet to your laptop, and charges it. In practice, three specs decide whether that works for you.
The three specs that matter
- Video: the USB-C port must accept DisplayPort Alt Mode or Thunderbolt video, and so must your laptop.
- Power delivery: the wattage the monitor sends back to your laptop, usually 15W to 100W.
- Hub: what the USB-C upstream connection gives you, such as USB-A ports, Ethernet, and audio.
USB-C power on popular monitors
| Monitor | USB-C power | Enough for |
|---|---|---|
| MSI MPG 341CQR X36 | 98W | Most laptops, including 14-inch MacBook Pro |
| ASUS ProArt PA27JCV | 96W | Most laptops |
| Dell UltraSharp U2723QE | 90W | Most laptops |
| Samsung Smart Monitor M8 | 65W | Ultrabooks, MacBook Air |
| Gigabyte MO27Q2A | 18W | Video only; not laptop charging |
| ASUS ROG Strix XG27JCEG | 15W | Video only; not laptop charging |
USB-C vs Thunderbolt
Thunderbolt uses the same USB-C connector but guarantees more bandwidth and features: daisy-chaining a second display, fast storage through the monitor, and higher-resolution video. Apple's Studio Display uses Thunderbolt 5; BenQ's PD2730S uses Thunderbolt 4 with a downstream port. Thunderbolt monitors also work with plain USB-C laptops at USB-C capabilities.
Questions we get
Will any USB-C monitor work with my laptop?
Only if your laptop's USB-C port supports video (DisplayPort Alt Mode or Thunderbolt). Many laptops show a DisplayPort or Thunderbolt icon next to the port. Charge-only or data-only ports will not output video.
How many watts should a USB-C monitor provide?
Match your laptop's charger. 65W covers most ultrabooks and MacBook Airs; 90W to 100W covers 14-inch MacBook Pros and most business laptops. Monitors such as the ASUS XG27JCEG (15W) or Gigabyte MO27Q2A (18W) carry video but will not keep a laptop charged.
Do I need a Thunderbolt monitor?
Only if you want to daisy-chain a second display or fast drive from the monitor, or need the extra bandwidth for 5K and 6K. For one screen with a USB hub and charging, USB-C with DisplayPort Alt Mode does the job.