Dell UltraSharp 24 USB-C Hub Monitor (U2421E) Review

The $449.99 Dell UltraSharp 24 USB-C Hub Monitor (U2421E) is all about enhanced connectivity, putting it in the same arena as two PCMag Editors' Choice-winning productivity monitors, the HP E24d G4 FHD Advanced Docking Monitor and the Philips Brilliance 272P7VUBNB. The Dell shares several key features with them. One is an Ethernet port, uncommon among monitors, that lets you connect to a LAN even if your laptop lacks an RJ-45 jack. Plus, you can power and charge a laptop from the monitor over a single USB-C connection, even while you're pushing a display signal to it. Add a few downstream USB ports, DisplayPort multi-panel daisy-chaining, and a smattering of other ports, and this panel can act as a USB-C hub or docking station. Our only quibbles are the lofty price for a 24-inch panel of its resolution, and its subpar measured brightness level.The Measure of a Monitor The U2421E is a 24-inch (measured diagonally) IPS panel with WUXGA (1,920-by-1,200-pixel) resolution. This resolut...

Although its brightness and resolution are merely adequate, the Dell UltraSharp 24 USB-C Hub Monitor earns kudos for its phenomenal port selection.

Full range of ergonomic features; Excellent sRGB color-space coverage; USB-C port provides 90 watts of power delivery; Hub of downstream USB ports; Supports daisy-chaining multiple monitors

Tested brightness well short of its rating; Pricey for a 24-inch panel

Dell Ultrasharp U2421E review

The Dell Ultrasharp U2421E is a slick design perfect for those with a USB-C charged laptop, as the docking station features are handy. The colour range is also good, but the price is too high for this resolution and size.

Good colour gamut & brightness; USB-C hub; Versatile stand movement;

Cheaper alternatives; Not suitable for AdobeRBG work;

Vertical lines on blue and orange

These monitors have an issue with faint vertical light colored lines on some blue and orange backgrounds. This seems to be a characteristic of this panel as the issue has been widely reported. This is disappointing from a premium product. Otherwise, the monitors are of a very good quality and are packed with features.