The Dell U2725QE meets
the Gigabyte M27UP
A Docking Station That Happens to Be a Monitor. We tested it head-to-head against the Gigabyte M27UP ($330) across 4 key dimensions.
Head-to-Head Breakdown
Strengths & Weaknesses
Dell U2725QE
- RTINGS and Created Tech rave about the Thunderbolt 4 hub. 140W power delivery charges a 16-inch MacBook Pro under load while acting as a complete docking station
- IPS Black panel delivers 3000:1 contrast with 47% deeper blacks than standard IPS, plus 120Hz perfectly matches Apple ProMotion displays (Created Tech)
- Built-in KVM switch, 2.5Gb ethernet, daisy-chaining, and pop-out quick-access ports make this the most fully-featured productivity monitor available (RTINGS)
- Default 8ms response time is too slow for competitive gaming, forcing 5ms introduces visible ghosting (Created Tech)
- No built-in speakers or webcam, unlike the Apple Studio Display, requires external accessories (Created Tech)
- 4K fractional scaling in macOS (1.5x) causes very slight text blur compared to a native 5K display like the Asus ProArt PA27JCV (Created Tech)
Gigabyte M27UP
- Monitors Unboxed highlights the excellent wide color gamut, good factory calibration, and built-in KVM switch, features normally found on monitors costing twice as much
- 4K 160Hz with HDMI 2.1 makes it a genuine hybrid for daytime productivity and evening gaming at just $330 (Monitors Unboxed)
- USB-C input and 3-port USB hub provide basic desk connectivity that the similarly-priced AOC Q27G3XMN completely lacks
- Only 18W USB-C power delivery, enough to keep a phone charged but nowhere near enough to power a laptop (Monitors Unboxed)
- Standard IPS contrast and DisplayHDR 400 mean no true HDR experience, blacks look washed out compared to Mini-LED or OLED alternatives
- No Thunderbolt, no ethernet, no daisy-chaining, the USB hub is basic compared to Dell's full dock monitors
The Verdict
Our Bottom Line
The Dell U2725QE won because it solves the single biggest pain point of working from home: cable clutter. Plug in one Thunderbolt 4 cable and your laptop charges at 140W, connects to ethernet, drives a 4K 120Hz display, and gains access to a full dock's worth of USB ports. RTINGS and Created Tech independently reached the same conclusion, this monitor makes a dedicated dock obsolete.
Dell U2725QE
The Dell U2725QE won because it solves the single biggest pain point of working from home: cable clutter. Plug in one Thunderbolt 4 cable and your laptop charges at 140W, connects to ethernet, drives a 4K 120Hz display, and gains access to a full dock's worth of USB ports. RTINGS and Created Tech independently reached the same conclusion, this monitor makes a dedicated dock obsolete.
- MacBook or laptop users who want a single Thunderbolt cable to replace their entire dock setup
- Professionals who read, code, or manage documents for 8+ hours daily and need smooth 120Hz scrolling
- Hybrid workers who switch between a work laptop and personal PC using the built-in KVM
- Home office builders who want to eliminate desk clutter with one cable for power, display, ethernet, and USB
- Buyers willing to invest $600-700 for a monitor that doubles as a premium docking station
Gigabyte M27UP
The Gigabyte M27UP wins the value crown by packing 4K resolution, USB-C connectivity, and a built-in KVM switch into a $330 monitor. That combination of productivity features at this price point is genuinely rare, most sub-$350 monitors force you to choose between sharp resolution and desk connectivity.
- Budget WFH upgraders who want sharp 4K text without spending $600+
- Dual-system users who need KVM switching between work and personal machines at a budget price
- Hybrid work-and-play users who game after hours and want 160Hz without buying a second monitor
- Desktop PC users who want basic USB-C connectivity and don't need full Thunderbolt dock features
- First-time home office builders who need a solid all-rounder without overspending