Dell UltraSharp U2421E review: A killer 16:10 monitor and hub combo for laptop users

Dell is no stranger to displays, which run the gamut from basic consumer variants to high-end professional options. In between those categories is the UltraSharp series for business and enterprise and the 24-inch U2421E combines a Type-C hub with a new taller 16:10 display aspect instead of 16:9.

While it's not cheap (regularly $450, but on sale for $375), the full HD screen offers compelling features in a factory-calibrated screen. Here is what else you need to know.

Modern 16:10 design

Dell UltraSharp U2421E: What I like

There are two main reasons to get the Dell UltraSharp U2421E. One is the rare but welcomed 16:10 display aspect. Today, most monitors are 16:9, which is wider and better tuned if you watch movies or videos a lot. With 16:10, you get a taller aspect better suited for web browsing, Office productivity, and general work-related tasks. When combined with some razor-thin bezels, the U2421E looks slick in any office cubicle or home working area. Another bonus is if you use this monitor with the Dell XPS 13, XPS 15, or XPS 17, you get a matching screen experience since those are all 16:10 too.

The other highlight of the Dell UltraSharp U2421E is the built-in hub feature. If you are a one-PC kind of person who only wants to use a laptop, this is your monitor. With a 90-watt Type-C plug, you can connect to any modern laptop for display out and charge your device simultaneously. There is a built-in RJ-45 Ethernet for wired internet, three Type-A ports, and you can daisy chain the DisplayPort to extra monitors if you are a real power user.

This monitor relies on Type-C and not the more advanced Thunderbolt 3 or 4, so any modern laptop with a Type-C port, including Surface PCs, works just fine.

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Color accuracy is also solid at 98 percent sRGB, 74 percent AdobeRGB and 75 percent DCI-P3. Those are not extraordinary levels of color precision, but they are more than good enough for basic photo editing or office work. Each Dell UltraSharp U2421E is also factory color calibrated, and the results are included in each box.

Brightness peaks around 350-nits, which is fine for indoor usage, and the anti-glare helps reduce eye fatigue from overhead office lighting. The 60 Hz 5ms response is good enough, so you do not see any ghosting when scrolling. There are ample 178 degrees of viewing without color shift thanks to IPS display tech.

Adjustments for the on-screen display (OSD) settings are accessed via a physical joystick, which is nice to have at this price level. Adjusting the monitor's brightness and settings is a breeze.

Dell's stand is also quite good with a quick attach feature, VESA support, tilt, rotate, and height-adjust if you want to go vertical or better target it for your line of sight.

A bit pricey

Dell UltraSharp U2421E: What I don't like

The 1920 x 1200 (WUXGA) resolution at 24-inches is excellent for writing in Word, browsing the web, and more. Still, it is also on the low end than modern "2K" options that deliver more pixels per inch for media consumption.

Pricing is also a bit high even when on sale for $375 (MSRP is $450). By comparison, the Dell 27-inch 4K UHD S2721QS is the same $375 and comes with AMD FreeSync and supports HDR – both of which are missing on the U2421E. Of course, the 4K S2721QS also lacks that Type-C 90-watt hub, Ethernet, and omits any Type-A ports, where the differences manifest.

While the Dell UltraSharp U2421E is perfect for laptop users, you cannot split the screen with two inputs. That's probably OK due to the aspect and resolution, but we see a feature pop up in more ultrawide options. See our best 27-inch monitors for more ideas if you need something a bit larger or with more features.

Dell UltraSharp U2421E: Should you buy?

You should buy this if ...

• You only use one laptop as your main PC
• You want a display and a Type-C hub all in one device
• You prefer 16:10 for office work
• You like premium, thin-bezel monitors

You should not buy this if ...

• You want a 24-inch full HD monitor for a desktop PC
• You need higher resolution and color accuracy for media work

Let's be clear, while the pricing of the Dell UltraSharp U2421E is not cheap for a full HD experience you are buying this because it is both a solid productivity display and the all-in-one laptop hub feature for a single-cord experience. The Dell UltraSharp U2421E is perfect for those who use one laptop for work and want to have a bigger display experience with a Type-C wire. If you only need a 24-inch full HD monitor for a desktop PC, this is overkill.

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The build quality, port options, and flexibility in the stand (including the ability to rotate to vertical orientation) deliver a unique offering in a crowded market of budget and work-related displays.

While the Dell UltraSharp U2421E is not for everyone, if you are looking for a larger screen for your laptop along with a full hub-experience, this is an excellent option without going ultrawide.