A dock is easier to replace
A standalone USB-C dock can move between desks, be returned separately, and upgrade without replacing the monitor. It is the cleaner choice when Ethernet, card readers, audio, or extra USB ports matter.
A monitor hub cleans the desk
A display with built-in USB-C can reduce cable clutter and put charging, video, and USB devices behind the screen. The risk is being locked into the monitor's port limits and power delivery.
Charging wattage is the first filter
Compare the laptop's required USB-C power with the dock or monitor output. A setup that displays correctly can still slowly drain a higher-power laptop under load.
Display support is model-specific
Resolution, refresh rate, dual-display behavior, DisplayPort Alt Mode, Thunderbolt, MST, and macOS limitations can change the decision. Check the exact laptop, cable, and display count before buying.
Buy for the cable you want to touch daily
If the goal is one cable on the desk, either path can work. Choose the one that keeps the ports you actually use reachable without making the monitor the failure point for every peripheral.