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Key Points:
- The built-in 2.1 sound system in the BenQ EW3880R eliminates the need for an additional pair of speakers. The screen’s size of 37.5in has a subtle curve for added immersion and eye-comfort features.
- In addition to the gorgeous ultrawide resolution and picture, the CU34G2X offers a 144Hz refresh rate and a 1ms response time, two of the most crucial specifications for fast gaming.
- The LG UltraWide 34WK95U monitor has an IPS panel for wide viewing angles (178°) and high contrast ratio (1200:1) for deep blacks and bright whites. The screen also features a frameless design.
The 21st century has been marked by amazing breakthroughs in the tech industry. From mobile phones to 3D printers, technology has completely reshaped how we live our lives and work daily. One of the most recent innovations that have helped shape how we work is ultrawide monitors, which deliver more screen real estate than any other monitor size on the market.
Ultrawides are taking over the world of home entertainment, and they’re not going away anytime soon. Home theater enthusiasts are turning to ultrawide panels because they offer an immersive experience that makes them feel like they’re watching their favorite films in a cinema. They can also provide more room for your applications, games, and websites. If you’re looking to upgrade your workstation, you may want to consider an ultrawide monitor.
These displays offer more screen size than traditional widescreen monitors, and even those with multiple monitors can benefit from the extra space in between the screens. It can also be easier on your eyes since it mimics the wider field of view that you get with your eyes if you look out of a car window while driving. Whether you want to use these ultra-wide monitors for gaming or productivity, they’re some of the best options on the market right now.
So, after a week of reviewing dozens of options, our ranking for the best ultrawide monitors you can buy today are:
- Best Overall: BenQ EW3880R
- Best Budget-Friendly Option: AOC CU34G2X
- Best 5K Ultrawide Monitor: LG UltraWide 34WK95U
- Best for Gaming: Alienware AW3423DW QD-OLED
- Best Versatile: LG 38WN95C-W
Best Overall Ultrawide Monitor: BenQ EW3880R
- · 38 INCH WQHD+ CURVED HDR ULTRAWIDE MONITOR: 33% more screen space, 2300R immersive curvature, IPS panel for 1.07 billion colors, Multimedia modes for optimal viewing and audio
- · INCREDIBLE IMAGE PERFORMANCE: 95% DCI-P3 cinematic color space with selectable HDRi optimization modes to match your content, along with 24P framerate, means vivid color and...
- · 2.1 CHANNEL AUDIO EXCELLENCE: 2 x 3W speakers & 1 x 8W subwoofer, Digital Signal Processor (DSP) powers selectable sound modes that enhance your content
- · ERGONOMICS AND EYE-CARE: height/tilt/swivel adjustability, integrated eye-care, and an included remote control let you view in comfort for hours
- · COLLABORATIVE CONNECTIVITY: USB-C with 60W power delivery, HDMI 2.0 x 2, DP 1.4 x 1, USB 3.0 x 2 to connect your favorite peripherals
The BenQ EW3880R is an excellent all-around ultrawide display for both work and entertainment.
The built-in 2.1 sound system is surprisingly impressive and can save you a pair of speakers. The screen’s size of 37.5in provides plenty of screen real estate for flexible working, and it has a subtle curve for added immersion and eye-comfort features. This monitor is pricey, and with a refresh rate of 60Hz, it isn’t ideal for fast gaming, but it does make a great premium screen for comfortable multitasking and media enjoyment.
With a matte black plastic stand neck and slightly contrasting bronze-colored plastic for the “penguin foot” stand base and bottom bezel, the monitor has a cozy and unpretentious appearance. The monitor’s overall construction feels sturdy, despite the stand’s use of plastic rather than metal. It has a reassuring sense of weight and robustness.
A central underhanging sensor unit with an IR sensor for the included remote control is part of the bottom bezel. A light sensor for the monitor’s ‘B.I.+’ and ‘HDRi’ functionality allows it to adjust aspects like brightness and color temperature based on ambient lighting as well as what’s displayed on the screen.
You can find it on Amazon here.
Specs
| Aspect Ratio | 21:9 |
| Resolution | 3,840 x 1,600p |
| Brightness | 300 cd/m2 |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz |
| Response Time | 1ms |
| Viewing Angle | 178/178 |
| Contrast Ratio | 1000:1 |
| Color Support | 95% DCI-P3 |
| Weight | 13kg |
Best Budget-Friendly Option: AOC CU34G2X
- 34" Class (34" Viewable) AOC Gaming G2 Series monitor with 3440x1440 Ultra wide Quad HD (2K+) resolution VA panel. Pixel Pitch: 0.23175
- Rapid 1ms response (MPRT) and 144Hz refresh rate with Adaptive-Sync for ultra-smooth competitive game play Curve radius: 1500mm
- 3-Sided frameless design with 1500R curvature for immersive gaming and entertainment
- VA panel for wide viewing angles and brilliant colors displaying over 115% sRGB and 98% Adobe RGB color gamut area coverage
- AOC Re-Spawned 3-year zero-bright-dot 3-year advance replacement 1-year (one-time) accidental damage
The AOC CU34G2X ultrawide monitor is ideal for the buyer looking for a solid deal.
It has no eye-catching design features, but closer examination reveals internal features that will excite you, even if you’re a competitive or twitchy gamer. In addition to the gorgeous ultrawide resolution and picture, the CU34G2X offers a 144Hz refresh rate and a 1ms response time, two of the most crucial specifications for fast gaming, so you can be sure you’re playing at high speeds as well.
It only requires the arm to be slid into a slot on the back and the two-pronged base to be screwed in. Its internal specifications, which include a FreeSync VA panel, 3440 x 1440p (21:9) resolution, 144Hz refresh rate, and 1ms response time, are impressive in and of themselves. Four USB 3.0 ports, two DisplayPort 1.4 ports, and two HDMI 2.0 ports are available externally.
Unfortunately, the AOC CU34G2X does have some color vibrancy and HDR performance shortcomings, but we are willing to accept those shortcomings in exchange for the rest of the AOC CU34G2X’s specifications and fantastic ultra-widescreen in a monitor that costs less than $500. It’s an excellent starting point for anyone looking to upgrade from or switch from a 1080p or 1440p screen.
Check it out on Amazon here.
Specs
| Screen Size | 34″ |
| Resolution | 3440 x 1440p |
| Aspect Ratio | 21:9 |
| Viewing Angle | 178° |
| Contrast Ratio | 3000:1 |
| Response Time | 1ms |
| Refresh Rate | 144Hz |
| Brightness | 300 cd/m2 |
| Features | FreeSync, VA panel, 4x USB 3.0 ports |
Best 5K Ultrawide Monitor: LG UltraWide 34WK95U
- 5120 x 2160 Resolution, 60 Hz refresh rate, 5 ms (GtG) Response Time, Thunderbolt 3 / HDMI / DisplayPort 1.4 / USB Type C Inputs, Built-In Speakers, Ultra-thin bezel for slim and sleek design
- 1200:1 (Typ) Contrast Ratio, 450 cd/m2 Brightness, 178 degree/178 degree Viewing Angles (CR≥10), 10-Bit (8bit+A-FRC), DCI-P3 98% Color Gamut (CIE1931), 0.0518 (H) x 0.1554 (V) mm Pixel Pitch
- Windows: Plug and play for PCs with compatible graphics cards supporting 5K2K such as the 2080ti for gamers. Use DisplayPort 1.4 or Thunderbolt 3 USB-C for full 5120 x 2160 resolution
- Apple: Plug and play with thunderbolt 3 with 2016 and 2017 models. 2018 MacBooks may require an update to the recent Mac OS X 10.14.2 Beta for thunderbolt to work
- 1 Year Parts and Labor from LG. A DisplayPort cable, USB-B to USB-A cable, and a 2-meter-long Thunderbolt 3 / USB-C cable are included
The LG UltraWide 34WK95U monitor is both a workhorse and a showstopper.
With a 34-inch screen space, it’s able to span multiple screens and make your workspace feel more open. It comes with a pair of USB Type-C ports to connect your devices and a built-in stand that allows you to prop up the screen at an angle.
The LG 34WK95U offers a massive 5K2K native resolution with a 21:9 ultrawide aspect ratio if you want more than the standard 4K resolution. It has a stunning 34-inch Nano IPS LED screen, a host of features, including HDR support (although it’s not the best we’ve seen), DCI-P3 98% color gamut, Thunderbolt 3, USB-C, and two HDMI ports that justify its hefty price tag.
Additionally, it has an excellent, minimalist design, so it looks the part. It should be noted that this monitor’s 60Hz refresh rate makes it unsuitable for gamers, but it’s excellent for content creators using high resolutions.
The LG UltraWide 34WK95U is also very thin and lightweight, making it easy to move around when you need to change positions or just want some extra space on your desk or wall. The monitor itself has an IPS panel that provides wide viewing angles (178°) and high contrast ratio (1200:1) for deep blacks and bright whites. The screen also features a frameless design, which allows users to view videos without any borders around them.
You can get it on Amazon here.
Specs
| Screen Size | 34in |
| Aspect Ratio | 21:9 |
| Resolution | 5,120 x 2,160p |
| Brightness | 450 (Typ), 360 (min) cd/m2 |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz |
| Response Time | 5ms |
| Viewing Angle | 178/178 |
| Contrast Ratio | 1200:1 |
| Colour Support | DCI-P3 98% (Typ) |
| Weight | 7.4kg |
Best for Gaming: Alienware AW3423DW QD-OLED
- 34.18-Inch Display 21:9 Aspect ratio ms Response rate
The Alienware AW3423DW QD-OLED is one of the best ultrawide gaming monitors on the market today.
It offers a 34″ display that has an ultra-wide aspect ratio (21:9), meaning you can see more content at once than on a standard 16:9 screen. It also features an LED backlight with a refresh rate of up to 175Hz, so you’ll get smooth gameplay without any screen tearing or lag. The monitor features a 32:9 aspect ratio and supports AMD FreeSync technology for cutting-edge performance, so you can enjoy HDR content without any lag or stuttering.
The new Alienware AW3423DW QD-OLED monitor has shot to the top of online gaming monitor rankings, and it rightfully occupies the top spot on our list of the best ultrawide monitors. Finally available on gaming screens, the new QD-OLED technology delivers flawlessly.
There are only a few things that really raise an eyebrow, and even then, not by much. In reality, the supposedly brighter HDR 1000 mode produces a slightly duller image than the more practical HDR 400 setting. As an all-purpose display, it falls short due to the slightly low pixel density. If we’re being picky, which we are, higher refresh panels will provide lower latency.
However, this monitor is a complete revelation for most gaming and productivity applications and general use. One of only a few panels to score highly in the market, this ultrawide monitor is unquestionably the best one you can purchase right now.
You can get it on Amazon here.
Specs
| Screen Size | 34″ |
| Aspect Ratio | 21:9 |
| Resolution | 3440 x 1440p at 175Hz |
| Brightness | 1,000 nits peak HDR |
| Response Time | 0.1ms |
| Viewing Angle | 178° H&V |
| Contrast Ratio | 1,000,000:1 |
| Features | QD OLED panel, 99.3% DCI-P3, Nvidia G-Sync Ultimate, DisplayPort 1.4 x1, HDMI 2.0 x2, USB hub, AlienFX lighting |
Best Versatile: LG 38WN95C-W
- 38” Curved UltraWide QHD plus (3840 x 1600)
- Viewing Angle is 178˚(R/L), 178˚(U/D); Brightness is 450cd/m²; Aspect Ratio is 21:9
- Nano IPS Display
- DCI-P3 98% Color Gamut and VESA DisplayHDR 600
- Thunderbolt 3 Connectivity
The LG 38WN95C-W is a great ultrawide monitor that’s packed with features.
If you’re a professional graphic designer, videographer, photographer, or developer, the LG 38WN95C-W is the ultrawide monitor for you. With excellent color accuracy and great viewing angles, you’ll be impressed with what this machine can do for your work. Plus, it’s got a USB Type-C port, so there’s no need to fiddle around with pesky cables.
It has a 3840 x 1600 resolution, an IPS panel, and an ultra-wide 21:9 aspect ratio. You can play games and watch movies with eye-popping detail, and it has all kinds of other features that make it feel like a luxury item instead of just another TV. The display supports HDR10 and includes a Thunderbolt 3 port for connecting to your computer or laptop.
Overall, the LG 38WN95C-W is a fantastic monitor. Because it has wide viewing angles, a wide color gamut, and gets bright enough to fight glare, it is excellent for office use or watching content. Due to its incredibly fast response time, incredibly low input lag, and support for FreeSync, it is impressive for gaming. HDR content appears good because it gets bright enough to bring out highlights, but it has a low contrast ratio and a terrible local dimming feature.
The stand of this monitor is very secure, and its height can be adjusted to suit your needs. The bezel around the screen is also very thin, so you won’t have trouble seeing what’s happening onscreen at all times.
You can find it on Amazon here.
Specs
| Image Quality | Excellent image quality |
| Color | Excellent brightness |
| Aspect Ratio | 21:9 |
| Refresh Rate | High(144Hz) |
| Screen Size | 38in |
| Resolution | 3840 x 1600p |
| Brightness | 450 cd/m² |
| Viewing Angle | 178/178 |
| Contrast Ratio | 1000:1 |
| Response Time | 1ms |
| Ports | 1 x Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C), 2 x HDMI 2.0, 1 x DisplayPort 1.2, 2 x USB-A |
How to Pick the Best Ultrawide Monitor for You: A Step-by-Step Guide
There are many different aspects of a monitor that can affect the way it looks and performs. Knowing what these are can help you pick the right ultrawide monitor for your needs.
With so many different options, it can be hard to know where to start your search for the best ultrawide monitor. Here are things to consider when choosing which is right for you.
©cigdem/Shutterstock.com
Cost
When picking out the best ultrawide monitor, the cost is an important factor to consider. This is not just about how much it costs; it’s also about what features the monitor offers. For example, if you’re buying an ultrawide monitor for gaming, you’ll want one with good gaming features like G-Sync or FreeSync 2.
If you’re looking for a professional monitor, look for one with high resolutions and high refresh rates (144Hz or greater). The more expensive monitors tend to have better quality screens and also support higher resolutions than their cheaper counterparts. If money isn’t an issue, the features available to you in an ultrawide monitor will open up.
Size
Your screen size depends on different factors like viewing distance, room size, and personal preference. For example, if you have a big room and also want to watch movies at home, you should buy a larger screen than usual because it can give you a better experience while watching movies or playing games.
The minimum size of an ultrawide monitor is 34 inches, but larger sizes such as 38 inches, 40 inches, and up to 49 inches are available. A larger screen allows you to effectively replace a dual monitor setup while retaining screen real estate and tidying up your workspace. Having a larger screen gives you a better view.
Aspect Ratio and Resolution
The aspect ratio refers to how wide a monitor is compared with its height, while resolution refers to how many pixels are displayed on each inch of screen space. Both are important when looking for an ultrawide monitor because they determine what kind of image quality you will have at different viewing distances from your viewing area.
Most monitors come with 2560 x 1080p resolution, which means they have an aspect ratio of 21:9 and a resolution of 1080 pixels per inch (PPI). The higher the PPI, the sharper the pictures will look on the screen. You can also adjust this setting to see if it helps improve picture quality for any particular video game or movie.
What to Know Before Buying An Ultrawide Monitor
When buying the best ultrawide monitor, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. Not only do all monitors come with different specifications and features, but what works for one person may not work for someone else.
Before buying an ultrawide monitor, consider the following points: what is your budget? The size of your desk? The size of your room? Do you plan on using this monitor for gaming or just for standard computer use? Is resolution important to you? Is color accuracy important to you? Do you think curved screens are better than flat screens?
Ultrawide monitors offer a different experience than traditional screens. The extra screen real-estate, higher resolution, the ability to absorb more information while immersed in games and movies, and enhanced productivity make an ultrawide monitor an excellent investment.
Using an Ultrawide Monitor: What it’s Like
Ultrawide monitors offer a lot of screen real estate, meaning you can view two pages side-by-side simultaneously. They can also be useful for creative professionals who want the option to play with various document formats or split documents across two screens. For gaming, ultrawides are generally an excellent choice because they offer a wider field of view and better peripheral vision.
However, the ultra-wide aspect ratio means less vertical resolution than regular widescreen displays, so you’ll need to adjust your workflow accordingly. Even if these considerations don’t apply to your work, there’s no reason not to go for it. And, with more value-cutting options on the table, there’s never been a better time to experiment with an ultrawide.
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