Ultrawide monitors have become increasingly popular over the last few years, offering extra screen real estate for both productivity and entertainment. With their curved screens and cinematic 21:9 aspect ratio, ultrawides provide an immersive experience whether you’re working, gaming, or streaming movies. This comprehensive guide will explore the key benefits of ultrawide monitors, factors to consider when choosing one, and provide detailed reviews of some of the top models in 2023.
Key Benefits of Ultrawide Monitors
Expansive Screen Real Estate
The main appeal of ultrawide monitors is the extra horizontal space compared to traditional 16:9 monitors. A 34″ ultrawide monitor has the same screen height as a standard 27″ monitor but is significantly wider, providing up to a third more display area. This additional space allows users to comfortably view multiple windows, documents, or web pages side-by-side without constant scrolling or flipping between windows.
Enhanced Multitasking and Productivity
The expanded screen real estate of ultrawides facilitates efficient multitasking, making these monitors a smart choice for productivity. You can edit photos or video footage on one side while managing files and applications on the other. The added visibility reduces time wasted toggling between windows and documents.
Immersive Gaming Experience
Ultrawide monitors provide a captivating, immersive experience for gaming and movies. The curved screen wraps around your field of vision for engaging gameplay, while the 21:9 aspect ratio mirrors the cinema format used for most movies. This makes ultrawides ideal for building an entertainment hub.
Versatile Usage Across Applications
While excellent for gaming and movies, ultrawides are also well-suited for general computing, creative work, office applications, and more. The versatility to seamlessly transition between applications makes an ultrawide a wise investment for home, office, or creative studios.
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing an Ultrawide Monitor
Screen Size
Ultrawide monitors typically range from 29” to 49” diagonally. The most popular sizes are:
- 29” – Compact and affordable but lower resolution and pixel density
- 34” – The sweet spot balancing size, resolution, and price
- 38” – Massive screen real estate for extreme multitasking
- 49” – Ultra large for maximum immersion but very expensive
Consider your budget, desk space, and how close you sit to the screen when choosing a size.
Resolution
Common ultrawide resolutions:
- 2560 x 1080 – Basic resolution but lower pixel density
- 3440 x 1440 – The new standard providing excellent clarity and detail
- 5120 x 2160 – Cutting edge 5K resolution but very graphically demanding
Higher resolution ultrawides offer sharper image quality but require a more powerful PC to drive higher pixel counts.
Refresh Rate
Most ultrawides offer refresh rates of 60Hz, 100Hz, or 120Hz+, with higher being better. Refresh rate impacts gaming performance and visual fluidity. High refresh rates show motion more smoothly and respond faster to mouse input.
Panel Type
Ultrawides use VA, IPS or OLED panels:
- VA – Offers good contrast but poorer viewing angles
- IPS – Provides wide viewing angles but lower contrast
- OLED – Amazing contrast and viewing angles but more expensive
Consider your usage – IPS if sharing the screen, VA for dark room entertainment.
Curve Radius
A tighter curve radius of 1000R or 1500R increases immersion but can distort edges. A radius of 1800R to 2300R balances distortion and immersion.
Connectivity
Look for HDMI, DisplayPort, and USB ports to connect peripherals like webcams, headphones, and more directly to the monitor.
Price
Entry-level ultrawides start around $300, but larger monitors with high resolution and refresh rates can cost $800-$1300+. Consider how much screen real estate and features you need.
Brand & Reviews
Stick with well-known brands like Dell, LG, Samsung with positive reviews guaranteeing quality and reliability.
The 6 Best Ultrawide Monitors of 2023
Overall Best Ultrawide Monitor: LG 34GP83A-B
Screen Size: 34″
Resolution: 3440 x 1440
Refresh Rate: 144Hz
Panel: Nano IPS
Curve: 1800R
The LG 34GP83A-B strikes the ideal balance of size, resolution, speed, and price to be our pick for best overall ultrawide monitor. The expansive 34″ diagonal screen delivers an immersive experience whether working or playing. The 3440 x 1440 resolution offers a sharp detailed image while remaining easy to drive for most modern PCs and laptops.
The speedy 144Hz refresh rate produces fluid motion for gaming and video, while the Nano IPS panel technology provides vibrant colors and wide viewing angles. Finally, the subtle 1800R curve radius pulls you into the action without excessive edge distortion.
Overall this monitor delivers excellent all-around performance for both productivity and entertainment at a mid-range price point earning it our top recommendation.
Pros
- Ideal 34″ screen size
- Sharp 1440p resolution
- Very fast 144Hz refresh rate
- Vibrant Nano IPS panel technology
- Immersive 1800R curve
Cons
- No HDR support
- Only 60W charging over USB-C
Best Ultrawide for Gaming: Alienware 34 Curved QD-OLED Gaming Monitor
Screen Size: 34″
Resolution: 3440 x 1440
Refresh Rate: 175Hz OC
Panel: Quantum Dot OLED
Curve: 1800R
The Alienware 34 inch is the best ultrawide monitor for gaming with its lightning fast 175Hz overclocked refresh rate and Quantum Dot OLED panel technology. The QD-OLED panel produces stunning colors and essentially infinite contrast for vivid, realistic imagery.
The 175Hz refresh rate delivers incredibly fluid, responsive gameplay while the 0.1ms gray-to-gray pixel response time ensures no motion blurring or ghosting. Extras like Nvidia G-Sync Ultimate and VESA DisplayHDR 400 certification complete the premium high-performance gaming package.
While very expensive, this monitor blows away the competition for fast paced competitive gaming and immersive cinematic experiences.
Pros
- Lightning quick 175Hz refresh rate
- Vibrant Quantum Dot OLED panel
- Virtually instantaneous pixel response time
- Nvidia G-Sync and VESA HDR certified
Cons
- Very expensive
- Limited to 98W charging over USB-C
Best Budget Ultrawide Monitor: Acer Nitro XZ342CK
Screen Size: 34″
Resolution: 3440 x 1440
Refresh Rate: 144Hz
Panel: VA
Curve: 1500R
The Acer Nitro XZ342CK delivers an impressive 34″ ultrawide Quad HD gaming experience at a very affordable price point. The 1500R curve radius combines with the 3440 x 1440 resolution vibrant VA panel to provide an immersive viewing experience.
The zippy 144Hz refresh rate keeps up with fast gaming action while AMD FreeSync support eliminates tearing and stuttering. Picture-in-picture and picture-by-picture allow effortless multitasking productivity.
If you want an inexpensive introduction to the benefits of ultrawide monitors, the Acer Nitro XZ342CK is a fantastic choice.
Pros
- Very affordable for a 34″ ultrawide
- Speedy 144Hz refresh rate
- FreeSync support eliminates tearing
- Great for multitasking productivity
Cons
- Basic 1500R curve radius
- VA panel has weaker viewing angles
- Only 60W charging over USB-C
Best Ultrawide Curved Monitor: Samsung Odyssey Neo G9
Screen Size: 49″
Resolution: 5120 x 1440
Refresh Rate: 240Hz
Panel: Quantum Mini LED
Curve: 1000R
The Samsung Odyssey Neo G9 pushes the limits of ultrawide gaming monitors with its massive 49 inch 5K Mini LED display. The astonishing 5120 x 1440 resolution combines with the steep 1000R curve for maximum gaming immersion.
The quantum Mini LED backlighting system produces searing brightness up to 2000 nits with localized dimming for incredible HDR performance. A blazing 240Hz refresh rate ensures impeccably smooth gameplay. This monitor has all the bells and whistles including G-Sync and HDMI 2.1.
If budget is no concern and you want the most extreme ultrawide gaming monitor available, the Samsung Odyssey Neo G9 is unmatched. It provides a truly cinematic and enveloping experience.
Pros
- Massive 49″ 5K screen
- Next-gen Mini LED backlighting
- Mind-blowing 240Hz refresh rate
- Aggressive 1000R curve for maximum immersion
Cons
- Exorbitantly expensive
- Too large for some desks
Best Ultrawide Monitor for Mac: LG 34WK95U-W
Screen Size: 34″
Resolution: 3440 x 1440
Refresh Rate: 60Hz
Panel: Nano IPS
Curve: None
The LG 34WK95U-W is a superb ultrawide monitor choice for Mac users needing an expansive, accurate display. The enormous 34″ 5K screen provides ample real estate for your Mac’s user interface and multitasking apps. The Nano IPS panel technology delivers stunning color accuracy with wide viewing angles.
Thunderbolt 3 connectivity makes hooking up your Mac a breeze with 5K video and data transfer. You can even charge laptops like the MacBook Pro directly from the monitor. The clean, minimalist aesthetic matches Apple’s design ethos. Overall this is the best option for creative pros editing photos and video on Mac.
Pros
- 5K resolution perfect for Mac’s UI
- Accurate color from Nano IPS panel
- Thunderbolt 3 connectivity
- Can charge MacBooks
- Clean, professional design
Cons
- Only 60Hz refresh rate
- No curvature less immersive for movies
Best Ultrawide Monitor for Productivity: Dell U3818DW
Screen Size: 38″
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Resolution: 3840 x 1600
Refresh Rate: 60Hz
Panel: IPS
Curve: 2300R
With its massive 38 inch screen, the Dell U3818DW is the ultimate ultrawide for boosting office productivity. The expansive 3840 x 1600 resolution provides an immense amount of horizontal space for spreadsheets, documents, web pages, and more.
The IPS panel provides vibrant, accurate colors and wide 178° viewing angles for collaborating around the monitor. Plentiful ports allow connecting peripherals like keyboards, webcams, and headsets directly to the monitor.
Overall the Dell U3818DW supercharges productivity with its huge desktop area that lets you comfortably view multiple windows simultaneously side-by-side.
Pros
- Enormous 38″ screen
- Crystal clear 3840 x 1600 resolution
- IPS panel great for color and viewing angles
- Loads of ports for peripherals
- Excellent productivity monitor
Cons
- Basic 60Hz refresh rate
- On the expensive side
Frequently Asked Questions About Ultrawide Monitors
What resolution should I choose for an ultrawide monitor?
For the best balance of image quality, performance, and price, a 34-inch ultrawide monitor with 3440 x 1440 resolution is ideal. This 1440p resolution delivers sharp text and details without being as demanding to drive as higher 5K resolutions.
Are ultrawide monitors good for office work and productivity?
Yes, the expanded desktop space of an ultrawide monitor can vastly improve productivity. The extra width makes it easy to view two full documents or web pages side-by-side without having to flip between windows constantly. Ultrawides are great for office applications.
Is an ultrawide monitor good for watching movies?
Ultrawide monitors provide a cinematic viewing experience for movies. The 21:9 aspect ratio matches the ultra widescreen film formats that many movies are shot in. Combined with the curve of an ultrawide monitor, movies will fill your peripheral vision for a truly immersive experience.
Do you need a powerful PC or Mac to use an ultrawide monitor?
It depends on the resolution. For a 3440 x 1440 ultrawide a moderately powerful PC or Mac should suffice in most cases. But driving cutting edge 5K and ultra-wide resolutions does demand a more robust graphics card and processor. Always check the monitor’s required system specs.
Are ultrawide monitors better for gaming compared to a standard 16:9 monitor?
Generally yes, ultrawide monitors can provide a more engrossing, immersive gaming experience. The expanded field of view increases perceptual immersion compared to 16:9 displays. Ultrawides also show more of the game environment allowing you to see threats in your peripheral vision.
Should I choose an IPS or VA ultrawide monitor?
IPS panels offer the best viewing angles, making them preferable if you will share the screen with others. But VA panels provide superior contrast which is ideal for dark room home entertainment. Choose based on your priorities.
Conclusion
Ultrawide monitors offer gamers, creators, and professionals expanded screen space unlocking new levels of immersion and productivity. From compact 29″ options to massive 49″ gaming behemoths, you can find an ultrawide tailored to your needs. Just consider your priorities including screen size, resolution, refresh rate, curve radius, connectivity, and ergonomics. We hope these ultrawide monitor reviews have helped identify your ideal display.
