One of the best ultrawide screens: Picks for gaming, funds, 5K, premium, and extra
Would you like a big expanse of usable show house, however with out the effort of organising twin screens? An ultrawide monitor is the ticket. Ultrawide screens have a wider show panel that gives an immersive expertise and much more display screen real-estate than your common widescreen.
I’ve examined a bunch of ultrawide screens with the intention to identify the very best picks in numerous classes starting from these optimized for gaming to these suited to skilled use. Under you’ll discover a curated checklist of my favorites in every class. I describe my analysis course of for screens on the backside of this text.
Alienware AW3423DWF – Greatest ultrawide monitor
Execs
- Glorious distinction ratio
- High-notch shade gamut and accuracy
- Nice movement readability
- Respectable HDR efficiency
- Extraordinarily aggressive value
Cons
- Stand is a bit too massive
- No USB-C
- Most HDR brightness is lackluster
The Alienware AW3423DWF is a legendary monitor. It packs the unbelievable distinction and realism of OLED in a 34-inch widescreen panel, but it’s priced at simply $1,099. That’s not cheap, but it surely’s higher worth than different OLED screens out there proper now.
Picture high quality is the place it stands out. It delivers a vivid, immersive, wealthy expertise with deep black ranges and vivid highlights, that are enhanced by the show’s shiny end. Motion pictures and video games appear practically three-dimensional—as when you’re wanting by a window, not observing a monitor.
What’s the catch? The monitor shouldn’t be vivid, particularly in SDR, so it’s a foul selection for a brightly lit room. We additionally observed the OLED panel has bother rendering small fonts easily. These are minor points, although, and shouldn’t bother most homeowners.
This monitor targets players, so it affords an enhanced refresh fee of as much as 165Hz and helps AMD FreeSync Premium Professional for easy body pacing in video games. Nonetheless, its glorious picture high quality shall be spectacular in on a regular basis use, as nicely.
It has good connectivity, with two DisplayPort inputs and one HDMI, in addition to a USB-A hub with 4 ports. There’s even a wholesome vary of calibration choices that assist demanding homeowners dial within the picture to their private specs.
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Alienware AW3423DWF overview
MSI MPG 341CQPX – Greatest ultrawide for gaming

Execs
- USB-C energy with 98 watts of Energy Supply
- Nice shade efficiency
- Larger HDR peak brightness than some friends
- 240Hz refresh fee and excellent movement readability
Cons
- Stand is simply too massive
- Works with FreeSync and G-Sync, however lacks certification
- SDR brightness is mediocre
Whereas our choose for finest ultrawide general above is designed with gaming in thoughts, we truly suppose the MSI MPG 341CQPX is superior for that singular exercise. This 34-inch QD-OLED show has a panoramic 21:9 facet ratio that pulls you deeper into your favourite video games. It’s particularly glorious for video games that lean on immersion (like simulation titles) or that present numerous info on-screen without delay (like MMORPGs and technique video games).
The MSI 341CQPX has a Samsung QD-OLED show that delivers vibrant colours and gorgeous distinction. The monitor handles each SDR and HDR content material nicely. The 240Hz refresh fee, in the meantime, affords ultra-crisp movement readability. It helps the VESA Adaptive Sync commonplace and can work with each AMD FreeSync and Nvidia G-Sync.
Whereas the MPG 341CQPX is a superb ultrawide for gaming, it’s sensible for day-to-day productiveness and might work nicely with many residence workplace setups. It has a USB-C port with 98 watts of Energy Supply, which implies it might energy your laptop computer and deal with video over a single twine.
The monitor does have a pair flaws. The stand is bigger than it must be and can really feel cramped on a small desk. There’s additionally no RGB-LED lighting on the again of the panel, which is frequent on aggressive gaming ultrawides.
Pricing excuses these nitpicks, although. Obtainable for simply $850 at on-line retailers, the MPG 341CQPX is simply $50 to $100 costlier than older QD-OLED ultrawide screens, just like the Alienware AW3423DW, with a decrease refresh fee and no (or extra restricted) USB-C. The MPG 341CQPX’s value is greater than affordable given is benefits over its predecessors.
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MSI MPG 341CQPX overview
Gigabyte GS34WQC – Greatest funds ultrawide gaming monitor

Execs
- Loads of connectivity and menu choices
- Good distinction ratio
- Strong shade efficiency
- As much as 144Hz refresh fee with good movement readability
Cons
- Stand setup makes use of screws as a substitute of clip mechanism
- Modest most brightness
- HDR is supported however lackluster
The Gigabyte GS34WQC is a formidable ultrawide gaming monitor out there at a low value. It has a pointy 34-inch show with a decision of 3440×1440, which is paired with a 120Hz refresh fee (overclockable to 135Hz) and help for AMD FreeSync, guaranteeing easy and constant gameplay. Digicam actions are detailed, and fast-paced motion is well tracked.
Past its movement readability, the GS34WQC affords nice picture high quality that’s corresponding to screens twice its value. It has a Vertical Alignment (VA) panel as a substitute of the extra frequent In-Airplane Switching (IPS). This gives improved distinction with deeper black ranges and extra convincing shadow element in darkish scenes. These qualities make it particularly appropriate for video games with a darkish, gritty presentation.
The monitor sports activities a boring however practical design. It has an ergonomic stand that gives top and tilt adjustment, however its meeting requires handbook attachment of 4 screws, not like opponents with tool-free clip-in stands. The GS34WQC compensates with an intuitive menu system that has intensive customization choices, permitting players to tailor the visuals to their preferences.
Worth, nevertheless, is the place the GS34WQC actually beats the competitors. It’s not the least costly funds ultrawide monitor, but it surely delivers higher picture high quality and movement readability than many opponents whereas retaining the worth in test. Certainly, the GS34WQC is so good it makes $400-to-$500-dollar ultrawide gaming screens tougher to suggest. The GS34WQC appears to be like simply pretty much as good at a lower cost.
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Gigabyte GS34WQC overview
Dell U4025QW – Greatest 5K ultrawide monitor

Execs
- Sharp, vibrant, color-accurate 5K show
- Unimaginable connectivity together with Thunderbolt, Ethernet
- Lengthy checklist of menu choices and options
- 120Hz refresh fee is spectacular at this decision
Cons
- Stand is wobbly and arduous to regulate
- Distinction ratio stays far in need of OLED opponents
- HDR doesn’t look its finest
- Extraordinarily costly
The Dell Ultrasharp U4025QW is a superb ultrawide monitor with an unlimited 40-inch show and 5K decision that ensures each element is sharp and outlined. But it surely’s not nearly its dimension and readability; it’s full of options, too.
Visually, the U4025QW is a deal with, providing unparalleled sharpness and an expansive workspace that enhances productiveness and elevates leisure. The monitor’s spectacular 120Hz refresh fee is a uncommon discover at this decision, guaranteeing easy movement on the Home windows desktop and in video games. It even has an IPS Black show panel, which improves distinction and delivers a extra reasonable, immersive picture.
The U4025QW’s connectivity is intensive. It has Thunderbolt, Ethernet, HDMI, and DisplayPort, in addition to a USB hub that features a number of downstream USB-A and USB-C ports. The monitor’s menu choices and settings present vital picture high quality management in addition to helpful options like picture-in-picture and picture-by-picture modes.
That’s to not say it’s excellent. The monitor’s stand isn’t as sturdy appropriately, and whereas the distinction ratio of IPS Black is commendable, it might’t rival OLED. However probably the most severe draw back is the worth, which soars near $2,000. However in order for you a giant, sharp monitor to function the point of interest for a desktop command heart, the Dell Ultrasharp U4025QW is value it.
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Dell U4025QW overview
LG Ultragear 45GX950A-B – Greatest big-screen gaming monitor

Execs
- Class-leading 5K2K decision
- Robust SDR picture high quality
- Strong HDR brightness
- Extremely immersive 45-inch ultrawide panel
Cons
- Design isn’t dangerous, however less than the worth tag
- Restricted USB connectivity
- Curved show shall be too excessive for some
When a 35-inch ultrawide isn’t immersive sufficient, there’s LG’s Ultragear 45GX950A-B. That is the finest big-screen gaming monitor.
The monitor’s class-leading 45-inch 5K2K (5120×2160) OLED panel helps to set the monitor aside, offering a decision beforehand unseen on this dimension class. It’s a big improve over lower-resolution predecessors, just like the Corsair Xeneon Flex. The upper decision pairs nicely with OLED’s glorious distinction and shade efficiency. HDR efficiency is stable, with brightness corresponding to different main OLED screens.
Movement readability is sweet, as nicely. The monitor is a “twin mode” show, that means it might obtain 5120×2160 at a refresh fee as much as 165Hz, or 2560×1080 as much as 330Hz. It additionally helps AMD FreeSync Premium Professional and Nvidia G-Sync for easy gameplay.
The 45GX950A-B is dear, and its aggressive 800R curve can really feel “off” for productiveness. The monitor additionally has restricted USB connectivity. USB-C enter is supported, but it surely solely has two downstream USB-A ports.
Nonetheless, in case your precedence is unparalleled immersion backed by unbelievable sharpness and glorious HDR on a very large show, the LG Ultragear 45GX950A-B is a winner.
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LG Ultragear 45GX950A-B overview
Current monitor opinions and options
You could find much more monitor suggestions in our roundup of the very best screens.
What to search for in an ultrawide monitor
Ultrawide screens are a favourite of PC lovers, however stay a distinct segment throughout the bigger monitor market. This leaves consumers with fewer choices. Most ultrawide screens have a 34-inch panel with a decision of 3440×1440, and comparable connectivity.
Nonetheless, these screens can differ in a number of key areas. Right here’s what to search for.
Panel kind is a giant deal
Ultrawide screens supply much less selection in some regards however that script is flipped with regards to panel kind. Ultrawide screens are available in a wide range of panel sorts: IPS, VA, and OLED.
IPS panels are frequent in mid-range and premium ultrawide screens. This panel kind delivers nice shade efficiency, excessive most brightness, excellent sharpness, and good movement efficiency. It’s weak in distinction, nevertheless, which may disappoint when viewing TV reveals or motion pictures.
VA panels are sometimes a funds choice, although some are present in premium ultrawide screens. They’ve higher distinction than IPS panels and ship comparable shade efficiency and brightness—nevertheless, funds VA panels are usually merely okay in these areas. Most VA panels fall brief in movement efficiency and should look blurry when taking part in fast-paced video games.
OLED is king of the hill. It leads in shade, distinction, and movement efficiency. Sharpness is commonly barely diminished in comparison with IPS and VA, however most individuals will discover it a minor downgrade. OLED is also your best option for HDR.
Typically, OLED is best than IPS, and IPS is best than VA. Nonetheless, some folks may favor VA over IPS as a result of it has a greater distinction ratio and appears darker in darkish content material.
A height-adjustable stand is a must have
All of the screens on this checklist present an ergonomic stand that adjusts for top, tilt, and swivel. This can be a must-have characteristic, however one which isn’t discovered on the least costly ultrawide screens.
As tempting as it could be to economize on a funds mannequin and not using a height-adjustable stand, you’ll remorse it.
Ultrawide screens are cumbersome and have a tendency to require a bigger, heavier stand, which in flip makes them tougher to position on an elevated platform. The previous school trick of sticking a monitor on a shoe field gained’t work.
Search for USB-C, however don’t count on it
USB-C compatibility is a superb characteristic, and USB-C hub screens can clear away tons of litter in your desk. Sadly, many ultrawide screens don’t help USB-C but, or have limitations that detract from the USB-C port’s usefulness.
Asus’s ProArt PA348CV, our favourite ultrawide for professionals, is one exception. It has a USB-C port with as much as 90 watts of Energy Supply, and the port drives a USB-A hub with 4 downstream ports.
Dell, HP, and BenQ additionally supply ultrawide screens with USB-C. Most of those lack an enhanced refresh fee, nevertheless, they usually’re sometimes costlier than the Asus.
Pricing is essential—and might swing wildly
Monitor pricing is all the time essential, but it surely’s key for ultrawide screens. Though very costly at MSRP, ultrawide screens routinely see enormous value cuts throughout seasonal gross sales. In addition they obtain main semi-permanent value cuts later of their life.
The LG Ultragear 34GN850-B is an instance of this. Initially offered for $999.99, it’s now routinely out there for $699.99, and went as little as $599.99 throughout Amazon’s Black Friday sale. That’s a 40 p.c discount in value! Ready for a deal can prevent a whole lot.
Don’t purchase an ultrawide for console gaming
A fast phrase of warning: You shouldn’t purchase an ultrawide monitor when you plan to attach a recreation console ceaselessly.
Recreation consoles don’t help ultrawide facet ratios, so that you’ll see black bars on both aspect of the picture. That’s unattractive and wastes the monitor’s potential. It’s finest to stay with a widescreen monitor if console gaming is a precedence.
In case you’re nonetheless on the fence about whether or not an ultrawide is the fitting selection for you, see PCWorld’s article on whether or not ultrawide screens are value it to have all of your questions answered.
How we take a look at screens
PC World’s workforce of employees and freelance reviewers conduct in-depth testing to check screens throughout a variety of classes and value factors. We take a look at dozens of screens every year to seek out the very best choose for each class and value level.
Our testing makes use of a Datacolor Spyder X2 Extremely shade calibration instrument. It delivers goal, unbiased measurements for a variety of metrics together with brightness, distinction, shade gamut, shade accuracy, shade temperature, and gamma. Outcomes are recorded and logged for future comparability. This permits our specialists to simply evaluate many screens without delay and eliminates subjective bias from the outcomes.
To study extra about our testing methodology see how we take a look at screens at PCWorld.
FAQ
What dimension of ultrawide gaming monitor is finest?
Most ultrawide screens have a 34-inch panel with a 21:9 facet ratio, which is the most suitable choice for many players.
Some ultrawide screens can be found in bigger sizes, however these sometimes aren’t your best option for players. Many don’t help excessive refresh charges. Those who do are costly and sometimes use the identical 3440×1440 decision discovered on smaller ultrawide screens, which implies they seem much less sharp than a 34-inch show.
What’s the finest decision for an ultrawide monitor?
Practically all 34-inch ultrawide screens have a show decision of 3440×1440. This is a superb selection for players.
It’s sharp sufficient to look spectacular in fashionable video games. Nonetheless, this decision stays considerably decrease in complete pixel rely than 4K, which makes it much less demanding on graphics {hardware}. That’s excellent news you probably have a mid-range graphics card like an Nvidia RTX 3060 or AMD Radeon RX 6650XT.
Bigger 38-inch fashions have the next decision of 3840×1660—nevertheless, practically all these screens lack help for prime refresh charges, making them a foul selection for players. LG affords a line of 34-inch 5K2K ultrawide screens with 5120×2160 decision, however this line additionally lacks help for enhanced refresh charges.
A number of new 45-inch ultrawide screens can be found with 3440×1440 decision. This generally is a drawback, as a result of stretching the identical decision throughout a a lot bigger show reduces sharpness. We suggest 3440×1440 just for 34-inch ultrawide screens.
What’s the very best refresh fee for an ultrawide gaming monitor?
A refresh fee of 144Hz to 165Hz is good for many ultrawide gaming screens.
Only a few ultrawide screens exceed this refresh fee, and those who do are too costly to make it worth.
Additionally, players looking for an ultrawide gaming monitor are prone to favor immersive and graphically demanding video games that make it troublesome to see the complete good thing about a refresh fee above 144Hz. You’ll want a high-end video card, like an RTX 3080 or AMD Radeon 6800, to drive most ultrawide gaming screens at body charges above 144 frames per second.
Does an ultrawide gaming monitor want HDR?
HDR isn’t a must have for an ultrawide gaming monitor, but it surely’s a pleasant addition.
Gaming is a superb use case for HDR—arguably the very best, the truth is—and it might ship improved picture high quality. We suggest shopping for an ultrawide gaming monitor with HDR help in case your funds is $500 or extra.