Updated at: 24-02-2023 - By: Leo Hall
Have you been eyeing one of those pricey ultrawide monitors but been on the fence about whether or not you should invest in one? This article aims to provide that information.

Answer:

Because of its larger display area, ultrawide monitors can improve your field of view (FOV) in certain games and make multitasking easier. A strong GPU is required, however, due to the high resolution.

In addition, standard widescreen monitors have additional benefits that may make them more worthwhile.

When it comes to screens, what size is too big?

However, most people agree that a 27-inch screen is the sweet spot for desktop use, as anything bigger is just too daunting to look at for extended periods of time.

But that ignores the aspect ratio, which is a crucial part of any screen.

It’s true that working with a standard 16:9 34-inch monitor can be uncomfortable, but what about a 21:9 monitor of the same size?

Certainly, they are better suited for office work.

Still, every product has its pros and cons, and that’s exactly what this guide will focus on: the benefits and drawbacks of ultrawide monitors and whether or not they’re worth it for gaming and general use.

Advantages Of An Ultrawide Monitor

The expanded field of view (FOV) in certain games is the primary benefit of an ultrawide monitor. In competitive multiplayer games, where every advantage counts, a wider field of view means better peripheral vision.

In terms of day-to-day use, the wider screen provides a substantial amount of extra workspace, which should make multitasking simpler, particularly if you like to keep several windows open at once.

This is applicable to both professional and personal uses of the internet.

Are Ultrawide Monitors Worth It? 🤔 - YouTube

Disadvantages Of An Ultrawide Monitor

There are two potential issues when using an ultrawide monitor for gaming.

Before anything else, a 21:9 aspect ratio isn’t supported by all games. This could result in the image being stretched to fill the entire display, or the margins being left empty. Although this is more common with older games, some developers of newer games, such as the developers of Overwatch, have chosen to intentionally disable 21:9 support so as not to give some players an unfair advantage.

Second, the higher resolution of a larger and wider monitor is more noticeable. If your GPU isn’t very powerful, this could reduce your gaming performance. This means you should check your GPU’s compatibility with an ultrawide monitor before purchasing one.

There are no major drawbacks to using the monitor for everyday tasks or work, assuming we’re talking about non-gaming applications.

However, the larger size of an ultrawide monitor translates into a higher price tag. Therefore, make sure the benefits it offers are truly worth the additional cost if you intend to get one for non-gaming applications.

What to Look For in an Ultrawide Monitor in 2023

Purchasing an ultrawide monitor requires careful consideration of a number of factors. Consider your intended application first and foremost. With your computer screen, how do you plan on spending your time?

Let’s pretend you’re interested in an ultrawide display primarily for use in a gaming setup. In that case, you should look for a curved screen, low input lag, a fast response time, support for variable refresh rate (VRR), and a high refresh rate.

Color accuracy, wide color gamut, and excellent coverage of the Adobe RGB color space will, however, be prioritized by content creators. Furthermore, some professionals in the creative industry prefer a flat monitor over a curved one because their work requires greater precision on a flat screen. Selecting the optimal ultrawide display is essential.

Resolution and size are also crucial aspects of a display. There is a wide range of ultrawide monitor sizes available, with the most common being 34 inches. You can choose a screen size that works with your space, your budget, and your viewing preferences.

Regarding picture quality, the most common monitors on the market are Ultrawide QHD (3440 x 1440 pixels) and Ultrawide FHD (2560 x 1080 pixels) displays. Although the Ultrawide FHD monitors are inexpensive, they are not recommended unless you are extremely strapped for cash. However, the Ultrawide QHD resolution is both future-proof and provides a sharp picture on any screen size.

Some WUHD (5,120 x 2,160 pixel) monitors are available if you’re interested in 4K or UHD ultrawide displays. They are difficult to find and require high-end equipment to operate. To that end, you should check that your computer can handle a WUHD display before purchasing one.

Finally, depending on your needs and preferences, you may also want to look for features like High Dynamic Range (HDR) compatibility, a single-cable input (Thunderbolt or USB-C), and USB hub functionality.

Here we will discuss the suggestions we have made.

The Best Ultrawide Monitors of 2022

Best Ultrawide Monitor Overall: LG 38GN950-B

Pros

  • Rapid reloading time
  • Incredibly precise hues
  • Excellent viewing angles are guaranteed thanks to the in-plane switching (IPS) panel.
  • VRR support

Cons

  • Very costly
  • Weak local dimming
  • ✗ No USB-C port

In conclusion, the LG 38GN950-B is the best ultrawide monitor currently available. This screen is 38 inches in size and has a QHD (3840 by 1600 pixel) resolution. While LG has a reputation for producing high-quality displays, the 38GN950-B stands out even among its peers. It has all the features you’d expect in a high-quality ultrawide display.

LG 38” UltraGear Curved WQHD+ Nano IPS 1ms 144Hz HDR 600 Monitor with G-SYNC® Compatibility (38GN950-B) | LG USA

The large display allows for convenient multitasking, and the 2300R curve radius makes the entire display simple to see. It has great color accuracy right out of the box and covers 98% of the DCI-P3 color space, making it a fantastic choice for designers.

The LG 38GN950-B is a fantastic gaming monitor because it has a native 144Hz refresh rate and is compatible with variable refresh rate technologies like DisplayPort Adaptive-Sync and AMD FreeSync Premium Pro. The monitor is officially certified as Nvidia G-Sync compatible, but it does not include the G-Sync module.

The HDR capabilities of the monitor are also top-notch, and it easily surpasses the brightness requirements of the DisplayHDR 600 certification. Its performance in local dimming, however, falls short of expectations.

Two HDMI inputs, a DisplayPort output, a USB Type-B port, and two USB 3.0 Type-A inputs make up the 38GN950-B’s respectable port selection. A lack of a USB-C port for single-cable operation is disappointing, but considering the monitor’s many other strengths, it is hardly a show-stopper.

Best Budget Ultrawide Monitor: AOC CU34G2X

Pros

  • Refresh Rate: 144 hertz
  • Compatible with both G-Sync and FreeSync
  • Benefit from a high contrast ratio
  • Comfortable design that takes into account the user’s anatomy successfully

Cons

  • To disable local dimming
  • Limited field of view
  • No Type-C USB port

The AOC CU34G2X is proof that an excellent ultrawide display need not break the bank. Value-wise, this 34-inch Ultrawide QHD (34401440) monitor is hard to beat.

This AOC display boasts a 144Hz refresh rate, a 1500R curvature radius for an immersive experience, High Dynamic Range (HDR) compatibility, and DisplayPort Adaptive-Sync. Rtings.com confirmed the monitor is compatible with both Nvidia G-Sync and AMD FreeSync, despite neither service being specifically mentioned on AOC’s website.

The CU34G2X’s quick response time and very low input lag will please gamers.

Budget monitors tend to have simple plastic designs, but this one offers decent ergonomics and narrow bezels for the price. There is no USB Type-C port, so you can’t use it with just one cable. Instead, you’ll find two DisplayPort 1.4 ports and two HDMI 2.0 ports. In addition, you’ll find four USB 3.0 ports for all your peripherals.

In a nutshell, the AOC CU34G2X is a high-quality monitor that won’t break the bank. But the Dell S3422DWG is a better option if you want a cheap ultrawide monitor with higher peak brightness and better HDR performance. It’s certified as DisplayHDR 400, and its curve radius is a slightly more moderate 1800R.

Best Curved Ultrawide Monitor: Samsung Odyssey Neo G9

Pros

  • Extremely rapid reloading time
  • Extremely Brilliant at Its Brightest
  • HDR10 compatability
  • * Backlighting with miniature LEDs
  • Extensive range of colors

Cons

  • Limitations on peripheral vision
  • Adjective: Very costly
  • Inadequate for group screen sharing

The Samsung Odyssey Neo G9 is without question the best curved ultrawide monitor money can buy. The Samsung Neo G9 boasts a number of cutting-edge monitor technologies, including a massive 49-inch display and an incredible 240Hz refresh rate.

The 5120x1440p VA panel in this ultrawide monitor is illuminated by Mini-LEDs, and it features full-array local dimming. That means not only do you get high peak brightness but also deep blacks. The HDR performance of the screen, already stellar, benefits greatly from this feature. The HDR10 format is also supported.

Gamers also benefit from a rapid refresh rate, a fast response time, and compatibility with FreeSync Premium Pro and Adaptive-Sync. This display has been tested and verified to work with Nvidia’s G-Sync technology. This will ensure that your gaming experience is as stress-free and enjoyable as possible.

When you’re not playing games, you can take advantage of the large display by switching between applications. That way, when you’re not playing games, you can maximize your productivity by keeping several windows open at once.

Two HDMI 2.1 ports, one DisplayPort 1.4 port, and a USB Type-A port make for a respectable number of connection options.

The Odyssey Neo G9 has a lot going for it, but it’s not flawless. The monitor is so large that it will take up most of your desk’s surface area. Superwide format isn’t the most user-friendly, either. Finally, the monitor’s viewing angles are subpar due to the use of a VA-type panel.

If you can get past these cons and the steep asking price, however, this monitor is well worth the investment.

Best Ultrawide Gaming Monitor: LG 34GP950G-B

Pros

  • An upper limit of 180 hertz for the refresh rate
  • “True” Nvidia G-Sync compatibility
  • Accreditation for use with DisplayHDR 600
  • Superior support for Adobe RGB and DCI-P3 color spaces

Cons

  • A low contrast ratio
  • Problematic local dimming
  • Because of poor ergonomics, it is difficult to use

When it comes to video games, the LG 34GP950G-B has everything you could want. The 34-inch Ultrawide QHD display at a rapid 144Hz refresh rate makes this monitor a real standout. The refresh rate can be overclocked to 180 Hz if you’d like a more fluid gaming experience.

Similarly to the technology found in LG’s NanoCell TVs, the Nano IPS panel incorporates nanoparticles to absorb unnecessary light wavelengths, resulting in more true-to-life colors. Also, IPS technology makes for a panel with wide and uniform viewing angles. The monitor is also certified as DisplayHDR 600 compliant.

The LG monitor has a number of gaming features, including support for the Nvidia G-Sync Ultimate and DisplayPort Adaptive-Sync variable refresh rate technologies, which together help to minimize screen tearing during intense action sequences. It appears that AMD FreeSync, too, is only DisplayPort compatible. In addition, the input lag and response time are both excellent, making it a great choice for competitive gaming.

When it comes to tasks other than gaming, the 34GP950G-B shines. The high peak brightness does a good job of combating glare, and the large screen provides plenty of room for running multiple applications at once. Although the 21:9 aspect ratio works fine for movies, the low contrast levels of the native display are a letdown.

Also, both the Adobe RGB and DCI-P3 color spaces are wonderfully represented on the screen. Without a doubt, the 34GP950G-B will deliver stunning visuals for your games.

Best Ultrawide Monitor For Productivity: Dell UltraSharp U4021QW

Pros

  • Full-Frame Wide-Ultra HD (WUHD) Resolution for Crystal-Clear Pictures
  • Perspectives that are extremely broad
  • • Connect via a single Thunderbolt cable

Cons

  • Extremely costly
  • No help for either VRR or HDR
  • It could have been more luminous.

A better monitor than the Dell UltraSharp U4021QW does not exist. This is a 40-inch, 21:9-aspect ratio, WUHD (5,120 by 2,160-pixel) display.

Thus, you’ll have a lot of room on your screen to run multiple windows simultaneously. The monitor also has a wide color gamut, displaying colors accurately and in their intended hues thanks to its excellent support for the sRGB, DCI-P3, and Adobe RGB color spaces. The monitor’s IPS panel guarantees wide viewing angles at the expense of a low native contrast ratio.

Factory calibration ensures the monitor’s excellent color accuracy right out of the box, which is sure to please content creators.

The Dell display also allows you to toggle between multiple computers with its built-in keyboard, video, and mouse, and its support for picture-in-picture and picture-by-picture modes.

A Thunderbolt 3 port is included, which can provide up to 90W of power to your USB PD laptop through a single cable.

However, due to its 60Hz refresh rate and lack of VRR support, the UltraSharp U4021QW is more suited to business users and content creators than gamers. If you want to go ultrawide for gaming, you’ll need to find a different monitor because this one doesn’t support high dynamic range (HDR).

Best 4K Ultrawide Monitor: LG 34WK95U-W

Pros

  • Broad field of view
  • Incredibly sharp and clear WUHD resolution for both images and text.
  • Highest standards of construction

Cons

  • Only 60 frames per second (Hz) can be refreshed.
  • ✗ No VRR
  • Weak Contrast Ratio

Our top choice for the best 4K ultrawide monitor is the LG 34WK95U-W. Its WUHD Nano IPS panel allows for stunning clarity, wide viewing angles, and vivid colors. The monitor has a high end appearance and solid construction.

The sRGB and Adobe RGB color spaces are both nearly completely covered, and the DCI-P3 and ProPhoto RGB color spaces are also well-represented.

It also has respectable HDR performance, earning a DisplayHDR 600 rating. On the other hand, HDR movies don’t really bring out the monitor’s best.

One DisplayPort 1.4 port, two HDMI 2.0 ports, and a Thunderbolt 3 port make up a respectable selection of available connections. The laptop’s Thunderbolt port can provide up to 85W of power, allowing you to use it to charge the device.

Whenever you watch a movie or show that isn’t in 4K, the LG monitor’s Super Resolution technology automatically upscaling it for you. And it has a picture-by-picture mode that lets you watch two different sources at once.

Even though the 34WK95U-W’s lack of virtual reality refresh rate (VRR) might put off serious players, the monitor’s low input lag and fast response time make it ideal for casual gamers. Furthermore, the WUHD resolution necessitates a very robust gaming PC to run it.

34” UltraWide WUHD Nano IPS Display | 34WK95U-W | LG Australia

Conclusion – Is An Ultrawide Monitor Worth It?

After considering all of this, what is the solution to the question posed in the headline?

To be honest, there isn’t a single solution. Simply put, the term is highly subjective.

Would you prefer a larger display area or a wider field of view? If that’s the case, an ultrawide display is money well spent. If you’re on a tighter budget, however, getting an ultrawide monitor may mean foregoing other features that you could get in a regular 16:9 monitor at the same price range, such as a higher refresh rate.

Finally, we’d like to point out that curved displays, which are increasingly common in ultrawide monitors, can enhance the immersion of a game in a way that flat screens can’t.

No matter what you decide, you can rest assured that you’ll find the perfect monitor for your needs among our picks for the best gaming monitors on the market right now.