If you're looking for extensive screen area without the need to configure multiple displays, an ultrawide screen offers an ideal alternative. These devices feature expanded panels that deliver heightened immersion and considerably more usable space than typical wide-format screens.
After evaluating various ultrawide displays, I've identified standout choices across different segments, from gaming-optimized units to those ideal for workplace applications. The following sections present my recommended options for each area. Details on my assessment approach for screens appear later in this piece.
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The Alienware AW3423DWF stands as a renowned display meeting broad widescreen requirements for diverse users. It integrates OLED's superior contrast and lifelike visuals into a 34-inch curved format, available below $1,000. Though not the cheapest option, it surpasses other OLED screens in terms of cost-effectiveness currently on the market.
Its visual performance excels particularly. The screen produces dynamic, engaging, and detailed imagery with profound blacks and vivid peaks, amplified by its reflective coating. Films and interactive titles appear almost lifelike, resembling a portal rather than a flat surface.
The panel includes a boosted 165Hz refresh capability and compatibility with AMD FreeSync Premium Pro, ensuring fluid gameplay. Yet its superior visuals also shine in routine tasks.
Brightness falls short, particularly in standard dynamic range mode, making it unsuitable for well-illuminated environments. Additionally, the OLED surface struggles with clear rendering of tiny text. Such drawbacks remain minor and unlikely to affect typical users significantly.
Connectivity proves solid, featuring two DisplayPort connections, one HDMI, and a USB-A hub with four slots. It also offers ample adjustment settings for precise image tuning to individual standards.
For a complete evaluation, see our in-depth Alienware AW3423DWF analysis.
Although the top overall ultrawide choice emphasizes gaming, the MSI MPG 341CQPX edges it out specifically for play. This 34-inch quantum-dot OLED unit boasts a sweeping 21:9 proportion, drawing users further into gaming worlds. It shines in titles emphasizing deep involvement, such as simulations, or those displaying extensive data, like online multiplayer role-playing or tactical games.
The MSI MPG 341CQPX employs a Samsung quantum-dot OLED panel yielding lively hues and remarkable depth. It manages both standard and high dynamic range materials effectively. The 240Hz update speed provides exceptionally clear movement. It adheres to VESA Adaptive Sync and functions with both AMD FreeSync and Nvidia G-Sync technologies.
Beyond gaming excellence, the MSI MPG 341CQPX supports daily tasks and integrates nicely into home workspaces. It includes a USB-C connection delivering 98 watts of power supply, allowing laptop charging and video transmission via one cable.
Drawbacks include an oversized base that may crowd compact desks. It lacks rear RGB illumination typical in rival gaming ultrawides.
At around $890 or lower from certain sellers, it justifies these shortcomings. It costs little more than earlier quantum-dot OLED ultrawides, such as the Alienware AW3423DW, which have slower refresh rates and reduced or absent USB-C support. Given its improvements, the MSI MPG 341CQPX represents fair pricing.
For a thorough assessment, refer to our detailed MSI MPG 341CQPX examination.
Budget-conscious gamers will appreciate the Gigabyte GS34WQC as a strong ultrawide contender. Its 34-inch screen at 3440x1440 resolution combines with a 120Hz update speed, overclockable to 135Hz, plus AMD FreeSync compatibility for seamless and steady play. It captures camera shifts with precision and handles rapid sequences well.
In addition to smooth motion, the GS34WQC delivers high-quality visuals rivaling pricier units. It uses a Vertical Alignment panel rather than the prevalent In-Plane Switching type. This yields enhanced depth with richer shadows and more accurate dark-area details. Such traits suit titles featuring moody, shadowy aesthetics particularly well.
Design remains straightforward yet effective. The adjustable base allows height and angle changes, though setup involves securing four screws manually, differing from rivals' easy attachments. It offsets this with a user-friendly interface offering broad customization for visual adjustments.
Its true strength lies in affordability. Not the absolute cheapest in its class, it outperforms many peers in visuals and fluidity while maintaining a reasonable cost. The GS34WQC elevates expectations, diminishing appeal for $400 to $500 gaming ultrawides. It matches higher-end looks at a fraction of the expense.
See our comprehensive Gigabyte GS34WQC review for more details.
For those seeking a massive, crisp central display for an integrated workstation, the Dell U4025QW delivers. This outstanding ultrawide features a 40-inch expanse at 5K resolution, guaranteeing precise and clear details throughout. Beyond dimensions and definition, it includes numerous advanced capabilities.
On the visual front, the U4025QW impresses with exceptional acuity and vast area boosting efficiency and enhancing leisure viewing. Its 120Hz refresh at this detail level remains uncommon, promoting fluid interactions on operating systems and during play. The IPS Black panel enhances depth for a more engaging and true-to-life view.
Connections abound on the U4025QW, encompassing Thunderbolt, network cable support, HDMI, and DisplayPort, alongside a USB hub with various A and C downstream options. Controls and features enable fine-tuned visuals, including split-screen and overlay functions.
The base lacks sufficient sturdiness, and while IPS Black contrast impresses, it falls short of OLED levels. Most notably, the near-$2,000 cost poses a barrier. Nevertheless, its scale, performance, and interfaces justify it as a versatile productivity powerhouse on one panel.
Explore our full Dell U4025QW analysis.
When a 35-inch ultrawide lacks sufficient draw, the LG Ultragear 45GX950A-B provides the ultimate large-format gaming solution.
Its pioneering 45-inch 5K2K (5120x2160) OLED surface distinguishes it, introducing detail levels absent in prior large-scale models. This marks a clear step up from lower-clarity rivals like the Corsair Xeneon Flex. The elevated pixel density complements OLED's strong depth and hue accuracy. High dynamic range output remains reliable, with luminance matching top OLED competitors.
Motion handling performs adequately. As a dual-mode unit, it supports 5120x2160 up to 165Hz or 2560x1080 up to 330Hz. It includes AMD FreeSync Premium Pro and Nvidia G-Sync for tear-free experiences.
The 45GX950A-B carries a premium tag, and its 800R curvature may hinder office tasks. USB options stay basic, with USB-C input but only two USB-A outputs.
Still, for unmatched engagement via superior clarity and dynamic range on an enormous canvas, the LG Ultragear 45GX950A-B excels.
Check our in-depth LG Ultragear 45GX950A-B review.
PCWorld's reviewers, both in-house and external, perform detailed examinations to rank displays across segments and budgets. We assess scores of units yearly to pinpoint optimal selections for each niche and cost range.
Evaluations employ the Datacolor Spyder X2 Ultra for color calibration, yielding precise data on elements like luminance, depth ratios, hue range, accuracy, temperature, and curve. Findings get documented for ongoing analysis, enabling efficient multi-unit comparisons and removing personal judgments.
For further insights into our approach, review PCWorld's monitor testing procedures.
Matthew S. Smith serves as an independent tech writer with 15 years covering gadgets, encompassing diverse display types. Besides PCWorld contributions, he writes for Wired, Digital Trends, Reviewed, Lifewire, and similar outlets.
Ultrawide screens appeal strongly to computing fans yet occupy a specialized corner of the display industry. This limits variety for buyers. Typically, units measure 34 inches at 3440x1440 resolution with standard ports.
Differences emerge in critical aspects, however. Consider these factors when choosing.
While options narrow in some features, panel technologies vary widely in ultrawides: In-Plane Switching, Vertical Alignment, and Organic Light-Emitting Diode.
In-Plane Switching appears frequently in moderate to high-end models. It excels in hue fidelity, peak light output, edge definition, and movement smoothness. Depth remains a weakness, potentially underwhelming for video or cinematic content.
Vertical Alignment suits economical picks, occasionally in upscale ones. It outperforms In-Plane Switching in depth and provides comparable hues and brightness, though entry-level versions lag slightly. Movement often suffers, leading to softness in quick-action scenarios.
Organic Light-Emitting Diode dominates premium traits. It surpasses in hues, depth, and fluidity. Definition may dip marginally versus others, but users rarely notice. It handles high dynamic range best.
Overall, Organic Light-Emitting Diode outshines In-Plane Switching, which in turn beats Vertical Alignment. Some favor Vertical Alignment's deeper tones for shadowed media despite other trade-offs.
Every listed model includes an ergonomic mount adjustable for elevation, angle, and rotation. Such flexibility proves essential, absent in the most basic ultrawides.
Opting for a low-cost variant without height adjustment invites discomfort.
These sizable units demand sturdy, broad bases, complicating placement on raised surfaces. Improvised elevations like stacked containers fail here.
Universal Serial Bus-C integration enhances convenience, and hub-equipped models reduce cable mess. Regrettably, many ultrawides omit it or limit its functionality.
The Asus ProArt PA348CV, our preferred professional ultrawide, bucks the trend with a Universal Serial Bus-C offering 90 watts power and driving four Universal Serial Bus-A slots.
Dell, HP, and BenQ provide similar connectivity in their ultrawides. Most forgo high refresh speeds and command higher prices than the Asus alternative.
Cost matters across displays, but especially for ultrawides. Launch prices start high, yet deep discounts arrive during promotions. Later cycles bring sustained reductions.
Take the LG Ultragear 34GN850-B: Debuting at $999.99, it now sells for $699.99 regularly, dipping to $599.99 in events like Black Friday. Such 40% savings highlight the benefits of timing purchases.
Caution: Avoid ultrawides if frequent console connections loom.
Consoles ignore ultrawide proportions, resulting in side bars that diminish appeal and underutilize space. Standard widescreens suit console priorities better.
Unsure about ultrawides? PCWorld's guide on their value addresses common concerns.
The Alienware AW3423DWF suits most as the leading ultrawide. Under $1,000, its 34-inch Organic Light-Emitting Diode delivers exceptional depth, realism, and color intensity for captivating films and play, aided by 165Hz updates and adaptive synchronization.
Most ultrawides span 34 inches in 21:9 format, ideal for gaming broadly.
Bigger variants exist, but often disappoint gamers. Many skip elevated refresh rates. Capable ones prove costly and typically retain 3440x1440 pixels, appearing softer than compact counterparts.
Standard 34-inch ultrawides use 3440x1440 resolution, a solid gaming pick.
It renders contemporary titles sharply while easing hardware demands versus full 4K, benefiting cards like Nvidia RTX 3060 or AMD Radeon RX 6650XT.
38-inch options push to 3840x1600 pixels but rarely support fast refreshes, deterring gamers. LG's 34-inch 5K2K series hits 5120x2160 yet omits boosted rates.
Emerging 45-inch models sometimes stick to 3440x1440, diluting sharpness over greater areas. Limit this resolution to 34-inch sizes.
Aim for 144Hz to 165Hz refresh in gaming ultrawides.
Exceeding this proves rare and overpriced for the gains.
Gamers favoring immersive, resource-heavy titles seldom leverage beyond 144 frames per second, requiring top-tier GPUs like RTX 3080 or Radeon 6800 for high-frame pushes.
High dynamic range adds appeal but isn't essential for gaming ultrawides.
It enhances visuals superbly in games, the prime application. Opt for it in $500+ budgets.