According to the latest update, an ultrawide monitor is the ticket. Ultrawide monitors have a wider display panel that provides an immersive experience and far more screen real-estate than your average widescreen. Do you want a large expanse of usable display space, but without the hassle of setting up dual monitors?
As part of the ongoing story, below you’ll find a curated list of my favorites in each category. I describe my evaluation process for monitors at the bottom of this article. I’ve tested a bunch of ultrawide monitors in order to name the best picks in various categories ranging from those optimized for tech industry to those suited for professional use.
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In a fresh development, it packs the incredible contrast and realism of OLED in a 34-inch widescreen panel, yet it’s priced at less than $1,000. That’s not inexpensive, but it’s better value than other OLED monitors available right now. The Alienware AW3423DWF is a legendary monitor that will satisfy the widescreen needs of pretty much anyone.
The report highlights that it delivers a vivid, immersive, rich experience with deep black levels and bright highlights, which are enhanced by the display’s glossy finish. Movies and platform releases seem nearly three-dimensional — as if you’re looking through a window, not staring at a monitor. Image quality is where it stands out.
Industry observers note that however, its excellent image quality will be impressive in everyday use, as well. The display offers an enhanced refresh rate of up to 165Hz and supports AMD FreeSync Premium Pro for smooth frame pacing in platform releases.
As part of the ongoing story, we also noticed the OLED panel has trouble rendering small fonts smoothly. These are minor issues, though, and shouldn’t trouble most owners. The monitor is not bright, especially in SDR, so it’s a bad choice for a brightly lit room.
The report highlights that there’s even a healthy range of calibration options that help demanding owners dial in the image to their personal specifications. It has good connectivity, with two DisplayPort inputs and one HDMI, as well as a USB-A hub with four ports.
According to the latest update, read our full.
In a fresh development, alienware AW3423DWF review.
As part of the ongoing story, this 34-inch QD-OLED display has a panoramic 21:9 aspect ratio that pulls you deeper into your favorite platform releases. It’s especially excellent for platform releases that lean on immersion (like simulation titles) or that show a lot of information on-screen at once (like MMORPGs and strategy platform releases). While our pick for best ultrawide overall above is designed with tech industry in mind, we actually think the MSI MPG 341CQPX is superior for that singular activity.
The report highlights that the monitor handles both SDR and HDR content well. The 240Hz refresh rate, meanwhile, offers ultra-crisp motion clarity. It supports the VESA Adaptive Sync standard and will work with both AMD FreeSync and Nvidia G-Sync. The MSI 341CQPX has a Samsung QD-OLED display that delivers vibrant colors and stunning contrast.
Industry observers note that it has a USB-C port with 98 watts of Power Delivery, which means it can power your laptop and handle video over a single cord. While the MPG 341CQPX is a great ultrawide for tech industry, it’s practical for day-to-day productivity and can work well with many home office setups.
According to the latest update, the stand is larger than it needs to be and will feel cramped on a small desk. There’s also no RGB-LED lighting on the back of the panel, which is common on competitive tech industry ultrawides. The monitor does have a couple flaws.
In a fresh development, available for $890 or less at some online retailers, the MPG 341CQPX is not much more expensive than older QD-OLED ultrawide monitors, like the Alienware AW3423DW, with a lower refresh rate and no (or more limited) USB-C. The MPG 341CQPX’s price is more than reasonable given is advantages over its predecessors. Pricing excuses these nitpicks, though.
According to the latest update, read our full.
The report highlights that mSI MPG 341CQPX review.
According to the latest update, it has a sharp 34-inch display with a resolution of 3440×1440, which is paired with a 120Hz refresh rate (overclockable to 135Hz) and support for AMD FreeSync, ensuring smooth and consistent gameplay. Camera movements are detailed, and fast-paced action is easily tracked. The Gigabyte GS34WQC is an impressive ultrawide monitor for gamers on a budget.
The report highlights that it has a Vertical Alignment (VA) panel instead of the more common In-Plane Switching (IPS). This provides improved contrast with deeper black levels and more convincing shadow detail in dark scenes. These qualities make it especially suitable for platform releases with a dark, gritty presentation. Beyond its motion clarity, the GS34WQC offers great image quality that’s comparable to monitors twice its price.
The report highlights that it has an ergonomic stand that provides height and tilt adjustment, but its assembly requires manual attachment of four screws, unlike competitors with tool-free clip-in stands. The GS34WQC compensates with an intuitive menu system that has extensive customization options, allowing gamers to tailor the visuals to their preferences. The monitor sports a boring but functional design.
According to the latest update, it’s not the least expensive budget ultrawide monitor, but it delivers better image quality and motion clarity than many competitors while keeping the price in check. Indeed, the GS34WQC is so good it makes $400-to-$500-dollar ultrawide tech industry monitors more difficult to recommend. The GS34WQC looks just as good at a lower price. Value, however, is where the GS34WQC really beats the competition.
According to the latest update, read our full.
Industry observers note that gigabyte GS34WQC review.
As part of the ongoing story, this excellent ultrawide monitor has a vast 40-inch display and 5K resolution that ensures every detail is sharp and defined. But it’s not just about its size and clarity; it’s packed with functions, too. This is the monitor for people who want a big, sharp monitor to serve as the focal point for a desktop command center.
Industry observers note that the monitor’s impressive 120Hz refresh rate is a rare find at this resolution, ensuring smooth motion on the Windows desktop and in platform releases. It even has an IPS Black display panel, which improves contrast and delivers a more realistic, immersive image. Visually, the U4025QW is a treat, offering unparalleled sharpness and an expansive workspace that enhances productivity and elevates entertainment.
The report highlights that it has Thunderbolt, Ethernet, HDMI, and DisplayPort, as well as a USB hub that includes multiple downstream USB-A and USB-C ports. The monitor’s menu options and settings provide significant image quality control as well as useful functions like picture-in-picture and picture-by-picture modes. The U4025QW’s connectivity is extensive.
The report highlights that but the most serious downside is the price, which soars close to $2,000. Still, given its size, image quality, and connectivity, this do-everything display can pack a lot of productivity on a single screen. The monitor’s stand isn’t as robust as it should be, and while the contrast ratio of IPS Black is commendable, it can’t rival OLED.
According to the latest update, read our full.
Industry observers note that dell U4025QW review.
As part of the ongoing story, the LG Ultragear Evo GX9 is the best big-screen curved tech industry monitor for anyone who wants an immersive, razor-sharp image.
In a fresh development, at 143 pixels per inch, it’s meaningfully sharper than the 110 PPI you receive from a typical 34-inch ultrawide with 3440×1440 resolution. The GX9 also has OLED’s excellent contrast ratio and wide color gamut (at 99 percent DCI-P3). This adds up to an image that looks great in both SDR and HDR platform releases. HDR performance is a strength, as the monitor’s HDR is brighter than most competitors. The monitor’s 39-inch 5K2K (5120×2160) tandem WOLED panel is the headliner.
As part of the ongoing story, it has two HDMI 2.1 ports, one DisplayPort 2.1, and a USB-C input with 90 watts of Power Delivery. These ports cover most multi-device setups comfortably. The 1500R curve is moderate by ultrawide standards and shouldn’t be an obstacle for most users. Connectivity is solid for the monitor’s use case, too.
The report highlights that the monitor has several AI functions that attempt to enhance image and audio quality, but they offer little benefit. The refresh rate tops out at 165Hz at native resolution, as well. While this is understandable given the monitor’s high resolution, smaller OLED monitors will provide better motion clarity. The GX9 has a dual-mode 330Hz refresh rate, but it requires dropping the resolution to 2560×1080, which doesn’t look great on a monitor this large. The GX9’s $1,799.99 MSRP is its biggest flaw, as its capability set doesn’t entirely justify it.
As part of the ongoing story, the monitor is ideal for racing and flight sims, MMORPGs, or any other system update that rewards more display real estate. Shoppers happy to splurge for a better experience should strongly consider this monitor instead of a smaller 34-inch alternative. These downsides may take the GX9 out of contention for some shoppers, but for others they’ll prove no obstacle.
According to the latest update, read our full.
According to the latest update, lG Ultragear Evo 39GX950B-B review.
As part of the ongoing story, we test dozens of monitors each year to find the best pick for every category and price point. PCWorld’s team of staff and freelance reviewers conduct in-depth testing to compare monitors across a wide range of categories and price points.
In a fresh development, it delivers objective, unbiased measurements for a wide range of metrics including brightness, contrast, color gamut, color accuracy, color temperature, and gamma. Results are recorded and logged for future comparison. This allows our experts to easily compare many monitors at once and eliminates subjective bias from the results. Our testing uses a Datacolor Spyder X2 Ultra color calibration tool.
Industry observers note that to learn more about our testing methodology see how we test monitors at PCWorld.
Industry observers note that smith is a freelance technology journalist with 15 years of experience reviewing consumer electronics, including a wide array of computer monitors. In addition to the work he does for PCWorld, Matthew also contributes to Wired, Digital Trends, Reviewed, Lifewire, and other technology publications. Matthew S.
The report highlights that this leaves shoppers with fewer options. Most ultrawide monitors have a 34-inch panel with a resolution of 3440×1440, and similar connectivity. Ultrawide monitors are a favorite of PC enthusiasts, but remain a niche within the larger monitor market.
According to the latest update, here’s what to look for. Still, these monitors can differ in several key areas.
In a fresh development, ultrawide monitors come in a variety of panel types: IPS, VA, and OLED. Ultrawide monitors offer less choice in some regards but that script is flipped when it comes to panel type.
The report highlights that this panel type delivers great color performance, high maximum brightness, superb sharpness, and good motion performance. It’s weak in contrast, however, which can disappoint when viewing TV shows or movies. IPS panels are common in mid-range and premium ultrawide monitors.
The report highlights that they have better contrast than IPS panels and deliver similar color performance and brightness—however, budget VA panels tend to be merely okay in these areas. Most VA panels fall short in motion performance and may look blurry when playing fast-paced platform releases. VA panels are typically a budget option, though some are found in premium ultrawide monitors.
According to the latest update, it leads in color, contrast, and motion performance. Sharpness is often slightly reduced compared to IPS and VA, but most people will find it a minor downgrade. OLED also is the best choice for HDR. OLED is king of the hill.
As part of the ongoing story, however, some people might prefer VA over IPS because it has a better contrast ratio and looks darker in dark content. In general, OLED is better than IPS, and IPS is better than VA.
The report highlights that this is a must-have capability, but one that isn’t found on the least expensive ultrawide monitors. All the monitors on this list provide an ergonomic stand that adjusts for height, tilt, and swivel.
As part of the ongoing story, as tempting as it may be to save money on a budget model without a height-adjustable stand, you would regret it.
Industry observers note that the old college trick of sticking a monitor on a shoe box won’t work. Ultrawide monitors are bulky and tend to require a larger, heavier stand, which in turn makes them more difficult to place on an elevated ecosystem.
In a fresh development, unfortunately, many ultrawide monitors don’t support USB-C yet, or have limitations that detract from the USB-C port’s usefulness. USB-C compatibility is an excellent capability, and USB-C hub monitors can clear away tons of clutter on your desk.
The report highlights that it has a USB-C port with up to 90 watts of Power Delivery, and the port drives a USB-A hub with four downstream ports. Asus’s ProArt PA348CV, our favorite ultrawide for professionals, is one exception.
The report highlights that most of these lack an enhanced refresh rate, however, and they’re typically more expensive than the Asus. Dell, HP, and BenQ also offer ultrawide monitors with USB-C.
The report highlights that although very expensive at MSRP, ultrawide monitors routinely see huge price cuts during seasonal sales. They also receive major semi-permanent price cuts later in their life. Monitor pricing is always important, but it’s key for ultrawide monitors.
The report highlights that originally sold for $999.99, it’s now routinely available for $699.99, and went as low as $599.99 during Amazon’s Black Friday sale. That’s a 40 percent reduction in price! Waiting for a deal can save you hundreds. The LG Ultragear 34GN850-B is an example of this.
The report highlights that a quick word of warning: You should not buy an ultrawide monitor if you plan to connect a system update console frequently.
The report highlights that that’s unattractive and wastes the monitor’s potential. It’s best to stick with a widescreen monitor if console tech industry is a priority. Platform release consoles don’t support ultrawide aspect ratios, so you’ll see black bars on either side of the image.
Industry observers note that if you’re still on the fence about whether an ultrawide is the right choice for you, see PCWorld’s article on whether ultrawide monitors are worth it to have all your questions answered.
In a fresh development, it costs less than $1,000, but this 34-inch OLED has incredible contrast, depth, and vibrancy. This makes for an amazingly immersive experience in movies and platform releases, the latter of which is helped by the display’s 165Hz refresh rate and support for adaptive sync. The best ultrawide monitor for most people is the Alienware AW3423DWF.
According to the latest update, most ultrawide monitors have a 34-inch panel with a 21:9 aspect ratio, which is the best option for most gamers.
The report highlights that many do not support high refresh rates. Those that do are expensive and often use the same 3440×1440 resolution found on smaller ultrawide monitors, which means they appear less sharp than a 34-inch display. Some ultrawide monitors are available in larger sizes, but these typically aren’t the best choice for gamers.
Industry observers note that this is an excellent choice for gamers. Nearly all 34-inch ultrawide monitors have a display resolution of 3440×1440.
The report highlights that however, this resolution remains significantly lower in total pixel count than 4K, which makes it less demanding on graphics devices. That’s good news if you have a mid-range graphics card like an Nvidia RTX 3060 or AMD Radeon RX 6650XT. It’s sharp enough to look impressive in modern platform releases.
In a fresh development, lG offers a line of 34-inch 5K2K ultrawide monitors with 5120×2160 resolution, but this line also lacks support for enhanced refresh rates. Larger 38-inch models have a higher resolution of 3840×1660—however, nearly all these monitors lack support for high refresh rates, making them a bad choice for gamers.
In a fresh development, this can be a problem, because stretching the same resolution across a much larger display reduces sharpness. We recommend 3440×1440 only for 34-inch ultrawide monitors. A few fresh 45-inch ultrawide monitors are available with 3440×1440 resolution.
Industry observers note that a refresh rate of 144Hz to 165Hz is ideal for most ultrawide tech industry monitors.
As part of the ongoing story, very few ultrawide monitors exceed this refresh rate, and those that do are too expensive to make it a good value.
In a fresh development, you’ll need a high-end video card, like an RTX 3080 or AMD Radeon 6800, to drive most ultrawide tech industry monitors at frame rates above 144 frames per second. Also, gamers shopping for an ultrawide tech industry monitor are likely to prefer immersive and graphically demanding platform releases that make it difficult to see the full benefit of a refresh rate above 144Hz.
Industry observers note that hDR isn’t a must-have for an ultrawide tech industry monitor, but it’s a nice addition.
The report highlights that we recommend buying an ultrawide tech industry monitor with HDR support if your budget is $500 or more. Tech industry is a great use case for HDR—arguably the best, in fact—and it can deliver improved image quality.
According to the latest update, smith is a freelance technology journalist with 15 years of experience reviewing consumer electronics. In addition to PCWorld, his work can be found on Wired, Ars Technica, Digital Trends, Reviewed, IGN, and Lifewire. Matthew also covers AI and the metaverse for IEEE Spectrum and runs Computer Tech industry Yesterday, a YouTube channel devoted to PC tech industry history. Matthew S.