Ultrawide monitors have become a popular choice for professionals and gamers alike, offering the convenience of a multi-monitor setup without the hassle. With an expansive screen that allows for multiple windows to be displayed side by side, ultrawide monitors enhance both productivity and gaming experiences. However, not all ultrawide monitors are equal. To help you find the best option for your needs, we have tested and reviewed over 265 monitors and have identified the top 5 ultrawide monitors of Winter 2023. Whether you’re in search of the best curved option, the best gaming monitor, or the best monitor for the office, our comprehensive guide has got you covered.
When it comes to ultrawide monitors, there are plenty of options to choose from, each with its own set of pros and cons. To help you find the best monitor for your needs, we’ve tested and evaluated some of the top ultrawide monitors on the market. In this article, we’ll highlight five of our favorites.
Dell Alienware AW3423DW: The Ultimate Gaming and Movie Monitor
The Dell Alienware AW3423DW is our top pick for those who want a monitor that delivers an exceptional experience for gaming and movie watching. This 34-inch, 3440×1440 monitor boasts a QD-OLED panel that provides perfect black levels, making it ideal for use in dark rooms. While it doesn’t deliver the same performance in bright rooms due to ambient light, it still reduces glare effectively and has decent peak brightness.
What makes this monitor truly standout is its near-instantaneous response time, thanks to its OLED display. This results in smooth motion, making it perfect for gaming or browsing the web. However, there are a few drawbacks to keep in mind. This monitor does have some text clarity issues and color fringing, which might not be ideal for office use. However, these can be mitigated with some adjustments. There’s also a cheaper version available, the Dell Alienware AW3423DWF, that offers similar performance but doesn’t get as bright in HDR.
LG 40WP95C-W: The Best Ultrawide Monitor for Office Use
For those who are looking for an ultrawide monitor that’s ideal for office use, the LG 40WP95C-W is a great choice. With its 40-inch screen and 5120×2160 resolution, this monitor offers excellent text clarity, making it ideal for multitasking. While it has some reflection issues and may not perform as well in bright rooms compared to the Dell, it’s still a solid choice if you have a few lights around.
One of the biggest advantages of the LG 40WP95C-W is its two USB-C ports that support Thunderbolt 4, allowing you to charge your laptop and display an image from it at the same time. This monitor is also great for content creators, as it displays a wide range of colors in SDR and has excellent accuracy before calibration. While it has limited ergonomics, it has wide viewing angles that make the image remain consistent when viewed from the sides.
LG 34GP950G-B: Upper Mid-Range Ultrawide Monitor
If you are searching for an ultrawide monitor that serves both as a gaming monitor and a versatile option for other uses, then the LG 34GP950G-B is an excellent choice. Despite having a smaller screen and lower resolution than the LG 40WP95C-W, it boasts a range of features that make it a great option for gamers. With a maximum refresh rate of 180Hz and native G-SYNC VRR compatibility, it allows for seamless gaming performance with NVIDIA graphics cards. The motion handling is exceptional, leading to minimal motion blur, even at high frame rates.
Pros:
- Excellent motion handling
- Great accuracy before calibration
- Vibrant color gamut in both SDR and HDR
- Good reflection handling and high peak brightness
- Cheaper version (LG 34GP83A-B) available without local dimming
Cons:
- Poor local dimming feature
- Blacks look gray in dark rooms
- Lower screen resolution and smaller screen size compared to the LG 40WP95C-W
Also read: The Best 5 Curved Monitors For Office Work In 2023
Gigabyte M34WQ: Mid-Range Ultrawide Monitor
For those looking for a more budget-friendly option, the Gigabyte M34WQ is a great alternative. With a 34-inch, 3440×1440 screen and a range of productivity features, it offers good value for its price. However, when it comes to motion handling, the LG 34GP950G-B still comes out on top. The Gigabyte M34WQ has a built-in KVM switch, allowing you to control two devices with the same keyboard and mouse, making it a great option for those who need to connect a desktop and a laptop. Additionally, it has a USB-C port that supports DisplayPort Alt Mode, though it’s limited to 15W of power delivery.
Pros:
- Good value for its price
- Built-in KVM switch and USB-C port with DisplayPort Alt Mode
- Good reflection handling and high peak brightness
- Versatile for both gaming and office use
Cons:
- Poor contrast ratio in dark rooms
- Limited power delivery with the USB-C port
- Motion handling not as good as the LG 34GP950G-B
- Lower contrast ratio compared to the Dell S3422DWG
The AOC CU34G2X: The Budget Ultrawide Monitor
is a budget-friendly option for those in the market for an ultrawide monitor. Despite its affordability, it still offers versatile functionality, making it an excellent choice for those who don’t require office-specific features or the highest picture quality.
Pros:
- High native contrast ratio for optimal display in dark rooms
- Decent reflection handling and peak brightness for well-lit rooms
- Good ergonomics with adjustable height, tilt, and swivel options
Cons:
- Narrow viewing angles that can lead to washed out edges if sitting too close
- Lacks the office-oriented features of the Gigabyte M34WQ
- Not as high quality in terms of picture compared to the LG 34GP950G-B
While it may not have all the bells and whistles of other ultrawide monitors, the AOC CU34G2X provides a cost-effective solution for those seeking a basic ultrawide display. With its 1500R curve and ergonomic options, it’s still a solid choice for those looking to enhance their viewing experience.
Also read: Best Curved Gaming Monitors for PS5 and PS4 in 2023
Frequently Asked Questions:
How do I choose the best ultrawide monitor for me?
If you are new to the market of ultrawide monitors, it can be a bit overwhelming to know where to start. To help guide you in finding the right ultrawide display, we have compiled a list of frequently asked questions to assist you in your search.
Is an ultrawide monitor suitable for gaming?
The suitability of an ultrawide monitor for gaming largely depends on the compatibility of the games you play with the 21:9 resolution. Unfortunately, not all games support this aspect ratio, which can result in letterboxing along the sides of the display or a stretched 16:9 aspect. For instance, the game “Elden Ring” did not support ultrawide resolutions upon its release. Keep these compatibility considerations in mind when choosing an ultrawide monitor for gaming purposes.
