Monitors For 38-Inch Setups: Size Does Matter

When it comes to monitors, there are two main options to consider: an ultrawide monitor or a dual-monitor setup. Ultrawide monitors are great for gaming, offering a more immersive experience with a wider aspect ratio. However, dual-monitor setups provide more flexibility in terms of screen angles and orientation, making them ideal for multitasking. In terms of size, a 34-inch ultrawide monitor is similar in height to a 27-inch widescreen monitor but offers more width. For those seeking a larger option, a 49-inch super-ultrawide monitor provides the equivalent of two 27-inch monitors side-by-side. When deciding between an ultrawide and dual-monitor setup, consider your specific needs, such as available surface space and intended use.

Ultrawide vs dual monitors

When it comes to expanding your workspace, ultrawide and dual monitor setups offer distinct advantages. Both options can enhance productivity, but understanding their unique characteristics will help you choose the best fit for your needs.

Dual Monitors

Dual monitors have long been the preferred choice for expanding screen real estate. They offer more flexibility in terms of screen angles and orientation. You can use one monitor in a portrait orientation, adding vertical space, which is perfect for displaying documents or having multiple apps open. Dual monitors also provide more locations to place windows and allow for better multitasking.

Dual monitors also offer better resolution for your money. Most ultrawide monitors stretch a quad HD resolution (3440 x 1440) across a large 34-inch display, while two traditional widescreen 4K monitors will get you a higher overall pixel density.

The biggest benefit of a dual monitor setup is the flexibility to mix and match displays. You can combine monitors of different sizes and resolutions based on your needs. You can even have one monitor in a horizontal orientation and the other in vertical.

However, one of the major downfalls of dual monitors is the gap between the two screens, known as the bezel gap. This can obscure your view and make it more challenging to manage your workspace, especially when editing or using multiple windows.

Ultrawide Monitors

Ultrawide monitors provide a single, expansive screen, eliminating the need for multiple monitors and cables. They offer a broader field of view, making them ideal for multitasking, gaming, or creative work. The 21:9 aspect ratio of an ultrawide monitor is also close to the native aspect ratio of many movies, resulting in a more cinematic and authentic viewing experience.

Ultrawide monitors are also more consistent in terms of colour, brightness, and display quality. With dual monitors, you may need to adjust the size of content when moving it between screens, and there can be discrepancies in visual quality.

Ultrawide monitors are also more space-saving and simpler to set up. They require fewer cables and power outlets, reducing clutter on your desk.

However, ultrawide monitors are typically more expensive than dual monitor setups. Additionally, not all games or software support the 21:9 or 32:9 aspect ratio, which can result in a stretched-out picture or black borders on the sides of the screen.

The decision between an ultrawide or dual monitor setup depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you frequently switch between applications or prefer a more traditional setup, dual monitors may be a better choice. On the other hand, if you require a wide field of view for tasks such as video editing, gaming, or multitasking, an ultrawide monitor could be the better option.

There is no clear winner between the two formats, and both have their advantages and disadvantages. Consider your intended use and choose the setup that best suits your requirements.

Budget options

If you're looking for a budget option for a monitor to pair with a 38-inch monitor, there are a few options to consider.

One option is to go for a smaller ultrawide monitor, such as a 34-inch model. While it will be narrower than your 38-inch monitor, a 34-inch ultrawide monitor can still provide a significant amount of screen real estate. Additionally, opting for a smaller size may help you save money. For example, the Dell S3422DWG is a 34-inch budget option that offers a 3440x1440 screen resolution and a 144Hz refresh rate, making it suitable for gaming and general use. If you're looking for something even more affordable, the Gigabyte M34WQ is another 34-inch option with similar specifications to the Dell S3422DWG, but it includes additional features such as a USB-C port and KVM switch, which can be useful for productivity.

Another budget-friendly option is to choose a dual-monitor setup. This can provide you with even more flexibility in terms of screen size and orientation. For example, you could pair your 38-inch monitor with a 27-inch monitor, adding significant width to your setup. A second 27-inch monitor can be a cost-effective way to increase your screen space without breaking the bank. Additionally, dual-monitor setups can offer advantages for multitasking and provide more locations to place windows.

If you're looking for a budget 4K monitor to pair with your 38-inch display, the Asus TUF Gaming VG289Q is a great option. With a resolution of 3840 x 2160, it offers sharp text clarity and vivid colours. It's an affordable option for gaming, media editing, and general use. Alternatively, if you're looking for an ultra-wide budget option, the LG 38WN95C-W is a 38-inch display that offers a good mix of gaming and office features. It has a high refresh rate, Thunderbolt 3 support, and gets bright enough to be used in well-lit rooms.

When deciding on a budget option to pair with your 38-inch monitor, consider your specific needs and how you plan to use the setup. For gaming and entertainment, look for options with high refresh rates and good motion handling. For office use and productivity, focus on text clarity, brightness, and additional features such as USB ports and Thunderbolt support.

Resolution

When it comes to resolution, pairing a monitor with a 38-inch display depends on your specific needs and preferences. Here are some considerations:

If you're looking for a gaming setup, a single ultrawide monitor with a high resolution can provide a seamless and immersive experience. The most common ultrawide resolution is 3440 x 1440, which is suitable for PC gaming. However, for consoles, you may encounter resolution issues, as consoles don't support ultrawide monitors, and you'll likely have to deal with letterboxing and lower resolutions.

On the other hand, a dual-monitor setup offers flexibility and a higher effective resolution. For example, two 27-inch 4K monitors provide an effective resolution of 7680 x 2160, giving you over 16 million pixels to work with. This setup is ideal for tasks that require high resolutions, such as ultra-HD video editing or creative work by photographers and artists.

It's worth noting that while dual monitors offer more pixels, they also come with potential drawbacks, such as bezel disruptions, configuration complexities, and higher costs.

If you're considering a dual-monitor setup, it's essential to ensure that your desktop or laptop can support multiple monitors. Additionally, you may need to invest in a third-party monitor stand or arm to ensure an optimal viewing experience.

In terms of specific monitor recommendations, the LG 38WN95C-W is a 38-inch display that offers a good mix of gaming and office features. While it has a lower resolution than some other options, it performs well in bright rooms due to its high brightness and decent reflection handling.

For a dual-monitor setup, the Asus TUF Gaming VG289Q is a 28-inch 4K monitor that can be purchased individually or as a pair, depending on your needs.

Ultimately, the decision between a single ultrawide or a dual-monitor setup depends on your specific requirements, available space, and budget.

Aspect ratio

When it comes to monitors, the aspect ratio is the relationship between the width and height of the screen, and it plays a crucial role in determining the optimal viewing experience. The aspect ratio is usually expressed as a ratio, such as 16:9 or 21:9, indicating the width and height of the display area.

The most common aspect ratio for monitors is 16:9, also known as widescreen. This aspect ratio is widely used because it matches the format of high-definition video content and is suitable for most applications, including gaming, video editing, and general computing tasks. However, in recent years, ultrawide monitors with a 21:9 aspect ratio have gained popularity, offering a wider field of view and an immersive viewing experience.

For a 38-inch monitor, the aspect ratio is typically 21:9, which falls into the ultrawide category. This means that the monitor is much wider than a standard widescreen display, providing extra horizontal screen space. Ultrawide monitors are particularly advantageous for certain use cases, such as gaming, where a wider field of view can enhance immersion and provide a competitive advantage by revealing more of the in-game environment.

However, it's important to note that an ultrawide aspect ratio can also present challenges. One issue is compatibility, as not all applications are optimised for a 21:9 aspect ratio. This can result in large empty areas on the screen or force the user interface to be squished to one side, requiring manual resizing of windows to maintain a functional layout. Additionally, ultrawide monitors may not be supported by all hardware, such as game consoles, which often default to a 16:9 aspect ratio when connected to an ultrawide monitor.

When pairing a monitor with a 38-inch display, it's essential to consider the aspect ratio of the secondary monitor to ensure compatibility and a seamless viewing experience. While a single ultrawide monitor provides a seamless display, a dual-monitor setup with different aspect ratios may result in an uneven or disjointed appearance, impacting the overall aesthetics and functionality of the setup. Therefore, for a harmonious dual-monitor configuration, users should opt for monitors with matching or complementary aspect ratios.

Use case

If you're looking for a monitor to pair with a 38-inch monitor, there are a few things to consider in terms of use case. Firstly, do you want to prioritise flexibility and multitasking, or immersion and simplicity?

If the former, a dual-monitor setup may be preferable. Adding a second monitor gives you more flexibility in terms of screen angles and orientation, and you can even use one screen in portrait mode to display documents or have social media or chat apps open. A dual setup also gives you more screen space, and more locations to place windows, which is great for multitasking. For example, if you're editing ultra-HD video, you can have a full-screen preview on one monitor while editing on the other.

However, dual monitors do have some drawbacks. You'll have the bezel running down the middle of the display, which can be off-putting, especially for gaming. You may also encounter issues with your operating system or applications not working as they should, and you'll have more display settings to configure.

An alternative is to pair your 38-inch monitor with an ultrawide monitor. Ultrawide monitors offer a more seamless, immersive experience, especially for gaming. They also have the benefit of being a single monitor, so you only need to worry about one display connection and one power cord, and you don't need to configure multiple monitors in your display settings.

However, ultrawide monitors also have their drawbacks. Apps are usually designed for a 16:9 widescreen aspect ratio, so you'll often end up with large empty areas or portions of the interface being forced to one side, which can be a waste of space.

In terms of specific monitor sizes to pair with a 38-inch monitor, you could go for a common 34-inch ultrawide, or a larger 40-inch or 45-inch monitor. If you're going for a dual-monitor setup, a pair of 27-inch monitors would give you plenty of screen space, or you could opt for a smaller size if you're limited on desk space.

Frequently asked questions