Ultrawide Monitor Buying Guide: 1080P Resolution Size Options

Ultrawide monitors are a class of displays with a 21:9 or 32:9 aspect ratio, providing more horizontal screen space than traditional 16:9 monitors. Ultrawide monitors are useful for those who like to have multiple windows open simultaneously and are great for gaming, content creation, and office work. The most common ultrawide monitor size is 34 inches, but sizes can range from 34 to 49 inches, with the latter being known as super ultrawide monitors. When it comes to resolution, a 1080p resolution on an ultrawide monitor is considered low and may result in pixelated text and images. Instead, a resolution of 1440p or higher is recommended for ultrawide monitors to ensure sharp text and images.

Ultrawide monitors for gaming

Ultrawide monitors are a great option for gaming, offering a more immersive experience than traditional 16:9 monitors. They are also less taxing on your graphics card and can be found at affordable prices.

When choosing an ultrawide monitor for gaming, there are a few key things to consider. Firstly, the aspect ratio. The most common aspect ratio for ultrawide monitors is 21:9, which provides a much wider field of view than traditional monitors. There are also super ultrawide monitors with a 32:9 aspect ratio, which offer even more screen real estate.

Another important factor is the resolution. A higher resolution will provide a sharper image and more detailed graphics. The most common resolution for ultrawide gaming monitors is 3440 x 1440, which offers a great balance between image quality and performance. However, if you're looking for an even higher resolution, there are options available with resolutions up to 7680 x 2160.

The size of the monitor is also an important consideration. Ultrawide monitors typically range from 34 inches to 49 inches, with 34 inches being the most common size. Larger monitors will provide a more immersive experience, but they will also take up more desk space.

In terms of specific monitor recommendations, here are a few options to consider:

• Samsung Odyssey Neo G9 G95NC: This monitor offers a gigantic 57-inch screen and an impressive pixel density, making it a great choice for those who want the ultimate ultrawide experience. It has a high resolution of 7680 x 2160 and a fast refresh rate of 240 Hz. However, it is quite expensive.
• ASRock Phantom PG34WQ15R2B: This monitor offers a 34-inch screen and a resolution of 3440 x 1440. It is a great budget option, frequently discounted, and offers excellent specs for the price.
• Dell Alienware AW3423DWF: This 34-inch monitor has a QD-OLED panel, providing exceptional picture quality with deep blacks and vivid colors. It also has a high refresh rate of 165 Hz and a fast response time, making it a great choice for gaming.
• LG 34GS95QE-B: This 34-inch monitor has a higher refresh rate of 240 Hz and a more aggressive curve, bringing the edges closer to your field of vision. It is a great choice for competitive gaming, but keep in mind that it doesn't have as vivid colors as some other options.
• ViewSonic Elite XG350R-C: This 35-inch monitor offers a great balance between price and performance. It has a resolution of 3440 x 1440 and a refresh rate of 100 Hz, making it a good option for entry-level gamers.
• Corsair Xeneon Flex 45WQHD240: This unique monitor has a bendable OLED panel that can be adjusted from a flat panel to a curved panel with an 800R curve. It has a large 45-inch screen and a fast refresh rate of 240 Hz, making it a great choice for those who want a premium gaming experience.

Ultrawide monitors for professional use

Ultrawide monitors are a great choice for professionals, offering a larger canvas for work and play. They are especially useful for multitaskers who like to have multiple application windows open side by side, or for those looking to replace a dual-monitor setup with a single monitor. Ultrawide monitors are also ideal for those who play video games and want a greater sense of immersion.

The two most common ultrawide aspect ratios are 21:9 and 32:9, with the latter being more extreme and sometimes referred to as "super ultrawide" or "super wide". Ultrawide monitors usually have a diagonal screen size of 34, 43, or 49 inches, with 49-inch models packing in the most pixels.

When choosing an ultrawide monitor for professional use, it is important to consider the resolution, size, display technology, screen curvature, refresh rate, ports, adjustability, contrast ratio, and color accuracy.

Dell UltraSharp 40 Curved Thunderbolt Hub Monitor (U4025QW)

The Dell UltraSharp 40 is a great choice for creative professionals, offering magnificent image quality, high contrast, and a high ultrawide resolution of 5120 x 2160. It has a large assortment of ports, including two Thunderbolt 4 connectors and six downstream USB ports, making it a solid match for the demanding workloads of creative pros.

Dell UltraSharp 38 USB-C Hub Monitor (U3824DW)

The Dell UltraSharp 38 is ideal for home offices or small businesses, offering a modestly curved 38-inch ultrawide screen that is more compact than larger productivity panels. It has a terrific range of ports and comes with the Dell Display Manager app, which provides great flexibility in tiling windows.

HP E45c G5 DQHD Curved Monitor

The HP E45c G5 is a 45-inch ultrawide productivity monitor with full sRGB color coverage and a range of connection choices, including dual USB-C ports that provide up to 100 watts of power delivery. It is a good fit for both traditional and home office settings, offering a bright image and good ergonomics.

Philips Brilliance 499P9H

The Philips Brilliance 499P9H is a 49-inch curved ultrawide monitor that is perfect for multitaskers, offering immense screen real estate and a 5K native resolution. It has good color fidelity, USB-C power delivery, and a built-in KVM switch.

LG 49WL95C-W

The LG 49WL95C-W is a 49-inch ultrawide monitor ideal for professionals who need to keep multiple windows open simultaneously. It has a vast screen area, good resolution, and a USB-C port that can charge devices while also transferring data. It also features a powerful speaker system, making it a good choice for watching videos or listening to music.

Asus ProArt PA348CGV

The Asus ProArt PA348CGV is a versatile 34-inch ultrawide monitor that is great for productivity, creative work, or gaming. It offers a sharp 3440 x 1440 display, accurate colors, and a 120 Hz refresh rate for smooth graphics and gaming. It has a variety of connection options, including HDMI, DisplayPort, and USB-C, and comes with a three-year warranty.

Asus ROG Strix XG349C

The Asus ROG Strix XG349C is a 34-inch ultrawide monitor that is ideal for gaming, offering a high refresh rate of 180 Hz and a deep curve for a more immersive experience. It produces beautiful colors and has a sturdy stand and a convenient USB hub. However, its USB-C port may not provide enough power to charge some laptops.

When choosing an ultrawide monitor for professional use, it is important to consider your specific needs and budget. Ultrawide monitors offer a range of features and capabilities that can enhance your workflow and provide an immersive viewing experience.

Ultrawide monitors for office use

Ultrawide monitors are a great choice for office use, providing more horizontal screen space compared to traditional 16:9 monitors. This means you can have multiple windows open simultaneously, making them perfect for multitasking and increasing productivity.

While many ultrawide monitors are designed with gaming in mind, there are also models geared specifically for office use, which tend to have higher resolutions and additional features. For example, the Dell U4025QW has a large 40-inch screen with a high 5120x2160 resolution, equivalent to an ultrawide 4K screen, resulting in extremely sharp text clarity. It also features a massive USB hub, including a USB-C port with Thunderbolt 4 support and up to 140W of power delivery, ideal for connecting power-hungry laptops.

Most ultrawide displays have a 34-inch screen size, but there are larger options available, known as super ultrawide monitors, which can be up to 49 inches. These larger monitors provide an immense viewing experience and are great for those who need to keep multiple windows open simultaneously. However, they also come with a premium price tag and require ample desk space.

When choosing an ultrawide monitor for office use, consider your budget, the available desk space, and your specific needs. If you require a high level of colour accuracy, for example, you may want to opt for a model with a higher resolution and better colour reproduction capabilities. Additionally, look for features such as USB hubs, adjustable stands, and picture-in-picture mode, which allows you to connect and use multiple devices simultaneously.

• Dell U4025QW: This monitor offers a large screen size, high resolution, and a range of connectivity options, making it a great choice for office work.
• HP E45c G5: With a 45-inch screen and full sRGB colour coverage, this monitor is ideal for those seeking a replacement for a dual-QHD-monitor setup.
• Philips Brilliance 499P9H: This 49-inch monitor is perfect for multitaskers, offering ample screen real estate and good colour fidelity.
• Dell UltraSharp 38 USB-C Hub Monitor (U3824DW): With a 38-inch screen and a wide range of ports, this monitor is well-suited for small or home offices.
• LG 34WN750 UltraWide QHD IPS Monitor: This monitor strikes a balance between features, quality, and pricing, making it a solid choice for creatives.
• BenQ EW3880R: This 37.5-inch monitor offers a subtle curve, flexible working space, and a built-in sound system, making it a good option for both work and media consumption.
• LG UltraGear 38GN950: With a fast refresh rate and response time, this monitor is ideal for gaming, but its high-quality display and colour accuracy also make it a good choice for content creators.
• AOC CU34G2X: This budget-friendly 34-inch monitor offers a high refresh rate and response time, making it a great option for gaming without breaking the bank.
• BenQ Mobiuz EX3410R: This 34-inch curved monitor is an excellent choice for gamers, offering a fast response time and good colour coverage, although it may require calibration for optimal results.
• Samsung Odyssey Neo G9: With its massive 49-inch screen and impressive features, this monitor is ideal for those seeking a premium experience, but it comes with a hefty price tag.

Ultrawide monitors for content creation

Ultrawide monitors are a great choice for content creators, offering a larger canvas for digital work and play. With their wider aspect ratios, usually 21:9 or 32:9, ultrawide monitors provide more horizontal screen space compared to traditional 16:9 monitors. This extra screen real estate is beneficial for content creators who need to work with multiple windows simultaneously, such as referencing multiple sources or comparing different versions of an image. The additional screen space can also be useful for viewing long video timelines.

When choosing an ultrawide monitor for content creation, there are several factors to consider:

Resolution

For content creation, a minimum resolution of 3440x1440 (or 2K) is recommended. This provides a sharper image and more usable screen space compared to 1080p (2560x1080) ultrawide monitors, which tend to have pixelated text and lower image quality.

Size

Ultrawide monitors typically range from 34 to 38 inches in diagonal screen size. While smaller options are available, the advantages of an ultrawide aspect ratio become more noticeable at 34 inches and above. If you require a smaller display, a 27-inch 4K monitor or a 24-inch monitor may be more suitable.

Display Technology

Ultrawide monitors typically use either IPS (in-plane switching) or VA (vertical alignment) panels. IPS panels offer more consistent colour reproduction and wider viewing angles, making them the preferred choice for content creation. VA panels have better contrast ratios but suffer from colour issues when viewed from an angle, which can be problematic for curved displays.

Refresh Rate and Adaptive Sync

A higher refresh rate, measured in hertz, can provide smoother scrolling and gaming experiences. For content creation, a refresh rate of 60Hz is standard, but rates of 120Hz or higher can be beneficial for smoother graphics and gaming. Additionally, adaptive sync technologies like FreeSync or G-Sync can help eliminate screen tearing in games.

Ports

When considering ports, ensure the ultrawide monitor has HDMI and DisplayPort connections. USB-C ports are also desirable as they can simultaneously transmit display signals and charge connected devices. USB 3.0 hubs are useful for connecting peripherals, as modern laptops often lack sufficient ports.

Adjustability

Look for ultrawide monitors with sturdy, adjustable stands that allow for height, tilt, and swivel adjustments. VESA support is also beneficial if you plan to mount the monitor on a monitor arm.

Contrast Ratio and Colour Accuracy

A higher contrast ratio makes it easier to see dark areas of the screen when watching movies or playing games. A ratio of 1000:1 or higher is typical for IPS panels. Colour accuracy is also important, especially if you don't plan to calibrate your monitor. Aim for a monitor that covers as much of the sRGB colour gamut as possible.

Dell UltraSharp 40 Curved Thunderbolt Hub Monitor (U4025QW)

The Dell U4025QW is a 40-inch curved ultrawide monitor with a high resolution of 5120x2160, resulting in sharp text and detailed images. It offers excellent connectivity with two Thunderbolt 4 ports and six USB downstream ports, making it ideal for creative professionals who require multiple connections. It also features a high refresh rate of 120Hz and excellent colour accuracy, making it a top choice for videographers and photographers.

Dell UltraSharp 38 USB-C Hub Monitor (U3824DW)

The Dell U3824DW is a 38-inch ultrawide monitor with a resolution of 3840x1600. It offers a wide range of ports, including HDMI, DisplayPort, and USB-C, making it versatile for different connection types. The IPS Black panel technology provides superior contrast and excellent colour accuracy, covering the full sRGB colour space. This monitor is a great choice for those seeking a balance between screen size and image quality.

Asus ProArt PA348CGV

The Asus ProArt PA348CGV is a versatile 34-inch ultrawide monitor with a resolution of 3440x1440, delivering sharp images and accurate colours. It offers a range of connectivity options, including HDMI, DisplayPort, and USB-C with 90W power delivery. The monitor also features four USB-A ports for peripherals. The flat display sets it apart from typical curved ultrawide monitors, making it a good choice for those who require straight lines in their work.

Acer Nitro XV275K P3biipruzx

While designed with gaming in mind, the Acer Nitro XV275K is also an excellent choice for content editing. It has a high 4K resolution, resulting in sharp and detailed images. The monitor delivers accurate colours in SDR and a wide range of vivid colours in HDR. Additionally, it features a USB-C port with DisplayPort Alt Mode and 90W power delivery, making it convenient for connecting and charging laptops.

ASUS ProArt Display PA279CRV

The ASUS ProArt Display PA279CRV is a mid-range option with a 4K, 27-inch screen. It offers similar specifications to the Acer Nitro XV275K but lacks a USB hub. However, it includes two USB-C ports, one of which supports DisplayPort Alt Mode and 90W power delivery. It also features Picture-in-Picture/Picture-by-Picture modes, allowing you to work with two sources simultaneously.

When choosing an ultrawide monitor for content creation, consider your specific needs regarding screen size, resolution, colour accuracy, connectivity, and adjustability. By selecting a monitor with the right combination of features, you can enhance your content creation workflow and improve your overall productivity.

Ultrawide monitors for media consumption

Ultrawide monitors are great for media consumption, offering a more immersive experience than traditional 16:9 monitors. With their wider aspect ratios of 21:9 or 32:9, ultrawide monitors provide more horizontal screen space, making them ideal for watching movies or playing games. The extra screen real estate also allows for easier multitasking, as you can have multiple windows open side by side.

When choosing an ultrawide monitor for media consumption, there are several factors to consider:

• Size: Ultrawide monitors typically range from 34 to 49 inches in size. Larger screens offer a more immersive experience but require more desk space.
• Resolution: Look for a resolution of at least 3440x1440 or higher. A higher resolution will provide sharper text and images.
• Refresh Rate and Response Time: A higher refresh rate and faster response time are important for smooth and responsive gaming.
• Panel Technology: IPS panels offer better colour accuracy and viewing angles, while VA panels have higher contrast ratios but suffer from colour issues when viewed from an angle.
• Curved vs Flat: Curved ultrawide monitors provide a more immersive experience but may not be suitable for certain types of creative work that requires straight lines, such as drawing or photo editing.
• Connectivity: Ensure the monitor has the ports you need, such as HDMI, DisplayPort, and USB-C.
• Dell Alienware AW3423DWF: This 34-inch monitor offers outstanding picture quality and is great for gaming and watching movies. It has a QD-OLED panel, a 165Hz refresh rate, and a fast response time.
• Samsung Odyssey OLED G9/G95SC S49CG95: A 49-inch super ultrawide monitor with a QD-OLED panel, a 240Hz refresh rate, and a built-in smart platform for streaming content.
• Asus ProArt PA348CGV: A versatile 34-inch monitor with a sharp 3440x1440 display, accurate colours, and a 120Hz refresh rate. It has a flat display, making it suitable for creative work.
• LG UltraGear 38GN950: This 38-inch monitor offers spectacular image quality, a fast 160Hz refresh rate, and great colour coverage, making it an excellent choice for gamers and creators.
• BenQ EW3880R: A 37.5-inch monitor ideal for work and media consumption, with a subtle curve, Ultra HD resolution, and eye-comfort features. It also includes a built-in 2.1 sound system.

Frequently asked questions