Why Choose an Ultrawide Monitor?
If you crave a vast expanse of usable screen real estate without the hassle of managing two separate displays, an ultrawide monitor is your ideal solution. These monitors feature a wider panel that delivers an immersive viewing experience and significantly more desktop space than a standard widescreen. Whether you're a gamer seeking cinematic visuals or a professional needing extra room for multitasking, ultrawide monitors offer a compelling alternative to dual-monitor setups.
How We Evaluate Ultrawide Monitors
At PCWorld, we've been covering PCs since 1983, and that includes dozens of monitors every year from all top brands. Our recommendations are based on hands-on testing by expert reviewers who apply not only performance benchmarks but also rigorous usability standards. For each ultrawide monitor, we assess image quality, motion clarity, connectivity, build quality, and value. Our goal is to help you find the best monitor for your specific needs—whether that's gaming, professional work, or everyday use.
Our Top Pick: Alienware AW3423DWF
Who Should Buy the Alienware AW3423DWF?
The Alienware AW3423DWF is a legendary monitor that will satisfy the widescreen needs of virtually anyone. It packs the incredible contrast and realism of OLED into a 34-inch widescreen panel, yet it's priced under $1,000. That's not inexpensive, but it offers better value than other OLED monitors currently available.
Image Quality and Performance
Image quality is where this monitor truly stands out. It delivers a vivid, immersive, and rich experience with deep black levels and bright highlights, enhanced by the display's glossy finish. Movies and games appear nearly three-dimensional—as if you're looking through a window, not at a monitor. The display supports an enhanced refresh rate of up to 165Hz, ensuring smooth motion clarity for fast-paced gaming.
Pros and Cons
- Pros:
- Excellent contrast ratio
- Top-notch color gamut and accuracy
- Great motion clarity
- Respectable HDR performance
- Extremely competitive price
- Cons:
- Stand is a bit too large
- No USB-C
- Maximum HDR brightness is lackluster
Where to Buy
Best Prices Today: Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide. Check availability at major retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, and Dell.
What to Consider When Buying an Ultrawide Monitor
When shopping for an ultrawide monitor, keep these factors in mind:
- Panel Type: OLED offers the best contrast and color, but IPS and VA are more affordable.
- Resolution: Common options include 2560x1080, 3440x1440, and 5120x2160 (5K2K). Higher resolutions provide sharper images but require more GPU power.
- Refresh Rate: For gaming, a 120Hz or higher refresh rate ensures smooth motion.
- Connectivity: Look for HDMI 2.1, DisplayPort, and USB-C with power delivery for modern devices.
- Curvature: A gentle curve (1800R or 1500R) enhances immersion without distortion.
Conclusion
Whether you're a gamer, content creator, or productivity user, an ultrawide monitor can transform your computing experience. Our top pick, the Alienware AW3423DWF, offers exceptional value with its OLED panel and competitive pricing. Explore other categories like budget-friendly options or 5K ultrawides to find the perfect match for your setup.