Best ultrawide monitors 2024: Let’s get large

The Alienware AW3423DWF is a legendary monitor. It packs the incredible contrast and realism of OLED in a 34-inch widescreen panel, yet it’s priced at just $1,099. That’s not inexpensive, but it’s better value than other OLED monitors available right now.

Image quality is where it stands out. 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 games seem nearly three-dimensional—as if you’re looking through a window, not staring at a monitor.

What’s the catch? The monitor is not bright, especially in SDR, so it’s a bad choice for a brightly lit room. We also noticed the OLED panel has trouble rendering small fonts smoothly. These are minor issues, though, and shouldn’t trouble most owners.

This monitor targets gamers, so it offers an enhanced refresh rate of up to 165Hz and supports AMD FreeSync Premium Pro for smooth frame pacing in games. However, its excellent image quality will be impressive in everyday use, as well.

It has good connectivity, with two DisplayPort inputs and one HDMI, as well as a USB-A hub with four ports. There’s even a healthy range of calibration options that help demanding owners dial in the image to their personal specifications.

The Gigabyte GS34WQC is a great budget ultrawide monitor. It has a sharp 34-inch ultrawide display panel that provides 3440×1440 resolution. It also delivers strong scores across contrast and color accuracy that frequently rival more expensive displays. The result is image quality comparable to many monitors sold for twice as much.

Motion clarity is strong, as well. The monitor has a 120Hz refresh rate, which can be overclocked to 135Hz, and supports AMD FreeSync for smooth and consistent gameplay. Camera pans deliver good detail and fast objects are easy to track. There’s better monitors for motion clarity, of course (similarly priced widescreen monitors can hit a refresh rate of 240Hz), but the GS34WQC’s results are solid for the price.

Gigabyte’s GS34WQC relies on a functional, though basic, design. The monitor’s build quality is commendable and includes a robust stand. Assembling the stand is a hassle, as you must manually attach four screws. Most competitors have a clip-in stand that can be assembled without tools. Fortunately, the GS34WQC has an intuitive menu system with extensive customization options that help gamers customize the visuals to their preference.

But the GS34WQC’s best trait is undeniably its price. The monitor carries an MSRP of $330 and can be had for even less on sale. It’s not the least expensive ultrawide available but it easily beats the image quality of its less expensive ultrawide competitors.

The LG Ultragear 34GN850-B, released in 2020, was once the king of ultrawide gaming. It was dethroned by Alienware’s AW3423DWF—and as a result LG has slashed the price. Originally $999.99, this monitor is now available for $699.99 (and sometimes less).

That’s great news. Although surpassed by the Alienware, LG’s Ultragear 34GN850-B is an attractive monitor with excellent color performance, good image clarity, and a bright, vivid picture. It has an enhanced refresh rate of up to 144Hz (with a 160Hz overclocked mode) and supports both AMD FreeSync and Nvidia G-Sync for smooth gameplay.

Its weakness? Contrast. The IPS panel scores lower in contrast than other monitors on this list, including the Asus ProArt PA348CV, which also has an IPS panel. The image can look hazy in darker scenes.

Connectivity is respectable with two HDMI ports, one DisplayPort, and two-port USB-A hub for connecting wired peripherals. The monitor also retains many of the features that would be expected of a high-end monitor including a sturdy ergonomic stand and attractive design. 

The Dell Ultrasharp U4025QW is an excellent ultrawide monitor with 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 features, too.

Visually, the U4025QW is a treat, offering unparalleled sharpness and an expansive workspace that enhances productivity and elevates entertainment. The monitor’s impressive 120Hz refresh rate is a rare find at this resolution, ensuring smooth motion on the Windows desktop and in games. It even has an IPS Black display panel, which improves contrast and delivers a more realistic, immersive image.

The U4025QW’s connectivity is extensive. 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 features like picture-in-picture and picture-by-picture modes.

That’s not to say it’s perfect. 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. But the most serious downside is the price, which soars close to $2,000. But if you want a big, sharp monitor to serve as the focal point for a desktop command center, the Dell Ultrasharp U4025QW is worth it.

The Philips Evnia 8000 takes the crown as the ultimate big-screen, super-ultrawide monitor. This 49-inch QD-OLED monitor combines top-notch design and extensive connectivity with impressive image quality.

Philips nails the design with the Evnia 8000. The sleek white-and-silver aesthetic and geometric rear panel stand out in any setup. Although the ergonomic stand requires more desk space than some might prefer, it offers height, tilt, and swivel adjustments. The enjoyable 30-watt speaker system delivers clear, loud audio, and the ultra-bright Ambiglow lighting system provides customizable RGB LED backlighting.

Connectivity is a perk. It features multiple HDMI 2.1 ports, DisplayPort 1.4, and a USB-C port with 90W Power Delivery, catering to a wide range of devices from gaming PCs to work laptops. The monitor also includes a USB hub with four USB-A ports and an additional USB-C port, making it easy to connect peripherals like keyboards, mice, and webcams.

Image quality doesn’t disappoint. The display has 5120×1440 resolution and a 240Hz refresh rate for vibrant visuals and smooth, responsive motion. The monitor also excels in contrast and color accuracy.

The Philips Evnia 8000 is priced at an intimidating $1,350, but it’s not a bad value for what it offers. Its size, connectivity, and image quality make for an impressive yet versatile display.