Buying guide for Best ultrawide monitors
An ultrawide monitor is a rectangular display with the proportions of a movie theater screen. If you are an avid gamer, creative professional, or someone who needs to multitask between two computer screens, an ultrawide monitor may be the best choice for you.
With so many ultrawide monitors available from major manufacturers such as Dell, Samsung, and Alienware — each with its own unique set of features, screen resolution, and specs — it can be difficult to determine which one belongs on your desktop. There are a few key tips to keep in mind when comparing various ultrawide monitors to make the search a bit easier.
What to consider when shopping for an ultrawide monitor
Resolution
Simply put, an ultrawide monitor’s resolution is measured by how many pixels make up its screen, and displays sporting a higher resolution feature smoother movement, a deeper contrast ratio between dark and light tones, and a wider color gamut. The most common resolutions available for ultrawide monitors are Full-HD (1080p), QHD (1440p), QHD+ (between 1440p and 4K), and the occasional 4K monitor.
Thrifty viewers can save a bit of money by purchasing an ultrawide monitor with a lower resolution. However, if you intend to buy a model for high-end gaming or watching streamed movies, a monitor with an especially high resolution is worth the investment for its accurate colors and superior picture quality.
Refresh rate
While the refresh rate of an ultrawide monitor is not the biggest factor for the average buyer, it may make all the difference for video game players. In a nutshell, a computer monitor’s refresh rate refers to how many times an image is displayed on screen per second.
A relatively lower refresh rate of 100 Hertz (Hz) is more than acceptable for web browsing, typing, and other basic tasks, but if you are buying an ultrawide monitor for PC gaming, you should not settle for anything less than a model with a 144Hz refresh rate. Premium gaming monitors are designed for a high refresh rate of up to 240Hz, providing consistently smooth visuals — especially for anyone who prefers to play online.
Screen size
An ultrawide monitor is larger than the average computer monitor by default, but if you want to get the most out of your new display, bigger is always better. Ultrawide monitors are available anywhere from 29 inches to over 49 inches, and while the extra-wide giants are especially pricy, they are usually loaded with the latest features and higher resolutions that are unavailable for their smaller counterparts. If you do not have space for a huge monitor setup or have no need for premium gaming features, it may be worth seeking out a more affordable ultrawide monitor.
Ports
Buying an ultrawide monitor with a wide variety of ports improves the chance that you will be able to easily plug and play a new device to your PC at a moment’s notice. For maximum connectivity, ultrawide displays should include one or more HDMI ports, USB-C ports, Thunderbolt 3 ports, and a DisplayPort.
Some users prefer to install a VESA mount to connect their ultrawide monitor to the wall as an ergonomic solution or to free up space on their desktop. If you plan on buying a VESA wall mount, double check to ensure it will fit your new ultrawide monitor before you buy.
HDR
Seeking out a high-resolution ultrawide monitor is a worthwhile investment for anyone who regularly plays PC games or watches streaming apps, but a model that features HDR support is even better. HDR is a display technology that presents lifelike levels of color and stark contrast levels between bright and dark tones for a crystal-clear and detail-rich picture.
Once you watch your favorite show or play your favorite video game with HDR enabled, you may find it difficult to go back to standard dynamic range. Keep in mind that an ultrawide monitor’s compatibility with HDR is often noted in different ways in its feature list, such as DisplayHDR or HDR10.
Most monitor producers now make ultrawide monitors. Thanks to the increase in supply, the price of ultrawide monitors has become more reasonable.
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Ultrawide monitor features
The deciding factor that may convince you to buy one ultrawide monitor over another may come down to the unique set of features it offers. Since each monitor’s feature list varies depending on manufacturer and model, it is a good idea to compare what each ultrawide monitor has to offer.
Curved display: The combination of an ultrawide display and curved screen delivers an immersive visual experience that video game and movie buffs will appreciate. Not only do these extra-long and curved displays envelop your peripheral vision for an engaging picture, but these pricey monitors are designed to minimize a viewer’s eye strain as well.
Gaming technologies: The best ultrawide gaming monitors incorporate premium technologies such as Nvidia G-SYNC, Adaptive Sync, and AMD FreeSync. These greatly reduce unsightly and distracting issues while playing such as screen tearing, stuttering, and input lag. If you regularly play intense online games, an ultrawide monitor designed with some of these helpful features is a must-have for a superior gaming experience.
Two screens in one: Multitasking professionals will enjoy the ability to work from a pair of computer screens on a single ultrawide monitor. After all, a single ultrawide display is easier on the eyes than looking between two monitors with a set of bezels between them, and having both screens on one monitor ensures resolution and color uniformity between PCs.
DID YOU KNOW?
Some ultrawide computer monitors are curved monitors for added quality. A curved gaming monitor or computer monitor caters to the shape of the human eye, delivering a more comfortable viewing experience.
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Accessories
HDMI cable
You will need an HDMI cable for transmitting your content. Some of them excel at delivering pristine 4K visuals. We appreciate it when companies offer their HDMI cables in several length choices. This makes it easier to tailor your setup exactly how you want it.
Wireless keyboard
If the quality of your old keyboard doesn’t match the quality of your new ultrawide monitor, it may be time to upgrade to a wireless keyboard. The best wireless keyboards are ergonomically designed for comfort. For added convenience, look for a keyboard with backlit keys so you can type in the dark.
Computer desk
If you’re upgrading your monitor, maybe it’s time to upgrade your computer desk, too. Look for something that will accommodate your new monitor while still giving you enough elbow room to be comfortable.
If you are interested in mounting your ultrawide monitor, purchase a mount that adheres to the interface standard established by the Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA). Look for the term “VESA” on the packaging or elsewhere in the product description.
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Ultrawide monitor prices
Inexpensive
Ultrawide monitors in the $150 to $300 range tend to be on the smaller side and support fewer features. Not that any ultrawide monitor is actually “small,” mind you, but these models offer noticeably less screen space than their more expensive counterparts. The majority of the monitors in this price range are between 25 and 34 inches.
Mid-range
The average user should be able to find a sizable ultrawide monitor with a range of useful features for anywhere between $300 and $600. Generally ranging between 34 and 49 inches, the ultrawide monitors in this price zone are often designed with the latest visual features, a high-resolution display, and an array of ports.
High-end
Buyers looking for a premium ultrawide monitor for high-end gaming and watching movies will find the best ultrawide models in the $600-and-up price bracket. These pricey monitors are worth the investment for entertainment enthusiasts, as their immersive curved displays, high refresh rates, and massive sizes set them apart from cheaper models.
Did you know?
An office space with dim lighting may cause eye strain and drowsiness, so set up your PC near a window to take in as much natural light as possible.
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Tips
- Keep ergonomics in mind. Anyone who works on a PC for hours on end should look for an ultrawide monitor with a highly adjustable stand. The idea is to be able to tilt and swivel the display to make it sit comfortably at eye level.
- Remember to think about desk space. No matter which ultrawide monitor you decide on, that extra screen real estate will take up additional desktop space, too. Note that you may need to rearrange your work area before setting up a new ultrawide monitor.
- Color calibration is quick and easy: Video editors, graphic designers, and other creative professionals should take time to calibrate their ultrawide monitor during setup. Its picture may seem excellent out of the box, but your monitor’s color range may appear more natural-looking after a quick calibration test.
- Double-check graphics card compatibility before you buy. It would be a shame if you bought a beautiful 4K HDR10 ultrawide display only to discover that your PC’s graphics card is unable to support it. Double-check that your graphics card can handle the ultrawide monitor you want, or consider upgrading your graphics card.
Three primary reasons why people invest in ultrawide monitors are for movie viewing, game play, and work.
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Other products we considered
In addition to the ultrawide monitors we’re endorsing on our shortlist, there were a few others that caught our eye. A unit we really like that sits more in the mid-range is the LG Curved Ultrawide QHD . The USB 3.0 quick-charge feature allows you to charge a smartphone or other peripheral up to four times faster than with a traditional USB port. Then there’s the LG UltraFine LED Monitor. This one is a masterpiece. Its HDR (high dynamic range) makes all of the colors of the spectrum, both light and dark, more accurate than most other monitors in any price range.
FAQ
Q. What is the safest way to clean my ultrawide monitor?
A. Applying cleaning chemicals or water to a sensitive display is not nearly as safe as rubbing away grime, dust, and fingerprints from your monitor with a simple microfiber cloth. Therefore, this is generally the practice we recommend. Of course, the very best policy is to read your user’s manual for the manufacturer’s cleaning recommendations.
Q. Do I need to change the settings on my computer to accommodate an ultrawide monitor?
A. Maybe. Some PCs will automatically adjust display settings to match your new ultrawide monitor, but it is a good idea to manually check to find the best settings for your monitor either way.
Q. I bought an ultrawide monitor for gaming. What other accessories should I get?
A. One of the best companion accessories for a gaming PC’s ultrawide monitor is a set of pulse-pounding and crystal-clear speakers. A premium set of speakers will allow you to hear the direction and footsteps of online opponents and allow players to become more immersed in their game worlds.
Q. How can I find a deal on a new ultrawide monitor?
A. If you can hold out for holidays and special sales such as Amazon’s Prime Day, you will find that many major retailers will deeply slash prices on a variety of ultrawide monitors.
