The Best Ultra-Wide Monitors
Welcome to the future. Whether you're a gamer, designer, programmer, or an everyday Joe or Joan, you probably know (or will be pleased to learn) that you can get yourself an ultrawide monitor for a more-than-decent price these days. Rather than breaking the bank (or altogether robbing it), we thought it'd be a nice thing to do to review a few of our favorite ultra-wide monitors. With hundreds on the market today, it's all too easy to get washed away in a sea of infinite options. Rather than spinning out into a state of vertigo, take it easy as you read through our concise reviews of a few of the best ultra-wide monitors out there today. We've ranked them for their image quality, features, and, of course, their cost value.
Sceptre C305B-200UN (30-Inch)
The Jack of All Trades
So let’s say you’re new to this crazy world of ultra-wide monitors. What are all these technical abbreviations? There are RTS and FPS and AMD and a hundred other pieces of tech jargon that seem like utter nonsense. Not to worry: if this nomenclature goes over your head, you’re not alone. With this 30-inch model, Spectre has created a unit that appeals to everyone – not just those of us with a degree in computer science. If you’re looking to get yourself a more-than-decent monitor for an excellent price, just know that the specs are solid and the reputation is strong with this one.
Pros:
- Refresh rate can go all the way up to 200Hz, which is a very impressive feat for a monitor of this price
- VESA wall-mount compatible
- Blue light shift option reduces the strain on your eyes so that you can comfortably play for longer
Cons:
- Utilizing more plastic components than one would hope for, the build quality isn’t excellent
LG 34WN80C-B (34-Inch)
Such Lovely Curves
Measuring in at 34 inches in width, this beautifully curved beast has won the hearts of customers the world over. Produced by one of the world’s most trusted electronics manufacturers, this monitor offers numerous attractive features, including USB-C connectivity (that’s for you, Macbook users), on-screen control (such as screen split), and HDR-support.
If you’re a video-editor, rejoice, because this one is bound to serve you excellently. Considering its cost, many editors find that this monitor more than exceeds expectations. What’s more, this thing is truly gigantic, so expect to have enough real estate to cover whatever your needs might be.
Pros:
- The borderless design makes it not just efficient space-wise, but also aesthetically-pleasing
- Not prone to light-bleeding like other similar monitors are
- Excellent color display
Cons:
- It’s not Picture-by-Picture-compatible. PbP offers you the ability to display two different input sources on the same screen (though most people don’t need this).
BenQ EX3501R
No Funny Business
It’s not all fun and games, folks. When it comes down to it, you and I both have to pay the bills. For business-minded professionals, the BenQ EX3501R is the model that’s going to help you to do that. Designed with work in mind, this one is not just a great workplace companion, but it’s also a fantastic performer in terms of cost value. Make your dollar stretch so you can work a tiny bit less, right?
Thanks to its wide viewing angles, this monitor is excellent for those who work in collaborative offices, as you can have multiple coworkers looking at your screen from over your shoulder without worrying about the image blurring out. And as far as color vibrancy and accuracy is concerned, well, rest assured that it’s a champion in its price point. It’s also compatible with HDMI, USB-C, DisplayPort, and more, so Mac-loving commuters can plug in a Macbook Pro without a second thought.
Pros:
- Can be easily adjusted on either a height or tilt axis to ensure the angle is just right for your needs
- The screen brightness automatically adapts to in-room lighting to reduce eye strain
- Available in either a 32″ or 35″ option, so if you need a huge monitor, the option is there
- Excellent contrast
Cons:
- Can not be mounted via VESA mount out of the box, unfortunately
LG 29WK600-W (29-Inch)
Let's Not Complicate Things
The ideal entry-level option for a newcomer in the world of ultra-wide monitors, this one costs much less than you might expect. Capable of running up to 75Hz (though set at 60Hz by default), it’s responsive enough to use for most games. Better yet, its frame rate is bolstered by AMD FreeSync, which works to eliminate screen tearing and stuttering. If you’ve ever had an outdated monitor that’s ill-suited to the needs of your game, you’ll know that any tech that helps avoid that dreaded stuttering is a godsend when it comes to fast-paced games.
Pros:
- Affordable, so it should fit in most budgets
- Brightness is excellent, especially for a monitor in this price range
- Compatible with HDR 10, which is the industry standard
Cons:
- The stand is not the sturdiest, so the monitor may wobble a bit if you strike your keyboard aggressively in moments of agitation or excitement
Samsung 49-Inch CRG9 Curved Gaming Monitor
It’s simple: in the world of ultra-wide monitors, there are those who like them and those who really like them. If you fall into the latter camp, you know that there is a broad line between an entry-level monitor and a professional-grade unit. Heck, even a mid-tier monitor falls way short of the cream of the crop. If you’re done playing games (well, not literally), you’re going to want to look into this one. Beloved within the gaming community, Samsung’s CRG9 is a massive ultrawide screen with a lightning-fast refresh rate of 120Hz and a snappy response time of 4ms. And with FreeSync 2 and HDR capabilities, this monitor is unstoppable.
Pros:
- In conjunction with AMD’s FreeSync 2 technology and fast refresh rate of 120Hz, the display on this beauty is bound to give gamers a competitive advantage
- Fabulous curvature provides the ideal balance between ocular ease and viewing width
- Samsung is a renowned name in the world of computer displays, so you know you’re getting the best
Cons:
- Quite costly, but if you’re looking for the best of the best, it’s a worthwhile investment
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the benefits of a flat monitor versus a curved one?
It’s believed that, when they’re designed correctly, curved monitors are easier on the eyes. The curved shape interacts with the shape of the eyeball in a more natural way than is the case with a flat-screen, so the result is less strain and heightened immersion. However, the downside is that the viewing angles are often inferior to flat screens. You’ll have to position yourself right in the center of the action to get the full effect.
What’s all this talk about VESA mounting? What does it mean?
If you’d prefer to mount your monitor on a wall or a long, flexible arm, there are accessories available to allow you to do that. Your best bet is to make sure your monitor is VESA-mountable.
The VESA Mounting Interface Standard is a universal standard used to determine whether certain accessories are compatible with your monitor. If they’re VESA-mount friendly, that means that the hardware has been designed with the VESA standards in mind. This includes the size of the screw holes and things of that nature.
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With the constantly shifting landscape in the world of technology, GameRevolution seeks to provide gamers and tech-enthusiasts with the information they need to select the right products for their needs. Since 1996, our experts have used their knowledge on all the latest gadgets – everything from headphones to standing desks – to help millions of people navigate specs and answer common questions.