When it comes to computer monitors, size and resolution matter. But aspect ratio is a key consideration as well. More screen real estate can boost productivity as well as enhance gaming or movie watching. You can achieve this feat with a single large monitor, dual monitors, or an ultrawide. With a 21:9 aspect ratio, ultrawide monitors afford the benefits of a dual-monitor set up with the simplicity of one display. Check out the best ultrawide monitors for all uses and budgets in 2021!
What is an Ultrawide Monitor and What Should You Look for in a 21:9 Monitor?
Where once the 4:3 aspect ratio reigned supreme, 16:9 widescreens ushered in a new era of display technology. Essentially, 4:3 means that for every four inches of width, an image has three inches of height. So a 4:3 picture is roughly 33% wider than it is tall. Compare that to a 16:9 aspect ratio which features 16 inches of width for every 9 inches of height. An ultrawide further extends width with a 21:9 aspect ratio, which translates to 21 inches of width for every 9 inches of height.
When selecting an ultrawide monitor, you’ve got a lot to consider. Screen size is important, although it’s not the end-all-be-all. As ideal as a massive image is, resolution remains equally, if not more, important. A large, wide screen won’t look as crisp with a lower resolution. Response time and refresh rate are key, particularly for gamers. You’ll want to consider sRGB color gamut which tells how accurate color reproduction will be. And inputs/outputs (I/O) are important as well. Think about the number and type of inputs you’ll need. Plus, various inclusions such as onboard speakers might be useful, although you’re better off with a standalone set of speakers regardless.
What to look for in an ultrawide monitor:
- Screen size
- Resolution
- Response time
- Refresh rate
- sRGB color gamut
- Gaming technology i.e Nvidia G-Sync, AMD Free Sync
- Inputs and outputs (i.e. DisplayPort, HDMI, USB, USB-C)
- Price
- HDR or high dynamic range
Why Should You Buy an Ultrawide Monitor?
An ultrawide monitor offers many benefits. With a 21:9 monitor, you’ll gain valuable screen real estate which is ideal for office productivity. You can effectively replace a dual monitor set up for a simpler, cleaner configuration. And for gamers, many newer titles including Halo MCC, and Rise of the Tomb Raider maintain 21:9 compatibility. Therefore, you’ll gain a wider field of view. On the flip side, older apps might not scale properly, so those might require a bit of tweaking. And a dual monitor set up can be cheaper than springing for an ultrawide. But for gaming, office productivity, and general use, a 21:98 ultrawide is one of the best investments you can make.
21:9 ultrawide pros:
- Replace a dual-monitor set up
- Wide field of view
- Immersive gaming experience
- Good for movie watching
- Excellent for productivity with tons of screen real estate
Cons:
- Can be expensive
- Some older apps don’t scale properly and require tweaking
Best Ultrawide Monitor Overall – Samsung Odyssey Neo G9
The Samsung Odyssey Neo G9 is the best ultrawide monitor on the market in 2021. It features a massive 49-inch curved screen, mini LED panel technology for excellent color reproduction and brightness, plus a whopping 240Hz refresh rate. NVIDIA G-Sync and AMD FreeSync come standard for adaptive refresh rates which amplify your gaming experience. Similarly, a 1ms response time lets you game lag-free.
Its impressive 5120 x 1440 pixel resolution and whopping 32:9 aspect ratio provide the equivalent of two 27-inch standard 16:9 panels. Outfitted with a slew of gaming features, a mini LED screen, and HDR 2000, the Samsung Odyssey G9 delivers great color accuracy and brightness that looks flawless for everything from gaming to office productivity. Unfortunately, its price tag is pretty high – you can get a solid gaming laptop or desktop for the same cost. And it’s a fairly big monitor that borders on TV screen territory. For significantly less, you could get the Samsung Odyssey G9 (non-Neo) which opts for a QLED panel and a similar spec sheet. Still, if you want the best ultrawide monitor on the planet, it’s hands-down the Samsung Odyssey Neo G9.
Pros:
- 49-inch 5120 x 1440 32:9 aspect ratio curved panel
- NVIDIA G-Sync and AMD FreeSync variable refresh rate technology
- 240Hz refresh rate
- 2ms response time
- Excellent inputs/outputs (I/O): 1 x DisplayPort 1.4, 2 x HDMI 2.1, 2 x USB 3.0, 1 x 3.5mm headphone jack,
- Great connectivity – 1 x DisplayPort, 2 x HDMI 2.0, 1 x USB Type-C, 4 x USB 3.0
- HDR mode
Cons:
- Pricey
- Big
Best Budget Ultrawide – LG 34UM69G-B 34-Inch 21:9 UltraWide IPS Monitor
The LG 34UM69G-B is a versatile 34-inch ultrawide monitor. A full 1080p high-definition display, it uses IPS technology to deliver a crisp 2560×1080 picture in exquisite detail. There’s AMD Free Sync technology and a 75Hz refresh rate. Though it’s not certified as an Nvidia G-Sync monitor, unofficial G-Sync compatibility comes standard. Connectivity is solid with an HDMI 1.4, DisplayPort 1.2, and USB-C. There’s a height-adjustable stand, and its base comes in a V-shape. Its blisteringly-fast 1ms motion blur reduction makes the 34UM69G-B a fantastic gaming ultrawide monitor. What’s more, this LG 21:9 computer monitor packs a set of speakers.
Despite its video game-centric feature set and design which includes a v-shaped stand with a red-on-black accent, it’s a decent office monitor as well. With an sRGB color gamut rating of over 99%, image and video editing is flawless on the LG 34UM69G-B. The 34-inch screen size is great and should be fine for most users. Although the 2560×1080 resolution doesn’t disappoint, 4K or at least 1440p would be a worthy upgrade. And ports are pretty scarce with just HDMI, DisplayPort, and USB-C. Nevertheless, at under $400 USD the LG 34UM69G-B is a versatile, high-performing ultrawide monitor that’s just as comfortable gaming as it is displaying images and videos.
Pros:
- Budget pricing
- IPS
- Over 99% sRGB color gamut
- 34-inches
- 2560×1080
- FreeSync technology, unofficial G-Sync compatibility
- 75Hz refresh rate 1ms motion blur reduction
- Excellent for gaming
- Built-in speakers
Cons:
- Only 1080p resolution
- Built-in speakers are not great, but not terrible either
Best Cheap Ultrawide Curved Monitor – Sceptre C305B-200UN
At under $300, the Sceptre C305B-200UN is hands-down the best cheap ultrawide monitor on the market. Particularly for the price, it offers nearly unrivaled bang-for-your-buck. A full high-definition 2560×1080 curved ultrawide, the C305B-200UN features AMD Free Sync, a 5ms response time, and up to a 200Hz refresh rate with DisplayPort, and as much as a 165Hz refresh rate with HDMI. Connectivity is superb with three HDMI inputs, one DisplayPort, and an analog audio jack. Built-in speakers provide adequate sound quality, which is about on par with the industry standard. A blue light shift option lets you reduce eye strain. 90% sRGB reproduces accurate colors. And you’ll find LEDs on the backside of the monitor.
A solid gaming monitor, the Sceptre C305B-200UN is excellent for productivity as well. The 90% sRGB color gamut rating is a bonus for image or video editing. A bit higher, such as 95% or 99% is better for creatives, though the average user won’t notice a difference. Because the C305B-200UN is a VA panel, it sports the color accuracy of an IPS monitor along with modest viewing angles. The contrast ratio is top-notch. Connectivity blows even most high-end ultrawide monitors out of the water. With a whopping four inputs, you can hook up multiple PCs, game consoles, or streaming devices. Unfortunately, two of its three HDMI ports are limited to 75Hz, but with an HDMI clocked at 165Hz and a 200Hz-capable DisplayPort, gaming is a blast. In spite of a few compromises, the Sceptre C305B-200UN delivers an incredible 21:9 ultrawide experience.
Pros:
- Free Sync compatible
- Excellent connectivity – 3 x HDMI inputs, 1 x DisplayPort
- 165Hz refresh rate on one HDMI, 2 x HDMI ports @ 75Hz, and DisplayPort @ 200Hz
- 90% sRGB color gamut
- LEDs on the back of the monitor
- Curved display
- 30-inches
- VA panel
- Fast refresh rate, decent viewing angles, good color reproduction
- Built-in speakers
- 2560×1080 resolution
Cons:
- Only 90% sRGB color reproduction
- Viewing angles not as good as on an IPS display
- Onboard speakers are not audiophile quality
Best Ultrawide Gaming Monitor – Alienware AW3420DW
Alienware is a name synonymous with gaming excellence, and its AW3420DW is a top gaming ultrawide. Outfitted with a 3440×1440 resolution, you’ll find Nvidia G-Sync onboard alongside a 1mis response time with a 120Hz refresh rate. Because it uses IPS technology, the Alienware AW3420DW touts wide viewing angles and lovely color reproduction. Its 350-nit brightness and 1,000:1 contrast ratio further ensures a gorgeous picture. Inputs/outputs are plentiful with five USB ports, an audio out jack, headphone input, DisplayPort 1.2, and HDMI 1.4. Furthermore, the AW3420DW sports an impressive six physical buttons for tweaking settings such as dark stabilization, preset modes, and brightness.
However, the Alienware AW3420DW is admittedly pricey, often retailing for over $1,000. What’s more, port selection is decent, but at the price more than two video inputs are expected. You might also consider the Acer Predator x34 gaming ultrawide which can often be had for slightly cheaper. Nevertheless, the Alienware AW3420DW is a fantastic 21:9 monitor for gaming.
Pros:
- Nvidia G-Sync
- 1ms response time
- 120Hz refresh rate
- HDMI 1.4, DisplayPort 1.2
- 5 x USB ports
- 6 physical buttons, tons of settings to tweak
- 350-nit brightness, 1,000:1 contrast ratio
Cons:
- Expensive
- Port selection could be better
Best Ultrawide Monitor for Productivity – LG 38WN95C-W
The LG 38WN95C-W is the best ultrawide monitor for productivity. It boasts a 38-inch 21:9 curved 3840 x 1600 QHD+ resolution. An IPS display delivers superb color accuracy and deep, dark black levels. There’s a 144Hz refresh rate and low 1ms response time. Coupled with NVIDIA G-Sync and AMD FreeSync variable refresh rates, the 38WN95C-W is a good option for gaming.
Outfitted with a DisplayPort, a pair of HDMI ports, and a USB-C port with Thunderbolt 3 support, the LG 38WN95-C lets you hook up plenty of devices. Because of its extremely accurate color reproduction and wide color gamut, the LG is equally as comfortable displaying movies and games as it is for video or photo editing. Sadly, the contrast ratio is a bit low. And its local dimming performance leaves a bit to be desired. Nevertheless, the LG 38WN95C-W is a versatile ultrawide monitor for office productivity and entertainment.
Pros:
- 38-inch 3840 x 1500 resolution IPS display
- 144Hz refresh rate
- AMD FreeSync and NVIDIA G-Sync VRR
- 1ms response time
- Curved
- Great connectivity – 1x DisplayPort, 2x HDMI, 1x USB-C with Thunderbolt 3
Cons:
- Lacks HDR
- No Free Sync or G-Sync technology for gaming
Best High-end Ultrawide Monitor – MSI Prestige PS341WU
MSI’s Prestige PS341WU certainly lives up to the prestige in its name. Sporting a mind-blowing 5120×2160 resolution, this 21:9 ultrawide is a 5K2K screen. Boasting a 60Hz refresh rate and 5ms response time, its HDR implementation makes the 34-inch IPS monitor a superb choice. Nano IPS technology with a DCI-P3 color gamut combined with HDR means you’ll enjoy crisp, lifelike images. A pixel density of 163DPI blows the competition out of the water. As is to be expected, the PS341WU doesn’t run cheap, usually exceeding $1000, although it can be found for around $900 on sale. While HDR comes standard, its high dynamic range performance isn’t incredible. Yet, it should satisfy the majority of users. If 4K just won’t cut it, the MSI Prestige PS341WU is a must-buy.
Pros:
- 5K2K 5120×2160 resolution
- 60Hz refresh rate
- 34-inches
- IPS display
- Excellent connectivity – HDMI, DisplayPort, Thunderbolt
- 163DPI pixel density
- 98% DCI-P3 color gamut
- 5ms response time
Cons:
- Only 60Hz refresh rate
- Pricey
- HDR performance is average
Best Ultrawide Monitor for – Final Thoughts
With the rising popularity of ultrawide 21:9 monitors, there are loads of options to pick from. On the budget end, you’ll find solid 1080p 2560×1080 contenders such as the LG 34UM69G-B and Sceptre C305B-200UN. At 4K and up, the ASUS MX38VC or 5K2K MSI Prestige PS341WU both yield big, beautiful displays.
Your turn: Which ultrawide monitors do you recommend for 2021?
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