How to Choose an Ultrawide Monitor
Ultrawide monitors offer a wider field of view than standard displays, but not all ultrawides are created equal. Here are three key factors to consider before you buy.
1. Panel Type and Image Quality Panel technology makes a big difference. IPS panels deliver accurate colors and wide viewing angles, making them ideal for creative work. VA panels offer deeper blacks and higher contrast, which is great for movies and dark-themed games. For most people, IPS or VA will be the right choice — TN panels are rare in ultrawides and generally not worth considering.
2. Resolution and Refresh Rate At the 34-inch size, 3440x1440 is the standard and recommended resolution. If you plan to game on your ultrawide, look for a refresh rate of at least 100Hz for a smooth experience. Creative professionals may prefer a 60Hz panel with better color accuracy instead.
3. Connectivity and USB-C A USB-C port with Power Delivery can charge your laptop and carry the video signal over a single cable — a huge convenience boost. Check the wattage (65W or higher is ideal for most laptops). Also make sure the monitor has enough HDMI and DisplayPort inputs for all your devices.
Ultrawide Monitor Comparison Table
| Product | Price Range | Resolution | Panel | Refresh Rate | USB-C PD | Curve |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dell S3423DWC | ~$350 | 3440x1440 | VA | 100Hz | 65W | 1800R |
| LG 34WQ75C-B | ~$400 | 3440x1440 | IPS | 60Hz | 90W | 1800R |
| ASUS ProArt PA348CGV | ~$700 | 3440x1440 | IPS | 120Hz | 90W | 1900R |
| BenQ EW3880R | ~$650 | 3840x1600 | IPS | 60Hz | 60W | 2300R |
| Xiaomi Curved Gaming Monitor 34 | ~$300 | 3440x1440 | VA | 180Hz | No | 1500R |
Product Details
1. Dell S3423DWC — Best Value Pick
The Dell S3423DWC hits the sweet spot between price and features. Its VA panel delivers deep blacks and a 3000:1 contrast ratio that makes movies and dark scenes look stunning. The 100Hz refresh rate is smooth enough for casual gaming, and the 65W USB-C Power Delivery means you can charge most ultrabooks with a single cable. At around $350, it is tough to beat for everyday productivity and entertainment.
2. LG 34WQ75C-B — Best for Creative Work
LG’s 34WQ75C-B features an IPS panel with excellent color accuracy right out of the box, covering 98% of DCI-P3. This makes it a strong choice for photo editing, design work, and content creation. The 90W USB-C Power Delivery is generous enough to charge even larger laptops. If color accuracy matters more to you than high refresh rates, this is the monitor to get.
3. ASUS ProArt PA348CGV — Best All-Rounder for Professionals
The ProArt PA348CGV is built for creative professionals who also want a smooth computing experience. It combines factory-calibrated color accuracy (Delta E < 2) with a 120Hz refresh rate, so you get both precision and fluidity. The 90W USB-C, built-in KVM switch, and extensive connectivity options make it a true productivity powerhouse. It is the most expensive option here, but the feature set justifies the premium.
4. BenQ EW3880R — Best for Entertainment
The EW3880R stands out with its unique 3840x1600 resolution, which gives you extra vertical space compared to standard ultrawides. BenQ’s built-in treVolo speakers deliver surprisingly decent audio for a monitor, reducing desk clutter. The gentle 2300R curve and HDRi technology make it an excellent choice for movie watching and immersive content consumption.
5. Xiaomi Curved Gaming Monitor 34 — Best Budget Gaming Ultrawide
If gaming is your priority and budget is tight, the Xiaomi Curved Gaming Monitor 34 delivers a 180Hz refresh rate and AMD FreeSync Premium at an unbeatable price point. The aggressive 1500R curve wraps around your field of vision for an immersive gaming experience. It lacks USB-C connectivity, but at around $300 for a high-refresh ultrawide, that is a fair tradeoff.
Summary
If you can only pick one, go with the Dell S3423DWC. It offers the best balance of image quality, features, and price for most people. Creative professionals who need color accuracy should step up to the LG 34WQ75C-B or the ASUS ProArt PA348CGV, while gamers on a budget will love the Xiaomi Curved Gaming Monitor 34 for its blazing 180Hz refresh rate at a bargain price.