Best ultrawide monitor 2024: Go big and wide this year

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Alienware 34 AW3423DW QD-OLED

(Image credit: Future/Jeremy Laird)

1. The quick list
2.
Best for gaming
3. Best for most
4. Best curved
5. Best OLED
6. Best 120Hz
7. Best value

At a glance, the best ultrawide monitor options may look a little strange, but they're actually your ticket to a more immersive gaming experience. The wraparound qualities of many wide, curved panels out there can bring something to the table (desk) that will change the way you play, especially if they're large enough to envelop your view. Of course, extra-wide panels are also more than just a visual novelty, as many models will provide you with all the features and space you need to wield a multi-display setup using only one panel.

There's a good reason ultrawide screens are included in our best gaming monitor list, and while the extra width may feel intimidating, the benefits are undeniable. Before the dawn of wider displays, using anything over 40-inch at your desk was considered a little odd, but now, massive displays are both commonplace and super functional. That's largely thanks to the ever growing list of games, like Cyberpunk 2077, with ultrawide aspect ratio support, and Windows 11 now directly supports splitting up your workspace across a wider space.

In a bid to help you find the perfect panel, we've whipped up a collection our the best ultrawide monitor options available in 2024. From curved screens that'll wrap you in immersive visuals to high resolution displays that span across your entire horizon, there's something to suit every setup out there. As always, we've also made sure to include models that cater to all budgets, meaning you won't have to upset your band account to upgrade.

The quick list

The best ultrawide monitor for gaming

The best ultrawide monitor for gaming

Specifications

Screen size: 34”
Aspect ratio: 21:9
Resolution: 3440 x 1440 at 175Hz
Brightness: 1,000 nits peak HDR
Response time: 0.1ms
Viewing angle: 178° H&V
Contrast ratio: 1,000,000:1
Features: QD OLED panel, 99.3% DCI-P3, Nvidia G-Sync Ultimate, DisplayPort 1.4 x1, HDMI 2.0 x2, USB hub, AlienFX lighting

Reasons to buy

+
Fabulous OLED panel
+
Incredible pixel response
+
True HDR performance

Reasons to avoid

-
Less convincing as a desktop monitor
-
Not the lowest latency option
-
Not exactly cheap

The new Alienware 34 AW3423DW QD-OLED monitor has rocketed up the internet's gaming monitor guides and rightfully sits atop our best ultrawide monitor pile. The new QD-OLED technology has finally come to gaming screens, and it delivers absolutely.

This screen has better contrast and a faster response than any LCD panel we’ve ever seen. In our testing, everything just looked richer, more convincing, and more immersive - and faster, sharper, and even clearer.

Only a couple of things are present that really raise the eyebrow - and even then it's not by much. The supposedly brighter HDR 1000 mode actually results in a picture a little duller than the more usable HDR 400 setting. The slightly low pixel density also means this isn’t absolutely perfect as an all-purpose display, and, if we're nit-picking, which we are, higher refresh panels will offer better latency. 

But for most types of gaming and productivity, and all-around use, this monitor is an absolute revelation. Easily the best ultrawide monitor you can buy right now and one of only a few panels to receive a perfect score from us.

Read more: Alienware AW3423DW QD-OLED review

The best ultrawide monitor for most

The best ultrawide monitor for most people

Specifications

Screen size: 34"
Aspect ratio: 21:9
Resolution: 3440x1440
Refresh rate: 144Hz
Brightness: 300 cd/m2
Response time: 1ms
Viewing angle: 178°
Contrast ratio: 3000:1
Features: FreeSync, VA panel, 4x USB 3.0 ports

Reasons to buy

+
144Hz and 1ms are the best specs for gaming
+
In-game performance in shooters and racing games is sublime
+
Ridiculously good value

Reasons to avoid

-
Color isn't quite as vibrant as some other monitors

No one would blame you for thinking, at least initially, that the best ultrawide monitors will cost you an arm and a leg - and that is true to an extent, But the AOC CU34G2X is here to firmly buck that trend. Simply put, if you want to reap the benefits of an ultrawide display but you don't want to fork out the big bucks, then this is the screen you've been looking for.

It's not got any flashy, attention-grabbing design quirks, but upon closer inspection, it has specs inside that will get you excited - even if you're a twitchy or competitive gamer. The CU34G2X offers both a 144Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time – two of the most important specs for speedy gaming, which means that - as well as the gorgeous ultrawide resolution and picture - you can be sure you're playing at high speeds too. 

Unfortunately, the AOC CU34G2X does lack a little when it comes to color vibrancy and HDR performance, but that's a compromise we're willing to make in order to get the rest of the specs, and that tremendous ultra-widescreen in a monitor that falls under the $500/£500 mark. A brilliant entry point into the best ultrawide monitor market, and the perfect place to start for anyone considering upgrading from, or making a change from, a 1080p or 1440p screen.

Read more: AOC CU34G2X review

The best curved ultrawide monitor

Samsung Odyssey OLED G9 49-inch panel up close

(Image credit: Future / Jeremy Laird)
The best curved ultrawide gaming monitor

Specifications

Screen size: 49-inch
Screen type: OLED
Resolution: 5120x1440
Brightness: 250cd/㎡
Response time: 0.03ms GtG
Viewing angle: 178°
Contrast ratio: 1,000,000:1

Reasons to buy

+
Staggering 49-inch OLED panel
+
Stupendous image quality
+
Some nice extras

Reasons to avoid

-
Ultrawide aspect ratio is not always ideal
-
Smart features are a bit pointless

It's large and in charge, and at 49-inches, the Samsung Odyssey OLED G9 is our favorite curved ultrawide monitor at the moment. It has plenty of other great specs in its arsenal too, but it provides an immersive experience that trumps both its curvy rivals and flat alternatives on the market.

The OLED G9 is far from perfect, and its price means many of you probably won't even consider this display. However, it does rise to the OLED challenge presented by LG, and we're thoroughly impressed by the screens HDR performance and outrageous contrast. Arguably, it could be the last screen you have to buy for a while too, but only if you're looking to invest a substantial amount of money in your setup. 

If price is the only thing stopping you picking up this display, you'll be pleased to know that a cheaper version without smart features is on the way. For whatever reason, this one has streaming services and the likes build in, meaning it's almost a gaming TV. These features are arguably a little redundant redundant given you'll likely hook it up to a powerful rig, and the monitor's OSD leaves a lot to be desired.

In truth, we're slightly torn on whether the Odyssey OLED G9 or the LG UltraGear 45GR95QE-B is our absolute go to curved gaming monitor at this sort of price point. Ultimately, the G9 wins us over on the ultrawide front, but playing games like Cyberpunk 2077 on Samsung's screen proves its also a winner on the OLED front. 

Read more: Samsung Odyssey OLED G9 review

The best OLED ultrawide monitor

LG UltraGear 45GR95QE with Halo Infinite gameplay on screen

(Image credit: Future / Phil Hayton)
The best OLED ultrawide monitor

Specifications

Screen size: 45-inch
Panel type: OLED (800R curve)
Aspect ratio: 21:9
Resolution: 3440 x 1440
Refresh rate: 240Hz
Response time: 0.03ms GtG
Brightness: 200 cd/m²
Contrast ratio: 1,500,000:1
Features: 2x HDMI 2.1, 1x Display Port 1.4, 2x USB-A, 3.5mm headphone, optical output

Reasons to buy

+
Gorgeous 45-inch OLED display
+
Immersive ultrawide curve
+
Effective RGB backlighting

Reasons to avoid

-
Beyond expensive
-
1440p slightly soft at this screen size

The LG UltraGear 45GR95QE-B is one of the best OLED screens we've tested this year, and it brings an immersive curve and ultrawide brilliance to the table too. Whether you're into a fast paced FPS games or immersive adventures, this screen is going to help your Steam library shine.

Measuring in at 45-inches, it's only slightly smaller than its gargantuan 49-inch Samsung rival. It's 1440p, but the panel delivers surprisingly sharp image quality despite its lower resolution. Not to mention its OLED abilities really pack a punch, breathing life into games like Cyberpunk 2077 during testing. 

Nice to have extras like an included remote and impressive RGB lighting round the back - feats that help the UltraGear 45GR95QE-B stand out in a busy market. Its 800R curve also earns it a place on this specific list, as it provides a wrap around effect that'll engross you in your favorite adventures. Both this screen and the Samsung OLED G9 offer a very similar experience for roughly the same price, but LG's display edges slightly forward when it comes to OLED brilliance. 

Read more: LG UltraGear 45GR95QE-B review

The best 120Hz ultrawide monitor

The best 120Hz ultrawide monitor

Specifications

Screen size: 49"; 1800R curve
Panel type: VA
Aspect ratio: 32:9
Resolution: 5120 x 1440
Refresh rate: 212Hz
Response time: 4ms
Brightness: 600 nits
Contrast ratio: 3000:1
Features: FreeSync 2, 4x USB 3.0 hub, VESA 100mm x 100mm

Reasons to buy

+
Epic 49-inch panel
+
120Hz refresh

Reasons to avoid

-
Low pixel density
-
Doesn’t suit all games

At 49 inches - count them! - Samsung CRG9 is positively huge. It’s also immensely bright at 1,000nits - though that only applies to local hotspots, rather than panel wide. Finishing up the specs behind that you have excellent claimed colour fidelity with 95 percent coverage of the DCI-P3 gamut, a 3,000:1 static contrast from the VA panel, a 120Hz refresh, and a gentle 1800R. All in Samsung styling - it really is, still, a great shout for the best ultrawide monitor you can get in 2022.

We've bumped it below its Neo successor and some other models as there are a few caveats - as well as it being a bit 'old' now: there's no 'true' HDR capability despite the claims (in part due to the limited number of local dimming zones), and there’s no USB-C connectivity. The CRG9 is also not the absolute fastest in terms of pixel response now, but it’s reasonably quick, and most gamers and users won’t care. Instead, they’ll be blown away by the ridiculous scale of this monitor and the mind-blowing, immersive experience. 

Now, the 21:9 aspect certainly doesn’t work well in all games, and it's a bit compromised back on the Windows desktop, and the massive resolution does end up lacking in some pixel density, but when this thing really clicks, it’s an all-consuming experience like little other and earns its place in the best ultrawide monitor conversation.

Read more: Samsung CRG9 review

The best value ultrawide monitor

The best value ultrawide monitor

Specifications

Screen size: 44.5-inch
Panel type: VA
Aspect ratio: 32:9
Resolution: 5120 x 1440
Refresh rate: 170Hz
Response time: 1ms GtG
Brightness: 450cd/m²
Contrast ratio: 3000:1
Features: 2x HDMI 2.1, 1x Display Port 1.4, 4x USB-A, 1x USB-C, Ethernet, 3.5mm auxiliary audio output

Reasons to buy

+
Panoramic aspect ratio
+
Build in USB-C hub
+
KVM abilities

Reasons to avoid

-
Washed out colors
-
Resolution soft at this size

It's not a heavy hitter when it comes to visuals, but the Lenovo Legion R45w-30 is one of the best value ultrawide monitors that's packed with features. For a chunk under $1,000, you're getting premium perks we normally only see in the most expensive models, not to mention it's ridiculously big and wide.

Opting for an extra long 32:9 aspect ratio, it's safe to say the Legion R45w-30 wants you to know it's an ultrawide display. Measuring in at 44.5-inches, it's going to dominate the horizontal width of your gaming desk, providing as much room as two small gaming monitors. It also does so while still remaining relatively slick, but it does have some extra junk in the trunk thanks to the fact it's a VA panel.

If you have more than one machine at your desk, the Legion R45w-30 will happy accommodate them all. In fact, you'll be able to hook up your PC, console, and even a Steam Deck and instantly switch your entire setup to each thanks to integrated KVM and USB-C hub abilities. You don't technically even have to stick with one input, as dual screen mode will let you segment the screen and display any of your connected inputs.

While the Legion R45w-30 is fantastic value, it does fall short when it comes to contrast and colors. That's not to say you'll notice if you're not used to using an OLED screen or something with more of a punch, but it definitely falls short compared to other screens on this list. 1440p also looks a bit soft at this size, which is a sin other displays a guilty of, but absolutely applies to Lenovo's setup too.

If you're looking get plenty of features without spending well over a grand, the Lenovo Legion R45w-30 is well worth considering. Its unique aspect ratio won't be for everyone, but it'll add something a bit extra to setups designed around panoramic immersion and productivity. 

Read more: Lenovo Legion R45w-30 review

Best ultrawide monitor: FAQs

Is it worth buying an ultrawide monitor?

One of the best ultrawide monitors is a different experience for sure, from the traditional screens - but our money is on you not looking back once you've done it. The extra screen real-estate, the wider resolution, and the fact that you can absorb more, all while being immersed even more in games and movies  - and productivity - means that it is absolutely worth buying an ultrawide monitor.

And with increasing value-busting options on the table, there's never been a better time to try and move over to an ultrawide.

What is the best size for an ultrawide monitor?

As well as knowing your work and play-space limitations in a literal, size-based way, the best ultrawide monitor as far as size goes is going to be intrinsically linked to the budget - the connection between larger curved screens and larger price tags still tracks here.

Generally, the sweet spot is the 34- or 35-inch mark as these can have really great, aggressive price points. Once you go up to 38 and above, there is a significant and steep price rise generally. 

Those 49-inchers are colossal though so if you want a bit of desk space then these might be too large. I really value the extra size a 38-inch gives over a 34-inch even though it isn't too much in reality - the ultrawide resolution usually does the business and the talking in either, or any, size.


What size ultrawide monitor is best for work?

It's true that away from gaming, the best ultrawide monitors can be brilliant for work - from everyday office-based work tasks to professional content creation and design. One ultrawide can often do the job of two separate monitors too, which makes them appealing from a tidiness perspective, then throw in the enormous screen real estate you can get, genuinely good screen specifications, and you're away.

In terms of particular sizes, there's no question that the massive 49-inch models can be great for productivity as well as gaming, but the price tags are often prohibitive. We really like the 38-inch size of ultrawide monitors as they are incredibly capacious but without dominating the desk - but this size still does represent a point at which the prices jump. Therefore, with value factored in, we think that those ultrawide monitors in the 34/35 inch size range are the perfect ones for work as well as play. Sure, if you have the budget to go bigger, we would generally say it'll be worth it (no one has ever complained of their TV or monitor being too big, right?), but for most folks, the bang for buck value at the 34/35 inch range is excellent.

Which is the best ultrawide monitor?

The best ultrawide monitor for you will be one that hits a few key criteria that are specific to you - and will hopefully be on this list of our picks for the best ultrawide monitor!

In reality though, chances are if you're thinking about one of the best ultrawide monitors then you may have an idea about some of the specifications you want, need, and can house. It's probably wise to think about size first as this basically governs everything else, and certainly price, so once you've narrowed that down, you can focus on getting the right specs, curvature, make, and model for you.

How we test gaming monitors at GamesRadar+

Why you can trust GamesRadar+ Our experts review games, movies and tech over countless hours, so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about our reviews policy.

Between our on-team staff and our roster of expert freelance writers, every ultrawide monitor is treated just like every other monitor that comes our way: it's subject to the same kind of deep scrutiny to get to the bottom of its good bits, and not-so-good bits. 

We spend hours and hours testing each monitor, living with it where possible, and using it as our everyday screen for work and play. As a result, we test work and productivity functionality to give you an idea as to whether you can rely on it for the more mundane things, and then we play and run a big batch of games on the screens to ensure it provides good performance, no matter the price point or feature set. When it comes to games, we test single-player expansive games like RPGs and strategies to examine their detail, colour, and image quality, while also ensuring we test them with online and competitive shooters to see how they hold up when speed is key.

For more information, you can read more on How we test monitors at GamesRadar+ here, and for an overview of our approach to gaming tech then you can check out our full Hardware Policy


If you're after a new gaming screen that more TV-shaped then head over to our best gaming TV guide as well as checking out our best TV for PS5 and Xbox Series X, best OLED TV, and best 120Hz 4K TV guides which will all see you right and lay out some quality options across the budget range.

Phil Hayton
Hardware Editor

I’ve been messing around with PCs, video game consoles, and tech since before I could speak. Don’t get me wrong, I kickstarted my relationship with technology by jamming a Hot Wheels double-decker bus into my parent’s VCR, but we all have to start somewhere. I even somehow managed to become a walking, talking buyer’s guide at my teenage supermarket job, which helped me accept my career fate. So, rather than try to realise my musician dreams, or see out my University degree, I started running my own retro pop culture site and writing about video games and tech for the likes of TechRadar, The Daily Star, and the BBC before eventually ending up with a job covering graphics card shenanigans at PCGamesN. Now, I’m your friendly neighbourhood Hardware Editor at GamesRadar, and it’s my job to make sure you can kick butt in all your favourite games using the best gaming hardware, whether you’re a sucker for handhelds like the Steam Deck and Nintendo Switch or a hardcore gaming PC enthusiast.

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