An ultrawide monitor replaces two monitors without the bezel gap in the middle, and the 21:9 aspect ratio gives you more horizontal real estate for spreadsheets, timelines, code, and gaming than any standard 16:9 panel.
We tested color accuracy, refresh rates, panel uniformity, USB-C connectivity, and gaming performance to find the best ultrawide monitors available in 2026.
What to Look For
- Panel type: IPS ultrawides have better color accuracy and viewing angles. VA panels offer higher contrast ratios — good for dark scenes. OLED ultrawides have arrived but remain significantly more expensive.
- Resolution: 3440x1440 (WQHD) is the standard ultrawide resolution. It requires a capable GPU and is noticeably sharper than 2560x1080. For productivity, WQHD is worth the extra GPU demand.
- Refresh rate: 34-inch WQHD ultrawides now commonly hit 144-165Hz, making them viable for gaming as well as work. 60Hz is acceptable for pure productivity use.
- Connectivity: USB-C with Power Delivery (65W+) lets you connect a laptop with a single cable. Prioritize this if you switch between desktop and laptop regularly.
- Curvature: 1800R curvature is aggressive and wraps your peripheral vision — great for gaming, potentially disorienting for work. 3440R is subtler and more neutral for document work.
Our Top Picks
LG 34WP65C-B 34" UltraWide QHD
LG's 34-inch IPS curved ultrawide hits 160Hz refresh rate, covers 99% of sRGB, and includes a USB-C port with 75W power delivery. The 21:9 WQHD panel is crisp, the colors are accurate out of the box, and AMD FreeSync Premium ensures smooth gaming. The best all-around ultrawide under $400.
Dell UltraSharp U3423WE
Dell's U3423WE features an IPS Black panel with 2000:1 contrast ratio — exceptional for an IPS — USB-C 90W power delivery, a built-in KVM switch, and factory color calibration to Delta E < 2. The choice for designers, video editors, and anyone who needs accurate color and single-cable connectivity.
Samsung 34" Odyssey G5 Curved
1000R deep curvature, 165Hz WQHD display, HDR10 support, and 1ms response time in Samsung's gaming-focused VA panel. The higher contrast ratio of VA makes dark games look noticeably better than competing IPS options. AMD FreeSync Premium included.
LG 34WQ73A-B UltraWide QHD
IPS panel, 75Hz, USB-C with 60W charging, and a built-in KVM switch at under $350. Not a gaming monitor — the 75Hz refresh rate is strictly for productivity — but for a home office ultrawide with great connectivity and color accuracy, the value here is hard to match.
Bottom line: The LG 34WP65C-B is the best all-around ultrawide for gaming and productivity at a reasonable price. Professionals who need color accuracy and USB-C should get the Dell UltraSharp U3423WE. Gamers on a budget get the best VA contrast ratio with the Samsung Odyssey G5.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is an ultrawide monitor worth it?
Yes, for productivity and immersive gaming. A 34-inch WQHD ultrawide gives you roughly the same horizontal space as two 24-inch 16:9 monitors side by side, but without the bezel gap in the center. For video editing, coding, and spreadsheet work, the extra horizontal space is immediately noticeable.
What GPU do I need for a WQHD ultrawide?
For gaming at 3440x1440, an RTX 3070 or RX 6700 XT is the minimum for high settings in modern titles. An RTX 4070 or RX 7800 XT handles the resolution comfortably. For productivity-only use (no gaming), integrated graphics or any dedicated GPU from the last five years is adequate.
Should I get a curved or flat ultrawide?
Curved ultrawides (1800R or 3440R) reduce eye strain by keeping all points of the screen roughly equidistant from your eyes — beneficial for such a wide field of view. Flat ultrawides work fine for photography editing where geometric accuracy matters. For most users, curved is the better ergonomic choice.
