Buying Guide
The Best Ultrawide OLED Gaming Monitors
Four monitors ranked on refresh rate and screen size, where the Alienware AW3426DW has the highest refresh rate; the AW3425DW is the cheapest route in.
By Alex Morgan, PC Hardware Editor
11 min read4 products evaluated
Ultrawide OLEDs combine a wider field of view with OLED contrast. Every pick is an OLED at 3440x1440 or wider, ordered from the lowest price.
Rankings weigh refresh rate, resolution and size as the makers state them; if a maker skips color gamut, the guide says so rather than guess, since we have not benched them.
Quick Picks
Which of the 4 picks to look at first. Tap a name for the full analysis.
Lowest Price Here
Alienware 34 QD-OLED AW3425DWThe lowest price among these monitors at the time of writing.
Best for: Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere than into the AW3423DWF.
Check price for Alienware 34 QD-OLED AW3425DW on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
Alienware AW3423DWF QD-OLEDAn 1800R QD-OLED curve.
Best for: Buyers who want 1800R QD-OLED curve.
Check price for Alienware AW3423DWF QD-OLED on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Largest Screen Size
Samsung Odyssey OLED G9 (G91SD) 49-inchThe largest screen size here (49 inches).
Best for: Buyers who put screen size first.
Check price for Samsung Odyssey OLED G9 (G91SD) 49-inch on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Fastest Refresh
Alienware 34 AW3426DW QD-OLEDThe highest refresh rate here (280Hz).
Best for: Esports players with a GPU that can feed high frame rates.
Check price for Alienware 34 AW3426DW QD-OLED on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it stands out | Best for | Check price |
|---|---|---|---|
| The lowest price among these monitors at the time of writing. | Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere than into the AW3423DWF. | Check price for Alienware 34 QD-OLED AW3425DW on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| An 1800R QD-OLED curve. | Buyers who want 1800R QD-OLED curve. | Check price for Alienware AW3423DWF QD-OLED on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| The largest screen size here (49 inches). | Buyers who put screen size first. | Check price for Samsung Odyssey OLED G9 (G91SD) 49-inch on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| The highest refresh rate here (280Hz). | Esports players with a GPU that can feed high frame rates. | Check price for Alienware 34 AW3426DW QD-OLED on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Lowest Price Here1 of 4
Alienware 34 QD-OLED AW3425DW
Alienware's AW3425DW puts a 34.2-inch QD-OLED ultrawide at 240Hz with 99% DCI-P3 coverage.
Best for
- Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere than into the AW3423DWF.
Skip if
- Pass on it if oLED burn-in risk with static desktop elements rules it out for your setup.
Why we like it
It pairs OLED contrast with a wide field of view. On refresh rate it sits mid-pack at 240Hz: the Alienware AW3426DW offers 280Hz, and the Odyssey OLED G9 comes in at 144Hz. Its 34.2 inches screen size ranks second of 4 here, behind the Odyssey OLED G9 (49 inches) and ahead of the Alienware AW3426DW (34 inches).
It shares a 3440x1440 resolution with the AW3423DWF and Alienware AW3426DW; the Odyssey OLED G9 goes with a 5120x1440 resolution. It also comes with 1000 nits peak HDR brightness. Leave the maker's pixel-refresh routines enabled and hide static taskbars to limit burn-in risk. No other pick here cost less at our last price check, and the AW3423DWF was closest.
Key specs
- Refresh rate
- 240Hz
- Resolution
- 3440x1440
- Size
- 34.2 inches
- Panel
- QD-OLED
- Response
- 0.03ms
- HDR
- DisplayHDR True Black 400
- Color gamut
- 99% DCI-P3
Pros
- a 240Hz refresh rate for fast motion
- a QD-OLED panel with per-pixel contrast
- DisplayHDR True Black 400 certification
- 99% DCI-P3 colour coverage
Cons
- OLED burn-in risk with static desktop elements
- Refresh rate of 240Hz, behind the Alienware AW3426DW (280Hz)
The catch
What it gives up: refresh rate of 240Hz, behind the Alienware AW3426DW (280Hz); by contrast, the Alienware AW3426DW offers 280Hz.
Also Consider2 of 4
Alienware AW3423DWF QD-OLED
Alienware's AW3423DWF is a 34-inch QD-OLED ultrawide at 165Hz with 99.3% DCI-P3 coverage.
Best for
- Buyers who want 1800R QD-OLED curve.
Skip if
- Choose another pick if you can't accept this: oLED burn-in risk with static desktop elements.
Why we like it
Its stand adjusts for height, tilt, swivel and slant. Its 165Hz refresh rate ranks third of 4 here, behind the Alienware AW3426DW (280Hz) and ahead of the Odyssey OLED G9 (144Hz). On screen size it ties with the Alienware AW3426DW at 34 inches.
Like the AW3425DW and Alienware AW3426DW, it has a 3440x1440 resolution, while the Odyssey OLED G9 uses a 5120x1440 resolution. It also offers an 1800R QD-OLED curve and switchable DCI-P3 and sRGB modes. Leave the maker's pixel-refresh routines enabled and hide static taskbars to limit burn-in risk. On price it sat second of 4, between the cheaper AW3425DW and the pricier Odyssey OLED G9, at the time of writing.
Key specs
- Refresh rate
- 165Hz
- Resolution
- 3440x1440
- Size
- 34 inches
- Panel
- QD-OLED
- Response
- 0.1ms
- Color gamut
- 99.3% DCI-P3
- Stand
- height, tilt, swivel and slant
Pros
- 165Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen
- a QD-OLED panel with per-pixel contrast
- 99.3% DCI-P3 colour coverage
- a stand with height, tilt, swivel and slant
Cons
- OLED burn-in risk with static desktop elements
- Costs more than the AW3425DW at the time of writing
Largest Screen Size3 of 4
Samsung Odyssey OLED G9 (G91SD) 49-inch
Samsung's Odyssey OLED G9 is a 49-inch 5120x1440 QD-OLED at 144Hz.
Best for
- Buyers who put screen size first.
Skip if
- Choose another pick if you can't accept this: oLED burn-in risk with static desktop elements.
Why we like it
It replaces two 27-inch 1440p screens with one curved panel. On refresh rate it trails the group at 144Hz, while the Alienware AW3426DW offers 280Hz. Its 49 inches screen size is the largest here; the AW3425DW comes next at 34.2 inches.
A 5120x1440 resolution is unique to it among these picks, while the Alienware AW3426DW uses a 3440x1440 resolution. You also get a height-adjustable stand. Leave the maker's pixel-refresh routines enabled and hide static taskbars to limit burn-in risk.
When we checked, only the AW3423DWF and cheaper picks cost less, and the Alienware AW3426DW cost more. Refresh rate is its weakest area, and the Alienware AW3426DW covers it better at 280Hz.
Key specs
- Refresh rate
- 144Hz
- Resolution
- 5120x1440
- Size
- 49 inches
- Panel
- QD-OLED
- Response
- 0.03ms
Pros
- 144Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen
- a QD-OLED panel with per-pixel contrast
- 49-inch Dual QHD panel
- 110 pixels per inch
Cons
- OLED burn-in risk with static desktop elements
- Refresh rate trails the Alienware AW3426DW (280Hz)
- Costs more than the AW3425DW at the time of writing
Fastest Refresh4 of 4
Alienware 34 AW3426DW QD-OLED
The Alienware AW3426DW is built around an ultrawide QD-OLED panel.
Best for
- Esports players with a GPU that can feed high frame rates.
Skip if
- Choose another pick if you can't accept this: oLED burn-in risk with static desktop elements.
Why we like it
On the spec sheet, it offers a 280Hz refresh rate and offers a 34 inches screen size. On refresh rate it leads this guide at 280Hz, ahead of the AW3425DW (240Hz). On screen size it ties with the AW3423DWF at 34 inches.
Like the AW3425DW and AW3423DWF, it has a 3440x1440 resolution, while the Odyssey OLED G9 uses a 5120x1440 resolution. Leave the maker's pixel-refresh routines enabled and hide static taskbars to limit burn-in risk. G-SYNC Compatible works on NVIDIA cards over DisplayPort, and FreeSync covers AMD cards.
It was the most expensive pick when we checked, so weigh what it adds over the Odyssey OLED G9. If screen size is your priority, the Odyssey OLED G9 (49 inches) is the stronger choice.
Key specs
- Refresh rate
- 280Hz
- Resolution
- 3440x1440
- Size
- 34 inches
- Panel
- QD-OLED
- Response
- 0.03ms
- Adaptive sync
- G-SYNC
Pros
- a 280Hz refresh rate for fast motion
- a QD-OLED panel with per-pixel contrast
- G-SYNC to reduce screen tearing
Cons
- OLED burn-in risk with static desktop elements
- Screen size trails the Odyssey OLED G9 (49 inches)
- Costs more than the AW3425DW at the time of writing
How We Chose These Ultrawide OLED Gaming Monitors
Alex Morgan compared the manufacturer specifications, connectivity, warranty terms and compatibility of every pick. Figures come from the makers unless a third-party source is named; we did not test these products ourselves.
- What we compared
- We compared four monitors on refresh rate, resolution, screen size and panel from manufacturer specifications. Nothing was tested in-house; 5 of the 6 fields compared are stated for every pick, while color gamut has gaps.
- What every pick has in common
- All 4, from the AW3425DW to the Alienware AW3426DW, state refresh rate, resolution and screen size and share QD-OLED panel.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The Odyssey OLED G9 and the Alienware AW3426DW give no color gamut.
- Price range
- From the AW3425DW to the Alienware AW3426DW, all sat in the $500 to $1000 tier when we checked.
What to Look for in an Ultrawide OLED Gaming Monitor
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
How much refresh rate you need
The Alienware AW3426DW tops refresh rate at 280Hz and the Odyssey OLED G9 sits lowest at 144Hz. The AW3425DW comes second at 240Hz, in the same price tier as the Alienware AW3426DW.
Screen size
Here screen size runs from 34 inches on the Alienware AW3426DW to 49 inches on the Odyssey OLED G9, a 44% spread. For less, the AW3425DW is the runner-up at 34.2 inches.
A monitor showing red lanterns against a black background Response
The AW3425DW, the Odyssey OLED G9 and the Alienware AW3426DW list 0.03ms; the AW3423DWF lists 0.1ms. Sort out response before price: it splits 4 stated picks into groups of 3 and 1.
Extras that separate them
The AW3423DWF: switchable DCI-P3 and sRGB modes. The Odyssey OLED G9: 110 pixels per inch. The Alienware AW3426DW: an ultrawide QD-OLED panel.
Two monitors side by side showing the same game scene Budget
All 4 sat in the $500 to $1000 tier when we checked, from the AW3425DW at the low end to the Alienware AW3426DW at the top, so decide on features first.
How to Choose an Ultrawide OLED Gaming Monitor
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere than into the AW3423DWF | AW3425DW | The lowest price among these monitors at the time of writing |
| Buyers who want 1800R QD-OLED curve | AW3423DWF | An 1800R QD-OLED curve |
| Buyers who put screen size first | Odyssey OLED G9 | The largest screen size here (49 inches) |
| Esports players with a GPU that can feed high frame rates | Alienware AW3426DW | The highest refresh rate here (280Hz) |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The Alienware AW3426DW leads on refresh rate at 280Hz, ahead of the AW3425DW at 240Hz.
| Monitor | Refresh rate | Resolution | Size | Panel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AW3425DW | 240Hz | 3440x1440 | 34.2 inches | QD-OLED |
| AW3423DWF | 165Hz | 3440x1440 | 34 inches | QD-OLED |
| Odyssey OLED G9 | 144Hz | 5120x1440 | 49 inches | QD-OLED |
| Alienware AW3426DW | 280Hz | 3440x1440 | 34 inches | QD-OLED |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has the highest refresh rate: the Alienware AW3426DW or the AW3425DW?
Between the top two, it is 280Hz on the Alienware AW3426DW against 240Hz on the AW3425DW, a 17% difference. The spread runs down to the Odyssey OLED G9 at 144Hz.
Is the Odyssey OLED G9 ahead of the AW3425DW on screen size?
The Odyssey OLED G9 tops screen size at 49 inches; the AW3425DW follows at 34.2 inches, 43% apart. The Alienware AW3426DW closes the ranking at 34 inches.
What does the Alienware AW3426DW add over the AW3425DW?
The spec sheets show refresh rate (280Hz against 240Hz) in its favour. It does not win everywhere: the AW3425DW still leads on screen size (34.2 inches). Both sat in the $500 to $1000 tier when we checked, so the gains in refresh rate cost little extra by tier.
Why is the Alienware AW3426DW our Fastest Refresh pick?
It carries the badge for the highest refresh rate here (280Hz). On refresh rate it leads the AW3425DW, 280Hz against 240Hz, a 17% margin. The price of that: the AW3425DW, the cheapest pick, still beats it on screen size (34.2 inches against 34 inches). It suits esports players with a GPU that can feed high frame rates.
Do the AW3425DW and the Odyssey OLED G9 differ on resolution?
The AW3425DW, the AW3423DWF and the Alienware AW3426DW use 3440x1440; the Odyssey OLED G9 uses 5120x1440.
What extras do the AW3425DW and the AW3423DWF include?
The AW3425DW: an 1800R QD-OLED ultrawide. The AW3423DWF: an 1800R QD-OLED curve. The Odyssey OLED G9: a 49-inch Dual QHD panel.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the AW3425DW, chosen for the lowest price among these monitors at the time of writing. Look at the AW3423DWF for an 1800R QD-OLED curve and the Odyssey OLED G9 for the largest screen size here (49 inches) if those matter more to you.
Check that your games support 21:9 or 32:9 before buying.
Related Guides
- Related guideThe Best Gaming Monitors to Buy Now
- Related guideThe Best 1440p Gaming Monitors to Buy
- Related guideThe Best OLED Gaming Monitors
- Lower budgetThe Best Budget OLED Monitors
- Similar guideThe Best 240Hz OLED Gaming Monitors
- ExplainerOLED vs IPS Monitor
- ExplainerOLED Monitor Burn-In: What Warranties Cover and How to Lower the Risk
- Also see: graphics cardsWhen Is Integrated Graphics Enough for a PC?
- Similar guideThe Best OLED Gaming Monitors Under $700
- Topic hubAll oled monitors guides
About the author
PC Hardware Editor
Alex covers PC hardware, monitors, components, upgrades and peripherals for The PC Journal, with a focus on helping readers understand specifications, compatibility and meaningful product trade-offs.
Covers: Monitors, Graphics cards, Processors, PC components, Peripherals, Upgrades and compatibility
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