The PC Journal

Buying Guide

The Best Monitors for Multitasking

From the CU34G4H to the AW3425DWM: five monitors ranked on refresh rate and screen size, with who should skip each one.

By , PC Hardware Editor

12 min read5 products evaluated

Desktop monitors on monitor arms above a wooden desk with keyboards and mice
Illustrative image
Jump to
  1. Quick Picks
  2. Our Picks
  3. How We Chose
  4. What to Look For
  5. Comparison
  6. FAQ

Multitasking needs pixels: ultrawide or large 4K panels fit several windows side by side. Every pick is 32 inches or larger at ultrawide or 4K, ordered from the lowest price.

This is a research roundup, not a lab test: refresh rate, resolution and size come from each maker's published specs; nothing here was tested in-house, and a missing refresh rate is flagged, not filled in.

Quick Picks

Which of the 5 picks to look at first. Tap a name for the full analysis.

  1. Fastest Refresh

    AOC CU34G4H Curved Ultrawide

    The highest refresh rate here (200Hz).

    Best for: Competitive shooters where motion clarity matters most.

    Check price for AOC CU34G4H Curved Ultrawide on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

  2. IPS Panel

    Samsung ViewFinity S7 (S71H) 32-inch

    An IPS panel.

    Best for: Buyers who want an IPS panel.

    Check price for Samsung ViewFinity S7 (S71H) 32-inch on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

  3. FreeSync Adaptive Sync

    CRUA 32-inch 4K 160Hz Curved

    A freeSync.

    Best for: Buyers who want a freeSync.

    Check price for CRUA 32-inch 4K 160Hz Curved on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

  4. Also Consider

    Dell S3225QS

    A 32-inch 4K screen at 120Hz.

    Best for: Buyers who want 32-inch 4K screen at 120Hz.

    Check price for Dell S3225QS on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

  5. Premium Pick

    Alienware 34 Curved AW3425DWM

    The highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with a 1500R ultrawide curve.

    Best for: Buyers who want a 1500R ultrawide curve and can spend more than the S3225QS costs.

    Check price for Alienware 34 Curved AW3425DWM on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

Our Picks

Fastest Refresh1 of 5

AOC CU34G4H Curved Ultrawide

AOC's CU34G4H is a 34-inch 3440x1440 VA ultrawide at 200Hz on a height, tilt and swivel stand.

Best for

Competitive shooters where motion clarity matters most.

Skip if

Choose another pick if you can't accept this: a VA panel that can smear dark transitions.
Check price on Amazon for AOC CU34G4H Curved Ultrawide (opens in a new tab)
AOC CU34G4H Curved Ultrawide

Why we like it

It is the lowest-priced ultrawide here at the time of writing. On refresh rate it leads this guide at 200Hz, ahead of the AW3425DWM (180Hz). It matches the AW3425DWM on screen size (34 inches).

It shares a 3440x1440 resolution with the AW3425DWM; the S3225QS goes with a 3840x2160 (4K) resolution. It shares a VA panel with the S3225QS; the ViewFinity S7 32 goes with an IPS panel. No other pick in this guide offers an adaptive-Sync; compare the CRUA 32 4K, which has a FreeSync. No other pick here cost less at our last price check, and the ViewFinity S7 32 was closest.

Key specs

Refresh rate
200Hz
Resolution
3440x1440
Size
34 inches
Panel
VA
Response
0.3ms
HDR
HDR
Adaptive sync
Adaptive-Sync
Stand
height, tilt and swivel

Pros

  • 200Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen
  • Adaptive-Sync to reduce screen tearing
  • a stand with height, tilt and swivel
  • 34-inch 1500R ultrawide

Cons

  • a VA panel that can smear dark transitions
Check price on Amazon for AOC CU34G4H Curved Ultrawide (opens in a new tab)

IPS Panel2 of 5

Samsung ViewFinity S7 (S71H) 32-inch

The 32-inch ViewFinity S7 gives 4K on a larger IPS panel for spreadsheets and video.

Best for

Buyers who want an IPS panel.

Skip if

Choose another pick if you can't accept this: hDR10 support without a DisplayHDR certification.
Check price on Amazon for Samsung ViewFinity S7 (S71H) 32-inch (opens in a new tab)
Samsung ViewFinity S7 (S71H) 32-inch

Why we like it

TÜV-certified Eye Saver mode cuts blue light and flicker, and Game Mode adjusts colour and contrast. On screen size it ties with the CRUA 32 4K and the S3225QS at 32 inches. Like the CRUA 32 4K and S3225QS, it has a 3840x2160 (4K) resolution, while the CU34G4H uses a 3440x1440 resolution.

No other pick in this guide offers an IPS panel; compare the CU34G4H, which has a VA panel. At 4K, check that your graphics card and cable support 4K at the refresh rate you want before you buy. On price it sat second of 5, between the cheaper CU34G4H and the pricier CRUA 32 4K, at the time of writing. The maker doesn't give its refresh rate; if that figure matters, the CU34G4H offers 200Hz.

Key specs

Resolution
3840x2160 (4K)
Size
32 inches
Panel
IPS
HDR
HDR10

Pros

  • 4K resolution for sharp text and detail
  • an IPS panel with wide viewing angles
  • 32-inch 4K IPS panel
  • HDR10, the only one here

Cons

  • HDR10 support without a DisplayHDR certification
  • No published refresh rate
  • Costs more than the CU34G4H at the time of writing
Check price on Amazon for Samsung ViewFinity S7 (S71H) 32-inch (opens in a new tab)

FreeSync Adaptive Sync3 of 5

CRUA 32-inch 4K 160Hz Curved

CRUA's 32-inch 4K screen curves at 1500R and runs at 160Hz with built-in speakers.

Best for

Buyers who want a freeSync.

Skip if

If budget leads, the CU34G4H was cheaper at our last price check.
Check price on Amazon for CRUA 32-inch 4K 160Hz Curved (opens in a new tab)
CRUA 32-inch 4K 160Hz Curved

Why we like it

The maker specifies an HDMI 2.1 input. Its 160Hz refresh rate ranks third of 4 here, behind the CU34G4H (200Hz) and ahead of the S3225QS (120Hz). On screen size it ties with the ViewFinity S7 32 and the S3225QS at 32 inches.

Like the ViewFinity S7 32 and S3225QS, it has a 3840x2160 (4K) resolution, while the CU34G4H uses a 3440x1440 resolution. It is the only pick here with a 120% sRGB color gamut; the S3225QS has a 95% DCI-P3 color gamut instead. A FreeSync is unique to it among these picks, while the AW3425DWM uses a FreeSync Premium.

Reaching 160Hz at 4K needs DisplayPort 1.4 with DSC or HDMI 2.1 on your graphics card, and a GPU able to render well above 100fps at 4K. Its price falls between the ViewFinity S7 32 and the S3225QS, based on our last check.

Key specs

Refresh rate
160Hz
Resolution
3840x2160 (4K)
Size
32 inches
Color gamut
120% sRGB
Adaptive sync
FreeSync

Pros

  • 160Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen
  • 4K resolution for sharp text and detail
  • 120% sRGB colour coverage
  • FreeSync to reduce screen tearing

Cons

  • Costs more than the CU34G4H at the time of writing
Check price on Amazon for CRUA 32-inch 4K 160Hz Curved (opens in a new tab)

Also Consider4 of 5

Dell S3225QS

The S3225QS brings 4K at 120Hz to 32 inches with 95% DCI-P3 on a VA panel.

Best for

Buyers who want 32-inch 4K screen at 120Hz.

Skip if

Skip it if this is a deal-breaker for you: a VA panel that can smear dark transitions.
Check price on Amazon for Dell S3225QS (opens in a new tab)
Dell S3225QS

Why we like it

It suits a deeper desk and media. Its 120Hz refresh rate is the lowest in this group; the CU34G4H leads at 200Hz. On screen size it ties with the ViewFinity S7 32 and the CRUA 32 4K at 32 inches.

Like the ViewFinity S7 32 and CRUA 32 4K, it has a 3840x2160 (4K) resolution, while the CU34G4H uses a 3440x1440 resolution. Like the AW3425DWM, it has a 95% DCI-P3 color gamut, while the CRUA 32 4K uses a 120% sRGB color gamut. At 4K, check that your graphics card and cable support 4K at the refresh rate you want before you buy. Its price falls between the CRUA 32 4K and the AW3425DWM, based on our last check.

Key specs

Refresh rate
120Hz
Resolution
3840x2160 (4K)
Size
32 inches
Panel
VA
Color gamut
95% DCI-P3
Adaptive sync
FreeSync Premium

Pros

  • 4K resolution for sharp text and detail
  • 95% DCI-P3 colour coverage
  • FreeSync Premium to reduce screen tearing
  • 32-inch 4K screen at 120Hz

Cons

  • a VA panel that can smear dark transitions
  • Refresh rate trails the CU34G4H (200Hz)
  • Screen size trails the CU34G4H (34 inches)

The catch

If refresh rate is your priority, the CU34G4H (200Hz) is the stronger choice.

Check price on Amazon for Dell S3225QS (opens in a new tab)

Premium Pick5 of 5

Alienware 34 Curved AW3425DWM

Alienware's AW3425DWM is a 34-inch ultrawide at 3440x1440 and 180Hz with DisplayHDR 400.

Best for

Buyers who want a 1500R ultrawide curve and can spend more than the S3225QS costs.

Skip if

Skip it if price comes first: the CU34G4H cost less when we checked.
Check price on Amazon for Alienware 34 Curved AW3425DWM (opens in a new tab)
Alienware 34 Curved AW3425DWM

Why we like it

It is the lower-priced Alienware ultrawide next to the QD-OLED model. Its 180Hz refresh rate ranks second of 4 here, behind the CU34G4H (200Hz) and ahead of the S3225QS (120Hz). On screen size it ties with the CU34G4H at 34 inches.

Like the CU34G4H, it has a 3440x1440 resolution, while the ViewFinity S7 32 uses a 3840x2160 (4K) resolution. It is the only pick here with a DisplayHDR 400; the CU34G4H has an HDR instead. Like the S3225QS, it has a 95% DCI-P3 color gamut, while the CRUA 32 4K uses a 120% sRGB color gamut.

It also offers a 1500R ultrawide curve, a dedicated console mode and hardware low blue light. It was the most expensive pick when we checked, so weigh what it adds over the S3225QS.

Key specs

Refresh rate
180Hz
Resolution
3440x1440
Size
34 inches
Response
1ms
HDR
DisplayHDR 400
Color gamut
95% DCI-P3
Adaptive sync
FreeSync Premium

Pros

  • 180Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen
  • 95% DCI-P3 colour coverage
  • FreeSync Premium to reduce screen tearing
  • 1500R ultrawide curve

Cons

  • Costs more than the CU34G4H at the time of writing
Check price on Amazon for Alienware 34 Curved AW3425DWM (opens in a new tab)

How We Chose These Monitors for Multitasking

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.

A monitor showing a desktop app in a dim room
A monitor showing a desktop app in a dim room
How these picks were ranked
We compared five monitors on refresh rate, resolution, screen size and panel, using each maker's published specs. These are research figures, not bench results: 1 of 5 picks leave out refresh rate.
The shared baseline
All 5, from the CU34G4H to the AW3425DWM, state resolution and screen size.
Where the specs have gaps
The ViewFinity S7 32 gives no refresh rate; the CRUA 32 4K and the AW3425DWM give no panel.
Price range
At our last check the picks ran from the CU34G4H ($150 to $250) to the AW3425DWM ($250 to $500).

What to Look for in a Monitor for Multitasking

Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.

  1. Screen size

    The CU34G4H tops screen size at 34 inches and the S3225QS sits lowest at 32 inches; 2 picks share the top figure. The CU34G4H is the pick for screen size.

  2. How much refresh rate you need

    Across these 4 picks refresh rate spans 120Hz (the S3225QS) to 200Hz (the CU34G4H). If refresh rate is your first filter, the CU34G4H sets the ceiling at 200Hz. The ViewFinity S7 32 gives no refresh rate figure, so 4 of 5 picks are compared here.

    A three-monitor work desk beside a laptop
    A three-monitor work desk beside a laptop

  3. Panel

    The CU34G4H and the S3225QS list VA; the ViewFinity S7 32 lists IPS. Settling panel first narrows 3 picks to 2 or 1.

  4. Response

    The CU34G4H lists 0.3ms; the AW3425DWM lists 1ms. Sort out response before price: it splits 2 stated picks into groups of 1 and 1.

    A desk with a monitor showing code next to a laptop
    A desk with a monitor showing code next to a laptop

  5. Features beyond the spec table

    The CRUA 32 4K: built-in speakers. The S3225QS: a 32-inch 4K screen at 120Hz. The AW3425DWM: a dedicated console mode.

How to Choose a Monitor for Multitasking

By priority

PriorityConsiderWhy
Competitive shooters where motion clarity matters mostCU34G4HThe highest refresh rate here (200Hz)
Buyers who want an IPS panelViewFinity S7 32An IPS panel
Buyers who want a freeSyncCRUA 32 4KA freeSync
Buyers who want 32-inch 4K screen at 120HzS3225QSA 32-inch 4K screen at 120Hz
Buyers who want a 1500R ultrawide curve and can spend more than the S3225QS costsAW3425DWMThe highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with a 1500R ultrawide curve

Scroll sideways to see every column.

A white desk with two monitors and a laptop
A white desk with two monitors and a laptop

Key specs side by side

The CU34G4H leads on screen size at 34 inches, ahead of the AW3425DWM at 34 inches. "Not listed" marks refresh rate where the ViewFinity S7 32 leaves the figure out.

MonitorRefresh rateResolutionSizePanel
CU34G4H200Hz3440x144034 inchesVA
ViewFinity S7 32Not listed3840x2160 (4K)32 inchesIPS
CRUA 32 4K160Hz3840x2160 (4K)32 inchesNot listed
S3225QS120Hz3840x2160 (4K)32 inchesVA
AW3425DWM180Hz3440x144034 inchesNot listed

Scroll sideways to see every column.

By price at the time of writing

At our last check the cheapest pick, the CU34G4H, sat in the $150 to $250 tier, 2 tiers in all up to the AW3425DWM at $250 to $500; Amazon prices move, so recheck before buying.

Price tierMonitors
About $150 to $250CU34G4H
About $250 to $500ViewFinity S7 32, CRUA 32 4K, S3225QS, AW3425DWM

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the AW3425DWM compare with the CU34G4H on refresh rate?

The CU34G4H leads at 200Hz, with the AW3425DWM at 180Hz. The S3225QS closes the ranking at 120Hz. The ViewFinity S7 32 doesn't state a refresh rate figure, so it sits outside this comparison; 4 of 5 picks are ranked.

Is the AW3425DWM worth paying more than the CU34G4H?

The AW3425DWM matches or trails the CU34G4H on screen size and refresh rate, so pay more only for a feature the spec sheet doesn't cover. The CU34G4H leads on refresh rate (200Hz). The CU34G4H sat in the $150 to $250 tier and the AW3425DWM in the $250 to $500 tier when we checked, with 3 other picks between them.

What makes the ViewFinity S7 32 the IPS Panel?

It earns the label for an IPS panel. It gives up screen size (32 inches against 34 inches) to the CU34G4H, the cheapest pick. It makes sense for anyone who wants an IPS panel.

Do the CU34G4H and the ViewFinity S7 32 differ on resolution?

The CU34G4H and the AW3425DWM use 3440x1440; the ViewFinity S7 32, the CRUA 32 4K and the S3225QS use 3840x2160 (4K).

Beyond the specs, what sets the CU34G4H and the ViewFinity S7 32 apart?

The CU34G4H: a 34-inch 1500R ultrawide. The ViewFinity S7 32: a 32-inch 4K IPS panel. The CRUA 32 4K: a 1500R curve.

Bottom Line

Our first pick is the CU34G4H. Look at the ViewFinity S7 32 for an IPS panel, the CRUA 32 4K for a freeSync and the S3225QS for a 32-inch 4K screen at 120Hz if those matter more to you.

Use Windows snap layouts to split the screen quickly.

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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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