The PC Journal

Buying Guide

The Best Ultrawide Gaming Monitors

We weighed five monitors on refresh rate and screen size; the CU34G4H has the highest refresh rate, and it also costs the least.

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

Ultrawide monitors stretch the view sideways for racing, flight and strategy games. Every pick has an ultrawide resolution.

We ranked these monitors on refresh rate, resolution and size using manufacturer specifications; we did not test these monitors ourselves, and where a maker leaves out panel, we say so.

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: Esports players with a GPU that can feed high frame rates.

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

  2. Also Consider

    Alienware 34 Curved AW3425DWM

    A 1500R ultrawide curve.

    Best for: Buyers who want 1500R ultrawide curve.

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

  3. Largest Screen Size

    AOC AGON AG493UCX 49-inch

    The largest screen size here (49 inches).

    Best for: Buyers who put screen size first.

    Check price for AOC AGON AG493UCX 49-inch on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

  4. Strong Alternative

    Samsung Odyssey G7 (G75F) 40-inch WUHD

    A 40-inch 21:9 1000R curve.

    Best for: Buyers who want 40-inch 21:9 1000R curve.

    Check price for Samsung Odyssey G7 (G75F) 40-inch WUHD on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

  5. Premium Pick

    LG UltraGear evo 27GM950B-B

    A Mini LED backlight with 9,216 LEDs at the highest price in the group.

    Best for: Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the CU34G4H costs less.

    Check price for LG UltraGear evo 27GM950B-B 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

Esports players with a GPU that can feed high frame rates.

Skip if

Worth skipping when a VA panel that can smear dark transitions is a problem.
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). On screen size it ties with the AW3425DWM at 34 inches.

Like the AW3425DWM, it has a 3440x1440 resolution, while the AG493UCX uses a 5120x1440 resolution. Like the AG493UCX, it has a VA panel, while the 27GM950B uses an IPS panel. It shares an adaptive-Sync with the AG493UCX; the AW3425DWM goes with a FreeSync Premium.

It undercut the AW3425DWM and every other pick on price at the time of writing. The main gap: screen size of 34 inches, behind the AG493UCX (49 inches). If that matters, the AG493UCX comes in at 49 inches.

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
  • Screen size of 34 inches, behind the AG493UCX (49 inches)
Check price on Amazon for AOC CU34G4H Curved Ultrawide (opens in a new tab)

Also Consider2 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 1500R ultrawide curve.

Skip if

If budget leads, the CU34G4H was cheaper at our last price check.
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. On refresh rate it ties with the Odyssey G7 40 at 180Hz. It matches the CU34G4H on screen size (34 inches).

It shares a 3440x1440 resolution with the CU34G4H; the AG493UCX goes with a 5120x1440 resolution. It is the only pick here with a FreeSync Premium; the CU34G4H has an adaptive-Sync instead. You also get a 1500R ultrawide curve, a dedicated console mode and hardware low blue light.

Another plus: 180Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen. It was priced above the CU34G4H and below the AG493UCX at the time of writing.

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)

Largest Screen Size3 of 5

AOC AGON AG493UCX 49-inch

AOC's AG493UCX is a 49-inch 5120x1440 VA screen at 120Hz with USB-C and DisplayHDR 400.

Best for

Buyers who put screen size first.

Skip if

Look at the others if this bothers you: a VA panel that can smear dark transitions.
Check price on Amazon for AOC AGON AG493UCX 49-inch (opens in a new tab)
AOC AGON AG493UCX 49-inch

Why we like it

It is the non-OLED super-ultrawide here. On refresh rate it trails the group at 120Hz, while the CU34G4H offers 200Hz. Its 49 inches screen size is the largest here; the Odyssey G7 40 comes next at 40 inches.

A 5120x1440 resolution is unique to it among these picks, while the AW3425DWM uses a 3440x1440 resolution. It shares a VA panel with the CU34G4H; the 27GM950B goes with an IPS panel. It shares a DisplayHDR 400 with the AW3425DWM; the CU34G4H goes with an HDR.

You also get an 1800R 49-inch curve, USB-C docking and Dual QHD resolution. When we checked, only the AW3425DWM and cheaper picks cost less, and the Odyssey G7 40 cost more.

Key specs

Refresh rate
120Hz
Resolution
5120x1440
Size
49 inches
Panel
VA
Response
1ms
HDR
DisplayHDR 400
Adaptive sync
Adaptive-Sync
USB-C
Yes

Pros

  • Adaptive-Sync to reduce screen tearing
  • a USB-C input for laptops
  • 1800R 49-inch curve
  • USB-C docking

Cons

  • a VA panel that can smear dark transitions
  • Refresh rate trails the CU34G4H (200Hz)
  • Costs more than the CU34G4H at the time of writing

The catch

Refresh rate is its weakest area, and the CU34G4H covers it better at 200Hz.

Check price on Amazon for AOC AGON AG493UCX 49-inch (opens in a new tab)

Strong Alternative4 of 5

Samsung Odyssey G7 (G75F) 40-inch WUHD

Samsung's Odyssey G7 40 is a 40-inch 5120x2160 ultrawide at 180Hz with DisplayHDR 600.

Best for

Buyers who want 40-inch 21:9 1000R curve.

Skip if

Skip it if price comes first: the CU34G4H cost less when we checked.
Check price on Amazon for Samsung Odyssey G7 (G75F) 40-inch WUHD (opens in a new tab)
Samsung Odyssey G7 (G75F) 40-inch WUHD

Why we like it

It has the widest 4K-class canvas among these monitors. Its 40-inch WUHD panel is DisplayHDR 600 certified and refreshes at 180Hz with 1ms GtG response. On refresh rate it ties with the AW3425DWM at 180Hz.

Its 40 inches screen size ranks second of 5 here, behind the AG493UCX (49 inches) and ahead of the 27GM950B (27 inches). A 5120x2160 resolution is unique to it among these picks, while the AW3425DWM uses a 3440x1440 resolution. It also comes with a 40-inch 21:9 1000R curve.

Worth noting: 180Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen. When we checked, only the AG493UCX and cheaper picks cost less, and the 27GM950B cost more.

Key specs

Refresh rate
180Hz
Resolution
5120x2160
Size
40 inches
Response
1ms
HDR
DisplayHDR 600

Pros

  • 180Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen
  • DisplayHDR 600 certification
  • 40-inch 21:9 1000R curve
  • Screen size of 40 inches, ahead of the CU34G4H

Cons

  • Costs more than the CU34G4H at the time of writing
Check price on Amazon for Samsung Odyssey G7 (G75F) 40-inch WUHD (opens in a new tab)

Premium Pick5 of 5

LG UltraGear evo 27GM950B-B

LG's 27GM950B packs 5K resolution into 27 inches with a Mini LED backlight of 9,216 LEDs and a DisplayHDR 1000 certification.

Best for

Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the CU34G4H costs less.

Skip if

Skip it if screen size matters most to you; the AG493UCX offers 49 inches.
Check price on Amazon for LG UltraGear evo 27GM950B-B (opens in a new tab)
LG UltraGear evo 27GM950B-B

Why we like it

At 165Hz it trades refresh rate for sharpness and brightness. Its 165Hz refresh rate ranks fourth of 5 here, behind the CU34G4H (200Hz) and ahead of the AG493UCX (120Hz). On screen size it trails the group at 27 inches, while the AG493UCX comes in at 49 inches.

No other pick in this guide offers a 5120x2880 resolution; compare the AG493UCX, which has a 5120x1440 resolution. No other pick in this guide offers an IPS panel; compare the CU34G4H, which has a VA panel. No other pick in this guide offers a DisplayHDR 1000; compare the AG493UCX, which has a DisplayHDR 400.

You also get 5K resolution for very sharp text at 27 inches. It was the highest-priced of the 5 picks at the time of writing, so the case for it rests on what it adds over the Odyssey G7 40 and the rest.

Key specs

Refresh rate
165Hz
Resolution
5120x2880
Size
27 inches
Panel
IPS
HDR
DisplayHDR 1000
Color gamut
99% DCI-P3

Pros

  • 165Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen
  • an IPS panel with wide viewing angles
  • 99% DCI-P3 colour coverage
  • Mini LED backlight with 9,216 LEDs

Cons

  • Screen size trails the AG493UCX (49 inches)
  • Costs more than the CU34G4H at the time of writing

The catch

The trade-off is screen size; for more, the AG493UCX comes in at 49 inches.

Check price on Amazon for LG UltraGear evo 27GM950B-B (opens in a new tab)

How We Chose These Ultrawide 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.

An ultrawide monitor on a desk in a dim room
An ultrawide monitor on a desk in a dim room
How these picks were ranked
We lined up five monitors on refresh rate, resolution, screen size and panel as the makers state them. These are research figures, not bench results: 2 of 5 picks leave out panel.
What every pick has in common
All 5, from the CU34G4H to the 27GM950B, state refresh rate, resolution and screen size.
Where the specs have gaps
The AW3425DWM and the Odyssey G7 40 give no panel; the 27GM950B gives no response.
Price range
At our last check the picks ran from the CU34G4H ($150 to $250) to the 27GM950B ($500 to $1000).

What to Look for in an Ultrawide Gaming Monitor

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

  1. How much refresh rate you need

    Across these 5 picks refresh rate spans 120Hz (the AG493UCX) to 200Hz (the CU34G4H). Start with the CU34G4H if refresh rate decides it.

  2. Screen size

    The AG493UCX tops screen size at 49 inches and the 27GM950B sits lowest at 27 inches. If screen size is your first filter, the AG493UCX sets the ceiling at 49 inches.

    An ultrawide monitor on a white desk beside a PC
    An ultrawide monitor on a white desk beside a PC

  3. Panel

    The CU34G4H and the AG493UCX list VA; the 27GM950B lists IPS.

  4. Response

    The CU34G4H lists 0.3ms; the AW3425DWM, the AG493UCX and the Odyssey G7 40 list 1ms. Settling response first narrows 4 picks to 3 or 1.

    A curved ultrawide monitor showing documents
    A curved ultrawide monitor showing documents

  5. Extras that separate them

    The AG493UCX: USB-C docking. The Odyssey G7 40: 180Hz. The 27GM950B: 5K resolution for very sharp text at 27 inches.

How to Choose an Ultrawide Gaming Monitor

By priority

PriorityConsiderWhy
Esports players with a GPU that can feed high frame ratesCU34G4HThe highest refresh rate here (200Hz)
Buyers who want 1500R ultrawide curveAW3425DWMA 1500R ultrawide curve
Buyers who put screen size firstAG493UCXThe largest screen size here (49 inches)
Buyers who want 40-inch 21:9 1000R curveOdyssey G7 40A 40-inch 21:9 1000R curve
Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the CU34G4H costs less27GM950BA Mini LED backlight with 9,216 LEDs at the highest price in the group

Scroll sideways to see every column.

A super-ultrawide monitor between two speakers
A super-ultrawide monitor between two speakers

Key specs side by side

The CU34G4H leads on refresh rate at 200Hz, ahead of the AW3425DWM at 180Hz. "Not listed" marks panel where the AW3425DWM and the Odyssey G7 40 leave the figure out.

MonitorRefresh rateResolutionSizePanel
CU34G4H200Hz3440x144034 inchesVA
AW3425DWM180Hz3440x144034 inchesNot listed
AG493UCX120Hz5120x144049 inchesVA
Odyssey G7 40180Hz5120x216040 inchesNot listed
27GM950B165Hz5120x288027 inchesIPS

Scroll sideways to see every column.

By price at the time of writing

The CU34G4H was the lowest-priced pick ($150 to $250) and the 27GM950B the highest ($500 to $1000) when we checked; tiers move with Amazon pricing.

Price tierMonitors
About $150 to $250CU34G4H
About $250 to $500AW3425DWM
About $500 to $1000AG493UCX, Odyssey G7 40, 27GM950B

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 AG493UCX closes the ranking at 120Hz.

Which has the largest screen size: the AG493UCX or the Odyssey G7 40?

Between the top two, it is 49 inches on the AG493UCX against 40 inches on the Odyssey G7 40, a 23% difference. The 27GM950B is at the other end of this group with 27 inches.

What does the 27GM950B add over the CU34G4H?

The 27GM950B matches or trails the CU34G4H on refresh rate and screen size, so pay more only for a feature the spec sheet doesn't cover. The CU34G4H leads on refresh rate (200Hz) and screen size (34 inches). On our last price check the CU34G4H was in the $150 to $250 tier and the 27GM950B in the $500 to $1000 tier, with 3 other picks between them.

Why is the AG493UCX our Largest Screen Size pick?

It carries the badge for the largest screen size here (49 inches). On screen size it leads the Odyssey G7 40, 49 inches against 40 inches, a 23% margin. The price of that: the CU34G4H, the cheapest pick, still beats it on refresh rate (200Hz against 120Hz). It suits anyone who puts screen size first.

Do the CU34G4H and the AG493UCX differ on resolution?

The CU34G4H and the AW3425DWM use 3440x1440; the AG493UCX uses 5120x1440; the Odyssey G7 40 uses 5120x2160; the 27GM950B uses 5120x2880.

What extras do the CU34G4H and the AW3425DWM include?

The CU34G4H: a 34-inch 1500R ultrawide. The AW3425DWM: a 1500R ultrawide curve. The AG493UCX: an 1800R 49-inch curve.

Bottom Line

Our first pick is the CU34G4H. Look at the AW3425DWM for a 1500R ultrawide curve, the AG493UCX for the largest screen size here (49 inches) and the Odyssey G7 40 for a 40-inch 21:9 1000R curve if those matter more to you.

Check each game supports 21:9 or 32:9 before buying.

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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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