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 The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read5 products evaluated
Ultrawide monitors stretch the view sideways for racing, flight and strategy games. Every pick offers 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
Our 5 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
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.
Our take Check price for AOC CU34G4H Curved Ultrawide (opens in a new tab)
FreeSync Premium Adaptive Sync
Alienware 34 Curved AW3425DWM
A freeSync Premium.
Best for: Buyers who want a freeSync Premium.
Our take Check price for Alienware 34 Curved AW3425DWM (opens in a new tab)
Largest Screen Size
AOC AGON AG493UCX 49-inch
The largest screen size here (49 inches).
Best for: Buyers who put screen size first.
Our take Check price for AOC AGON AG493UCX 49-inch (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
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.
Our take Check price for Samsung Odyssey G7 (G75F) 40-inch WUHD (opens in a new tab)
Premium Pick
Alienware AW3423DWF QD-OLED
The highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with an 1800R QD-OLED curve.
Best for: Buyers who want the most complete package.
Our take Check price for Alienware AW3423DWF QD-OLED (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Fastest Refresh1 of 5
AOC CU34G4H Curved Ultrawide on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
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 transition is a problem.
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 and the AW3423DWF at 34 inches.
Like the AW3425DWM and AW3423DWF, it has a 3440x1440 resolution, while the AG493UCX uses a 5120x1440 resolution. 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 dimensions & 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)
FreeSync Premium Adaptive Sync2 of 5
Alienware 34 Curved AW3425DWM on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Alienware's AW3425DWM is a 34-inch ultrawide at 3440x1440 and 180Hz with DisplayHDR 400.
Best for
- Buyers who want a freeSync Premium.
Skip if
- If budget leads, the CU34G4H was cheaper at our last price check.
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 and the AW3423DWF on screen size (34 inches).
It shares a 3440x1440 resolution with the CU34G4H and AW3423DWF; the Odyssey G7 40 goes with a 5120x2160 resolution. It shares a DisplayHDR 400 with the AG493UCX; the Odyssey G7 40 goes with a DisplayHDR 600. 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. It was priced above the CU34G4H and below the AG493UCX at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & 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
Largest Screen Size3 of 5
AOC AGON AG493UCX 49-inch on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
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.
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 AW3423DWF goes with a QD-OLED panel. It shares a DisplayHDR 400 with the AW3425DWM; the Odyssey G7 40 goes with a DisplayHDR 600.
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. Refresh rate is its weakest area, and the CU34G4H covers it better at 200Hz.
Key dimensions & 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
Also Consider4 of 5
Samsung Odyssey G7 (G75F) 40-inch WUHD on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
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.
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 AW3423DWF (34 inches). A 5120x2160 resolution is unique to it among these picks, while the AW3425DWM uses a 3440x1440 resolution. A DisplayHDR 600 is unique to it among these picks, while the AG493UCX uses a DisplayHDR 400.
It also comes with a 40-inch 21:9 1000R curve. When we checked, only the AG493UCX and cheaper picks cost less, and the AW3423DWF cost more.
Key dimensions & 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
Premium Pick5 of 5
Alienware AW3423DWF QD-OLED on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Alienware's AW3423DWF is a 34-inch QD-OLED ultrawide at 165Hz with 99.3% DCI-P3 coverage.
Best for
- Buyers who want the most complete package.
Skip if
- Worth skipping when oLED burn-in risk with static desktop element is a problem.
Why we like it
Its stand adjusts for height, tilt, swivel and slant. Its 165Hz refresh rate ranks fourth of 5 here, behind the CU34G4H (200Hz) and ahead of the AG493UCX (120Hz). On screen size it ties with the CU34G4H and the AW3425DWM at 34 inches.
Like the CU34G4H and AW3425DWM, it has a 3440x1440 resolution, while the AG493UCX uses a 5120x1440 resolution. No other pick in this guide offers a QD-OLED panel; compare the CU34G4H, which has a VA panel. You also get 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. 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. The trade-off is screen size; for more, the AG493UCX comes in at 49 inches.
Key dimensions & 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
- Screen size trails the AG493UCX (49 inches)
- Costs more than the CU34G4H at the time of writing
How We Chose These Ultrawide Gaming Monitors
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- Resolution and refresh
- We compared listed resolution and refresh rate against the graphics power each needs.
- Connectivity and stand
- We checked ports, USB-C and stand adjustment where the listing states them.
- HDR and colour
- We recorded DisplayHDR certifications and listed colour gamut.
- Panel
- We noted panel type and the trade-offs it brings for motion, contrast and burn-in.
What to Look for in an Ultrawide Gaming Monitor
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Decide on refresh rate first
Among these picks, refresh rate runs from 120Hz on the AG493UCX to 200Hz on the CU34G4H. Pick the lowest figure that covers your use; the extra usually costs more than it returns.
Choose a refresh rate you can reach
A higher refresh rate only helps when your PC delivers matching frame rates. 144Hz to 180Hz suits most players; 240Hz and above rewards competitive shooters.
Check ports and cables
High refresh rates at 1440p and 4K need DisplayPort 1.4 or HDMI 2.1. Consoles need HDMI 2.1 for 4K at 120Hz.
Consider the stand
A stand with height, tilt and swivel adjustment saves buying a monitor arm. Check VESA mounting if you plan to use one anyway.
Pick the panel type
IPS offers wide viewing angles and good colour. VA has higher contrast but slower dark transitions. OLED has perfect blacks and very fast response but carries a burn-in risk with static content.
How to Choose an Ultrawide Gaming Monitor
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Esports players with a GPU that can feed high frame rates | CU34G4H | The highest refresh rate here (200Hz) |
| Buyers who want a freeSync Premium | AW3425DWM | A freeSync Premium |
| Buyers who put screen size first | AG493UCX | The largest screen size here (49 inches) |
| Buyers who want 40-inch 21:9 1000R curve | Odyssey G7 40 | A 40-inch 21:9 1000R curve |
| Buyers who want the most complete package | AW3423DWF | The highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with an 1800R QD-OLED curve |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
Figures as each maker states them.
| Monitor | Refresh rate | Resolution | Size | Panel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CU34G4H | 200Hz | 3440x1440 | 34 inches | VA |
| AW3425DWM | 180Hz | 3440x1440 | 34 inches | Not listed |
| AG493UCX | 120Hz | 5120x1440 | 49 inches | VA |
| Odyssey G7 40 | 180Hz | 5120x2160 | 40 inches | Not listed |
| AW3423DWF | 165Hz | 3440x1440 | 34 inches | QD-OLED |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
Prices change often; these tiers reflect Amazon prices when this guide was updated.
| Price tier | Monitors |
|---|---|
| About $150 to $250 | CU34G4H |
| About $250 to $500 | AW3425DWM |
| About $500 to $1000 | AG493UCX, Odyssey G7 40, AW3423DWF |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which of these monitors has the largest screen size?
The AG493UCX, at 49 inches. The Odyssey G7 40 follows at 40 inches, while the AW3423DWF has 34 inches.
What is the least I can spend on one of these monitors?
That was the CU34G4H at our last check; if you can stretch, the AW3425DWM is the next step up and the AW3423DWF the priciest.
Is 1080p fine on a 27-inch monitor?
It works, but text and detail look softer. 1440p is sharper at 27 inches; 1080p is best at 24 to 25 inches.
Should I use HDMI or DisplayPort?
On a PC, DisplayPort usually supports the highest refresh rates. HDMI 2.1 is equivalent and needed for consoles.
Does a 1ms response time rating matter?
Makers measure response time differently, so compare panel type and independent reviews rather than the headline figure.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the CU34G4H. Look at the AW3425DWM for a freeSync Premium, 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.