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Why use an ultrawide?
Ultrawide monitors are becoming increasingly popular among users seeking a more immersive experience for both work and play. With an aspect ratio of 21:9 or higher, these monitors provide extra screen real estate, allowing for multiple windows to be open simultaneously. Gone are the days of combining two screens to achieve more space—these sleek, curved displays not only offer impressive width but also enhance immersion with their curvature, making them ideal for gaming, watching movies, and productivity tasks.
Working on an ultrawide monitor feels like having all your tools laid out on a single, spacious table. But how do you pick the right one for your needs without breaking the bank? In this article, we’ll walk you through the best budget ultrawide monitors currently available and the factors to consider when choosing one.
Key Factors to Consider When Buying an Ultrawide Monitor
Before diving into our top picks, it’s essential to understand the features that determine a monitor’s performance and suitability for your needs.
1. Refresh Rate
The refresh rate refers to how many times the screen updates its image per second. Measured in Hertz (Hz), a higher refresh rate reduces lag and ensures smoother visuals—especially important for gamers. For most gaming monitors, 144 Hz is considered the sweet spot. However, it’s important to note that the refresh rate is only as good as your computer’s capability to output frames per second (FPS).
A monitor with a high refresh rate won’t improve performance if your PC can’t keep up. Before purchasing, determine your PC’s FPS output and choose a monitor that matches or slightly exceeds it.
2. Resolution
Resolution impacts both image clarity and performance. Higher resolutions like 3440×1440 offer sharper visuals but can demand more from your GPU, potentially lowering FPS. For competitive online gaming, a lower resolution like 1080p might be preferable due to its lighter load on your system. However, larger screen sizes benefit from higher resolutions to avoid pixelation and maintain image quality.
3. Panel Type
The two main types of panels are VA (Vertical Alignment) and IPS (In-Plane Switching). VA panels offer better contrast and deeper blacks, while IPS panels deliver superior color accuracy and wider viewing angles. Your choice depends on whether you prioritize vibrant colors or higher contrast.
Top 5 Mid-Range Gaming Monitors Comparison Table
| Monitor | Display | Refresh Rate | Response Time | Panel Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Philips Evnia 34M2C8600 | 34-inch QD-OLED, 1440p | 175Hz | 0.03ms (claimed) | QD-OLED |
| iBuyPower SlateMesh | 34-inch, 1440p | 144Hz | 4ms | VA |
| Skytech Shiva | 34-inch, 1440p | 144Hz | 3ms | IPS |
| STG Aubron | 34-inch, 1080p | 120Hz | ~5ms | VA |
| Acer Predator Orion 3000 | 34-inch, 1440p | 144Hz | 1ms | IPS |
The Best Budget Ultrawide Monitors
1. Xiaomi Mi Curved 34-Inch Monitor
The Xiaomi Mi Curved 34-Inch Monitor delivers a fantastic mix of features at an affordable price.
Key Features:
- Refresh Rate: 144 Hz
- Resolution: 3440×1440
- Curvature: 1500R for a highly immersive experience
- Color Accuracy: 91% DCI-P3, 121% sRGB, DisplayHDR 400 certified
- Brightness: 300 nits
- Response Time: 4 ms
With support for FreeSync and G-SYNC, this monitor is suitable for gaming and professional work. While the response time isn’t the fastest (4 ms), it’s negligible for most users. The stand is minimalistic but bulky, so consider mounting it for more flexibility. At it’s price point, this is a great all-around choice.
2. Dell S3422DWG
The Dell S3422DWG is another excellent option, offering similar specs to the Xiaomi monitor with some added perks.
Key Features:
- Refresh Rate: 144 Hz
- Resolution: 3440×1440
- Curvature: 1800R (subtle curve)
- Brightness: HDR 400 certified with peak brightness of 520 nits
- Response Time: 2 ms
This monitor shines in bright rooms thanks to its high brightness and anti-reflective coating. However, it lacks local dimming for improved contrast and may experience flickering if FPS drops below 60. At this price point, it’s an incredible value.
3. Gigabyte M34WQ
For those who prefer flat screens, the Gigabyte M34WQ offers an IPS panel that stands out for its vibrant colors and fast response time.
Key Features:
- Refresh Rate: 144 Hz
- Resolution: 3440×1440
- Panel Type: IPS (better color accuracy)
- Brightness: 400 nits (advertised, but reportedly closer to 350 nits)
- Response Time: 1 ms
This monitor also includes a KVM switch for seamless switching between devices, making it ideal for multitaskers. While it lacks curvature, it’s a solid pick for those prioritizing color accuracy and flat displays.
4. Gigabyte G34WQC
For users seeking a curved display from Gigabyte, the G34WQC offers excellent specs at an affordable price.
Key Features:
- Refresh Rate: 144 Hz
- Resolution: 3440×1440
- Curvature: 1500R for an immersive experience
- Panel Type: VA
For the value, this monitor offers impressive contrast and immersive visuals. While ghosting may occur due to its VA panel, it’s a minor drawback for most users.
5. Alienware AW3423DWF
Although slightly above the budget range, the Alienware AW3423DWF is worth mentioning for those seeking next-level performance. It’s a 34-inch QD-OLED monitor with cutting-edge features.
Key Features:
- Refresh Rate: 165 Hz
- Resolution: 3440×1440
- Panel Type: QD-OLED (superior brightness, contrast, and response time)
- HDR: HDR 1000 certified
This monitor offers near-perfect black levels, stunning SDR and HDR performance, and vibrant colors. However, its higher price and risk of burn-in with static images may deter some users.
Final Thoughts
For budget-conscious buyers, the Dell S3422DWG stands out as the best value option, offering great brightness, solid performance, and usability. However, every monitor on this list caters to specific needs, whether it’s color accuracy, flat vs. curved displays, or advanced features like QD-OLED panels.
When choosing your monitor, remember to consider your PC’s performance capabilities and prioritize features that align with your usage.
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