Buying Guide
The Best Ultrawide Monitors for Gaming, From VA to QD-OLED
We compared eight gaming ultrawides, from $280 VA panels to a 360Hz QD-OLED, on panel type, refresh rate, sync support and warranty, to show where the extra money goes.
By Jamie Cole, Lead Product Researcher
10 min read8 products evaluated
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The biggest decision with a gaming ultrawide is not size but panel type. A 34-inch VA panel at 3440 x 1440 now costs less than $300 at the time of writing, while QD-OLED and OLED models cost two to four times as much. What the extra money buys is contrast, response time and, at the top, refresh rate.
After that come the practical details: whether the refresh rate suits the games you play and the GPU you own, whether the monitor supports your card's sync technology, how tight the curve is for your viewing distance, and what the warranty says about an OLED panel.
Seven of the eight monitors here are 34-inch 3440 x 1440 panels; the eighth is a 45-inch OLED. Our comparison is based on published specifications, warranty terms and price position, not hands-on testing.
Quick Picks
Our 8 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Best Budget VA Monitor
ASUS TUF VG34VQL1B
A 34-inch 165Hz VA panel with 4000:1 contrast and a height-adjustable stand.
Best for: First-time ultrawide buyers who want a capable 34-inch VA panel for as little as possible.
Our take Check price for ASUS TUF VG34VQL1B (opens in a new tab)
Best VA Monitor for PC and Console
Alienware AW3425DWM
A 180Hz VA panel with 95% DCI-P3 and the only dedicated console mode here.
Best for: Players who switch between a PC and a console on one screen.
Our take Check price for Alienware AW3425DWM (opens in a new tab)
Best VA Monitor for USB Connectivity
ASUS TUF VG34VQ3B
180Hz and four USB 3.2 ports at the same price as the entry-level ASUS.
Best for: PC players who want a budget ultrawide that doubles as a USB hub.
Our take Check price for ASUS TUF VG34VQ3B (opens in a new tab)
Best Entry-Level QD-OLED
MSI MAG 341CQP QD-OLED
The lowest-priced QD-OLED here, with 175Hz, 0.03ms and USB-C.
Best for: Players who want OLED contrast at the lowest price in this guide.
Our take Check price for MSI MAG 341CQP QD-OLED (opens in a new tab)
Best 34-Inch QD-OLED for Most Players
Alienware AW3425DW
240Hz QD-OLED with G-Sync and FreeSync Premium Pro and a three-year warranty.
Best for: Most players who want a fast 34-inch OLED with a three-year warranty.
Our take Check price for Alienware AW3425DW (opens in a new tab)
Best for G-Sync Ultimate
Alienware AW3423DW
The only G-Sync Ultimate-certified monitor here, with 175Hz and five USB ports.
Best for: NVIDIA GPU owners who specifically want G-Sync Ultimate certification.
Our take Check price for Alienware AW3423DW (opens in a new tab)
Best 45-Inch Ultrawide
LG 45GS95QE
A 45-inch 800R OLED at 240Hz for players who want a bigger screen than 34 inches.
Best for: Players who want a larger, more immersive screen and have the desk space.
Best for Competitive Play
ASUS ROG Swift PG34WCDN
The fastest monitor here at 360Hz, with DisplayPort 2.1 and 90W USB-C.
Best for: Competitive players with a high-end GPU who want the fastest refresh rate available here.
Our take Check price for ASUS ROG Swift PG34WCDN (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it’s here | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| A 34-inch 165Hz VA panel with 4000:1 contrast and a height-adjustable stand. | First-time ultrawide buyers who want a capable 34-inch VA panel for as little as possible. | Check price for ASUS TUF VG34VQL1B (opens in a new tab) |
| A 180Hz VA panel with 95% DCI-P3 and the only dedicated console mode here. | Players who switch between a PC and a console on one screen. | Check price for Alienware AW3425DWM (opens in a new tab) |
| 180Hz and four USB 3.2 ports at the same price as the entry-level ASUS. | PC players who want a budget ultrawide that doubles as a USB hub. | Check price for ASUS TUF VG34VQ3B (opens in a new tab) |
| The lowest-priced QD-OLED here, with 175Hz, 0.03ms and USB-C. | Players who want OLED contrast at the lowest price in this guide. | Check price for MSI MAG 341CQP QD-OLED (opens in a new tab) |
| 240Hz QD-OLED with G-Sync and FreeSync Premium Pro and a three-year warranty. | Most players who want a fast 34-inch OLED with a three-year warranty. | Check price for Alienware AW3425DW (opens in a new tab) |
| The only G-Sync Ultimate-certified monitor here, with 175Hz and five USB ports. | NVIDIA GPU owners who specifically want G-Sync Ultimate certification. | Check price for Alienware AW3423DW (opens in a new tab) |
| A 45-inch 800R OLED at 240Hz for players who want a bigger screen than 34 inches. | Players who want a larger, more immersive screen and have the desk space. | Check price for LG 45GS95QE (opens in a new tab) |
| The fastest monitor here at 360Hz, with DisplayPort 2.1 and 90W USB-C. | Competitive players with a high-end GPU who want the fastest refresh rate available here. | Check price for ASUS ROG Swift PG34WCDN (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Best Budget VA Monitor1 of 8
ASUS TUF VG34VQL1B on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The ASUS TUF VG34VQL1B is the sensible entry point for someone trying an ultrawide for the first time: a 34-inch 3440 x 1440 VA panel at 165Hz for about $280 at the time of writing.
Best for
- First-time ultrawide buyers who want a capable 34-inch VA panel for as little as possible.
Skip if
- The VG34VQ3B is priced the same when you buy; it adds 180Hz and USB ports.
Why we like it
Its listed 4000:1 contrast is the highest of the VA monitors here, and it adds DisplayHDR 400, a height-adjustable stand and a three-year warranty. VA panels can show some smearing in fast, dark scenes, which is where OLED pulls ahead.
The sister VG34VQ3B costs the same at the time of writing and runs at 180Hz with more USB ports, so check both prices before ordering.
Key dimensions & specs
- Panel: 34" VA, 1500R, 3440 x 1440
- Refresh: 165Hz, 1ms MPRT
- Contrast: 4000:1
- DisplayHDR 400
- Height-adjustable stand
- Warranty: 3 years
Pros
- Highest contrast of the VA picks
- Height-adjustable stand
- Low price for a 34-inch curved panel
Cons
- 165Hz is below the other VA picks
- VA smearing in dark, fast scenes
- No USB-C
Best VA Monitor for PC and Console2 of 8
Alienware AW3425DWM on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Alienware AW3425DWM is the VA monitor to choose if a console shares the screen with your PC: it is the only monitor here that lists a dedicated console mode.
Best for
- Players who switch between a PC and a console on one screen.
Skip if
- You only game on PC and want more USB ports; the ASUS VG34VQ3B costs less.
Why we like it
It also runs at 180Hz, lists 95 percent DCI-P3 color coverage and 3000:1 contrast, and comes with a height-adjustable stand and three-year warranty, for about $20 more than the ASUS TUF models at the time of writing.
It is still a VA panel, so the contrast and dark-scene response gap to OLED remains.
Key dimensions & specs
- Panel: 34" VA, 1500R, 3440 x 1440
- Refresh: 180Hz, 1ms GtG
- Contrast: 3000:1
- Color: 95% DCI-P3
- Console mode
- Warranty: 3 years
Pros
- Dedicated console mode
- Widest color gamut of the VA picks
- 180Hz
Cons
- Still VA contrast
- Slightly more than the ASUS VA models
Best VA Monitor for USB Connectivity3 of 8
ASUS TUF VG34VQ3B on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The ASUS TUF VG34VQ3B is the better-equipped version of the VG34VQL1B at the same price at the time of writing: it runs at 180Hz and adds four USB 3.2 ports and built-in speakers.
Best for
- PC players who want a budget ultrawide that doubles as a USB hub.
Skip if
- You also use a console; the AW3425DWM lists a console mode.
Why we like it
The USB ports make it a convenient hub for a webcam, headset dongle or drive, and the speakers cover basic audio without extra hardware. Its listed 90 percent DCI-P3 is a little below the Alienware AW3425DWM's 95 percent.
The listing does not give a contrast figure, and it remains a VA panel.
Key dimensions & specs
- Panel: 34" VA, 1500R, 3440 x 1440
- Refresh: 180Hz, 1ms MPRT
- Color: 90% DCI-P3
- USB: 4 x USB 3.2
- Built-in speakers
- Warranty: 3 years
Pros
- Most USB ports here
- 180Hz for the entry price
- Built-in speakers
Cons
- Narrower gamut than the AW3425DWM
- Contrast not listed
- VA panel
Best Entry-Level QD-OLED4 of 8
MSI MAG 341CQP QD-OLED on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The MSI MAG 341CQP is the lowest-cost way into QD-OLED in this guide, and it brings the core OLED advantages: a listed 1,500,000:1 contrast and 0.03ms response, against 3000 to 4000:1 on the VA panels.
Best for
- Players who want OLED contrast at the lowest price in this guide.
Skip if
- Warranty length matters to you; the Alienware OLED monitors list three years.
Why we like it
It runs at 175Hz on a gentler 1800R curve and adds USB-C for a single-cable laptop connection. The warranty is two years, where the other OLED monitors here list three.
OLED panels can be susceptible to burn-in with static on-screen elements, so warranty terms deserve a close look. The Alienware AW3425DW adds 240Hz and a three-year warranty for about $100 more at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- Panel: 34" QD-OLED, 1800R, 3440 x 1440
- Refresh: 175Hz, 0.03ms
- Contrast: 1,500,000:1
- HDR400 True Black
- USB-C
- Warranty: 2 years
Pros
- Lowest QD-OLED price here
- OLED contrast and response
- USB-C
Cons
- Two-year warranty
- 175Hz is below the faster OLED picks
Best 34-Inch QD-OLED for Most Players5 of 8
Alienware AW3425DW on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Alienware AW3425DW is the well-rounded OLED choice: 240Hz on a 34-inch QD-OLED panel, support for both G-Sync and FreeSync Premium Pro, and a three-year warranty.
Best for
- Most players who want a fast 34-inch OLED with a three-year warranty.
Skip if
- You play competitive titles at very high frame rates; the PG34WCDN goes to 360Hz.
Why we like it
That combination addresses the MSI's two weak points, refresh rate and warranty, for about $100 more at the time of writing. Dell also lists 99.3 percent DCI-P3 and HDR TrueBlack 400.
If you want to go faster, the ASUS PG34WCDN reaches 360Hz, but costs considerably more.
Key dimensions & specs
- Panel: 34" QD-OLED, 1800R, 3440 x 1440
- Refresh: 240Hz, 0.03ms
- Contrast: 1,500,000:1
- Color: 99.3% DCI-P3
- G-Sync and FreeSync Premium Pro
- Warranty: 3 years
Pros
- 240Hz on a 34-inch OLED
- Works with NVIDIA and AMD sync
- Three-year warranty
Cons
- About $100 more than the MSI
- Burn-in care needed with static content
Best for G-Sync Ultimate6 of 8
Alienware AW3423DW on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Alienware AW3423DW makes sense mainly for NVIDIA owners who specifically want G-Sync Ultimate, NVIDIA's highest certification tier; it is the only monitor here that carries it.
Best for
- NVIDIA GPU owners who specifically want G-Sync Ultimate certification.
Skip if
- The certification is not a priority; the AW3425DW is faster for less.
Why we like it
It lists 175Hz, 0.1ms, 99.3 percent DCI-P3, 1,000,000:1 contrast, five USB ports, AlienFX lighting and a three-year warranty.
The newer AW3425DW is faster at 240Hz and costs less at the time of writing, so unless the certification matters to you, it is likely the better buy.
Key dimensions & specs
- Panel: 34" QD-OLED, 1800R, 3440 x 1440
- Refresh: 175Hz, 0.1ms GtG
- Contrast: 1,000,000:1
- G-Sync Ultimate
- USB: 5 ports
- Warranty: 3 years
Pros
- G-Sync Ultimate certification
- Five USB ports
- Three-year warranty
Cons
- Slower than the newer AW3425DW
- Costs more than the AW3425DW at the time of writing
Best 45-Inch Ultrawide7 of 8
LG 45GS95QE on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The LG 45GS95QE is the choice for a larger, more wrap-around screen: a 45-inch OLED with an 800R curve, the tightest here, running at 240Hz.
Best for
- Players who want a larger, more immersive screen and have the desk space.
Skip if
- You also work on the monitor; the 34-inch panels render text more sharply.
Why we like it
It keeps the 3440 x 1440 resolution of the 34-inch models, so pixel density is lower and text will look less sharp up close. It lists 1,500,000:1 contrast, 98.5 percent DCI-P3 and G-Sync and FreeSync Premium Pro support.
A 45-inch screen needs more desk width and depth than a 34-inch one, and it costs about $1,200 at the time of writing. The listing does not state a warranty length.
Key dimensions & specs
- Panel: 45" OLED, 800R, 3440 x 1440
- Refresh: 240Hz, 0.03ms
- Contrast: 1,500,000:1
- Color: 98.5% DCI-P3
- G-Sync and FreeSync Premium Pro
Pros
- Only 45-inch option here
- Tightest curve for immersion
- 240Hz
Cons
- Lower pixel density than the 34-inch panels
- Needs more desk space
- Warranty length not listed
Best for Competitive Play8 of 8
ASUS ROG Swift PG34WCDN on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The ASUS ROG Swift PG34WCDN is for competitive players whose GPU can push very high frame rates: at 360Hz it is the fastest monitor here.
Best for
- Competitive players with a high-end GPU who want the fastest refresh rate available here.
Skip if
- You mostly play single-player games; the AW3425DW at 240Hz costs much less.
Why we like it
It also lists DisplayPort 2.1, 90W USB-C, HDR500 True Black, 99 percent DCI-P3, a proximity sensor and a three-year warranty, making it the most connected monitor here.
The extra refresh rate matters mostly in fast competitive games running at very high frame rates. It is the most expensive monitor here at the time of writing, and it had few buyer reviews when this guide was updated.
Key dimensions & specs
- Panel: 34" QD-OLED, 3440 x 1440
- Refresh: 360Hz, 0.03ms
- Contrast: 1,500,000:1
- HDR500 True Black
- DisplayPort 2.1, USB-C 90W
- Warranty: 3 years
Pros
- Highest refresh rate here
- DisplayPort 2.1 and 90W USB-C
- Three-year warranty
Cons
- Most expensive monitor here
- Few buyer reviews so far
- 360Hz needs a powerful GPU to use fully
How We Chose These Ultrawide Gaming Monitors
Each pick was assessed across 5 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- Panel type and contrast
- We compared listed contrast and response times across VA, QD-OLED and OLED panels.
- Refresh rate and sync
- We recorded refresh rates and G-Sync or FreeSync support from the specifications.
- Size, curve and resolution
- We compared screen size, curve radius and pixel density.
- Connectivity and warranty
- We noted USB ports, USB-C, DisplayPort version, console features and warranty length.
- Price position
- We compared what each step up in price adds. Prices change often, so we treat them as relative position.
What to Look for in an Ultrawide Gaming Monitor
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
VA or OLED
VA panels here list 3000 to 4000:1 contrast; the OLED models list 1,000,000:1 or more, with far faster response times. VA may show smearing in dark, fast scenes. OLED costs more and can be susceptible to burn-in from static elements, so warranty terms matter.
Refresh rate against your GPU
The monitors here run from 165Hz to 360Hz. Higher refresh rates only help if your graphics card can produce matching frame rates at 3440 x 1440.
Sync support
Check that the monitor supports your card's variable refresh technology. The AW3425DW and LG list both G-Sync and FreeSync Premium Pro; the AW3423DW is G-Sync Ultimate certified.
Curve and size
The curve number is the radius in millimeters; a lower number is tighter. The 34-inch VA panels use 1500R, the 34-inch QD-OLEDs 1800R, and the 45-inch LG 800R, which is designed for closer viewing.
Warranty and connectivity
Warranties here are two or three years where listed. USB hubs, USB-C and console modes vary more than image specs, and may decide between otherwise similar monitors.
How to Choose an Ultrawide Gaming Monitor
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Lowest cost | ASUS VG34VQ3B or VG34VQL1B | 34-inch VA at about $280; the VQ3B adds 180Hz and USB |
| PC and console | Alienware AW3425DWM | Dedicated console mode |
| OLED on a budget | MSI MAG 341CQP | Lowest-priced QD-OLED, two-year warranty |
| Balanced OLED | Alienware AW3425DW | 240Hz, both sync standards, three-year warranty |
| G-Sync Ultimate | Alienware AW3423DW | Only certified monitor here |
| Larger screen | LG 45GS95QE | 45 inches, 800R, 240Hz |
| Competitive play | ASUS ROG Swift PG34WCDN | 360Hz |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
Prices change frequently; these tiers reflect typical prices when this guide was updated.
| Price tier | Monitors |
|---|---|
| About $280–$300 | ASUS VG34VQL1B, ASUS VG34VQ3B, Alienware AW3425DWM |
| About $650–$850 | MSI MAG 341CQP, Alienware AW3425DW, Alienware AW3423DW |
| About $1,200–$1,300 | LG 45GS95QE, ASUS ROG Swift PG34WCDN |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a 34-inch or 45-inch ultrawide better for gaming?
A 34-inch model is the more practical choice for many desks and gives sharper text at 3440 x 1440. The 45-inch LG is more immersive, but it needs more desk space and has lower pixel density at the same resolution.
What does a curve rating like 1500R or 1800R mean?
It is the radius of the curve in millimeters. A lower number means a tighter curve. The LG's 800R is the tightest here and is designed for closer viewing; the 1800R QD-OLEDs are gentler.
Do I need OLED, or is VA good enough?
VA is good enough for many players and costs far less. OLED adds much higher contrast and faster response, which is most noticeable in dark scenes and fast motion. Consider the warranty terms before buying an OLED.
Will a curved ultrawide work on a monitor arm?
Usually, if the monitor supports VESA mounting. Check the arm's weight rating against the monitor's weight without its stand, and the arm's supported screen size, since curved panels sit further forward than flat ones.
Does 360Hz matter for casual gaming?
Probably not much. The benefit of very high refresh rates is mostly in fast competitive games running at matching frame rates on a capable GPU. For single-player games, a 175Hz or 240Hz OLED is likely enough.
Bottom Line
On a budget, a 34-inch VA panel covers the ultrawide experience for about $280 to $300 at the time of writing. The ASUS VG34VQ3B is the better-equipped of the two ASUS models at the same price, and the Alienware AW3425DWM is the pick if a console shares the screen.
OLED is worth paying more for if contrast and motion clarity matter to you. The Alienware AW3425DW is the balanced choice at 240Hz with a three-year warranty; the MSI saves about $100 with a shorter warranty; the LG 45GS95QE suits anyone who wants a bigger screen; and the ASUS PG34WCDN is for competitive players who can use 360Hz.