Buying Guide
The Best Ultrawide Monitors for Work, From Single-Cable Laptops to Two-Computer Desks
By Jamie Cole, Lead Product Researcher
10 min read6 products evaluated
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A work ultrawide earns its place through connectivity more than refresh rate. The features that change a working day are USB-C that charges a laptop over the same cable as the picture, a KVM switch or Thunderbolt dock that lets one keyboard and mouse serve two computers, and wired Ethernet through the monitor.
The other decision is size. A 34-inch 3440 x 1440 panel gives roughly the space of two smaller screens without a bezel; a 49-inch 5120 x 1440 panel gives more, but needs a wide, deep desk and more head movement to use the edges.
Our comparison is based on published specifications, warranty terms and price position, not hands-on testing. Prices range from about $205 to $1,230 at the time of writing.
Quick Picks
Our 6 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Best Budget 34-Inch Monitor
SANSUI 34" Curved UWQHD Monitor
A 34-inch 3440 x 1440 curved VA panel with PiP/PbP and wide color coverage for about $205.
Best for: Desktop users who want a 34-inch ultrawide for as little as possible.
Our take Check price for SANSUI 34" Curved UWQHD Monitor (opens in a new tab)
Best Value for Laptop Users
LG 34WR55QK-B Ultrawide Monitor
A 34-inch curved monitor with 65W USB-C, Reader Mode and a height-adjustable stand for about $300.
Best for: Laptop users who want single-cable charging and an adjustable stand.
Our take Check price for LG 34WR55QK-B Ultrawide Monitor (opens in a new tab)
Best for Color Work Under $400
Dell 34 Plus USB-C Curved Monitor (S3425DW)
A 120Hz 34-inch Dell with 65W USB-C, 99% sRGB and ComfortView Plus.
Best for: Laptop users who review photos or design work and want better color on paper.
Our take Check price for Dell 34 Plus USB-C Curved Monitor (S3425DW) (opens in a new tab)
Best 34-Inch Dock Replacement
Dell UltraSharp U3425WE
The only Thunderbolt 4 monitor here, with 10 USB ports and Ethernet on a 120Hz IPS panel.
Best for: Professional desks with Thunderbolt laptops and many peripherals.
Our take Check price for Dell UltraSharp U3425WE (opens in a new tab)
Best Value 49-Inch Work Monitor
Samsung 49" Business S95UA
A 49-inch 120Hz business monitor with KVM, 90W USB-C and Ethernet.
Best for: Two-computer desks that want a 49-inch screen without paying the most.
Our take Check price for Samsung 49" Business S95UA (opens in a new tab)
Most Complete 49-Inch Hub
Dell UltraSharp U4924DW
A 49-inch IPS Black monitor with automatic KVM, 90W USB-C, 2.5GbE and 11 USB ports.
Best for: Professionals who want one screen and hub for two computers and many peripherals.
Our take Check price for Dell UltraSharp U4924DW (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it’s here | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| A 34-inch 3440 x 1440 curved VA panel with PiP/PbP and wide color coverage for about $205. | Desktop users who want a 34-inch ultrawide for as little as possible. | Check price for SANSUI 34" Curved UWQHD Monitor (opens in a new tab) |
| A 34-inch curved monitor with 65W USB-C, Reader Mode and a height-adjustable stand for about $300. | Laptop users who want single-cable charging and an adjustable stand. | Check price for LG 34WR55QK-B Ultrawide Monitor (opens in a new tab) |
| A 120Hz 34-inch Dell with 65W USB-C, 99% sRGB and ComfortView Plus. | Laptop users who review photos or design work and want better color on paper. | Check price for Dell 34 Plus USB-C Curved Monitor (S3425DW) (opens in a new tab) |
| The only Thunderbolt 4 monitor here, with 10 USB ports and Ethernet on a 120Hz IPS panel. | Professional desks with Thunderbolt laptops and many peripherals. | Check price for Dell UltraSharp U3425WE (opens in a new tab) |
| A 49-inch 120Hz business monitor with KVM, 90W USB-C and Ethernet. | Two-computer desks that want a 49-inch screen without paying the most. | Check price for Samsung 49" Business S95UA (opens in a new tab) |
| A 49-inch IPS Black monitor with automatic KVM, 90W USB-C, 2.5GbE and 11 USB ports. | Professionals who want one screen and hub for two computers and many peripherals. | Check price for Dell UltraSharp U4924DW (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Best Budget 34-Inch Monitor1 of 6
SANSUI 34" Curved UWQHD Monitor on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The SANSUI is the low-cost way into a 34-inch ultrawide for work, and it is the most widely reviewed monitor here: a 3440 x 1440 curved VA panel with picture-in-picture and picture-by-picture for two sources at once.
Best for
- Desktop users who want a 34-inch ultrawide for as little as possible.
Skip if
- You work from a laptop; the LG 34WR55QK-B charges it over USB-C.
Why we like it
SANSUI lists 97 percent DCI-P3 color and a 200Hz refresh rate, more speed than office work needs. Connections are two HDMI 2.1 ports and DisplayPort 1.4.
There is no USB-C, power delivery or KVM, so a laptop needs its own charger. If single-cable laptop charging matters, the LG 34WR55QK-B adds 65W USB-C for about $95 more at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- Panel: 34" VA, curved, 3440 x 1440
- Refresh: 200Hz
- Color: 97% DCI-P3 (listed)
- PiP/PbP
- Ports: 2 x HDMI 2.1, DisplayPort 1.4
Pros
- Lowest price here
- PiP/PbP for two sources
- Widely reviewed
Cons
- No USB-C or power delivery
- No KVM
Best Value for Laptop Users2 of 6
LG 34WR55QK-B Ultrawide Monitor on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The LG 34WR55QK-B is the sensible choice for most laptop users: 65W USB-C power delivery charges a typical work laptop over the same cable as the display, and the stand adjusts for height and tilt.
Best for
- Laptop users who want single-cable charging and an adjustable stand.
Skip if
- You switch between two computers; the Samsung S95UA or Dell U4924DW have KVM switches.
Why we like it
LG includes a Reader Mode, designed to reduce blue light for long reading and writing sessions, plus OnScreen Control software for arranging windows and PbP. It runs at 100Hz, which is plenty for office work.
There is no KVM, Thunderbolt or Ethernet, and 65W may charge higher-power laptops slowly under heavy load.
Key dimensions & specs
- Panel: 34" VA, curved, 3440 x 1440
- Refresh: 100Hz
- USB-C: 65W power delivery
- Reader Mode
- PbP, OnScreen Control
- Stand: height and tilt
Pros
- 65W USB-C at a moderate price
- Height-adjustable stand
- Reader Mode
Cons
- No KVM or Ethernet
- 65W may be slow for high-power laptops
Best for Color Work Under $4003 of 6
Dell 34 Plus USB-C Curved Monitor (S3425DW) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Dell S3425DW is the step up if color accuracy matters: Dell lists 99 percent sRGB and 95 percent DCI-P3, alongside 65W USB-C and a 120Hz refresh rate.
Best for
- Laptop users who review photos or design work and want better color on paper.
Skip if
- Color accuracy is not a priority; the LG offers the same 65W USB-C for less.
Why we like it
ComfortView Plus is Dell's low-blue-light mode, and the Dell Premium Panel warranty covers the display. Its 0.03ms response time is the fastest here, though that matters more for games than work.
Like the LG, it has no KVM or Ethernet, and it costs about $80 more at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- Panel: 34" VA, curved, 3440 x 1440
- Refresh: up to 120Hz, 0.03ms
- USB-C: 65W power delivery
- Color: 99% sRGB, 95% DCI-P3
- ComfortView Plus
- Dell Premium Panel warranty
Pros
- Wide color coverage
- 65W USB-C
- Panel warranty
Cons
- No KVM or Ethernet
- Costs more than the LG for similar connectivity
Best 34-Inch Dock Replacement4 of 6
Dell UltraSharp U3425WE on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Dell UltraSharp U3425WE is the choice if you want the monitor to replace a docking station: it is the only Thunderbolt 4 monitor here, with 10 USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports and Ethernet built in.
Best for
- Professional desks with Thunderbolt laptops and many peripherals.
Skip if
- You only need charging and a couple of ports; the LG or Dell S3425DW cost far less.
Why we like it
The 3440 x 1440 IPS panel runs at 120Hz, and an ambient light sensor adjusts brightness through the day. PbP and a three-year warranty round it out.
It costs about $725 at the time of writing, far more than the other 34-inch monitors. If your laptop does not use Thunderbolt peripherals, the extra bandwidth may be more than you need.
Key dimensions & specs
- Panel: 34" IPS, 3440 x 1440
- Refresh: 120Hz
- Thunderbolt 4
- USB: 10 x USB 3.2 Gen 2; Ethernet
- Ambient light sensor
- Warranty: 3 years
Pros
- Thunderbolt 4 dock built in
- 10 USB ports and Ethernet
- IPS panel
Cons
- Most expensive 34-inch monitor here
- Power delivery wattage not listed here
Best Value 49-Inch Work Monitor5 of 6
Samsung 49" Business S95UA on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Samsung S95UA is the lower-cost route to a 49-inch work screen: 5120 x 1440 on a 1000R curve, with a built-in KVM switch, 90W USB-C power delivery and Ethernet.
Best for
- Two-computer desks that want a 49-inch screen without paying the most.
Skip if
- Your desk is shallow or narrow; a 34-inch monitor is easier to live with.
Why we like it
The KVM lets one keyboard and mouse control two computers, and 90W charges higher-power laptops more comfortably than 65W. It runs at 120Hz with DisplayHDR 400 and a three-year business warranty.
A 49-inch screen needs a wide, deep desk, and using its edges involves more head movement. It costs several hundred dollars less than the Dell U4924DW at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- Panel: 49" VA, 1000R, 5120 x 1440
- Refresh: 120Hz
- KVM switch
- USB-C: 90W power delivery
- Ethernet, DisplayHDR 400
- Warranty: 3 years (business)
Pros
- KVM for two computers
- 90W USB-C
- Much cheaper than the Dell 49-inch
Cons
- Needs a large desk
- VA panel rather than IPS
Most Complete 49-Inch Hub6 of 6
Dell UltraSharp U4924DW on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Dell UltraSharp U4924DW is the most complete work hub here: a 49-inch 5120 x 1440 IPS Black panel with an automatic KVM switch, 90W USB-C, 2.5GbE Ethernet and 11 USB ports.
Best for
- Professionals who want one screen and hub for two computers and many peripherals.
Skip if
- The Samsung S95UA's KVM, 90W USB-C and Ethernet cover your needs for much less.
Why we like it
Dell lists 100 percent sRGB and dual 9W speakers. The IPS Black panel suits color-sensitive work better than the Samsung's VA panel.
It is the most expensive monitor here by a wide margin at the time of writing and has fewer buyer reviews than the others. It runs at 60Hz.
Key dimensions & specs
- Panel: 49" IPS Black, 5120 x 1440
- Refresh: 60Hz
- Automatic KVM
- USB-C: 90W power delivery
- 2.5GbE, 11 USB ports
- Color: 100% sRGB; 2 x 9W speakers
Pros
- Most ports and fastest Ethernet here
- Automatic KVM
- IPS Black panel
Cons
- Most expensive monitor here
- 60Hz
- Fewer buyer reviews
How We Chose These Ultrawide Monitors for Work
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- Laptop connectivity
- We compared USB-C power delivery wattage, Thunderbolt support and Ethernet.
- Multi-computer support
- We noted built-in KVM switches and PbP modes.
- Panel and size
- We compared panel type, resolution, size and listed color coverage.
- Warranty and price
- We recorded warranties and 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 Monitor for Work
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
USB-C power delivery
65W (LG, Dell S3425DW) covers many ultrabooks; 90W (Samsung S95UA, Dell U4924DW) gives more headroom for higher-power laptops. Check your laptop charger's wattage.
KVM or Thunderbolt
A KVM switch lets one keyboard and mouse serve two computers (Samsung S95UA, Dell U4924DW). Thunderbolt 4 (Dell U3425WE) turns the monitor into a full dock for a Thunderbolt laptop.
Ethernet and ports
Wired networking through the monitor keeps a laptop to one cable. The Dell UltraSharps and Samsung S95UA include Ethernet.
34 or 49 inches
Pixel density is similar (about 108 to 110 pixels per inch), so text sharpness is similar. The difference is width, desk space and head movement.
Eye-comfort features
LG's Reader Mode, Dell's ComfortView Plus and the U3425WE's ambient light sensor adjust color temperature or brightness. They are conveniences rather than substitutes for good lighting and breaks.
How to Choose an Ultrawide Monitor for Work
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Lowest cost, desktop PC | SANSUI 34" | About $205, no USB-C |
| Single-cable laptop setup | LG 34WR55QK-B | 65W USB-C, adjustable stand |
| Color work under $400 | Dell S3425DW | 99% sRGB, 65W USB-C |
| Replace a Thunderbolt dock | Dell U3425WE | Thunderbolt 4, 10 USB, Ethernet |
| Two computers, 49 inches | Samsung S95UA | KVM, 90W USB-C, Ethernet |
| The most complete hub | Dell U4924DW | KVM, 2.5GbE, 11 USB, IPS Black |
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 $205–$380 | SANSUI, LG 34WR55QK-B, Dell S3425DW |
| About $725–$850 | Dell U3425WE, Samsung S95UA |
| About $1,230 | Dell U4924DW |
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best ultrawide for office work under $300?
In this guide, the LG 34WR55QK-B, with 65W USB-C, a height-adjustable stand and Reader Mode. The SANSUI costs less but has no USB-C.
Do I need a KVM switch?
Only if you regularly use two computers at one desk. The Samsung S95UA and Dell U4924DW include one, which saves buying a separate switch.
Is a 49-inch ultrawide better than a 34-inch for work?
It gives more room for side-by-side windows but needs a wide, deep desk and more head movement. For focused writing or coding, a 34-inch screen may be easier to use all day.
What USB-C wattage do I need?
Match or approach your laptop charger's wattage. 65W suits many ultrabooks; 90W gives more headroom. Some high-power laptops draw more than 90W and may charge slowly or discharge under heavy load.
Does a bigger ultrawide have sharper text?
No. A 34-inch 3440 x 1440 panel and a 49-inch 5120 x 1440 panel have similar pixel density, so text looks similar.
Which monitor here has Thunderbolt 4?
The Dell UltraSharp U3425WE, which pairs it with 10 USB ports and Ethernet.
Bottom Line
For most laptop users, the LG 34WR55QK-B is the place to start: 65W USB-C and an adjustable stand at a moderate price. The Dell S3425DW is worth paying more for if color accuracy matters, and the SANSUI suits desktop users on a budget.
For more complex desks, choose by connection. The Dell U3425WE replaces a Thunderbolt dock on a 34-inch screen; the Samsung S95UA adds a KVM and 90W USB-C at 49 inches; and the Dell U4924DW is the most complete, and most expensive, hub for two computers.