The Best Ultrawide Gaming Monitors in 2024

The launch of the Samsung G9 provided a major shakeup to the ultrawide gaming monitors market. The G9 was the world’s first commercially popular ultrawide monitor, while the subsequent G9 Neo offered best-in-class hardware in a form factor that was rarely seen as acceptable to gamers. Since then, the market for ultrawide monitors has seen steady demand as more games support them and consider the 21:9 aspect ratio a more standard offering than ever before.

Related: The Best 4K Gaming Monitors

At the same time, multiple monitor brands have carved themselves niches in this growing industry. This makes it harder to pick the best of the best in the market when it comes to ultrawide displays as tradeoffs are often heavy with VA, and IPS LED panels not being the only ones in the running with LG’s OLED and Samsung’s QD-OLED offerings also fighting to get a chunk of the market. To help consumers pick the right choice for their setup, Game Rant takes a closer look at some of the best ultrawide gaming monitors in the business.

Factors for Buying an Ultrawide Gaming Monitor

When buying an ultrawide monitor for gaming, buyers should consider several factors, including refresh rate, response time, connectivity options, and panel type.

Refresh Rate: When it comes to choosing a gaming monitor, refresh rate is a non-negotiable factor to consider. Refresh rate refers to the number of times a screen can refresh images per second. Getting a monitor with a refresh rate of at least 120Hz is a smart move for gamers.

Response Time: Another crucial factor worth thinking about is the response time. This simply means the number of times a pixel can switch from one color to another. Monitors with response times of 1 ms and below are best suited for gaming as there’s little chance of users experiencing issues like blur or screen tearing.

Connectivity Options: Seeing as a monitor is just a component of a gaming setup, it makes sense that it should come with various connection options for consoles, PCs, and peripherals. When shopping for a monitor, ensure that the most preferred options support USB-C, HDMI 2.1, and DisplayPort.

Panel Type: Manufacturers use different display technologies for their gaming monitors, so it’s worth knowing what they offer before buying one. Monitors with TN panels are famous for high refresh rates and low input lag, two critical factors that make a great gaming monitor. Monitors with IPS panels deliver greater color accuracy, while those with VA panels are designed to render better color reproduction than their IPS counterparts. OLED panels deliver wide viewing angles and impeccable color accuracy, though screen burn-in is an issue.

Related: Best 27-inch OLED Gaming Monitors

Game Rant’s Picks for the Best Ultrawide Gaming Monitors to Buy in 2024

Samsung 34 Inch Odyssey G5 Ultrawide Gaming Monitor

Best Overall Ultrawide Gaming Monitor

An Ode To High-Performance Gaming

The Samsung 34-Inch Odyssey G5 Ultrawide Gaming Monitor (GT55T) is an excellent WQHD resolution bearing ultrawide monitor. It offers a relatively high refresh rate at 165Hz, low response times (1ms MPRT), and a middling price tag, making it a monitor worthy of consideration for ultrawide gaming.

Screen Size

34′

Resolution

WQHD (3,440 x 1,440)

Max. Refresh Rate

165Hz

Brand

Samsung

Response Time

1ms (MPRT)

Pros

• Relatively low response time and input lag
• Above-average refresh rates support, clocking in 165Hz
• VRR support thanks to FreeSync Premium and GSync compatibility

Cons

• Freesync limited to DisplayPort only, making this a less-capable monitor for console gaming which might be restricted to HDMI output
• Motion handling is frustrating

The Samsung G5 Odyssey 34-inch is a capable ultrawide gaming monitor that delivers a decent refresh rate coupled with an excellent resolution for its screen size. This ensures that it is a viable yet affordable ultrawide gaming monitor that users can consider as a primary gaming and productivity display. While it is a far cry from its higher-end G9 Neo sibling, it does offer a considerably better price for performance and a decent VA panel that should not disappoint users because of the price.

Related: The Best 2K Gaming Monitors

At the same time, the G5 Odyssey is a unit that doesn’t pass on its FreeSync premium certification to consoles like the current-generation Xbox Series X and PS5. It is limited to only doing so via DisplayPort. While fixes do exist, they are an added inconvenience for what should be a no-brainer offering from a current-generation ultrawide monitor. Anyone who needs a capable ultrawide display on a budget and a slightly higher refresh rate should check out the Samsung G5 Odyssey. To get the most out of their purchase, buyers should be sure to pair it with the best gaming PCs.

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Alienware AW3423DW Gaming Monitor

The Best Quantum Dot Ultrawide Gaming Monitor

QD-OLED Mastery Galore

The Alienware AW3423DW is an excellent gaming monitor in the ultrawide department. It fully uses its QD-OLED screen, showcasing Nvidia GSync Ultimate, perfect blacks, a very low response time, and a slightly above-average refresh rate of 175Hz. All of this makes it a compelling, if expensive, ultrawide monitor for gaming.

Screen Size

34.2 Inches

Resolution

WQHD (3440×1440)

Max. Refresh Rate

175

Brand

Dell Alienware

Response Time

0.1ms GTG response time

Pros

• Nvidia’s GSync Ultimate support
• Perfect blacks and viewing angles
• Excellent HDR

Cons

• Somewhat pricey for its form factor
• Limited console compatibility due to its 21:9 form factor and subsequent resolution limitations
• Not the brightest monitor by any measure, somewhat underperforming in well-lit areas

The Alienware AW3423DW is an excellent QD-OLED gaming monitor that ups the ante for ultrawide displays. With excellent HDR in play along with Nvidia’s premium GSync Ultimate VVR technology along with a 0.1ms response time, this is one of the fastest premium gaming monitors in 2024. The ultrawide form factor is just another plus for people looking for additional screen real estate for their gaming or productivity needs.

As a QD-OLED monitor, it has better brightness than standard OLED models while also offering the same perfect black color reproduction that is synonymous with OLED displays. While burn-in is a larger issue with OLED monitors than with regular TVs (and QD-OLED seems to have a slightly worse record than LG’s OLED TVs in this regard), this might not be a concern for casual users who do not have a static HUD or play a variety of games. However, it is still a cause for worry even if Alienware does offer excellent warranty support.

LG 45′ UltraGear™ OLED 45GR95QE-B

Best Ultrawide OLED Gaming Monitor

OLED Master Race Goes Ultrawide

The LG 45-inch UltraGear OLED 45GR95QE-B is an excellent ultrawide OLED monitor that packs the latest from LG’s display tech stack into the productivity and gaming-focused ultrawide form factor and does so in style. With a 240Hz refresh rate and 0.03ms response time combined on a screen that boasts a unique take on screen real estate.

Brand

LG

Resolution

3440 x 1440

Refresh Rate

240Hz

Screen Size

44.5″

Ports

HDMI, DisplayPort, USB

Display Technology

OLED

Aspect Ratio

21:9

Screen Brightness

1000 Nits Peak

Mounting Options

VESA 100 x 100 mm

Sound

No Speakers, Headphone Out available

HDR

Yes, HDR10

Variable Refresh

Yes

Response Time

0.03ms

Pros

• One of the best-looking displays in the market
• 240Hz refresh rates
• Industry-leading 0.03ms response time is ideal for FPS games

Cons

• Resolution somewhat underwhelming for close-up use as a productivity-centric monitor
• Pricey, despite recent price cuts

The LG 45-inch UltraGear OLED 45GR95QE-B is an excellent OLED-based gaming monitor that holds its own against some of the best in the ultrawide business, offering a niche of ultra-fast refresh rates coupled with some of the lowest response times that are currently possible. All of these attributes make it a unique product. With high peak brightness and excellent color reproduction, the 45-inch Ultragear is a sight to behold. This is without considering its subtle RGB effects at the back, which makes it look more premium than arguably any other monitor on Game Rant’s current list of the best ultrawide gaming monitors.

At the same time, the resolution seems a little less sharp upfront, given the 45-inch size of the display when using it for productivity-based workloads. Some users have also pointed out some issues with the whites having slightly yellowish tinges, an experience both we and some consumer reviews share based on early impressions of the monitor. Anyone keen on acquiring a 240Hz monitor that’s perfect for FPS titles and doesn’t mind the hefty price tag should consider the LG 45GR95QE.

LG 34WP65C-B Ultrawide Gaming Monitor

The Best Mid-range Ultrawide Gaming Monitor

Affordable Monitor With Neat Features

$400 $500 Save $100

A great mid-range offering, the LG  34WP65C-B packs a 160Hz refresh rate, AMD FreeSync, and more features. A motion blur reduction time of 1 ms gives gamers a clear advantage in competitive titles. The monitor also comes with center-display cross airs, providing players of FPS games with enchanted accuracy. Buyers get a great audio experience for gaming and entertainment thanks to MAXXAudio, an audio enhancement software.
 

Screen Size

34 inches

Resolution

3440 x 1440 Pixels

Max. Refresh Rate

160Hz

Brand

LG

Response Time

1ms

Pros

• AMD FreeSync Premium technology makes this a great monitor for gaming
• Dynamic Action Sync helps reduce input lag
• Virtually borderless design translates into an immersive screen

Cons

• Lacks USB ports
• Not as ergonomic as one would expect

The LG 34WP65C-B is a 34-inch monitor that packs a 21:9 screen ratio, making it ideal for gaming and productive activities like content creation and video editing. Its 3440×1440 QHD display brings more screen real estate in terms of width than a 1920×1080 FHD display. This monitor doesn’t skip on HDR10, meaning buyers enjoy enhanced picture quality for games and movies.

Moving to its gaming features, the monitor gets a refresh rate of 160Hz along with AMD FreeSync Premium. FreeSync Premium helps avoid screen tearing and stuttering to deliver a wholesome gameplay experience. It does this in collaboration with AMD Radeon series graphics cards. The monitor also gets Black Stabilizer and Crosshair features that provide improved vision and professional aiming for FPS titles. Lastly, the LG 34WP65C-B has MAXAUDIO, an audio enhancement software that delivers great sound to make gaming more enjoyable.

SAMSUNG Odyssey Neo G9 G95NA Gaming Monitor

Best Ultra Ultrawide Gaming Monitor

A Class Apart With Screen Real Estate To Show

This Samsung Odyssey Neo G9 G96NA is the highest-end gaming monitor one might ever need. It comes with a massive 49-inch curved Mini LED display panel, which features a 4K resolution. While it is sized like a TV, it is perfect for gaming since it supports up to 240 Hz refresh rate and a fast 1-millisecond response time.

Screen Size

49″

Resolution

5,120 x 1,440

Max. Refresh Rate

240Hz

Brand

Samsung

Response Time

1ms (GTG)

Pros

• Some of the best-in-class peak brightness for ultrawide monitor
• Mini-LED display that does 240Hz, making it easily the best gaming monitor in its own form factor
• HDMI 2.1 support, allowing it to both work with consoles and PCs

Cons

• Limited software support for games thanks to most games not accounting for the somewhat non-standard 32:9 aspect ratio that the G9 Neo commands
• Quite expensive compared to most ultrawide displays
• 240Hz is limited to DisplayPort only

The Samsung Odyssey Neo G9 G95NA is a monstrous Mini-LED gaming monitor that outdoes its competition thanks to its unique form factor and excellent peak brightness, which also factors into its spectacular HDR performance. It also comes with an impressive amount of screen real estate, although it’s quite pricey. With a 240Hz refresh rate, it is easily ahead of the curve when it comes to gaming performance while offering relatively low input lag to further improve one’s gaming performance.

However, it has issues with games that do not natively support it. Most games barely support ultrawide monitors with their 21:9 aspect ratios. The G9 Neo takes it a step further, pushing a 32:9 aspect ratio. That means that playing older titles as well as some indie ones might be a chore. Even when it’s not, it might not make use of the screen to the extent offered by Samsung. Users with smaller gaming desks might also find it hard to accommodate the Neo G9, which takes up a tremendous amount of space. It also weighs much more than a standard run-of-the-mill monitor.

GIGABYTE G34WQC 34′ 144Hz Gaming Monitor

The Best Budget Ultrawide Gaming Monitor

Ambitious Budget Performer

The GIGABYTE G34WQC 34-inch 144Hz Gaming Monitor is a capable 144Hz 2K-esque ultrawide gaming monitor that delivers adequate performance without costing an arm and a leg.

Screen Size

34′

Resolution

3440 x 1440

Max. Refresh Rate

144Hz

Brand

Gigabyte

Response Time

1ms MPRT

Pros

• Very good build quality for a budget-oriented ultrawide gaming monitor
• Supports both Nvidia GSync and AMD FreeSync Premium for VRR
• Uses a curved 1500R approach to its design that can be hit-and-miss

Cons

• Design somewhat simple and feels more like a standard monitor than a gaming one
• HDR is not as impressive as some of the other options

The GIGABYTE G34WQC is Game Rant’s best ultrawide gaming monitor for budget-conscious users. It does so for all of the right reasons, offering excellent specifications and a decent screen that can do 144Hz at a price that is easy to digest for most people looking to buy an ultrawide monitor. It supports both FreeSync Premium and GSync, making it capable of VRR performance irrespective of what GPU buyers pair it with.

It isn’t without faults, though. Much like most gaming monitors which have limited dimming zones or brightness, it does have subpar HDR performance. While the design is practical, it looks somewhat unrefined for those looking to decorate their gaming space with sleeker, premium-looking hardware. Therefore, if looks aren’t a bother, then this is an excellent monitor worth the financial commitment.

ASUS ROG Strix 29.5′ XG309CM Gaming Monitor

The Best High Refresh Rate Ultrawide Gaming Monitor

High Refresh FPS-Centric Gaming

The ASUS ROG Strix 29.5-inch XG309CM Gaming Monitor is a different kind of ultrawide gaming monitor that prioritizes refresh rate above all else and delivers in that regard at a price that may be easy to stomach for end-users looking for a compact, high-refresh-rate ultrawide monitor.

Screen Size

29.5′

Resolution

WFHD (2560 x 1080)

Max. Refresh Rate

220Hz (Overclocked)

Brand

Asus ROG

Response Time

1ms GTG

Pros

• Overclocks quite well compared to the competition (up to 220Hz refresh rate)
• One of the cheapest ultrawide monitors money can buy that pushes past 165Hz
• AMD FreeSync Premium and GSync compatible for VRR
• KVM support out of the box

Cons

• Resolution is somewhat low thanks to the monitor using WFHD for a slightly smaller panel
• Skips on HDR features

The ASUS ROG Strix 29.5-inch XG309CM gaming monitor aims to deliver a high refresh rate at a somewhat acceptable resolution for gaming while staying relatively balanced in the pricing department for a premium ultrawide gaming monitor. It does tend to undercut itself with the WFHD resolution that many potential buyers will not be a fan of today. Its somewhat weird port placement may disappoint some buyers too. That being said, it does excel with an excellent 220Hz overclockable refresh rate coupled with a dedicated KVM switch for users looking to move between work and play with a keen interest in the extra screen real estate.

The ROG branding and being part of the XG lineup is just icing on the cake for its target audience of FPS gamers who will appreciate its offerings. Others may love or hate the tradeoff it represents in resolution and refresh rate in a relatively small form factor as far as an ultrawide monitor goes. Essentially, the ASUS ROG Strix XG309CM is not everyone’s cup of tea. However, this is pretty much the best ultrawide gaming monitor to buy if a high refresh rate in a compact ultrawide form factor is a must-have feature for buyers.

Corsair XENEON Flex 45WQHD240 OLED Monitor

The Best High-End Ultrawide Monitor

Bendable OLED Goodness

$1600 $2000 Save $400

Developed with LG technology, the Corsair XENEON Flex 45WQHD240 sports a 45-inch screen ideal for gaming. The world’s first bendable gaming monitor comes with protective blue light to reduce the likelihood of eye strain. It also features a great refresh rate of 240 HZ which, when combined with a GtG response time of 0.03ms, delivers smooth gameplay.

Brand

Corsair

Resolution

3440 x 1440 Pixels

Screen Size

45 inches

Response Time

0.03ms

Max. Refresh Rate

240HZ

Pros

• Bendable screen offers gamers the chance to switch between curved and flat
• OLED technology eliminates motion blur
• 240Hz refresh rate and 0.03ms GtG response time

Cons

• Low pixel density means poor text clarity unless the scaling increased
• Quiet when compared to rivals

The world’s first bendable OLED monitor comes with a suite of premium features that almost instantly justify the hefty retail price. Built with visionary bendable OLED technology, the 45-inch Xeneon Flex allows games to switch from a curved to a flat display, depending on the title being played. Feel free to go curved when playing simulation titles or adjust the screen to flat for strategy games.

Gaming on this monitor will be a blast thanks to a 240Hz refresh rate along with a GtG response time of 0.3ms. NVIDIA G-SYNC compatible and AMD Premium Sync certified, the Xeneon Flex promises low input lag plus minor screen tearing. To protect gamers from eye fatigue without compromising their ability to play for long periods, the monitor features low blue-light technology. Although the price may discourage many gamers, it brings tons of value to the table.

More: The Best Monitors For FPS Gaming

FAQ

Q: Is it worth buying an ultrawide monitor?

Gamers who want an immersive experience with their favorite titles should consider getting an ultrawide monitor. They’re also ideal for improving one’s productivity and reducing eye strain.

Q: What is the best ultrawide monitor?

Although Game Rant’s guide comprises a list of various excellent options, the best overall pick is the Samsung G5 monitor. It offers an above-average refresh rate of 165Hz and a low response time of 1ms.