156

out of

196

Computer Monitors

True Score Methodology v1.0

Alienware AW3821DW Review

Name: Alienware AW3821DW
Brand: Alienware

By

Enrest Walugembe

6/5/2023 4:19 PM

True Score

77

Mixed Reviews

75

6

Experts

82

0

Consumers

Product Awards

GR Certified

Expert Rankings

(

6

)

The Alienware AW3821DW gets praise from experts because of G-SYNC Ultimate certification, FreeSync compatibility, and a 144 Hz native refresh rate. However, reviewers have criticized its mediocre contrast ratio and troubled local dimming method.

$999.00

See Deal

See all stores

We’re reader-supported. Commissions finance our mission. Our ‘True Score‘ system independently powers ratings. Learn more

Table of Contents

Product Snapshot
Overview
Consensus
- {post.0.post_title} Specs
- Test Results
Product Comparison
All Stores
Score Card
Expert Score Breakdown
Customer Score Breakdown
Learn More About Computer Monitors

Product Snapshot

Overview

The Alienware AW3821DW is a high-end curved UHD gaming monitor, which was released in 2020, to provide an immersive experience to professional gamers. Featuring an exciting 144 Hz native refresh rate and Variable Refresh Rate tech, this monitor offers smooth, high-frame-rate visuals. It has a G-SYNC Ultimate certification and is compatible with FreeSync, providing tear-free imagery when paired with various AMD Radeon and NVIDIA graphics cards. The monitor has an incredibly low 4.4 ms input lag and 1 ms GtG super-fast response time for smooth visuals and split-second responsiveness. This gaming monitor is more ergonomic than the competing LG 38GN950-B and boasts HDR10 with outstanding peak brightness that brings HDR content to life. However, its mediocre contrast ratio and poor edge-lit zonal dimming prevent this monitor from attaining its true HDR potential. Read our full Alienware AW3821DW review and see how the display compares with the best-ranked computer monitors today.

Consensus

our Verdict

The Alienware AW3821DW is a hit with gamers, thanks to its anti-stuttering tech with G-SYNC ultimate, FreeSync, and Variable Refresh Rate. Tests showed smooth motion with its super-low input lag and fast response time. Color accuracy and HDR performance also got a thumbs up, but the contrast ratio and edge-lit local dimming method could use some work.

Reason to Buy

Curved screen provides an immersive gaming experience
G-SYNC Ultimate certification and FreeSync compatibility
Quick 1ms GtG response time and high 144Hz refresh rate
HDR10 support with a peak brightness delivers colorful content
4 ms low input lag provides an edge during competitions

Reason to Avoid

Low contrast ratio
Poor edge-lit dimming method

Alienware AW3821DW Specs

	Display Type	LCD
	HDMI Inputs	2
	HDR Format	Yes
	Max Resolution	3840 x 1600
	Panel Type	IPS
	Refresh Rate	144 Hz
	Response Time	1 ms
	Screen size	38"
	Sync Technology	G-Sync Ultimate

All Specs

Test Results

Brightness (nits)	440.84
Contrast Ratio (as ratio, x:1)	846.15
Color Gamut/Accuracy % (DCI P3 xy)	98.148
Color Gamut/Accuracy % (DCI P3 uv)	0
Color Gamut % (Adobe RGB Coverage xy)	84.5333
Color Gamut % (sRGB Coverage xy)	116.525
Color Gamut % (Rec. 2020 Coverage xy)	70.4
Color Gamut % (Rec. 709 Coverage xy)	0
Input Lag (ms)	12.85
Response Time (ms)	5.45
Reflections % (Total Reflections)	6.8
Horizontal Viewing Angle (Washout Left)	41
Horizontal Viewing Angle (Washout Right)	41
Vertical Viewing Angle (Washout Above)	30
Vertical Viewing Angle (Washout Below)	34

All Tests

Get the Winner of the Day Direct to Your Inbox

Join 1+ million monthly users and become an instant expert with our daily download of reviews, tips and guides.

Trusted By

Latest Computer Monitor Buying Guides

All Stores

Updated every 24 hours

$999.00
Availability
In Stock
Free Shipping
No
See Deal

Score Card

E

Expert Score

75

*.75

We place a 75% weighted value on Expert Test Scores

C

Customer Score

82

*.25

We place a 25% weighted value on Customer Scores

True Score

77

Any product with a True Score above 70 is a Mixed Reviews

Expert Score Breakdown

Publications with higher Trust Scores are given more weight.

103.4
Category Trust Score
76
The Alienware AW3821DW isn’t perfect, but right now, it’s the best value in 38-inch ultrawide… read more
By:
Rami Tabari
91.7
Category Trust Score
70
The pricey Alienware 38 Curved Gaming Monitor has lightning-quick response times and looks good on… read more
By:
Rob Shafer
92.08
Category Trust Score
80
The Alienware 38 AW3821DW Curved Gaming Monitor offers a gorgeous curved display with an eye-opening… read more
By:
Samuel Breton
81.47
Category Trust Score
70
The Alienware AW3821DW gaming monitor looks great, offers a solid range of features and it… read more
By:
Christian Eberle
68.34
Category Trust Score
80
The Dell Alienware AW3821DW delivers both an immersive and responsive gaming experience thanks to its… read more
By:
Zackery Cuevas
10.93
Category Trust Score
90
The Dell AW3821DW is great for gaming. It has a high 144Hz refresh rate with… read more
By:
Mike Jennings