60

out of

Gaming Monitors

True Score Methodology v1.0

Alienware AW3821DW Review

November 16, 2023

True Score

76

Mixed Reviews

78

6

Experts

88

656

Consumers

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.

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Table of Contents

Overview
What Is Not on the Box
Product Comparison
All Stores
Score Card
Expert Score Breakdown
Customer Score Breakdown
Learn More About Gaming Monitors

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.

What Is Not on the Box

What the brand doesn’t always tell you…

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.

True Score

76

Reasons 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

Reasons to Avoid

Low contrast ratio
Poor edge-lit dimming method

Specifications

	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

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Score Card

E

Expert Score

78

*.75

We place a 75% weighted value on Expert Test Scores

C

Customer Score

88

*.25

We place a 25% weighted value on Customer Scores

True Score

76

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

Expert Score Breakdown

Publications with higher Trust Scores are given more weight

A
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
D
Trust Score
70
The pricey Alienware 38 Curved Gaming Monitor has lightning-quick response times and looks good on… read more
By:
Rob Shafer
D
Trust Score
70
The Alienware AW3821DW gaming monitor looks great, offers a solid range of features and it… read more
By:
Christian Eberle
D
Trust Score
80
The Alienware 38 AW3821DW Curved Gaming Monitor offers a gorgeous curved display with an eye-opening… read more
By:
Samuel Breton
F
Trust Score
80
The Dell Alienware AW3821DW delivers both an immersive and responsive gaming experience thanks to its… read more
By:
Zackery Cuevas
F
Trust Score
90
The Dell AW3821DW is great for gaming. It has a high 144Hz refresh rate with… read more
By:
Mike Jennings