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Alienware AW3821DW Review
True Score
Mixed Reviews

Experts
Consumers

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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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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.
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
*.75
We place a 75% weighted value on Expert Test Scores
C
Customer Score
*.25
We place a 25% weighted value on Customer Scores
True Score
Any product with a True Score above 70 is a Mixed Reviews
Expert Score Breakdown
Publications with higher Trust Scores are given more weight
- 76The Alienware AW3821DW isn’t perfect, but right now, it’s the best value in 38-inch ultrawide… read more
By:
Rami Tabari - 70The pricey Alienware 38 Curved Gaming Monitor has lightning-quick response times and looks good on… read more
By:
Rob Shafer - 70The Alienware AW3821DW gaming monitor looks great, offers a solid range of features and it… read more
By:
Christian Eberle - 80The Alienware 38 AW3821DW Curved Gaming Monitor offers a gorgeous curved display with an eye-opening… read more
By:
Samuel Breton - 80The Dell Alienware AW3821DW delivers both an immersive and responsive gaming experience thanks to its… read more
By:
Zackery Cuevas - 90The Dell AW3821DW is great for gaming. It has a high 144Hz refresh rate with… read more
By:
Mike Jennings
Customer Score Breakdown
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