When you’re hunting for the best ultrawide gaming monitors, you need a combination of top-tier specs and immersive features. Look for a 21:9 aspect ratio or larger for an expanded field of view, which is critical for both gaming and productivity. Ensure the monitor includes AMD FreeSync or NVIDIA G-Sync technology to prevent screen tearing and stuttering, and aim for input lag below 15ms to maintain responsive control in fast-paced games. High brightness and wide color gamut coverage will enhance visibility and color accuracy, providing a vivid and engaging gaming experience. Additionally, a low response time is essential to reduce motion blur, offering smoother and more precise image transitions.
Out of the 196 gaming monitors we analyzed, five earned their place on our buying guide. We certified these products as tested after reviewing 321,248 customer and expert reviews, filtering out 71% of untrustworthy or fake reviews. Our unique approach uses True Score and proprietary Trust Score to ensure only the best recommendations. These winning monitors excelled in our tests, demonstrating superior performance and reliability. Brands like Acer, Dell, and Samsung were particularly notable for their high-quality offerings in the ultrawide category. If you’re looking for a more conventional gaming setup, our guide to the top gaming monitors includes models for every gamer, featuring high refresh rates for competitive play and impressive resolutions for immersive gaming. Additionally, our best computer monitor guide offers options suitable for daily tasks, professional environments, and high-demand activities, ensuring adaptability for a variety of uses.
How Did We Rank the Best Ultrawide Gaming Monitors?
Our buying guides at Gadget Review are based on rigorous analysis, examining testing methods and customer reviews from over 200 sites. For ultrawide gaming monitors, we scrutinized expert reviews and identified critical criteria, resulting in 2 essential test results and 2 vital specifications. This thorough process ensures that our recommendations are both precise and trustworthy, helping you make an informed decision.
Our commitment to unbiased reviews is powered by our ‘True Score’ system, targeting low quality and fake reviews. When you shop through our links, you’re backing our mission. Dive deeper to see how.
?️ Minimum Specification
- Aspect Ratio of 21:9 or high
- G-Sync or FreeSync
? Test Criteria
- Input Lag: An input lag of less than or equal to 15 milliseconds ensures a highly responsive gaming experience with minimal delay between action and on-screen response.
- Contrast Ratio: 1000:1 or higher (or infinite), offering deep blacks and bright whites for an exceptional viewing experience.
Latest Updates
- 04/30/2024: Republished the list to include the best ultrawide gaming monitors based on our True Score system.
Top Ultrawide Gaming Monitors For 2024
Prices accurate at the time of publishing
Best Overall
Runner Up
Best Value
Best Budget
Best Mid-Range
Premium Pick
Dell S3422DWG
The Dell S3422DWG excels as a budget-friendly, versatile ultrawide monitor with standout input lag and color performance for gamers and creators alike.
True Score
84824Experts
906kCustomers
Absolutely Fresh
SAVE $51$399.99$349.00
Snapshot
Reasons to Buy
- Outstanding input lag
- Excellent response time at the maximum refresh rate
- Large screen with a crisp resolution
Reasons to Avoid
- Narrow viewing angles
- Some black smearing in dark scenes
- Buggy G-SYNC compatibility at frame rates below 60 fps
Specifications
Display Type VA HDMI Inputs 2 HDR Format Yes Max Resolution 3440 × 1440 
Panel Type VA Refresh Rate 144 Hz 
Response Time 2 ms Screen size 34" 
Sync Technology AMD FreeSync All Specs
Test Results
Brightness (nits) 413 Contrast Ratio (as ratio x:1) 3,008 Color Gamut/Accuracy % (DCI P3 xy) 87 Color Gamut/Accuracy % (DCI P3 uv) 0 Color Gamut % (sRGB Coverage xy) 99 Color Gamut % (Adobe RGB Coverage xy) 83 Color Gamut % (Rec. 2020 Coverage xy) 64 Color Gamut % (Rec. 709 Coverage xy) 0 Input Lag (ms) 5 Response Time (ms) 7 Horizontal Viewing Angle (Washout Left) 35 Horizontal Viewing Angle (Washout Right) 36 Vertical Viewing Angle (Washout Above) 33 Vertical Viewing Angle (Washout Below) 31 Reflections % (Total Reflections) 5 All Retailers
$349.00$400Save $51Availability
In StockFree Shipping
Yes
$396.74$510Save $113Availability
In StockFree Shipping
No
Our Verdict
For those looking for a budget-friendly ultrawide gaming monitor, the Dell S3422DWG is an exceptional option for its affordability and impressive performance metrics. It has the best-in-class input lag of a mere 4.5 ms and a response time of 6.9 ms, this monitor ensures that every action you take is reflected on-screen with minimal delay, a crucial factor for competitive gaming. Furthermore, its 144 Hz refresh rate, coupled with a 3440 × 1440 resolution, provides a smooth and immersive gaming experience, making it a solid choice for gamers seeking speed and visual clarity.
Its color performance is noteworthy, with a 98.5% sRGB coverage, ensuring vibrant and accurate colors essential for an engaging gaming environment. The monitor’s peak brightness of 413 nits, only surpassed by the 628.3 nits of the Samsung Odyssey Neo G9, and a high contrast ratio of 3008:1 further enhance the visual experience, delivering deep blacks and bright highlights. Such specifications benefit gaming and make this monitor a versatile tool for productivity tasks requiring sharp and accurate color representation.
The Dell S3422DWG’s performance is well-suited for various other use cases beyond gaming. Its high resolution and color accuracy also benefit content creation, while a flicker-free panel and low blue light emissions ensure a comfortable viewing experience during long work sessions or movie watching. This versatility, combined with the monitor’s gaming-centric features, positions the Dell S3422DWG as a monitor catering to various user needs, from gaming and content creation to general productivity and entertainment.
Best Overall
Runner Up
Best Value
Best Budget
Best Mid-Range
Premium Pick
Dell Alienware AW3423DW
The Dell Alienware AW3423DW excels with its OLED panel, quick response time, and comprehensive features, making it a top pick for gaming and productivity.
True Score
838514Experts
862kCustomers
Absolutely Fresh
SAVE $200$899.99$699.99Snapshot
Reasons to Buy
- Spectacular image quality
- Ultra-fast response time
- Low Input lag
- High native refresh rate
Reasons to Avoid
- Bright surroundings reduce black levels
- Not suited for gaming consoles
Specifications
Aspect Ratio 21:9 
Available Inputs 3.5mm, DisplayPort, HDMI, USB 
Bluelight Filter Yes 
Built-In Speakers No 
Built-In Webcam No 
Curved Screen Yes Display Type OLED 
Flicker Free Yes HDMI Inputs 1 HDR Format HDR10, HDR400 High Dynamic Range (HDR) Yes Max Resolution 3440 × 1440 Panel Type n/a Refresh Rate 165 Hz Response Time 0.1 ms 
Rotating Screen No Screen size 34" Sync Technology AMD FreeSync Premium Pro, G-Sync Ultimate All Specs
Test Results
Brightness (nits) 241 Contrast Ratio (as ratio, x:1) 0 Color Gamut/Accuracy % (DCI P3 xy) 100 Color Gamut/Accuracy % (DCI P3 uv) 0 Color Gamut % (Adobe RGB Coverage xy) 96 Color Gamut % (sRGB Coverage xy) 100 Color Gamut % (Rec. 2020 Coverage xy) 79 Color Gamut % (Rec. 709 Coverage xy) 0 Input Lag (ms) 16 Response Time (ms) 2 Reflections % (Total Reflections) 1 Horizontal Viewing Angle (Washout Left) 70 Horizontal Viewing Angle (Washout Right) 70 Vertical Viewing Angle (Washout Above) 70 Vertical Viewing Angle (Washout Below) 70 All Retailers
$699.99$900Save $200Availability
In StockFree Shipping
Yes- $914.95
Availability
In StockFree Shipping
No - $939.49$1,100Save $161
Availability
In StockFree Shipping
Yes
Our Verdict
If you’re looking for a high-end ultrawide gaming monitor, the Dell Alienware AW3423DW is an excellent choice, particularly its exceptional OLED panel, which delivers an infinite contrast ratio, ensuring deep blacks and vibrant colors. Its response time is also best-in-class, clocking in at a mere 2.0 ms. This makes it an ideal choice for gamers who demand the quickest and most fluid visuals in fast-paced games and minimize motion blur, ensuring that every detail is crisp and clear, even in the most intense gaming scenarios.
The monitor’s input lag of 15.8 ms is decent compared to the Dell S3422DWG’s 4.5 ms, but it ensures swift on-screen action response, essential for competitive gaming where every millisecond is pivotal. Its brightness of 241.4 nits improves visibility across different lighting scenarios, enhancing the gaming experience. Moreover, its 165 Hz refresh rate guarantees fluid frame rates during dynamic gameplay, further elevating its gaming performance.
With a 3440 × 1440 resolution, the Dell Alienware AW3423DW presents sharp imagery, and its full sRGB color gamut coverage brings vivid, true-to-life colors. It supports VRR technologies like NVIDIA’s G-Sync and AMD’s FreeSync, offering a seamless gaming experience free from tearing across various graphics platforms. This ensures compatibility and provides flexibility and peace of mind for gamers switching between different graphics cards.
Apart from gaming, the Alienware AW3423DW’s impressive OLED contrast and quick response time suit other use cases like watching movies, content creation, and productivity tasks. Its ultrawide aspect ratio and high resolution offer an expansive workspace, allowing for efficient multitasking and immersive cinematic experiences. Whether you’re editing high-resolution video or enjoying the latest blockbuster, the monitor’s performance and quality make it a versatile choice beyond just gaming.
Did you know 71% of computer monitor reviewers are untrustworthy?
Our research found only 33 of 110+ computer monitor reviewers as of July 2024 can be trusted. This is why Gadget Review is committed to calculating the most accurate product scores on the web.
To do this, we give every computer monitor review site a Trust Rating, which measures how trustworthy the site and their testing claims are. We then leverage AI & a machine learning model to combine and calculate the Trust Rating with data from experts and consumers to deliver the True Score, the web’s most accurate product quality rating.
321,248Monitor Reviews Analyzed
196
Total Products Analyzed
Best Overall
Runner Up
Best Value
Best Budget
Best Mid-Range
Premium Pick
Samsung Odyssey G85SB
The Samsung Odyssey G85SB excels with its OLED panel, quick response time, and exceptional color accuracy, making it ideal for gaming and content creation.
True Score
838310Experts
878kCustomers
Absolutely Fresh
SAVE $400$1,199.99$799.99Snapshot
Reasons to Buy
- Great image quality
- Fast response time
- Low input lag
- Outstanding refresh rate
Reasons to Avoid
- Low peak brightness
- Subpar ergonomics
Specifications
Aspect Ratio 21:9 Available Inputs HDMI, USB Bluelight Filter Yes Built-In Speakers Yes Built-In Webcam No Curved Screen Yes Display Type OLED Flicker Free Yes HDMI Inputs 1 HDR Format HDR10, HDR10+, HDR10+ Gaming, HDR400 High Dynamic Range (HDR) Yes Max Resolution 3440 × 1440 Panel Type n/a Refresh Rate 175 hz Response Time 0.1 ms Rotating Screen No Screen size 34" Sync Technology AMD FreeSync Premium Pro All Specs
Test Results
Brightness (nits) 237 Contrast Ratio (as ratio, x:1) 0 Color Gamut/Accuracy % (DCI P3 xy) 110 Color Gamut/Accuracy % (DCI P3 uv) 0 Color Gamut % (Adobe RGB Coverage xy) 96 Color Gamut % (sRGB Coverage xy) 141 Color Gamut % (Rec. 2020 Coverage xy) 80 Color Gamut % (Rec. 709 Coverage xy) 0 Input Lag (ms) 13 Response Time (ms) 3 Reflections % (Total Reflections) 1 Horizontal Viewing Angle (Washout Left) 70 Horizontal Viewing Angle (Washout Right) 70 Vertical Viewing Angle (Washout Above) 70 Vertical Viewing Angle (Washout Below) 70 All Retailers
- $799.99$1,200Save $400
Availability
In StockFree Shipping
Yes - $799.99$1,200Save $400
Availability
In StockFree Shipping
Yes - $799.99$1,200Save $400
Availability
In StockFree Shipping
Yes 
$799.99$1,200Save $400Availability
In StockFree Shipping
Our Verdict
For those looking for a high-end ultrawide gaming monitor, the Samsung Odyssey G85SB stands out, particularly its exceptional contrast ratio typical of an OLED panel and color accuracy, ensuring vibrant and accurate colors for a truly immersive gaming experience. Its OLED technology not only brings deeper blacks and high contrast but also contributes to the monitor’s outstanding performance in color reproduction, with 141.3% sRGB color gamut coverage that is unparalleled in its category.
In terms of gaming performance, the Odyssey G85SB doesn’t disappoint. With a low response time of 3.5 ms, much quicker than the LG 40WP95C W’s 8.6 ms, it ensures that motion blur is kept to a minimum, making fast-paced action scenes crisp and clear. An impressive refresh rate of 175 Hz elevates the gameplay, offering ultra-smooth motion for a deeper immersion. The monitor’s input lag of 13.4 ms is competitive, providing a responsive gaming experience crucial for casual and competitive gamers. Additionally, its brightness of 237.5 nits is enough for visibility in various gaming environments, ensuring that no detail goes unnoticed.
However, it’s not just gaming where the Odyssey G85SB excels. Its top-tier specs, including the OLED panel’s wide color gamut and infinite contrast ratio, make it an excellent choice for content creation, productivity tasks, and consuming multimedia content. Whether you’re editing videos, working on graphic design projects, or enjoying your favorite TV shows and movies, the Samsung Odyssey G85SB delivers quality and performance that can enhance a wide range of activities.
DON’T SEE WHAT YOU’RE LOOKING FOR?
When setting up your console gaming station, selecting the best monitor Xbox One X or top PS4 monitor, depends on the monitor’s ability to match the console’s resolution and refresh rate capabilities. Additionally, for those who value integrated audio, monitors with speakers offer a convenient, space-saving solution without the clutter of external speakers.
For those curious about what monitor size pro gamers use, many prefer excellent 24″ monitors for optimal field of view and detail clarity. If you’re debating whether ultrawide monitors worth it, they offer expansive views but ensure your GPU can handle the extra pixels.
Best Overall
Runner Up
Best Value
Best Budget
Best Mid-Range
Premium Pick
Samsung Odyssey Neo G9
The Samsung Odyssey Neo G9 excels in gaming and beyond with unmatched brightness, impressive contrast, and color accuracy, making it the top ultrawide choice.
True Score
81814Experts
863kCustomers
Absolutely Fresh
SAVE $499$2,199.99$1,700.99Snapshot
Reasons to Buy
- Outstanding 240Hz maximum refresh rate
- Advanced Mini LED local dimming
- HDMI 2.1 inputs
- Excellent color gamut
- Outstanding 5120 x 1440 screen resolution
Reasons to Avoid
- Overly aggressive screen curvature
- Narrow viewing angles
- Variable refresh rate (VRR) issues at 60Hz
Specifications
Curved Screen Yes Display Type VA HDMI Inputs 2 HDR Format Yes Max Resolution 5120 x 1440 Panel Type VA Refresh Rate 240 Hz Response Time 1 ms Screen size 49" Sync Technology AMD FreeSync All Specs
Test Results
Brightness (nits) 628 Contrast Ratio (as ratio, x:1) 4,692 Color Gamut/Accuracy % (DCI P3 xy) 91 Color Gamut/Accuracy % (DCI P3 uv) 0 Color Gamut % (Adobe RGB Coverage xy) 86 Color Gamut % (sRGB Coverage xy) 100 Color Gamut % (Rec. 2020 Coverage xy) 68 Color Gamut % (Rec. 709 Coverage xy) 0 Input Lag (ms) 9 Response Time (ms) 3 Reflections % (Total Reflections) 5 Horizontal Viewing Angle (Washout Left) 34 Horizontal Viewing Angle (Washout Right) 34 Vertical Viewing Angle (Washout Above) 26 Vertical Viewing Angle (Washout Below) 27 All Retailers
- $1,700.99$2,200Save $499
Availability
In StockFree Shipping
Yes - $1,799.99$2,500Save $700
Availability
In StockFree Shipping
No - $1,799.99$2,500Save $700
Availability
In StockFree Shipping
- $2,199.99$3,033Save $833
Availability
In StockFree Shipping
Yes
Our Verdict
If you’re looking for an ultrawide gaming monitor that doesn’t compromise on performance for the price, the Samsung Odyssey Neo G9 is an exceptional option, even as the most expensive model on our list. It has a best-in-class brightness of 628.3 nits. It also has an impressive contrast ratio of 4692:1, ensuring vivid, lifelike images that enhance every gaming session.
With a response time of 2.7 ms, the monitor is only slightly behind the Dell Alienware AW3423DW’s 2.0 ms. This makes it an excellent choice for gamers who need quick feedback during fast-paced gameplay. The input lag of 8.9 ms also ranks it highly for responsiveness, only behind the Dell S3422DW’s 4.5 ms, a critical factor in competitive gaming scenarios.
This monitor features a 49-inch curved display with a sharp 5120 x 1440 resolution and a peak refresh rate of 240 Hz. It’s equipped to deliver smooth, stutter-free visuals for a wide array of games. Compatibility with both FreeSync and G-Sync technology ensures fluid gameplay without screen tearing. Additionally, its flicker-free panel and blue light filtering capabilities are designed to minimize eye strain during extended use, whether for gaming or productivity tasks.
However, it’s not just gaming where the Odyssey Neo G9 excels. The monitor’s impressive performance makes it well-suited for other uses like content creation, thanks to its wide color gamut coverage of 99.6% in sRGB and productivity tasks, with its expansive screen real estate. Whether you’re editing videos, designing graphics, or multitasking across multiple windows, the Odyssey Neo G9’s performance and specifications cater to a broad spectrum of needs beyond gaming.
Category Snapshot
Computer Monitors
- Total Brands/Products Tested
27 Brands, 196 Products
- Top 2 Brands
Dell, HP
- Price Range (Budget-Premium)
$100-$1,500
- Average True Score
74.46
- Important Test Criteria
Brightness (cd/m2)
Contrast Ratio (1000:1) - Most Trusted Testers
- Top Monitor Experts
- Typical Warranty
2 years
- Covered by Insurance
Yes – AKKO
Best Overall
Runner Up
Best Value
Best Budget
Best Mid-Range
Premium Pick
LG 40WP95C W
The LG 40WP95C W excels as an ultrawide gaming monitor and a productivity tool. It offers vibrant colors, sufficient brightness, and smooth performance.
True Score
76752Experts
81342Customers
Mixed Reviews
SAVE $503$1,799.99$1,297.15Snapshot
Reasons to Buy
- Excellent Image Quality
- Superb Text Quality
- Lots of Screen Real Estate
- Thunderbolt 4 Compatibility for Daisychaining
Reasons to Avoid
- Disappointing Refresh Rate
- Low Native Contrast Ratio
Specifications
Aspect Ratio 21:9 Available Inputs 3.5mm, DisplayPort, HDMI, USB Bluelight Filter n/a Built-In Speakers Yes Built-In Webcam No Curved Screen Yes Display Type LED Flicker Free Yes HDMI Inputs 2 HDR Format HDR10 High Dynamic Range (HDR) Yes Max Resolution 5120 x 2160 Panel Type IPS Refresh Rate 71 Hz Response Time 5 ms Rotating Screen – Screen size 40" Sync Technology AMD FreeSync All Specs
Test Results
Brightness (nits) 254 Contrast Ratio (as ratio x:1) 1,087 Color Gamut/Accuracy % (DCI P3 xy) 94 Color Gamut/Accuracy % (DCI P3 uv) 0 Color Gamut % (sRGB Coverage xy) 100 Color Gamut % (Adobe RGB Coverage xy) 90 Color Gamut % (Rec. 2020 Coverage xy) 70 Color Gamut % (Rec. 709 Coverage xy) 0 Input Lag (ms) 9 Response Time (ms) 9 Horizontal Viewing Angle (Washout Left) 43 Horizontal Viewing Angle (Washout Right) 42 Vertical Viewing Angle (Washout Above) 30 Vertical Viewing Angle (Washout Below) 32 Reflections % (Total Reflections) 6 All Retailers
- $1,297.15$1,800Save $503
Availability
In StockFree Shipping
Yes - $1,297.15$1,800Save $503
Availability
In StockFree Shipping
No - $1,399.99$1,800Save $400
Availability
In StockFree Shipping
Yes
Our Verdict
If you’re looking for an ultrawide gaming monitor that doubles as a productivity powerhouse, the LG 40WP95C W is an excellent option. Despite being a pricier, high-end option, it justifies its cost with performance where it counts. With an input lag of 9.3ms and a response time of 8.6ms, it offers a smooth and responsive gaming experience, though not the fastest in its class, it’s more than adequate for immersive ultrawide gaming sessions.
While not the highest, its 254 nits of brightness is sufficient for most gaming and professional environments, ensuring clear visibility even in well-lit rooms. Its sRGB coverage of 99.5% is crucial for gamers who value vibrant and accurate color representation in their games. However, its modest refresh rate of 71 Hz is much lower than the 144 Hz of the Dell S3422DWG but still provides a fluid enough experience for many games and multimedia applications.
Moreover, the monitor’s resolution of 5k2k (5120 x 2160) enhances gaming visuals and makes it an ideal tool for content creators and professionals requiring extensive screen real estate. With a contrast ratio of 1087:1, it delivers deep blacks and bright whites, adding depth and dimension to both work and play. These features, coupled with a flicker-free panel and a blue light filter, ensure comfort during extended use, making it a versatile choice beyond gaming.
Beyond gaming, the LG 40WP95C W’s performance is well-suited for various other activities. Its excellent color accuracy and high-resolution benefit content creation, video editing, and graphic design work. Moreover, its wide aspect ratio and immersive screen size enhance movie watching and general productivity tasks, making it a multifunctional monitor. Whether you’re editing videos, working on complex spreadsheets, or enjoying the latest cinematic releases, this monitor’s capabilities ensure a premium experience across the board.
Which Criteria Matters for Testing Best Ultrawide Gaming Monitors?
By focusing on these criteria (2 required), anyone can quickly and easily compare these computer monitors and how they’ll perform. This helps you make an informed decision and purchase the best ultrawide gaming monitor!
| CRITERIA | RANGE | REQUIRED | DEFINITION |
|---|---|---|---|
| Contrast Ratio | >1000:1 | Yes | The difference in brightness between the whites (lit sections) and blacks (dim or unlit sections) of a monitor panel. |
| Input Lag | ≤ 15 ms | Yes | The time it takes for the monitor to register inputs from the user and process them as action. |
Our Trusted Data Sources
We looked at 110+ computer monitor reviewers and found that 33 are trustworthy (60%+ Trust Rating). The three we have listed below are our most trusted for computer monitors.
- Samuel Breton – Rtings, MuckRack
- Chris Eberle – Tom’s Hardware, LinkedIn
- Tony Hoffman – PC Mag, MuckRack
Interested in a comprehensive analysis of our data sources? We’ve got you covered. Below, you’ll find a detailed list of every computer monitor review website we’ve identified, organized by their respective Trust Ratings from highest to lowest. But we didn’t stop there. We’ve meticulously reviewed each publication and verified the data by checking whether the authors have bio links to MuckRack or LinkedIn. We’re committed to not only checking the facts but ensuring their veracity.
Computer Monitor Test Data & Results
1. Contrast Ratio (as ratio, x:1) Test Results
Contrast Ratio
> 1000:1
Acceptable range of performance
Definition: How bright the monitor will get, usually under specific testing conditions, like 10% windows (which means 10% of the screen is a white box.)
Units of Measurement: Ratio
Tools to Measure: Luminance meter or photometer or colorimeter
Why It’s Important:
Contrast ratio is how dynamic images are given detail and dramatic effect, with very dark areas appearing truly dark, while bright areas are bright and pop.
Contrast ratio is responsible for making images appear “dynamic” and “dramatic.” By having a good contrast ratio, a monitor is able to recreate dramatic differences between light and dark spots in scenes, images and games accurately.
At a minimum, we recommend a contrast ratio of 1000:1, as this will do a good enough job at allow for detail in dark scenes and images. If contrast ratio gets too low, the picture quality suffers, and the monitor performs worse across the board, no matter the lighting condition. By getting a monitor with a sufficiently high contrast ratio, you can ensure the picture quality doesn’t suffer, and dramatic scenes with stark shifts in lighting, whether they be in games or videos, are created as accurately as possible.
Contrast Ratio (higher is better)
2. Input Lag (ms) Test Results
Input lag is more of a concern when it comes to gaming, but if you plan on using a monitor for a bit of gaming when you aren’t focused on productivity, editing or other tasks, lower values help improve responsiveness. High input lag means your actions take longer to register on the monitor, effectively introducing an artificial delay to your reactions.
It’s for this reason that we generally recommend an input lag of less than or equal to 15 ms. This ensures the delay that’s introduced has minimal impact on your reactions to what’s happening on screen. It’s important to note that a high input lag won’t have any real effect on anything that isn’t gaming, so it can be safely ignored if you don’t plan on gaming on your monitor.
Input Lag (ms)
≤ 15 ms
Acceptable range of performance
Definition: The amount of time it takes for a monitor to register an input from the user and display it.
Units of Measurement: Milliseconds (ms)
Tools to Measure: Input Lag Meter
Why It’s Important:
Input lag introduces artificial delay when gaming, which creates a mismatch between your reactions and on-screen action and creates frustration.
Input Lag (in ms; lower is better)
Best Ultrawide Gaming Monitors: Mistakes To Avoid
- Ignoring the Refresh Rate: Higher refresh rates (measured in Hz) result in smoother gameplay, especially in fast-paced games. Aim for a monitor with at least 144Hz refresh rate for optimal gaming performance. For those seeking even more fluidity and precision, consider upgrading to the best 240Hz gaming monitor, which can significantly enhance your experience in fast-action games by reducing motion blur and providing sharper visuals.
- Not Checking Response Time: Lower response times reduce motion blur and ghosting, enhancing the clarity of fast-moving images. Look for monitors with a response time of 5ms or less for a better gaming experience. Many of the leading 1080p gaming monitors feature rapid response times and high refresh rates, making them an excellent choice for professional gamers.
- Overlooking Panel Technology: Different panel types (TN, IPS, VA) offer varying levels of color accuracy, contrast, and viewing angles. IPS panels generally offer better color reproduction and viewing angles, while VA panels provide deeper blacks and higher contrast ratios. TN panels often have the fastest response times but poorer color accuracy and viewing angles. OLED models, like in our Gigabyte AORUS FO48U OLED review, deliver exceptional color depth, perfect blacks, and nearly instantaneous response times, making it a standout choice for gamers and professionals alike.
- Neglecting Resolution: Ultrawide monitors come in various resolutions, with 3440×1440 (WQHD) and 5120×1440 (DQHD) being common for gaming. Higher resolutions provide sharper images, but they may require more powerful graphics cards to run games smoothly. Similarly, the best 4K gaming monitors offer great detail and clarity, enhancing immersion in gameplay, though it similarly demands a high-performance graphics card to leverage its full potential.
The Best Ultrawide Gaming Monitors Tests Compared
Product |
True Score
|
Brightness
|
Contrast Ratio
|
Color Gamut (DCI P3)
|
Color Gamut (sRGB)
|
Input Lag (ms)
|
Response Time (ms)
|
Reflections % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 84 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|  $349.00 $400 $51 |
| 83 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|  $699.99 $900 $200 |
| 83 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| $799.99 $1,200 $400 |
| 81 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| $1,700.99 $2,200 $499 |
| 76 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| $1,297.15 $1,800 $503 |
