Since ultrawide monitors first hit the shelves, coders and gamers alike have used them for various advantages. And why wouldn’t they? Utilizing multiple monitors is an excellent way to expand the amount of information you can display on the screen simultaneously. What’s better, ultrawide monitors deliver that exact experience without you having to worry about large bezels separating each display.
Leave the standard 16:9 aspect ratio behind; these super displays come with an aspect ratio as large as 32:9!
If you are a working professional, you probably spend most of your waking life in front of a computer. And depending on the type of work that you do, you might need one that has a huge screen estate. This will dictate how many windows you can fit on your display. The busy ones may have one browser window tucked to one side, and on the other, they could have the photo-editing software they use for things such as their gym’s digital marketing efforts.
Some people swear by the effectiveness of working with two monitors. The thing about that is that you must have two pairs of power sockets and two sets of cables required to run them. That begs the question: Why not try using an ultrawide monitor?
Like Two Monitors In One
What exactly is an ultrawide monitor? For context, if you turn back the clock a few decades back, you will learn that the CRT TVs of yore employed a 4:3 aspect ratio, lending to a more squarish look. Back to the present, most of the screens used today have a 16:10 or 16:9 aspect ratio. Touted as a widescreen, it now has proportions that make it more of a rectangle.
Ultrawide uses a 21:9 ratio, which is equivalent to what is being used in many cinemas today. This is fitting because most movies are shot in the same aspect ratio, which makes this kind of monitor perfect for the movie enthusiast. They no longer have to deal with the black bars on the top and bottom of the screen, as the screen can now be filled with the whole picture.
Sleek And Useful
Since it has not yet taken over many people’s desk space, the ultrawide monitor can elicit interesting reactions the first time people see them. But it can also be a productivity beast. It is akin to having two 4:3 screens glued together. The great thing about that is you do not have chunky bezels splitting the middle of your screen. This changes the game because you can now arrange windows in a manner other than splitting them in half. You have the option to lay three of them side by side.
Resolution Is Still King
No matter what the size or shape of your monitor is, the main thing that will determine the screen estate is the resolution. It is the number of pixels that a screen can display. Having a higher one allows you to show finer details.
Now imagine having two different screen sizes; one is 32 inches and the other 55. If they both have a native resolution of 1080p, it means that despite the difference in their sizes, they could only display the same amount of information on the screen. For example, if your 32-inch screen can display 50 icons on the screen at once, the 55-inch one can do the same. Nothing more, nothing less. If the smaller screen has a higher resolution, it will end up being able to show more stuff on the screen.
For those very particular about their productivity, their screen estate would be one of their most wanted things. There are many options on how you can deal with that, but the most convenient one is to just get an ultrawide monitor. It gives you more screens with less hassle.
So, if you’re looking for a new setup to boost your productivity at work while providing a fantastic media consumption experience, read on! Let’s get to know the ins and outs of ultrawide monitors together.
What Is An Ultrawide Monitor?
Ultrawide monitors are exactly what the name suggests: they are monitors so large you can have a plethora of browser windows open at the same time. Or, you can immerse yourself completely in your favorite movie or video game.
This display type was created to compete with the traditional two or three-monitor layout. It’s especially good at optimizing your desktop experience. Its usefulness has skyrocketed post-pandemic, with most people working from home and needing a reliable monitor setup.
The 21:9 ultrawide aspect ratio significantly improves compared to the traditional 16:9 ratio, offering a noticeable increase in horizontal screen space. An ultrawide monitor gives you a resolution of at least 2560×1080 instead of 1920×1080.
How Does An Ultrawide Monitor Work?
Ultrawide monitors are frequently curved, especially larger-sized ones, so you’re practically engulfed by pixels. It looks intimidating at first, but once you get used to the setting, it may make all the difference in managing your workload.
You can accommodate more apps, programs, movies, browsers, word documents, or whatever else you use while on your PC at once. You won’t have to switch between tabs and apps repeatedly, and you’ll be able to use your time productively.
And if you enjoy gaming, we’ve got news for you! Players have said that the ultrawide gaming monitor provides fascinating gaming features and unforgettable immersive experiences no regular monitor can replicate. The wide screen also makes watching movies at home feel like going to the movie theater.
Benefits Of Using An Ultrawide Monitor
The prof of an ultrawide monitor may vary depending on the sort of job you do. Let’s talk about how getting an ultrawide can be a game-changer if your job requires your presence in front of a screen if you want to use it for leisurely purposes:
Image/Audio/Video Editing
The additional space enables a more detailed view of your project and expands the width of your workspace for exploring related files.
The usual editing UI has the project timeline in the top or bottom half of the screen. With an ultrawide monitor, you can see your progress without shuffling through the software.
Writing/Research
You need lateral space if your job includes writing, editing, or research. You can open 2 barely-readable windows at best on your standard monitor. However, with an ultrawide, you can open far more windows while still being able to read and write, not compromising your productivity.
Programming
Ultrawide monitors are a practical choice if you spend time typing out lines and lines of code. The clear view of the code, the different split-screen options, and the multitasking capabilities are some benefits.
Enhanced Productivity
The primary benefit of using an ultrawide monitor is simple: enhanced productivity. You can open three or more windows at once, which means less jumping between apps and browser tabs and more time being productive.
Immersive Gaming Experience
Moving on to media, specifically video games – many gamers claim that ultrawide gaming monitors provide an immersive experience. With a 21:9 aspect ratio, an ultrawide gaming monitor delivers a larger FOV for every PC gamer. Compared to conventional widescreen monitors or a TV, you’ll see more on the sides of the screen. This is useful in games that emphasize immersion or gain from viewing as much detail as possible.
Cinema-like Movie Experience
If you enjoy movies at home, there is no greater PC theater experience than an ultrawide screen. The widescreen ratio removes the need for unsightly black bars on the margins of your screen. You can watch movies on a big screen with superb image quality from home.
Ultrawide Monitor Buying Guide: 12 Things To Consider
Are you seeking a great ultrawide monitor to elevate your work-from-home or gaming experience? In that case, you’ll have to pay attention to a few details:
Know Your Purpose
Think about what you intend to do with your monitor. Do you plan on using it for work or entertainment purposes? Will you be spending a significant amount in front of it daily?
Whether it’s work, gaming, or movies, you must consider how you would benefit from an ultrawide monitor.
Curved vs. Flat Screen
Like TVs, ultrawide monitors come both curved and flat. What should influence your decision is, again, how you plan to use the monitor. If your go-to activity is indulging in a good movie or completing daily office tasks, you should opt for a flat-screen monitor.
A curved screen is the way to go if you’re on the lookout for an ultrawide gaming monitor and like flight simulators or racing games. The immersive experience and fitting aspect ratio gaming monitors with curved screens offer are unmatched. If these games are not your forte, you’re fine with an ultrawide flat display.
Graphics Card
The best ultrawide monitors require around 1.5 times as much graphics processing power as a regular monitor, possibly even more if you plan to get a gaming monitor. You must ensure you have good graphics to exploit a display with a higher resolution.
Screen Size
If your desk space is limited, screen size can pose a problem.
Having a 34-inch monitor might make you feel more confined. And if it’s too near, it can cause more harm to your eyes since you’ll be looking back and forth constantly.
Most ultrawide monitors range in screen size from 25 to 35 inches. We advise choosing a monitor with a screen that is 32 inches or larger to get the most out of your display. Even though bigger panels are more expensive, they are simpler to operate and offer more opportunities for multitasking.
That being said, confirming that you have the space to use your monitor comfortably before investing is still crucial.
Panel Technology
The panel technology and type are a big deal. Let’s break down the panel types, including IPS, VA, and OLED:
- IPS: Mid-range and expensive ultrawide monitors frequently have IPS screens. Excellent color accuracy, extremely high brightness, exceptional sharpness, and strong motion performance are all benefits of this panel type. However, it lacks contrast, which might be disappointing for image quality while watching films or TV shows.
- OLED performs well in terms of color, contrast, and motion. Sharpness is frequently somewhat decreased compared to IPS and VA, although most people will not notice much difference. The drawback of OLEDs is that they don’t last as much as other panel types.
- VA Panels are mainly found in low-cost ultrawide displays. They contrast more than IPS panels and provide identical color accuracy and brightness. Unfortunately, cheap VA panels are sufficient at best in these categories. When playing fast-paced games, most VA panels miss the mark on motion performance and may appear hazy.
OLED displays are generally superior to IPS, whereas IPS is superior to VA. Because VA offers a superior contrast ratio and appears darker in dark content, some individuals may prefer it to IPS. At the end of the day, it depends on your personal needs and budget.
Brightness
These days, high-end displays offer peak brightness levels between 300 and 350 cd/m2. It provides excellent sight, brings colors to life on the screen, and reduces eye strain.
Your display is functional if the brightness settings are set to 250 cd/m2. Extra brightness could be useful if you operate in a bright space or next to big windows. Yet, excessive brightness might lead to eye fatigue. The most crucial advice is to adapt screen brightness to the environment.
Contrast Ratio
The higher the number of the contrast ratio, the better. You should seek figures ranging from a respectable 1000:1 to an exceptional 3000:1 for the best image quality.
Keep one thing in mind, though. If you stumble upon a monitor with a contrast ratio greater than 3000:1, steer clear. It’s most likely a marketing ploy, not a noticeable or useful ratio.
Split Screen Mode
You should check for a screen-splitting option in the monitor if you want to replace your existing multi-monitor setup. The monitor should have multiple inputs and should be able to display the devices connected, offering a segmentation with more screen space similar to the one found in separate monitors.
Brand Reputation
Find a brand that has earned the trust of tech geeks. When searching for the best ultrawide monitors, check out brands like Dell, MSI, LG, Alienware, Samsung, etc. These brands have established themselves as quality manufacturers and are regulars on several rankings of the best ultrawide monitor.
Budget Preferences
The best ultrawide monitors were more costly a few years ago. These widescreen displays are now priced similarly to conventional monitors. Generally speaking, you’ll get fewer pixels the less you spend on them. The resolution and quality of the image will improve as you spend more, but you can always opt for a quality budget ultrawide monitor.
Warranty
Most monitors have a three-year parts and labor guarantee, but some only offer a one-year warranty. It’s worth looking for a model with better coverage, especially if you spend more money on the ultrawide monitor market.
Another factor to examine is the manufacturer’s defective-pixel policy. Some companies believe a specific amount of stuck or dead pixels is acceptable. Others will swap a monitor during its warranty if it has even one broken pixel.
Customer Reviews And Ratings
Reviews are an excellent tool to determine whether or not a product is worthwhile. You can read reviews on how well the monitor you’ve been eyeing works, its features, and what customers think about it. Inform yourself about what customers think the best ultrawide monitor is.
Ultrawide Monitors – FAQs
1) Which is better: ultrawide or vertical monitor?
If your workspace is made for a horizontal display, you’re good with an ultrawide monitor. If you require a portrait display – vertical is the way to go.
2) Are ultrawide monitors best for work productivity?
Ultrawide monitors offer an enhanced view of all the details on your screen. This means you can increase productivity using one instead of conventional monitors.
3) What size ultrawide monitor should I purchase online?
The size of your ultrawide monitor should rely on the ratio between the monitor’s actual size and the screen resolution. The standard commercial size is around 24 inches, but some monitors come in larger sizes of 27 and 32 inches.
4) What is the average lifespan of an ultrawide monitor?
The lifespan of your monitor will depend on key factors like the active use duration, the materials it was built with, and how well you maintain it. It fluctuates depending on the panel type, but the lifespan is approximately 10-20 years on average.
Conclusion
There are several factors to consider before purchasing one of the best ultrawide monitors. How you plan on using yours will heavily influence your decision.
Ultrawide displays are beneficial for:
- Multitaskers who want to have numerous program windows open side by side and boost their productivity
- Individuals who wish to replace multi-monitor setups with a single monitor
- Those who game and want a more reliable gaming monitor.
In addition, the benefits of many ultrawide monitors are multitasking possibilities, boosted productivity, a cinema-like experience, and many more. To choose the right one, don’t forget to look into specifics like a split-screen option, warranty period, and brand. There are vast choices on the market to tailor to anyone’s budget needs.
We’ve listed the most important points you need to consider before investing. Good luck in finding the best ultrawide monitor for your specific needs!
