Best ultrawide monitor for gaming: the immersive panels I recommend for PC gamers

HardwareGaming MonitorsBest ultrawide monitor for gaming: the immersive panels I recommend for PC gamersWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.

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(Image credit: Asus, Alienware)

The Asus ROG Swift OLED PG34WCDM and the Alienware 34 QD-OLED AW3423DWF ultrawide gaming monitors on a blue buying guide background with a PC Gamer recommended logo in the top right

Jump to:Quick List1. Best overall2. Best budget3. Best OLED4. Best budget OLED5. Best 49-inchAlso testedHow we testWhere to find dealsFAQ

Here’s why you should consider the best ultrawide monitor for gaming for your next upgrade. One, an ultrawide aspect ratio makes for a more immersive gaming experience. Two, they’re sometimes less taxing on a graphics card than more traditional-sized screens. Three, you can find great ultrawide gaming monitors for a surprisingly affordable price these days.

The best ultrawide monitor for gaming is theSamsung Odyssey Neo G9 G95NC. With a simply gigantic 57-inch screen size and magnificent pixel density, it sits firmly at the top of this list. If you don’t want to spend that sort of money, however, then the best budget ultrawide for gaming is the superbASRock Phantom PG34WQ15R2B.

Jacob Ridley

Jacob has been staring at screens professionally for over six years now, and has a lot to say about the perfect subpixel layout. Combined with the expertise of the rest of the PC Gamer Hardware team, he’s the best person to recommend you the best ultrawide monitor right now.

Quick List

Best overall1. Samsung Odyssey Neo G9 G95NCView at AmazonView at SamsungView at WalmartThe best overallThis dual-4K monster cannot be beat for its clarity or capability. It’s built with Mini-LED technology that delivers a punchy picture with a VA panel, but it’s really just excellent for being the widest, and best, ultrawide gaming monitor around.Read more belowBest budget2. ASRock Phantom PG34WQ15R2BView at WalmartCheck AmazonThe best budgetYou get a whole lot of screen for your money with this excellent contender out of new entrant into the monitor market, ASRock. It’s not an OLED or anything fancy, but it’s frequently discounted and has all the specs we’re after.Read more belowBest OLED3. Asus ROG Swift OLED PG34WCDMView at ASUSView at AmazonView at NeweggThe best OLEDIf you want the best OLED ultrawide, the Swift is where you want to be. This second-gen panel boasts a 240 Hz refresh rate and phenomenal image quality, although it is admittedly pricey. Still, deals are available, and the best comes with a cost when you’re talking OLEDs.Read more belowBest budget OLED4. Alienware 34 QD-OLEDView at DellView at AmazonView at Best BuyThe best budget OLEDThe best budget OLED ultrawide gaming monitor is the Alienware 34 QD-OLED, based on Samsung’s excellent OLED panel. Specifically we’re fans of this glossy (and often cheaper) version.Read more belowBest 49-inch5. Samsung Odyssey OLED G9View at SamsungView at AmazonThe best 49-inchIf you want a 32:9 aspect ratio and an OLED panel, you’re going to have to pay for it. Luckily, the OLED G9 really delivers on the goods to make it worthwhile.Read more below

Best overall

The Samsung Odyssey Neo G9 G95NC on a red background

Samsung Odyssey Neo G9 G95NCView at AmazonView at SamsungView at WalmartThe best overallThis dual-4K monster cannot be beat for its clarity or capability. It’s built with Mini-LED technology that delivers a punchy picture with a VA panel, but it’s really just excellent for being the widest, and best, ultrawide gaming monitor around.Read more below
Samsung Odyssey Neo G9 G95NC
Samsung Odyssey Neo G9 G95NC

View at AmazonView at SamsungView at WalmartThe best overallThis dual-4K monster cannot be beat for its clarity or capability. It’s built with Mini-LED technology that delivers a punchy picture with a VA panel, but it’s really just excellent for being the widest, and best, ultrawide gaming monitor around.Read more below

View at AmazonView at SamsungView at Walmart

View at Amazon

View at Samsung

View at Walmart

The best overall

This dual-4K monster cannot be beat for its clarity or capability. It’s built with Mini-LED technology that delivers a punchy picture with a VA panel, but it’s really just excellent for being the widest, and best, ultrawide gaming monitor around.

Read more below

Best budget2. ASRock Phantom PG34WQ15R2BView at WalmartCheck AmazonThe best budgetYou get a whole lot of screen for your money with this excellent contender out of new entrant into the monitor market, ASRock. It’s not an OLED or anything fancy, but it’s frequently discounted and has all the specs we’re after.Read more below

Best budget

ASRock Phantom ultrawide gaming monitor

ASRock Phantom PG34WQ15R2BView at WalmartCheck AmazonThe best budgetYou get a whole lot of screen for your money with this excellent contender out of new entrant into the monitor market, ASRock. It’s not an OLED or anything fancy, but it’s frequently discounted and has all the specs we’re after.Read more below
ASRock Phantom PG34WQ15R2B
ASRock Phantom PG34WQ15R2B

View at WalmartCheck AmazonThe best budgetYou get a whole lot of screen for your money with this excellent contender out of new entrant into the monitor market, ASRock. It’s not an OLED or anything fancy, but it’s frequently discounted and has all the specs we’re after.Read more below

View at WalmartCheck Amazon

View at Walmart

Check Amazon

The best budget

You get a whole lot of screen for your money with this excellent contender out of new entrant into the monitor market, ASRock. It’s not an OLED or anything fancy, but it’s frequently discounted and has all the specs we’re after.

Read more below

Best OLED3. Asus ROG Swift OLED PG34WCDMView at ASUSView at AmazonView at NeweggThe best OLEDIf you want the best OLED ultrawide, the Swift is where you want to be. This second-gen panel boasts a 240 Hz refresh rate and phenomenal image quality, although it is admittedly pricey. Still, deals are available, and the best comes with a cost when you’re talking OLEDs.Read more below

Best OLED

An ultrawide gaming monitor on a colourful background.

Asus ROG Swift OLED PG34WCDMView at ASUSView at AmazonView at NeweggThe best OLEDIf you want the best OLED ultrawide, the Swift is where you want to be. This second-gen panel boasts a 240 Hz refresh rate and phenomenal image quality, although it is admittedly pricey. Still, deals are available, and the best comes with a cost when you’re talking OLEDs.Read more below
Asus ROG Swift OLED PG34WCDM
Asus ROG Swift OLED PG34WCDM

View at ASUSView at AmazonView at NeweggThe best OLEDIf you want the best OLED ultrawide, the Swift is where you want to be. This second-gen panel boasts a 240 Hz refresh rate and phenomenal image quality, although it is admittedly pricey. Still, deals are available, and the best comes with a cost when you’re talking OLEDs.Read more below

View at ASUSView at AmazonView at Newegg

View at ASUS

View at Amazon

View at Newegg

The best OLED

If you want the best OLED ultrawide, the Swift is where you want to be. This second-gen panel boasts a 240 Hz refresh rate and phenomenal image quality, although it is admittedly pricey. Still, deals are available, and the best comes with a cost when you’re talking OLEDs.

Read more below

Best budget OLED4. Alienware 34 QD-OLEDView at DellView at AmazonView at Best BuyThe best budget OLEDThe best budget OLED ultrawide gaming monitor is the Alienware 34 QD-OLED, based on Samsung’s excellent OLED panel. Specifically we’re fans of this glossy (and often cheaper) version.Read more below

Best budget OLED

Alienware QD-OLED gaming monitor

Alienware 34 QD-OLEDView at DellView at AmazonView at Best BuyThe best budget OLEDThe best budget OLED ultrawide gaming monitor is the Alienware 34 QD-OLED, based on Samsung’s excellent OLED panel. Specifically we’re fans of this glossy (and often cheaper) version.Read more below
Alienware 34 QD-OLED
Alienware 34 QD-OLED

View at DellView at AmazonView at Best BuyThe best budget OLEDThe best budget OLED ultrawide gaming monitor is the Alienware 34 QD-OLED, based on Samsung’s excellent OLED panel. Specifically we’re fans of this glossy (and often cheaper) version.Read more below

View at DellView at AmazonView at Best Buy

View at Dell

View at Amazon

View at Best Buy

The best budget OLED

The best budget OLED ultrawide gaming monitor is the Alienware 34 QD-OLED, based on Samsung’s excellent OLED panel. Specifically we’re fans of this glossy (and often cheaper) version.

Read more below

Best 49-inch5. Samsung Odyssey OLED G9View at SamsungView at AmazonThe best 49-inchIf you want a 32:9 aspect ratio and an OLED panel, you’re going to have to pay for it. Luckily, the OLED G9 really delivers on the goods to make it worthwhile.Read more below

Best 49-inch

An ultrawide gaming monitor on a colourful background.

Samsung Odyssey OLED G9View at SamsungView at AmazonThe best 49-inchIf you want a 32:9 aspect ratio and an OLED panel, you’re going to have to pay for it. Luckily, the OLED G9 really delivers on the goods to make it worthwhile.Read more below
Samsung Odyssey OLED G9
Samsung Odyssey OLED G9

View at SamsungView at AmazonThe best 49-inchIf you want a 32:9 aspect ratio and an OLED panel, you’re going to have to pay for it. Luckily, the OLED G9 really delivers on the goods to make it worthwhile.Read more below

View at SamsungView at Amazon

View at Samsung

View at Amazon

The best 49-inch

If you want a 32:9 aspect ratio and an OLED panel, you’re going to have to pay for it. Luckily, the OLED G9 really delivers on the goods to make it worthwhile.

Read more below

Recent updatesUpdated 22 November 2024to add a note in the intro about Black Friday sales and where you can find the latest deals on ultrawide gaming monitors.

Recent updates

Updated 22 November 2024to add a note in the intro about Black Friday sales and where you can find the latest deals on ultrawide gaming monitors.

The best ultrawide monitor for gaming

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Samsung Odyssey Neo G9 G95NC

(Image credit: Future)

Samsung Odyssey Neo G9 G95NC

(Image credit: Future)

Samsung Odyssey Neo G9 G95NC

Samsung Odyssey Neo G9 G95NCThe best ultrawide monitor for gamingOur expert review:Average Amazon review:☆☆☆☆☆SpecificationsScreen size:57-inchPanel type:VAAspect ratio:32:9Resolution:7680 x 2160Response time:1 msRefresh rate:240 HzBrightness (peak):1000 nitsRefresh rate technology:FreeSync Premium ProToday’s Best DealsView at AmazonView at SamsungView at WalmartReasons to buy+More pixels than you can possibly imagine+Much improved local dimming+Staggering gaming experienceReasons to avoid-Mini-LED tech still has limitations-Ergonomics are questionable-Quite, er, expensive
Samsung Odyssey Neo G9 G95NC

1. Samsung Odyssey Neo G9 G95NC

The best ultrawide monitor for gaming

Our expert review:Average Amazon review:☆☆☆☆☆

Our expert review:

Average Amazon review:☆☆☆☆☆

☆☆☆☆☆

SpecificationsScreen size:57-inchPanel type:VAAspect ratio:32:9Resolution:7680 x 2160Response time:1 msRefresh rate:240 HzBrightness (peak):1000 nitsRefresh rate technology:FreeSync Premium Pro

Screen size:57-inchPanel type:VAAspect ratio:32:9Resolution:7680 x 2160Response time:1 msRefresh rate:240 HzBrightness (peak):1000 nitsRefresh rate technology:FreeSync Premium Pro

Screen size:57-inch

Panel type:VA

Aspect ratio:32:9

Resolution:7680 x 2160

Response time:1 ms

Refresh rate:240 Hz

Brightness (peak):1000 nits

Refresh rate technology:FreeSync Premium Pro

Today’s Best DealsView at AmazonView at SamsungView at Walmart

Today’s Best Deals

View at AmazonView at SamsungView at Walmart

View at Amazon

View at Samsung

View at Walmart

Reasons to buy+More pixels than you can possibly imagine+Much improved local dimming+Staggering gaming experience

+More pixels than you can possibly imagine+Much improved local dimming+Staggering gaming experience

More pixels than you can possibly imagine

Much improved local dimming

Staggering gaming experience

Reasons to avoid-Mini-LED tech still has limitations-Ergonomics are questionable-Quite, er, expensive

-Mini-LED tech still has limitations-Ergonomics are questionable-Quite, er, expensive

Mini-LED tech still has limitations

Ergonomics are questionable

Quite, er, expensive

Buy if…

Don’t buy if…❌You want something that matches an OLED panel:Samsung has done a great job with Mini-LED here, and the pixel density makes for an absurdly clear picture—but it’s not quite a match for an OLED

Don’t buy if…

❌You want something that matches an OLED panel:Samsung has done a great job with Mini-LED here, and the pixel density makes for an absurdly clear picture—but it’s not quite a match for an OLED

Excessive? Ludicrous? Absurd? These words mean nothing to the Samsung Odyssey Neo G9 G95NC Dual UHD. What it is beyond that, however, is a truly stunning ultrawide that dwarfs all others, with superb picture quality to boot. That’s why it’s our pick as the best overall ultrawide monitor for gaming.

We made way for this megalithic monitor because it truly gives new meaning to the word ‘ultrawide’. We thought it may be deserving of another title. Silly-wide, perhaps, but I don’t think it’ll catch on. Point is: it’s huge, and it’s not your usual resolution.

This means that yes, it’s an ultrawide 4K monitor, at least in the sense that most people would want, because it’s 4K on the vertical axis and has the same pixel density as your normal 4K monitor.

The panel itself is a VA, not fancy OLED tech, though thebest 49-inch ultrawide monitor for gaminghas you covered there. Actually what you get here is an equally fresh backlight technology, Quantum Mini-LED. So it’s not entirely at a loss for brightness and beauty (DisplayHDR 1000!). You can expect a decent 1ms response time and good contrast levels nonetheless, even if they come up short versus uber-pricey OLEDs. Still, you don’t have to worry about burn-in here, at least.

Read our fullSamsung Odyssey Neo G9 G95NC Dual UHD review.

The best budget ultrawide monitor for gaming

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Asrock Phantom PG34WQ15R2B

(Image credit: Future)

Asrock Phantom PG34WQ15R2B

(Image credit: Future)

Asrock Phantom PG34WQ15R2B

(Image credit: Future)

Asrock Phantom PG34WQ15R2B

(Image credit: Future)

Asrock Phantom PG34WQ15R2B

(Image credit: Future)

Asrock Phantom PG34WQ15R2B

(Image credit: Future)

Asrock Phantom PG34WQ15R2B

ASRock Phantom PG34WQ15R2BThe best budget ultrawide gaming monitorOur expert review:SpecificationsScreen size:34-inchPanel type:VAAspect ratio:21:9Resolution:3440 x 1440Response time:1 msRefresh rate:165 HzBrightness (peak):550 nitsRefresh rate technology:FreeSync PremiumToday’s Best DealsView at WalmartCheck AmazonReasons to buy+Punchy VA panel+165 Hz refresh+34-inch ultrawide immersionReasons to avoid-Pixel response is merely decent-Needs a little setting up
ASRock Phantom PG34WQ15R2B

2. ASRock Phantom PG34WQ15R2B

The best budget ultrawide gaming monitor

Our expert review:

SpecificationsScreen size:34-inchPanel type:VAAspect ratio:21:9Resolution:3440 x 1440Response time:1 msRefresh rate:165 HzBrightness (peak):550 nitsRefresh rate technology:FreeSync Premium

Screen size:34-inchPanel type:VAAspect ratio:21:9Resolution:3440 x 1440Response time:1 msRefresh rate:165 HzBrightness (peak):550 nitsRefresh rate technology:FreeSync Premium

Screen size:34-inch

Panel type:VA

Aspect ratio:21:9

Resolution:3440 x 1440

Response time:1 ms

Refresh rate:165 Hz

Brightness (peak):550 nits

Refresh rate technology:FreeSync Premium

Today’s Best DealsView at WalmartCheck Amazon

Today’s Best Deals

View at WalmartCheck Amazon

View at Walmart

Check Amazon

Reasons to buy+Punchy VA panel+165 Hz refresh+34-inch ultrawide immersion

+Punchy VA panel+165 Hz refresh+34-inch ultrawide immersion

Punchy VA panel

165 Hz refresh

34-inch ultrawide immersion

Reasons to avoid-Pixel response is merely decent-Needs a little setting up

-Pixel response is merely decent-Needs a little setting up

Pixel response is merely decent

Needs a little setting up

Buy if…✅You’re on a tight budget:Ultrawide can get expensive—yet this one is frequently discounted. It also has an enviable specs sheet.

Buy if…

✅You’re on a tight budget:Ultrawide can get expensive—yet this one is frequently discounted. It also has an enviable specs sheet.

Don’t buy if…❌You want the best out-of-the-box experience:ASRock’s monitor needs a fair bit of tweaking and calibration to get it setup optimally for most games.

Don’t buy if…

❌You want the best out-of-the-box experience:ASRock’s monitor needs a fair bit of tweaking and calibration to get it setup optimally for most games.

The best budget ultrawide is from a relatively new face on the gaming monitor scene. It’s the ASRock Phantom PG34WQ15R2B. Despite not being around in the market for long, ASRock has decided to adopt some of the most confusing naming schemes for its monitors yet, but don’t let that detract from this budget hero.

Don’t lower your expectations too much, because the ASRock Phantom PG34WQ15R2B delivers a specs sheet not too dissimilar to the Alienware 34 QD-OLED in a few ways: the 3440 x 1440 resolution and 165Hz refresh rate.

The VA panel on the PG34WQ15R2B is quite bright, considering its more affordable price tag, coming in with a 550 nits rating. That’s enough to net it DisplayHDR 400 certification and a half decent HDR experience. The claimed coverage of 91% DCI-P3 is also pretty darn good.

Rounding out the rest of the spec, there’s FreeSync Premium support for all your variable refresh rate needs (no good monitor in 2024 should be without) and the stand is surprisingly excellent. Usually the stand is a let-down on more affordable monitors, but this one offers all the movement you could ask for and doesn’t demand much screen space.

All in, the PG34WQ15R2B really impressed us during testing and was a pleasure to play games with, and it’s still very much in use in the PC Gamer office, too. That’s about as good a recommendation as you’ll find, as if it wasn’t so good we’d be swapping it out quick-sharp. It might be budget, but it really doesn’t look or feel like it.

Considering it starts out relatively cheap for this sort of spec and then is frequently discounted to sit as one of the cheapest ultrawide monitors for gaming around, we can’t recommend it enough. The ASRock Phantom PG34WQ15R2B really is the best budget ultrawide we’ve ever tested, and if money’s tight then we’d pick it over the competition all day long.

Read our fullASRock Phantom PG34WQ15R2B review.

The best OLED ultrawide monitor for gaming

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Asus ROG Swift OLED PG34WCGM

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Asus ROG Swift OLED PG34WCGM

(Image credit: Future)

Asus ROG Swift OLED PG34WCGM

(Image credit: Future)

Asus ROG Swift OLED PG34WCGM

(Image credit: Future)

Asus ROG Swift OLED PG34WCGM

Asus ROG Swift OLED PG34WCDMThe best OLED ultrawide monitor for gamingOur expert review:SpecificationsScreen size:34-inchPanel type:OLEDAspect ratio:21:9Resolution:3440 x 1440Response time:0.03 msRefresh rate:240HzBrightness (peak):1300 nitsRefresh rate technology:AMD FreeSync Premium Pro, G-Sync CompatibleToday’s Best DealsCheck AmazonVisit SiteReasons to buy+Improved full-screen brightness+240 Hz refresh rate+Fantastic speed and HDR performanceReasons to avoid-Still not perfect when it comes to brightness-Fairly silly price tag
Asus ROG Swift OLED PG34WCDM

3. Asus ROG Swift OLED PG34WCDM

The best OLED ultrawide monitor for gaming

Our expert review:

SpecificationsScreen size:34-inchPanel type:OLEDAspect ratio:21:9Resolution:3440 x 1440Response time:0.03 msRefresh rate:240HzBrightness (peak):1300 nitsRefresh rate technology:AMD FreeSync Premium Pro, G-Sync Compatible

Screen size:34-inchPanel type:OLEDAspect ratio:21:9Resolution:3440 x 1440Response time:0.03 msRefresh rate:240HzBrightness (peak):1300 nitsRefresh rate technology:AMD FreeSync Premium Pro, G-Sync Compatible

Screen size:34-inch

Panel type:OLED

Aspect ratio:21:9

Resolution:3440 x 1440

Response time:0.03 ms

Refresh rate:240Hz

Brightness (peak):1300 nits

Refresh rate technology:AMD FreeSync Premium Pro, G-Sync Compatible

Today’s Best DealsCheck AmazonVisit Site

Today’s Best Deals

Check AmazonVisit Site

Check Amazon

Visit Site

Reasons to buy+Improved full-screen brightness+240 Hz refresh rate+Fantastic speed and HDR performance

+Improved full-screen brightness+240 Hz refresh rate+Fantastic speed and HDR performance

Improved full-screen brightness

240 Hz refresh rate

Fantastic speed and HDR performance

Reasons to avoid-Still not perfect when it comes to brightness-Fairly silly price tag

-Still not perfect when it comes to brightness-Fairly silly price tag

Still not perfect when it comes to brightness

Fairly silly price tag

Buy if…✅You want an LG-powered OLED experience:LG’s new second-gen MLA OLED panel is gorgeous and brighter than the last.

Buy if…

✅You want an LG-powered OLED experience:LG’s new second-gen MLA OLED panel is gorgeous and brighter than the last.

Don’t buy if…❌You’re expecting perfection:Even LG’s latest OLED tech still has limitations, and it’s usually more expensive than the QD-OLED alternative.

Don’t buy if…

❌You’re expecting perfection:Even LG’s latest OLED tech still has limitations, and it’s usually more expensive than the QD-OLED alternative.

The best OLED ultrawide monitor for gaming is the Asus ROG Swift OLED PG34WCDM. This new arrival is one of just a few second generation OLED gaming monitors currently on the market, and it’s fitted with one of LG’s extremely fast WOLED MLA Gen 2 panels.

That LG panel scores you a 240 Hz refresh rate with a 0.03ms response time. Yes, 0.03ms. To put it plainly, this panel is rapid in every sense.

A high-end graphics card is required to reach the advertised 240 Hz refresh rate, and even thebest graphics cardsaround might struggle in some games. Though the fact this is an ultrawide monitor with a standard 3440 x 1440 resolution helps. That’s a lot fewer pixels than 4K in total.

Picture quality hasn’t been sacrificed to deliver a stonking speed, however. If you’ve seen an LG OLED TV, you’ll know that LG makes a mean screen. The Swift OLED PG34WCDM is no different. The second-generation OLED panel here makes a real difference to how images are displayed across it. It’s vibrant and has a bit more fundamentalzingthan other OLEDs we’ve tested previously.

Though OLEDs do have their drawbacks. Burn-in is a real concern, even while this monitor employs measures to keep the risk of it happening to a minimum. Also the way OLED panels are created leads to some strangeness displaying text, and that bothers some people more than others.

The other factor is cost. At an MSRP of $1,299, this Swift OLED PG34WCDM is mightily expensive. Still, you do end up with a truly fabulous panel, and that’s arguably worth the cost.

Here’s hoping the price drops as much as the Alienware has so far, otherwise this speed machine won’t get as much attention as it probably deserves. And it really does deserve it, as its the best OLED ultrawide around.

Read our fullAsus ROG Swift OLED PG34WCDM review.

The best budget OLED ultrawide monitor for gaming

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Alienware 34 AW3423DWF

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Alienware 34 AW3423DWF

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Alienware 34 AW3423DWF

(Image credit: Future)

Alienware 34 AW3423DWF

(Image credit: Future)

Alienware 34 AW3423DWF

(Image credit: Future)

Alienware 34 AW3423DWF

(Image credit: Future)

Alienware 34 AW3423DWF

Alienware 34 QD-OLED (AW3423DWF)The best budget OLED ultrawide monitor for gamingOur expert review:SpecificationsScreen size:34-inchPanel type:OLEDAspect ratio:21:9Resolution:3440 x 1440Response time:0.1 msRefresh rate:165HzBrightness (peak):1000 nitsRefresh rate technology:AMD FreeSync Premium ProToday’s Best DealsView at DellView at AmazonView at Best BuyReasons to buy+Glossy coating makes all the difference+Ultra-quick response+Good full-screen brightnessReasons to avoid-Still fairly pricey-Mediocre pixel density
Alienware 34 QD-OLED (AW3423DWF)

4. Alienware 34 QD-OLED (AW3423DWF)

The best budget OLED ultrawide monitor for gaming

Our expert review:

SpecificationsScreen size:34-inchPanel type:OLEDAspect ratio:21:9Resolution:3440 x 1440Response time:0.1 msRefresh rate:165HzBrightness (peak):1000 nitsRefresh rate technology:AMD FreeSync Premium Pro

Screen size:34-inchPanel type:OLEDAspect ratio:21:9Resolution:3440 x 1440Response time:0.1 msRefresh rate:165HzBrightness (peak):1000 nitsRefresh rate technology:AMD FreeSync Premium Pro

Screen size:34-inch

Panel type:OLED

Aspect ratio:21:9

Resolution:3440 x 1440

Response time:0.1 ms

Refresh rate:165Hz

Brightness (peak):1000 nits

Refresh rate technology:AMD FreeSync Premium Pro

Today’s Best DealsView at DellView at AmazonView at Best Buy

Today’s Best Deals

View at DellView at AmazonView at Best Buy

View at Dell

View at Amazon

View at Best Buy

Reasons to buy+Glossy coating makes all the difference+Ultra-quick response+Good full-screen brightness

+Glossy coating makes all the difference+Ultra-quick response+Good full-screen brightness

Glossy coating makes all the difference

Ultra-quick response

Good full-screen brightness

Reasons to avoid-Still fairly pricey-Mediocre pixel density

-Still fairly pricey-Mediocre pixel density

Still fairly pricey

Mediocre pixel density

Buy if…✅You want the OLED ultrawide experience, for about as cheap as you can get:This is an absolute all-rounder with a wonderful OLED panel, superb HDR performance, glossy finish, and ultra-fast pixel response. It’s also often on discount around the $700 mark, which in OLED terms is downright reasonable.

Buy if…

✅You want the OLED ultrawide experience, for about as cheap as you can get:This is an absolute all-rounder with a wonderful OLED panel, superb HDR performance, glossy finish, and ultra-fast pixel response. It’s also often on discount around the $700 mark, which in OLED terms is downright reasonable.

Don’t buy if…❌You’re after detail through pixel density:You won’t find the best pixel density here, although it’s better than some.

Don’t buy if…

❌You’re after detail through pixel density:You won’t find the best pixel density here, although it’s better than some.

The Alienware 34 QD-OLED the best budget OLED ultrawide for gaming, full stop. With a 3440 x 1440 resolution, it’s wide enough to be engrossing, but it also comes with an OLED panel that has seriously impressed us from day one.

Let’s just take a moment to appreciate this magnificent monitor. It’s an ultrawide OLED with a 0.1ms response time, 165 Hz refresh rate, 3440 x 1440 resolution, 1000 nits peak luminance, and features AMD FreeSync Premium Pro. All that for a reasonable and frequently discounted price.

There are a two different models of Alienware 34 QD-OLED, the AW3423DW and AW3423DWF. We prefer the latter. It skips G-Sync support (though it still works great with Nvidia GPUs) and loses 10 Hz from the refresh rate (not a biggie), but in exchange it can often be found for less. Though the best bit is it ditches the matte finish for a glossy one. It might seem like a small detail, but the glossy finish is really what makes this OLED shine.

That glossy coating works a treat for bringing out the best of the OLED panel’s deep black levels and wildly huge contrast ratio, while also doing wonders for the HDR gaming experience.

Beyond its luxurious panel and coating, this Alienware comes with a handy stand that doesn’t take up too much space and is generally one of the finer looking monitors in the market. A couple of negatives to bear in mind—the pixel density isn’t amazing due to the fact it’s just a wider 1440p panel, despite the ultrawide nature of this screen making it feel more expansive. And, as with many OLEDs today, text clarity isn’t a strong point.

Similarly, you will have to be cautious of burn-in if you spend a ton of time on the desktop with static elements such as the taskbar always visible. There is a three year warranty with burn-in included though, so that should go some way to easing any fears.

It’s also a 34-incher, which is plenty big enough for most. But if you’re looking for something absolutely massive to really make an impression on your eyeballs, we’d recommend checking out the 49-inchSamsung Odyssey OLED G9 G93SC.

Read ourAlienware 34 AW3423DWF review.

The best 49-inch ultrawide monitor for gaming

Image1of6(Image credit: Future)(Image credit: Future)(Image credit: Future)The OLED panel does look rather grey in extreme ambient lighting conditions.(Image credit: Future)(Image credit: Future)(Image credit: Future)

Image1of6

(Image credit: Future)(Image credit: Future)(Image credit: Future)The OLED panel does look rather grey in extreme ambient lighting conditions.(Image credit: Future)(Image credit: Future)(Image credit: Future)

(Image credit: Future)

Samsung Odyssey OLED G9 G93SC

(Image credit: Future)

Samsung Odyssey OLED G9 G93SC

(Image credit: Future)

Samsung Odyssey OLED G9 G93SC

The OLED panel does look rather grey in extreme ambient lighting conditions.(Image credit: Future)

Samsung Odyssey OLED G9 G93SC

The OLED panel does look rather grey in extreme ambient lighting conditions.

(Image credit: Future)

Samsung Odyssey OLED G9 G93SC

(Image credit: Future)

Samsung Odyssey OLED G9 G93SC

Samsung Odyssey OLED G9 G93SCThe best 49-inch ultrawide monitor for gamingOur expert review:Average Amazon review:☆☆☆☆☆SpecificationsScreen size:49-inchPanel type:OLEDAspect ratio:32:9Resolution:5120 x 1440Response time:0.03msRefresh rate:240 HzBrightness (peak):1000 nitsRefresh rate technology:FreeSync Premium ProToday’s Best DealsView at SamsungView at AmazonReasons to buy+Outrageous 32:9 OLED panel+HDR the way it’s meant to be+Mostly gorgeous design and buildReasons to avoid-Not exactly cheap-32:9 aspect isn’t for everyone-Mediocre pixel density
Samsung Odyssey OLED G9 G93SC

5. Samsung Odyssey OLED G9 G93SC

The best 49-inch ultrawide monitor for gaming

Our expert review:Average Amazon review:☆☆☆☆☆

Our expert review:

Average Amazon review:☆☆☆☆☆

☆☆☆☆☆

SpecificationsScreen size:49-inchPanel type:OLEDAspect ratio:32:9Resolution:5120 x 1440Response time:0.03msRefresh rate:240 HzBrightness (peak):1000 nitsRefresh rate technology:FreeSync Premium Pro

Screen size:49-inchPanel type:OLEDAspect ratio:32:9Resolution:5120 x 1440Response time:0.03msRefresh rate:240 HzBrightness (peak):1000 nitsRefresh rate technology:FreeSync Premium Pro

Screen size:49-inch

Panel type:OLED

Aspect ratio:32:9

Resolution:5120 x 1440

Response time:0.03ms

Refresh rate:240 Hz

Brightness (peak):1000 nits

Refresh rate technology:FreeSync Premium Pro

Today’s Best DealsView at SamsungView at Amazon

Today’s Best Deals

View at SamsungView at Amazon

View at Samsung

View at Amazon

Reasons to buy+Outrageous 32:9 OLED panel+HDR the way it’s meant to be+Mostly gorgeous design and build

+Outrageous 32:9 OLED panel+HDR the way it’s meant to be+Mostly gorgeous design and build

Outrageous 32:9 OLED panel

HDR the way it’s meant to be

Mostly gorgeous design and build

Reasons to avoid-Not exactly cheap-32:9 aspect isn’t for everyone-Mediocre pixel density

-Not exactly cheap-32:9 aspect isn’t for everyone-Mediocre pixel density

Not exactly cheap

32:9 aspect isn’t for everyone

Mediocre pixel density

Buy if…✅You want the ultimate OLED experience:A 34-inch ultrawide OLED monitor is a more sensible option, but who cares about that, right?

Buy if…

✅You want the ultimate OLED experience:A 34-inch ultrawide OLED monitor is a more sensible option, but who cares about that, right?

Don’t buy if…❌You want a monitor for work and play:The 32:9 aspect ratio isn’t ideal for every game, but more importantly the OLED panel’s quirks mean it’s not the best at displaying text.

Don’t buy if…

❌You want a monitor for work and play:The 32:9 aspect ratio isn’t ideal for every game, but more importantly the OLED panel’s quirks mean it’s not the best at displaying text.

The best 49-inch ultrawide monitor for gaming is the Samsung Odyssey OLED G9 G93SC. That’s the slightly cheaper version of the G95SC, which comes with some extra smart TV functionality that doesn’t really matter much to us PC gamers. The core remains the same: an ultrawide OLED to blow your socks off.

With 49-inches of QD-OLED panel, the OLED G9 comes with a widened horizontal resolution than many other ultrawide gaming monitors at 5120 x 1440. That affords you ample room to explore your desktop or many Chrome tabs, or extremely wide gaming experiences that take up your entire eyeline.

This really is the most immersive ultrawide we’ve come into contact with. The combination of the incredible contrast and colours of an OLED screen combined with the 49-inch size is an enviable gaming experience in the games that support it. That’s one thing to note: not every game will support such a horizontal resolution. The games that do, however, make for an amazing viewing experience on the OLED G9.

The OLED G9 is rated to 240 Hz, which puts it right up there with the fastest ultrawide panel we recommend, theAsus ROG Swift OLED PG34WCDM. It’s also importantly quicker than the Asus ROG Swift OLED PG49WCD that bears the same panel. And, while usually the OLED G9 costs more for it, we’ve seen it discounted to way less than its opposite number at Asus.

It is another extreme OLED, however, and that means the price is high. The ultrawide OLED market is where we’re seeing our first glimpse of the newer screen technology in the market, but that also makes for high prices. Saving cash? Check out theASRock Phantom PG34WQ15R2Binstead.

Read our fullSamsung Odyssey OLED G9 G93SC review.

Also tested

Gigabyte Aorus CO49DQPC Gamer score: 88%

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Asus ROG Swift OLED PG49WCDPC Gamer score: 81%

Read our fullAsus ROG Swift OLED PG49WCD review.

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Xiaomi G34WQiWhile the Xiaomi is certainly a lot of screen for the money, a lack of HDR support and an older panel means there are better ultrawide monitors out there for the cash, many for cheaper still.PC Gamer score: 75%Read our fullXiaomi G34WQi review.View Deal

Xiaomi G34WQiPC Gamer score: 75%

Read our fullXiaomi G34WQi review.

View Deal

Innocn 40C1RA big 40-inch, 144 Hz display with a lot going for it, if you can find it for a discounted price, or in stock at all, if we’re honest. At its full MSRP of $600 there are better options, but click the deal link to see if you can find it on discount. Below $400 it’s well worth considering, although the chassis quality leaves something to be desired.PC Gamer score: 81%Read our fullInnocn 40C1R ultrawide review.View Deal

Innocn 40C1RPC Gamer score: 81%

Read our fullInnocn 40C1R ultrawide review.

View Deal

How we test gaming monitors

(Image credit: Future)

Asus ROG Swift OLED PG34WCGM

How does PC Gamer test gaming monitors?

Like everything else we test, we live with a gaming monitor in the same way you would at home. We make sure to use it for day-to-day monitor tasks on the Windows desktop—because your PC likely isn’t just for entertainment—and we test it while gaming, of course.

It’s a good way to check out any auto brightness limiting (ABL) functions on a modern OLED display, too.

Using fast-paced shooters is a perfect way to test out the response of a given gaming monitor, and the neon-dripping world of Cyberpunk 2077 makes for an excellent HDR tester.

We also go through a series of experiential tests to highlight any ghosting, backlighting issues, or general smeariness or blurring of images. We find it too easy to get lost in the weeds of specific panel benchmarks and miss more obvious problems that might crop up during day-to-day gaming use.

So, we put more weight on what it’s like to actually use a gaming monitor than what the specs might say.

Where to buy a gaming monitor

Where are best gaming monitor deals?

In the US:

Amazon-Money off high refresh rate gaming monitors

Walmart-Save on quick gaming monitors

B&H Photo-Gaming monitors for as little as $110

Best Buy-Often Samsung gaming monitors going for less

Target-LG and Asus gaming monitors on sale

Staples-Regular sales on selected HP gaming monitors

Newegg-Lots of cheap gaming monitors to choose from

Dell-Money off Alienware gaming monitors

In the UK:

Amazon-Save on big-name monitor brands

Overclockers-1440p LG gaming monitors from £190

Scan-AMD FreeSync monitors from as low as £100

CCL-deals on the best screens around

Box-discounts and refurbished monitors abound

Ultrawide monitor FAQ

Are ultrawide monitors good for gaming?

Ultrawide monitors can have a huge impact on your gaming experience; either making them more immersive in a first-person shooter, or simply giving you extra screen real estate in strategy or turn-based games.

There was a time when you’d have to tweak a bunch of settings, or mess around in the .ini setttings files of games just to be able to get them running across the broad expanse of an ultrawide panel, but no more! Well, apart from Elden Ring…

Practically all other games are now set up to cater for 21:9 or even 32:9 aspect ratios out of the proverbial box.

You do need an ultrawide that’s dialed in for gaming, however, as any ol' office ultrawide won’t quite cut it. What you’re looking for is a 120 Hz+ refresh rate and a native vertical resolution of at least 1440p. You should also be looking for either FreeSync or G-Sync compatibility, too.

Can ultrawide monitors split screen?

Can ultrawide monitors be 4K?

The short answer is no, not in the way that they can have a native resolution of 3840 x 2160 as that’s a strictly 16:9 aspect ratio. They can, however, exceed that in terms of the horizontal size of a panel.

Do ultrawide monitors affect fps?

Because of the extra width added to an ultrawide, 21:9 resolution you will see some extra demand on your graphics card in terms of the frame rate. That being said, however, this is less impact going from a 2560 x 1440 screen to a 3440 x 1440 ultrawide than if you were upgrading to a strictly 4K, or 3840 x 2160 display.

It’s a question of the number of pixels the GPU is having to deal with, and simply multiplying the two values of a resolution spec together will give you that pixel count. And you can easily see how much more of a step up it is going to 4K rather than a standard ultrawide res.

Round up of today’s best deals

Samsung Odyssey Neo G9 G95NC$2,499.99$1,949.99ViewSee all pricesLow StockASRock Phantom PG34WQ15R2B$482.06ViewSee all pricesAlienware AW3423DWF$899.99$649.99ViewSee all pricesSamsung Odyssey OLED G9$1,799.99$1,099.99ViewSee all prices

Samsung Odyssey Neo G9 G95NC$2,499.99$1,949.99ViewSee all prices

SAMSUNG 57' Odyssey Neo G9…

Samsung Odyssey Neo G9 G95NC

Amazon

$2,499.99$1,949.99View

$2,499.99$1,949.99

$1,949.99

See all prices

Low StockASRock Phantom PG34WQ15R2B$482.06ViewSee all prices

Low Stock

ASRock Phantom PG34WQ15R2B$482.06ViewSee all prices

ASRock PHANTOM GAMING 34" 4K…

ASRock Phantom PG34WQ15R2B

Walmart

$482.06View

$482.06

See all prices

Alienware AW3423DWF$899.99$649.99ViewSee all prices

ALIENWARE 34 CURVED QD-OLED…

Alienware AW3423DWF

Dell

$899.99$649.99View

$899.99$649.99

$649.99

See all prices

Samsung Odyssey OLED G9$1,799.99$1,099.99ViewSee all prices

49" Odyssey OLED G9 (G95SC)…

Samsung Odyssey OLED G9

Samsung

$1,799.99$1,099.99View

$1,799.99$1,099.99

$1,099.99

See all prices

We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices

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Latest

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See more latest►

Quick List#

The best ultrawide monitor for gaming#

1. Samsung Odyssey Neo G9 G95NC#

The best budget ultrawide monitor for gaming#

2. ASRock Phantom PG34WQ15R2B#

The best OLED ultrawide monitor for gaming#

3. Asus ROG Swift OLED PG34WCDM#

The best budget OLED ultrawide monitor for gaming#

4. Alienware 34 QD-OLED (AW3423DWF)#

The best 49-inch ultrawide monitor for gaming#

5. Samsung Odyssey OLED G9 G93SC#

Also tested#

How we test gaming monitors#

How does PC Gamer test gaming monitors?#

Where to buy a gaming monitor#

Where are best gaming monitor deals?#

Ultrawide monitor FAQ#

Are ultrawide monitors good for gaming?#

Can ultrawide monitors split screen?#

Can ultrawide monitors be 4K?#

Do ultrawide monitors affect fps?#

The biggest gaming news, reviews and hardware deals#

Quick List

The best ultrawide monitor for gaming

1. Samsung Odyssey Neo G9 G95NC

The best budget ultrawide monitor for gaming

2. ASRock Phantom PG34WQ15R2B

The best OLED ultrawide monitor for gaming

3. Asus ROG Swift OLED PG34WCDM

The best budget OLED ultrawide monitor for gaming

4. Alienware 34 QD-OLED (AW3423DWF)

The best 49-inch ultrawide monitor for gaming

5. Samsung Odyssey OLED G9 G93SC

Also tested

How we test gaming monitors

How does PC Gamer test gaming monitors?

Where to buy a gaming monitor

Where are best gaming monitor deals?

Ultrawide monitor FAQ

Are ultrawide monitors good for gaming?

Can ultrawide monitors split screen?

Can ultrawide monitors be 4K?

Do ultrawide monitors affect fps?

The biggest gaming news, reviews and hardware deals