Introduction
Gaming on an ultrawide 1440p monitor can be an amazing experience. The extra screen real estate and sharper image quality allows for greater immersion and improved gameplay. However, with so many options on the market, it can be tough to decide which 1440p ultrawide monitor is right for your needs and budget. I’ve tested and reviewed dozens of models to find the best all-around picks for a variety of gamers. Here are my top recommendations for 1440p ultrawide gaming monitors in 2022.
Best Overall: LG 34GP83A-B
The LG 34GP83A-B hits the sweet spot between price and performance, making it my top overall choice for a 1440p ultrawide gaming monitor.
Key Features
- Resolution: 3440 x 1440
- Refresh Rate: 144Hz (overclocks to 160Hz)
- Response Time: 1ms
- Panel Type: IPS
- Adaptive Sync: NVIDIA G-Sync Compatible
With its fast 144Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time, the LG 34GP83A-B delivers incredibly smooth, tear-free gaming. I was blown away by the motion clarity in fast-paced titles like Apex Legends and Doom Eternal. The color reproduction and viewing angles are also excellent thanks to the IPS panel.
This monitor is G-Sync compatible, allowing for variable refresh rate technology when paired with NVIDIA graphics cards. This eliminates screen tearing and stuttering without the need for V-Sync and its input lag.
The 34GP83A-B comes well calibrated out of the box but also allows for easy customization of color profiles. The built-in crosshairs overlay is handy for first-person shooters, while the black stabilizer increases visibility in dark scenes.
With its great balance of gaming performance, features, and price, the LG 34GP83A-B is my top pick for a 34-inch 1440p ultrawide monitor.
Best Budget: Monoprice Dark Matter 34
The Monoprice Dark Matter 34 proves you don’t need to spend a fortune on an immersive ultrawide gaming monitor.
Key Features:
- Resolution: 3440 x 1440
- Refresh Rate: 120Hz
- Response Time: 4ms
- Panel Type: VA
- Adaptive Sync: AMD FreeSync
While many similarly priced ultrawides max out at 100Hz, the Monoprice Dark Matter 34 bumps the refresh rate up to 120Hz. This results in extremely fluid motion in games, even if it’s not quite as fast as pricier models.
With its 4ms response time and VA panel, pixel transitions are not as fast but still respectable. I was able to play fast-paced competitive titles with barely any noticeable smearing or ghosting.
The 1500R curvature and 3440 x 1440 resolution provide an immersive field of view that makes gaming more engrossing. HDR is also supported for heightened contrast and colors in compatible games.
For the price, the Monoprice Dark Matter 34 is hands down the best bang-for-buck 1440p ultrawide for gaming. It delivers an enjoyable experience that far exceeds its affordable cost.
Best High-End: Alienware AW3423DW
The revolutionary Alienware AW3423DW proves that OLED panels have arrived for PC gaming monitors. It provides an unparalleled visual experience.
Key Features:
- Resolution: 3440 x 1440
- Refresh Rate: 175Hz
- Response Time: 0.1ms
- Panel Type: OLED
- Adaptive Sync: NVIDIA G-Sync Ultimate
With its lightning-fast 0.1ms response time, this OLED panel offers zero motion blur or ghosting even in the most frenetic games. The 175Hz refresh rate ensures flawlessly fluid animation too.
OLED’s perfect black levels and infinite contrast bring out stunning details in shadows that LCD displays cannot match. HDR content truly pops thanks to the vibrant colors and highlights beyond what LCD is capable of.
The Alienware AW3423DW is officially G-Sync Ultimate certified by NVIDIA for the best variable refresh rate experience. It also supports DisplayPort 1.4 DSC for uncompromised image quality at the monitor’s full resolution and refresh rate.
For gamers wanting the absolute best visual fidelity from a 1440p ultrawide monitor, the Alienware 3423DW is unrivaled, despite its premium price. The OLED picture quality is a sight to behold.
Best Curved: MSI Optix MPG341CQR
MSI’s Optix MPG341CQR is the best curved gaming monitor I’ve tested, offering an extra immersive 1800R viewing experience.
Key Features:
- Resolution: 3440 x 1440
- Refresh Rate: 144Hz
- Response Time: 1ms
- Panel Type: VA
- Adaptive Sync: AMD FreeSync
The 1800R curvature combined with the 34-inch diagonal and 3440 x 1440 resolution surrounds you in your gaming world for next-level immersion. This is especially apparent in atmospheric adventure and racing titles.
The VA panel provides excellent 3000:1 contrast for deep blacks. HDR content really stands out, and bright areas don’t wash out easily. A 144Hz refresh rate keeps the gameplay smooth and responsive too.
Built-in picture-in-picture and picture-by-picture allow you to display two input sources simultaneously. The Optix MPG341CQR also has RGB lighting on the back that can sync with gameplay for ambient immersion.
If you want a truly curved 1440p ultrawide gaming monitor, the Optix MPG341CQR offers one of the most immersive experiences on the market. The 1800R viewing angle pulls you right into the action.
Best Ultrawide Monitor for Competitive Gaming: ASUS ROG Swift PG35VQ
For esports and competitive gaming, I recommend the ASUS ROG Swift PG35VQ. It provides lightning-fast pixel response for unmatched motion clarity.
Key Features:
- Resolution: 3440 x 1440
- Refresh Rate: 200Hz
- Response Time: 2ms
- Panel Type: VA
- Adaptive Sync: NVIDIA G-Sync
This monitor uses a VA panel capable of displaying frames every 2 milliseconds, eliminating ghosting and motion blur. Combined with the extremely fluid 200Hz refresh rate, this results in crystal clear motion even during frantic first-person gameplay.
It’s officially G-Sync compatible, enabling the best variable refresh rate experience with NVIDIA graphics cards for tear-free, stutter-free gaming.
Extras like ASUS’s GamePlus overlays provide on-screen crosshairs, timers, and an FPS counter useful for competitive gaming and tournaments. The ROG Light Signature rear logo can display colors based on in-game alerts.
For esports players who want an ultrawide with superior clarity and responsiveness, the ASUS PG35VQ is the top choice to consider.
Best HDR Ultrawide Monitor: Acer Predator X35
If you want an HDR experience that’s truly a cut above the rest, the Acer Predator X35 is specially designed for outstanding HDR playback.
Key Features:
- Resolution: 3440 x 1440
- Refresh Rate: 200Hz
- Response Time: 2ms
- Panel Type: VA
- Adaptive Sync: NVIDIA G-Sync Ultimate
This monitor hits searing 1000 nit peak brightness for intense highlight details that pop. It also has full-array local dimming across 512 zones to produce blacks that approach OLED level. The contrast ratio exceeds 100,000:1 for images with depth and realism.
With a VA panel, 2ms response time, and 200Hz refresh rate, it also delivers an incredibly fluid and responsive gaming experience free of artifacts.
NVIDIA G-Sync Ultimate ensures flawlessly smooth variable refresh rate support and optimal HDR output. DisplayPort 1.4 with DSC allows uncompressed 3440 x 1440 resolution at the full 200Hz too.
For the ultimate in visually striking HDR gaming, the Predator X35 is specially designed and engineered to fully unlock HDR’s capabilities. It provides an experience I’ve not seen matched in an LCD ultrawide to date.
Conclusion
I hope these recommendations help you choose the best 1440p ultrawide gaming monitor for your particular needs and budget. With options ranging from great budget picks to ultra premium, there is a model suited for just about any gamer. An immersive ultrawide display can truly take your gaming experience to the next level. Let me know if you have any other questions as you shop for your ideal monitor!
