Best 38” Ultrawide Monitors [2023]

Your work becomes efficient and productive when you have the right tools in your kit. This is no longer conventional wisdom. It is a proven fact that has been observed over generations.

When they were first launched ten years back, the Ultrawide Monitor was a hand-me-down from the television industry. As a result, manufacturers initially sold these monitors for the sole purpose of enhancing your entertainment experience.

Today, Ultrawide Monitors have quickly become an indispensable tool in several use cases. They are used for video editing, image editing, professional gaming, productivity, and much more. These are excellent devices that provide unmatched utility, whether for office work or entertainment.

Gamers swear by the immersive experience that allows them a grand view of their scene. Alternately, content creators appreciate the extra real estate that does away with the need to shift between windows constantly. At the same time, business executives love it because it does away with the need to have a dual monitor setup.

Needless to say, manufacturers recognize an opportunity when they see one. This is the reason why we see so many Ultrawide Monitors in the market today.

This article reviews and compares the best 38” Ultrawide Monitors you can buy. We discuss their key features and explain what we like and do not like about each one. Finally, we discuss the points you must consider when buying such a monitor, and we finish answering some frequently asked questions.

Comparison of the Best 38” Ultrawide Monitors

Image	Product	Details	Check Price
	LG 38GL950G-B 38 Inch UltraGear	Display: 37.5” WQHU+ (3840x1600), Nano IPS Refresh Rate: 144Hz Response Time: 1ms (GtG) VRR: Nvidia G-SYNC HDR: DisplayHDR 400 VESA Mount: 100mmX100mm Ports: 1 x HDMI (2.0) 1 x DisplayPort (v1.4) 2 x USB-A 3.0 1 x USB-B 1 x 3.5mm audio jack	Buy on Amazon
	LG 38WN95C-W Monitor	Display: 38” QHU+ (3840x1600), Nano IPS Refresh Rate:   144Hz Response Time: 1ms (GtG) VRR: Nvidia G-SYNC, AMD FreeSync HDR: Display VESA Mount: 100mmX100mm Ports: 1 x Thunderbolt 3(94W Power Delivery) 2 x HDMI (v2.0) 1 x DisplayPort (v1.4) 2 x USB-A 3.0 1 x 3.5mm audio jack	Buy on Amazon
	MSI Optix MEG381CQE Plus	Display: 37.5” UWQHD+ (3840x1600) IPS Refresh Rate:   175Hz Response Time: 1ms (GtG) VRR: Nvidia G-SYNC HDR: Display VESA Mount: 100mm X 100mm Ports: 2 x HDMI (v2.0) 1 x DisplayPort (v1.4) 3 x USB-A 3.2 Gen 1 1 x USB-B 3.2 Gen 1 1 x Mic-in 1 x Headphone-out 1 x Mic Upstream	Buy on Amazon
	BenQ EW3880R 37.5” WQHD Ultrawide Curved Monitor	Display: 37.5” WQHD+ (3840x1600) IPS Refresh Rate:   60Hz Response Time: 4ms (GtG) VRR: None HDR: HDR10 VESA Mount: 100mmX100mm Ports: 2 x HDMI (v2.0) 1 x DisplayPort (v1.4) 1 x USB-C (Power Delivery 60W) 2 x USB-A	Buy on Amazon
	Dell UltraSharp U3821DW	Display: 37.5” WQHD+ (3840x1600) IPS Refresh Rate:   60Hz Response Time: 4ms (GtG) VRR: None HDR: N.A. VESA Mount: 100mmX100mm Ports: 2 x HDMI (v2.0) 1 x DisplayPort (v1.4) 1 x USB-C (Power Delivery 90W) 1 x USB-B 4 x USB-A 3.2 Gen 1 1 x 3.5mm audio 1 x RJ-45	Buy on Amazon
	Alienware Ultrawide Curved Gaming AW3821DW	Display: 38” WQHD+ (3840x1600) IPS Refresh Rate:   144Hz Response Time: 1ms (GtG) VRR: Nvidia G-SYNC HDR: DisplayHDR 600 VESA Mount: 100mmX100mm Ports: 2 x HDMI (v2.0) 1 x DisplayPort (v1.4) 4 x USB-A 3.2 Gen 1 1 x USB-B 1 x 3.5mm audio 1 x Headphone-out	Buy on Amazon
	Acer Gaming Monitor XR382CQK	Display: 37.5” QHD (3840x1600) IPS Refresh Rate:   75Hz Response Time: 1ms (MPRT) VRR: AMD FreeSYNC HDR: HDR Ready VESA Mount: 100mmX100mm Ports: 2 x DisplayPort (v1.4) 1 x HDMI 2.0 1 x MHL 2.1 1 x USB-C 3.1 (Power Delivery 60W) 4 x USB 3.0	Buy on Amazon
	ViewSonic VP3881	Display: 37.5” WQHD+ (3840x1600p) IPS Refresh Rate: 60Hz Response Time: 5ms (GtG) VRR: None HDR: HDR10 VESA Mount: 100mmX100mm Ports: 2 x HDMI (2.0) 1 x DisplayPort (v1.4) 1 x USB-C (Power Delivery 60W) 1 x 3.5mm audio 1 x USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type-A 1 x USB-B	Buy on Amazon

Best 38” Ultrawide Monitors – Our Pick

1. LG 38GL950G-B 38 Inch UltraGear – Gaming Monitor

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This monitor from LG checks all the right boxes to qualify as an excellent gaming monitor. You can have the best processing power, but it will fail without a monitor that compliments that capability. The support of a monitor like the LG 38GL950G is what you need.

First up, is the display screen. You get a 37.5-inch Nano IPS panel with 3840x1600p resolution and come in a curved form factor. Also, the Nano IPS panels display richer colors and offer you excellent viewing angles. You also get 350nits brightness and support for a 98% of DCI-P3 color gamut.

Next, are the performance parameters. The monitor comes with a 1ms Gray-to-Gray (GtG) response time. You also get a native refresh rate of 144Hz that you can overclock to 175Hz. Further, it is also compatible with Nivida G-SYNC. Therefore, you get a high-quality image without image tears, ghosting, or motion blur issues.

The monitor looks inviting with the RGB lighting on the rear panel. You get to sync this RGB lighting with two modes. The Video-Mode will identify the hues on-screen and emits appropriate lighting. Alternately, the Sound-Mode identifies sound patterns during gameplay to sync up with.

Finally, you also get a decent selection of ports. There are HDMI v2.0 and DisplayPort v1.4 for video inputs. You also get USB-A, USB-B, and a 3.5mm audio jack. The selection is not impressive, but it is functional.

Our Take

The LG 38GL950G monitor is the ideal gaming monitor. It offers a comprehensive set of features and supports this with a dazzling display of RGB lighting to create an immersive experience.

2. LG 38WN95C-W Monitor – Monitor with Thunderbolt 3

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The LG 38WN95C comes with a Thunderbolt 3 port in addition to the expected selection of video and USB ports. Thus, you can use it as an external monitor while charging your laptop. Incidentally, you can now get your hands on the LG 40WP95C-W that comes with a Thunderbolt 4 port. It is the only monitor in the market that does so.

This monitor comes with a 38” Ultrawide QHD+ display with a 3840x1600p resolution. Also, the display panel uses Nano IPS technology to deliver viewing angles of 178-degrees. Brightness parameters typically measure 450nits. You also get a 98% DCI-P2 color gamut supported by DisplayHDR 600. Thus, you get a bright screen with rich color representations and excellent image clarity.

The monitor equips you to multitask with ease. For reading, you can tune on the Reader Mode. This mode adjusts the screen settings to give you the feeling of reading a paper. Thus, you do not feel any eye strain while reading for long hours.

Similarly, fire up your game, and the monitor transforms into a beast. You get support for Nvidia G-SYNC and AMD FreeSync Premium Pro. Also, there is a response time of 1ms (GtG) and a 144Hz refresh rate. The monitor will keep your eyes glued and you completely immersed in the gameplay with its curved form factor.

Our Take

The LG 38WN95C is a good option when you need an external monitor that allows you to multitask. This offers unique features that find acceptability across multiple use cases.

3. MSI Optix MEG381CQE Plus – Monitor with Nvidia G-SYNC Ultimate

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G-SYNC Ultimate is the top-of-the-line VRR technology from Nvidia. Simply put, Nvidia G-SYNC gives you the full power that technology has to offer. As a result, you get a low-latency video with the best color representations and high brightness levels.

The MSI Optix comes with a 37.5” UWQHD+ (3840×1600) IPS display. You get 600nits of brightness and a contrast ratio of 1000:1. The color representation is slightly on the low side, with the monitor offering 96.2% of the DCI-P3 color gamut. However, for most users, this should be just a number. This is largely thanks to the use of an IPS panel, HDR 600, and Nvidia G-SYNC Ultimate.

For gamers, the monitor offers a 1ms (GtG) response time and comes with a 175Hz refresh rate. The curved form factor and the high-performance parameters help deliver the immersive experience games seek.

The Optix has a healthy number of I/O ports. For video inputs, you get two HDMI (v2.0) and one DisplayPort (v1.4). For upstreaming, you get one USB-B 3.2 Gen 1 port. Downstream comes in the form of three USB-A 3.2 Gen 1 ports.

Our Take

Go for the MSI Optix MEG381CQE Plus when you need a monitor that offers high-performance visuals. Graphic designers would feel happy using this monitor, thanks to the display parameters that come with it.

4. BenQ EW3880R 37.5” WQHD Ultrawide Curved Monitor – Monitor with Speaker and Sub-Woofer

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This monitor from BenQ gives you the Ultrawide experience and pairs it with built-in speakers and a subwoofer. Thus, it is the perfect choice for people looking for a little light entertainment with their home office setup.

The BenQ monitor comes with a 37.5” IPS display. That means you can place it at a distance and stream video content without worrying about viewing angles. It has a 21:9 aspect ratio and 2300R curvature, creating a pleasant viewing experience. You also get a 95% DCI-P3 color gamut with a peak brightness of 300nit. So, you can watch YouTube videos during your break, but the monitor will not do justice to anything more.

The 4ms response time would seem like an eternity for gamers. Further, the absence of a dynamic refresh rate technology like G-SYNC or AMD FreeSync will deter most light gamers. The final nail in the gaming coffin has to be the 60Hz refresh rate. That being said, BenQ never said this monitor was meant for the gaming community.

Our Take

The EW3880R will find acceptance in small and home offices with no actual demand for high-performance monitors. The BenQ is a basic Ultrawide monitor that will take care of your daily computing needs. Further, the 3W speaker and 8W subwoofer allow you to play light music while you go about your work.

5. Dell UltraSharp U3821DW – Best for Office Use

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The Dell UltraSharp is a winner for the sheer port selection it offers. The list is long and leaves it’s competition far behind. It includes a USB-C port with 90W power delivery and an RJ-45 port. Also, you get one USB-B port upstream, three USB-A ports downstream, and one USB-A Battery Charging (BC1.2 at 2Amps). Over and above this, you get the HDMI and DisplayPort option and the 3.5mm audio jack.

The screen is a 37.5” 3840X1600p resolution with a 21:9 aspect ratio. Noticeably, the brightness and color specifications show an inclination towards productivity rather than entertainment. As a result, you get 300nits of brightness and 95% of the DCI-P3 color gamut. Further, the refresh rates top out at 60Hz, and there is no support for dynamic refresh rates either. And the response times also follow the productivity trend and offer a 5ms (GtG) response time.

Surprisingly, like the BenQ, you get the built-in speaker to play music while at work gently. There is no 8W subwoofer on the Dell; however, you get two 9W speakers.

Our Take

Consider the Dell UltraSharp when you need a monitor for the office. It does not have the high-performance parameter for gaming and content creation. But it also has no rivals when it comes to productivity, thanks to the number of connectivity ports on offer.

6. Alienware Ultrawide Curved Gaming AW3821DW – Premium Gaming Ultrawide

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You get a curved 38” WQHD display with 3840x1600p resolution and a 21:9 aspect ratio. Further, an IPS panel provides excellent viewing angles and color depictions. This includes 1.07 billion colors and 95% of the 10-bit DCI-P3 color gamut and DisplayHDR 600. This ensures that you also get 600nits of brightness and a 1000:1 contrast ratio.

Alienware does not compromise on the refresh rates either. So, you get a 144Hz refresh rate. Interestingly, you also get Nvidia’s top-of-the-line VRR with G-SYNC Ultimate.

You can adjust the response time with the selection of three modes. Select from Extreme, Super-Fast, and Fast to switch between 1ms, 2ms, or 3ms. This allows you to run your monitor specific to your need.

The only place Alienware missed a step is with the port selection. You do not get a USB-C or a Thunderbolt 3 port. Nonetheless, a decent selection is available, with HDMI and DisplayPort for video inputs. You also get one USB-B upstream and four USB-A downstream.

Our Take

Users interested in graphics designing, editing media, or content creation will love Alienware. It offers some of the best specifications at an unbelievable price. That being said, gamers should not feel left out; the monitor is an equally attractive option.

7. Acer Gaming Monitor XR382CQK – Monitor with AMD FreeSync

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The Acer XR382CQK comes with AMD’s VRR technology, the AMD FreeSync. It helps match the monitor’s refresh rate to the refresh rate of the GPU.

The screen is a 37.5” WQHD display with 3840x1600p resolution. Expectedly, you get 300nits brightness and the standard 1000:1 contrast ratio. The monitor features a 75Hz refresh rate when using the DisplayPort.

The XR382CQK is a fairly old monitor. Hence, it is unreasonable to expect top-notch specifications. Nonetheless, it has plenty to offer by way of utility. You get a 5ms response time which is a lot considering most modern Ultrawide monitors offer 1ms (GtG). Sure, the use case will limit it to the productivity side.

Despite that, this monitor does offer an excellent display and will not burn a hole in your pocket.

Our Take

The XR382CQK offers an excellent option when you are looking for value. Users who would like to mix a bit of pleasure with their work would especially like this monitor. It offers low blue light emission and a flicker-free image to avoid the ill effects of eye strain.

8. ViewSonic VP3881 – Monitor with Best Color Gamut

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The ViewSonic VP3881 offers the best color depiction you can get your hands on. It comes with Delta E<2 accuracy and 4.39 trillion colors. This is largely thanks to its 14-bit color representation.

Also, the monitor comes with a 6-axis color adjustment. This allows you to tweak six primary colors to customize the color representation you desire. Additionally, the Acer will enable you to install third-party Color Collaboration Kits such as X-Rite and DataColor to augment your choices further.

The curved screen measures 37.5” and comes with a 300bits brightness and 1000:1 contrast ratio. The IPS screen gives a 178/178-degree viewing angle. This is further supported by HDR 10, which enhances the image’s color and contrast.

The monitor only offers a 7ms (GtG), the longest on our list. Unless you plan to play the latest games, this should not be an issue.

For connectivity, the monitor comes with HDMI (v2.0) and DisplayPorts (v1.4) for video. You also get USB-C (with 60W Power Delivery) and USB-B upstream and three USB-A downstream.

Our Take

The ViewSonic VP3881 makes sense for users who need lifelike color representations. Thus, graphic designers and media editors who require specialized devices that offer excellent color representations will find this monitor great. Apart from them, the monitor has little to provide for other use cases.

Best 38” Ultrawide Monitors – Our Buying Guide

You must keep in mind some vital considerations while buying a 38” Ultrawide monitor.

Refresh Rate and Variable Refresh Rate (VRR)

Throughout the article, you would have repeatedly come across two terms, G-SYNC and FreeSync. These are VRR technologies from Nvidia and AMD, respectively. What they do is that they match the monitor’s refresh rate to the refresh rate set by the GPU.

Doing this reduces issues like image tears, flickering, and motion blur. Thus, you get a clear and crisp image ideal for gaming and viewing high-resolution content.

Response Time

The response time is the time it takes for a pixel to respond to a request to change the color it is emitting. The faster the response time, the more precise the image you get.

The latest monitors all offer a response time of 1ms. This is an essential parameter to consider if you are into high-performance gaming. Without it, you will suffer from an issue called ghosting, where you see residual images from a previous frame.

Color Gamut

Another important parameter is how well the color is depicted on the screen. Naturally, the more lifelike, the better the image quality. So, to achieve this, you must select a monitor that offers a wider variety of colors on the color scale.

This is called the color gamut. And a good scale of measure is the DCI-P3. Thus, you must choose a monitor that offers at least 90% or more of the DCI-P3 color gamut.

USB-C or Thunderbolt Ports

USB-C and Thunderbolt offer the benefit of upstream. They allow you to connect a monitor to your laptop using this port when you need an external display.

While there are other upstream options, like USB-B, the USB-C/Thunderbolt options allow Power Delivery and support for DisplayPort. With these two benefits, you can charge your laptop and view the high-definition video simultaneously.

Best 38” Ultrawide Monitors – Frequently Asked Question

Can you split the screen of an Ultrawide monitor?

Monitor manufacturers bundle specialized software that allows you to split your screen. An Ultrawide monitor gives you a colossal amount of screen space. This software allows you to split the screen into, not just two but, multiple smaller screens. Hence, you can work on multiple windows at once.

Alternately, monitors come with a feature called PBP (or Picture-By-Picture). PBP allows you to connect more than one source to the monitor and view the displays side-by-side.

What advantage does an Ultrawide monitor offer?

Firstly, a typical ultrawide monitor offers about 33% more screen space than conventional monitors.

Secondly, if you use a dual monitor setup for work, consider using one ultrawide monitor. The wire is easier to manage, you get more screen space, and you get the flexibility to use it in a single screen mode.

Finally, Ultrawide monitors provide a rich and immersive gaming experience that no other monitor setup can.

Who should use an Ultrawide monitor?

Ultrawide monitors have little benefit to offer for daily use or home use.

However, gamers, content creators, graphic editors, and professionals will find the extra screen real estate beneficial.

A good ultrawide monitor can improve productivity, provide excellent video playback capability and deliver an immersive gaming experience.

What is the benefit of a Curved Ultrawide monitor?

The curvature of a monitor allows the user to view the entire screen at once. With a flat panel screen, a user may not be able to do this easily, depending on the size. Thus, causing eye strain or neck pain, or both.

The corners of a flat ultrawide panel will be at greater angle in relation to your eyes. A curved panel corrects that.

What is G-SYNC? How is it different from G-SYNC Ultimate? What is FreeSync?

G-SYNC is Nvidia’s Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) technology. Monitors use G-SYNC to match the refresh rate of the monitor to that of the GPU. By doing this, it reduces image distortion such as screen tearing and motion blur.

G-SYNC Ultimate is a premium version of the G-SYNC that works on HDR content. It requires the monitor to support VESA HDR400 and 144Hz refresh rate among other things. These are specifications you find in high-end monitors and as a result, so is G-SYNC Ultimate.

FreeSync is AMD’s VRR technology. Like G-SYNC Ultimate, AMD offers FreeSync Premium and FreeSync Premium Pro.

Click here to get an in-depth understanding of each technology.