The Ultimate Guide to the Top Ultrawide Gaming Monitors on a Budget for 2023
Discover the top budget ultrawide gaming monitors for 2023 Explore key factors like resolution, panel type, graphics card compatibility, contrast ratio, connectivity, and more Uncover the perfect size, resolution, and refresh rate for an immersive gaming experience Is HDR necessary? Find out now!
Ultrawide monitors provide gamers with an enhanced gaming experience by immersing them in their gameplay. These monitors offer a broader field of view without requiring any screen adjustments. Moreover, top-tier ultrawide monitors offer seamless motion and are compatible with the latest syncing technology.
It is crucial to consider your budget when selecting a monitor. Contrary to popular belief, ultrawide screens do not necessarily have to drain your wallet. When it comes to gaming, it is essential to consider factors such as the screen's response time, its compatibility with graphics cards, and the input lag. This guide features the best budget ultrawide gaming monitors for 2023, boasting impressive refresh rates and a host of other remarkable features.
The Best Overall Budget Ultrawide Gaming Monitor $360 at Amazon
The Best High-End Budget Ultra-Wide Gaming Monitor $300 at Amazon
The Best Mid-Range Budget Ultrawide Gaming Monitor $324 at Amazon
Best Entry-Level Ultrawide Budget Gaming Monitor $270 at Walmart
Best Curved Budget Ultrawide Gaming Monitor $359 at Amazon
See More
The Best QHD Ultrawide Budget Gaming Monitor $330 at Amazon
The Best Full HD Budget Ultrawide Gaming Monitor $280 at Amazon
These are the Best Budget Ultrawide Gaming Monitors for 2023
Screen Size: 34 inches
Resolution: 3440 x 1440
Max. Refresh Rate: 144Hz
Brand: Gigabyte
Response Time: 1ms MPRT
Pros:
- Affordable with strong build quality
- Supports AMD FreeSync Premium and Nvidia GSync for improved visual smoothness.
Good refresh rate
Cons Lackluckster HDR
The GIGABYTE G34WQC Gaming Monitor offers excellent value as the top budget ultrawide monitor. Boasting a 34-inch screen and a resolution of 3440x1440, it provides impressive visuals. Specifically designed for gaming, it stands out with a speedy 144Hz refresh rate and a rapid 1ms response time.
Description: This high-end budget ultrawide gaming monitor enhances any gaming experience. With a refresh rate of 220Hz, it provides smooth and flawless visuals, perfect for racing, shooting, and sports games. It also supports NVIDIA G-SYNC for a tear-free gaming experience.
Specifications:
- Screen Size: 29.5 inch
- Resolution: 2560 x 1080 Pixels
- Max. Refresh Rate: 220 Hz
- Brand: Asus
- Pros: Incredibly fast 220Hz refresh rate
NVIDIA G-SYNC compatible
It has KVM switch support
Equipped with shadow boost technology
Cons It has a lower resolution
Uses more GPU, which might make FPS to drop
$300 at Amazon $550 at Best Buy $399 at Walmart
The ASUS ROG Strix XG309CM Gaming Monitor offers an ultrawide display and an incredibly high refresh rate of 220Hz, providing an optimal gaming experience. With its compatibility with NVIDIA G-SYNC, gamers can now enjoy gaming without any screen tearing. The monitor also features a convenient KVM switch, allowing control of multiple devices with just one keyboard and mouse. Additionally, it serves as a USB hub, making it effortless to connect and charge devices with its USB Type-C connector.
Great picture quality
VESA compatibility
An immersive gameplay mode
Cons Weak monitor stand
The Samsung SJ55W ultrawide budget gaming monitor offers an affordable option for gamers looking to enhance their gaming space. With its sleek design and sturdy stand, it adds a touch of elegance to any home or office setting. The monitor is not only practical but visually appealing as well. Additionally, it is compatible with VESA mounts, providing gamers with flexibility in positioning. Users can also adjust the tilt angle, ranging from -1.5 to 15 degrees, to ensure optimal comfort during extended gaming sessions.
The Monoprice 35-inch Zero-G Ultrawide monitor features
The Best Budget Gaming Monitor: Monoprice 35-inch Zero-G Ultrawide Curved Monitor saves you $54. With its large screen size and VA panel with a 3650:1 contrast ratio, this monitor delivers crystal-clear pictures. It also boasts accurate and sharp colors, covering 93% of DCI-P3. Additional features include a screen resolution of 3440x1440p, a maximum refresh rate of 120Hz, and a 4ms response time. Pros include its impressive contrast ratio.
Great colors
Solid design and stand
Lots of video inputs
Cons Motion could be clearer
The Monoprice 35-inch Zero-G curved ultrawide monitor is available for $346 on Amazon and $270 on Walmart. It features a flexible screen that is ideal for gaming and content creation. Equipped with a VA panel, the monitor boasts an impressive 3650:1 contrast ratio, resulting in crystal clear images. Additionally, it offers vibrant colors, covering 93 percent of DCI-P3. With a refresh rate of 120 times per second and compatibility with AMD FreeSync, this monitor ensures smooth performance.
Best Curved Budget Ultrawide Gaming Monitor$359 $400 Save $41 Brand LGResolution 3440 x 1440pRefresh Rate 160 HzScreen Size 34 inchPros HDR10 support
99% coverage sRGB spectrum
160Hz refresh rate
It has a crosshair feature for accurate aiming
Stylish design
Cons Limited USB ports
Get the LG UltraGear QHD Curved Gaming Monitor for just $359 on Amazon. This monitor is not only elegant and stylish, but also easy to set up with its One-Click stand that requires no extra tools. With adjustable height and tilt options, you can customize the screen to make your gaming experience more comfortable. The monitor's HDR performance is truly remarkable, allowing gamers to see the screen clearly from different angles. Additionally, the speedy 160 Hz refresh rate and Nano IPS Display ensure super-smooth gaming, helping you spot the next frame without any delay.
The Acer Nitro 34-Inch Curved Gaming Monitor comes with a fantastic crosshair feature, making it easier for gamers to aim accurately. With AMD FreeSync Premium, gamers can enjoy a super smooth screen with the best picture quality, eliminating annoying screen stutters and tearing in games. Additionally, Dynamic Action Sync reduces screen delay, allowing for a more responsive gaming experience. The monitor's black stabilizer brightens dark scenes, enabling gamers to easily spot enemies even in the darkest environments.
The Best QHD Ultrawide Budget Gaming MonitorScreen Size 34 inchResolution 3440 x 1440 PixelsMax. Refresh Rate 165 HzBrand AcerResponse Time 1ms (VRB)Pros It offers lifelike images
No screen tearing
Maximized immersion
High color accuracy, thanks to gamut technology
Cons The controls can be a bit frustrating
$330 at Amazon
The Acer Nitro 34-inch monitor offers a superior gaming experience with its ZeroFrame design, providing gamers with an expansive screen and ultra-thin edges. It boasts an impressive resolution for exceptional visuals. With a fast refresh rate of up to 165Hz, players can enjoy smooth gameplay without any interruptions. The 1ms response time ensures clear and sharp images, even during intense action sequences.
Featuring AMD FreeSync Premium, the Acer Nitro Gaming Monitor eliminates any choppiness in gaming and effectively eliminates annoying screen tearing. The monitor's refresh rate is perfectly synchronized with the computer's framerate, resulting in highly responsive visuals for an immersive gaming experience.
Experience The Best Full HD Budget Ultrawide Gaming Monitor! For only $280 (Original Price: $350), you can save $70 on this amazing deal. The 34-inch curved and ultra-wide Sceptre C345W-2560UN gaming monitor offers a stunning full HD display that is incredibly slim and visually pleasing. Plus, with the inclusion of Adaptive Sync technology, you'll enjoy reduced image stuttering and tearing as it optimizes the refresh rates to align seamlessly with your computer's graphics card. Don't miss out on this exceptional monitor! Get yours now!
Screen Size 34 inchResolution 2560 x 1080 PixelsMax. Refresh Rate 100 HzBrand SceptrePros Good refresh rate
Multiple connections
Edgeless design
VESA wall mountable
Adaptive Sync Adaptive Sync
Cons Not as durable as advertised
The Sceptre C345W-2560UN monitor, available for $280 on Amazon and $423 on Newegg, offers a superior visual experience. With its 34-inch curved screen and full HD display, it provides a slim and visually pleasing appearance. By incorporating blue light filter technology, it effectively reduces eye fatigue, allowing for prolonged use during work, movie viewing, or gaming. The edgeless design enhances the overall visual appeal and immersion. The curved screen aids in better visibility and quick reactions in gaming scenarios. The Adaptive Sync feature ensures that the monitor's refresh rates are in sync with the graphics card, resulting in faster and smoother picture transitions. Moreover, with a 100Hz refresh rate and a response time of 6ms, screen tearing is minimized. The monitor also offers convenient connectivity options with one audio output port, one Display port, and two HDMI ports.
Bottom Line
Experience immersive gaming without spending a fortune with the best budget ultrawide gaming monitors. These monitors offer exceptional resolution and high refresh rates, ensuring detailed visuals and eliminating the annoyance of black bars on the sides. Among the top choices for budget gaming ultrawide monitors are the GIGABYTE G34WQC and ASUS ROG Strix XG309CM Gaming Monitors. These monitors feature flicker-free and Blue Light Filter technology, providing relief from eye strain during those long gaming sessions.
What to Know When Buying a Budget Ultrawide Gaming Monitor
Here are a few things gamers should keep in mind when shopping for a budget ultrawide gaming monitor
Resolution
The resolution is a measure of the clarity of an image and is indicated by its width and height. A higher resolution indicates a sharper image. Ultrawide monitors typically have resolutions such as 2560×1080 or 3440×1440.
Panel Type
There are three panel types available for gaming monitors: VA, OLED, and IPS. VA Panels are typically more affordable and offer ultrawide screens with improved contrast. However, they do have certain limitations. When it comes to fast-paced games, most VA panels tend to struggle with motion and often result in a blurry display.
Graphics Card
OLED displays excel in motion, contrast, and color reproduction. However, in terms of sharpness, they may not be as exceptional as IPS and VA screens, although this distinction is usually imperceptible to the majority of users. One drawback is that OLED screens are not as durable as other types of displays.
The power requirement of the top-notch ultrawide monitors is approximately 1.5 times higher than that of a standard monitor. However, a gaming monitor might demand an even greater power supply. It is crucial to have robust graphics capabilities on your computer to fully optimize the visual performance of a high-resolution display.
Contrast Ratio
A higher contrast ratio is preferable when it comes to image quality, with the optimal range being between 1000:1 and 3000:1. However, it's important to exercise caution. If a monitor claims to have a contrast ratio higher than 3000:1, it is likely just a marketing ploy and won't substantially improve the viewing experience.
Connectivity
The number and type of inputs on a monitor are important factors to consider. For gamers, it is essential to have the flexibility of connecting both a console and a PC. This can be achieved through HDMI or by using a USB-C or display port specifically designed for PCs. Moreover, players who desire to experience gaming in 4K with high refresh rates will require a monitor that features the latest HDMI technology. In particular, the PS5 and Xbox Series consoles necessitate HDMI2.1 in order to deliver 4K resolution at a 120Hz refresh rate.
Brightness
Modern high-quality screens typically have brightness levels ranging from 300 to 350 cd/m2, which not only enhances visual aesthetics but also minimizes eye strain and improves visibility. Although a screen set to 250 cd/m2 is still acceptable, having higher brightness can prove advantageous in well-lit environments. However, excessive brightness can lead to eye fatigue, so it is advisable to adjust the brightness level according to the lighting conditions of your surroundings.
Gradient
Ultrawide monitors come in two varieties: flat and curved. While curved monitors provide a more immersive experience, they can have drawbacks when it comes to viewing angles. On the other hand, a flat-monitor might be a more suitable choice for gamers who prefer sitting farther away or sharing the screen with someone.
Anti-Tearing Technology
Adaptive-sync technology has significantly transformed the gaming experience, as the choice of graphics card determines the suitable gaming monitor. For AMD users, opting for a FreeSync monitor is ideal, whereas Nvidia's RTX card users might find G-Sync preferable. Occasionally, G-Sync is compatible with certain FreeSync monitors, but this cannot be guaranteed in all cases.
Split Screen Mode
People in need of replacing multiple monitors should verify if the monitor is equipped with a screen-splitting functionality. It is crucial to confirm that it is capable of connecting to different devices and displaying them separately. By doing so, users can enjoy an increased screen space comparable to what they would have with separate monitors.
Brand Reputation
Look for brands that have established a strong reputation for trustworthiness. Companies such as Samsung, LG, Dell, Alienware, and MSI are renowned for producing high-quality monitors. These brands are frequently featured on lists of the top ultrawide gaming monitors.
Budget
Budget is a crucial factor for selecting a monitor. In the past, ultrawide monitors used to be costly, but now they have become more affordable. A lower-priced monitor may have a lower pixel count, whereas a higher-priced one will provide a superior resolution. However, it is important to note that there are still excellent budget-friendly ultrawide monitors available.
The GIGABYTE G34WQC 34' 144Hz Gaming Monitor is the best budget ultrawide gaming monitor, offering both performance and affordability. With a screen size of 34' and a resolution of 3440 x 1440, it provides a stunning visual experience. The monitor also boasts a maximum refresh rate of 144Hz and a response time of 1ms MPRT, ensuring smooth and responsive gameplay. Additionally, the GIGABYTE G34WQC features a strong build quality, further enhancing its value for money.
Supports AMD FreeSync Premium and Nvidia GSync for smoother visuals
Good refresh rate
Cons Lackluckster HDR
$360 at Amazon $365 at Best Buy $360 at Walmart
FAQ
Q: What’s the suitable refresh rate for an ultra-wide gaming monitor?
A refresh rate of 144Hz to 165Hz is good for most ultrawide gaming monitors. Few ultrawide monitors go beyond this refresh rate and are too pricey to be a good deal.
Q: What is the best size for an ultra-wide gaming monitor?
The ideal option for gamers is typically the 34-inch ultrawide monitor with a 21:9 aspect ratio. Larger ultrawide monitors may not deliver the same gaming experience due to inability to support high refresh rates. Even if they do, the visual quality might not be as crisp as that of a 34-inch display.
Q: What is the best resolution for an ultra-wide monitor?
Most 34-inch ultrawide monitors use a resolution of 3440×1440. This is great for gamers. It looks good in modern games and doesn’t need super-powerful graphics.
Q: Is HDR a must for an ultra-wide gaming monitor?
No! But it’s a good feature to have. HDR can enhance gaming visuals. Gamers who want an ultrawide gaming monitor with HDR support must dig deep into their pockets.
