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- Ultrawide monitors are better for multitasking as you don’t have to alt-tab to different screens repeatedly.
- You get a wider field of view in shooter games through 21:9 ultrawide monitors, giving you an edge in competitive gameplay.
- Most ultrawide monitors have a higher pixel density, making images look crispier than traditional 16:9 monitors.
- Pricing is an issue for ultrawide monitors, especially if you only want a single-monitor setup.
I was recently asked, “Is a 21:9 ultrawide the perfect monitor aspect ratio?” You probably can’t decide between 16:9 and 21:9 either, can you? Let’s break down the pros and cons of both aspect ratios and come up with a solid conclusion today.
Multitasking Is Cake On An Ultrawide
Do you know why ultrawide monitors tingle my ADHD brain? I can efficiently multitask by opening multiple screens without repeatedly switching between them, like on traditional monitors. For example, while playing Teamfight Tactics (TFT), I can open my build comp cheat sheet at the side without minimizing the game.
Similarly, you can efficiently multitask while working on productive tasks like programming, graphic designing, or video editing. The possibilities are endless, and it’s easy, looks good, and feels even better on an ultrawide 21:9 monitor.
You might question, “But I can also do that on a dual-monitor setup, right?” Of course, you can. However, ultrawide monitors don’t have those annoying bezels between two monitors. Do they? You’re getting better aesthetics and a smoother feel for around the same price.
Wider Field Of View In Shooter Games
Aside from multitasking, I love a 21:9 monitor when playing shooter games. Unlike traditional monitors, which may reduce the background, an ultrawide monitor allows you to see extra details that can provide an edge. Sometimes, it feels like I’m cheating, but I’m just using better equipment than my opponents.
With ultrawide monitors, it’s like you’re watching a movie in a theater, which is why there is a more fabulous background and a wider field of vision. However, if you’re not used to such settings, it can cause disruptions in your gameplay, and you’ll find yourself dying in games like Call Of Duty much quicker than usual. I implore you not to accuse the monitor; it improves with time!
Most Ultrawide Monitors Have A Higher Pixel Density
Aside from resolutions, pixel density plays a crucial role in displaying images. For example, a 1080p 23″ monitor has a higher Pixel-Per-Inch (PPI) than a 1080p 27″ monitor. Similarly, many 21:9 ultrawide monitors have a higher PPI than many 1080p and 1440p panels in stores. I’m emphasizing PPI because a higher pixel density monitor usually has a better display than a higher resolution monitor.
A higher PPI means how much a pixel has been broken down per inch. The more it has been broken down, the greater the display you’ll see. That’s why a 23″ 1080p monitor might have a better display than a 32″ 1440p monitor. I still recommend the higher-resolution monitor, but you’ll be able to notice the pixel density in graphic-intensive games.
A 3840 x 1600p 38″ monitor like the LG Ultragear 38GN950 has a ~109.5 PPI value, while a 2560 x 1440p 27″ monitor like the Acer Nitro WQHD has a ~108.8 PPI value. Forget 1080p monitors; not even most 1440p monitors can compete with 21:9 ultrawide monitors. There’s a condescending price differential, which I’ll cover next.
The Pricing Can Make Ultrawides Less Attractive
I won’t mince my words; as much as I love ultrawide monitors, their pricing can sometimes make them less attractive. This is especially true if you only run a single-monitor layout and don’t plan on getting a dual-monitor setup. Let’s break down the pricing of 1080p, 1440p, and ultrawide monitors. I won’t consider 4K displays because 1440p’s benefits far outweigh the 4K’s cost.
For starters, if you’re running a dual-monitor setup, a 1080p setup should be perfect. You can get a decent 100Hz or 120Hz monitor for ~$100. Pair that with a cheaper secondary 60Hz monitor for a ~$160 setup. On the other hand, a decent 1440p monitor can cost anywhere between $150 and $200. I don’t recommend using a dual-monitor setup with 1440p monitors. A primary 1440p and secondary 1080p is fine, though.
Lastly, ultrawide monitor prices vary widely. For example, you can buy a 32″ 3440 x 1440p IPS monitor for around $215 or spend $1,000 on the Samsung G9 Odyssey, a super-ultrawide 49″ monitor. It’s curved, ultrawide, has a ridiculous 240Hz refresh rate with a 0.03ms response time, and is OLED. I guess that’s enough to justify its price.
So, an ultrawide monitor might not fit depending on your budget and requirements. However, you can always use a dual-mode monitor, like the ASUS ROG Strix XG27UCG-W, to get a dual-monitor setup experience without buying two displays.
Are 21:9 Monitors For Everyone, Though?
Back to the main question: Is a 21:9 ultrawide the perfect monitor aspect ratio? Perhaps it is. If you’re fine with a mid-range ultrawide display, you get all your money’s worth. I can’t promise the same for a high-end ultrawide monitor, though. So, depending on your requirements, you might find a 1440p 27″ 144Hz 1ms response time monitor better than an ultrawide.
However, an ultrawide monitor is perfect for me. I don’t play many online shooter games, but the story single-player games I play benefit significantly from the more lavish vibrance and background shown on the 21:9 display.
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[Comparisons Expert]
Abdemanaf is a skilled creative writer who has been honing his craft since 2011. While initially working in different fields, he found a passion for technology and has been exploring the tech world since early 2015. Over the years, he has developed an in-depth knowledge of the latest tech trends and product offerings by various companies.
Abdemanaf’s writing reflects his analytical mindset and ability to think critically. He has a knack for breaking down complex technical information into easily digestible pieces, making his articles engaging and accessible to readers from all backgrounds. In February 2022, he joined Tech4Gamers as a blog and product comparison writer, where he has been able to hone his skills further.
As a writer, Abdemanaf is dedicated to staying up-to-date with the latest technological advancements and trends, enabling him to provide readers with the most relevant and accurate information. He is always eager to learn more and is constantly seeking new challenges to improve his skills.
Get In Touch: manaf@tech4gamers.com
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