- Ultrawide monitors eliminate the bezels that may not be aesthetically pleasing in dual-screen setups.
- Dual-screen setups and ultrawide monitors provide impressive productivity boosts, but the latter makes it easier.
- Running older games is more difficult on ultrawide monitors due to insufficient support.
- Depending on certain cases, ultrawide monitors can be more affordable than a dual-monitor setup.
As a long-time dual-screen setup user, I always thought I had it all figured out. I’d keep all my research material on one monitor and my writing software on the other. Because two screens mean two times the productivity, right? However, the more I used my dual-screen setup, the more I realized the bezels were becoming more distracting.
Switching between monitors and constantly adjusting my windows became the norm, making me switch from a dual-screen setup to an ultrawide monitor. I might never go back to my old setup; here are a few reasons why.
Saying Goodbye To Bezels
One of the things I love the most about my ultrawide monitor is its sleek and minimalistic design, which makes it a perfect fit for my PC setup. I have entirely said goodbye to the thick, bulky bezels of my dual-monitor setup and replaced it with a single, seamless screen that pans from one end to another.
Moreover, I also love the curved design, which adds a hint of sophistication and realism to the games. Plus, with a single monitor like the Samsung Odyssey OLED G9, I have to worry less about cable clutter behind my monitor and have a cleaner, more unified workspace, which helps me focus better.
Ultrawide Monitors: A Productivity Powerhouse
As mentioned above, ultrawide monitors help keep me focused when working. Similarly, I can open multiple windows simultaneously without feeling cramped or cluttered with two smaller monitors. I usually keep my research notes on one end and have my working document on the other to know which point to cover.
One can argue that I can do something similar with a dual-screen setup, but the annoying part is repeatedly moving the cursor from one screen to another. I don’t have to worry about that with my ultrawide monitor.
However, I must agree that with a dual-monitor setup, you can vertically place your secondary monitor if you’re a programmer to see more lines of code, which will help boost your workflow.
Gaming At A Whole New Level Of Immersion
Regarding gaming, ultrawide monitors may or may not be your go-to choice. Why do I say so? Because it solely depends on the kind of games you want to play. To explain, I recommend a 34-inch 3440 x 1440p ultrawide monitor for single-player games. However, a dual-monitor setup might be better for competitive gaming.
There are a few exceptions, though. For example, if you’re playing a game like World Of Warcraft, a 21:9 monitor will give you greater depth and higher immersion, as Revolve Studios explains through their experience.
On the other hand, older games like Skyrim prefer the usual 16:9 aspect ratio, not supporting wider monitors. While I have found a few workarounds, they aren’t always easy to instil and require time and dedication.
Now, if you focus on gaming with an ultrawide monitor, you’ll need to look at the monitor’s refresh rate, RGB colors, and overall size. On the other hand, with a dual-monitor setup, you can have an excellent primary monitor, while the secondary monitor can be a 1080p 60Hz monitor used for different workloads.
Considering The Price Differences
Comparing the prices of a dual-screen setup to an ultrawide monitor is a pretty difficult task, owing to the plethora of available options. The first step would be to dial down your use case scenario and overall estimated budget.
Suppose you have a low budget and want an ultrawide monitor for gaming, then the LG Ultragear 34GP63A-B monitor is a decent value purchase for ~$300.
On the other hand, a gaming monitor such as the Viewsonic XG2703 GS costs around ~$160, so purchasing two will be more expensive than the ultrawide monitor. You can cheap out on the secondary monitor and go with the cheaper Acer KB272 EBI 27-inch 1080p 100Hz monitor for around ~$100.
You must also consider the price of a decent monitor, which stands for a dual-monitor setup, which may cost around $100 if you don’t want the monitors to sag downwards. So, all in all, ultrawide monitors can be more accessible, but it depends on your use case scenario and overall budget.
Ultrawide Monitors Are The Way Forward
Be it the aesthetics, pricing, or immersive gaming, ultrawide monitors are a great addition to gaming and productivity tasks. While I agree that you need at least a 34-inch ultrawide monitor to see the difference from a dual-screen setup, I can vouch that you will never want to return.
Besides older games having issues, ultrawide monitors are preferred in movies and the latest AAA-titled games, making them the way forward for PC users.
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Moiz Banoori, with a decade of experience in gaming and tech journalism and a degree in journalism, is a notable figure in the industry. He has contributed to various esteemed platforms, showcasing his expertise in both reporting and opinion writing.
