The 5 Best Budget Ultrawide Monitors Reviewed

budget ultrawide monitor review
Ultrawide monitors are a useful addition to any desk for a multitude of reasons. Of course, they are great for avid-gamers, but ultrawide monitors are designed more for multitasking. This could be multitasking for work, content creation such as illustration or editing, or even just if you are prone to using multiple windows at once.

Picture this – you work from home and the amount of spreadsheets on your computer or laptop is becoming alarmingly complicated and confusing. You wish there was a way to spread out your work to another screen, just to make some room mentally and physically on your computer screen.

An ultrawide monitor is the perfect solution, without taking up the space of two or three normal sized monitors. We have found the 5 best budget ultrawide monitors to suit every need, along with a buyers’ guide and FAQ for more help on making a purchase.

In a rush?

Our top pick is the LG 29WN600-W 29″ 21:9 UltraWide WFHD IPS HDR1 0 Monitor, coming in at a good budget price of $246.99.

At 29 inches and 1080p Ultra Wide resolution, this monitor is ideal for home offices in need of a larger screen that has a wide screen ratio, making it easy to view several windows at a time.

Gone were the days of juggling between projects on a smaller screen!

Best Budget Ultrawide Monitors

1. LG 29WN600-W 29-in 21:9 UltraWide WFHD IPS HDR1 0 Monitor

LG 29WN600-W 29 inch 21:9 UltraWide WFHD IPS HDR1 0 Monitor review
This LG UltraWide monitor is a good all around box ticker for those wanting a monitor on a budget. Designed for multitasking as well as a crisp detail from all angles, this monitor is effective in use for content creation such as illustration, editing, work projects, and gaming.

The enhanced picture quality and color is useful for motivation, and the monitor boasts OnScreen control to create your own type of workspace. This means adjusting split screens to whatever is useful to you, and works in the same way a dual-monitor setup would, just without taking up as much space.

This particular model does not have a curved screen which may be beneficial for gaming purposes. At $246.99, this is an ideal budget ultrawide monitor for work from home employees who require multitasking.

Sale
LG UltraWide WFHD 29-Inch FHD 1080p Computer Monitor 29WN600-W, IPS with HDR 10 Compatibility, Silver
  • 29” Ultra wide Full HD (2560 x 1080) IPS Display.Viewing Angle:178.0 degrees.Response time:5.0 milliseconds.Specific uses for product - Gaming
  • 3-Side Virtually Borderless Design
  • SRGB 99% Color Gamut
  • HDR 10 Compatible
  • AMD FreeSync. Display Position Adjustments-Tilt

2. Samsung CF390 Series 27 inch FHD 1920×1080 Curved Desktop Monitor

Samsung CF390 Series 27 inch FHD 1920x1080 Curved Desktop Monitor review
This 27 inch Samsung ultrawide monitor is an attractively slim curved screen monitor with an edgeless design and narrow frame.

The 1800R curved screen is designed for ultimate productivity enhancement, as the curved element matches the human eye’s natural field of view. This comfortable design is ideal for users who work from home or who will be using the monitor excessively.

It is also a beneficial design for avid gamers, as it helps to give an immersive atmosphere. This monitor has both an HDMI port and a VGA port, meaning it is adaptable to most workstations.

It does not have a camera or speakers but works well as a monitor, and has a slight adjustable tilt that holds its place.

Elegant and effective, the Samsung CF390 ultrawide monitor is a steal for $159.99.

Sale
Samsung CF390 Series 27 inch FHD 1920x1080 Curved Desktop Monitor for Business, HDMI, VGA, VESA mountable, 3-Year Warranty, TAA (C27F390FHN), Black
  • ULTRA CURVED SCREEN: Designed to closely match the way the human eye views objects, the 1800R ultra-curved screen helps promote comfort for your employees; Screen’s curved panel maintains a more consistent distance from the eye, helping minimize eye fatigue and enhance productivity
  • Viewing Angle is 178° (H) / 178° (V); Brightness(typ) is 250 cd/㎡; Aspect Ratio is 16:9
  • VA PANEL: The monitor’s slim VA panel features a high-contrast ratio and displays images in dark blacks, vivid colors, and sharp details; It also supports a wide viewing angle, giving users a high-quality picture even when viewed from off-angles
  • ELEGANT, ERGONOMIC & VESA COMPATIBLE: The C27F390FHN measures just 3.7 inches deep and features a high-gloss, black cabinet that blends elegantly with any workstation setup; Monitor is also VESA compatible, so installation on a wall or mounting arm is a breeze
  • KEEP PACE WITH THE FASTEST CONTENT: With AMD FreeSync, Game Mode, and a 4ms response time, this monitor delivers a smooth, blur-free picture that keeps juddering, blurring, and tearing to a minimum

3. HP VH240a 23.8-Inch Full HD 1080p IPS LED Monitor

HP VH240a 23.8-Inch Full HD 1080p IPS LED Monitor review
At a list price of $124.99, this HP ultrawide monitor cannot go amiss. With a width of 23.8 inches this is smaller than the previous recommendations, but features an anti-glare LED backlit panel that creates the perfect high resolution quality.

This monitor stands out for its built-in speakers, useful for larger online meetings and video editing, though an additional speaker may be a recommended purchase as the built-in speakers are not strong. It is one of the sleekest designs for a monitor, with a thin and frameless appearance creating a stylish and modern aesthetic.

The HP VH240a is highly adjustable with ergonomics such as tilt, height and pivot – meaning your dream workspace can be achieved. It is also usable as a wall mounted monitor, though the mounting bracket is not included.

The packaging and assembly process is fast and easy. For those wanting an ultrawide monitor to work and enjoy whilst on a budget, this monitor is the right choice for you.

HP VH240a 23.8-Inch Full HD 1080p IPS LED Monitor with Built-In Speakers and VESA Mounting, Rotating Portrait & Landscape, Tilt, and HDMI & VGA Ports (1KL30AA) - Black
  • This Certified Refurbished product is manufacturer refurbished, shows limited or no wear, and includes all original accessories plus a 90-day limited hardware warranty.
  • Response Time — 5ms with overdrive for a smooth picture that looks crisp and fluid without motion blur
  • Built-In Speakers — Integrated audio speakers provide great sound for your content (2 watts per channel)
  • Thin Bezel-Less Frame — A thin and virtually frameless ultra-widescreen monitor provides a seamless multi-monitor set-up with 3-sided narrow bezels

4. VIOTEK GNV34DBE 34-Inch Curved Gaming Monitor

VIOTEK GNV34DBE 34-Inch Curved Gaming Monitor review
With an impressive 34 inches, this VIOTEK monitor is ideal for avid-gamers. The 1440p monitor sports a curved design for your natural field of vision, smooth transitions, and a picture quality strong enough to hold 16.7 million displayable colors.

This monitor is designed for video games, movies, and content creation such as illustration, video editing or graphic design.

The curved edge allows for a great view regardless of the angle, and the crisp visual quality works well for office work. With the width of this monitor, it is ideal for multiple projects, tabs, or windows.

Speakers are not included, so these will have to be purchased separately if you are looking for a sound system too. This is the most expensive on our list, at a listed price of $429.99, but still good value considering the quality and well within a $500 budget.

Viotek GNV34DBE 34-Inch Curved Gaming Monitor | 144Hz UWQHD 4ms | 2X HDMI 2.0, 2X DisplayPort 1.4, 3.5mm | G-Sync-Ready, FreeSync | 3-Yr Warranty (VESA)
  • ULTRAWIDE QHD MONITOR RESOLUTION — Enjoy the magic of a VA panel, optimized with lightning-fast 144Hz monitor refresh rates. Expect precise pixel detail across the board, all with zero dropped frames and cinema-quality 116% sRGB / 87% DCI-P3 color gamut.
  • SERIOUS CURVES FOR SERIOUS ACTION — Our 1440p monitor combines a 21:9 aspect ratio with a deep 1500R curvature to pull you deeper into the action. This ergonomic monitor covers more of your natural field of vision, from edge-to-edge.
  • SMOOTHEST PLAY IN TOWN — Seamless transitions. Smooth motion. Artifact-free visuals. AMD FreeSync puts an end to choppy gameplay across the refresh spectrum. And low-framerate compensation (LFC) handles the rest, when the refresh rate dips below 48Hz.
  • VIOTEK GAME-WINNING SUITE — Free Sync isn’t the only tool of the trade designed to help you score and score big. GAMEPLUS crosshairs for direct hits, every time. And FPS/RTS display optimization to bring out detail in shadow-heavy scenes. G-SYNC-compatible.
  • DON’T PLAY WITH DEAD PIXELS – New Viotek PC gaming monitors come with our Zero-Tolerance Dead Pixel Policy and 3-Year Limited Warranty, fully backed by a U.S. company. Have questions? Reach out to our customer support team, via email or phone.

5. Acer SB220Q bi 21.5 Inches Full HD (1920 x 1080) IPS Ultra-Thin Zero Frame Monitor

Acer SB220Q bi 21.5 Inches Full HD IPS Ultra-Thin Zero Frame Monitor review
At $93.99, this is the most affordable and budget-friendly monitor on our list.

It has a 21.5 inch screen, ideal for those with a smaller deskspace, a tilt angle of 5 degrees to 15 degrees, and both horizontal and vertical viewing. This monitor has a matte screen which eliminates glare, as well as a VGA and HDMI port.

It does not have VESA mount holes for wall mounting, but the size of the screen is both small and large enough to fit in a desk well, as it can still show multiple pages, windows or apps at a time.

This monitor is ideal for those who are working at home on a budget, as well as gamers who do not want to splash too much cash on an unnecessary monitor. It has a thin structure and creates a sleek, modern look to a desk without taking up too much space.

Sale
Acer 21.5 Inch Full HD (1920 x 1080) IPS Ultra-Thin Zero Frame Computer Monitor (HDMI & VGA Port), SB220Q bi
  • 21.5 inches Full HD (1920 x 1080) widescreen IPS display.Specific uses for product - Business, personal
  • And Radeon free sync technology. No compatibility for VESA Mount
  • Refresh rate: 75 hertz - Using HDMI port
  • Zero-frame design; Ultra-thin; 4ms response time; IPS panel
  • Ports: 1 x HDMI & 1 x VGA

Buying Guide for Budget Ultrawide Monitors

What to Look for in an Ultrawide Monitor

When looking to purchase a monitor, it is important to understand exactly what you would like to achieve from this new addition.

Are you an avid gamer who may benefit from a specific gaming monitor? Are you working from home and finding your laptop screen too small? Are you a graphic designer or illustrator looking to improve the quality of your work on a larger screen?

Whatever the reason, these will affect what type of monitor you should purchase.

Generally speaking, the ultrawide monitors I recommended are best used for working environments, for example someone who needs to work on multiple projects or windows at a time. This is because the screens are designed for multitasking usage, but do not necessarily have the quality required for avid gamers.

The minimum resolution required for a good quality is 1080p / Full HD – the resolution figure counts for how many pixels there are in the surface area of the monitor screen, in the case of 1080p, that is slightly over 2 million pixels.

If the intended purpose of the monitor is for gaming, some monitors may not be able to maintain a large amount of pixels and this may hinder your gaming experience. It is also not compulsory to have more than one monitor, as this depends on the individual situation.

One monitor will suffice for multitasking and split-screening and will take up less desk space. Multiple monitors are useful for people who use several programs at once and would like some screens to be private in, for example, a screen-sharing meeting or presentation.

However if this is not the case, just one ultrawide monitor can achieve multitasking purposes without entirely breaking the bank.

A top tip when researching these products is to be aware of the user ports, as some may not have USB, HDMI or speaker ports. They also do not have to be expensive to be of high quality, as monitors generally last four to five years, and therefore are a good investment.

Naturally, the higher the price the more accessories, higher quality, and ergonomic advantages, but these do not have to be necessary if you just want a standard and good quality monitor.

Size and Design

Ultrawide monitors tend to range from 21 inches to 49 inches in width. They are, as the name suggests, not designed for a small desk space.

The benefits of this size are to show multiple windows, pages, apps, or spreadsheets for maximum usage. Monitors can either come as a flat screen, which are better for wall mounted intentions and are generally more affordable.

The flat screen design is also better suited for multiple monitors on a desk as the corners won’t intersect or distort as they might do with a curved screen.

Curved screens, on the other hand, provide a more immersive user experience and fit the natural curve of the human eye’s viewing field, which is designed for eye protection and productive enhancement.

They also tend to be larger, which can take up more desk space but provides a better multitasking element. It is important to purchase a monitor with a matte screen as this prevents glare from any light form.

Accessories

If you are on a budget, the products we have recommended do not necessarily need additional accessories. Such accessories include wall mounting structures, stands for elevating the monitor, speakers, and webcams.

As most ultrawide monitors are just monitors without speakers and cameras, these may be necessary to purchase to improve user experience, particularly if you want to use the monitor for online meetings, movies, or gaming.

Wall mounting monitors are very useful for deskspace footprint as well as stopping the user’s posture change if the monitor will have a prolonged use.

Most monitors will come with a VESA mounting interface, which will need to be met with the suitable mounting system. However, curved monitor screens are generally not recommended to be mounted.

Questions About Budget Ultrawide Monitors

Is a 34 inch ultrawide too big?

This depends on your desk or workspace! As some ultrawide monitors can reach 49 inches, there is not a limit on what size you can purchase.

However, a 34 inch screen will still take up a moderate amount of desk space. If this is an issue, wall mounting is a good option to reduce the footprint. 34 inch monitors are generally the average size for ultrawide monitors.

Are bigger monitors better?

The bigger the screen, the more the screen can hold in terms of apps, windows, and documents. This can be really useful for people who have multiple projects and need to multitask.

However, this could go the opposite way and become too overcrowded, so it does depend on how the user adjusts the split-screening.

Generally speaking, larger monitors are better for gaming, photography and video editing, and illustration, as the screens are designed for ultimate visual quality. This is not necessary for a monitor used for work.

Is an ultrawide monitor good for gaming?

This depends on how much of an avid gamer you are. If you are on a budget but want to enhance your video gaming experience, the more affordable ultrawide monitors are generally dependable and provide a good quality.

Remember to look out for if a monitor has built-in speakers, as this may be a necessary purchase. The larger the screen, which is usually out of budget, the better for video game quality.

Are ultrawide monitors good for photo editing?

Yes! These types of monitors are designed to enhance the size and quality of whatever screen you are using. Larger screen sizes are usually better for creative content, as the screen quality is designed for a crisp finish, but budget-friendly monitors can still achieve this.

Ultrawide monitors are great for photo and graphic work, as the high resolution is great for ultimate color enhancement and multitasking. A curved screen may be useful for your natural eyesight field, or it could hinder your straight-line perception.

Are ultrawide monitors worth it?

Ultrawide monitors can be very helpful in certain games and applications, although they come with an extra cost. Are they worth the higher price? Watch this video to find out the answer:

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