3 Monitor Setup With Ultrawide

Ultrawide Monitors

In the comparison between an ultrawide vs dual monitor, which one comes out as the best for gaming?

Unlike traditional computer monitors that use a 16:9 aspect ratio, ultrawide monitors make use of a 21:19 ratio that is similar to what is used in movie theaters. Consequently, their width makes them instantly recognizable. Some models, like the Porsche Design Agon by AOC PD27, are even curved at each end for a more immersive user experience.

As mentioned earlier, gaming on a dual monitor setup is not the best option. However, you can use dual monitors if you want one for gaming and the other for other purposes such as surfing the internet or chatting.

On the other hand, ultrawide monitors are famous as they offer a more immersive gaming experience. You don't struggle with any bezels or gaps in the middle of the monitor, and it is also a cheaper option.

Additionally, the ultrawide monitors, which come with a 21:9 aspect ratio, offer a seamless setup process as there are no hassles with bezels. You even don't need multiple outputs on your computer or laptop to connect with the monitor.

In terms of productivity, ultrawide displays don't disappoint. They offer the same productivity as dual monitors but without the hassles of the bezels in the middle. With an ultrawide monitor, you can have two windows next to each other without squeezing them.

As such, you can be typing on one window while you refer and research from the other. The enhanced screen real estate of the ultrawide monitor encourages multitasking.

ultrawide setup on the table

As mentioned earlier, it would be a challenge getting the exact same resolution from two identical screens as there may be differences in calibration. However, ultrawide ones offer you a high resolution at 1440p, which is vital in gaming and also in watching movies.

With the high resolution of an ultrawide display, it is unlikely you'll miss any detail on the screen. As such, you can see your opponent while hiding in the dark corners which allows you to react appropriately.

If you are looking for the right monitor to enjoy your games, ultrawide screens enable you to enjoy the game and also give you a competitive edge. You get a more immersive gaming experience than you would get from two displays with a dual-screen setup.

You can enhance the immersive experience by going for a curved widescreen monitor. The curved design enables the monitor to reflect light from various directions to your eye. Therefore, you enjoy less fatigue as you can see the details at the edges of the widescreen without any hassles.

How Do They Compare?

Though both setups accomplish the task of giving you more space to work with, it is best to see how they fare in terms of resolution and screen size, ease of use, and performance in various applications. Ultimately, the scales tip in one setup's favor, but you can also use this guide to get the right monitor for your needs.

Screen Size

Average monitors measure 27", so dual setups can provide up to 56" of pure screen real estate. Meanwhile, the largest ultrawide monitors tap out at around 49". But though dual monitors may seem to trump ultrawides in this regard, there is one hitch: the bezel gap. Though minor, bezels can obscure your view in some instances and take away from the smoothness of transitions between screens. Companies like Asus have released bezel-free kits to resolve the issue, but they can set you back by more than $100.

Resolution

Though you can mix and match the resolutions on your dual monitor setup, this can cause a number of problems. For one, it will change the quality of whatever you are dragging from one screen to the next. Meanwhile, when you do decide to set the same resolution on both monitors, your higher-resolution monitor will have to match the lower-resolution one. You can do away with this issue by just getting an ultrawide monitor like the AOC AG271UG 4K IPS to begin with.

Pixel Density

However, though ultrawides provide more consistent resolution than dual monitors, they can be less pixel-dense. For example, the LG 34WK95U-W has over 11 million pixels, more than any other ultrawide on the market. Conversely, the PCBs in Dell S2721QS 4K monitors undergo more stringent signal integrity analysis procedures. As a result, using them in a dual setup can provide over 16 million pixels for crisp, high-resolution graphics without distortion — and buying a pair even costs 30% less than the LG monitor.

Ease of Use

For the most part, an ultrawide is easier to deal with. Since it is a single monitor, you do not need to spend time fiddling with multi-monitor installments and settings. They also require a less stringent cable system, and so will most likely take up less space than dual monitors. However, it is easier to multitask on a dual monitor setup thanks to the Window Snap feature on Windows 10. This allows you to open up full windows in different corners of the screen with ease.

For Work

If you are mostly going to be using your setup for work, consider going for dual monitors. As discussed earlier, Window Snap works better here, so multitasking will be a breeze. You will be able to access multiple programs at once, such as opening Photoshop on one screen and displaying references on the other. Most programs are also meant to run on a 16:9 aspect ratio, so you do not need to spend time resizing your windows on an ultrawide. Most importantly, dual setups are flexible, so you can arrange your monitors in any way you like.

For Play

However, an ultrawide is the better option for gaming or watching movies. The bezel gap will not block your view, and since ultrawides have an aspect ratio similar to those used by filmmakers, you can enjoy movies without them being "letterboxed" — or without those black bars at the top and bottom of your screen. In both cases, a curved ultrawide screen can make gaming or viewing more immersive.

Pricing

If you are just starting out, it will be more cost-effective to get an ultrawide. But if you already have a monitor on hand, it is better to just buy another one with similar specs. However, there are some cases where buying two of the same monitor will still be cheaper than getting an ultrawide. For example, an Asus Designo Curve MX38VC almost breaches the $2000 mark. You could instead get a pair of HP VH240a's for less than $500.

What's More?

The ultrawide gaming monitor is also a perfect choice for video and audio editing. With the ultrawide display, you can maximize the window to make use of a long timeline and all the toolbars for editing the videos well.

Compared to the 16:9 dual monitors, ultrawide ones come with a 21:9 display. Therefore, you enjoy a better viewing of your content as there are no bars at the top or bottom of the display.

Can You Split-Screen On an Ultrawide Monitor?

Yes, you can. The feature allows you to use a single ultra-wide monitor as two separate screens for multitasking purposes.

Other features to consider in deciding which is better between an ultrawide monitor vs dual monitors include the panel type and sync. Does ultrawide or dual monitor feature G-Sync or Freesync. If you want a monitor to use for fast-paced games, an IPS panel may be better than a VA panel.

You should also consider whether the monitor is curved or flat.

What Are The Downsides of Using an Ultrawide vs Dual Monitors Setup?

The first comparison between ultrawide vs dual monitors is in the resolution.

A single ultrawide display offers a better resolution than dual monitors. Thus, you enjoy your games more with a widescreen.

But even with the enhanced resolution, you still can't get as much screen real estate as you get with dual monitors. A 21:9 aspect ratio display cannot offer you the same screen space as two 16:9 displays.

If you want many windows open without switching focus, dual monitors will be a better option.

Additionally, some competitive games are limited to a 16:9 aspect ratio. Thus, if you play the games in a 21:9 aspect ratio display, you may end up with stretched out images.