Explainer · Monitors
Ultrawide vs dual monitors: which setup is better for work and gaming?
An ultrawide removes the bezel and is better for games. Two monitors cost less, give more total pixels, and are easier to snap windows to. Here is how to choose.
If you want more screen space than one 27-inch monitor, you can buy a single ultrawide or two standard monitors. Both work well; the right choice depends on whether you game, how you arrange windows, and your budget.
Ultrawide vs dual monitors
| 34-inch ultrawide (3440 x 1440) | Two 27-inch 1440p monitors | |
|---|---|---|
| Total pixels | About 4.95 million | About 7.4 million |
| Middle bezel | None | Yes |
| Gaming | Immersive in supported games | Game on one screen |
| Window snapping | Needs a window manager for clean splits | Natural: one app per screen |
| Cables and stands | One | Two, or a dual arm |
| Typical cost | $264 (VA) to $900 (OLED) | $320 and up for two good IPS |
| Portrait use | No | Rotate one screen vertically |
Choose an ultrawide if
- You play PC games that support 21:9, or racing and flight sims.
- You edit video or audio on long timelines.
- You want one cable to a laptop and a clean desk.
Choose dual monitors if
- You code, trade, or write and want one screen in portrait.
- You want the most pixels for the money.
- Your laptop or GPU supports multiple displays and you can live with a bezel.
Questions we get
Is a 34-inch ultrawide the same as two monitors?
Close to two 24-inch 1440p-height screens without the middle bezel. A 3440 x 1440 ultrawide has about 4.95 million pixels; two 27-inch 1440p monitors have 7.4 million, so dual 27s give more total space. A 49-inch 5120 x 1440 super ultrawide equals two 27-inch 1440p monitors.
Is an ultrawide better for gaming?
Yes, in games that support 21:9: the wider field of view is more immersive and there is no bezel in the middle. Esports games may limit or ban ultrawide aspect ratios, and consoles do not support them.
Can a laptop run an ultrawide?
Yes, over USB-C, Thunderbolt, HDMI, or DisplayPort. Many ultrawides, such as the MSI MPG 341CQR X36 (98W), charge a laptop over the same USB-C cable.