Regardless of your passion, profession, or predilection, if it involves a computer, you’re going to need a computer monitor to help you accomplish your goals. One question we’ve been hearing a lot lately is whether the “right” monitor is actually two (i.e., a dual-monitor setup) or if an ultrawide monitor is the way to go. To help you figure out which display setup is best for you and your workflow, we’ve put together this handy guide.
Standard vs. Ultrawide Monitors: Form Factor
When deciding between a dual-monitor setup and an ultrawide display, one of the first things you need to consider is the form factor of each—specifically, the aspect ratio. Currently, the aspect ratio of most conventional displays is 16:9. This ratio has been adapted for just about every desktop program and application.
On the nonconventional side of the aspect ratio spectrum, you have 21:9 and 32:9, otherwise known as ultrawide configurations. These aspect ratios have slowly been adopted but support is not as commonplace as the more conventional 16:9 ratio. Games, in particular can stretch out to a rather wide length and can use various snapping methods to optimize utility without losing quality. Gaming is most impacted by this, with HUD elements not always reaching the furthest reaches of the screen. Some games might not support the ultrawide format at all, leaving black bars on the sides, but that has become incredibly rare.
A major note to hit on when it comes to ultrawide displays is how they are often curved, meaning that they employ a different type of panel technology compared to standard 16:9 displays. For example, most flat-panel displays use In-Plane Switching (IPS) technology, while curved displays typically have a Vertical Alignment (VA) panel, both offering different screen experiences. Then you have OLED technology, which can be found in both flat- and curved-panel displays—but at a premium.
Read More: The Best Gaming Monitors of the Year
Benefits of Dual Monitors
There are many use cases where dual displays are more beneficial. If you like to have your programs and applications tied to specific planes, then look no further. Creative designers and editors can use a main display as their canvas while the secondary display can organize the pop-out feature of various tools or use it as a reference for their current work. It also helps when importing files and documents with drag and drop capabilities.
Live game streamers often utilize dual-display setups—with their “main” display showcasing the game they are playing and a secondary display acting as their console. Instead of jumping in and out of their streaming application, they can conveniently access various elements while also having their live chat up. Additionally, having two displays opens you up to multiple configurations. Some streamers will keep their main display horizontal, while the secondary display could be placed in a vertical position, halving the screen real estate so they can monitor chat, system performance, video control, and more.
While having two displays is great, it is recommended that you buy both displays at the same time or relatively close to one another. This is due to color balance and adjustments. Different manufacturers and models might have conflicting image parameters, leaving creatives who rely on color accuracy in a tough position. Otherwise, if that doesn’t concern you then you have nothing to worry about. Having at least one high-end monitor for your games and media with a secondary, inexpensive monitor tends to be another solution for many.
Business professionals who need to have massive amounts of data in front of them to monitor stats in real time might take their desktop setup further and use three or even four monitors simultaneously. While this isn’t optimal for gaming setups, it is viable for professional environments.
Read More: The Best Color-Critical Monitors
Benefits of an Ultrawide Monitor
Known for providing more cinematic views, ultrawide displays definitely have a place among desktop users. Providing you with a larger field of view, ultrawide displays provide excellent utility for creatives and gaming enthusiasts alike.
For creatives, a larger canvas can feel less claustrophobic, allowing you to gain a fuller view of your work. Tools and other utilities can be pulled up without impacting your work area. Palettes, shortcuts, and other important elements quickly fade to the side while you work. Video editors can find larger timelines at the bottom with ample room to pinpoint the exact moment they need to cut and edit, not to mention importing files and looking at key elements is easier thanks to the larger space.
Gaming enthusiasts gain the most utility out of the larger form factor. Not only does the larger field of vision provide a more cinematic view, but it also takes the action and places it front-and-center. Some titles will place screen elements further out to the sides while giving ample room around your character so you can see clearer in both first- and third-person perspectives.
A larger form factor also leads to some larger compromises. Due to the sheer size of a single ultrawide monitor, the stand could take up a significant amount of space and even encroach on your mouse and keyboard area. If you choose to mount the display using an arm, you must ensure that you’re picking the right one since ultrawide displays are heavier. Also, not everything is compatible with the ultrawide form factor. Some titles might not support the aspect ratio entirely, which means various resources and elements will hang around in various positions intended for the 16:9 layout.
There is also the massive 32:9 aspect ratio as well. These huge displays tend to fit multiple windows and offer customizable screen areas. When used with various window-snapping features, these types of displays could provide you with unrivaled synergy within your workflow. But, similar to displays with the 21:9 aspect ratio, not everything is optimized for it, and due to the sheer size, it could be difficult to fit in compact spaces.
Read More: How to Choose the Best Monitor for Editing Photos
Standard vs. Ultrawide Monitors: Head-to-Head
Knowing the differences between the two form factors and breaking down some of the pros and cons of each, it’s time to start making our considerations. It is truly difficult to say which setup comes out on top and there isn’t a real definitive answer. Some people have an easier time with a 16:9 ratio which replicates the TV experience in a much smaller form factor. In my personal opinion, I love a good ultrawide display.
Currently, I use a Samsung G5 Odyssey 34” Gaming Monitor, which I find to be an absolute delight. I really like the picture quality, and it works seamlessly with a lot of my favorite games. When I do dabble in a bit of video editing, having that large screen real estate to access more shortcuts and operations is essential. Additionally, I do like the larger canvas when I am in various design programs.
Of course, this isn’t the only display that I use. Accompanying my Samsung display I have an Acer CB241Y 23.8” display as a secondary monitor placed in a vertical configuration. When I do presentations, I keep my Samsung monitor as the main focal point with chat and other elements on the Acer. This gives me the best of both worlds, and while it might not be the ideal configuration for others, it works fantastically for me; and that is what this is really all about.
Read More: The Best Monitors for Designers and Graphic Artists
Best Monitor Setup for You
When it comes to how many displays or what configuration you’re looking for, the sky is the limit. As long as your desktop graphics card has outputs and you’re not overloading it with too many high-end displays while ensuring you have the space for it, you can configure your desktop in a myriad of ways. So, which configuration do you prefer? Let us know in the comments section below!
