7 Best Ultrawide Monitor Under 500: Budget Friendly
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Looking to upgrade to the best ultrawide gaming monitor under 500? But can’t decide which one to choose? Don’t worry, we have got you covered.
These types of monitors have been famous since their debut around a decade ago. Ultra-wide monitors are 34 inch wide monitors that have an aspect ratio of 21:9.
To put things in context, the 24-inch monitor that you are probably using now has a 16:9 aspect ratio. This is exactly why ultrawide monitors are so famous. Their 21:9 aspect ratio makes them fantastic as they become a perfect fit to watch movies on.
That being said, we should now see which monitors made it to our list of best ultrawide gaming monitors under 500, and why. Not to forget, we have also penned down a buying guide to help you out in picking the best from the list.
In a hurry?
If you don't have time to read and select the monitor, then you can choose Asus TUF Gaming VG35VQ without a second thought. It is suitable for hardcore gamers, graphic designers, and casual users too.
With the Asus eye care technology, you won't have to install one more software, just to enable the blue light filter. Moreover, its connectivity ports include DisplayPort 1.2, HDMI (V2.0) x2, USB 3.0 x2, so if you wish to connect speakers or other devices, it can be easily done.
Best Ultrawide Monitor Under 500
| Image | Product | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
Best Overall  | SAMSUNG 34-Inch SJ55W Ultrawide Gaming Monitor
| 9.7 | Check Price on Amazon |
Best for Multitasking  | LG 34WK650-W 34" UltraWide
| 9.5 | Check Price on Amazon |
Best Overall  | Acer Nitro XZ342CK Pbmiiphx 34
| 9.1 | Check Price on Amazon |
For Hardcore Gamers  | MSI Non-Glare Ultra Wide 21: 9
| 8.8 | Check Price on Amazon |
Best under Budget  | Sceptre 34-inch Curved UltraWide
| 8.6 | Check Price on Amazon |
Best for Creators  | AOC CQ34G2 Super Curved Frameless
| 8.2 | Check Price on Amazon |
Best Overall | Asus TUF Gaming VG35VQ
| 8 | Check Price on Amazon |
1. Samsung-S34J55W
- 34-INCH ULTRAWIDE MONITOR
- Powerful multitasking split-screen features
- AMD FREESYNC
- HDMI ports and display port
- Industry-leading 3000:1 contrast ratio
The Samsung S34J55W is our first addition to this list of the best ultrawide monitor under 500 dollars.
This is a top-of-the-line product by a reputable company like Samsung at an unbelievably low price. The 34-inch ultrawide monitor uses a VA panel and has a sleek build and a matte black finish.
The build of the S34J55W is modern and sleek. This flat monitor is thin and has a slightly wobbly stand. While the Y-shaped monitor adds a fantastic look and is thick in appearance, it might result in a bit of wobbling, which I find irritating.
Of course, a solution to that is to mount the monitor to a wall which is possible in this monitor as it is VESA Compatible.
Connectivity options include one HDMI 1.4, HDMI 2.0, Display Port 1.2, and a headphone jack. Out of the 3 input ports, FreeSync is functional only over HDMI 2.0 and Display Port 1.2.
The VA panel manages to bring out a bold 3000:1 contrast ratio. To accompany this, there is a standard color gamut, a true 8bit depth, and a 3440*1440 resolution.
The S34J55W has a refresh rate of 75Hz, which is much better than its 60Hz counterparts. The VA panel specifications also include the 300 nit brightness, 178-degree viewing angle, a 4ms response time. All of this altogether delivers stellar picture quality for this price range.
Other unique features that the S34J55W has included are the Picture-in-Picture and an Eco Light Sensor. The picture-in-picture feature lets you wisely use the massive width of this monitor for multitasking.
Whereas the Eco-Light Sensor adjusts the monitor brightness according to the brightness of your surroundings and tries to reduce the strain on your eyes.
Eco Light Sensor
AMD FreeSync
3000:1 Contrast Ratio
Value-For-Money Purchase[/i2pros][i2cons]4ms response time
wobbly stand
complaints about minor ghosting in fast-paced games[/i2cons][/i2pc]
2. LG-34WK650
- 34 inch ultrawide 21:9 full HD IPS monitor with HDR 10
- HDR10 compatible; Tilt (Angle): 5 to15 Degree
- AMD free sync technology
- SRGB 99 percent color gamut
- On screen control with screen split
The first thing you expect when you hear about a monitor from LG is that it has to be modern-looking. Well, in fact, some consider this monitor to be the best ultrawide monitor under 500 dollars, at least in terms of design and looks.
LG does not disappoint on this monitor either. Similar to its other counterparts by LG, the 34WK650 has a silver finish and a slight semi-circle stand that adds a more professional look to it.
The 34WK540 is an ultra-slim monitor with a frameless design that looks immaculate for a home workspace design.
It also has a height and tilts adjustable stand, which you can’t find in most of the best ultrawide monitors under 500 dollars budget.
The screen is flat and is supported by an IPS panel. The bezels are almost impossible to notice, which make elevates the picture quality in some way. Connectivity options include two HDMI 2.0 ports and a Display Port 1.2
As you might’ve guessed, like the previous monitor, the 34WK650 is not ideal for competitive fast gaming. Although it does have features that tweak the monitor’s performance specifically for gaming.
The prime example is the AMD FreeSync that avoids tears in the image and maintains a variable refresh rate. A Black Stabilizer has also been installed, which increases visibility in dark scenes of your gameplay.
Last but not least, the Dynamic Action Sync is used, which keeps input lag at the minimum.
On the other hand, the picture quality is exceptional, and the IPS panel’s superior color reproduction ability makes it a better pick for customers who need a monitor useful in color-critical work.
This monitor is also compatible with the entry-level HDR-10 that elevates your viewing experience even more. Another reason behind top-notch picture quality is a 99%sRGB color gamut.
The LG-34WK60 also has a split-screen feature to help you multitask, and it, of course, has its own classic On-Screen control that lets you adjust monitor settings at the click of a mouse.
On-Screen Control
SplitScreen
Dynamic Action Sync
Black Stabillizer
Ergonomic Stand[/i2pros][i2cons]5ms Response rate
1000:1 Contrast Ratio
Limited Connectivity Options[/i2cons][/i2pc]
3. Acer Nitro XZ342CK Pbmiiphx 34
- 34″ WQHD UltraWide (3440 x 1440)
- VA Display with AMD Radeon FreeSync Technology
- VESA Certified Display HDR400
- 144Hz refresh rate; Response time: 1ms
- Zero Frame Design; 2 speakers, 3 watts per speaker
The Acer Nitro XZ342CK Pbmiiphx is a top contender to be the best ultrawide gaming monitor under 500 dollars.
The specifications of this 34-inch beast are insane for its price range and are top-notch for both productivity and gaming. The XZ342CK is a simple-looking monitor packed with a picture quality that will blow your mind.
Let’ start with the build of the Acer Nitro monitor. The screen is curved at a curvature of 1500R, offering a much more immersive experience while gaming or media consumption than many flat-panel monitors in this price range.
The stand is a bulky, thick stand that is red in color and has a round base. This makes sure that the monitor is sturdy.
The problematic part is that the stand is only tilt adjustable, and the height, swivel, pivot cannot be adjusted.
The monitor also has a joystick to operate the monitor’s settings. Still, the Menu is tough to get around, defeating the joystick’s whole purpose. Connectivity options include two HDMI 2.0 ports and one Display Port.
The XZ342CK is an absolute beast when it comes to gaming. The curved screen already gives it an edge over other monitors, and to top that, it has a 144Hz refresh rate and a 1ms response time.
It is equipped with the AMD Radeon FreeSync, which avoids any possible problems related to the refresh rate and uses a variable refresh rate at its highest potential.
The color gamut is a reasonable 95%sRGB. The 3440*1440p resolution and the VESA Certified HDR400 Display is where the Acer Nitro monitor takes it all away.
The only thing that limits this monitor from being the best ultrawide monitor under $500 is the absence of a flicker-free backlight. This issue is very noticeable when you use this monitor with an Nvidia GPU.
Pros
[i2pc show_title=”false” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” ][i2pros]144Hz Refresh RateAMD Radeon FreeSync
VESA Certified HDR400 Display
3440*1440p resolution
AMD FreeSync
[/i2pros][i2cons]No Flicker-Free Backlight
Inconvenient Settings Menu
Bad Factory Calibration[/i2cons][/i2pc]
4. MSI Non-Glare Ultra Wide 21: 9
- Curved Gaming display (1800R)
- Uwqhd high resolution
- Gamesense
- 1ms response time: eliminate screen tearing and choppy frame rates
- Hdr 400
Before we could process the specifications and performance of the previous monitor, we came across the MSI Optix MPG341CQR, which has as many features as the XZ342CK and then some.
This monitor is specifically made for gaming and performs too well as a gaming monitor.
As mentioned, the design and the build are targeted towards gamers. The stand is completely ergonomic and has tilt, swivel, and height adjustment.
Not just this, the stand looks nothing like a standard ultrawide monitor but is very unique in its structure.
It has two legs connected to a hollow ring which in turn is connected to a sturdy rod-like structure that connects to the monitor.
The uniqueness is not limited to the stand. The 1800R curvature monitor is way thicker when compared to its counterparts.
To compensate for this, MSI has added multi-color LEDs in a particular shape at the back of the monitor.
The rear side of the monitor isn’t just plane as it has a design to it as well. Connectivity options include a Display Port, two HDMI 2.0 ports, and a USB-C type port for charging and video input.
The MSI MPG341CQR and Acer Nitro XZ342CK are somewhat similar in gaming and specifications related to gaming.
But I’m afraid that the MSI monitor outperforms the Acer monitor. Both of these monitors have similar specifications like the 144hz refresh rate, 1ms response time, 3k resolution, etc.
The areas where the MSI Optix series’ monitor takes the edge are the flickering and the stand. The Optix stand is ergonomic, and the monitor overall is better looking.
Surprisingly, despite not having a flicker-free backlight, almost no issue was found when the AMD FreeSync compatible monitor was used with an Nvidia GPU.
The MSI Optix monitor isn’t just limited to gaming; although its design is, this monitor has a fair chance to be the best curved ultrawide monitor under 500 dollars.
It also has provisions for a camera which in hindsight is not a very necessary choice.
[i2pc show_title=”false” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” ][i2pros]Ergonomic Stand
Adaptive Sync
144hz Refresh Rate
3440*1440p resolution
USB-Type C port for charging and input[/i2pros][i2cons]Below Average screen uniformity[/i2cons][/i2pc]
5. Sceptre C345W-2560UN
- Ultra-wide ultra-slim 34-inch screen
- 1500R degree curved design
- Adaptive Sync & Up to 100Hz refresh rate
- Blue light shift
- Edgeless design
- Multiple Ports three HDMI and ONE DisplayPort
The Sceptre C345W is an ultrawide curved monitor under 500 dollars which is relatively new to the market.
It is sleek and modern looking with an old-school stand attached to it. All in all, the C345W isn’t specifically for competitive gaming.
Still, it is decent and versatile enough to be useful in work, media consumption, and of course, light gaming.
The build and design are fair for the monitor’s price. A frameless 1500R curvature ultra-slim monitor is attached to a traditional sturdy stand with a round base has been used which makes the monitor a good pick for your workspace.
This is because of its relatively simple design and at the same time the significantly less area that has been occupied compared to other monitors with fancy stands.
The only disadvantage is the tilt-only stand. Connectivity options include two HDMI 1.4 ports, one Display Port 1.2, and a 3.5mm headphone jack.
The performance of the C345W is nothing groundbreaking. Still, it is just enough who wants a versatile monitor that will be beneficial in every situation.
The refresh rate is an astonishing 100Hz, which is compatible with only the Display Port. It also has Adaptive-Sync to avoid tearing of the image.
Sceptre also takes precautions for your eyes by including a blue light filter which controls and minimizes the level of the harmful blue light of the monitor. It also has a flicker-free backlight.
[i2pc show_title=”false” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” ][i2pros]100hz refresh rate.Adaptive Sync
1800R curvature
Sturdy stand
Blue Light Filter
Flicker-Free backlight[/i2pros][i2cons]Tilt-Only stand
Poor In-built Speakers[/i2cons][/i2pc]
6. AOC CQ34G2 Super Curved Frameless
- AOC Gaming G2 series monitor with 2560×1080
- UltraWide super-curved 1500R monitor
- Rapid 1ms MPRT and 75Hz refresh rate
- AMD FreeSync
- 3-Sided frameless design
- 119% sRGB color gamut area coverage
This is AOC’s first addition to our list of the best ultrawide monitor under 500 dollars. The AOC CQ34G2 is a value-for-money purchase.
This is a curved ultrawide monitor with 2560*1080p resolution. This has been marketed as a gaming monitor as it has a fast response rate and a design with red LEDs on the backside of this monitor to add to its look.
The AOC-CQ34G2 is the best ultrawide curved monitor under 500 dollars if you’re looking for a monitor to kickstart your gaming journey.
The monitor is well built, and it looks good on your desk. It also has a frameless design on 3 sides.
This AOC monitor has very narrow edges just in case you plan to use this monitor in a multi-monitor setup.
The stand is fashionable, but more importantly, it is ergonomic and lets you tilt, pivot, swivel, and even adjust the monitor’s height.
This monitor has a 1500R curvature to offer you a more immersive experience when you’re using it.
Like most ultrawide curved monitors, the CQ34G2 also has a VA panel to bring bright colors and contrasts to enhance your gaming experience.
The CQ34G2 performs well in most games. It has a 75hz refresh rate, a fast 1ms response time. The 2560*1080p resolution is amazing and is elevated with the help of a 119% wide color gamut.
Thanks to the VA panel, this monitor has 178 viewing-degree angles, giving the user a uniform image from almost any angle.
It is also equipped with AMD FreeSync to enhance its gaming performance by eliminating screen tearing and minimizing input lag.
[i2pc show_title=”false” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” ][i2pros]Affordable & Feature PackedConsiderably bright display
Setting Up the stand is easy
[/i2pros][i2cons]Difficult initial setup
HDR Support is weak
Weak build quality[/i2cons][/i2pc]
7. Asus TUF Gaming VG35VQ
- 21: 9 1800R curved 100Hz and 1ms (MPRT)
- HDR gaming monitor features Adaptive-Sync
- Asus Eye Care technology to minimize eye fatigue
- Exclusive GameVisual & GAME plus functions
- Shadow Boost enhances image details in dark areas
This is the last addition to our list of ultrawide monitors. I personally think this is the best curved ultrawide monitor under 500 dollars.
It has a curvature of 1800R, which makes the experience of using this monitor much more immersive. It also has a wide range of connectivity options too.
The VG35VQ is a 34-inch ultrawide monitor with a 1800R curvature. ASUS has stuck to its pattern of making simplistic monitors that give an outstanding performance.
This monitor has ultra-thin bezels, and the monitor is also very sleek. The stand is sturdy, balanced, and, most importantly, it is ergonomic.
The VG35VQ has a stand that can tilt, swivel, pivot, and be horizontally adjusted. Connectivity options include one Display Port 1.2, two HDMI 2.0 ports, and two USB-C ports.
This monitor has more than enough features to make this monitor the best on this list. The basics include a 100hz refresh rate, 21:9 aspect ratio, 1800R curvature, 1ms response rate, and AdaptiveSync to top it all off.
The ELMB technology lets the motion blur reduction technology and the AdaptiveSync work simultaneously to give you a tear-free, crisp viewing experience.
To enhance your gaming experience, it has a GamePlus, GameVisual, and ShadowBoost technology.
GamePlus lets you use timers and use customized crosshairs. GameVisual has preset game modes for different types of games.
ShadowBoost technology makes a huge difference as it enhances details in dark areas.
[i2pc show_title=”false” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” ][i2pros]Ergonomic StandELMB Sync technology
GamePlus & GameVisual
ShadowBoost Technology[/i2pros][i2cons]Poor HDR performance
Ghosting in dark scenes of fast-paced games[/i2cons][/i2pc]
Things to Consider While Buying An Ultrawide Monitor Under $500
Now that we’ve gone over the best ultrawide monitors under 500 dollars in the market, let’s go over the crucial features that you need to consider while buying an ultrawide monitor under $500.
Refresh Rate and Response Rate
The refresh rate is an integral part of buying a monitor. Especially when you’re buying a monitor specifically for gaming, you need to seriously consider the monitor’s refresh rate.
Mostly, ultrawide monitors in a price range of 500 dollars have a refresh rate of 60Hz or 75hz, which is decent if you’re looking for a monitor that is good for work and a bit of light gaming on the side; this refresh rate is ideal for you.
The response rate is the time of transition of pixels after instruction is placed. Response rate doesn’t make much difference if you’re looking for a monitor that isn’t for gaming, as most of these monitors are decent and have a reasonable response rate.
For an ideal gaming monitor, you need a refresh rate of 144Hz and a 1ms response rate.
Panel Technology
Panel technology is what the whole monitor revolves around. There are three types of panel technologies in the market.
The first one is the IPS Panel. IPS stands for InterPlane Switching in this acronym. This type of panel is primarily helpful in monitors that will be used for color-critical work.
The second panel is the TN panel. TN stands for Twisted Nematic. This panel is more focused on speed rather than any other feature.
TN panels are primarily made for gaming monitors as they have a better performance in terms of speed. The problem is that using a TN panel leads to many compromises when it comes to color.
The last panel is the VA panel. VA stands for Vertical Alignment. VA panels are just good enough when it comes to gaming and work.
This panel gives you higher contrasts which lead to deeper blacks in a monitor. The VA panel, compared to the IPS panel, lacks the quality of color reproduction.
When compared to the TN panel, the IPS isn’t fast enough. Overall, VA panels are the best of both worlds when we discuss these 3 monitors.
Stand
The stand holds your monitor on your desk. You have to consider where you’re going to place your monitor and buy a monitor accordingly.
Buying an ergonomic stand is the best way to go when buying a monitor, as you can adjust the monitor however you want.
Resolution
The resolution is the number of pixels you have on your monitor. They are written in a width*height format.
For example, the full HD display has a resolution of 1920*1080p. This article is based on 34 Inch Ultrawide monitors, the ideal resolution is 2560*1440p.
Computer Setup
Buying an expensive monitor doesn’t cut everything out. You need to have an equally well-performing rather compatible setup for a new monitor.
The GPU is the most integral part of a setup that needs to be considered while buying a monitor. The monitor’s technology needs to be compatible with the GPU. An example is the FreeSync or Gsync technology.
This tends to be a problem when you have an Nvidia graphic card. An Nvidia graphic needs a Gsync certified monitor to have optimum performance.
Verdict
Now that we know the best monitors on the market and the criteria that make them the best ultrawide monitors under 500 dollars.
All of these monitors have specific tweaks that help them take the edge over monitors. Overall the best ultrawide monitor under 500 dollars is the ASUS VG35VQ of the TUF Gaming series. This monitor ticks all boxes that an ultrawide monitor needs.
The design and build of the VG35VQ are good enough for both a workspace and a gaming setup.
It has extensive options for connectivity, and ASUS makes sure that your user and gaming experience is better than ever with ELMB Technology, GamePlus, GameVisual, and ShadowBooster technology.
By Sam Rhodes
Hi, I’m Sam Rhodes, a passionate tech reviewer, and gamer. I started Geekyslug with the motive of sharing my knowledge about tech gadgets like gaming laptops, tablets, graphic cards, keyboards, and whatnot.
I also share troubleshooting guides, helping people resolve issues with their gadgets. When I’m not writing, I prefer playing Valorant, Call of duty, GTA5 or outdoor activities like skateboarding and off-roading on my bike.
