If you find yourself in need of more screen real estate, then you have a few options. You can choose between an UltraWide or a 4K monitor. Both of these options offer many possibilities and make your work a lot easier. In this article, we will discuss certain benefits of using 4k vs UltraWide monitors as well as their features so you can decide which one will suit YOU best.
When it comes to 4k monitors vs UltraWide gaming monitors, it all depends on your needs. Both displays can boost productivity and make working much easier as they provide more space but it’s up to you to decide which one works for you.
Going UltraWide? See our best 144hz UltraWide monitors for gaming in 2024.
An UltraWide display is 3440×1440 pixels, it’s excellent for multitasking and arranging multiple browser windows on your screen allowing you to keep an eye on more things at the same time. The 3440×1440 resolution offers a lot of screen space and can save you significant time while working.
Both the curved and non-curved versions of an UltraWide will enable you to keep an eye on numerous things without overlapping windows. Many people find it easier to work on an UltraWide monitor rather than using multiple displays to avoid the middle bezel.
A 4K display possesses a pixel ratio of 4096 X 2160 and they are now available in many sizes from 24″ to 40″+ so you can choose the one that suits you. The 4k UltraWide monitor will offer similar benefits that an UltraWide monitor provides, including having more screen space to organize your windows.
Going 4k? See our Best 240Hz monitors for gaming in 2024, get the drop when competitive gaming…
It is ideal for writers or researchers as you can work in multiple apps without any difficulties. One astonishing feature of 4K displays is the number of pixels to make use of which is a great improvement. However, there are a few drawbacks when it comes to using a 4k display, for example, you may get the impression that it would work better on a larger panel. Regardless of that, a 4K display is great to work on and will provide the ultimate user experience when it comes to watching video and gaming.
The physical size of UltraWide monitor displays (34″) will undoubtedly attract you as it offers many possibilities providing lots of space to play with. They are ideal for desks and easier to manage than having two monitors side by side on your desk. But ultimately, you’re going to have a preference for one or the other UltraWide or a 4K display and it will likely come down to the type of work you do when your not gaming.
If you don’t like having so many windows or apps opened at the same time and you don’t feel the need to keep an eye on more things at the same time, then buying a huge monitor may not be a smart choice for you. As 4K displays come in smaller footprints, individuals who prefer working in one app at the time may benefit from using this monitor. Although, you will have to do some image and text scaling to make everything readable if you’re running Windows 10.
On the fence? Should you go for 60Hz and save cash? Or go for 120Hz or 144Hz? See our 60Hz vs 120Hz overview before you buy.
Gaming
When it comes to gaming, users will have to face a few drawbacks with both 4K and even the best UltraWide gaming monitors. The great news is that if you currently play with 1080p of 1440p resolution on your PC, gaming on an UltraWide monitor will probably be easy to handle as well and you won’t have to upgrade your rig or spend extra money on buying a new graphics card.
However, it doesn’t mean that all games will work fine with your current graphics card. You may have to compromise and use a 16:9 ratio and accept the black sidebars that can be pretty annoying but you will probably get used to it eventually.
If you go with a 4K monitor, you must have a recent high-performance computer in order for it to work. If you don’t have recent components, you may have to build a new computer. Although a lot of games work fine with a 4K, there are still quite a few that won’t do well as some of them don’t support 4K at all. It’s just something you have to be ready for if you are a buying a 4K monitor. However, if you do have recent components, you can easily buy a 4K because the prices are falling day by day.
Everyday Use
Both 4K and ultrawide monitors are great and when it comes to everyday use, it’s easy to get accustomed to using them. An ultrawide 3440 x 1440 monitor will appear shorter than others which, even though may seem a little unusual at first, is something you will quickly get used to.
Related: What is G-Sync and is it worth it?
However, what you’ll notice right away is the huge amount of screen space you get that allows you to manage multiple windows and apps at the same time. It’s easy to work when you don’t have to swap between apps all the time.
But if you are a person who usually works in one app such as a browser, then you will have to get used to looking at all that extra space at the sides. If you don’t think you would like this, then maybe an ultrawide monitor is not suitable for you.
With a 4K monitor, you will probably have to use the scaling options to make everything readable because of the pixel ratio. All those pixels are tightly packed to a smaller screen so scaling is necessary. However, details of 4K content will appear perfect on a 34” screen.
Pricing
Prices can also be a decisive factor for anyone buying a new monitor, and there so you should consider it before you make a decision. When it comes to 4K vs UltraWide monitors, 4K monitors are slightly cheaper for now so you may want to go with this option if you are looking for a budget-friendly monitor.
Technically, a 4K display is smaller than an UltraWide so it is only logical that you have to pay less. UltraWide monitors are more expensive and often considered luxury items due to many options it offers.
Do you know what ULMB is? And how it can improve you FPS gaming?
It all depends on which one you will find to be more useful, and if you actually need a large display then a cheaper monitor may be more budget-friendly but you may not be completely satisfied once you start working on it. Check out our overview of the best gaming monitors for 2024 here.
Conclusion
UltraWide and 4K monitors are meant for different types of people. They both provide certain benefits and it’s up to you to decide which one you find to be better. Professionals who need to get work done would “probably” benefit from buying a 4K IPS monitor.
Also, gamers who don’t mind settling for games that can handle a 4K now should also consider it. Those whose work requires more than one display on their desks should definitely go for 4k ultra wide monitor. It provides the same space and a simple streamlined version of the content. The prices of ultra wide 4k monitors are still much higher. However, gamers will find that an ultra wide monitor 4k is definitely worth the money.
