Ultrawide Monitors: 21:9 and 32:9 Explained

What is an ultrawide monitor?

An ultrawide monitor is a display with a wider aspect ratio than the conventional 16:9 widescreen format. The ENERGY STAR program notes that 16:9 displays are now the norm, but some monitors extend far beyond that horizontal width to create a more immersive workspace.

Ultrawide monitors are designed to fill more of your peripheral vision. They come in a range of aspect ratios that are all wider than 16:9. Some models are significantly wider, giving you the field of view of two or more traditional monitors in a single panel, without bezels breaking the image. The exact ratio is often described as a pair of numbers, with the first number representing width and the second height. The larger the first number relative to the second, the wider the display. For a deeper look at how aspect ratios work, see our aspect ratio guide.

Productivity benefits

The extra width of an ultrawide monitor is a major advantage for productivity. With a standard 16:9 display, you often need to juggle multiple windows or use a secondary monitor. An ultrawide panel lets you place two full-width documents side by side, or keep a reference window open while you edit.

Many ultrawide monitors also support picture-in-picture or picture-by-picture modes, which allow you to display input from two different sources simultaneously. If you work with a laptop and a desktop, or need to monitor multiple systems, this can be a time-saver. Look for a model with these features if you frequently need to see more than one source at a time. Learn more about PiP and PbP.

Gaming and entertainment

For gaming, an ultrawide monitor can make you feel more inside the action. The wider field of view is especially beneficial in racing, flight, and first-person games, where seeing more of the scene is an advantage. Many games support ultrawide natively, though some may require adjustments.

To get the best gaming performance, look for a model with a high refresh rate and variable refresh rate (VRR) support. The HDMI 2.2 specification includes VRR functionality to reduce lag, judder, and frame tearing. NVIDIA's G-SYNC technology also offers a tear-free experience, and G-SYNC displays are validated by NVIDIA. These features ensure that fast-moving scenes stay smooth and responsive. We cover refresh rates in our refresh rate guide and VRR in our adaptive sync guide. For a curated list of gaming displays, check our gaming monitor picks.

Key specifications to consider

When shopping for an ultrawide monitor, pay attention to resolution. Higher resolution means more pixels on screen, which can make text and images sharper. ENERGY STAR notes that resolution is an important factor for productivity, as higher resolution allows for easier multitasking and more words in the same space. However, higher resolutions also pull more power, and ENERGY STAR says that larger, high resolution monitors have higher maximum on-mode power consumption allowances.

Brightness is another key spec. ENERGY STAR says that ratings of 250 to 300 cd/m2 are common for many affordable monitors. If you work in a brightly lit room, a brighter screen will be easier to see. Our monitor brightness article explains how to evaluate this specification.

For HDR content, look for a monitor with a VESA DisplayHDR certification. The VESA DisplayHDR specifications define performance tiers like DisplayHDR 400, 500, 1000, and True Black, setting minimum luminance and black level requirements. For example, DisplayHDR 1000 requires a minimum luminance of 1000 cd/m2, and DisplayHDR True Black specifies a black level of 0.0005 cd/m2 for the dual corner box test. These features are important for watching HDR movies and playing HDR games. See our DisplayHDR explainer and HDR monitor guide for more details.

Ultrawide vs. multiple monitors

Some people prefer to use two or three standard 16:9 monitors instead of one ultrawide. The advantage of multiple monitors is that you can arrange them in any configuration and use them independently. However, they have bezels that interrupt the view, and they take up more desk space. An ultrawide panel offers a continuous, seamless desktop, which can be cleaner and more comfortable for long sessions.

The choice depends on your workflow. If you need to have separate full-screen applications on separate displays, multiple monitors might be simpler. If you want a single, uninterrupted field of view for gaming or creative work, an ultrawide is often the better choice. Consider your desk space and viewing distance as well; our monitor size selection guide can help you decide.

Who should buy an ultrawide monitor?

Ultrawide monitors are ideal for professionals who work with multiple windows, such as programmers, video editors, financial analysts, and content creators. The extra horizontal space lets you see more of your timeline, spreadsheet, or code without constantly switching tabs.

They also appeal to gamers who want a more immersive field of view, and to anyone who wants to replace a dual-monitor setup with a single, seamless panel. If you are considering an ultrawide, check the resolution and refresh rate that matches your hardware. Our 3440x1440 monitors guide covers the most common ultrawide resolution, and the 2560x1080 monitors guide covers the entry-level option. For the widest models, see our 49-inch monitors guide.

What to pick for your use

Questions

What does 21:9 mean on an ultrawide monitor?

21:9 is an aspect ratio that is wider than the standard 16:9. It is commonly used for ultrawide monitors, offering approximately 33% more horizontal screen space than a 16:9 display. This extra width is useful for multitasking and immersive gaming.

Is an ultrawide monitor worth it for work?

Yes, for many productivity tasks. The wider screen allows you to view multiple documents or windows side by side without needing a second display, which can make you more efficient and reduce the need to switch between apps.

Do ultrawide monitors work with Mac and PC?

Most ultrawide monitors connect via HDMI or DisplayPort, which are supported by both Mac and PC systems. Some models also offer USB-C with USB Power Delivery for charging a laptop over a single cable, as described by the USB-IF.

Can I use an ultrawide monitor for console gaming?

Yes, but not all console games support the wider aspect ratio. Many console titles render in 16:9 and will display with black bars on the sides. For PC gaming, support is more common, and many games offer native ultrawide resolutions.

Are ultrawide monitors more expensive than regular ones?

Ultrawide monitors tend to cost more than standard 16:9 models with similar size and specs, because they use larger panels. However, prices vary widely, and you can find budget-friendly options if you choose a smaller size or lower resolution.