In this guide, we’ll explore the advantages ultrawide monitors have over dual monitors, and vice versa, to help you decide which option is best for you.
Computers these days are more powerful than ever before, letting us do multiple things at once without having our systems slow down. The problem is, with just a standard single monitor to work with, things can feel cramped. There’s just not enough room on one screen to have multiple windows open.
So, what’s the solution?
Adding more screen space, of course.
There are really only two ways to do this—by either buying a bigger (or longer) monitor, or by getting a multi-monitor setup. Which is better though? Well, today, we’re going to break that question down and answer every part. To start off, let’s talk about why having that extra space is so good.
The benefits of extra screen space
Extra screen space is great for a lot of reasons, but one of the biggest ones is efficiency. With the ability to display multiple windows at once, you’ll no longer need to tediously click through windows every time you want to check something—it’ll all be there before your eyes! Even comparing data or dragging and dropping files from one application to another will be more convenient.
There are virtually no downsides to investing in extra screen space, except for the cost, but we guarantee it’s worth it and you won’t look back.
So, now that you know why screen space is so valuable, let’s talk about the first way to increase it dramatically—ultrawide monitors.
Ultrawide Monitors
As you may have guessed, ultrawide monitors provide extra uninterrupted horizontal space for you to work with. These monitors are also typically curved to match your field of view, making viewing the edges of the screen easier on your eyes.
Now, let’s discuss some of the pros and cons of ultrawide monitors.
Pros:
- Uninterrupted screen space. One of the best things about ultrawide monitors is that—when compared to the broken up screens that a multi monitor setup comes with—you don’t have any monitor bezels to worry about. Every pixel is seamlessly connected, making for an excellent, smooth experience every time you use your computer.
- Fully Immersive gaming. If you’re a gamer and want to get the absolute most out of your games, then having an ultrawide monitor is a plus. Every time you sit down to play you’ll feel more immersed in your game, and in racing games, shooters, and MOBAs, you’ll have the advantage of being able to see more of what’s going on around you.
- Great for music production and video editing. The extra horizontal space that ultrawide monitors offer makes any task involving a timeline so much easier and more convenient because everything is in one clear, uninterrupted space. If you’re someone that makes music or videos, you should definitely consider getting one of these monitors.
Cons:
- Black bars. Unfortunately, not all games and videos support ultrawide graphics, so you may end up with black bars on either side of your screen when playing or watching things. It shouldn’t be too much of an issue, but if it bothers you, you may want to opt for dual monitors instead.
- High cost. As you might expect, ultrawide monitors come with a heavy price tag, so make sure you definitely want one before you make the purchase. If you do end up investing in one though, just know that in most cases it is absolutely worth the money, especially if you love the features they provide. (Here’s a rundown of some of the more affordable ultrawide monitors on the market right now.)
So, there you have it, an overview of ultrawide monitors. They’re pretty snazzy, but hey, they’re not for everyone, so let’s talk a bit more about dual monitor setups to see if they’re something you’d prefer.
Dual Monitors
Dual monitor setups have become increasingly popular in recent years, and for good reason. It’s an easy way to increase your screen real estate and boost productivity without breaking your bank. What more could you want?
Much like ultrawide monitors, however, there are both pros and cons to dual monitors, so without further ado, let’s talk about them.
Pros:
- Easier to multitask when gaming or watching videos. Generally, ultrawide monitors are better for multitasking, but when it comes to watching videos or gaming, dual monitors have the advantage. This is because videos and games typically take up entire screens, even ultrawide ones, so by having a second monitor, you can do something else at the same time as you watch or game.
- You get more screen real estate for your dollar with dual monitors. This one naturally depends on the specific monitors you choose to purchase, but if you’re not bothered about super high refresh rates and 4K graphics, then you can easily find plenty of affordable monitors options out there on the market.
Cons:
- Inconsistencies between monitors. If you have two monitors that aren’t the exact same model, chances are there is going to be some inconsistency between the two. Colors may appear slightly different depending on the monitor, for example, which can be a bit of a problem if you’re someone that works on art or videos. Small inconsistencies like that shouldn’t be too much of a problem for most people, but it’s something to bear in mind.
- Bezels interrupting screen space. This one goes without saying really. Multiple monitor setups can’t offer the seemless viewing experience that an ultrawide monitor offers because of the bezels between the different screens.
Dual monitors are great, but it should also be noted that, if you want to hook up more than two—and your PC has enough ports—then you can also do so. So, while an ultrawide monitor can compare to a dual monitor setup in terms of screen real estate, there isnt’ an ultrawide display out there that can offer as much screen as a triple monitor (or higher) setup can offer.
Final words
Hopefully, by now, you’ve got a good idea of what the best choice for you is. Want uninterrupted screen space and the ability to feel fully immersed in video games? Go with the ultrawide. Want a cheaper alternative and don’t mind bezels between your screens? Then dual monitors are the way to go. Do you need even more screen real estate? Consider a triple monitor setup.
Ultimately, the final say is yours, and we hope that after reading this article you feel confident enough to make an informed decision on your own.
Thanks for reading.