Ultrawide monitors don’t break the bank anymore. With the advancement and easy availability of newer technologies in the industry, the manufacturers are able to make quality monitors that don’t cost much. The offerings and aesthetics might not be as good as those fancy expensive ultrawide monitors. Still, the minimal design and the ultrawide screen of these sub $400 monitors should get the job done for most of the users who don’t want to spend a fortune. So, if you’re out in the market for a cheap ultrawide monitor then here is our buying guide that will help you choose the perfect budget ultrawide monitor for your purpose.
[adinserter block=”1″]It is better not to expect high-resolution screens, refined features such as variable refresh rate technologies, and HDR capabilities all at the same time. You might get a high-resolution display while sacrificing VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) and HDR. So, there will be trade-offs. It’s on you to figure out what specific feature you need for your money.
Along with the wide form factor, it is equally important to consider the right screen resolution because it is what defines the sharpness of a display. Most of the monitors you will see on this list feature 2560 x 1080 pixels, which is not the best in the industry. But, they do offer enough sharpness to get most of the things done with ease.
Professionals who are into 4K video-editing and programming should be concerned as this screen resolution might not be the best fit for them. On the other side, gamers will be benefitted from this as the 1080p resolution won’t use much CPU power. They will be able to max out graphics settings on their favorite gaming titles. And of course, the wider field of view will make the gaming experience even more immersive.
For bigger 16:9 monitors, refer our buying guide for 32-inch monitors where we have featured some of the best monitors with large form-factor.
Monitor Savvy is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more
Our Most Recommended Cheap Ultrawide Monitors
| Cheap Ultrawide Monitors For Productivity | SIZE |
|---|---|
| LG 25UM58-P Ultrawide IPS Monitor | 25″ |
| LG 29WK600-W Ultrawide HDR Monitor | 29″ |
| Samsung SJ55W WQHD Ultrawide Monitor | 34″ |
| Cheap Ultrawide Gaming Monitors | |
| LG 34UM69G-B Ultrawide FreeSync Monitor | 34″ |
| Sceptre C305B-200UN 200Hz Ultrawide Monitor | 30″ |
| Viotek GN34CW Freesync Ultrawide Monitor | 30″ |
Recommended Cheap Ultrawide Monitors For Productivity
1. LG 25UM58-P 21:9 Ultrawide IPS Monitor
About the Monitor:
The LG 25UM58-P is an excellent affordable monitor for gaming and productivity that costs $150. The monitor has an IPS panel behind the screen that is 21:9 stretched, giving a double room than any traditional monitor in the same category to work and multi-task. Apart from that, the monitor has 5ms response time and a host of gaming modes, which makes it ideal for gaming purposes as well.
Most Promising Aspects:
Starting with the design, the LG 25UM58 looks very minimal and understated. Despite the stand being very basic, it holds the monitor very well on the desk. The monitor seems very basic and has only tilt function, so in regard to ergonomics, the LG 25UM58 is not the best in terms of adjustability. Although, the monitor does offer VESA 75x75mm holes for those who want to fix the display on a custom stand. On the connectivity front, there is not much to get excited about. You get a pair of HDMI ports and a 3.5mm headphone jack.
On the display front, as I mentioned earlier, the LG 25UM58 features an IPS panel with 2560 x 1080 resolution, which looks sharp on the 25″ screen due to the close arrangement of pixels. The monitor has 99% sRGB coverage, which makes it ideal for graphic designing, video editing, and any other task that involves color accuracy. For gamers, the LG 25UM58 comes with a 5ms response and a host of gaming features that help enhance the gaming experience. Black Stabilizer, a feature when enabled, reveals extreme details in those dark gaming scenes. Furthermore, the monitor has the Screen Split 2.0 feature to do clutter-free multi-tasking.
Cons of the Monitor:
There aren’t any specific cons considering the price it comes at. However, the addition of FreeSync would have been great. Also, the monitor misses out built-in speakers.
| Specifications of LG 25UM58-P Monitor | |
| Screen Size | 25-inch |
| Resolution | Full HD | 2560 x 1080p |
| Technology | IPS |
| Refresh Rate | 75 Hz |
| Response Time | 5 ms |
| Variable Refresh Rate | N/A |
| Adjustments | Tilt |
| Connectivity Ports | 2x HDMI, 1x 3.5mm Audio Out |
| VESA Mount Compatible | Yes |
Overall: The LG 25UM58-P is an excellent entry-level monitor for those who are looking to work and game on an ultrawide form-factor without spending much.
2. LG 29WK600-W Ultrawide HDR10 FreeSync Monitor
About the Monitor:
The LG 29WK600-W is more focused on productivity and has a much better package of features than LG 25UM58-P monitor. It has a 29″ screen on the front that is super color accurate and with the addition of HDR 10, it becomes immersive to work on.
Most Promising Aspects:
Starting with the design, the LG 29WK600-W is a very minimal and elegant looking monitor that suits very well for office environments. The build is solid although it is plastic which doesn’t seem to be of cheap quality at all. The stand that comes with the monitor has a small foot-print which doesn’t take much space on the desk. As far as connectivity is concerned, the LG 29WK600-W houses 2x HDMI 2.0, 1x DisplayPort 1.2, and a 3.5mm headphone jack which should get the job done for most users.
Talking about the display, the LG 29WK600-W is the best budget ultrawide in the segment when it comes to color reproduction. Professionals who are seeking color accuracy, the monitor has 99% sRG coverage, which is excellent considering the price it comes at. Moreover, with the addition of HDR 10, the monitor becomes the best package for creative professionals as well. Furthermore, the monitor offers a host of On-Screen features such as Split-Screen 2.0 and Dual Controller to provide a seamless multitasking interface.
Cons of the Monitor:
The stand that comes with the monitor has only the tilt function. The addition of height function would have been a nice touch.
| Specifications of LG 29WK600 Monitor | |
| Screen Size | 29-inch |
| Resolution | Full HD | 2560 x 1080p |
| Technology | IPS |
| Refresh Rate | 75 Hz |
| Response Time | 5 ms |
| Variable Refresh Rate | FreeSync |
| Adjustments | Tilt |
| Connectivity Ports | 2x HDMI 2.0, 1x DisplayPort 1.2, 1x 3.5mm Audio Out |
| VESA Mount Compatible | Yes |
Overall: The LG 29WK600-W is the best budget 21:9 monitor for all purposes. Whether it be productivity, binge-watching or gaming, the monitor does the job very well.
The LG 34WK650-W is an excellent alternative to LG 29WK600-W for those who need a larger screen. The bigger 34″ screen will provide more space and much better real estate to users. For those who are into video-editing, we highly recommend the LG 34WK650-W due to its larger 34″ screen. Apart from that, the features and physical appearance are the same as its smaller contender.
So, should you spend that extra on a bigger screen? Well, it depends on the work you do. The extra room will, of course, result in higher productivity and efficiency, but the resolution stays the same (Full HD), which means low PPI (Pixel Per Inch). The difference won’t be visible to a clean eye, but when viewed from a close distance, the text may appear grainy. So, you’re trading off sharpness for screen size here.
3. Samsung SJ55W WQHD Ultrawide Monitor
About the Monitor:
The Samsung SJ55W is an excellent 1440p ultrawide monitor for productivity and gaming. It is the only VA monitor with 34″ flat form-factor and WQHD resolution, which kinda makes it popular in its segment. VA panels have been making its place in the market for quite some time now, and it is great to see a similar picture quality as IPS with faster response times.
Most Promising Aspects:
Talking about the display, the Samsung SJ55W is a 34-inch ultrawide monitor that houses a VA panel behind the screen. The panel is highly accurate and consistent with colors. It might not be as good as IPS, but the results are satisfying, which makes it a great monitor for color-demanding tasks as well. The 3000:1 static contrast ratio ensures that you see every little detail in dark conditions with utmost clarity. Furthermore, the monitor is delighted with WQHD 3440 x 1440 pixels, which provide enough room on the screen with optimum sharpness.
Apart from that, Samsung SJ55W comes with a bunch of nifty features that further enhance the viewing experience. One of them is PBP (Picture-by-Picture), which lets you display content from two different sources. This way, you can utilize the screen to the fullest and reach your productivity goal with optimum efficiency.
When it comes to design, the Samsung SJ55W looks minimal and understated. The all-black appearance of the monitor gives it a bezel-free look, which seems excellent. On the connectivity front, the Samsung SJ55W houses dual HDMI, a display port, and a 3.5mm audio out port.
Cons of the Monitor:
It offers only the tilt function. Hence, users with ergonomics in mind, might not be satisfied with the stand. However, it does have VESA holes so that you can mount it on an aftermarket stand of your choice. Furthermore, some users have reported minor ghosting effects while playing fast-paced games specifically when dark scenes appear on the screen.
| Specifications of Samsung LS34J550WQNXZA | |
| Screen Size | 34-inch |
| Resolution | WQHD | 3440 x 1440p |
| Technology | VA |
| Refresh Rate | 75 Hz |
| Response Time | 4 ms |
| Variable Refresh Rate | FreeSync |
| Adjustments | Tilt |
| Connectivity Ports | 1x HDMI 1.4, 1x HDMI 2.0, 1x DisplayPort 1.2, 1x 3.5mm Audio Out |
| VESA Mount Compatible | Yes |
Overall: In simple words, the Samsung SJ55W is the best cheap 1440p ultrawide monitor for work, entertainment, and casual gaming.
Recommended Cheap Ultrawide Gaming Monitors
4. LG 34UM69G-B Ultrawide FreeSync Gaming Monitor
About the Monitor:
When it comes to LG monitors, they are one of the best in the industry as they come with a wide array of features and adaptivity. The LG 34UM69G-B is an excellent example of that. It’s a 34″ ultrawide with Full HD resolution and 1ms response time, which together provides a good mixture of clarity and smoothness on the 21:9 form-factor.
Most Promising Aspects:
When it comes to design and built quality, LG has been consistent in providing purposeful and elegant appearance to the monitors. At first glance, you will notice that the LG 34UM69G-B is finished with an all-black material across the frame. The red treatment on the V-styled stand gives it an aggressive look that every gamer would like. Unlike other ultrawide monitors in the segment, the LG 34UM69G-B offers both tilt and height adjustments options to get the best possible position for the comfort of gamers. Furthermore, on the connectivity front, the monitor comes equipped with the latest standard of inputs that include a USB Type-C, an HDMI, a Display Port, and an Audio Out port.
As far as display and color reproductions are concerned, the LG 34UM69G-B is an excellent monitor for the price it comes at. It has 99% sRGB and 71% Adobe RGB coverage, which makes it ideal for color demanding tasks as well. The screen resolution of 2560 x 1080 might not be the best fit for a 34″ monitor, although it doesn’t feel grainy from a distance. Hence, the picture quality isn’t an issue here. As far as viewing angles are concerned, the LG 34UM69G-B has excellent color consistency even when viewed from the sides. Furthermore, the monitor comes with a Black Stabilizer Mode, which gets activated while those dark scene conditions. It enhances the dark scenes and provides a clear view of dark scenes so that you can play with the most high-grade vision in the game to get an advantage over your competitors.
Cons of the Monitor:
The refresh rate is limited to 75Hz, which is quite unfavorable considering other contenders that offer 120Hz at a price much lesser than LG’s 34UM69G-B. However, you get an advantage of ultra-wide form-factor here, so it is acceptable when you are spending $300. Moreover, there is no VESA mount compatibility, so you are stuck with the only V-styled stand here.
| Specifications of LG 34UM69G-B | |
| Screen Size | 34-inch |
| Resolution | Full HD | 2560 x 1080p |
| Technology | IPS |
| Refresh Rate | 75 Hz |
| Response Time | 1 ms |
| Variable Refresh Rate | AMD FreeSync |
| Adjustments | Tilt, Height |
| Connectivity Ports | 1x USB Type-C, 1x HDMI, 1x DisplayPort, 1x 3.5mm Audio Out |
| VESA Mount Compatible | Yes |
Overall: If you’re looking for a big ultrawide monitor for gaming on a budget, that has everything you would need, then the LG 34UM69G-B is the best fit for you. It has excellent color reproductions, low response time, and low input lag for gaming with fairly good screen sharpness.
5. Sceptre C305B-200UN 200Hz Ultrawide Gaming Monitor
About the Monitor:
The Sceptre C305B-200UN is an excellent cheap ultrawide gaming monitor for the price. It has some impressive set of specifications for gamers under the hood. It houses a lot more than you would expect. It has AMD Freesync, 21:9 screen ratio, 200Hz refresh rate, and a pair of built-in speakers. With all these nifty features, the monitor seems strong with its offering. It would easily convince any buyer with its specs sheet, but how does it perform when you fire up your favorite gaming titles? Let’s find out!
Most Promising Aspects:
Starting with the design, the packaging, and overall form-factor looks quite sturdy, not the best though. It should get the job done unless not moved frequently. It has red-treatment on the back and V-styled stand, which lits in red color. The overall appearance of the Sceptre C305B-200UN is gamer-centric, which most gamers would love at first sight. Despite the minimal footprint of the stand, it does hold the monitor very well on the desk, which is excellent. Also, the tilt function is easily adjustable, thanks to its V-styled gamer-centric stand. On the connectivity front, the monitor is very well equipped with all the ports that you would need with the latest standards. It has 3 HDMI ports, a single DisplayPort, and a 3.5mm headphone jack. Sceptre recommends using DisplayPort as it supports the 200Hz refresh rate.
On the display front, the monitor is backed by a Samsung’s VA panel, which is very vibrant and has the right amount of contrast to display deep blacks accurately. Plus, you do get an advantage of the 21:9 screen ratio here, which means you get a wider field of view than your rivals who are on the traditional 16:9 screen. In addition to that, the curved screen gives you a better view of the edges, which means you don’t have to move your eyes more often. As mentioned earlier, the monitor comes with AMD FreeSync to eliminate stutter and screen-tearing. Apart from that, the monitor has a host of nifty features like FPS mode, Blue Light Shift, Picture-in-Picture, Picture-by-Picture, and many more. Moreover, the monitor’s capabilities are not limited to just gaming. It can be used for color-demanding tasks as well, with the 90% sRGB coverage.
Cons of the Monitor:
The stand has only the tilt function. Hence, ergonomically the monitor is not that great. Apart from that, the Sceptre C305B-200UN has some minor ghosting issues while playing fast-paced games.
| Specifications of Sceptre C305B-200UN Monitor | |
| Screen Size | 30-inch |
| Resolution | Full HD | 2560 x 1080p |
| Technology | VA |
| Refresh Rate | 200 Hz |
| Response Time | 5 ms |
| Variable Refresh Rate | AMD FreeSync |
| Adjustments | Tilt |
| Connectivity Ports | 1x HDMI 2.0, 2x HDMI 1.4, 1x Display Port, 1x 3.5mm Audio Out |
| VESA Mount Compatible | Yes |
Overall: The Sceptre C305B-200UN is an excellent cheap gaming monitor for the price. It has a high contrast ratio for deep blacks and bright whites. Also, the 200Hz refresh rate and AMD FreeSync makes it a complete package for gamers.
The Sceptre C305W-2560UN is a cheaper and scaled-down version of the above Sceptre C305B-200UN monitor for low-powered CPUs. It is highly affordable and perfectly suitable for gaming purposes. It has an 85Hz refresh rate, 1ms MPRT (Moving Picture Response Time), for playing intensive games. MPRT is a strobing backlight technique that provides users a 1ms gaming experience, but technically the response time would be something different. It might not be the best way, but it does make a difference while playing games.
So, should you buy the Sceptre C305W-2560UN? Well, definitely. It’s an excellent value for money monitor. For $200, you get AMD FreeSync, 85Hz refresh rate, 1ms MPRT, and a vibrant 30″ ultrawide screen that does look sharp.
6. Viotek GN34CW Freesync Ultrawide Gaming Monitor
About the Monitor:
The VIOTEK GNV30CB is an excellent cheap monitor for gaming purposes. It has a wide array of features that even pricier monitors don’t offer. For the price as low as $200, the monitor offers Freesync, 144Hz refresh rate, 4ms response time for gaming. Apart from that, the curved 30″ VA panel makes everything look immersive on the screen, which further enhances the viewing experience.
Most Promising Aspects:
Starting with the design, the design of VIOTEK GNV30CB looks very promising and gamer-centric. Most gamers would love the red treatment stand and back of the monitor, while some would prefer all-black design. In our opinion, the red treatment gives it an aggressive appearance that makes it stand out from other monitors in the segment. Moreover, the monitor is as purposeful as it looks. The stand has a cable clip on the back, which route cables tightly to reduce clutter on the desk. On the connectivity front, the monitor houses dual HDMIs, a single DisplayPort, and a 3.5mm Audio Out.
When it comes to display and gaming performance, the VIOTEK GNV30CB is an excellent performer. At this price, most of the gamers would underestimate, but it is excellent when it comes to real-world gaming performance. It has a beautiful 30-inch curved VA panel on the front that provides an immersive gaming experience to its users. You will notice that the panel has the right amount of saturation and contrasts, which is excellent for productivity and color demanding tasks as well. For gamers, the monitor has 4ms response time and 144Hz refresh rate to offer. For achieving maximum refresh rate, we recommend video connection over DisplayPort. Apart from that, the monitor features an array features such as FreeSync, GamePlus, PIP(Picture-in-Picture), PBP(Picture-by-Picture). Also, those with the Nvidia card can utilize the variable refresh rate feature as it is G-Sync compatible as well.
Cons of the Monitor:
The monitor has only tilt function, which means it is weak ergonomically. Also, the picture quality of VA is not that great as IPS.
| Specifications of Sceptre C305B-200UN Monitor | |
| Screen Size | 30-inch |
| Resolution | Full HD | 2560 x 1080p |
| Technology | VA |
| Refresh Rate | 144 Hz |
| Response Time | 4 ms |
| Variable Refresh Rate | AMD FreeSync |
| Adjustments | Tilt |
| Connectivity Ports | 1x DisplayPort 1.2, 2x HDMI 1.4, 1×3.5mm Audio Out |
| VESA Mount Compatible | Yes |
Overall: VIOTEK GNV30CB is one of the best cheap gaming monitors. It has everything a budget gamer would need. Despite the mediocre picture quality compared to IPS, it’s a great gaming monitor.
Theses were our most recommended cheap ultrawide monitors for productivity and gaming purposes. Before making a purchase, we would recommend our readers figure out their requirements first and then make a decision. All the monitors featured on the list are based on reviews and the overall value of the monitor.
Best of all, the LG 29WK600-W is our most recommended cheap ultrawide monitor for both productivity and gaming. For those who are looking for a sharper and bigger ultrawide monitor, the Samsung LS34J550WQNXZA is our pick.
For gaming purposes, the Sceptre C305B-200UN is the king of cheap gaming monitors. It has more potential than most of the premium monitors available right now in the market. So, it is our most recommended cheap pick for gaming. Also, consider LG 34UM69G-B if you want better colors and viewing angles while gaming.
