Side-by-side comparison based on expert reviews and community consensus.
Dell Alienware AW3425DW
Best OverallLG 38WR85QC-W (38" Ultrawide)
Best for Gaming & Productivity BalancePrice
$800-$1,000
$700-$1,000
Summary
Top-rated QD-OLED ultrawide by expert testers and beloved by Reddit owners alike. Outstanding picture quality and performance make it the consensus pick for serious buyers.
Reddit's r/ultrawidemasterrace calls the LG 38-inch line a great middle ground for productivity at 3840x1600 resolution. Higher pixel density than 34-inch panels without going full super-ultrawide.
Pros
- QD-OLED panel with outstanding picture quality
- High-end gaming performance with excellent refresh rate
- Extremely reliable build quality per long-term owners
- Strong consensus across both expert and community sources
- 3840x1600 resolution delivers sharp, detailed image
- 38-inch size balances screen space without overwhelming
- IPS panel with strong color accuracy
- Recommended repeatedly in r/ultrawidemasterrace for productivity
Cons
- Premium price puts it out of budget range for many
- OLED panels require burn-in precautions
- Overkill for purely productivity-focused users
- More expensive than standard 34-inch options
- Not an OLED, so contrast is limited vs. premium picks
- Matte coating may reduce vibrancy for some users
Our take
When both rtings.com and Reddit owners are raving about the same monitor, that's your answer. The AW3425DW is the ultrawide to beat right now.
The 38-inch LG is the sweet spot Reddit keeps coming back to — more screen real estate than a 34-inch, sharper than a 49-inch super-ultrawide, and priced below the OLED flagships.
Buy
