Side-by-side comparison based on expert reviews and community consensus.
Dell UltraSharp U3425WE
Best for ProductivityLG 38WR85QC-W (38" Ultrawide)
Best for Gaming & Productivity BalancePrice
$600-$800
$700-$1,000
Summary
Wirecutter's top pick for most people, with better contrast, higher refresh rate, and more useful features than competing work-focused ultrawides. A serious multitasking powerhouse.
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
- Better contrast than most IPS competitors
- Higher refresh rate than typical productivity monitors
- Feature-rich with strong port selection
- Wirecutter's top recommendation for most buyers
- 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
- Not an OLED, so gaming visuals lag behind AW3425DW
- Premium pricing for a non-gaming monitor
- Curved screen may not suit all desk setups
- 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
If you're buying an ultrawide primarily for work, this is the one Wirecutter recommends without hesitation — and the specs back it up.
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
