Introduction: why a 38-inch ultrawide might be right for you
If you work with timelines or multiple windows, a 38-inch ultrawide can change your workflow. Moreover, it gives immersive gaming without multiple bezels. For creators, the extra horizontal space simplifies timelines and palettes. Additionally, many modern 38-inch displays balance color accuracy with high refresh rates. Therefore, they serve both creators and gamers well. In this guide, we list the best 38 inch ultrawide monitor picks for 2025. We explain what matters, and offer setup tips. Finally, we link to key resources so you can research further.
Best 38 inch ultrawide monitor picks for 2025
Below are models we recommend across budgets and use cases. Each pick balances performance, color, and value. Also, we include notes on ports and features. That way, you can match a monitor to your PC build and desk space.
1. Premium Creator: 38-inch OLED Pro (example)
This 38-inch ultrawide OLED delivers deep blacks and vivid colors. Moreover, its color accuracy out of the box is excellent. It covers nearly 100% of DCI-P3. The refresh rate reaches 144Hz on DisplayPort. In addition, the response time is superb for fast-paced content. However, HDR peak brightness is lower than some LCDs. Still, HDR tone mapping and contrast feel outstanding. The monitor includes USB-C with 90W power delivery. Therefore, it is ideal for mobile workstations and creative desks.
2. Best for gamers: 38-inch 160Hz Curved VA
This curved VA panel targets high refresh gaming and wide color. It offers 160Hz over DisplayPort. Moreover, it supports VRR via FreeSync and G-Sync Compatible modes. The contrast ratio of the VA panel is impressive. Hence, dark scenes have more depth. Additionally, motion clarity is improved by black frame insertion. You will enjoy both ultra-wide immersion and competitive refresh rates. Finally, pixel density balances performance with GPU load well.
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3. Best value: 38-inch IPS 144Hz Midrange
This model is the most affordable in our 38-inch ultrawide list. It uses an IPS panel for wide viewing angles. Moreover, it offers factory calibration for improved color. The refresh rate is 144Hz and response times are competitive. Additionally, it includes DisplayPort 1.4 and two HDMI 2.1 ports. That means console players and PC gamers can share the display. For productivity, the extra width beats dual monitors without bezel gaps.
4. Best for color grading: 38-inch HDR 10-bit IPS
This display targets color workflows. It offers 10-bit color and hardware calibration. Moreover, it includes a wide gamut with accurate sRGB and Adobe RGB tracking. The monitor supports a solid HDR standard. However, brightness peaks are moderate compared to FALD panels. Still, the uniformity and color tracking are excellent. Therefore, editors will prefer this monitor for long sessions and critical review.
5. Portable desk fit: 38-inch compact curve
This compact 38-inch offers a gentle curve and narrower bezel. It fits most desks that accept large ultrawides. Furthermore, it has ergonomic height and tilt adjustments. The USB-C hub works with laptops and docking stations. Moreover, built-in KVM makes switching PCs easier. Finally, if your desk space is limited, this model remains practical and immersive.
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6. Ultimate HDR: 38-inch Mini-LED with local dimming
This premium pick uses Mini-LED for higher HDR peaks. Consequently, highlight bloom is more controlled. Moreover, you get strong color depth for creative work. The refresh rate supports gaming modes up to 144Hz. Additionally, it includes DisplayPort 2.1 support on newer revisions. Many pros will appreciate the brightness and dynamic range. However, the price reflects those advantages.
7. Ultrawide for productivity: 38-inch 3840×1600 IPS
This monitor balances pixel density and workspace. The 3840×1600 resolution fits two side-by-side 27-inch windows. Moreover, pixel sharpness helps text legibility at typical viewing distances. It supports multiple input types and picture-by-picture modes. Therefore, it suits developers and office power users. Finally, the stand offers flexible ergonomics for long days.
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Where to find deals on 38-inch ultrawide monitors
Check our monitor hub page for current deals. The monitor hub aggregates price drops and bundles daily. Visit the Monitor hub at https://hardwaredeals.co/monitor/. Additionally, use our deal cards below to compare live listings quickly.
How to choose the right 38-inch ultrawide monitor
Choosing the right 38-inch ultrawide monitor starts with your use case. First, decide whether you prioritize color, refresh rate, or HDR. Second, confirm your GPU supports the monitor’s native resolution. Third, check your desk depth and mounting options. Below we break down the key specs and why they matter.
Resolution and pixel density
Most 38-inch ultrawides use 3840×1600 resolution. Therefore, pixel density is similar to 1440p on wide displays. Moreover, this resolution gives extra horizontal workspace. However, some models use 3840×1600 while others adopt 3840×1644 variants. Check exact native resolution before buying. Additionally, scaling on Windows can help with text readability. For creators, higher resolution improves fine detail precision.
Panel type: IPS, VA, and OLED
IPS panels offer wide viewing angles and accurate colors. Moreover, IPS yields consistent brightness across the screen. VA panels provide higher contrast and deeper blacks. However, VA can suffer from slower pixel transitions. OLED gives perfect blacks and excellent color. Nevertheless, OLED may have burn-in risk with static UI elements. Also, HDR performance on OLED is excellent for contrast. Choose based on your workflow and environment.
Refresh rate and response time
Higher refresh rates improve motion smoothness. Gamers should consider 144Hz or higher for competitive play. Moreover, response time matters for motion clarity and ghosting. IPS panels have improved response times in recent years. However, VA panels may still show slight smearing during fast panning. Finally, use VRR to reduce tearing and stutter with your GPU.
HDR, brightness, and local dimming
HDR performance varies widely across models. Mini-LED with local dimming offers superior HDR highlights. However, IPS displays can also provide usable HDR when well-tuned. Meanwhile, peak brightness matters for vibrant HDR. Aim for at least 600 nits for strong HDR highlights. Additionally, check local dimming zones for blooming control. For professional color work, HDR certification is helpful but not mandatory.
Color gamut and calibration
Creators need broad gamut and accurate factory calibration. Look for monitors covering DCI-P3 above 95 percent. Also, 10-bit panels reduce banding while grading. Meanwhile, hardware calibration support is beneficial for reproducible results. For tips, see our Monitor Color Calibration Guide at https://hardwaredeals.co/guides/monitor-color-calibration-guide-2025/. That guide explains calibration devices and settings.
Connectivity: DisplayPort, HDMI, and USB-C
Most 38-inch ultrawides include DisplayPort 1.4. Additionally, HDMI 2.1 is common for consoles. USB-C with power delivery simplifies laptop connections. Moreover, built-in USB hubs improve convenience. If you plan console and PC use, confirm the HDMI version. Also, check whether the monitor supports DisplayPort MST or DSC for high resolutions.
Curvature and ergonomics
Curved 38-inch panels increase immersion. Meanwhile, flatter panels may fit multi-monitor setups better. Height, tilt, and swivel adjustments help reduce neck strain. Also, VESA mount compatibility ensures compatibility with arms. Measure your desk depth and viewing distance before choosing a curvature. For most users, a 1000R to 2300R curve offers a comfortable balance.
Best 38 inch ultrawide monitor for gaming
Gamers often want both speed and immersion. For them, choose a 38-inch ultrawide with high refresh rates and low response times. Moreover, VRR support is crucial for smoother frames. Below are quick pairing recommendations with GPUs for common targets.
1440p ultra-wide gaming on a single GPU
If you game at native 3840×1600, a current mid-range GPU can handle many titles. For example, an Nvidia RTX 4070 or AMD RX 7800 XT hits solid 1440p ultrawide framerates. However, for 160Hz or higher, consider RTX 4080-class GPUs. Also, enable DLSS or FSR when needed to maintain smooth frame rates.
4K-like ultrawide experience with upscaling
Use DLSS or FSR to boost framerates at high detail. Moreover, upscalers help when your GPU struggles at native resolution. For competitive play, prioritize high refresh rates and lower settings. Meanwhile, for cinematic single-player games, increase settings and use upscalers for visual fidelity.
Best 38 inch ultrawide monitor for creators and productivity
For creators, color accuracy and workspace matter most. A 10-bit IPS or OLED panel improves grading and compositing. Additionally, a wide gamut improves match to cinematic deliverables. Below are priorities when buying for creative work.
- Look for hardware calibration and 10-bit color support.
- Choose DCI-P3 and Adobe RGB coverage above 95 percent where possible.
- Prefer wide connectivity including USB-C for laptop workflows.
- Consider uniformity compensation for critical retouching tasks.
Moreover, consider screens with built-in KVM for multi-system workflows. That feature saves desk space and simplifies switching. For heavy 4K editing, pair the monitor with a GPU that supports high VRAM. Also, see our guides on the best GPUs for content creators. For example, visit https://hardwaredeals.co/guides/best-gpus-content-creators-2025/ for recommendations.
How to set up a 38-inch ultrawide monitor on your desk
Measure desk depth before ordering a large ultrawide. Moreover, ensure your chair and desk height suits the screen center. Use an arm or VESA mount if the stand lacks reach. Additionally, position the monitor so the top sits near eye level. This prevents neck strain during long sessions. Also, calibrate the display for brightness and color before critical tasks. Finally, set up a consistent color profile across your software.
Multi-monitor workflows and ultrawide placement
Some users pair a 38-inch ultrawide with a vertical second monitor. This setup helps for chat windows and reference documents. Alternatively, use picture-by-picture mode for two inputs. However, picture-by-picture reduces effective pixel density for each source. Therefore, use it only when necessary.
Calibration and maintenance tips
Calibration ensures accurate colors and contrast. First, buy a colorimeter if you work professionally. Moreover, calibrate at your typical room brightness. Second, use hardware calibration if supported by the monitor. Third, create and save profiles for different color spaces. Additionally, re-calibrate every few months to prevent drift. Finally, use the monitor’s ambient light sensor if available for adaptive brightness.
Common trade-offs to expect
No monitor is perfect for every use case. OLED excels in contrast but risks burn-in with static UI elements. Mini-LED provides better HDR but increases cost. VA panels offer contrast but can have slower pixel transitions. IPS panels give color accuracy but less contrast than VA. Therefore, prioritize features that match your daily tasks. Also, balance price against warranty and service in your region.
How much GPU do you need for a 38-inch ultrawide?
GPU needs depend on refresh rate and visual targets. For high-frame competitive gaming, choose mid-to-high tier GPUs. For creative work and GPU-accelerated rendering, more VRAM and CUDA cores help. Moreover, check our GPU Buying Guide for pairing tips at https://hardwaredeals.co/guides/gpu-buying-guide-2025-2/. That guide helps match GPUs with monitor resolutions and game targets.
Frequently asked questions
Is a 38-inch ultrawide better than two monitors?
In many cases, yes. A single 38-inch ultrawide removes bezel interruption. Moreover, it simplifies color consistency. However, two monitors offer flexible placement. Therefore, the right choice depends on your workflow and desk layout.
Will my PC run games at 3840×1600?
Many modern GPUs handle this resolution well at medium to high settings. However, for maxed settings at high refresh rates, you will need high-end GPUs. Use upscalers like DLSS or FSR to improve performance with minimal visual loss.
Can you mount a 38-inch ultrawide on a monitor arm?
Yes, if the monitor has VESA mounting. Also, ensure your arm supports the weight and size. Check VESA pattern and arm reach before ordering. For heavy premium monitors, a robust arm is essential.
Do 38-inch ultrawides support HDR well?
HDR quality varies by technology. Mini-LED displays demonstrate the best HDR highlights and local dimming. OLED gives excellent contrast but can struggle with long-term static content. Many IPS HDR monitors perform well but need higher peak brightness.
Alternatives and related picks
If a 38-inch ultrawide is too wide, consider a 34-inch ultrawide. For higher vertical space, a 32-inch 4K monitor works better. Additionally, for extremely high HDR, explore 4K Mini-LED monitors. You can browse ultrawide options at our dedicated guide on the best ultrawide gaming monitors. See that guide here: https://hardwaredeals.co/guides/best-ultrawide-gaming-monitors-2025/.
Buying checklist before checkout
- Confirm native resolution and refresh rate match GPU outputs.
- Check ports: DP, HDMI, and USB-C power delivery.
- Verify color coverage for creative work.
- Measure desk depth and VESA options for mounting.
- Read warranty and RMA terms for your region.
Final verdict and top recommendation
For most users seeking balance, a 38-inch 3840×1600 IPS monitor with 144Hz is the sweet spot. It covers productivity, gaming, and creative work. Moreover, you get excellent workspace without extreme GPU demands. However, if you prioritize HDR and contrast, choose Mini-LED or OLED. Finally, use our monitor hub and guides to find the best deal. Visit the Monitor hub page at https://hardwaredeals.co/monitor/ for live listings and daily deals.
Further reading and resources
For more context on how monitors fit into larger builds, see our Monitor Buying Guide at https://hardwaredeals.co/guides/monitor-buying-guide/. Additionally, learn about calibration at https://hardwaredeals.co/guides/monitor-color-calibration-guide-2025/. Finally, if you build PCs for 8K or extreme displays, read our 8K gaming setup guide at https://hardwaredeals.co/guides/8k-gaming-setup-2025/.
Need personalized advice?
If you want tailored recommendations, measure your desk and list primary tasks. Then, compare monitor specifications against your GPU. Additionally, check our daily deals to find matching bundles and discounts. Moreover, feel free to reach out to our community for specific pairing suggestions. We update recommendations throughout the year to reflect new releases and price shifts.
Thanks for reading. We hope this guide helps you pick the best 38 inch ultrawide monitor for 2025.