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If you’re tired of juggling two screens on one desk, a 38-inch monitor gives you one wide canvas that replaces both. The picks below span ultrawide productivity hubs and high-refresh gaming panels, each matched to a specific use case.
I’m Mo Maruf — the founder and writer behind The Tools Trunk. This guide is built by comparing the manufacturers’ published specifications and the patterns across verified customer reviews, so you get each pick’s real strengths and trade-offs instead of marketing spin.
We’ve matched every pick to a specific need, from color-critical design work to competitive gaming. Find the right fit with this in-depth look at the best 38 inch monitor options available now.
Our Picks at a Glance
How To Choose The Best 38 Inch Monitor
Choosing a 38-inch monitor starts with how you’ll use the extra screen real estate. Think about your daily tasks first: are you a programmer who wants multiple windows visible, a gamer chasing smooth motion, or a photo editor who needs accurate color? Your answer points you to the right aspect ratio and resolution.
Resolution and Aspect Ratio
The most important choice is between a 21:9 ultrawide and a standard 16:9 screen. A 21:9 panel gives you a wider field of view, letting you place two full windows side-by-side without overlap. A 16:9 panel offers more vertical pixels at 4K, which is better for reading long documents and spreadsheets. You’ll see both 3840×1600 and 3840×2160 resolutions in this list, and each serves a different purpose.
Panel Type and Color
Panel type dictates color accuracy, contrast, and motion handling. IPS panels offer wide viewing angles and good color, making them great for professional work. VA panels provide high contrast for deeper blacks, ideal for movies and games. OLED is the premium option, with perfect blacks and instant pixel response. If color accuracy is job-critical, look for terms like 100% sRGB or factory calibration in the specs.
Connectivity and Ergonomics
Verify the rear ports match your devices before buying. A USB-C port with power delivery can charge your laptop and transmit video with a single cable, keeping your desk neat. An integrated KVM switch lets you control two computers with one keyboard and mouse. A height-adjustable stand reduces neck strain during long sessions.
Quick Comparison
| Model | Best For | Resolution | Refresh Rate | Panel Type | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dell U3818DW★ Best Overall | Productivity & multi-PC setups | 3840 x 1600 (21:9) | 60Hz | LCD (IPS) | Amazon |
| Samsung ViewFinity S8Best for Macs | Office work & single-cable laptops | 3840 x 2160 (16:9) | 60Hz | LED (IPS) | Amazon |
| Samsung ViewFinity S7Best Value 4K | Budget-conscious 4K buyers | 3840 x 2160 (16:9) | 60Hz | LED (IPS) | Amazon |
| Gawfolk 37.5 Curved | Budget ultrawide gaming & multi-tasking | 3840 x 1600 (21:9) | 144Hz | VA | Amazon |
| Samsung Odyssey G7 | Competitive console & PC gaming | 3840 x 2160 (16:9) | 165Hz | VA | Amazon |
| LG 37G800A-B | PC and next-gen console gaming | 3840 x 2160 (16:9) | 165Hz | VA | Amazon |
| LG 39GX900A-B OLED | High-end rich gaming | 3440 x 1440 (21:9) | 240Hz | OLED | Amazon |
| Dell U3821DW | Professional work & docking hub | 3840 x 1600 (21:9) | 60Hz | LCD (IPS) | Amazon |
| ViewSonic VP3881A | Professional graphic design | 3840 x 1600 (21:9) | 60Hz | IPS | Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. Dell U-Series U3818DW
Our pick — 4.5★ from 700+ verified ratings; the strongest balance of quality and price.
A 38-inch ultrawide that replaces a dual-monitor setup with one curved panel.
The best pick here is the Dell U-Series U3818DW; it solves the biggest desk problem by letting you drop two monitors and a pile of mounts. Owners describe the 38″ ultrawide as a direct replacement for dual screens, freeing up desk space and saving them from buying extra mounting hardware. The 3840×1600 resolution across a 21:9 panel gives you two full-size windows side by side, which is why its display quality is the most-praised feature by far.
For people running two computers, the built-in KVM feature is the standout. It lets you share one keyboard, video, and mouse between two PCs, and you can view and edit content from both at once. The single USB Type-C cable carries power, audio, and video to a laptop, so a Thunderbolt plug-in takes minutes to set up. It also connects to up to six RF devices or Bluetooth 4.0, giving you a clean, cable-free desk.
The Dell gives you a 21:9 aspect ratio versus a 16:9 screen, so you can line up multiple windows side by side without a second monitor. Its contrast ratio is 1000:1 versus the ViewSonic’s 1000:1, and the built-in KVM (a switch that lets one keyboard and mouse control two computers) makes it cost-effective for a full workstation, despite the higher price.
Ultrawide productivity king
- Crisp, clear picture quality with accurate color for professional work
- KVM switch simplifies controlling two PCs with one keyboard and mouse
- Easy on the eyes for long productivity sessions
Heavy desk footprint
- Shipping can be rough; some units arrive damaged
- Speakers aren’t controllable from macOS
choose for spreadsheets: you want to streamline a two-computer desk into one clean, ultrawide hub.
skip for gaming: you need a higher refresh rate for competitive gaming — this is a 60Hz workhorse.
2. Samsung ViewFinity S8 (S80UD)
A sharp 4K panel that charges your laptop while delivering a massive workspace.
The Samsung ViewFinity S8 is engineered for laptop users who want a single-cable desk. At 37 inches with 4K UHD (3840×2160) resolution, it gives you a huge workspace, and the higher pixel density makes text look crisp, close to Retina quality on a MacBook. The USB-C port handles up to 90W of charging and data transfer at the same time, so you can power your laptop and connect peripherals with one cord.
It includes a built-in LAN port for wired Ethernet, a feature that gets mixed feedback. Some users find it works perfectly, while others report it maxes out at 190/300 Mbps compared to 930 Mbps on a separate adapter, which is disappointing if you need full gigabit speeds. The built-in KVM switch lets you choose split screen, PiP, or PbP modes for multitasking, and the height-adjustable stand tilts and swivels without tools — a button press sets it up.
Compared to the Dell U3818DW, this 37-inch monitor uses a 16:9 aspect ratio rather than the Dell’s 21:9, which means less horizontal room but a taller 4K canvas. The contrast ratio is 3000:1 versus the Dell’s 1000:1, giving it deeper blacks for video work. Its display quality is the top praise, but compatibility with some docks can be hit-or-miss.
Sharp text clarity
- Sharp 4K text and images, ideal for financial graphs and coding
- 90W power delivery charges a MacBook or Windows laptop via USB-C
- Tool-free, ergonomic stand with height, tilt, and swivel
Limited refresh rate
- Ethernet speed can be slower than expected for some setups
- No built-in speakers, and the power button is hard to reach
grab for office work: you use a MacBook and want a big 4K screen plus laptop charging in one cable.
pass for esports: you rely on fast wired internet or need gaming-grade refresh rates.
3. Samsung ViewFinity S7 (S70D)
A bright, crisp 4K panel that undercuts rivals while keeping pro-grade eye comfort.
The Samsung ViewFinity S7 delivers the same 37-inch 4K UHD (3840×2160) resolution and 3000:1 contrast ratio as its pricier S8 sibling, but drops the USB-C and KVM extras to hit a friendlier price. It’s a top pick if you want a huge, sharp display without paying for features you won’t use. The 5 additional inches over a 32-inch display is the core pitch, giving you a noticeably bigger workspace without scaling up your desk footprint.
Setup is genuinely fast — the Easy Setup Stand snaps together with no tools or screws. HDR10 support (a format that expands contrast and color) with 1.07 billion colors produces deeper darks and brighter brights, which owners call “bright” and “supper crisp and clear.” A TÜV-certified Eye Saver mode reduces flicker and blue light, so long coding sessions or DAW (digital audio workstation) music studio work are easier on your eyes. One owner mentioned it slightly edges out their LG 32-inch 4K Ultra Fine display for the same price.
There is only one HDMI port alongside a single DisplayPort, which is livable for a single-computer setup but worth planning for. The screen also forces 300% scaling in Windows, which can make older apps look a little odd. At 19.5 lbs with a 40-inch VESA mount requirement, it’s manageable but you’ll need the right mount. Reliability is mostly solid, though a few buyers report the screen turning off at random times.
Budget-friendly panel
- Clean, bright 4K picture with sharp text for coding and editing
- easy tool-free stand assembly
- Eye Saver mode reduces eye strain during long sessions
Average brightness
- Limited to one HDMI port
- Stand adjusts tilt but not height
pick for daily tasks: you want a big 4K screen for work and care about budget without losing quality.
avoid for color work: you need height adjustment or a USB-C hub built into your monitor.
4. Gawfolk 37.5 Inch Curved Monitor
A 21:9 ultrawide with a 144Hz refresh rate without the four-figure price.
The Gawfolk 37.5-inch monitor sits between productivity and gaming. Its UWQHD+ resolution (3840×1600 pixels) on a 21:9 ultrawide with a 2500R curvature (a curve radius of 2500mm) wraps the screen around your field of view, reducing peripheral distortion. For gamers, it hits 144Hz — a huge leap from the 60Hz of most office ultrawides — so fast-paced gameplay feels smoother.
Color performance is strong for the price. It supports 10-bit color depth (8bit + A-FRC) to produce 1.07 billion colors, with a 1000:1 contrast ratio and HDR support for details in shadows and highlights. It also supports both G-Sync and FreeSync to reduce screen tearing, plus gaming aids like an on-screen crosshair and a black equalizer for dark scenes.
Despite the high refresh rate, the 1000:1 contrast ratio is noticeably lower than the 3000:1 you get on most Samsung VA panels in this list, so blacks won’t be as deep for horror games or dark movies. The stand offers height and 5°-15° tilt adjustments, and it’s VESA-compatible (100x100mm) for wall mounting. The built-in ambient backlight adds preset lighting effects that you can’t customize.
rich curved view
- Smooth 144Hz refresh rate with G-Sync and FreeSync support
- Vast 21:9 ultrawide screen for gaming and multitasking
- Works flawlessly with Macs, per owner feedback
Unknown brand support
- Contrast ratio is lower than premium VA panels
- Some units arrive with minor packaging damage
buy for movie nights: a budget-friendly way to get an rich ultrawide that handles both work and fast gaming.
skip for reliability: you prioritize deep, cinematic blacks over a high refresh rate.
5. Samsung Odyssey G7 (G75F)
A 1000R curved monster designed to wrap around your vision for total game immersion.
The Samsung Odyssey G7 is the pick for gamers who want a massive 16:9 canvas with serious speed. It delivers 4K UHD resolution (3840×2160) with a 165Hz refresh rate and a 1ms response time (GtG), so motion stays smooth and lag stays low in competitive shooters. The 1000R curvature is the most aggressive in this list, wrapping around your field of view to pull you into the action.
PS5 owners specifically praise this screen. It runs 4K at 120Hz on the console, giving crisp graphics with a genuinely cinematic feel. The 37-inch flat-and-curved combo provides over 4 square feet of screen space, which is a massive upgrade if you have any vision difficulties. VESA DisplayHDR 600 (a brightness and color standard) with a 3000:1 contrast ratio delivers deeper blacks and brighter whites, and owners consistently call the colors “deep” and “amazing.”
The aggressive curve, however, is a double-edged sword. For work, the curvature can distort text and windows, especially when you’re using magnification tools, so it’s best kept for gaming and media. It’s also extremely heavy, so you’ll want a sturdy arm or desk. The refresh rate is excellent, though some owners note it’s “only” 165Hz when 240Hz panels exist, and there are no built-in speakers — a bonus if you use your own audio setup.
Fast gaming response
- Smooth 165Hz refresh with a 1ms response time for fast, blur-free gameplay
- rich 1000R curve and deep 3000:1 contrast
- Excellent 4K 120Hz performance on PS5
Curve may distort lines
- Curve distorts text, making productivity work awkward
- Very heavy and bright from the start
choose for competitive play: dedicated gamers on PC or PS5 who want 4K sharpness with console-grade speed.
avoid for design: all-day office work where a straighter screen is easier on the eyes.
6. LG 37G800A-B UltraGear
A 4K gaming powerhouse with dual HDMI 2.1 ports built for next-gen consoles and PCs.
The LG UltraGear 37G800A-B stands out with a native 4K UHD (3840×2160) resolution at 165Hz, delivering fluid detail and fast response for competitive play. With a 1ms response time (GtG), it keeps fast-paced action crisp by minimizing blur and ghosting. It’s one of the few monitors in this list with dual HDMI 2.1 ports, making it ideal for hooking up a PS5 or Xbox Series X alongside a powerful PC.
Color and brightness are strong. It covers up to 95% DCI-P3 color space and hits VESA DisplayHDR 600 with a 4000:1 contrast ratio, which is the highest contrast of any non-OLED panel here, giving deep blacks and vibrant hues. The screen’s non-reflective finish is a noted plus for rooms with bright windows or lights. Gaming features include Dynamic Action Sync to cut input lag and Black Stabilizer to spotlight enemies hiding in dark scenes.
For workstation tasks, the height, tilt, and swivel stand make it easy to dial in your ideal view. The 37-inch size is a genuine upgrade from 32-inch panels, with a subtle curve that “feels like a movie screen” without distorting work. The USB-C port provides 65W power delivery for laptops, though at least one owner found the USB-C output lacked power delivery, so double-check your specific laptop’s needs.
Large screen real estate
- Excellent 4K 120Hz gameplay on consoles with vivid colors
- High 4000:1 contrast ratio and non-reflective screen
- Full ergonomic stand with height, tilt, and swivel
High power draw
- Very large and heavy — not arm mountable with standard arms
- USB-C power delivery behavior can be inconsistent
select for multitasking: a flexible 4K setup that handles both high-refresh PC gaming and next-gen consoles.
skip for small desks: you need guaranteed USB-C laptop charging from the monitor.
7. LG UltraGear 39GX900A-B OLED
An OLED ultrawide with a 240Hz refresh rate that redefines what a gaming monitor can feel like.
The LG UltraGear 39GX900A-B is the premium choice for gamers and creators who demand the very best picture. It uses a 39-inch OLED panel with a WQHD resolution (3440×1440) and a dramatic 800R curve, delivering perfect blacks, a stunning 1.5M:1 contrast ratio, and up to 98.5% DCI-P3 color coverage. The 240Hz refresh rate and 0.03ms response time (GtG) are about as fast as gaming gets — near-instant pixel transitions with no ghosting.
Owners describe this monitor as “the best purchase I’ve made in years,” praising its out-of-this-world colors and deep, rich contrast. Text clarity is sharp, and the wide 21:9 view is great for productivity like accounting spreadsheets. The 800R curve (a curve radius of 800mm) is aggressive but rich, and the anti-glare OLED surface minimizes reflections so you can focus on the game. It supports FreeSync Premium and G-Sync compatibility (technologies that prevent screen tearing) for tear-free frames on both PC and console.
Unlike the Dell U3821DW, which is a 60Hz work panel, this LG is a 240Hz gaming machine. The trade-off is that at 39 inches, it is one of the largest and heaviest monitors here, and the built-in 9W speakers are only “acceptable” rather than replacement-grade. It also comes with a 2-year limited warranty that covers the OLED panel, including OLED Care tools like pixel cleaning to protect against burn-in.
OLED perfect blacks
- Perfect OLED blacks and out-of-this-world color reproduction
- Blazing 240Hz refresh rate with 0.03ms response
- Sturdy metal build with height, tilt, and swivel adjustment
Burn-in risk remains
- Premium price puts it in the high-end tier
- A few owners mention random power-off issues
indulge for HDR content: you want the ultimate rich gaming experience and a premium picture for media.
pass for static UI: you work with spreadsheets all day, where the aggressive curve can distort straight lines.
8. Dell U3821DW UltraSharp
A do-it-all docking hub monitor with superb color accuracy for professional work.
The Dell UltraSharp U3821DW takes the “monitor as a desk” concept to its logical end. It’s a 37.52-inch ultrawide with a WQHD+ resolution (3840×1600), a 2300R curvature for a wider field of view, and a 1000:1 contrast ratio. The real draw is the productivity hub: with RJ45 Ethernet and USB-C connectivity, the monitor serves as a docking station, delivering stable wired internet and up to 90W of power to your laptop over one cable.
Color accuracy is where this Dell shines for creative professionals. It covers 100% sRGB, 100% Rec 709, and 95% DCI-P3 (three color standards for digital and video work), with a color depth of 1.07 billion colors, so your charts, images, and videos look true-to-life. Dual 9W speakers provide decent sound for an rich visual and auditory experience. The 1600-pixel vertical height means less scrolling when you’re coding or reading documents.
An intelligent Auto KVM switch is built in, so it detects the latest connected PC and smoothly switches your keyboard and mouse over. You can view content from two sources with PiP (picture-in-picture) and PbP (picture-by-picture) modes. Owners working across Windows, Mac, and Chromebook all report flawless compatibility with amazing clarity. It’s an expensive buy, but for anyone wanting a clean, dual-PC setup, it replaces a separate dock and two monitors.
Reliable color accuracy
- Single USB-C cable acts as a full docking station with 90W power
- Accurate color with 100% sRGB and 95% DCI-P3
- Auto KVM switches between two PCs easily
Premium price tag
- Expensive, though it replaces a separate dock
- Screen can arrive damaged if shipping is careless
reach for editing: you want a premium, clutter-free dock that powers a laptop and connects to a wired network.
look elsewhere for budget: you need high refresh rates for gaming.
9. ViewSonic VP3881A ColorPro
A factory-calibrated IPS panel trusted by graphic designers for true-to-life color, right from the start.
The ViewSonic VP3881A is built for professionals who live or die by color accuracy. This 38-inch ultrawide (21:9) uses an IPS panel with a WQHD+ resolution of 3840×1600 and a 2300R curvature. Its defining feature is the factory hardware calibration: each unit includes a calibration report in the box, so the colors display correctly from the moment you power it on without manual tweaking.
It covers 100% sRGB and Rec 709, making it perfect for graphic design, photo editing, and color-grading video. Customers note “rich, vibrant color” and excellent accuracy from the start, with presets for sRGB, Rec 709, and Adobe RGB. The 90W USB-C port powers a MacBook Pro M2 easily while also connecting a camera, headset, and Ethernet through the hub. It’s a machine that “beats the Dell 34DW22” in the eyes of one video editor.
The ergonomic stand offers tilt, swivel, and height adjustment, plus Flicker-Free technology and a Blue Light Filter for all-day comfort. However, the base is bulky, and the OSD menu lives on the bottom-right with a rear joystick, which takes some getting used to. It’s the most expensive non-OLED pick here, but for serious creators who need dependable color, it justifies the cost.
Factory-calibrated colors
- Factory-calibrated color with 100% sRGB and Rec 709 for professional work
- 90W USB-C hub powers and connects a laptop with one cable
- Comprehensive ergonomic adjustments
Niche connectivity
- Premium price tag
- Bulky base and awkward menu joystick placement
invest for pros: you’re a designer or video editor who needs accurate, consistent color for client work.
pick another for casual: your main priority is gaming speed or a more compact desk footprint.
Understanding the Specs
Refresh Rate (Hz)
Measured in Hertz (Hz), this tells you how many times the screen updates per second. A standard office monitor runs at 60Hz, which is fine for documents and email. Gaming monitors jump to 144Hz or 165Hz, making motion look much smoother and reducing eye strain during fast action. Some premium models hit 240Hz for the most responsive competitive play.
Contrast Ratio
This compares the brightest white to the darkest black a screen can show. A 1000:1 ratio is standard for IPS panels, offering good color. VA panels typically hit 3000:1 or 4000:1, delivering deeper blacks for movies and dark games. OLED is the standout at 1,500,000:1, with perfect blacks because each pixel turns fully off, and infinite contrast to the eye.
FAQ
Can a 38-inch monitor replace two monitors?
Is 4K or WQHD+ better for a 38-inch screen?
What is a USB-C monitor with power delivery?
Will a 38-inch monitor fit on my desk?
What refresh rate do I need for gaming?
What is the difference between IPS, VA, and OLED panels?
Can I use a PS5 or Xbox Series X with these monitors?
What do I need for a MacBook to work with these monitors?
How important is color accuracy for a 38-inch monitor?
Is a curved screen better than a flat one?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
For the majority of shoppers, the 38 inch monitor winner is the Dell U3818DW because it replaces a dual-monitor setup with a single, crisp 21:9 panel and a built-in KVM switch. If you want a high-refresh gaming screen with console support, the Samsung Odyssey G7 delivers a 165Hz experience. And for graphics professionals, the ViewSonic VP3881A is the color-accurate choice.
How We Picked
We do not accept paid placement. Every pick is matched to a real buyer and a real use-case; we do not hands-on test units.
Sources & Methodology
Specifications: manufacturer listings and product documentation. Review insights: verified customer reviews, as of August 2026. Pricing: not shown on this page (it changes often); check the current price via the retailer link.
As an Amazon Associate, The Tools Trunk earns from qualifying purchases. This does not affect which products we feature.