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People since long have been employing creative means to gain some extra screen space. This extra space can then be utilized for multitasking, in turn improving productivity. Dual or multiple monitor setup is a result of such creativity. Simple and effective, the Dual Monitors setup is around for quite a long now. But recently, it’s been getting a hard push back from Ultrawide monitors.
While the Ultrawide monitors come with ample screen space, are they quite as productive and effective as the Dual Monitors setup, is the question? The convenience of Ultrawide monitors or the flexibility of Dual Monitors setup: which is better?
Practicality and ease of use favor Ultrawide monitors, and they seem to be gaining ground quickly. Nevertheless, the debate is on, and both setups have their fair share of fans backing up their favorite monitor configuration.
Are you in the dilemma of configuring an ultrawide monitor vs Dual Monitors setup? Continue reading to get a definitive answer. We have picked up different scenarios and put them in perspective of Ultrawide monitor and Dual Monitors setup to see which one comes out as the winner. We always advocate that need dictates the choice. Read our analysis, view them according to your requirements and then decide which setup between Ultrawide vs Dual Monitors is best for you. To decide which one is better, you will have to take into account other monitor specs such as aspect ratio, resolution, panel type, refresh rate, etc.
Table of Contents
- What is an Ultrawide Monitor?
- What Is a Dual Monitors Setup?
- Ultrawide vs. Dual Monitors For Gamers
- Ultrawide vs. Dual Monitors For Professionals
- Ultrawide vs. Dual Monitors For Home Entertainment
- Ultrawide vs. Dual Monitors: Which is Better?
What is an Ultrawide Monitor?
Ultrawide monitors are the new breed of modern-day displays that have taken the market by storm. Specifically designed to provide more screen real estate, the basic idea behind the Ultrawide monitor is to replace dual or triple screen setup.
The Ultrawide monitor boasts the same 21:9 cinematic aspect ratio as the traditional movie theatres. Also, some ultra-wide monitors have an aspect ratio of 32:9. So they are big, actually quite big. Their size is the most notable feature. Ultrawide monitors are capable of resolution in the range of 3440 × 1440. This high pixel density works to the advantage of the Ultrawide monitor.
Wider size and higher pixel density allow it to fit in multiple programs, apps, videos, or games on the same screen.
Proponents of the Ultrawide monitor claim that fitting in the larger 21:9 ratio increases productivity and provides a more immersive gaming and cinematic experience.
What Is a Dual Monitors Setup?
The Dual Monitors setup has its explanation in its very name. You stack two or more monitors side by side, connect them with your PC and your dual or triple monitor setup is ready. This kind of setup has been around since the dawn of the modern display era. People have been using it to gain more screen space and enhance work productivity.
The extra space enables users to run separate applications at the same time, hence boost productivity.
Traditionally dual setup consists of two 16:9 monitors put together side by side. As with the combination of the monitor, you can have the same or different resolution.
The resolution does not tie the two monitors, and you have the freedom to set up Dual Monitors with different resolutions. For example, one monitor can have 1440p, and the other can be 1080p. We recommended use two exact same monitors for dual monitor setup.
Ultrawide vs. Dual Monitors For Gamers
For gamers, the dual or triple monitor setup is at a disadvantage. The main hindrance is the bezel. However thin it may be, the bezel gap will always be apparent. It could prove to be a real pain while gaming. The dual setup will provide more screen space, no doubt, and you can span the game to the whole screen real estate; the bezel gap can block key visual information. It will not only reduce your efficiency while gaming but also downgrade the experience.
The best way you can use the Dual Monitors setup for your advantage while gaming is to employ one monitor for playing the game and the other for walkthroughs, chatting, or other gaming-related stuff simultaneously. The Dual Monitors will also prove useful for twitch streaming. You can use one display for gameplay and the other for streaming-related things, like replying to chats online.
If you’re using an ultrawide monitor, you can experience seamless and immersive gaming as there are no bezel and gaps in the middle of the monitor.
Ultrawide vs. Dual Monitors For Professionals
Stacking two monitors side by side has always been to gain more screen space and improve productivity. In this regard, the Ultrawide screen still can’t beat the Dual Monitors setup. Attach two or more monitors, and you have wider screen space. You can run multiple applications side by side.
You can use the primary screen to focus on your work, and the other monitor can serve additional tasks, like viewing emails, social media, news, etc., which will boost productivity. The Dual Monitors setup also enhances connectivity. You can be on a conference call, relay ideas and instructions, or collaborate with employees on one screen while still having a complete focus on your primary work on another monitor.
The Ultrawide screen, however, cuts the clutter that comes with Dual Monitors setup. You don’t have to deal with multiple connections and messy cables. The biggest advantage of an Ultrawide monitor is that you don’t have to suffer the constantly annoying disturbance that the bezel gap creates in Dual Monitors setup.
Nevertheless, Ultrawide monitors can be quite handy too. Especially for professionals in the creative fields, like video editing or graphic designing. You can easily access all the menus and settings on a single screen, eliminating the need to switch to a different monitor. That is why there is a growing trend of using Ultrawide monitors among designers, content editors, and other professionals in the creative fields.
Ultrawide vs. Dual Monitors For Home Entertainment
Dual Monitors setup is always about productivity. Therefore, it can never compete with Ultrawide monitors in terms of entertainment.
On the other hand, the Ultrawide monitors have everything to provide a rich, vivid, and highly immersive display experience. The high resolution, wide 21:9 aspect ratio, and additional curved display create an environment too perfect for video watching.
Another advantage of Ultrawide monitors when it comes to entertainment is that they eliminate the letterboxing phenomenon. Most of the movies these days come in a 21:9 aspect ratio. When you play them on a 16:9 monitor, you get black bars on the top and bottom of the screen, known as letterboxing.
There is no letterboxing in Ultrawide monitors. Widescreen and the aspect ratio that matches with that of the movie theater screens, an Ultrawide monitor can play movies in their original aspect ratio. So no compromise on visual quality.
Ultrawide vs. Dual Monitors: Which is Better?
The work dynamics are changing quite rapidly, and the right workstation is a must to ensure high productivity and continuing focus. The best setup between Ultrawide vs dual setup is the one that fits your requirements. That being said, we find that while the Ultrawide screen does address the more screen space issue, it still lags behind the Dual Monitors setup in terms of productivity.
So if you are the kind of person who wants to squeeze out the last ounce of productivity and can keep up with the clutter of multiple monitors, unhandy bezels, wires, and connections, dual setup is still the most appropriate choice. In terms of gaming and entertainment though, Ultrawide monitors have a clear advantage over Dual Monitors setup. The larger size, higher resolution, and 21:9 aspect ratio offer a more realistic and highly immersive visual experience.
