Choosing between an ultrawide monitor and a multi-monitor setup is a common dilemma for those seeking a more expansive viewing experience. While both options have their advantages, they differ significantly in terms of screen real estate, productivity, cost, and desk space. In this article, we will explore what ultrawide and multi-monitor setups are and the differences between an ultrawide monitor and a multi-monitor setup to help you make an informed decision based on your individual needs and preferences.

Multi-monitor setup

A multi-monitor setup refers to a computer system that uses two or more displays simultaneously. These displays can be arranged in different configurations, such as side-by-side or stacked vertically. A multi-monitor setup can be achieved by connecting multiple displays to a single computer, either by using dedicated graphics cards or by using integrated graphics that support multiple displays. With a multi-monitor setup, users can view and work on multiple applications or documents simultaneously, which can improve productivity and make it easier to multitask.

Advantages of multi-monitor setup

There are several advantages to having a dual monitor setup:

Increased productivity: With two screens, you can have multiple applications open at the same time, allowing you to work more efficiently and effectively. You can have your email client open on one screen while you work on a project on the other.
Enhanced multitasking: Dual monitors make it easier to switch between tasks, reducing the need to constantly minimize and maximize windows. This allows for better multitasking and a more streamlined workflow.
Better organization: Dual monitors can help you keep your work organized by providing more space to display information. You can have one screen dedicated to your work while the other displays reference material or notes.
Improved collaboration: Dual monitors can be especially useful when working with others. You can use one screen to share information or presentations while using the other to take notes or work on related tasks.
Increased flexibility: Dual monitors give you the flexibility to customize your workspace to your needs. You can arrange your screens in a way that suits your workflow, whether that’s side-by-side, stacked vertically, or with one screen angled for better visibility.

Disadvantages of multi-monitor setup

While having multiple monitors can be helpful in increasing productivity and making it easier to multitask, there are also some disadvantages to consider:

Cost: Purchasing multiple monitors can be expensive, especially if you need high-quality displays or more than two screens.
Space: Multi-monitor setups require more desk space and can make it difficult to arrange your workspace in a way that is comfortable and ergonomic.
Distraction: With multiple screens, there is the potential for increased distractions and reduced focus. It can be tempting to have multiple applications and windows open at once, which can lead to task-switching and reduced productivity.
Technical issues: Sometimes, it can be challenging to set up multiple monitors correctly, particularly if you’re using different types of monitors or graphics cards. You may also experience compatibility issues between different software applications or programs.
Power consumption: Running multiple monitors can consume more power, which can increase your energy bills.
Increased eye strain: Using multiple monitors can cause eye strain and fatigue, particularly if the screens aren’t adjusted correctly or the lighting in your workspace is poor.

Ultrawide monitor setup

An ultrawide monitor setup refers to a computer display that has an aspect ratio wider than the traditional 16:9 widescreen format. Typically, ultrawide monitors have an aspect ratio of 21:9 or 32:9, providing a wider horizontal field of view than a traditional monitor. This allows users to view more content side-by-side without the need for multiple displays, and can be particularly useful for tasks such as video editing, gaming, or programming. Ultrawide monitors can come in a variety of sizes and resolutions, with some models offering additional features such as curved screens, high refresh rates, and HDR support.

Advantages of an Ultrawide monitor setup

Here are some advantages of using an ultrawide monitor:

More Screen Real Estate: An ultrawide monitor offers more horizontal screen space than a traditional widescreen monitor, allowing you to view more content without having to switch between multiple windows or tabs.
Improved Productivity: With an ultrawide monitor, you can have multiple applications or windows open side-by-side, making it easier to multitask and be more productive.
Reduced Clutter: An ultrawide monitor can replace the need for multiple monitors, which reduces the amount of desk space required and eliminates cable clutter.
Enhanced Gaming and Entertainment: An ultrawide monitor can offer a more immersive gaming or entertainment experience, with a wider field of view and better support for cinematic aspect ratios.
Reduced Eye Strain: Since an ultrawide monitor allows you to view more content at once, it can reduce the need to constantly switch between different windows or tabs, which can reduce eye strain and fatigue.
More Comfortable Viewing: With an ultrawide monitor, you can sit farther back from the screen and still see everything clearly, which can make for a more comfortable viewing experience.

Disadvantages of an Ultrawide monitor

While there are several advantages to using an ultrawide monitor, there are also some potential disadvantages to consider:

Cost: Ultrawide monitors can be more expensive than traditional widescreen monitors, especially if you are looking for a high-resolution model with advanced features like HDR or high refresh rate.
Eye Strain: While ultrawide monitors can reduce eye strain in some cases, they can also cause eye strain if the monitor is not properly positioned or adjusted. The wider screen can also make it more difficult to focus on specific areas of the screen.
Limited Vertical Space: Ultrawide monitors can provide a lot of horizontal screen space, but they may have less vertical space compared to a traditional monitor. This can be a disadvantage when working with documents or websites that require a lot of vertical scrolling.
Compatibility: Some applications and content may not be optimized for ultrawide monitors, which can result in black bars or distorted images.
Desk Space: Ultrawide monitors can be large and require more desk space than a traditional monitor, which can be a problem if you have a small workspace.
GPU Demands: An ultrawide monitor with a high resolution and refresh rate can be demanding on your graphics card, which can impact gaming performance or require an upgrade.

Cost comparison between an ultrawide monitor set up and a multi monitor setup

The cost comparison between an ultrawide monitor setup and a multi-monitor setup can vary depending on several factors such as the size, resolution, and brand of the monitors. Below are some factors to consider:

Number of Monitors

An ultrawide monitor setup typically consists of one large display, while a multi-monitor setup requires two or more displays. Therefore, the cost of a multi-monitor setup can be higher than an ultrawide monitor setup due to the cost of additional monitors. Typically, an ultrawide monitor can cost more than a regular monitor of the same size, but less than buying two or more monitors to achieve the same screen real estate. For example, a 34-inch ultrawide monitor can cost between $400 to $1000, while two 24-inch monitors can cost between $300 to $600.

Display Size and Resolution

Ultrawide monitors generally come in larger sizes and higher resolutions than standard monitors, which can increase their cost. However, when you factor in the cost of purchasing multiple monitors with similar resolutions and sizes, an ultrawide monitor setup can be more cost-effective.

Brand and Features

The cost of ultrawide monitors and multi-monitor setups can vary significantly based on the brand, model, and features. High-end models with advanced features like G-Sync or FreeSync technology, higher refresh rates, and wider color gamuts can be more expensive.

Cost of accessories

With a multi-monitor setup, you may need to purchase additional accessories such as monitor arms or stands, extra cables, and adapters, which can add to the overall cost.

Graphics card compatibility

With a multi-monitor setup, you may need a graphics card that supports multiple displays. This can add to the cost, particularly if you need a high-end card.

Desk space

A multi-monitor setup requires more desk space, which may necessitate a larger desk or additional furniture. This will ramp up the overall cost of the setup.

In general, an ultrawide monitor setup can be more expensive upfront, but it can be more cost-effective in the long run due to lower power consumption and fewer cables to manage. On the other hand, a multi-monitor setup can offer greater flexibility and more screen real estate, but it can be more expensive to set up and may require more desk space.