Factors to Consider When Picking Between an Ultrawide and Dual Monitor Setup
Monitors
Ultrawide monitors and dual monitor setups are excellent choices for those who need a lot of screen real estate for work or leisure.
Though convenient to have, both of these options are only perfect for some. Like many other things, dual monitors and ultrawide monitors both come with a set of advantages and disadvantages. So, exploring them and finding out what fits you best is essential!
Factors to Consider When Picking Between an Ultrawide and Dual Monitor Setup
Size: Two is Bigger than One
![Size: Two is Bigger than One](https://storage-asset.msi.com/global/picture/news/2023/monitor/monitor-20230111-1.jpg)
Ultrawide monitors are much larger than single widescreen (16:9) monitors, featuring sizes ranging from 29 inches to 49 inches or more. On the other hand, dual monitor setups generally consist of two monitors, each of which come in a broader range of sizes, from as small as 18 inches to as large as 34 inches.
Although an ultrawide monitor and two regular 16:9 monitors can measure around the same length (side-to-side), many overlook an important distinction when it comes to the space needed. Monitor stands.
An ultrawide monitor will take up less space on your desk as its colossal screen is still propped up by a single stand.
On the other hand, a dual monitor setup will require your desk to accommodate two stands. Of course, you can get around this issue by purchasing a VESA-compatible dual monitor arm (if both your monitors support a VESA mount). However, it’s still an extra step (+expense) that many gamers and professionals might want to avoid.
![if both your monitors support a VESA mount](https://storage-asset.msi.com/global/picture/news/2023/monitor/monitor-20230111-2.jpg)
Viewing Experience: Unbounded Expanse or Two Screens?
One of the most significant advantages of ultrawide monitors is their seamless wide field of view. Because they are more comprehensive and have a curved design, they can provide a more panoramic view of your content, which can be particularly useful for tasks that require a ton of screen real estate.
Although dual monitors can generally match (or even exceed) how much usable workspace you have, it won’t be seamless even with the thinnest bezels you can find. A single large screen is much more effective if you want a panoramic view of whatever you’re doing, whether it’s gaming or work.
That said, splitting windows across two separate monitors has its uses. For example, a primary viewing space where your main apps sit, while the second monitor houses reference material. In such cases, two separate monitors are the right choice.
Simplicity: Being Single Has its Perks
Ultrawide monitors are single large monitors. So, they will only need a single HDMI™ or DisplayPort cable and a single power cable. Not only does this simplify your setup and configuration experience, but it also cuts down on clutter on your table.
On the other hand, dual monitors will need two separate display cables and power cables. This can make setup and configuration way more complex than a single monitor.
Price:
Ultrawide monitors are more expensive than dual monitors, especially in larger sizes. However, two top-tier regular monitors can also cost a pretty penny. Since prices can vary depending on the specific model and features, it's essential to research and compare prices before making a purchase.
From a pure screen real estate point of view, you can easily pair two 4K monitors and access a workspace with a total resolution of 7680 (3840*2) x 2160. Not only is an equivalent ultrawide not a thing yet, but the following closest range of products with a resolution of 5120 x 2160 cost considerably more.
Flexibility: Strike Your Pose
Yes, ultrawides look incredible when you want content sprawled across the largest space possible. However, they’re not very flexible. What if you want additional screen space above your primary workspace? What if you want a vertical display alongside a regular monitor?
Well, that’s where dual monitors help. Since you’re dealing with two separate monitors, you can enjoy the flexibility of placing each one exactly where you need them to be. You can pick from a vertical + horizontal setup to a top-bottom one to ensure you don’t need to compromise.
Multitasking: Juggling Like a PRO
While ultrawides offer an unfettered viewing experience, it doesn’t come close to the flexibility of a dual monitor setup. If you want to juggle several tasks simultaneously, managing windows and apps on an ultrawide can become a chore (especially if one of those apps is a fullscreen application).
You can throw different tasks onto separate monitors for much better multitasking on dual monitors. Let’s say you’re watching a video on YouTube while working with a set of apps. You can throw YouTube onto your secondary screen while working on your primary display. On an ultrawide, not only would you be forced to snap these apps into corners of your screen, but you’d also lose the ability to go fullscreen on one or more of those apps.
![MSI’s Ultrawide and Dual Monitors for Work](https://storage-asset.msi.com/global/picture/news/2023/monitor/monitor-20230111-3.jpg)
MSI’s Ultrawide and Dual Monitors for Work
As you can see, both Ultrawide monitors and dual monitor setups have their merits. It’s up to you to assess what your requirements are, and pick wisely. Regardless of the route you choose, MSI has both ultrawide and thin-bezel single monitors available.
MSI Pro MP341CQW Business and Productivity Monitor
Whether you’re working or chilling after a long day, the MSI Pro MP341CQW Ultrawide monitor will ensure that everything you need is right infront of you at all times. This gorgeous 34” ultrawide monitor boasts a resolution of 3440 x 1440 and a fluid 100Hz refresh rate. Not only is this perfect for handling work like massive documents and spreadsheets, coding, editing footage, or keeping an eye on the stock market, but it also enables an incredible gaming and entertainment experience.
We invariably work long hours, so it’s important to include features that take care of your eyes. While the 1500R curved display reduces eye fatigue by minimizing the change in focal length of your eyes when glancing across the screen, the panel is TUV certified to minimize discomfort.
TUV Certified Anti-flicker technology ensures a stable picture with zero flicker, which is easier on your eyes, and TUV Certified Less Blue Light technology filters your exposure to blue spectrum light for a more pleasing viewing experience.
The MSI Display Kit application adds more to your experience by equipping you with the tools you need to tweak your display. From automatically splitting your workspace just the way you like it to color settings, you can personalize your experience to maximize productivity.
The MSI PRO MP341CQW Ultrawide Business and Productivity monitor was designed to enable a fun mix of work and leisure, without compromising either side. However, if you’re still on the fence about an ultrawide, and still prefer a dual monitor setup for work, our next couple of options below would be ideal.
MSI PRO MP242C and MD271CP Business and Productivity Monitors
A pair of 24” or 27” Full HD Monitors offer a more value-focused entry into the world of expansive workspaces. Alternatively, some types of work just ‘work’ better on separate screens. If you’ve decided on a dual screen setup, the PRO MP242C and MD271CP Business and Productivity monitors are excellent picks.
The PRO MP242C and MD271CP are standout picks for dual monitors thanks to the ultra-thin bezels for minimal interruption in your field of view across the multiple screens. Both monitors also boast a smooth 75Hz refresh rate a Full HD (1080p) resolution, and a 1500R curve. So, picking between them comes down to your preference and what size of monitor would fit into your workspace.
Although a curve on a smaller display (like 24”) isn’t strictly necessary, it still helps reduce eye strain when you place two monitors side-by-side. Glancing across these screens then won’t cause the fatigue that’s triggered by the frequent changes in your eye’s focal length.
Like many other MSI PRO monitors, these monitors also come equipped with top-of-the-line eye care features in addition to the curvature to help reduce eye strain. They both boast the trusted Less Blue Light and Anti-Flicker technology certifications from TUV.
Both the PRO MP242C and PRO MD271CP are VESA-compatible – allowing you to use your choice of monitor arm for a flexible setup. If not, that’s fine too as both monitors include ergonomic stands that support tilt, height, and swivel adjustments!
![MSI Pro MP341C Series](https://storage-asset.msi.com/global/picture/news/2023/monitor/monitor-20230111-4.jpg)
Want More Options?
If you want to take a look at MSI’s complete Business and Productivity monitor lineup, head on to this page, and set filters to hunt for your perfect monitor right away!