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How to Buy an Ultra-Wide Monitor

How to · Tech

How to Buy an Ultra-Wide Monitor

Get a high-definition ultra-wide computer monitor for your workspace without blowing your budget all at once.

VoAtlas editorial Updated · 3 min read
Typical cost $800 before anything else
Across the 0% window $44.44/mo 18 months, no interest

How we got that: $800 spread evenly across the 18-month introductory window on the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card. Checked · at the bank Carry a balance past the window and the standard APR applies to what is left.

You need a high-definition ultra-wide computer monitor to handle split-screen work without squinting, and you want something that lasts five years so you only buy it once. A good panel changes how you work every day, but rushing into a purchase usually means overpaying.

Tech conventions drop new models early in the year, which means older versions usually go on sale a few weeks later. Wait for those price drops on last year's model to get the same hardware for a lot less cash.

Remember that the introductory window is a hard deadline, not free money; if you still have a balance left when those 18 months end, you will owe interest on the original amount from day one. Set up automatic payments so the monitor is paid off before the clock runs out.

The steps

  1. 01

    Watch the release cycle

    Major tech conventions happen in January and February. Manufacturers announce new gear then, which pushes retailers to clear out inventory from the previous year. Keep an eye on price trackers during the spring months to catch these markdowns.

  2. 02

    Pick your exact specs

    Decide if you need curved glass, USB-C power delivery, or a high refresh rate before you start shopping. IPS panels give you better color accuracy for design, while VA panels offer deeper contrast for dark rooms. Know what matters to you so you do not pay for features you will never use.

  3. 03

    Set up the financing

    If you want to spread the cost, you can use the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card, which offers 0% for 18 months on purchases and balance transfers from date of account opening. Spreading an $800 price tag across that window comes out to $44.44 per month. Make sure that monthly chunk fits your budget before you pull the trigger.

  4. 04

    Check the return policy

    Ultra-wides take up a massive amount of desk space, and some models have backlight bleed or dead pixels out of the box. Buy from a retailer with a thirty-day return window so you can test the monitor with your actual workflow. Keep the original box until you are sure you are keeping the screen.

  5. 05

    Buy the arm

    Most included stands take up too much desk depth and lack real adjustment range. Grab a sturdy monitor arm rated for the weight of your ultra-wide at the same time. It frees up your desk surface and puts the top edge of the screen at eye level.

  6. 06

    Check the card terms before you commit

    Every figure we publish for the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card carries the date a person verified it against Citi and a link to where they checked. Intro windows and APRs change without notice, so confirm the current terms before applying.

    See Citi Simplicity® Credit Card terms →

Common questions

Do I need a graphics card upgrade for an ultra-wide monitor?

Most integrated graphics can handle an ultra-wide for office work and multitasking just fine. If you play modern 3D games or do heavy 3D rendering, your graphics card will need to push a lot more pixels than a standard 1080p screen, so check your computer's specs first.

Is curved better than flat on an ultra-wide?

Curved screens make sense on ultra-wides because they keep the edges of the massive display at an equal distance from your eyes. If you do precise graphic design where straight lines need to look straight, a flat panel might be a safer bet.

How much desk space do I actually need?

A typical 34-inch ultra-wide is about 32 inches wide, so measure your desk before ordering. You also want at least two feet of viewing distance so you do not have to turn your head too far to see the corners.

What is USB-C power delivery and do I need it?

Power delivery lets a single USB-C cable send video from your laptop to the monitor while charging your laptop at the same time. It cleans up cable clutter on your desk, but monitors with this feature usually cost a bit more.