Ultrawide vs Dual Monitors, Which Is Best for Your Remote Work Setup?

Working from home has become the norm for many, and one common debate is whether to use an ultrawide vs dual monitors.

Both have their advantages and disadvantages, but which one is truly the best?

Fear not, dear friend, as we will dive deep into this topic and provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision.

Ultrawide

Pros

  • Immersive experience
  • No bezel gaps
  • Easy cable management

Cons

  • Costly
  • Some softwares/websites aren’t optimized for this display type
  • Can be hard to focus

Dual Monitors

Pros

  • Flexible screen arrangements
  • Tried and true solution
  • Cost effective

Cons

  • Messy cable management
  • Hard to get identical visual output with different monitors
  • Hard to find perfect monitors alignment

What Factors Should I Consider When Choosing an Ultrawide vs Dual Monitors?

ultrawide vs dual monitors, which is best?

When choosing between ultrawide and dual monitors, there are several factors to consider.

Some of these include:

Cost

The cost of an ultrawide monitor may be higher than two separate monitors, but if you plan on using both for the same purpose, the extra cost might be worth it.

Space

Ultrawides tend to take up slightly less space than dual monitors and can look more aesthetically pleasing in a home office setup. Make sure you check your desk dimensions are right for multiple monitors or an ultrawide before committing to a purchase.

Visual Output

Using a single ultrawide monitor will ensure you have the same visual output throughout the whole screen. With dual monitors, you might have to do some tweaking before everything looks the same on both screens.

Connection Options

Some laptops such as most MacBook Pros except the new ones can’t be connected to multiple monitors so you might not even have a choice. However if yours can have multiple visual outputs, you’ll have more flexibility in your choice.

Ultrawide Monitor

Pros

Let’s start with ultrawide monitors. These beasts are perfect for those who want to minimize distractions, increase productivity, and have a more immersive experience.

With an ultrawide monitor, you can have multiple windows open side by side without any black bars in between.

Imagine having two or three monitors without the hassle of cable management or bezel gaps.

Of course, not all ultrawide monitors are created equal, so be sure to check the resolution, refresh rate, and input ports before making a purchase.

Cons

Ultrawide monitors can be costly, especially if you go for one with a high resolution and refresh rate.

In addition, not all software or websites are optimized for ultrawide displays, which can result in stretched or distorted images.

And, as much as we love the immersion, some users may find it challenging to focus on one task when there’s so much screen real estate to work with.

Best Ultrawide Monitor

SAMSUNG 49” Odyssey G9 Gaming Monitor

Dual Monitors

Pros

On the other hand, dual monitors are the tried and true solution for many remote workers.

With two monitors, you can have one window open on each screen, making multitasking a breeze.

Want to have your email client open while working on a project? No problem.

Need to reference a spreadsheet while drafting a report? You got it.

While dual monitors may take up more desk space, they are more flexible in how you can arrange them.

You could have them side by side, one on top of another, or even angled.

Cons

With dual monitors, you may face some compatibility issues, especially when using different brands or models.

It can also be challenging to get the perfect alignment and angle for both screens, resulting in neck strain or eye fatigue.

Not to mention, having two monitors means twice the cables, which can be a headache to manage.

Best Monitor For Dual Monitors Setup

BenQ PD2725U

Summary

So, which is better, ultrawide or dual monitors?

The honest answer is, it depends.

It depends on your work style, your job requirements, and your budget.

Both options have their pros and cons, and it’s up to you to weigh them carefully.

If you value immersion, don’t mind spending more, and have enough desk space, then an ultrawide monitor might be your best bet.

But if you value flexibility, multitasking, and don’t want to break the bank, then dual monitors could be the way to go.

Ultimately, the goal of your work-from-home setup is to make you as productive and comfortable as possible, so choose the option that fits that criteria best.

About the author

Headshot Karim - Creme de la Karim

Karim Bel Hadj

As his name suggests, Karim is the founder of Creme de la Karim. He fell in love with remote working since he left his first corporate job and never looked back! And because something you love is almost always better shared, he is on a mission to help all remote workers and digital nomads make the most of this amazing lifestyle. You can reach out to him via Twitter @cremedelakarim