Verdict
Head-to-head · Best Ultrawide Monitors

Dell Alienware AW3423DW vs LG 34GN850-B

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

The short answer

Dell Alienware AW3423DW and LG 34GN850-B score essentially the same (4.4 vs 4.4). Pick the one whose trade-offs match your priorities — the strengths and watch-outs below are where they actually differ.

Dell Alienware AW3423DW
Ranked #3 in Best Ultrawide Monitors
Dell Alienware AW3423DW
4.4
$999

The Dell Alienware AW3423DW sets a new standard for gaming monitors with its stunning QD-OLED panel, offering perfect blacks, vibrant colors, and incredibly fast response times. While it excels in motion clarity and immersion, users must be mindful of potential burn-in risks and the absence of USB-C connectivity. It remains a top-tier choice for enthusiasts prioritizing visual fidelity over connectivity convenience.

Strengths
  • Delivers perfect black levels and infinite contrast due to QD-OLED panel technology
  • Features a 175Hz refresh rate with 0.1ms GtG response time for ultra-smooth gaming
  • Offers a 3440x1440 resolution with a 21:9 aspect ratio and 1800R curvature
Watch-outs
  • Lacks built-in USB-C connectivity with power delivery
  • Susceptible to permanent image retention (burn-in) with static content over time
LG 34GN850-B
Ranked #4 in Best Ultrawide Monitors
LG 34GN850-B
4.4
$900

The LG 34GN850-B is a high-performance ultrawide gaming monitor praised for its fast 144Hz refresh rate, 1ms response time, and excellent color accuracy. However, potential buyers should be aware of its inherent IPS limitations, including low contrast ratios and occasional backlight bleeding issues. It remains a strong choice for gamers prioritizing speed and color over deep blacks.

Strengths
  • Delivers a fast 144Hz refresh rate with 1ms GtG response time for smooth gaming
  • Features an IPS panel with excellent color accuracy and wide viewing angles
  • Includes a 3440x1440 resolution that provides sharp image quality for productivity
Watch-outs
  • Suffers from low contrast ratio typical of IPS panels, resulting in washed-out blacks
  • Backlight bleeding and uniformity issues are frequently reported by users

How they stack up

Dell Alienware AW3423DW

The Dell Alienware AW3423DW sets a new visual standard with its QD-OLED panel, delivering perfect blacks and infinite contrast that completely overshadow the washed-out IPS blacks of the LG 34GN850-B and the VA panel limitations of the MSI Optix MAG342CQR. Although it shares the 34-inch ultrawide form factor with the ASUS ROG Swift PG349Q, it offers superior motion clarity and HDR performance, provided the user can accept the burn-in risk that the LCD-based alternatives avoid.

LG 34GN850-B

The LG 34GN850-B offers a balanced mix of speed and color accuracy that outpaces the older connectivity and lack of HDR found in the ASUS ROG Swift PG349Q, yet it cannot match the perfect black levels of the Dell Alienware AW3423DW or the deep contrast of the MSI Optix MAG342CQR. While it shares the IPS panel limitations of the ASUS model regarding washed-out blacks, it avoids the massive desk footprint and extreme price tag of the Samsung Odyssey G9.

Specs side-by-side

SpecDell Alienware AW3423DWLG 34GN850-B
Panel TypeQD-OLEDIPS
Resolution3440 x 14403440 x 1440
Refresh Rate175Hz144Hz
Response Time0.1ms GtG1ms GtG
Aspect Ratio21:9
Adaptive SyncG-Sync Compatible, FreeSync Premium Pro
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