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Head-to-head · Best Ultrawide Monitors

LG 34GN850-B vs MSI Optix MAG342CQR

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

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The short answer

LG 34GN850-B and MSI Optix MAG342CQR score essentially the same (4.3 vs 4.3). Pick the one whose trade-offs match your priorities — the strengths and watch-outs below are where they actually differ.

LG 34GN850-B
Ranked #1 in Best Ultrawide Monitors
LG 34GN850-B
3 sources$1,103.99as of Oct 23

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
$1,103.99 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →
MSI Optix MAG342CQR
Ranked #3 in Best Ultrawide Monitors
MSI Optix MAG342CQR
2 sources$299as of Jul 1

At 34 inches and 3440x1440, the MSI Optix MAG342CQR is a budget curved ultrawide built for gaming, with a 144Hz refresh rate, 1ms response time, and the deep blacks a VA panel provides. Colors are vibrant and the image is sharp. HDR is limited by the absence of local dimming, and viewing angles show slight color shifts next to IPS alternatives.

Strengths
  • — Delivers deep, inky blacks with a 4,000:1 static contrast ratio typical of VA panels, per Display Ninja
  • — Offers a 144Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time for smooth, fluid gaming motion
  • — Provides a 3440x1440 resolution with 21:9 ultrawide format for immersive gaming and productivity
Watch-outs
  • — Lacks full-array local dimming (FALD), resulting in improper HDR performance, according to ScreenResolutionTest
  • — Exhibits minor gamma and saturation shifts at certain viewing angles compared to IPS panels, as Display Ninja notes
$299 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →

How they stack up

LG 34GN850-B

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.

MSI Optix MAG342CQR

The MSI Optix MAG342CQR stands out by delivering deep, inky blacks via its VA panel, a significant advantage over the washed-out contrast of the IPS-based LG 34GN850-B and ASUS ROG Swift PG349Q.

Specs side-by-side

SpecLG 34GN850-BMSI Optix MAG342CQR
Screen Size34 inches34 inches
Resolution3440 x 14403440 x 1440
Panel TypeIPSVA
Refresh Rate144Hz144 Hz
Response Time1ms GtG1 ms
Curvature1900R1500R
Color Gamut99% sRGB90% DCI-P3
Adaptive SyncG-Sync Compatible, FreeSync Premium ProAMD FreeSync Premium
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