Verdict
All guidesMethodologyAboutContact
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.

The short answer

MSI Optix MAG342CQR comes out ahead by a narrow margin (4.4 vs 4.5). The gap is mostly about budget buyers seeking deep blacks and high contrast — read the strengths below before deciding.

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
$900 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →
MSI Optix MAG342CQR
Higher ratedRanked #1 in Best Ultrawide Monitors
MSI Optix MAG342CQR
★★★★★4.5
$299

The MSI Optix MAG342CQR is a budget-friendly 34-inch curved ultrawide monitor that excels in gaming with its 144Hz refresh rate, 1ms response time, and deep blacks from its VA panel. While it offers vibrant colors and a sharp 3440x1440 resolution, its HDR capabilities are limited due to the lack of local dimming, and viewing angles show slight color shifts compared to IPS alternatives.

Strengths
  • — Delivers deep, inky blacks with a 4,000:1 static contrast ratio typical of VA panels
  • — 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
  • — Exhibits minor gamma and saturation shifts at certain viewing angles compared to IPS panels
$299 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →

How they stack up

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.

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. While it lacks the infinite contrast of the Dell Alienware AW3423DW and the extreme size of the Samsung Odyssey G9, it provides a cost-effective alternative that balances deep blacks with a 144Hz refresh rate for budget-conscious gamers.

Specs side-by-side

SpecLG 34GN850-BMSI Optix MAG342CQR
Panel TypeIPSVA
Resolution3440 x 14403440 x 1440
Refresh Rate144Hz144 Hz
Response Time1ms GtG1 ms
Adaptive SyncG-Sync Compatible, FreeSync Premium Pro—
Contrast Ratio—4,000:1
Color Gamut—90% DCI-P3
Screen Size—34 inches
Aspect Ratio—21:9
← See the full ranking of best ultrawide monitors