Looking Beyond the Dell 38-Inch Curved USB-C Ultrawide Monitor? 6 Alternatives Worth a Look

HP, MSI, and LG Alternatives Compared

HP Series 7 Pro 38-Inch Curved Dual Monitors

The HP Series 7 Pro 38-Inch Curved Dual Monitors offers a similar 38-inch WQHD+ resolution with a 60Hz refresh rate, matching the Dell’s productivity focus. It uses an IPS panel for consistent viewing angles, whereas the Dell specifies a 2300R curvature. The HP model prioritizes professional workflows with Thunderbolt 4 connectivity, which provides more robust data transfer and power delivery options than the Dell’s standard USB-C port. You gain better ergonomic flexibility with its specific stand dimensions, but you lose the built-in KVM switching feature found in the Dell. This monitor suits business users who need dual-screen efficiency and premium connectivity over gaming performance. It is an ideal alternative if you value Thunderbolt integration and professional-grade visual consistency in a curved format.

Dell 27 Plus QHD USB-C Monitor

The Dell 27 Plus QHD USB-C Monitor shifts your focus from ultrawide multitasking to speed and compactness. It replaces the 37.52-inch WQHD display with a 27-inch 1440p panel, significantly reducing screen real estate. However, it increases the refresh rate from 60Hz to 144Hz, making it far superior for gaming and fast-moving content. Like the original, it retains USB-C connectivity for laptop docking, but it drops the ultrawide aspect ratio entirely. You also gain FreeSync support for smoother visuals during gameplay. This monitor is the better choice if you prioritize high refresh rates and a smaller footprint over the expansive horizontal space of the Dell U3821DW. It fits users who want a versatile, high-speed display for both work and gaming without the curve.

MSI 27-Inch QD-OLED Gaming Monitor

The MSI 27-Inch QD-OLED Gaming Monitor offers a completely different experience by switching to a 27-inch QD-OLED panel. It maintains the 1440p resolution but delivers elite speed and color performance that the Dell’s 60Hz IPS panel cannot match. The QD-OLED technology provides deeper blacks and more vibrant colors, making it ideal for competitive gaming and media consumption. You give up the ultrawide width and the USB-C hub functionality of the Dell, but you gain superior image quality and response times. This monitor is best for gamers who value performance and visual fidelity over screen size and productivity features. It is a practical choice if you want a compact, high-end display that excels in gaming scenarios rather than multitasking workflows.

MSI 27-Inch 360Hz QD-OLED Monitor

The MSI 27-Inch 360Hz QD-OLED Monitor pushes performance further with a 360Hz refresh rate, far exceeding the Dell’s 60Hz. It uses a 27-inch QD-OLED panel with 1440p resolution, offering elite speed and image quality for fast-paced gaming. You sacrifice the ultrawide width and USB-C connectivity of the Dell, but you gain unparalleled responsiveness and color accuracy. This monitor is designed for competitive gamers who prioritize frame rates and visual clarity over multitasking capabilities. It is the best alternative if you want a compact, high-refresh OLED display that delivers the fastest possible performance. The Dell U3821DW is better for office work, while this MSI model is strictly for those who need top-tier gaming hardware in a smaller form factor.

LG 32-Inch 4K IPS Monitor with USB-C

The LG 32-Inch 4K IPS Monitor with USB-C offers a higher 4K UHD resolution on a 32-inch IPS panel, providing sharper text and more pixel density than the Dell’s 1440p ultrawide display. It maintains a 60Hz refresh rate, matching the Dell’s speed, but focuses on color fidelity and productivity. You gain a standard 16:9 aspect ratio, which is better for media consumption and traditional desktop layouts, but you lose the horizontal expanse of the ultrawide format. The USB-C connectivity is similar, but the LG model emphasizes professional color accuracy. This monitor is ideal for users who need 4K clarity and color-critical work capabilities without the curve or ultrawide aspect ratio. It is a practical choice if you prefer a compact, high-resolution display for detailed tasks.

ASUS ProArt 27-Inch 1440p Monitor

The ASUS ProArt 27-Inch 1440p Monitor focuses on color accuracy and connectivity for professional workflows. It offers a 27-inch 1440p resolution, which is smaller than the Dell’s ultrawide screen, but provides precise color reproduction for critical tasks. Like the Dell, it includes USB-C connectivity, but it emphasizes daisy-chaining capabilities for multi-monitor setups. You gain a more compact form factor and specialized professional features, but you lose the ultrawide width and built-in KVM switching. This monitor is best for designers and professionals who prioritize color fidelity and connectivity over screen size. It is a practical alternative if you need a high-quality, color-accurate display for creative work without the need for an ultrawide format.

Quick picks

Our 7 picks

1 Best overall

Dell 38-Inch Curved USB-C Ultrawide Monitor

Best for: productivity and dual-PC workflows

Screen Size

37.52-inch

Resolution

3840 x 1600

Refresh Rate

60Hz

Response Time

8ms

Connectivity

USB-C, DP 1.4, HDMI 2.0, RJ-45

Dimensions

9 × 20.5 × 41 inches

View on Amazon: Dell 38-Inch Curved USB-C Ultrawide Monitor Affiliate link

The Dell U3821DW is a 37.52-inch ultrawide monitor with a 3840 x 1600 resolution and 2300R curvature. It includes a USB-C port delivering 90W power and an RJ-45 Ethernet jack. The display covers 100% sRGB and 95% DCI-P3. It supports KVM switching and Picture-by-Picture modes for dual PC setups. This screen suits professionals needing wide workspace and hub connectivity.

Pros

• 3840 x 1600 WQHD+ resolution for expanded vertical screen space
• USB-C port with 90W power delivery and RJ-45 Ethernet
• 100% sRGB and 95% DCI-P3 color coverage
• Integrated KVM and Picture-by-Picture support for dual PCs

Cons

• 60Hz refresh rate limits suitability for fast-paced gaming
• 8ms response time is slower than dedicated gaming monitors
• 30-pound weight and large footprint require sturdy desk space

Good fit if

• You need a productivity hub with USB-C and Ethernet
• You want a wide 38-inch screen for multitasking
• You require accurate color for photo or video work

Skip if

• You prioritize high refresh rates for competitive gaming
• You have limited desk space for a 38-inch monitor
• You need a 4K or 6K resolution display

Verdict: Dell U3821DW 38-inch Curved USB-C Monitor is a solid choice for office workers who need a large ultrawide display and built-in connectivity. It fits users who value color accuracy and KVM switching over gaming performance.

2 Best premium

HP Series 7 Pro 38-Inch Curved Dual Monitors

Best for: Professional dual-monitor workflows

Screen Size

37.5"

Resolution

3840x1600

Refresh Rate

60Hz

Panel Type

IPS Black

Aspect Ratio

21:9

Response Time

5ms

View on Amazon: HP Series 7 Pro 38-Inch Curved Dual Monitors Affiliate link

The HP Series 7 Pro offers a 37.5-inch curved WQHD+ display with a 21:9 aspect ratio. It uses an IPS Black panel for deep contrast. Thunderbolt 4 and USB-C provide up to 100W power delivery. The stand adjusts for height, tilt, swivel, and pivot. It includes a KVM switch for multitasking. This bundle suits professionals needing dual screens with clean cable management.

Pros

• IPS Black panel for enhanced contrast
• Thunderbolt 4 with 100W power delivery
• Fully adjustable ergonomic stand
• Integrated KVM switch
• 21:9 ultrawide aspect ratio

Cons

• 60Hz refresh rate limits gaming
• 5ms response time is slow for fast action
• Bundle format requires two monitors

Good fit if

• You need a dual-monitor setup with Thunderbolt 4
• You prioritize color accuracy and contrast for work
• You want ergonomic adjustability for long hours

Skip if

• You require high refresh rates for gaming
• You prefer a single monitor solution
• You need a 4K resolution display

Verdict: HP 38-inch Curved WQHD+ IPS Monitor delivers professional-grade visuals with Thunderbolt 4 connectivity. It fits business users who value dual-screen efficiency and ergonomic comfort over gaming performance.

3 Also great

Dell 27 Plus QHD USB-C Monitor

Best for: gaming and laptop connectivity

Screen Size

27"

Resolution

2560x1440

Refresh Rate

144Hz

Response Time

1ms MPRT

Sync Technology

AMD FreeSync

Connectivity

USB-C, HDMI, DisplayPort 1.4

View on Amazon: Dell 27 Plus QHD USB-C Monitor Affiliate link

This 27-inch Dell monitor offers QHD resolution with a 144Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time. It includes USB-C connectivity with 65W power delivery, making it suitable for laptops. The display features AMD FreeSync and TÜV certification for eye comfort. While it lacks the ultrawide format of the Dell U3821DW, it provides a high-refresh gaming experience in a standard aspect ratio.

Pros

• 144Hz refresh rate for smooth motion
• USB-C with 65W power delivery
• QHD 2560x1440 resolution
• TÜV-certified eye comfort

Cons

• Standard 16:9 aspect ratio, not ultrawide
• Lower resolution than 4K alternatives
• Smaller 27-inch screen size

Good fit if

• You want a high-refresh rate display for gaming
• You need USB-C connectivity for laptop charging
• You prefer a standard 16:9 aspect ratio

Skip if

• You require an ultrawide 21:9 or 32:9 screen
• You need 4K resolution for detailed work
• You want a larger 38-inch viewing area

Verdict: Dell 27 Plus QHD USB-C Monitor is a solid choice for gamers and laptop users who prioritize speed and connectivity over ultrawide width. It fits those who want a compact, high-refresh display.

4 Also great

MSI 27-Inch QD-OLED Gaming Monitor

Best for: competitive gaming on a 27-inch OLED

Screen Size

27-Inch

Resolution

2560x1440

Refresh Rate

280Hz

Panel Type

Quantum Dot OLED

Response Time

0.03ms (GtG)

Connectivity

DisplayPort 1.4a, HDMI 2.1, USB Type-C

View on Amazon: MSI 27-Inch QD-OLED Gaming Monitor Affiliate link

The MSI MAG 271QP QD-OLED X28 is a 27-inch gaming monitor with a 2560x1440 resolution. It uses a Quantum Dot OLED panel for deep blacks and 99% DCI-P3 color coverage. You get a 280Hz refresh rate and 0.03ms response time. USB-C connectivity offers 15W power delivery. It suits gamers who want high speed and vivid color in a compact form factor.

Pros

• 280Hz refresh rate for smooth motion
• 0.03ms response time minimizes ghosting
• Quantum Dot OLED panel with 10-bit color
• USB-C port with 15W power delivery

Cons

• 27-inch screen is smaller than the 38-inch Dell alternative
• 1440p resolution offers less vertical space than 4K monitors
• USB-C provides only 15W power delivery

Good fit if

• You prioritize high refresh rates for competitive gaming
• You want OLED contrast in a 27-inch size
• You need USB-C connectivity for laptops

Skip if

• You require a 38-inch or larger screen
• You need 4K resolution for productivity
• You want high wattage USB-C charging

Verdict: MSI MAG 271QP QD-OLED X28 delivers elite speed and color for 27-inch gamers. It fits those who value performance over screen real estate.

5 Also great

MSI 27-Inch 360Hz QD-OLED Monitor

Best for: fast-paced gaming on a compact OLED screen

Screen Size

27"

Resolution

2560 x 1440

Refresh Rate

360Hz

Panel Type

QD-OLED

Response Time

0.03ms GtG

Connectivity

HDMI 2.1, DP Port, USB Type C

View on Amazon: MSI 27-Inch 360Hz QD-OLED Monitor Affiliate link

The MSI MPG 271QRX QD-OLED is a 27-inch gaming monitor featuring a QD-OLED panel and 2560 x 1440 resolution. It offers a 360Hz refresh rate and a 0.03ms response time for fast motion clarity. The display supports VESA DisplayHDR True Black 400 and includes HDMI 2.1 connectivity. This monitor suits gamers who prioritize speed and color accuracy over screen size.

Pros

• QD-OLED panel with Delta E≤2 color accuracy
• 360Hz refresh rate and 0.03ms GtG response time
• HDMI 2.1 with 48 Gbps bandwidth
• VESA DisplayHDR True Black 400 certification

Cons

• 27-inch screen size is smaller than the 32-38 inch alternatives
• 1440p resolution is lower than the 4K and 6K options
• No built-in USB-C hub for peripheral connectivity

Good fit if

• You want the fastest possible refresh rate for competitive gaming
• You prefer OLED contrast and color performance over large screen real estate
• You need HDMI 2.1 for next-gen console features

Skip if

• You require a 38-inch curved display for productivity
• You need 4K or 6K resolution for detailed work
• You want a USB-C hub for connecting peripherals

Verdict: MSI MPG 271QRX QD-OLED delivers elite speed and image quality for gamers who prioritize performance over size. It fits those who want a compact, high-refresh OLED display for fast-paced titles.

6 Best 32"

LG 32-Inch 4K IPS Monitor with USB-C

Best for: 4K productivity and color-critical work

Screen Size

32"

Resolution

3840 x 2160

Refresh Rate

60Hz

Panel Type

IPS

Connectivity

HDMI, DisplayPort, USB-C

Size

32 Inch

View on Amazon: LG 32-Inch 4K IPS Monitor with USB-C Affiliate link

This LG monitor delivers 4K UHD resolution on a 32-inch IPS panel. It supports 60Hz refresh rates and HDR10 for enhanced color and contrast. You get USB-C connectivity for video, data, and 60W charging. The stand allows height, tilt, and pivot adjustments. It suits users who prioritize sharp text and color accuracy over high refresh rates.

Pros

• 3840 x 2160 resolution for high detail
• IPS panel with wide viewing angles
• USB-C port supports 60W device charging
• HDR10 support for better dynamic range
• Ergonomic stand with height and pivot options

Cons

• 60Hz refresh rate limits smoothness for fast gaming
• 32-inch size is smaller than 38-inch alternatives
• No mention of built-in speakers in specs

Good fit if

• You need sharp 4K resolution for productivity
• You want USB-C connectivity for a single cable setup
• You prefer an IPS panel for color accuracy

Skip if

• You require a refresh rate above 60Hz
• You want a 38-inch or larger screen
• You need a curved display

Verdict: LG 32-inch 4K UHD IPS Monitor is ideal for professionals who value pixel density and color fidelity. It fits users who need USB-C convenience and do not require high refresh rates for gaming.

7 Best budget

ASUS ProArt 27-Inch 1440p Monitor

Best for: color-critical work and multi-monitor daisy-chaining

Screen Size

27-inch

Resolution

2560 x 1440

Refresh Rate

75Hz

Panel Type

IPS

Sync Technology

Adaptive-Sync

Connectivity

USB-C, DisplayPort, HDMI, USB 3.1

View on Amazon: ASUS ProArt 27-Inch 1440p Monitor Affiliate link

The ASUS ProArt PA278CV is a 27-inch WQHD (2560 x 1440) IPS monitor. It covers 100% sRGB and Rec. 709 with factory calibration. The panel supports 75Hz refresh rates and Adaptive-Sync. It includes USB-C with 65W power delivery. This model suits users who need color accuracy and daisy-chaining capabilities for a multi-display setup.

Pros

• 27-inch WQHD (2560 x 1440) IPS panel
• 100% sRGB and 100% Rec. 709 color gamut
• USB-C connectivity with 65W power delivery
• Factory calibrated with Delta E < 2 accuracy
• DisplayPort daisy-chaining for up to four monitors

Cons

• 27-inch size is smaller than the 38-inch competitors
• 1440p resolution is lower than the 4K and 6K options
• 75Hz refresh rate is lower than gaming-focused alternatives

Good fit if

• You need precise color accuracy for creative work
• You want to daisy-chain multiple monitors via DisplayPort
• You require USB-C connectivity with power delivery

Skip if

• You need a 38-inch curved screen for immersion
• You require 4K or higher resolution for sharp text
• You are looking for a high-refresh-rate gaming monitor

Verdict: ASUS ProArt PA278CV 27-Inch WQHD fits professionals who prioritize color accuracy and connectivity over screen size. It is a practical tool for color-critical tasks and multi-monitor workflows.

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