Alienware 34 Curved Gaming
LG 37G800A
Choosing the right gaming monitor can feel like navigating a minefield. You want that immersive experience, those buttery-smooth frames, and colors that pop, but the sheer number of options can be overwhelming. Today, we’re diving deep into two compelling contenders that promise to elevate your gaming setup: the Alienware 34 Curved Gaming Monitor (model AW3425DWM) and the LG 37G800A-B 37-Inch UltraGear monitor. Both offer ultrawide, curved displays designed to pull you into the action, but they approach this goal with different specs and features.
This comparison is for anyone looking to upgrade their visual battlefield. Whether you’re a hardcore gamer chasing every frame, a creative professional needing extra screen real estate, or someone who just wants a more engaging entertainment experience, understanding the nuances between these two monitors is key. We’ll break down their performance, visual fidelity, unique features, and what real users are saying, so you can make an informed decision that fits your needs and budget. Get ready to find your next gaming centerpiece.
In-Depth Look: Alienware 34 Curved Gaming
Alienware 34 Curved Gaming
Model: AW3425DWM | 34-inch WQHD 180Hz 1ms
Key Features Analysis
- WQHD Immersion: The 34-inch ultrawide panel with a 1500R curve is designed to surround you. WQHD resolution (3440 x 1440) offers a significant step up from 1080p, providing sharper details and a wider field of view, which is fantastic for both gaming and productivity.
- Fluid Performance: With a 180Hz refresh rate and 1ms gray-to-gray response time, this monitor is built for speed. Coupled with AMD FreeSync Premium and VESA Adaptive Sync, it ensures smooth, tear-free gameplay even in fast-paced action.
- Vibrant Colors & HDR: 95% DCI-P3 color coverage means you’re getting rich, accurate colors. The VESA DisplayHDR 400 certification promises enhanced contrast and brightness for more dynamic visuals, though it’s entry-level HDR.
- Comfort for Long Sessions: The hardware-based low blue light solution is a thoughtful addition for marathon gaming or work sessions, helping to reduce eye strain without compromising color accuracy. A dedicated console mode is also a nice touch.
Pros & Cons
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Pros:
- Excellent immersion thanks to the ultrawide format and curve.
- High refresh rate (180Hz) for incredibly smooth motion.
- Sharp WQHD resolution provides plenty of detail.
- Good color reproduction for the price point.
- Comfort features like low blue light and console mode.
- Distinctive Alienware design.
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Cons:
- Not an OLED, so blacks won’t be perfectly inky.
- DisplayHDR 400 is basic HDR.
- Can be heavy and requires a sturdy stand/desk.
What Customers Are Saying
“This thing is beautiful. The resolution is great and the refresh rate is fast. The curve adds a great 3d affect and the screen is just massive. If you can find it on sale it’s a must buy. It is very heavy but very durable. I will note it’s not an OLED so you won’t get inky blacks but for the price it’s awesome.”
– Verified Buyer
“Best monitor choice for my needs. I do primarily a lot of Excel files (with Visual Basic), PDFs, email, family photo and video editing. I’m retired so not into gaming though I own several gaming consoles. I build a new PC every 4-5 years and I wanted to step up from my 28” 1080p monitor without using dual monitors as I used dozens throughout my work career. My primary goal was being able to open at least 2 full width documents without having to scale them down (normally 80%). I usually have…”
– Another Satisfied User
“Let me be VERY clear: This is a GREAT budget curved monitor. If you want that immersive wrap-around gaming feel without selling a kidney, this thing delivers. The colors are solid, the brightness is clean, and the curve makes you feel just a little more important than you actually are. Now here’s where I messed up. I made the fatal, unforgivable, absolutely rookie mistake of putting this beautiful, innocent, perfectly fine monitor directly next to an OLED. Listen… If you’ve never compared a normal pan…”
– Gamer on a Budget
Best For
The Alienware 34 Curved Gaming monitor is an excellent choice for gamers who prioritize a high refresh rate and smooth gameplay in an ultrawide format. It’s also a solid option for productivity users who benefit from the extra horizontal screen space, especially if they can find it at a good price. If you’re stepping up from a standard 16:9 monitor, this offers a significant upgrade in immersion and responsiveness.
In-Depth Look: LG 37G800A
LG 37G800A
Model: 37G800A-B | 37-inch 4K UHD 165Hz 1ms
Key Features Analysis
- Stunning 4K Clarity: The LG 37G800A boasts a larger 37-inch screen with a native 4K UHD resolution (3840 x 2160). This provides incredibly sharp details and a denser pixel count than the Alienware, making text crisp and images incredibly lifelike. The 1500R curve helps make this larger screen feel more manageable and immersive.
- Brighter HDR and Bold Colors: With VESA DisplayHDR 600 certification, this monitor offers a significantly better HDR experience than the Alienware 34. It supports deeper blacks, higher peak brightness, and enhanced contrast, making HDR content truly shine. It also matches the 95% DCI-P3 color coverage for vibrant visuals.
- Smooth Motion: The 165Hz refresh rate is still very fast and provides fluid motion, though slightly lower than the Alienware’s 180Hz. Combined with a 1ms response time and AMD FreeSync Premium Pro, it ensures a tear-free and responsive gaming experience.
- Gamer-Centric Features: LG includes useful tools like Black Stabilizer to brighten dark scenes, Dynamic Action Sync to reduce input lag, and Crosshair for aiming assistance in FPS games. The inclusion of USB-C with power delivery is a huge convenience for connecting laptops or other devices.
Pros & Cons
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Pros:
- Sharp 4K resolution on a large ultrawide display.
- Superior HDR performance (DisplayHDR 600).
- Excellent color accuracy (95% DCI-P3).
- Convenient USB-C connectivity with power delivery.
- Helpful gaming-specific features like Black Stabilizer and Crosshair.
- Non-reflective screen is mentioned by users.
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Cons:
- Slightly lower refresh rate (165Hz vs 180Hz).
- On-screen menu navigation can be clunky.
- Some users reported issues with USB-C power delivery for phones.
- Larger size might be overwhelming for some desks or users.
What Customers Are Saying
“Awesome monitor! One usb-c cable provides power, video and audio. Works great on Linux Fedora 43 and macOS Tahoe. Built-in speakers are decent. Picture is great. Curved is a necessity for a 37″ monitor, and this one nails it.”
– Tech Enthusiast
“Sharp. Detailed. Great color. Non-reflective screen. Fast and Smooth. Ample I/O with both USB-C & HDMI. Easy setup.”
– Satisfied Gamer
“After taking about an hour to unbox, set up, and connect to my system, I turned it on, The screen briefly came to life, and it was a nice looking screen, wide bright and clear. The on screen menu button located at. the back of the screen not user friendly, you’d have to experiment to get to the right menu. Upon plugging in my phone to the USB C on the back of the monitor, my phone did not power up. After spending 2 hours with a confused bunch of tech support who offered confusing and inaccura…”
– User with Setup Challenges
Best For
The LG 37G800A is ideal for users who want the absolute sharpest image quality with its 4K resolution and a superior HDR experience. It’s fantastic for both gaming and content consumption where visual fidelity is paramount. The larger screen size and USB-C connectivity also make it a strong contender for productivity users, especially those working with detailed visuals or needing a single-cable solution for their laptop.
Head-to-Head Comparison
Let’s break down how the Alienware 34 Curved Gaming and LG 37G800A stack up against each other in key areas that matter to gamers and professionals alike.
Visual Clarity and Resolution
This is perhaps the most significant difference. The LG 37G800A sports a native 4K UHD resolution (3840 x 2160) on its larger 37-inch panel. This translates to an incredibly sharp and detailed image, with pixels being much harder to discern. Text appears crisper, and fine details in games and images are more pronounced. The Alienware 34 Curved Gaming, on the other hand, offers a WQHD resolution (3440 x 1440) on its 34-inch screen. While still a significant upgrade from 1080p and offering a wider ultrawide view, it’s not as pixel-dense as the LG’s 4K. If pure sharpness and detail are your top priorities, the LG 37G800A has a clear advantage here. For those who prefer a slightly less demanding resolution that still offers excellent clarity and a wider aspect ratio, the Alienware 34 Curved Gaming is still a strong performer. This choice often comes down to whether you prioritize maximum pixel density or the immersive ultrawide experience at a slightly lower resolution. Many users find WQHD to be the sweet spot for 34-inch ultrawides, offering a great balance between detail and performance requirements, and it’s a popular choice for those looking for a best curved 34-inch monitor for coding or general productivity.
Refresh Rate and Motion Handling
When it comes to raw speed, the Alienware 34 Curved Gaming takes the lead with a 180Hz refresh rate. This means it can display up to 180 frames per second, offering potentially smoother motion and a more responsive feel in fast-paced games. The LG 37G800A comes in at 165Hz, which is still exceptionally fast and more than enough for most gamers. The difference between 165Hz and 180Hz is often subtle and may only be noticeable to highly competitive players or those with very sensitive eyes. Both monitors feature a 1ms response time (GtG), which is crucial for minimizing ghosting and motion blur. Both also support adaptive sync technologies (FreeSync Premium/Premium Pro) to eliminate screen tearing. While the Alienware has a slight edge in peak refresh rate, both monitors provide excellent motion handling for a fluid gaming experience. If you’re looking for the absolute fastest refresh rate available in this class, the Alienware wins, but the LG’s 165Hz is more than capable for virtually any gaming scenario.
HDR Performance and Color
This is another area where the LG 37G800A pulls ahead. It boasts VESA DisplayHDR 600 certification, meaning it can achieve higher peak brightness levels and better contrast ratios compared to the Alienware’s DisplayHDR 400. This results in a more impactful HDR experience, with brighter highlights and deeper, more nuanced blacks. The Alienware 34 Curved Gaming’s DisplayHDR 400 is entry-level HDR; it offers some improvement over standard content but won’t deliver the dramatic enhancements seen with higher certifications. Both monitors offer excellent color coverage, with 95% DCI-P3, ensuring vibrant and accurate colors for gaming, creative work, and media consumption. However, the LG’s superior HDR capabilities will make HDR content look significantly better. If HDR is a major factor for you, the LG 37G800A is the clear winner.
Size and Immersion
The LG 37G800A is larger at 37 inches compared to the Alienware 34 Curved Gaming’s 34 inches. Both feature a 1500R curve, which is a good balance for ultrawide displays, providing an immersive wrap-around effect without excessive distortion. The larger size of the LG 37G800A naturally offers a more expansive field of view and can feel even more immersive. However, the 37-inch size can also be a double-edged sword; it requires more desk space and might be too large for some users, potentially causing them to turn their heads more to take in the entire screen. The 34-inch Alienware 34 Curved Gaming is a more common and manageable size for many setups, striking a great balance between immersion and practicality. Ultimately, the “better” size depends on your personal preference, desk space, and viewing distance. For those seeking maximum screen real estate, the LG 37G800A delivers. If you prefer a slightly more contained but still highly immersive ultrawide experience, the Alienware 34 Curved Gaming is perfect. The question of how to choose monitor size for curved vs flat displays is crucial here.
Connectivity and Features
Both monitors offer a good range of connectivity options, typically including DisplayPort and HDMI. However, the LG 37G800A stands out with its inclusion of USB-C with power delivery. This is a massive convenience for laptop users, allowing a single cable to handle video, data, and charging your laptop simultaneously. While the Alienware 34 Curved Gaming also has USB ports, it doesn’t prominently feature USB-C with power delivery in its listed specs, which could be a drawback for some. The LG also includes specialized gaming features like Black Stabilizer and Crosshair, which can be genuinely useful for competitive play. The Alienware focuses more on core performance and comfort features like low blue light. User reviews suggest the LG’s on-screen menu navigation can be a bit fiddly, while the Alienware’s overall user experience might be more straightforward, though this can be subjective.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which monitor is better for gaming?
A: Both are excellent gaming monitors. The Alienware 34 Curved Gaming offers a slightly higher refresh rate (180Hz vs 165Hz), which might appeal to competitive players. The LG 37G800A provides a sharper 4K image and superior HDR, making cinematic games and HDR content look more stunning. For sheer responsiveness, the Alienware has a slight edge. For visual fidelity and immersion in HDR content, the LG is better. You can explore more options in our guide to the best curved gaming monitors.
Q: Is 4K resolution necessary for a 34-inch ultrawide monitor?
A: For a 34-inch ultrawide, WQHD (3440 x 1440) is generally considered the sweet spot, offering a great balance of detail and performance. While 4K (3840 x 2160) on a 34-inch ultrawide would be incredibly sharp, it demands significantly more GPU power and might not offer a perceivable difference for everyone, especially at a typical viewing distance. The LG 37G800A is 4K, but it’s on a larger 37-inch screen, which makes the pixel density more impactful. If you’re considering a 34-inch monitor, WQHD like the Alienware 34 Curved Gaming is often more practical. For insights into 4K ultrawides, check out our best curved 34-inch 4K monitor guide.
Q: Which monitor is better for productivity and work?
A: Both ultrawide monitors offer excellent screen real estate for productivity. The LG 37G800A’s 4K resolution provides sharper text and more usable space, and its USB-C connectivity is a significant advantage for laptop users. The Alienware 34 Curved Gaming’s WQHD resolution is also very good for multitasking, and its 180Hz refresh rate can make scrolling and general use feel very smooth. If you need the absolute sharpest text and the convenience of a single-cable connection for your laptop, the LG 37G800A might have the edge. For general multitasking and a slightly less demanding visual experience, the Alienware 34 Curved Gaming is also a fantastic choice, particularly for tasks that benefit from a wider aspect ratio, such as spreadsheets or coding. Many find WQHD on a 34-inch panel ideal for coding.
Q: Is the curve on these monitors distracting?
A: Both monitors feature a 1500R curve. This is considered a moderate curve, designed to enhance immersion by bringing the edges of the screen closer to your peripheral vision without introducing significant distortion. For most users, especially in gaming and media consumption, the curve is highly beneficial and adds to the immersive experience. For productivity tasks, especially those involving straight lines like graphic design or CAD, some users might need a slight adjustment period. However, for ultrawide monitors, a curve is generally recommended to reduce eye strain and improve viewing angles. You can learn more about whether a curved monitor is right for you in our article on should I get a curved gaming monitor.
Q: Which monitor offers better HDR?
A: The LG 37G800A offers a significantly better HDR experience due to its VESA DisplayHDR 600 certification, compared to the Alienware 34 Curved Gaming’s DisplayHDR 400. This means the LG can achieve higher brightness levels and better contrast, making HDR content appear more vibrant and dynamic with deeper blacks and brighter highlights. If HDR is a priority for your gaming or media viewing, the LG 37G800A is the superior choice.
Q: Are the built-in speakers on these monitors good?
A: Typically, built-in monitor speakers are considered a convenience rather than a high-fidelity audio solution. Customer reviews for the LG 37G800A mention the speakers are “decent,” suggesting they are adequate for casual use or system sounds but likely won’t replace a dedicated sound system or headphones for immersive gaming audio. The Alienware 34 Curved Gaming doesn’t prominently highlight its speakers, implying a similar level of performance. For the best audio experience, external speakers or a good headset are always recommended.
Final Verdict: Which One Should You Choose?
Both the Alienware 34 Curved Gaming and the LG 37G800A are exceptional ultrawide monitors that offer fantastic immersion and performance. The choice between them hinges on your priorities and budget.
If your main focus is on achieving the absolute smoothest gameplay with the highest possible refresh rate and you appreciate the iconic Alienware design, the Alienware 34 Curved Gaming is a superb choice. Its 180Hz refresh rate and WQHD resolution provide a sharp, fluid, and highly immersive experience that’s perfect for fast-paced gaming. It’s a great all-around performer for both gaming and general productivity, offering a significant upgrade from standard monitors.
However, if visual fidelity, superior HDR performance, and the sharpest possible image are paramount, the LG 37G800A is the standout option. Its 4K resolution on a larger 37-inch panel delivers breathtaking clarity, and the DisplayHDR 600 certification provides a truly impactful HDR experience. The inclusion of USB-C with power delivery is a major bonus for users with laptops, and the gaming-specific features add extra value. While its refresh rate is slightly lower, the overall visual quality and connectivity make it incredibly compelling for those who want the best possible image.
Ultimately, for gamers who crave peak responsiveness and a slightly more manageable size, the Alienware 34 Curved Gaming is a fantastic pick. For those who prioritize visual stunningness, better HDR, and versatile connectivity in a larger package, the LG 37G800A is the way to go.
