Hey there, and welcome to my LG 34WN80C-B review. This ultra-wide monitor boasts exceptional color accuracy, versatile connectivity options (including USB-C), and a stunning 34-inch curved display that brings photos and videos to life.
While it’s not specifically marketed as a gaming monitor like the Alienware AW3420DW, the presence of AMD FreeSync and a 60Hz refresh rate should definitely pique the interest of passionate game developers and players alike.
In fact, LG Electronics has crafted a professional-grade monitor aimed at photographers, video editors, and graphic designers. With its remarkable sRGB color gamut coverage and HDR 10 compatibility, this monitor truly stands out as a top choice for creative professionals.
Read also: Best Curved Monitors for Office Work
LG 34WN80C-B Review
In search of an ultrawide monitor with precise color reproduction for photo and video editing, along with a USB-C port that can charge your laptop? The LG 34WN80C could be the ideal display solution for you.
Read also: Best Ultrawide Monitors for Gaming and Productivity
Design & Connectivity
The LG 34WN80C-B monitor boasts an elegant and sleek design featuring ultra-thin bezels, complemented by a height-adjustable stand capable of tilting by -5°/15° and VESA mount compatibility with 100x100mm dimensions.
Its 1800R curvature further enhances the viewing experience by bringing the screen’s edges closer to your peripheral vision, effectively eliminating image distortion. Additionally, the screen has a matte anti-glare coating that prevents reflections, allowing for comfortable viewing in any environment.
In terms of connectivity, the LG 34WN80C-B offers a wide range of options, including DisplayPort 1.4, two HDMI 2.0 ports, a headphone jack, two downstream USB 3.0 ports, and a USB Type-C port with DP Alt Mode and up to 60W Power Delivery.
It’s important to note that to access USB 3.0 data speeds, the USB-C port must be used as the upstream port via a USB-C to USB-A cable.
If using USB-C to USB-C, the USB hub is limited to USB 2.0 speed. With its impressive features and connectivity options, the LG 34WN80C-B is a top-tier curved monitor that will enhance any gaming or work setup.
Read also: Best Monitors for Home Office
Performance
The LG 34WN80C-B excels in out-of-the-box performance, with a brightness level of 300 cd/m2 that looks even better than LG’s quoted figure and a bolstered 5M:1 contrast ratio. The high contrast is crucial as it brings pictures to life, delivering a wide range of shades, even closely matched tones.
Dead pixels, a common issue among gaming monitors, were absent on this monitor, and while backlight bleeding and IPS glow were present, they were negligible.
For those with an AMD graphics card, synchronizing the GPU’s frame rate with the monitor’s refresh rate eliminates screen tearing and stuttering within the 48-75Hz FreeSync range, connected via the DisplayPort connector.
If using an Nvidia GPU, creating a custom resolution available in the variable refresh rate technology allows for the use of the monitor at 75Hz, with smoother playability and an average input lag of ~10ms with the Dynamic Action Sync feature enabled.
Response time is crucial for gaming screens, and the LG 34WN80C-B performs exceptionally well with an average response time of 5ms, considered excellent for gaming.
It joins the LG 34UC80-B as the best response time speed among similarly priced 1440p ultrawide monitors, with near-absent motion blur and ghosting in fast-paced games.
The OSD’s Response Time Control feature further eliminates ghosting, making the LG 34WN80C-B a top-tier curved monitor for gaming.
Ports and connectivity
In this part, I’d like to draw attention to the two HDMI 2.0 video outputs and an extra DisplayPort 1.4, which make it a breeze to hook up more screens, laptops, desktop computers, or even gaming consoles. However, I wouldn’t suggest this monitor for die-hard gamers.
Additionally, it comes with a handy reversible USB-C input for seamless data transfer and charging of external devices, like laptops and smartphones. There are also two bonus USB-A 3.0 inputs and a 3.5 mm connector, perfect for connecting headphones or external speakers.
I strongly advise this, as the monitor lacks a built-in sound system. To enhance your audio experience, consider getting a pair of speakers or a compact soundbar. You can find some great options for under 50 bucks nowadays.
It’s important to mention that the USB-C power supply maxes out at 60W. While this is ample for most users, it’s not quite a substitute for a dedicated charger, especially for devices like the MacBook Pro. Essentially, the speed at which your Mac charges will vary depending on your activities while connected.
Gaming Performance
The LG 34WN80C-B serves as a satisfactory option for casual gaming.
Featuring a 60Hz refresh rate, it meets the standard for non-gaming monitors but lacks variable refresh rate technologies such as FreeSync and G-Sync.
With a 5ms response time and an almost imperceptible input lag of around 12ms, the monitor doesn’t exhibit any ghosting issues.
Read also: Best Gaming Monitors for PS4 under $200
Although the LG 34WN80C-B wasn’t marketed as a gaming monitor, it would have been great to see FreeSync included, especially considering the price point.
However, if you’re an occasional gamer who isn’t overly concerned with a multitude of gaming-focused features, this monitor is a solid purchase due to its exceptional picture quality.
For those interested in gaming-centric features, consider exploring similar monitors listed below.
Read also: Cheap Gaming Monitors for PS4 and PS5
Image Quality
This monitor boasts impressive brightness, making it suitable for use in well-lit spaces. With a 300-nit brightness level and a 1000:1 contrast ratio, its contrast is fairly good for an IPS panel monitor, displaying deep blacks and distinct shades.
The 3440×1440 resolution provides an abundance of screen real estate, enabling you to work with multiple application windows simultaneously. This enhances productivity, as you can avoid constant tab-switching and never worry about running out of space.
Featuring an optimal pixel density of 109 PPI, the monitor delivers detailed images without pixelation and sharp, easy-to-read text. This makes for a comfortable viewing experience that doesn’t strain your eyes.
The IPS panel offers wide and comfortable viewing angles, with this monitor providing 178-degree wide and relaxed angles for your viewing pleasure.
John follows everything happening in the tech industry, from the latest gadget launches to some of the big-name moves in the industry. He covers opinionated pieces and writes on some of the biggest names in the industry. John is also a freelance writer, so he shares articles on freelancing every now and then. email: john@tekpip.com