Katarzyna Petru
Many productivity experts, as well as some gamers, have recommended working with two monitors for years. The extra workspace can really change everything - you can comfortably arrange several applications next to each other without cramming them into tiny windows. The problem is that a dual monitor setup also has its fair share of drawbacks that are rarely mentioned. Two monitors simply take up a lot of space. The desk fills up quickly, and the room for speakers, notes, or other accessories drastically shrinks. Then there's the issue of ports - the computer must support two video outputs because one HDMI cannot be "multiplied" with a splitter to effectively run two independent screens. There's one more thing: differences in display. Even two similar monitors can show different colors, brightness, or contrast, especially if they are from different series or brands. Without professional calibration, achieving full consistency is difficult.
That's why more and more people are opting for one monitor instead of two - but an ultra-wide one.
Ultrawide instead of dual screen
Ultrawide monitors go beyond the standard 16:9 aspect ratio. You will most commonly encounter 21:9 or the extreme 32:9 formats. The first offers about 33% more horizontal space, while the second effectively replaces two classic 16:9 monitors, but without the gap for a bezel in the middle. For example, a 29-inch ultrawide monitor is almost twice as wide as a 15-inch laptop screen, and it is also distinctly taller. The result? More space to work, less squinting, and significantly greater comfort during long sessions.
Choosing ultrawide gives you all the advantages of a large desktop but without the mess, cables, and issues typical of a dual-screen setup. The annoying bezel in the middle of the image also disappears, which is hugely important in gaming and creative work. Additionally, Windows 11 offers the Snap Layouts feature, which reasonably helps arrange windows on one large screen.
How to Get the Most Out of an Ultrawide Monitor
System window arrangement options are a good starting point, but it quickly becomes evident that they are quite limited. Fortunately, this can be easily bypassed. Windows users can turn to PowerToys - a somewhat forgotten but extremely useful toolset from Microsoft. The FancyZones module allows you to create your own zones on the desktop and perfectly tailor the layout of windows to your needs. On macOS, a similar role is played by the Rectangle app, which offers many more options than Apple's default tools.
Ultrawide monitors are also excellent for streaming. With FancyZones, you can designate the perfect 16:9 area on your screen, where you can run your game in borderless window mode. The stream then looks proper on Twitch or YouTube, while you can keep OBS, chat, or the streamer panel beside it - without overlays, window switching, or glancing at a second monitor or phone.
One screen, more sense
Ultrawide monitors are a combination of two worlds. They offer a huge working space, allow you to keep many applications open at the same time on the screen, and do not require additional ports or space on the desk. They also help maintain better ergonomics - you don’t have to keep turning your head sideways, which in the long term can save your neck and back. Equally importantly, they are often just cheaper. One 34-inch ultrawide monitor can cost less than two solid 24-inch monitors. The end result? Less money spent, fewer compromises, and noticeably greater comfort for both work and gaming.
