Size difference
The 38″ ultrawide has 25% more screen area than the 34″ ultrawide 1440p, and is 3.7″ wider and 1.5″ taller. The 34″ ultrawide 1440p measures 31.4″ × 13.1″ (80 × 33 cm) with a 21:9 aspect ratio. The 38″ ultrawide measures 35.1″ × 14.6″ (89 × 37 cm) at 21:9. Panel sizes exclude bezels and stands, so allow about 1–3 cm extra on each side.
Sharpness and pixel density
Both have nearly identical pixel density (110 vs 109 PPI), so text looks equally sharp. Individual pixels stop being visible to 20/20 vision beyond about 31″ (80 cm) on the 34″ ultrawide 1440p and 31″ (80 cm) on the 38″ ultrawide.
Workspace
The 38″ ultrawide has 24% more pixels (6.1 vs 5.0 MP). That only becomes extra workspace if the UI scale lets you use it: on a Mac, the recommended modes look like 3440 × 1440 on the 34″ ultrawide 1440p and 3840 × 1600 on the 38″ ultrawide.
On a Mac
The 34″ ultrawide 1440p: sharp, not Retina. It runs at native 3440 × 1440, with a comfortable UI size and clean pixel mapping. Text is sharp, but you may notice individual pixels up close. The 38″ ultrawide: sharp, not Retina. It runs at native 3840 × 1600, with a comfortable UI size and clean pixel mapping. Text is sharp, but you may notice individual pixels up close.
Why this matters: macOS draws its interface at exactly 1× or 2×, so displays near 110 or 220 PPI look best. Read the Mac monitor guide or how we rate sharpness.
Desk and viewing distance
For comfortable viewing, sit roughly 34″ (86 cm) from the 34″ ultrawide 1440p and 38″ (95 cm) from the 38″ ultrawide. A desk at least 81 cm deep keeps the larger screen from feeling too close.
Which should you choose?
34″ ultrawide 1440p
Choose the 34″ ultrawide 1440p if your desk is shallow or narrow.
38″ ultrawide
Choose the 38″ ultrawide if you want a bigger, more immersive screen.
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Frequently asked questions
How much bigger is the 38″ ultrawide than the 34″ ultrawide 1440p?
The 38″ ultrawide has 25% more screen area (513 vs 412 square inches) and is 3.7″ wider.
Which is sharper, the 34″ ultrawide 1440p or the 38″ ultrawide?
Both have nearly identical pixel density (110 vs 109 PPI), so text looks equally sharp.
Which is better for a Mac, the 34″ ultrawide 1440p or the 38″ ultrawide?
They fall in the same macOS sharpness class (sharp, not Retina). It runs at native 3440 × 1440, with a comfortable UI size and clean pixel mapping. Text is sharp, but you may notice individual pixels up close.
Which is better for gaming, the 34″ ultrawide 1440p or the 38″ ultrawide?
The 34″ ultrawide 1440p has 19% fewer pixels to render, so the same graphics card reaches higher frame rates on it. The 38″ ultrawide shows finer detail but needs 1.24× the GPU work per frame. Refresh rate and panel type matter as much as size.
Will a 38″ ultrawide fit on my desk?
Its screen is 35.1″ (89 cm) wide; allow about 1″ (2–3 cm) more for the frame. For comfortable viewing, a desk at least 81 cm (32″) deep works best, or use a monitor arm to push it back.
How far should I sit from a 38″ ultrawide?
About 38″ (95 cm) is comfortable, so the full screen height stays within a relaxed field of view.
Last updated October 8, 2026. Figures are calculated from panel diagonal and resolution; bezels and stands vary by model.