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The LG 38WN95C-W is a strong fit if you want one large ultrawide for both demanding office work and high-refresh gaming. Its 3840 × 1600 curved IPS panel, 144 Hz refresh rate and Thunderbolt 3 connection with up to 94 W power delivery make an unusually versatile combination. The trade-offs are weak native contrast and poor local dimming, which limit dark-room viewing and HDR, plus limited ergonomic adjustment noted in independent testing. LG Canada marks the model discontinued, so a present-day purchase depends heavily on local availability, condition, warranty and price.
What the LG 38WN95C-W is
LG markets this as a 38-inch monitor, though its listed viewable screen size is 37.5 inches. The curved IPS panel has a 21:9 aspect ratio, 2300R curvature and 3840 × 1600 native resolution. That gives you a wide desktop for side-by-side documents, timelines and multiple windows, while the pixel count provides more vertical workspace than many lower-resolution ultrawides. How much you can comfortably fit depends on your operating system’s scaling, application layouts and source device.
The screen’s size and shape are useful for both productivity and gaming, but its wide format does not make it a substitute for every multi-monitor setup. Consider whether your applications benefit from a continuous desktop and whether your computer can drive the resolution at the refresh rate you want.
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| Feature | LG-listed specification | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Panel and size | 37.5-inch viewable IPS; commonly marketed as 38 inches; 2300R curve | A wide, gently curved screen with IPS viewing-angle characteristics. |
| Resolution and aspect ratio | 3840 × 1600; 21:9 | Room for broad workspaces and detailed content, subject to scaling and source support. |
| Refresh and response | Up to 144 Hz; 1 ms GtG setting | A high refresh ceiling suits gaming. The 1 ms figure is a manufacturer specification, not a complete measure of real-world motion performance. |
| Brightness and color | 450 cd/m² typical brightness; 98% typical DCI-P3 coverage (CIE1976) | LG’s specifications point to bright output and broad color coverage; actual experience depends on settings and content. |
| HDR and adaptive sync | DisplayHDR 600; NVIDIA G-SYNC Compatible; AMD FreeSync Premium Pro | HDR and variable refresh support are listed, but the display’s contrast and dimming behavior constrain HDR impact. |
| Connections | One DisplayPort 1.4, two HDMI inputs, one Thunderbolt 3 port with up to 94 W power delivery, and two USB 3.0 downstream ports | Thunderbolt can carry video and data and charge a compatible laptop over one connection. Host support and the cable used affect what works. |
| Stand adjustment | Tilt, height and swivel | Adjustable positioning is available, though RTINGS identifies ergonomics as a limitation. |
These specifications are from LG’s Saudi Arabia product listing; specifications can vary by market. Check the exact regional model and documentation for the unit you are considering.
#1 Best Overall
- 38” Curved UltraWide QHD plus (3840 x 1600).Power Consumption (Typ.) 80W. Power Consumption (Max.) 210W. Surface Treatment : Anti-Glare. Contrast Ratio - 1000:1.Specific uses for product - Personal, gaming, business.Operating Temperature : 0 °C to 40 °C (32 °F to 104 °F)
- Viewing Angle is 178˚(R/L), 178˚(U/D); Brightness is 450cd/m²; Aspect Ratio is 21:9
- Nano IPS Display
- DCI-P3 98% Color Gamut and VESA DisplayHDR 600
- Thunderbolt 3 Connectivity
How it performs for work, media and gaming
Office work
RTINGS rates the monitor very good for office use. Its review highlights bright output and wide viewing angles, which can help in a bright room or when the screen is viewed off-center. Reflections can still distract if the display faces a window. The broad 3840 × 1600 desktop is well suited to keeping documents, editing timelines or browser windows side by side, though how much fits legibly depends on scaling and application design.
Thunderbolt 3 is a practical advantage for compatible laptop setups: one connection can provide video, data and up to 94 W of charging according to LG. A laptop’s port capabilities and an appropriate cable are necessary; the monitor’s port alone cannot guarantee a one-cable setup.
Rank #2
- Effortless 21:9 Widescreen Workflows - Upgrade your desktop setup with a 34" 21:9 UltraWide Full HD display that lets you see more all at once. Enjoy smooth 100Hz visuals, vibrant HDR color, and a sleek, narrow-bezel design—perfect for multitasking, creativity, and everyday comfort.
- 21:9 Widescreen for Maximum Multitasking Power - The 21:9 UltraWide Full HD (2560 × 1080) IPS display gives you more horizontal space than standard 16:9 monitors, so you can keep multiple windows open on one screen at the same time. A virtually borderless design delivers an uninterrupted view for smoother, more efficient multitasking.
- HDR Brightness and Color that Pops - VESA DisplayHDR 400 enhances brightness, contrast, and detail for more dynamic visuals, while up to sRGB 99% coverage delivers rich, precise color. The IPS panel keeps images sharp and clear from virtually any viewing angle.
- Smooth Connectivity with USB Type-C - Connectivity made easy with USB Type-C, DisplayPort, and HDMI. USB Type-C supports both display output and data transfer, giving you quick, single-cable access to your laptop and reducing desktop clutter.
- Immersive Waves MaxxAudio Sound Built In - Built-in stereo speakers with Waves MaxxAudio deliver rich, immersive sound with crisp highs and deep bass, letting you enjoy games, movies, and music without the need for external speakers.
Gaming and motion
The 144 Hz maximum refresh rate and variable refresh support make the 38WN95C-W more gaming-oriented than a conventional office ultrawide. RTINGS reports fast response and low input lag in its testing. Actual frame rates depend on the computer, game, settings and connection path, so the panel’s refresh ceiling does not mean every game will run at 144 frames per second.
LG’s 1 ms GtG response setting should be read as a manufacturer claim, not as a guarantee of blur-free motion in every setting. RTINGS’ broader finding of fast response is a separate review conclusion.
Rank #3
- Handpicked by Amazon: They did the research so that you don't have to.
- Work Smart, Play Smart on a 21:9 Smart Screen - LG Smart Monitor is designed for multitasking while you work, play and watch. Connect the 34” 21:9 curved display to a laptop, desktop or gaming console to immerse yourself in your work or games. Or, with the Smart Monitor's built-in LG webOS, you can watch favorite shows from your favorite streaming apps.
- webOS23 Built-in - Thanks to webOS23, find your favorites fast with built-in access to Netflix, Prime Video, the Apple TV app, Disney plus , HBO Max and instant access to over 300 plus free LG Channels with everything from comedy to movies to sports.
- 34" UltraWide 21:9 Panoramic Cinema - This Smart Monitor's 34" ultrawide QHD (3440x1440) with a 21:9 aspect ratio offers a 34% wider view than a 16:9 display. And the monitor's sweeping 1800R cruve envelops you as if you were at the movies.
- 99% sRGB color gamut - Immerse yourself in a world of brilliant color from HDR10 that helps enhance picture quality and up to 99% sRGB color gamut expression to make games visually pop.
Media and HDR
RTINGS finds the monitor very good for media use, but describes low contrast and poor local dimming as weaknesses. Highlights can stand out in HDR, yet dark scenes and dark-room viewing are less convincing because the screen cannot preserve deep blacks as effectively as a display with stronger contrast and dimming. If black levels and cinematic HDR are priorities, those limitations matter more than the HDR label alone.
Which trade-offs should guide a purchase?
- Consider it if: you want a wide high-refresh screen for both work and gaming, and can use Thunderbolt laptop charging.
- Think carefully if: you mainly watch in a dark room, prioritize deep blacks or want more convincing HDR performance.
- Check ergonomics: the stand offers tilt, height and swivel, but RTINGS reports limited ergonomics. A compatible VESA arm could be an alternative; verify the monitor’s mounting compatibility and the arm’s capacity before buying.
- Assess the whole setup: confirm your computer, ports, cable and applications can support the resolution, refresh rate and charging arrangement you need.
How it compares with alternatives
These comparisons describe particular trade-offs reported by RTINGS, not a complete or current market shortlist. Check regional availability and current specifications before comparing prices.
Rank #4
- 38" Curved UltraWide (21:9) QHD+ (3840 x 1600) IPS Display
- 3-Side Virtually Borderless Design
- sRGB 99% Color Gamut and HDR10
- USB Type-C with 60W PD
- Tilt/Height Adjustable Stand
| Alternative | Where it differs from the LG 38WN95C-W | May suit you better if… |
|---|---|---|
| LG 40WP95C-W | RTINGS describes the 38WN95C-W as brighter and higher-refresh; the 40WP95C-W offers higher native resolution and better text clarity and connectivity. | You favor resolution, text clarity and connectivity over gaming refresh rate and brightness. |
| Dell Alienware AW3821DW | It is also a 38-inch, 3840 × 1600, 144 Hz monitor. RTINGS says it has native G-SYNC, while the LG has faster response and greater HDR brightness. | Native G-SYNC is your priority, or you prefer the LG’s response and HDR brightness trade-offs. |
| Dell U4025QW | RTINGS says it offers deeper blacks and features such as KVM and screen subdivision, while the LG is much brighter in SDR and HDR. | You value deeper blacks and productivity features more than the LG’s brightness. |
Availability: check the specific listing, not just the model name
LG Canada marks the 38WN95C-W discontinued. That is a Canada-specific status and does not establish that it is unavailable worldwide. Before buying, check whether the seller’s unit is new, refurbished or used; confirm the exact model suffix, seller reputation, warranty coverage, return policy and asking price. Historical review prices are not evidence of a fair price today.
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A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11RTINGS’ review page notes that its tested unit was manufactured in May 2020. Its conclusions are useful for understanding the model’s strengths and weaknesses, but they do not establish the condition or age of any individual listing.
Best Value
- Work Smart, Play Smart on a 21:9 Smart Screen - LG Smart Monitor is designed for multitasking while you work, play and watch. Connect the 34” 21:9 curved display to a laptop, desktop or gaming console to immerse yourself in your work or games. Or, with the monitor’s built-in LG webOS, you can watch your favorite shows from your favorite streaming apps
- Your Favorite Streaming Services - Thanks to webOS23, find your favorites fast with built-in access to Netflix, Prime Video, the Apple TV app, Disney+, HBO Max and instant access to over 300+ free LG Channels with everything from comedy to movies to sports.
- 34" Ultra Wide 21:9 Panoramic Cinema - This 34" ultra wide QHD (3440x1440) with a 21:9 aspect ratio offers a 34% wider view than a 16:9 display. And the monitor's sweeping 1800R curve envelops you as if you were at the movies.
- Bold Color On A 34" Screen - Immerse yourself in a world of brilliant color from HDR10 that helps enhance picture quality and up to 99% sRGB color gamut expression to make games visually pop.
- Home Office Ready - From webOS, access cloud PC services such as Microsoft 365 and Google applications all without a PC.
Verdict
The LG 38WN95C-W is best understood as a mixed-use ultrawide, not a dark-room HDR specialist. Its 3840 × 1600 workspace, 144 Hz ceiling and Thunderbolt 3 charging make a compelling combination for buyers who will use both the productivity and gaming features. Its low contrast, weak local dimming and limited ergonomics are meaningful compromises. With the model listed as discontinued in Canada, whether it is a good buy now comes down to the condition, support and price of the specific unit available in your region.
Quick Recap
Sources
- LG Saudi Arabia: 38WN95C-W specifications
- LG Canada: 38WN95C-W product page and regional discontinued status
- RTINGS: LG 38WN95C-W review
- Windows Central: Daniel Rubino’s 2020 review
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
