LG Smart Monitor LG - 34" Smart Monitor WQHD 1440P Curved Screen Review
The LG 34-inch Smart Monitor mashes a TV and a monitor together. We found it's a fantastic deal for multitaskers, but gamers might want to look elsewhere.
The 30-Second Version
This LG Smart Monitor packs a huge, curved ultrawide screen and built-in streaming apps into a shockingly affordable package. It scores in the 82nd percentile for display quality but isn't a gaming beast. For the price, it's an easy recommendation for multitaskers and streamers.
Overview
The LG 34-inch Smart Monitor is basically a TV and a computer monitor that had a baby. You get a massive 34-inch curved ultrawide screen with built-in webOS for streaming, all for a price that's surprisingly close to a regular monitor. It's designed to be your all-in-one hub for work, play, and binge-watching, no PC required for a lot of it.
Performance
The 3440x1440 resolution on this 100Hz panel looks sharp, and the 21:9 aspect ratio is fantastic for productivity and movies. Our data shows its display quality lands in the 82nd percentile, which is solid. But the 100Hz refresh rate is just okay for gaming—it's fine for casual play, but competitive gamers will want more. Performance overall sits right in the middle of the pack at the 51st percentile.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- The built-in webOS and apps turn it into a standalone entertainment center. 99th
- The ultrawide 21:9 screen is a massive productivity boost. 97th
- Includes a handy Magic Remote for easy navigation. 83th
- Great value for a feature-packed monitor at around $330. 80th
Cons
- Only 100Hz, so it's not a true high-refresh gaming monitor. 9th
- The stand only adjusts for tilt and height, no swivel.
- HDR10 support is basic, not a standout HDR experience.
- It's big and heavy, with portability in the 8th percentile.
The Word on the Street
Specifications
Full Specifications
Display
| Size | 34" |
| Resolution | 3440 x 1440 |
| Panel Type | VA |
| Aspect Ratio | 21:9 |
| Curved | Yes |
Performance
| Refresh Rate | 100 Hz |
Color & HDR
| Color Gamut | 99 percent |
| HDR | HDR10 |
| HDR Support | HDR10 |
Connectivity
| HDMI Ports | 2 |
| Headphone Jack | Yes |
Ergonomics
| Height Adjustable | Yes |
| Tilt | Yes |
| VESA Mount | 100x100 |
Features
| Weight | 7.0 kg / 15.4 lbs |
Value & Pricing
At its current street price of around $330, this monitor is a steal for what you get. You're getting a huge, curved smart display that can replace a second monitor and a streaming stick. For the price of a decent standard monitor, you get a whole lot of extra functionality. It's hard to beat on pure features-per-dollar.
vs Competition
Compared to a pure gaming monitor like the MSI MPG 32" 4K, you're giving up high refresh rates for smart features and an ultrawide format. Next to a productivity workhorse like the Dell UltraSharp, you lose some color accuracy and ergonomic adjustments but gain the built-in OS and immersive curve. Against other smart displays, its combination of size, curve, and price is unique. It carves out its own niche.
| Spec | LG Smart Monitor LG - 34" Smart Monitor WQHD 1440P Curved Screen | Samsung Odyssey Samsung - 57" Odyssey Neo G9 Dual 4K UHD Quantum | LG UltraGear LG UltraGear 45" WUHD DUAL MODE 4K 165Hz FHD 330Hz | ASUS ROG Swift ASUS ROG Swift 32" 4K OLED Gaming Monitor PG32UCDP | MSI MAG MSI 32" UHD 4K 165Hz Nvidia G-Sync Compatible | BenQ MOBIUZ BenQ MOBIUZ EX271U 27" 4K HDR 165 Hz Gaming |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Screen Size | 34 | 57 | 45 | 32 | 32 | 27 |
| Resolution | 3440 x 1440 | 7680 x 2160 | 5120 x 2160 | 3840 x 2160 | 3840 x 2160 | 3840 x 2160 |
| Panel Type | VA | VA | OLED | OLED | OLED | IPS |
| Refresh Rate | 100 | 240 | 165 | 240 | 165 | 165 |
| Response Time Ms | - | 1 | - | - | 0 | 1 |
| Adaptive Sync | - | FreeSync Premium Pro | G-Sync Compatible | G-Sync Compatible | G-Sync Compatible | FreeSync Premium |
| Hdr | HDR10 | HDR10+ | HDR10 | HDR10 | HDR400 | HDR10 |
| Compare | Compare | Compare | Compare | Compare |
Common Questions
Q: Can I use this monitor without a computer?
Yes, you can use the built-in webOS to stream Netflix, Disney+, and others, or access cloud apps like Microsoft 365 directly. You'll need a computer for traditional desktop work, though.
Q: Is 100Hz good enough for gaming?
It's fine for casual or single-player games, providing a smoother experience than 60Hz. For competitive esports, you'll want a monitor with 144Hz or higher.
Q: Does it work well with Macs?
Yes, it has Apple AirPlay 2 and HomeKit built-in, so you can wirelessly cast content from your iPhone, iPad, or Mac directly to the screen very easily.
Who Should Skip This
Hardcore competitive gamers should skip this. The 100Hz refresh rate and basic HDR10 won't keep up with dedicated high-refresh gaming monitors. Also, if you need precise color accuracy for professional photo or video editing, look for a monitor with a wider color gamut and factory calibration.
Verdict
Buy this if you want one screen to rule them all for a home office or bedroom. It's perfect for someone who multitasks, streams shows during work breaks, and maybe plays the occasional casual game. If your desk is a command center, this is your monitor.