monitor comparison

Alienware AW2725Q vs LG 38WQ88C-W 38-inch UltraWide

Two of the best monitor options we've reviewed, compared on price, rating, and what each one gets right and wrong.

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Quick Verdict

The Alienware AW2725Q is the stronger pick overall with a 4.7/5 rating. The LG 38WQ88C-W 38-inch UltraWide costs about $200 less (22% cheaper), so it makes sense if budget is the deciding factor. Pay the extra for the Alienware AW2725Q if you want 27-inch 4k qd-oled at 166 ppi makes text sharp enough for daily work.

Side-by-Side Specs

Alienware AW2725QLG 38WQ88C-W 38-inch UltraWide
Price$899$699
Our rating4.7/54.6/5
BrandAlienwareLG
Categorymonitormonitor
Best for27-inch 4K QD-OLED at 166 PPI makes text sharp enough for daily work3840x1600 resolution at 38 inches is sharp and spacious
Biggest drawbackNo DisplayPort 2.1, so 4K 240Hz relies on Display Stream Compression60Hz refresh rate limits gaming use

Alienware AW2725Q

The Alienware AW2725Q is a 27-inch 4K 240Hz QD-OLED monitor with a three-year burn-in warranty. It is the best-value way to get the top OLED panel class on a desk for gaming and work.

Pros

  • + 27-inch 4K QD-OLED at 166 PPI makes text sharp enough for daily work
  • + 240Hz refresh with 0.03ms response for clean motion in games
  • + Three-year warranty that covers OLED burn-in
  • + Two HDMI 2.1 ports handle consoles at 4K 120Hz
  • + Launched a couple hundred dollars below competing 4K 240Hz OLEDs

Cons

  • - No DisplayPort 2.1, so 4K 240Hz relies on Display Stream Compression
  • - No USB-C video input or laptop charging
  • - Full-screen SDR brightness around 250 nits is dim beside a sunny window

LG 38WQ88C-W 38-inch UltraWide

The LG 38WQ88C-W is a 38-inch 3840x1600 IPS ultrawide with 90W USB-C power delivery and DCI-P3 95% color coverage. The best ultrawide for professionals and laptop users.

Pros

  • + 3840x1600 resolution at 38 inches is sharp and spacious
  • + 90W USB-C PD powers most laptops via single cable
  • + DCI-P3 95% color coverage for accurate creative work
  • + Ergonomic stand with height, tilt, swivel, and pivot
  • + IPS panel eliminates burn-in concerns for productivity use

Cons

  • - 60Hz refresh rate limits gaming use
  • - High price relative to 34-inch alternatives
  • - Large footprint requires a deep desk

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Alienware AW2725Q worth $200 more than the LG 38WQ88C-W 38-inch UltraWide?
Usually yes if you'll use it daily. The Alienware AW2725Q rates 4.7/5 against 4.6/5 for the LG 38WQ88C-W 38-inch UltraWide. Its main advantages: 27-inch 4k qd-oled at 166 ppi makes text sharp enough for daily work; 240hz refresh with 0.03ms response for clean motion in games.
Which is better for most people, the Alienware AW2725Q or the LG 38WQ88C-W 38-inch UltraWide?
The Alienware AW2725Q is our pick for most buyers (4.7/5). Choose the LG 38WQ88C-W 38-inch UltraWide if its price or its specific strengths (3840x1600 resolution at 38 inches is sharp and spacious) matter more to you.
What are the main downsides of each?
Alienware AW2725Q: No DisplayPort 2.1, so 4K 240Hz relies on Display Stream Compression. LG 38WQ88C-W 38-inch UltraWide: 60Hz refresh rate limits gaming use.