Our editors evaluated 3 Monitor options against the criteria readers actually weigh up: price, real-world performance, build quality, warranty, and UK availability. Picks lean toward what we'd recommend to a friend buying today, not specs-on-paper winners.
Hands-on contextEditor notes from individual reviews, not press releases.
Live UK pricingRefreshed from Amazon UK twice daily.
No paid placementsAffiliate commission doesn't change what wins.
Finding the best LG monitors right now means navigating a surprisingly varied lineup, even within a single price bracket. These three screens sit between roughly £200 and £400, but they're aimed at very different people. The LG 34BA75QE is a fully loaded ultrawide productivity machine with KVM switching and 90W USB-C. The LG 34WR50QK is a budget curved ultrawide with a VA panel and 100Hz refresh. And the LG 27U731SA-W is a 4K smart monitor that runs webOS and works without a PC. Same brand, same rough price range, completely different priorities. So which one actually fits your desk? That depends entirely on what you need from a screen, and this comparison will give you a straight answer.
Display Quality: Which LG Monitor Has the Best Picture?
Winner: LG 27U731SA-W
Resolution is where the LG SMART Monitor 27U731SA-W pulls ahead in a meaningful way. At 4K UHD (3840x2160) on a 27-inch screen, you're looking at a pixel density of around 163 PPI. Compare that to the two 34-inch ultrawides, which both run UWQHD (3440x1440) at roughly 109 PPI. That's a 49% increase in pixel density. In practice, text is noticeably sharper on the 27U731SA-W, which matters a lot if you're reading documents or writing code for hours.
Both the 34BA75QE and the 27U731SA-W use IPS panels, which means accurate colours, wide viewing angles, and consistent brightness across the screen. The 34WR50QK uses a VA panel instead. VA panels typically offer higher contrast ratios (often 3000:1 compared to IPS at around 1000:1), so blacks look deeper and more cinematic. But VA panels can show colour shift when viewed from an angle, and some users report slight smearing on fast motion, which is worth knowing if you game.
HDR10 support appears on both the 34BA75QE and the 27U731SA-W but is absent on the 34WR50QK. That said, HDR10 on monitors at this price point is rarely transformative. It's a nice-to-have rather than a headline feature.
For pure image quality and sharpness, the 27U731SA-W wins. The 4K IPS panel at 27 inches is genuinely excellent for productivity and media. The 34BA75QE is close behind with its IPS accuracy and HDR10 support. The 34WR50QK's VA panel has its strengths in contrast, but the lack of HDR and slightly lower pixel density put it third here.
Both the LG UltraWide Monitor 34BA75QE and the LG UltraWide Curved PC Monitor 34WR50QK offer a 21:9 aspect ratio at 34 inches. That's a lot of horizontal real estate. Side-by-side windows, spreadsheets, video timelines, code editors with multiple panes. It's genuinely useful for multitasking in a way that a standard 16:9 screen simply isn't.
The 27U731SA-W is a 27-inch 16:9 screen. Smaller, yes, but 4K resolution means you can still fit a lot on screen by scaling down the UI. It's a different kind of workspace. More focused, less panoramic.
The 34WR50QK adds a curved panel (the listing doesn't specify the exact curvature radius, but LG's 34-inch curved models typically use 1800R or 1500R). Curvature on a 34-inch ultrawide does help with immersion and reduces the sense that the edges are further away than the centre. Whether you like it is personal preference, but it's a genuine differentiator.
The 34BA75QE is flat. Some people prefer flat for productivity because it's easier to use a ruler on screen or align design elements. Others find the curved 34WR50QK more comfortable for long sessions. Neither is objectively better here.
For raw workspace, the two ultrawides beat the 27-inch. Between them, the 34BA75QE wins this category because it pairs the large ultrawide canvas with a superior stand (height, tilt, swivel) that lets you position it properly. The 34WR50QK only tilts, which is a real limitation on a screen this wide.
Refresh Rate and Gaming Performance: Does 100Hz Matter?
Winner: LG 34WR50QK
Here's where the LG UltraWide Curved PC Monitor 34WR50QK makes its clearest case. It's the only one of these three monitors running at 100Hz. The other two, the 34BA75QE and the 27U731SA-W, are both 60Hz. All three share a 5ms response time on paper.
Does 100Hz versus 60Hz matter? For office work and general productivity, honestly, not much. But for gaming, even casual gaming, the difference is visible. Motion looks smoother, scrolling feels more fluid, and fast-paced games feel more responsive. Going from 60Hz to 100Hz isn't as dramatic as jumping to 144Hz or 165Hz, but it's a noticeable step up.
The 34BA75QE and 27U731SA-W are clearly aimed at productivity users who won't miss the extra frames. But if you want a monitor that doubles as a decent gaming screen in the evenings, the 34WR50QK is the only sensible choice here. Its VA panel also tends to handle dark gaming scenes better than IPS thanks to that higher contrast ratio.
One caveat: the 34WR50QK's 5ms response time is listed as a standard figure. LG doesn't specify whether this is GtG (grey-to-grey) or MPRT. The 27U731SA-W explicitly states 5ms GtG. Worth keeping in mind if you're sensitive to motion blur.
For gaming and high refresh rate performance, the 34WR50QK wins outright. It's the only 100Hz option in this group.
Connectivity and Ports: The Biggest Difference Between These Monitors
Winner: LG 34BA75QE
This is where the LG UltraWide Monitor 34BA75QE absolutely runs away from the competition. The port list reads like a docking station spec sheet: USB-C with 90W Power Delivery, DisplayPort 1.4, HDMI, a built-in USB hub, a wired LAN port (RJ45), and a KVM switch. That's a lot.
The 90W USB-C PD is the headline. Plug in a modern laptop (a MacBook Pro, a Dell XPS, a ThinkPad) and the monitor charges it at full speed while carrying the video signal. One cable to the monitor, and your laptop is charged and displaying. That's a genuinely useful setup for anyone who works at a desk most of the day.
The KVM switch is rarer at this price. It lets you connect two computers (say, a work laptop and a personal desktop) and switch between them using a single keyboard and mouse. No separate KVM box needed. For people who juggle multiple machines, this is a proper time-saver.
The LAN port is a nice touch too. If your desk is near a router and you'd rather not rely on Wi-Fi, you can run a cable directly to the monitor and connect your laptop via USB-C. Wired network through a single cable setup.
The LG 34WR50QK has DisplayPort and HDMI. That's it. No USB-C, no USB hub, no LAN. Fine for a basic setup, but nothing more. The LG 27U731SA-W has USB-C and HDMI, plus Wi-Fi and Bluetooth built in. The wireless connectivity is genuinely useful for a smart monitor, but it doesn't match the 34BA75QE's wired productivity setup.
For connectivity, the 34BA75QE wins by a significant margin. It's not even close.
Smart Features and Software: webOS Changes the Game
Winner: LG 27U731SA-W
The LG SMART Monitor 27U731SA-W is the only one of these three that works without a computer. It runs webOS, LG's smart TV operating system, which means you can stream Netflix, YouTube, Disney+, and other apps directly from the monitor itself. No PC, no laptop, no streaming stick needed.
It also supports AirPlay, so you can mirror or cast content from an iPhone or iPad. Bluetooth means wireless headphones or speakers connect directly. Wi-Fi handles the network connection. And Remote Desktop support means you can connect to a work PC remotely without the PC being physically present.
For a bedroom setup, a kitchen screen, or a secondary display that needs to work independently, this is genuinely useful. It's a smart TV that also happens to be a proper 4K monitor. That dual-purpose nature is hard to replicate with the other two screens here.
The 34BA75QE and 34WR50QK are traditional monitors. They display what you send them and nothing more. There's nothing wrong with that for a primary desk setup, but they can't function without a connected source device.
The 27U731SA-W also includes built-in speakers, as does the 34BA75QE. The 34WR50QK has no speakers at all, which is a notable omission at any price point.
For smart features and standalone functionality, the 27U731SA-W wins clearly. It's a different category of product in some ways, and that's exactly the point.
Build Quality and Ergonomics: Stand Matters More Than You Think
Winner: LG 34BA75QE
Ergonomics is one of those things people ignore until their neck hurts. The LG UltraWide Monitor 34BA75QE offers height adjustment, tilt, and swivel. That's a proper ergonomic stand. You can raise or lower the screen to match your eye level, angle it toward you, and rotate it left or right to share the screen or reduce glare. For a monitor you'll use eight hours a day, this matters enormously.
The LG 34WR50QK and the LG 27U731SA-W both offer tilt only. You can angle the screen forward or back, but that's it. If the height isn't right for your desk and chair combination, you're reaching for books or a monitor arm. Not ideal, especially for a 34-inch screen that's already quite wide and heavy.
In terms of build materials, all three are standard LG plastic construction. Nothing feels premium, but nothing feels cheap either. LG's build quality at this price range is consistently decent. The 34BA75QE is the heaviest and most substantial of the three, which is expected given its size and feature set.
The 27U731SA-W comes in white, which is a nice option if your desk setup leans that way. The other two are black. Purely cosmetic, but worth mentioning.
For ergonomics and build quality, the 34BA75QE wins. The full height, tilt, and swivel stand is a meaningful advantage for long-term comfort.
Value for Money: Which LG Monitor Gives You the Most for Your Budget?
Winner: LG 27U731SA-W
Value is always relative to what you actually need. But looked at purely in terms of what you get per pound spent, the LG SMART Monitor 27U731SA-W at around £199 is remarkable. You're getting 4K IPS resolution, HDR10, webOS smart features, AirPlay, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, built-in speakers, and USB-C in a single package. For a 4K IPS monitor alone, £199 is competitive. The smart features on top make it exceptional value.
The LG UltraWide Curved PC Monitor 34WR50QK at around £219 is also strong value. A 34-inch curved ultrawide at that price is genuinely affordable. You're giving up smart features, USB-C, and HDR, but you're getting a large VA panel with 100Hz refresh. For budget-conscious buyers who want screen size and a higher refresh rate, this is a solid deal.
The LG UltraWide Monitor 34BA75QE at around £399 is the most expensive by a significant margin. Roughly £180 more than the 34WR50QK and £200 more than the 27U731SA-W. Is it worth it? If you need the KVM switch, 90W USB-C, LAN port, and ergonomic stand, yes, absolutely. Those features would cost you more than £180 if you bought them separately as accessories. But if you don't need those features, you're paying a premium for things you won't use.
For pure value per pound, the 27U731SA-W edges it. The 34WR50QK is close behind. The 34BA75QE is excellent value for what it does, but only if you actually need what it offers.
Who Are These Monitors Actually For? Real-World Use Cases
Winner: LG 34BA75QE
Specs tell you what a monitor can do. Use cases tell you whether it fits your life. So here's how these three actually break down in practice.
The LG 34BA75QE is built for the serious home office worker. Picture someone with a work laptop and a personal machine, both connected to the same monitor, switching between them with a single keyboard shortcut. USB-C charges the laptop while displaying the image. Wired LAN keeps the connection stable during video calls. The ultrawide canvas means Outlook, Teams, and a browser can all be open simultaneously without overlapping. This is a monitor that replaces a docking station for many users, and at £399 it's cheaper than most docks plus a decent monitor combined.
The LG 34WR50QK is for someone who wants a big, immersive screen without spending big. A student who games in the evenings and uses the screen for essays during the day. Someone setting up a media PC in the living room. A casual gamer who wants the ultrawide experience but can't justify £400. The 100Hz and curved VA panel make it genuinely enjoyable for games and films. The basic connectivity is a limitation, but for a straightforward HDMI or DisplayPort setup, it's sorted.
The LG 27U731SA-W is the odd one out in the best possible way. It's for someone who wants a bedroom screen that works as a TV and a monitor. Or a kitchen display. Or a secondary screen in a room without a PC. The webOS platform is mature and well-supported. AirPlay works properly. And when you do connect a laptop, you get 4K IPS quality that's genuinely excellent for photo editing, design work, or just sharp text.
For the broadest professional use case, the 34BA75QE wins. But the other two serve their niches well.
You work from home and want to charge your laptop, connect to wired LAN, and switch between two computers using a single cable and KVM setup.
You need a fully adjustable ergonomic stand (height, tilt, swivel) for long daily use without investing in a separate monitor arm.
You want the most feature-complete ultrawide monitor in this group and the price difference over the 34WR50QK is justified by the connectivity alone.
You're replacing a docking station and want one device that handles power, network, display, and USB hub duties.
Buy the LG 34WR50QK If:
You want a large curved ultrawide screen on a tight budget and don't need USB-C, KVM, or smart features.
You game casually and want 100Hz refresh rate for smoother motion, which neither of the other two monitors offers.
You connect via HDMI or DisplayPort from a desktop or gaming console and don't need a USB hub or power delivery.
Buy the LG 27U731SA-W If:
You want 4K IPS resolution at the lowest price in this group, with HDR10 and sharp text for productivity or photo work.
You need a screen that works independently as a smart display via webOS, AirPlay, or Remote Desktop without a connected PC.
You prefer a compact 27-inch form factor and want Wi-Fi and Bluetooth built in for a cleaner, cable-light desk setup.
You're on a strict budget and want the best image quality per pound spent.
How We Researched These Monitors
We don't fabricate hands-on testing results. What we do is dig into the specs carefully, cross-reference manufacturer data with verified owner reviews on Amazon UK and other retail platforms, and compare against known benchmarks from trusted sources like RTINGS.com and LG's official UK monitor pages. For these three monitors, we analysed panel type characteristics (IPS versus VA contrast and viewing angle trade-offs), verified port specifications against LG's own product pages, and assessed real owner feedback around stand quality, colour accuracy out of the box, and connectivity reliability. Price comparisons use current Amazon UK listings via dynamic shortcodes that update automatically. Our editorial ratings reflect the balance of specs, features, and value rather than any single benchmark figure.
Final Verdict: Best LG Monitors
Across this comparison, the LG UltraWide Monitor 34BA75QE is the best LG monitor of the three for most home office users. It wins on connectivity, ergonomics, workspace, and real-world professional use cases. The KVM switch, 90W USB-C, and wired LAN make it a genuine docking station replacement, and the IPS panel with HDR10 delivers accurate, comfortable image quality across long working days. But it's the most expensive by a clear margin, and that matters. If your budget is closer to £200 and you want smart TV features plus 4K IPS quality, the LG SMART Monitor 27U731SA-W is a genuinely impressive buy and earns its place as the best budget pick in this group. And if you want a large curved ultrawide for gaming and media without spending much, the LG UltraWide Curved PC Monitor 34WR50QK delivers 100Hz and a big VA panel at a price that's hard to fault. The best LG monitors here each serve a distinct purpose. Match the monitor to your actual use case, and you won't be disappointed with any of them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Competitive gamers benefit from 144Hz or higher for responsive gameplay, whilst casual gamers find 60Hz adequate. The refresh rate you choose depends on your graphics hardware capability: mid-range cards sustain 144Hz at 1440p, whilst high-end cards enable 4K at 144Hz. Higher refresh rates eliminate screen tearing and input lag, providing genuine competitive advantages in fast-paced titles.
Modern IPS panels perform competitively against TN panels, offering superior colour accuracy and viewing angles with minimal response time disadvantage. For casual gaming and any creative work, IPS panels prove superior. Specialised esports players may prefer TN panels' theoretically faster response times, though real-world differences prove negligible with contemporary technology.
Factory calibration provides invaluable starting point for colour-accurate work, eliminating guesswork about colour rendering accuracy. Professional creatives benefit substantially from factory calibration, though further calibration with dedicated hardware can refine accuracy further. Budget-conscious alternatives can utilise non-calibrated monitors with separate calibration tools, though factory calibration streamlines professional workflows.
USB-C power delivery allows monitors to charge laptops and peripherals simultaneously through a single cable connection. This consolidates desk connectivity, reducing cable clutter and improving workspace organisation. Power delivery capacity varies between monitors, ranging from 40W to 90W, so verify adequacy for your specific devices before purchasing.
24-27 inches suits compact desks and single-task work, whilst 32-inch monitors and ultrawide displays benefit multitasking and detailed creative work. Consider available desk space, viewing distance, and application requirements when selecting size. Larger displays improve productivity but require proportionally more physical space and appropriate viewing distance to avoid eye strain.
