When I first upgraded to the ASUS TUF Gaming 34-inch Curved Monitor (VG34VQL1B), I wasn’t just looking for a display – I was looking for something that could actually keep up with how I game, how I work, and how I consume content every single day. After spending weeks with it, I can confidently say this monitor is not just a step up from my old flat 27-inch, it feels like stepping into an entirely new level of immersion.
This post isn’t a dramatic advertisement – it’s exactly how the monitor feels to use, the details you’d want to know before spending your money, and the little things that don’t always show up in spec sheets.
First Impressions: Size and Build Quality
At 34 inches, this thing is massive. The 21:9 ultrawide WQHD resolution (3440×1440) immediately stands out. Compared to a regular 16:9 monitor, you’re getting extra horizontal space that genuinely changes how both games and work feel.
The 1500R curve is subtle but effective – it wraps around your vision just enough to make you feel “inside” the action without being overly dramatic. I’ve used more aggressively curved displays before, but this one strikes the right balance.
Build quality feels premium. The matte finish reduces reflections, the stand is rock-solid with height adjustment, tilt, and swivel (something not all gaming monitors at this price range offer), and the thin bezels make it look sleek on my desk.
Gaming Performance: Speed Meets Clarity
This monitor is clearly designed with gaming in mind. Here’s where it impressed me most:
- 165Hz Refresh Rate – I switched from a 75Hz panel, and honestly, the difference is niht and day. Every movement in fast-paced shooters feels fluid. It’s especially noticeable in titles like Apex Legends and Valorant where reaction time matters.
- 1ms MPRT (Moving Picture Response Time) – ASUS’ Extreme Low Motion Blur (ELMB) tech reduces ghosting. I tested this in darker games like Metro Exodus where motion blur can ruin immersion, and the sharpness holds up.
- FreeSync Premium – If you’ve ever dealt with screen tearing mid-fight, you know how frustrating it is. FreeSync Premium syncs the monitor with your GPU output. I paired it with an NVIDIA card (it also supports G-Sync compatibility), and the smoothness is legit.
- HDR400 Certification – HDR is always hit or miss, but on this monitor it works well. Explosions in Cyberpunk 2077 pop, city lights look vivid, and Netflix HDR content looks more alive. Don’t expect OLED-level blacks, but for a VA panel it does a very respectable job.
Productivity and Everyday Use
- 34-inch WQHD (3440×1440) 1500R curved gaming monitor with ultra-fast 165Hz (supports 144Hz) refresh rate designed for pr…
- ASUS Extreme Low Motion Blur (ELMB ) technology enables a 1ms response time (MPRT) to eliminate ghosting for sharp gamin…
- FreeSync Premium technology to eliminate screen tearing and choppy frame rates
While gaming was my main reason for buying this monitor, the productivity benefits surprised me the most.
- Multitasking: With a 34-inch ultrawide, I can have a browser, a document, and a YouTube video all side by side without feeling cramped. It saves me from using dual monitors.
- Video Editing: The timeline in Adobe Premiere feels endless. Scrolling through footage is faster and more precise.
- Eye Care Tech: ASUS includes flicker-free technology and a low blue light mode. I spend hours on this screen daily, and it actually does make long sessions easier on the eyes.
Ports and Connectivity
I didn’t want a monitor that locks me down with limited ports. Thankfully, the VG34VQL1B is flexible:
- 2 × HDMI 2.0
- 1 × DisplayPort 1.4
- USB Hub for connecting peripherals
- Headphone jack
I run my gaming PC on DisplayPort (for max refresh rate), my PS5 on HDMI, and still have space for my laptop input when needed.
Real-World Use Cases
Instead of just listing specs, here’s how it performs in real scenarios:
- FPS Games (Valorant, Apex Legends, CS2): Fluid, sharp, and no ghosting issues even in high-action fights.
- Story-Driven Games (Cyberpunk, Red Dead Redemption 2): The ultrawide aspect ratio makes the worlds feel more alive. In Cyberpunk, Night City genuinely surrounds you.
- Work: Writing and editing content is so much easier with extra width. I almost never use Alt+Tab anymore.
- Media: Watching movies in 21:9 format is cinema-like. Streaming Netflix or Disney+ feels closer to a home theater.
Downsides – Things You Should Know
It’s not perfect, and I want to be transparent:
- VA Panel Limitations: While contrast is great, viewing angles aren’t as strong as IPS. If you’re off to the side, colors shift slightly.
- HDR400 Only: It’s good but not mind-blowing. Don’t expect OLED or mini-LED blacks.
- Size: At 34 inches, it requires desk depth. If your setup is cramped, measure before buying.
Why I Recommend It
After weeks of use, here’s the simple truth: this monitor delivers more than what it costs. For under $600 (sometimes less on deals), you’re getting:
- A gaming powerhouse with 165Hz, ELMB, and FreeSync
- An ultrawide workspace that improves productivity
- A solid build with adjustable stand and eye-care features
If you want a monitor that works for both competitive gaming and daily productivity, the ASUS TUF VG34VQL1B is one of the best mid-range ultrawides I’ve tried.
