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Computer Monitors

True Score Methodology v2.0

LG 38GN950-B Review

Christen da Costa Avatar
Christen da Costa
Christen da Costa Avatar
Christen da Costa
Grew up back East, got sick of the cold and headed West. Since I was small I have been pushing buttons – both electronic and human. With an insatiable need for tech I thought “why not start a blog focusing on technology, and use my dislikes and likes to post on gadgets.
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Updated Dec 21, 2023 3:50 PM

Published

True Score

True Score is an AI-powered algorithm of product tests and customer reviews.

77

Mixed Reviews

75
1

Experts

83
82

Consumers

Product Awards

GR Certified

Customer Favorite

Expert Rankings

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Analysts were pleased with the LG 38GN950-B, recommending it for gaming. They liked its 160Hz maximum refresh rate, wide viewing angles, and FreeSync support. However, they were disappointed by its low contrast ratio. Users who treasure dark room performance should consider the VA-panel-fitted Nixeus EDG 34, which has a native 3,610:1 contrast ratio.

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Table of Contents

Product Snapshot

Overview

The LG 38GN950-B is a mid-range 2021-model ultrawide gaming monitor that promises immersive, fluid visuals to gamers. It has a 144Hz native refresh rate, which can be overclocked to 160Hz, holding its own when compared to the top-rated computer monitors on the market. It has an IPS panel, providing wide viewing angles. An impressive 734-nit HDR peak brightness and HDR tech delivers colorful pictures. Check out how this gaming monitor compares to the top gaming monitors available today.

Consensus

our Verdict

Product testers lauded the LG 38GN950-B, endorsing it for professional gaming. They were pleased that it supports FreeSync and has G-SYNC compatibility. Reviewers at Tech Radar confirmed its 144Hz native refresh rate. Users seeking a better 180Hz model should explore our LG 34GP950G-B review. The 38GN950-B monitor features two HDMI 2.0 inputs, and it has a very large 38-inch screen. Tests revealed a rise-and-fall response time of 3.4 ms and a very fast 3.8 ms in input lag. The display has a wide color gamut, covering 93.4% of the DCI P3 color space, earning RTING’s editor’s endorsement for media creation. However, users with smaller desks should consider our LG 24M47VQ review. Also, this model features poor black levels that result from its miserably low 945:1 contrast ratio. Testers explained that this low contrast ratio results in black scenes appearing grayish in a dark room. It also doesn’t handle reflections as well as the MSI Optix G27C4, and its stand doesn’t swivel.

ReasonS to Buy

  • Excellent viewing angles
  • HDMI 2.0 inputs
  • FreeSync support and G-SYNC compatibility
  • Large, immersive screen
  • Very fast response time and great input lag

Reason to Avoid

  • Mediocre contrast ratio
  • Stand doesn’t swivel
  • Average reflection handling

LG 38GN950-B Specs

Display TypeLCD
HDMI Inputs2
HDR FormatYes
Max Resolution3840 x 1600
Panel TypePanel TypeIPS
Refresh Rate160 Hz
Response TimeResponse Time1 ms
Screen size38"
Sync TechnologySync TechnologyAMD FreeSync

All Specs

Test Results

These are the most important criteria to test for Computer Monitors based on our comprehensive Testing Methodology.

Brightness (nits)491
Contrast Ratio (as ratio x:1)949
Color Gamut/Accuracy % (DCI P3 xy)94.8
Color Gamut/Accuracy % (DCI P3 uv)0
Color Gamut % (sRGB Coverage xy)99.7
Color Gamut % (Adobe RGB Coverage xy)88.6
Color Gamut % (Rec. 2020 Coverage xy)70.2
Color Gamut % (Rec. 709 Coverage xy)0
Input Lag (ms)3.7
Response Time (ms)4.5
Horizontal Viewing Angle (Washout Left)42
Horizontal Viewing Angle (Washout Right)43
Vertical Viewing Angle (Washout Above)33
Vertical Viewing Angle (Washout Below)31
Reflections % (Total Reflections)6.7

All Tests

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Product Comparison

LG 38GN950-B Review

LG 38GL950G-B Review

LG 38GL950G-B Review Draft

True Score

77
NR
NR
NR
NR

Ranking

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Market Context

 The LG 38GN950-B is a mid-range 2021-model ultrawide gaming monitor that promises immersive, fluid visuals to gamers. It has a 144Hz native refresh rate, which…

The LG 38GN950-B is a mid-range 2021-model ultrawide gaming monitor that promises immersive, fluid visuals to gamers. It has a 144Hz native refresh rate, which can be overclocked to 160Hz, holding its own when compared to the top-rated computer monitors on the market. It has an IPS panel, providing wide viewing angles. An impressive 734-nit HDR peak brightness and HDR tech delivers colorful pictures. Check out how this gaming monitor compares to the top gaming monitors available today.

 Featuring a similar IPS panel, native FreeSync, and 160Hz maximum refresh rate, the LG 38GN950-B, and the LG 34GN850-B are very alike. However, the LG…

Featuring a similar IPS panel, native FreeSync, and 160Hz maximum refresh rate, the LG 38GN950-B, and the LG 34GN850-B are very alike. However, the LG 38GN950-B (this review) has a larger 38-inch screen than the 34-inch LG 34GN850-B. The LG 38GN950-B also has a much better color gamut evidenced by its coverage of a whopping 93.4% of the DCI P3 color space, compared to 82.6% coverage by the LG 34GN850-B.

 The LG 38GN950-B is a minor upgrade over its predecessor, the LG 38GL950G-B. The key difference is that the newer gaming monitor natively supports FreeSync…

The LG 38GN950-B is a minor upgrade over its predecessor, the LG 38GL950G-B. The key difference is that the newer gaming monitor natively supports FreeSync with G-SYNC certified compatibility, unlike the older one, which natively supports G-SYNC.

 Although both the LG 38GN950-B and LG 38WN95C-W have the same native 144Hz, the refresh rate of the LG 38GN950-B can be overclocked to 160Hz….

Although both the LG 38GN950-B and LG 38WN95C-W have the same native 144Hz, the refresh rate of the LG 38GN950-B can be overclocked to 160Hz. The LG 38GN950-B also has a wider HDR gamut, covering 94.4% of the DCI-P3 color space compared to the 83.2% coverage of the LG 38WN95C-W.

 While the LG 38GN950-B natively supports FreeSync and is compatible with G-SYNC, the Dell Alienware AW3821DW natively supports G-SYNC and is compatible with FreeSync. Also,…

While the LG 38GN950-B natively supports FreeSync and is compatible with G-SYNC, the Dell Alienware AW3821DW natively supports G-SYNC and is compatible with FreeSync. Also, the LG monitor’s 144Hz refresh rate can be overclocked to 160Hz, while the rate of the Alienware display peaks at 144Hz.

Display Type

LCD

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HDMI Inputs

2

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HDR Format

Yes

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Max Resolution

3840 x 1600

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Panel Type

IPS

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Refresh Rate

160 Hz

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Response Time

1 ms

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Screen size

38"

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  • $799.99

    Availability

    In Stock

    Free Shipping

    No
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Score Card

E

Expert Score

75

*.75

We place a 75% weighted value on Expert Test Scores

C

Customer Score

83

*.25

We place a 25% weighted value on Customer Scores

True Score

77

Any product with a True Score above 80 is a Absolutely Fresh

Expert Scores

Publications with higher Trust Ratings are given more weight.

  • Rtings
    101.4

    Category Trust Rating

    78
    The LG UltraGear 38GN950-B is a great monitor overall. It’s great for gaming as it… Read More

    By:

    Samuel Breton

Customer Scores