Philips 34B2U5600C Ultrawide Business Monitor Review

How Much Does it Cost?

This being a business monitor, you’re unlikely to find it at your typical PC gaming store, but it is available for £439.99 at Stone Group here or £434.00 at SmartTeck here. That’s a very reasonable price, and whilst this monitor did have some obvious cost-saving measures in terms of features, I think it’s fair to say that this is strongly reflected in the very low overall price. This is a very big monitor for not a lot of money, and the added productivity features such as the USB-C, Power Delivery and KVM functions make it ideal for a hot-desking workspace, allowing a single Type-C to the monitor to get you up and running with internet, peripherals and more.

Considering the Dell S3422DW offers a similar 34″ curved 100Hz panel for around the same price (£429.99), the Philips monitor looks like a better value option, since the Dell lacks the KVM, Type-C, PowerDelivery, and other key features.

Conclusion

The Philips 34B2U5600C is a compelling choice for professionals seeking a big panel for productivity and while the panel is feature-rich, the rest of the monitor has enough bells and whistles to make it very appealing without breaking the bank. Its 34-inch curved display provides ample screen real estate for efficient multitasking, while the integrated KVM switch and versatile USB-C hub streamline connectivity and device management. While the VA panel may not satisfy the most discerning colour enthusiasts or gamers seeking top-tier responsiveness, it delivers respectable image quality and smooth visuals for everyday productivity tasks and media consumption.

Comfort

Philips has clearly prioritised practicality and ergonomic comfort with this model. Features like the easily adjustable stand, which has a large range of movement up and down, and good rotation left and right, which works well with the excellent viewing angles for the panel. There is also a LowBlue Mode, and Flicker-free technology, a light sensor, and a 100Hz refresh rate, which all contribute to a comfortable viewing experience during long work hours. The inclusion of built-in speakers and MultiView functionality further enhances its versatility for your workspace too.

Added Value

Ultimately, the 34B2U5600C strikes a commendable balance between features, performance, and affordability. It’s a strong contender for professionals who prioritise productivity and value a clutter-free workspace, especially those who can leverage the benefits of its USB-C connectivity and KVM switch. While it may not be the perfect choice for colour-critical work or fast-paced gaming, its strengths are clear for productivity on a tighter budget.

Should I Buy One?

There’s not a lot of competition for this part of the market. Offerings a similar panel and technologies to some rival products, but has big advantages by adding RJ45, KVM, PowerDelivery, and Type-C inputs for the same price, making this a compelling option for anyone looking to build out their office space for improved productivity on a tighter budget.