The Best Curved Monitors in 2025
Upgrading your gaming setup with a curved gaming monitor can significantly enhance your immersion, drawing you into the game world like never before. Whether you're a competitive gamer seeking an edge in esports or a single-player enthusiast looking to immerse yourself in epic storylines, the best curved gaming monitors of 2025 are here to elevate your experience. Here's a curated list of top picks to help you find the perfect monitor for your needs.
TL;DR – These Are the Best Curved Gaming Monitors:
Our top pick### Asus ROG Swift PG34WCDM
0See it at AmazonSee it at NeweggSee it at Asus### AOC C27G2Z
0See it at Amazon### Dell Alienware AW3423DWF
0See it at Amazon### Acer Predator X34 OLED
0See it at Amazon### MSI MPG 491CQP
0See it at AmazonThe market for curved gaming monitors has expanded dramatically, with numerous brands offering a wide array of options. However, not all monitors are created equal, and the right choice depends on your gaming style. If you're into fast-paced shooters, a monitor with low input latency and a high refresh rate is essential. For a deeply immersive experience, opting for a monitor with a more pronounced curve could be the way to go.
The Expert: Why Trust Us
With over a decade of experience as a gaming journalist, I've reviewed countless monitors for top gaming publications. My insights are tailored to help different types of users find the perfect monitor. It's not just about the specs like panel type, refresh rate, and resolution; it's about how these elements combine to deliver an exceptional gaming experience. At IGN, our reviews are thorough, ensuring you get the most reliable information to make informed decisions. Beyond monitors, explore our guides on the Best Graphics Cards, Best Gaming Keyboards, Best Gaming Mice, and Best Gaming Headsets to complete your setup.
1. Asus ROG Swift PG34WCDM
Best Curved Gaming Monitor
Our top pick### Asus ROG Swift PG34WCDM
0This 34-inch ultrawide monitor boasts exceptional HDR capabilities and a comprehensive suite of gaming features, making it an outstanding choice for both gaming and productivity. Its deep 800R curve enhances immersion, while the OLED panel delivers vibrant colors and high brightness. Priced around $1,000, it offers a peak brightness of 1,300 nits for stunning HDR gaming and movies. The monitor also supports content creation with its crisp 3,440 x 1,440 resolution and wide color gamut. While its deep curve might distort text slightly, making it less ideal for productivity, it excels in entertainment. With a 240Hz refresh rate and various gaming modes, including a black equalizer and sniper modes, it's a top performer. A built-in KVM switch adds convenience for multi-platform gamers.
See it at AmazonSee it at NeweggSee it at AsusProduct SpecificationsScreen size34" 800RAspect ratio21:9 Resolution3,440 x 1,440Panel typeOLED, G-Sync compatibleHDR compatibilityDisplayHDR 400 True BlackBrightness1,300cd/m2Refresh rate240HzResponse time0.03ms (GtG)Inputs1 x DisplayPort 1.4, 2 x HDMI 2.1, USB Type-C (DP and PD), 2 x USB 3.2 Type-A, 1 x USB 2.0 Type-A PROSStunning HDR performanceDeep and immersive curveHigh peak brightness, infinite contrastBuilt-in KVM and meaningful gaming featuresCONSDeep curve isn't great for productivity2. AOC C27G2Z
Best Budget Curved Gaming Monitor
### AOC C27G2Z
0This monitor is a budget-friendly gem, offering a 27-inch screen with a 1500R curve and a high 240Hz refresh rate for under $200. Its VA panel delivers a deep 3,000:1 contrast ratio, providing vivid colors and contrast. While the colors and viewing angles may not match those of IPS panels, the AOC C27G2Z excels in responsiveness, making it ideal for competitive gaming. The only caveat is its HDMI ports are limited to 120Hz, requiring a DisplayPort connection for the full refresh rate. A 32-inch version is available, but sticking to the smaller size is recommended to avoid pixel visibility issues.
See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsScreen size27" 1500R Aspect ratio16:9Resolution1,920 x 1,080Panel typeVA FreeSyncBrightness300cd/m2 Refresh rate240HzResponse time0.5msInputs2 x HDMI 2.0, 1 x DisplayPortPROSGreat responsivenessHigh refresh rateGood colors and contrastCONSHDMI is limited to 120Hz
3. Dell Alienware AW3423DWF
Best Value Curved Gaming Monitor
### Alienware AW3423DWF
0This monitor delivers exceptional value with its QD-OLED panel and robust gaming features, now available for just over $600. Its stunning picture quality, thanks to millions of local dimming zones and quantum dot technology, makes it a standout choice. With a peak brightness of 1,000 nits in HDR mode, it offers a fantastic visual experience. The 165Hz refresh rate and 0.3ms response time ensure smooth gameplay, making it a great pick for competitive gamers. It supports both AMD FreeSync and NVIDIA G-Sync, enhancing its versatility.
See it at Best BuySee it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsScreen size34" 1800RAspect ratio21:9Resolution3,440 x 1,440Panel typeQD-OLED, FreeSync Premium Pro, G-Sync compatibleBrightness1,000 cd/m2 (peak)Refresh rate165HzResponse time0.5msInputs1 x HDMI 2.0, 2 x DisplayPort, 4 x USB 3.2 Type-APROSGreat valueFantastic picture thanks to QD-OLED panelHigh refresh rateCONSLow SDR brightnessHDMI 2.0 only
4. Acer Predator X34 OLED
Best Ultrawide G-Sync Gaming Monitor
### Acer Predator X34 OLED
0This monitor is the top choice for ultrawide gaming with its 34-inch 800R curve, 240Hz refresh rate, and OLED panel. It offers superior HDR brightness and excellent color reproduction, making it ideal for both gaming and content creation. While it lacks an sRGB mode, it includes a P3 mode for standardized colors. Its 21:9 aspect ratio is particularly beneficial for video editing, providing a more efficient workspace.
See it at AmazonSee it at B&H Product SpecificationsScreen size34Aspect ratio21:9Resolution3440x1440Panel typeOLEDHDRVESA DisplayHDR True Black 400Brightness1,300 cd/m2 (peak)Refresh rate240HzResponse time 0.03msInputs2 x HDMI 2.1, 1 x DisplayPort 1.4, 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-CPROSSuperior HDR brightness240Hz refresh rateGreat color reproductionCONS800R curve works for content creation but isn't the best for productivityNo sRGB mode
5. MSI MPG 491CQPX
Best Curved 32:9 Super Ultrawide Monitor
### MSI MPG 491CQPX
0This 49-inch super ultrawide monitor offers a QD-OLED panel with a 32:9 aspect ratio, providing a vast workspace equivalent to three 1440p monitors. Its 240Hz refresh rate and 0.03ms response time make it ideal for gaming, while the 1800R curve enhances immersion. Despite its high resolution, it remains affordable at under $1,000. It's perfect for multitasking, supporting USB Type-C video and PD charging. However, it requires a powerful GPU and may have overzealous burn-in prevention features.
See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsScreen size49", 1800RAspect ratio32:9Resolution5,120x1,440Panel typeQD-OLEDHDRVESA DisplayHDR True Black 400Brightness1,000 cd/m2 (peak)Refresh rate240HzResponse time 0.03msInputs2 x HDMI 2.1, 1 x DisplayPort 1.4, 1 x USB Type-C (DP/PD 98W), 2 x USB 2.0 Type-APROSBright and color richGreat for productivity as well as gamingFast, fast, fast!USB Type-C video and PD chargingCONSBurn-in prevention features can be gratingResolution is demandingHow to Choose a Curved Monitor
Selecting the right curved gaming monitor involves considering your specific needs, whether it's for gaming, productivity, or both. Here's what to keep in mind:
Resolution: Higher resolutions like 1440p and 4K offer crisper images but require more powerful hardware. Ultrawide monitors extend the width for a broader field of view.
Size: The ideal size depends on your space and gaming preferences. For 1080p, 24 inches is optimal; for 1440p, 27 inches; and for 4K, 32 inches. Larger sizes may compromise image sharpness.
Panel Type: Choose between IPS for color accuracy and viewing angles, VA for better contrast, or OLED for superior contrast and HDR. OLEDs have potential burn-in risks but are covered by warranties.
Brightness: Aim for at least 350 nits for SDR and 1,000 nits for HDR to ensure vibrant visuals.
Refresh Rate: For gaming, 120Hz is a minimum, with 144Hz being ideal. Competitive gamers may benefit from 240Hz or higher.
Curvature: The "R" number indicates the curve's radius. Deeper curves (lower R numbers) enhance immersion but may distort text for productivity tasks.
Additional Features: Look for variable refresh rate support (VRR) like FreeSync or G-Sync for smooth gameplay. Other useful features include KVM switches, picture-in-picture modes, and gaming-specific software.
Upcoming Curved Gaming Monitors in 2025
The gaming monitor market continues to evolve, with OLED technology leading the charge. At CES 2025, I saw numerous upcoming OLED models catering to various needs. Mini-LED monitors are also emerging as a viable alternative, offering high brightness without the burn-in risks of OLED. Additionally, the integration of smart TV features into gaming monitors is gaining traction, offering streaming and live TV capabilities, which could be particularly appealing for gamers in compact spaces.
Curved Monitor FAQs
Are curved monitors better for gaming?
Curved monitors can enhance immersion, especially on larger ultrawide displays. The impact of the curve varies with screen size and individual preferences, but it doesn't affect performance or responsiveness.
What is 800R, 1500R, and 1800R?
These numbers represent the curvature radius. Lower numbers indicate deeper curves, which are more immersive but can distort text slightly. For mixed use, opt for gentler curves like 1500R or 1800R.
Are curved monitors good for work?
Curved monitors with milder curvatures (1500R, 1800R) are suitable for most work tasks. Deeper curves (800R, 1000R) are better for gaming but may cause text distortion. Ultrawide curved monitors can be beneficial for video editing due to their wide aspect ratios.
Where to Get the Best Curved Gaming Monitors in the UK
### AOC C27G2
1£214.97 at Amazon### Asus TUF Gaming VG34VQEL1A
1£615.99 at Amazon### Best Curved G-Sync Gaming Monitor LG UltraGear 34GP950G-B
0£1,199.95 at Overclockers### Best Curved FreeSync Gaming Monitor MSI Optix MAG342CQRV
0£509.00 at Amazon### Best G-Sync Compatible Curved Gaming Monitor Asus TUF Gaming VG35VQ
2Best G-Sync Compatible Curved Gaming Monitor£712.15 at Argos### Best Ultra-Ultrawide Curved Gaming Monitor Samsung Odyssey G9
0Best Ultra-Ultrawide Curved Gaming Monitor£1,199.00 at Amazon### Best Curved Gaming Monitor for Esports MSI Optix MAG301CR2
1£369.95 at Amazon### Samsung Odyssey Neo G9
0£1,749.00 at Samsung
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