Immerse yourself in the action like never before with a curved gaming monitor. The best curved gaming monitors enhance your peripheral vision, drawing you into the game world whether you're a competitive esports player or a single-player RPG enthusiast. Here are our top picks for 2025.
TL;DR – Top Curved Gaming Monitors:
Asus ROG Swift PG34WCDM
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AOC C27G2Z
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Dell Alienware AW3423DWF
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Acer Predator X34 OLED
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MSI MPG 491CQP
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The market is flooded with curved gaming monitors, making informed choices crucial. Consider your gaming style: shooters benefit from low latency and high refresh rates, while immersive experiences thrive with deeper curves. It's all in the details.
The Expert: Why Trust Us
With over a decade of experience as a gaming journalist, I've reviewed countless monitors for major publications. My expertise lies in matching monitor features to diverse gamer needs. It's not just about specs; it's about the cohesive experience. At IGN, our reviews are rigorously vetted, ensuring accurate and reliable information.
After reading this, check out our guides on the best graphics cards, gaming keyboards, mice, and headsets to complete your setup.
1. Asus ROG Swift PG34WCDM - Best Curved Gaming Monitor
This 34-inch ultrawide boasts exceptional HDR and a wealth of gaming features.
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Product Specifications:
Screen size: 34" 800R
Aspect ratio: 21:9
Resolution: 3,440 x 1,440
Panel type: OLED, G-Sync compatible
HDR compatibility: DisplayHDR 400 True Black
Brightness: 1,300cd/m2
Refresh rate: 240Hz
Response time: 0.03ms (GtG)
Inputs: 1 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
Pros: Stunning HDR, immersive curve, high brightness, built-in KVM.
Cons: Deep curve may not be ideal for productivity.
The Asus ROG Swift PG34WCDM excels in gaming and productivity. Its 800R curve is deeply immersive, and the OLED panel delivers vibrant colors and exceptional brightness. Its price tag justifies its impressive features, including a peak brightness of 1,300 nits for stunning HDR gaming and inky blacks thanks to its OLED panel. The 3440x1440 resolution is sharp and well-suited to its size, making it excellent for content creation. The deep curve, however, might slightly distort text, making it more suitable for entertainment than extended productivity tasks. Its 240Hz refresh rate and low input latency, coupled with features like a black equalizer and sniper modes, provide a competitive edge. A built-in KVM switch adds further convenience for multi-platform gamers.
2. AOC C27G2Z - Best Budget Curved Gaming Monitor
Budget-conscious gamers will appreciate this 27-inch monitor's 1080p 1500R curved screen and high refresh rate.
Amazon
Product Specifications:
Screen size: 27" 1500R
Aspect ratio: 16:9
Resolution: 1,920 x 1,080
Panel type: VA FreeSync
Brightness: 300cd/m2
Refresh rate: 240Hz
Response time: 0.5ms
Inputs: 2 x HDMI 2.0, 1 x DisplayPort
Pros: Responsiveness, high refresh rate, good color and contrast.
Cons: HDMI limited to 120Hz.
The AOC C27G2Z offers incredible value. Its 27-inch screen, immersive curve, and 240Hz refresh rate deliver a high-quality gaming experience at an affordable price. The VA panel provides a deep contrast ratio, enhancing the visual experience. While colors and viewing angles might not match high-end IPS panels, they remain perfectly suitable for gaming. The 240Hz refresh rate and 0.5ms response time ensure smooth, responsive gameplay, even for competitive gamers. Note that DisplayPort is required for the full 240Hz refresh rate, as HDMI 2.0 is limited to 120Hz. A 32-inch version is available, but the smaller size is recommended to avoid the screen-door effect common with 1080p at larger sizes.
3. Dell Alienware AW3423DWF - Best Value Curved Gaming Monitor
This 2K curved monitor boasts an exceptional QD-OLED panel and strong gaming capabilities.
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Product Specifications:
Screen size: 34" 1800R
Aspect ratio: 21:9
Resolution: 3,440 x 1,440
Panel type: QD-OLED, FreeSync Premium Pro, G-Sync compatible
Brightness: 1,000 cd/m2 (peak)
Refresh rate: 165Hz
Response time: 0.5ms
Inputs: 1 x HDMI 2.0, 2 x DisplayPort, 4 x USB 3.2 Type-A
Pros: Excellent value, fantastic QD-OLED picture, high refresh rate.
Cons: Low SDR brightness, HDMI 2.0 only.
The Dell Alienware AW3423DWF delivers outstanding value. Its QD-OLED panel produces stunning visuals, thanks to millions of local dimming zones and enhanced quantum dots for vivid colors and increased brightness. While SDR brightness is lower, HDR performance is exceptional with a peak of 1000 nits. Its 165Hz refresh rate and 0.3ms response time ensure smooth, responsive gameplay, further enhanced by AMD FreeSync and Nvidia G-Sync compatibility. At its current price point, it's an incredible option for experiencing the benefits of OLED technology with an immersive curved display.
4. Acer Predator X34 OLED - Best Ultrawide G-Sync Gaming Monitor
This monitor offers superior HDR brightness, a 240Hz refresh rate, and excellent color reproduction.
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Product Specifications:
Screen size: 34"
Aspect ratio: 21:9
Resolution: 3440x1440
Panel type: OLED
HDR: VESA DisplayHDR True Black 400
Brightness: 1,300 cd/m2 (peak)
Refresh rate: 240Hz
Response time: 0.03ms
Inputs: 2 x HDMI 2.1, 1 x DisplayPort 1.4, 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C
Pros: Superior HDR brightness, 240Hz refresh rate, great color reproduction.
Cons: 800R curve may not be ideal for productivity, no sRGB mode.
The Acer Predator X34 OLED is a top contender, featuring a deep 800R curve for enhanced immersion, a 240Hz refresh rate for smooth motion, and support for both Nvidia G-Sync and AMD FreeSync. Its OLED panel delivers fantastic colors and superior brightness (1300 nits peak) compared to many other OLED monitors. While the 800R curve is ideal for gaming, it might not be as suitable for productivity tasks. The lack of an sRGB mode is a minor drawback, but the P3 mode offers standardized color accuracy.
5. MSI MPG 491CQPX - Best Curved 32:9 Super Ultrawide Monitor
This 49-inch monitor offers QD-OLED gaming excellence.
Amazon
Product Specifications:
Screen size: 49", 1800R
Aspect ratio: 32:9
Resolution: 5,120x1,440
Panel type: QD-OLED
HDR: VESA DisplayHDR True Black 400
Brightness: 1,000 cd/m2 (peak)
Refresh rate: 240Hz
Response time: 0.03ms
Inputs: 2 x HDMI 2.1, 1 x DisplayPort 1.4, 1 x USB Type-C (DP/PD 98W), 2 x USB 2.0 Type-A
Pros: Bright and color-rich, great for productivity and gaming, fast response time, USB Type-C video and PD charging.
Cons: Demanding resolution, burn-in prevention features can be intrusive.
The MSI MPG 491CQPX is a super ultrawide powerhouse. Its massive 49-inch 32:9 display, equivalent to three 1440p monitors, provides ample screen real estate for both gaming and multitasking. The 240Hz refresh rate and 0.03ms response time ensure exceptional performance. The QD-OLED panel delivers vibrant colors and brightness, enhanced by a heat-dispersing graphene layer. USB Type-C video input and 98W PD charging add convenience. However, its high resolution demands a powerful system, and some users find the burn-in prevention features overly cautious. Despite this, the three-year burn-in warranty provides peace of mind.
How to Choose a Curved Monitor
Choosing a curved monitor involves considering its intended use. Gamers prioritize gaming performance, while those needing productivity features require different considerations.
Resolution: Higher resolutions (1440p, 4K) offer sharper images but demand more powerful hardware. Ultrawide monitors extend horizontal resolution.
Size: Monitor size depends on available space and desired gaming experience. Gentler curves suit those seeking aesthetics, while larger ultrawides offer more screen real estate. Consider these guidelines: 24 inches for 1080p, 27 inches for 1440p, and 32 inches for 4K.
Panel Type: IPS offers great colors and viewing angles, VA balances color and contrast, and OLED provides the best contrast but can have lower average brightness and burn-in risks. Mini-LED backlighting improves IPS brightness.
Brightness: Aim for at least 350 nits (higher for HDR, ideally 1000 nits or more for peak HDR performance).
Refresh Rate: 120Hz minimum for gaming, 144Hz ideal, and higher refresh rates (240Hz+) for competitive gaming.
Curvature: Lower "R" numbers indicate deeper curves (800R and below are very deep, 1500R and 1800R are gentler). Deep curves enhance immersion but can distort text.
Additional Features: VRR (FreeSync, G-Sync), KVM switch, picture-in-picture, and other gaming-centric features.
Upcoming Curved Gaming Monitors in 2025
OLED remains a dominant trend, with various models from major brands. Mini-LED offers an alternative, addressing brightness and burn-in concerns. The convergence of smart TV functionality with gaming monitors is also gaining traction.
Curved Monitor FAQs
Are curved monitors better for gaming? The benefit is subjective; gentler curves are mainly aesthetic. Deeper curves on ultrawides can enhance immersion. Curvature doesn't affect performance.
What is 800R, 1500R, and 1800R? These numbers represent the curvature radius; lower numbers mean deeper curves. Deep curves (800R and below) are immersive but may distort text.
Are curved monitors good for work? Gentler curves (1500R, 1800R) are suitable for most tasks. Deep curves are less ideal for typing or spreadsheets. Ultrawide curved monitors can benefit video editors.
Where to Get the Best Curved Gaming Monitors in the UK
AOC C27G2 - £214.97 at Amazon
Asus TUF Gaming VG34VQEL1A - £615.99 at Amazon
LG UltraGear 34GP950G-B - £1,199.95 at Overclockers
MSI Optix MAG342CQRV - £509.00 at Amazon
Asus TUF Gaming VG35VQ - £712.15 at Argos
Samsung Odyssey G9 - £1,199.00 at Amazon
MSI Optix MAG301CR2 - £369.95 at Amazon
Samsung Odyssey Neo G9 - £1,749.00 at Samsung
