The Best Curved Monitors in 2025 %v

Upgrading your gaming setup with a curved gaming monitor can significantly enhance your immersion, drawing you into the heart of your favorite games. Whether you're a competitive esports player seeking an edge or a single-player enthusiast looking to dive deep into captivating storylines, the right curved monitor can transform your gaming experience. Here are the top picks for the best curved gaming monitors of 2025.

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 variety of options. Choosing the right one depends on your gaming preferences. For fans of fast-paced shooters, a monitor with low input latency and a high refresh rate is essential. If you're after the most immersive experience, a monitor with a deeper curve will be more suitable. It's all about finding the perfect balance for your needs.

The Expert: Why Trust Us

As a gaming journalist with over a decade of experience, I've reviewed countless monitors for major gaming publications. My expertise allows me to identify what makes a gaming monitor exceptional, especially for different types of users. At IGN, our team of gamers ensures that every review is thorough and reliable, providing you with the information you need to make informed decisions. We aim to help you save money while ensuring a top-notch gaming experience. After reading this guide, don't forget to check out our recommendations for 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 next-level HDR and an impressive array of gaming features, making it a top choice for both gaming and productivity. Its deep 800R curve enhances immersion, while the OLED panel delivers stunning colors and brightness. With a peak brightness of 1,300 nits, it's perfect for HDR gaming, and its 240Hz refresh rate ensures smooth gameplay. The monitor also supports content creation with its crisp 3,440x1,440 resolution and wide color gamut. However, its deep curve may slightly distort text, making it better suited for entertainment than productivity.

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 productivity

AOC C27G2Z

Best Budget Curved Gaming Monitor

### AOC C27G2Z

0This budget-friendly monitor offers a 27-inch 1500R curved screen with a high refresh rate, making it an excellent choice for gamers on a budget. Its VA panel provides a deep contrast ratio and good color performance, while the 240Hz refresh rate and 0.5ms response time ensure responsiveness for competitive gaming. However, to achieve the full refresh rate, you'll need to use a DisplayPort connection.

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 34-inch monitor with a 1800R curve offers exceptional value, especially with its current pricing. The QD-OLED panel delivers stunning picture quality with vivid colors and high brightness, making it ideal for both gaming and HDR content. Its 165Hz refresh rate and 0.5ms response time provide smooth gameplay, and it supports both FreeSync and G-Sync. The only downside is its lower SDR brightness, but it's still a fantastic choice for the price.

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 34-inch ultrawide monitor with an 800R curve is perfect for gamers seeking an immersive experience. Its OLED panel offers superior HDR brightness and color reproduction, while the 240Hz refresh rate ensures smooth gameplay. It's also suitable for content creation with its 21:9 aspect ratio, though it lacks an sRGB mode.

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 monitor with a 32:9 aspect ratio and 1800R curve offers a vast screen real estate, perfect for both gaming and productivity. Its QD-OLED panel provides bright, color-rich visuals, and the 240Hz refresh rate ensures fast, smooth gameplay. It's a great alternative to a triple monitor setup, though it requires a powerful GPU to run at its full potential.

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 demanding

How to Choose a Curved Monitor

Selecting the right curved gaming monitor involves considering several factors based on your intended use. For gaming, focus on resolution, size, panel type, brightness, refresh rate, and curvature. Here's a breakdown of what to look for:

Resolution: Higher resolutions like 1440p and 4K offer crisper images but require more powerful hardware. Ultrawide monitors extend the horizontal resolution for a wider field of view.

Size: Choose a size that fits your space and gaming needs. For 1080p, 24 inches is ideal; for 1440p, 27 inches; and for 4K, 32 inches. Larger sizes can lead to a softer image.

Panel Type: IPS panels offer great colors and viewing angles, VA panels provide better contrast, and OLED panels deliver the best contrast and HDR performance. Avoid TN panels unless you prioritize response time over image quality.

Brightness: Aim for at least 350 nits for SDR content and 1,000 nits for HDR to ensure vibrant visuals.

Refresh Rate: For gaming, a minimum of 120Hz is recommended, with 144Hz being ideal. Competitive gamers may benefit from higher rates like 240Hz or 360Hz.

Curvature: The curvature is indicated by an "R" number. Lower numbers mean a deeper curve, which can enhance immersion but may distort text. 1500R and 1800R are gentle curves suitable for most uses, while 800R and 1000R are deeper and better for gaming.

Additional Features: Look for variable refresh rate support (FreeSync for AMD, G-Sync for NVIDIA), built-in KVM switches for multi-system setups, and features like picture-in-picture or gaming-specific modes.

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 models, many of which focus on OLED displays across various form factors and price points. Mini-LED monitors are also gaining traction as an alternative, offering high brightness and reduced burn-in risk. Additionally, the integration of smart TV features into gaming monitors is becoming more prevalent, offering built-in streaming and live TV options, which could be particularly appealing for gamers in smaller spaces.

Curved Monitor FAQs

Are curved monitors better for gaming?

Curved monitors can enhance immersion, especially on larger ultrawide displays. The curvature doesn't affect performance but can make the gaming experience feel more engaging.

What is 800R, 1500R, and 1800R?

These numbers represent the radius of the monitor's curvature. Lower numbers indicate a deeper curve, which can be more immersive but may slightly distort text. 1500R and 1800R are gentle curves suitable for most uses, while 800R and 1000R are deeper and better for gaming.

Are curved monitors good for work?

Curved monitors with gentle curves (1500R and 1800R) are suitable for most work tasks. Deeper curves (800R and 1000R) may distort text, making them less ideal for productivity. However, ultrawide curved monitors can be beneficial for video editing and other tasks that benefit from a wider field of view.