Transforming your gaming setup with a curved monitor can significantly heighten your immersive experience. The top curved gaming monitors envelop your peripheral vision, drawing you deeper into the action and enhancing your connection to the game. Whether you’re a competitive player seeking an advantage in esports or an enthusiast hoping to be absorbed in a captivating storyline, we’ve rounded up the best curved monitors for every type of gamer in 2025.
Quick Overview: Top Curved Gaming Monitors
In the past, selecting a high-quality curved gaming monitor was relatively simple. However, the market is now flooded with numerous brands and models that may appear similar on paper but offer vastly different performances in practice. It’s essential to consider your gaming style and preferences when choosing a monitor. For fast-paced shooters, look for low input latency and a high refresh rate. If you desire a deeply immersive experience, opt for monitors with a more pronounced curve. The choices are plentiful, but the details matter immensely.
Meet the Expert: Why You Can Trust Our Recommendations
With over a decade of experience as a gaming journalist, I’ve written for numerous reputable gaming publications and reviewed more monitors than the average gamer will ever use. I understand what distinguishes a great gaming monitor from the rest. It’s not merely about panel type, refresh rate, or resolution; it’s how these elements converge to create an exceptional experience. My recommendations aim to save you money while ensuring you enjoy an outstanding gaming journey.
At IGN, we are passionate gamers. Every monitor review is meticulously vetted, ensuring you receive comprehensive insights when you need them most. We do the homework for you, bringing you only the finest options distilled into guides like this one. Once you’re done here, don’t forget to explore our picks for the Best Graphics Cards, Best Gaming Keyboards, Best Gaming Mice, and Best Gaming Headsets to round out your ultimate gaming setup!
1. Asus ROG Swift PG34WCDM
The Premier Curved Gaming Monitor
The Asus ROG Swift PG34WCDM stands out as the best curved gaming monitor on the market. Its impressive 800R curve offers unparalleled immersion, while the cutting-edge OLED panel ensures vibrant colors and remarkable brightness. Typically priced just over $1,000, this monitor delivers a peak brightness of 1,300 nits, making it ideal for HDR gaming.
The OLED technology provides deep blacks, enhancing contrast and dynamic range for movies and games alike. With a 3,440×1,440 resolution on a 34-inch display, it feels akin to having two 1440p monitors without the distracting bezel. The factory calibration and broad color gamut support are perfect for content creators, though the deep curve may slightly distort text—making it more suited for entertainment than productivity.
Designed with gamers in mind, the monitor features a 240Hz refresh rate and low input latency, ensuring smooth motion and responsiveness. It includes multiple gaming modes, such as a black equalizer for enhanced visibility in dark areas and sniper modes for precision targeting. Plus, the built-in KVM switch allows easy transitions between console and PC gaming. The PG34WCDM justifies its price tag with its outstanding performance and features.
2. AOC C27G2Z
Best Budget Curved Gaming Monitor
The AOC C27G2Z is an excellent choice for budget-conscious gamers. With a 27-inch screen and a gentle 1500R curve, this monitor offers an immersive experience without breaking the bank—usually around $200. It features a high-quality VA panel with a refresh rate of 240Hz and a response time of just 0.5 ms, making it ideal for competitive gaming.
Its impressive 3,000:1 contrast ratio delivers vibrant colors and depth, although the viewing angles might not match those of higher-end IPS panels. The C27G2Z’s responsiveness and motion clarity are noteworthy, allowing for smooth gameplay and minimal ghosting. However, to utilize its full refresh rate, a DisplayPort connection is necessary, as HDMI 2.0 is limited to 120Hz.
While AOC offers a 32-inch version of this monitor, it’s advisable to stick with the 27-inch model to avoid pixel visibility issues at 1080p. Overall, the AOC C27G2Z provides exceptional value for a budget monitor, making it an excellent choice for casual and competitive gamers alike.
3. Dell Alienware AW3423DWF
Best Value Curved Gaming Monitor
For those seeking the best value in curved gaming monitors, the Dell Alienware AW3423DWF is a standout option. Priced around $600, this QD-OLED display delivers exceptional image quality and performance for the price. With advanced panel technology, the AW3423DWF features individually controlled pixels for vibrant colors and impressive contrast, enhanced by quantum dot technology.
While its standard dynamic range (SDR) brightness isn’t stellar, it peaks at 1,000 nits for HDR gaming, providing a captivating visual experience. With a refresh rate of 165Hz, this monitor ensures smooth gameplay, and its rapid response time of 0.3 ms enhances motion clarity—perfect for competitive gaming.
Overall, the AW3423DWF’s stunning visuals and immersive experience make it a fantastic choice for gamers looking for high performance without a hefty price tag. The glowing reviews it received upon release have only improved with its recent price drop.
4. Acer Predator X34 OLED
Best Ultrawide G-Sync Gaming Monitor
Leading the ultrawide curved gaming monitor market is the Acer Predator X34 OLED. This monitor boasts an impressive 800R curve that enhances immersion and a refresh rate of 240Hz, ensuring smooth gameplay. With a resolution of 3,440×1,440, it provides stunning visuals without requiring a top-tier graphics card.
Its OLED panel offers superior brightness, peaking at 1,300 nits, making it ideal for HDR content. The 21:9 aspect ratio is perfect for content creation, allowing users to view extensive timelines efficiently. While it lacks a dedicated sRGB mode, the P3 mode ensures accurate color representation.
The Acer Predator X34 OLED is perfect for gamers and content creators alike, offering a balance of performance, features, and visual quality. Its deep curve and vibrant visuals make it the premier choice for 2025.
5. MSI MPG 491CQPX
The Ultimate Curved 32:9 Super Ultrawide Monitor
The MSI MPG 491CQPX is a 49-inch super ultrawide monitor designed for those who crave ample screen space for gaming and productivity. With a resolution of 5,120 x 1,440, it effectively replaces a triple monitor setup. This monitor features a 240Hz refresh rate and a rapid response time of 0.03 ms, ensuring exceptional performance in high-paced gaming scenarios.
Its 1800R curve enhances immersion and allows for an expansive viewing experience. The quantum dot layer enhances color accuracy and brightness, while the monitor’s impressive connectivity includes USB Type-C for video input and charging. However, be aware that running this monitor at maximum settings demands a powerful GPU.
While the MPG 491CQPX may not be for everyone, it offers a seamless multitasking experience for users who value screen real estate. Priced under $1,000, it presents a cost-effective alternative to purchasing multiple monitors.
How to Choose the Right Curved Monitor
Choosing a curved gaming monitor is akin to selecting any high-quality gaming display. Consider the primary purpose of the monitor—whether it’s for gaming, productivity, or creative work—as this will guide your decision.
Key Factors to Consider:
- Resolution: Higher resolutions provide crisper images but may require more powerful graphics cards. The main resolutions to consider are 1080p, 1440p, and 4K.
- Size: The monitor’s size should match your available space and preferred gaming experience. A larger screen may enhance immersion, while a smaller size may be more practical.
- Panel Type: Choose between IPS for vibrant colors, VA for better contrast, or OLED for superior image quality. Each type has its advantages and drawbacks.
- Brightness: Aim for a minimum of 350 nits for standard use, increasing to 1,000 nits for HDR content.
- Refresh Rate: For competitive gaming, a refresh rate of at least 144Hz is ideal, with higher rates offering smoother motion.
- Curvature: The curvature of the monitor affects immersion. A lower “R” number indicates a deeper curve, which can enhance gaming but may distort text.
- Additional Features: Look for support for variable refresh rates (VRR), built-in KVM switches for multiple systems, and gaming-specific features like black equalizers and on-screen reticles.
Upcoming Trends in Curved Monitors for 2025
The landscape of gaming monitors is constantly evolving. At the recent CES, several trends emerged that will shape the market in 2025. OLED technology continues to dominate, with many brands unveiling new OLED models. Mini-LED displays are also gaining traction as a potential alternative, providing better brightness without some of OLED’s drawbacks.
Moreover, the integration of smart TV features into gaming monitors is becoming more prevalent, catering to users who desire multifunctional displays. Smart monitors with built-in streaming and refined menus are particularly appealing to students and gamers in compact spaces.
Frequently Asked Questions About Curved Monitors
Are curved monitors better for gaming?
Curved monitors can enhance immersion, particularly in larger displays. The degree of curvature affects the experience—gentler curves may be more about aesthetics, while deeper curves can pull you into the gaming experience.
What do the numbers 800R, 1500R, and 1800R mean?
These numbers indicate the curvature radius of the monitor. A lower number signifies a deeper curve, while a higher number indicates a shallower curve. Deeper curves can enhance immersion but may distort text and images slightly.
Are curved monitors suitable for work?
Curved monitors can be beneficial for certain types of work, notably for video editing and creative tasks where a wider field of view enhances productivity. However, very deep curves may not be ideal for tasks that involve a lot of text input.
Where to Find the Best Curved Gaming Monitors in the UK
Chris Coke has been a dedicated contributor to IGN since 2019 and has extensive experience covering technology, specializing in gaming monitors and related tech. Follow Chris on Twitter @gamebynight for more insights.
