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Top Curved Monitors of 2025 Revealed

Upgrading your setup with a curved gaming monitor is one of the best ways to enhance your immersion in games. These monitors wrap into your peripheral vision, drawing you deeper into the action, whether you're a competitive esports player seeking an edge or a solo gamer looking to immerse yourself i

By Ava: Apr 13,2025

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 significantly, offering a plethora of choices that vary in quality. When selecting a monitor, consider your gaming style. If you're into fast-paced shooters, prioritize low input latency and high refresh rates. For a more immersive experience, a monitor with a deeper curve might be more suitable.

The Expert: Why Trust Us

As a seasoned gaming journalist with over a decade of experience, I've reviewed countless monitors for major gaming publications. My expertise helps me identify what makes a monitor exceptional for different types of gamers. At IGN, our team of gamers ensures that every review is thorough and accurate, helping you make informed decisions. We aim to save you time and money while enhancing your gaming experience. After exploring our recommendations, don't miss 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 and a suite of gaming features. Its deep 800R curve enhances immersion, while the OLED panel delivers vibrant colors and high brightness, reaching up to 1,300 nits for HDR gaming. It's suitable for both gaming and productivity, although its deep curve may slightly distort text for non-gaming tasks. With a 240Hz refresh rate and 0.03ms response time, it offers smooth gameplay and competitive features like a built-in KVM and sniper modes.

See it at AmazonSee it at NeweggSee it at AsusProduct SpecificationsScreen size34" 800RAspect ratio21:9Resolution3,440 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 240Hz refresh rate and 0.5ms response time, ideal for gamers seeking responsiveness without breaking the bank. It features a VA panel with a 3,000:1 contrast ratio, providing deep blacks and engaging colors, though limited to 120Hz via HDMI.

See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsScreen size27" 1500RAspect ratio16:9Resolution1,920 x 1,080Panel typeVA FreeSyncBrightness300cd/m2Refresh 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 features a QD-OLED panel that offers exceptional picture quality and a 165Hz refresh rate, making it an excellent value at around $600. Its peak brightness of 1,000 nits ensures vibrant HDR performance, although its SDR brightness is lower. It supports both FreeSync and G-Sync for smooth gameplay.

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 ultrawide monitor features a 34-inch OLED display with a deep 800R curve, enhancing immersion. It supports both G-Sync and FreeSync, delivering smooth gameplay at 240Hz with a 0.03ms response time. Its peak brightness of 1,300 nits ensures stunning HDR visuals, making it perfect for both gaming and content creation.

See it at AmazonSee it at B&HProduct SpecificationsScreen size34Aspect ratio21:9Resolution3440x1440Panel typeOLEDHDRVESA DisplayHDR True Black 400Brightness1,300 cd/m2 (peak)Refresh rate240HzResponse time0.03msInputs2 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, equivalent to three 1440p monitors. It runs at 240Hz with a 0.03ms response time, providing exceptional performance for gaming and productivity. Its 1800R curve and 1,000 nits peak brightness enhance the visual experience, though it requires a powerful GPU to fully leverage its capabilities.

See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsScreen size49", 1800RAspect ratio32:9Resolution5,120x1,440Panel typeQD-OLEHDRVESA DisplayHDR True Black 400Brightness1,000 cd/m2 (peak)Refresh rate240HzResponse time0.03msInputs2 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

Choosing the right curved gaming monitor involves considering several factors tailored to your specific needs. Whether you're focused on gaming or need a monitor for productivity, here are key aspects to consider:

Resolution: Higher resolutions offer crisper images but require more powerful hardware. Common resolutions include 1080p, 1440p, and 4K, with ultrawide monitors extending the width while maintaining the same vertical resolution.

Size: The right size depends on your desk space and gaming goals. A 24-inch monitor is ideal for 1080p, while 27 inches suits 1440p, and 32 inches is recommended for 4K to maintain pixel density.

Panel Type: IPS panels are known for color accuracy and viewing angles, VA panels offer better contrast, and OLED panels provide the best contrast and color but can suffer from burn-in. Mini-LED is an emerging backlighting technology often used with IPS panels.

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

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

Curvature: The "R" number indicates the radius of curvature. Lower numbers mean a deeper curve, enhancing immersion but potentially distorting text on very deep curves (e.g., 800R or 1000R).

Additional Features: Look for variable refresh rate support like FreeSync or G-Sync, built-in KVM switches for multi-system setups, and other gaming-specific features like black equalizers or sniper modes.

Upcoming Curved Gaming Monitors in 2025

OLED technology continues to dominate the high-end market, with many brands showcasing new OLED monitors at CES 2025. Mini-LED is emerging as a promising alternative, addressing brightness and burn-in concerns. Smart gaming monitors, integrating features like streaming and live TV, are also becoming more prevalent, offering a versatile solution for gamers with limited space.

Curved Monitor FAQs

Are curved monitors better for gaming?

Curved monitors can enhance immersion, particularly with larger, ultrawide displays. The impact of curvature varies with the monitor's size and the depth of the curve, but it does not affect performance or responsiveness.

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

These numbers represent the radius of curvature. Lower numbers indicate a deeper curve, which can enhance immersion but may slightly distort text and images. Deeper curves like 800R are better suited for gaming, while gentler curves like 1500R and 1800R are more versatile for both gaming and productivity.

Are curved monitors good for work?

Curved monitors with mild curvatures (1500R, 1800R) are suitable for most work tasks. However, very deep curves (800R, 1000R) can distort text, making them less ideal for tasks like writing or spreadsheet work. Ultrawide curved monitors can be beneficial for video editing due to their increased horizontal space.