Home News The Best Curved Monitors in 2025

The Best Curved Monitors in 2025

Author: Carter Apr 13,2025

Upgrading your gaming setup with a curved gaming monitor can significantly enhance your immersion, drawing you deeper into the action of your favorite games. Whether you're a competitive esports player seeking that extra edge or a single-player enthusiast looking to lose yourself in rich storylines, the right curved monitor can transform your gaming experience. Here are the top curved gaming monitors of 2025, tailored to meet diverse gaming needs and preferences.

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 AmazonChoosing the perfect curved gaming monitor used to be straightforward, but now the market is flooded with options from various brands. Not all monitors are created equal, and the key is to match the monitor's features with your gaming style. If you're into fast-paced shooters, prioritize low input latency and a high refresh rate. For an immersive experience, opt for a monitor with a deeper curve. It's all about finding the right balance of features to suit 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 lies in understanding what makes a monitor exceptional, especially for different types of gamers. At IGN, our team of gamers ensures our reviews are thorough and reliable, providing you with the best recommendations to enhance your gaming setup. From graphics cards to gaming peripherals, we guide you to the best choices for an unparalleled gaming experience.

After exploring these monitors, don't forget to check out our guides on the Best Graphics Cards, Best Gaming Keyboards, Best Gaming Mice, and Best Gaming Headsets to complete your gaming setup.

1. Asus ROG Swift PG34WCDM

Best Curved Gaming Monitor

Our top pick### Asus ROG Swift PG34WCDM

0This 34-inch ultrawide monitor features an immersive 800R curve and cutting-edge OLED technology for stunning HDR visuals and deep blacks. Its high refresh rate and low response time make it ideal for both gaming and productivity, although the deep curve may slightly distort text for some users.

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 productivityThe Asus ROG Swift PG34WCDM stands out as the premier curved gaming monitor, offering a balance of performance and features. Its OLED panel delivers vibrant colors and exceptional brightness, perfect for HDR gaming and content creation. The monitor's high refresh rate and low latency ensure smooth gameplay, while the built-in KVM enhances multi-platform versatility. Though its deep curve may not suit everyone for productivity tasks, it excels in gaming immersion.

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 and responsive performance, making it an excellent choice for gamers on a budget.

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 120HzThe AOC C27G2Z provides an affordable entry into curved gaming with a solid 27-inch VA panel and a 1500R curve. It delivers impressive contrast and vibrant colors, suitable for immersive gaming. With a high refresh rate and low response time, it's ideal for competitive play, though you'll need a DisplayPort connection to achieve the full 240Hz refresh rate.

3. Dell Alienware AW3423DWF

Best Value Curved Gaming Monitor

### Alienware AW3423DWF

0This monitor offers exceptional value with its QD-OLED panel, providing vivid colors and deep blacks at a competitive price point, making it a standout choice for gamers.

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 onlyThe Dell Alienware AW3423DWF combines the benefits of a QD-OLED panel with a budget-friendly price, delivering stunning visuals and high performance. It's an excellent choice for gamers seeking immersive gameplay with vibrant colors and high contrast, though it may fall short in SDR brightness.

4. Acer Predator X34 OLED

Best Ultrawide G-Sync Gaming Monitor

### Acer Predator X34 OLED

0The Acer Predator X34 OLED offers a deep 800R curve, high refresh rate, and superior HDR performance, making it the top choice for ultrawide G-Sync gaming.

See it at AmazonSee it at B&HProduct 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 modeThe Acer Predator X34 OLED is a top contender for ultrawide curved gaming monitors, offering an immersive 800R curve and exceptional HDR performance. Its high refresh rate and smooth motion make it ideal for competitive gaming, though its deep curve may not be optimal for productivity tasks.

5. MSI MPG 491CQPX

Best Curved 32:9 Super Ultrawide Monitor

### MSI MPG 491CQPX

0This 49-inch QD-OLED monitor offers a vast 32:9 aspect ratio, high refresh rate, and versatile connectivity, making it ideal for both gaming and productivity.

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 demandingThe MSI MPG 491CQPX is a powerhouse for gamers and multitaskers, featuring a massive 49-inch screen with a 32:9 aspect ratio. Its QD-OLED panel offers vivid colors and high brightness, while its fast refresh rate and low response time are perfect for competitive gaming. Although its size demands a powerful system, it's a versatile choice for immersive gaming and productivity.

How to Choose a Curved Monitor

Selecting the right curved gaming monitor involves considering your specific needs and preferences. For gamers, focus on factors like resolution, size, panel type, brightness, refresh rate, and curvature. Each of these elements contributes to the overall gaming experience and should align with your gaming style and setup.

Resolution: Higher resolutions like 1440p and 4K offer crisper images but require more powerful hardware. Ultrawide resolutions extend the viewing area for a more immersive experience.

Size: Choose a size that fits your space and gaming needs. Larger monitors provide a wider field of view, but consider pixel density to avoid a screen door effect.

Panel Type: OLED panels offer the best contrast and color, while VA panels provide a good balance of contrast and speed. IPS panels are known for their color accuracy and viewing angles.

Brightness: Aim for at least 350 nits for everyday use, and 1,000 nits for HDR gaming to enjoy a wide dynamic range.

Refresh Rate: A higher refresh rate, such as 144Hz or 240Hz, ensures smoother gameplay and reduced motion blur, crucial for competitive gaming.

Curvature: The curvature's impact varies with the monitor's size and radius. Deeper curves like 800R enhance immersion but may distort text, making them better suited for gaming than productivity.

Additional Features: Look for monitors with variable refresh rate support, built-in KVM switches, and other gaming-specific features to enhance your setup's functionality and convenience.

Upcoming Curved Gaming Monitors in 2025

The gaming monitor market in 2025 continues to evolve, with OLED technology leading the charge. Mini-LED displays are also emerging as a viable alternative, offering improved brightness without the risk of burn-in. Additionally, the integration of smart features into gaming monitors is becoming more prevalent, catering to gamers who need versatile solutions for both gaming and entertainment.

Curved Monitor FAQs

Are curved monitors better for gaming?

Curved monitors can enhance immersion, particularly on larger screens. While the curve itself doesn't affect performance, it can make the gaming experience feel more engaging.

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

These numbers represent the radius of curvature. Lower numbers indicate a deeper curve, which can be more immersive but may distort text and images. Choose based on your primary use—deeper curves for gaming, gentler curves for mixed use.

Are curved monitors good for work?

Curved monitors with milder curves (1500R or 1800R) are suitable for most work tasks. Deeper curves can be beneficial for specific tasks like video editing but may distort text in productivity applications.