Home News The Best Curved Monitors in 2025

The Best Curved Monitors in 2025

Author: Aria Apr 04,2025

Upgrading your gaming setup with a curved monitor can significantly enhance your immersion, drawing you deeper into your favorite games. Whether you're a competitive player seeking an edge in esports or a single-player enthusiast looking to lose yourself in a captivating storyline, the right curved gaming monitor can make all the difference. Here, I present the best curved gaming monitors of 2025, tailored to various gaming needs and budgets.

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 Amazon

Choosing the best curved gaming monitor has become increasingly complex due to the variety of brands and models available. Each monitor offers unique features that cater to different types of gamers. For fans of shooters, a monitor with low input latency and a high refresh rate is crucial. If you seek the most immersive experience, a monitor with a deeper curve will enhance your gameplay. Understanding these details can help you find the perfect monitor for your needs.

The Expert: Why Trust Us

As a gaming journalist with over a decade of experience, I've tested numerous monitors and written for major gaming publications. My expertise lies in understanding what makes a gaming monitor exceptional, particularly for various user needs. At IGN, our reviews are comprehensive, ensuring you receive accurate information to make informed decisions. We also provide guides on the Best Graphics Cards, Best Gaming Keyboards, Best Gaming Mice, and Best Gaming Headsets to help you 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 boasts exceptional HDR and a comprehensive suite of gaming features, making it a top choice for both gaming and productivity. Its deep 800R curve enhances immersion, while the OLED panel delivers vibrant colors and high brightness. With a peak brightness of 1,300 nits, it's perfect for HDR gaming and movie watching. The monitor's 240Hz refresh rate and 0.03ms response time ensure smooth gameplay, and its built-in KVM switch adds versatility for multi-platform use.

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 performance
Deep and immersive curve
High peak brightness, infinite contrast
Built-in KVM and meaningful gaming features

CONS

Deep curve isn't ideal 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 reproduction, while the 240Hz refresh rate and 0.5ms response time ensure responsive gameplay.

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

Great responsiveness
High refresh rate
Good colors and contrast

CONS

HDMI is limited to 120Hz

Dell Alienware AW3423DWF

Best Value Curved Gaming Monitor

### Alienware AW3423DWF

0This 34-inch monitor features a QD-OLED panel, offering exceptional picture quality at a competitive price. With a 165Hz refresh rate and 0.5ms response time, it's well-suited for gaming, while its HDR capabilities enhance both movies and games.

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

Great value
Fantastic picture thanks to QD-OLED panel
High refresh rate

CONS

Low SDR brightness
HDMI 2.0 only

Acer Predator X34 OLED

Best Ultrawide G-Sync Gaming Monitor

### Acer Predator X34 OLED

0This 34-inch ultrawide monitor features an OLED panel with a deep 800R curve, providing an immersive gaming experience. Its 240Hz refresh rate and 0.03ms response time ensure smooth gameplay, while its high brightness enhances HDR content.

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 works for content creation but isn't the best for productivity
No sRGB mode

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, providing ample screen real estate for both gaming and productivity. Its 240Hz refresh rate and 0.03ms response time ensure smooth performance, while its high brightness and color accuracy enhance the visual experience.

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 as well as gaming
Fast, fast, fast!
USB Type-C video and PD charging

CONS

Burn-in prevention features can be grating
Resolution is demanding

How to Choose a Curved Monitor

Selecting the right curved gaming monitor involves considering several factors, including resolution, size, panel type, brightness, refresh rate, curvature, and additional features. Here's a detailed guide to help you make an informed decision:

Resolution: Higher resolutions like 1440p and 4K offer crisper images but require more powerful graphics cards. Ultrawide monitors extend the horizontal resolution, enhancing the field of view.

Size: The ideal size depends on your available space and gaming preferences. For 1080p, 24 inches is recommended; for 1440p, 27 inches; and for 4K, 32 inches. Larger sizes may result in 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 color accuracy. Mini-LED backlighting can enhance brightness and contrast.

Brightness: Aim for at least 350 nits for standard use, and 1,000 nits for HDR content.

Refresh Rate: A minimum of 120Hz is recommended for gaming, with 144Hz being ideal. Higher rates like 240Hz or 360Hz are beneficial for competitive gaming.

Curvature: The curvature is indicated by an "R" number. Lower numbers indicate deeper curves, which are more immersive but may distort text. 1500R and 1800R are gentle curves suitable for various uses, while 800R and 1000R are deeper and better for gaming.

Additional Features: Look for variable refresh rate support (FreeSync or G-Sync), built-in KVM switches, picture-in-picture capabilities, and gaming-specific features like Black Equalizer and sniper modes.

Upcoming Curved Gaming Monitors in 2025

The gaming monitor market in 2025 continues to evolve, with OLED technology leading the way. Mini-LED monitors are also gaining traction as an alternative, offering improved brightness and reduced burn-in risk. Smart gaming monitors, which combine the functionality of TVs with gaming features, are becoming more popular, especially for those with limited space.

Curved Monitor FAQs

Are curved monitors better for gaming?

Curved monitors can enhance immersion, particularly on larger ultrawide displays. However, their impact on performance and responsiveness is minimal.

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

These numbers represent the radius of the monitor's curvature. Lower numbers indicate deeper curves, which are more immersive but may distort text. 1500R and 1800R are gentle curves suitable for various 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 may distort text, making them less ideal for productivity. However, ultrawide curved monitors can be beneficial for video editing and other tasks that require a wide horizontal view.