The Best Curved Monitors in 2025

Upgrading your setup with a curved gaming monitor can significantly enhance your immersion in the gaming world. The best curved gaming monitors of 2025 seamlessly integrate into your peripheral vision, drawing you deeper into the game. Whether you're a competitive esports player seeking that crucial advantage or a single-player enthusiast looking to fully engage with your favorite storylines, we have the perfect curved gaming monitor for you.

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. While this variety can be overwhelming, the key is to focus on the features that matter most to your gaming style. For shooters, a monitor with low input latency and a high refresh rate is crucial. If immersion is your goal, a monitor with a deeper curve will enhance your experience. It's all about finding the right balance of features to suit your needs.

The Expert: Why Trust Us

With over a decade as a gaming journalist, I've reviewed countless monitors for major gaming publications. My expertise allows me to identify what makes a gaming monitor exceptional, tailored to different user needs. At IGN, our reviews are meticulously crafted by multiple gaming experts to ensure you receive accurate and helpful information. We connect the dots for you, bringing the best gaming gear straight to your fingertips. After exploring our recommendations, 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 setup and elevate your gaming experience.

1. Asus ROG Swift PG34WCDM

Best Curved Gaming Monitor

Our top pick### Asus ROG Swift PG34WCDM

0This 34-inch ultrawide monitor boasts advanced HDR and a comprehensive suite of gaming features, making it an outstanding choice for both gaming and productivity. Its deep 800R curve enhances immersion, while its OLED panel delivers vibrant colors and exceptional brightness, reaching up to 1,300 nits for stunning HDR performance. At around $1,000, it's a premium investment that justifies its cost with its high-quality display and versatile use, though its deep curve may slightly distort text for productivity tasks.

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 compelling mix of a 27-inch 1500R curved screen, high refresh rate, and solid performance, all for under $200. Its VA panel delivers a deep 3,000:1 contrast ratio, enhancing gaming visuals with rich colors and minimal ghosting, thanks to its 240Hz refresh rate and 0.5ms response time. While its HDMI ports are limited to 120Hz, the DisplayPort ensures you can reach the full refresh rate. If you're looking for a larger screen, consider the 32-inch model, though be aware of potential pixel visibility at this resolution.

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 QD-OLED monitor provides exceptional value at just over $600, offering a 34-inch 1800R curved screen with stunning image quality. Its peak brightness of 1,000 nits and high refresh rate of 165Hz make it a standout for both gaming and HDR content. While its SDR brightness is lower, it's ideal for indoor use, and its fast 0.3ms response time ensures 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 34-inch ultrawide monitor offers a deep 800R curve, enhancing immersion, and an OLED panel with superior brightness up to 1,300 nits for HDR. Its 240Hz refresh rate ensures smooth gameplay, supported by G-Sync and FreeSync. While it's excellent for gaming, its lack of an sRGB mode may be a drawback for content creators, though its 21:9 aspect ratio is perfect for multitasking.

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 QD-OLED monitor offers a 32:9 aspect ratio, making it an excellent choice for those needing extensive screen real estate. With a 240Hz refresh rate and 0.03ms response time, it's perfect for gaming and productivity. Its high resolution of 5,120x1,440 is demanding but rewarding, offering a vast workspace that can replace multiple monitors. While it requires a powerful GPU, its price below $1,000 makes it a cost-effective solution.

See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsScreen size49", 1800RAspect ratio32:9Resolution5,120x1,440Panel typeQD-OLEDHDRVESA 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. Start by determining the primary use of the monitor—whether it's solely for gaming or if you'll use it for productivity and creative tasks as well. Here are key aspects to consider:

Resolution: Higher resolutions like 1440p or 4K offer sharper images but require more powerful hardware. Ultrawide monitors extend the width while maintaining vertical resolution, enhancing clarity.

Size: The ideal monitor size depends on your available space and gaming preferences. A 24-inch monitor is optimal for 1080p, while 27 inches suits 1440p. For 4K, consider 32 inches to maintain pixel density without losing detail.

Panel Type: IPS panels are known for their color accuracy and wide viewing angles, while VA panels offer better contrast. OLED monitors provide the best contrast and color but can be susceptible to burn-in.

Brightness: Aim for at least 350 nits for indoor use, with 1,000 nits for HDR content to enjoy a true wide dynamic range.

Refresh Rate: For gaming, a minimum of 120Hz is recommended, with 144Hz or higher being ideal for competitive play to reduce input latency and enhance motion clarity.

Curvature: The curvature is indicated by an "R" number, with lower numbers signifying a deeper curve. A 1000R or lower curve is immersive but can distort text, making it better suited for gaming.

Additional Features: Look for variable refresh rate support (VRR) like FreeSync or G-Sync for tear-free gaming. Other useful features include built-in KVM switches, picture-in-picture modes, and customizable gaming settings.

Upcoming Curved Gaming Monitors in 2025

The gaming monitor market in 2025 continues to evolve, with OLED technology leading the charge across various brands and form factors. Mini-LED monitors are also gaining traction as a high-brightness alternative to OLED, though they don't match OLED's contrast. Additionally, smart gaming monitors that combine the features of TVs with gaming capabilities are becoming more popular, offering built-in streaming services and live TV, which is ideal for users in smaller spaces or dorm rooms.

Curved Monitor FAQs

Are curved monitors better for gaming?

Curved monitors can enhance gaming immersion, particularly on larger, ultrawide displays. While the curve itself doesn't affect performance, it can make the gaming experience feel more engaging by drawing your focus into the center of the screen.

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

These numbers represent the radius of the monitor's curvature. An 800R curve is very deep, enhancing immersion but potentially distorting text. A 1500R or 1800R curve is gentler, suitable for both gaming and productivity tasks.

Are curved monitors good for work?

Curved monitors with a mild curve (1500R or 1800R) are versatile for various tasks. Deeper curves may cause text distortion, making them less ideal for productivity. However, curved ultrawide monitors are excellent for tasks like video editing, where extra horizontal space is beneficial.