Top Curved Monitors of 2025 Revealed

Upgrading your setup with a curved gaming monitor is one of the best ways to enhance your immersion. The best curved gaming monitors of 2025 wrap around your peripheral vision, drawing you deeper into your favorite games. Whether you're a competitive gamer seeking an edge in esports or a single-player enthusiast looking to immerse yourself in captivating storylines, we've curated a list of the top picks that cater to every gaming need.

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, making the choice more complex than ever. With numerous brands offering similar specs on paper, it's crucial to consider the unique qualities that align with your gaming style. For fans of fast-paced shooters, a monitor with low input latency and a high refresh rate is essential. If you crave an immersive experience, a monitor with a deeper curve will be your best bet. It's all about finding the right balance for your specific needs.

The Expert: Why Trust Us

With over a decade as a gaming journalist, I've written for leading gaming publications and tested countless monitors. My expertise allows me to pinpoint what makes a gaming monitor exceptional, particularly for different types of gamers. At IGN, our team of dedicated gamers ensures our reviews are thorough and reliable, providing you with the insights you need to make informed decisions. We aim to save you money while ensuring you have a top-notch gaming experience.

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 fully optimize 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 advanced gaming features. Its deep 800R curve enhances immersion, while the OLED panel delivers vibrant colors and stunning brightness. Perfect for both gaming and productivity, the PG34WCDM's 240Hz refresh rate ensures smooth gameplay, and its built-in KVM switch offers seamless switching between devices. While its deep curve may not be ideal for productivity tasks, its overall performance justifies its price point, typically around $1,000.

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 productivity2. AOC C27G2Z

Best Budget Curved Gaming Monitor

### AOC C27G2Z

0The AOC C27G2Z is a budget-friendly option that doesn't compromise on performance. With a 27-inch 1500R curved screen and a 240Hz refresh rate, it offers excellent responsiveness for its price, typically under $200. The VA panel provides good contrast and color, making it a great choice for gamers looking to maximize their budget without sacrificing quality.

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 120Hz3. Dell Alienware AW3423DWF

Best Value Curved Gaming Monitor

### Alienware AW3423DWF

0The Dell Alienware AW3423DWF stands out as the best value in curved gaming monitors, now available for just over $600. Its QD-OLED panel delivers stunning visuals, and a 165Hz refresh rate ensures smooth gameplay. While its SDR brightness may be lower, the HDR performance is exceptional, making it a compelling choice for gamers seeking premium quality at a more accessible price.

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 only4. Acer Predator X34 OLED

Best Ultrawide G-Sync Gaming Monitor

### Acer Predator X34 OLED

0The Acer Predator X34 OLED is the top pick for ultrawide G-Sync gaming monitors. Its 34-inch 800R curved screen, combined with a 240Hz refresh rate and OLED panel, offers an unparalleled gaming experience. The monitor's superior HDR brightness and color reproduction make it a standout choice for both gaming and content creation, despite lacking an sRGB mode.

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 mode5. MSI MPG 491CQPX

Best Curved 32:9 Super Ultrawide Monitor

### MSI MPG 491CQPX

0The MSI MPG 491CQPX offers 49 inches of QD-OLED gaming excellence. Its 32:9 aspect ratio provides ample screen real estate, making it an ideal replacement for a triple monitor setup. With a 240Hz refresh rate and fast response time, it's perfect for both gaming and productivity. Despite its high resolution demanding a powerful GPU, its features and price under $1,000 make it a compelling choice.

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 demandingHow to Choose a Curved Monitor

Selecting the perfect curved gaming monitor involves considering your specific gaming and productivity needs. Here are key factors to keep in mind:

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

Size: Choose a size that fits your space and gaming preferences. For 1080p, 24 inches is ideal; for 1440p, 27 inches, and for 4K, 32 inches is recommended. Larger sizes may lead to a softer image or the screen door effect.

Panel Type: IPS panels are known for great color and viewing angles, VA panels offer better contrast, and OLED panels provide the best contrast and color, though they come with risks like burn-in.

Brightness: Aim for at least 350 nits for SDR and 1,000 nits for HDR to ensure a vibrant gaming experience.

Refresh Rate: A minimum of 120Hz is recommended for gaming, with 144Hz being ideal. Competitive gamers may benefit from higher rates like 240Hz or more.

Curvature: The "R" number indicates the curve's radius. Lower numbers mean a deeper curve, which can enhance immersion but may distort text. For mixed use, a gentler curve is advisable.

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

Upcoming Curved Gaming Monitors in 2025

The gaming monitor industry continues to evolve, with OLED and mini-LED technologies leading the charge. At CES 2025, I witnessed a range of new models that promise to redefine gaming experiences. OLED remains the trendsetter, with mini-LED monitors offering a bright alternative without the burn-in risk. Smart gaming monitors, blending TV-like features with high-performance specs, are also gaining traction, especially for gamers in compact spaces.

Curved Monitor FAQs

Are curved monitors better for gaming?

Curved monitors can enhance gaming immersion, particularly on larger ultrawide screens. However, the impact depends on the curvature and monitor size. Performance-wise, curvature doesn't affect responsiveness.

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

These numbers represent the radius of the monitor's curvature. Lower numbers indicate a deeper curve, which can increase immersion but may slightly distort text and images. Choose based on your intended use; deeper curves are better for gaming, while gentler curves suit mixed tasks.

Are curved monitors good for work?

Curved monitors with mild curvatures (1500R, 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 due to their expansive horizontal space.