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Top Curved Monitors for 2025 Revealed

by Emily May 05,2025

Upgrading your gaming setup with a curved gaming monitor can significantly enhance your immersion, drawing you into the heart of your favorite games. Whether you're a competitive esports player seeking an edge or a single-player enthusiast looking to dive deep into captivating storylines, the right curved monitor can transform your gaming experience. Here are the top picks for the best curved gaming monitors of 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 dramatically, with numerous brands offering a variety of options. Choosing the right one depends on your gaming preferences. For shooters, a monitor with low input latency and a high refresh rate is crucial. For a more immersive experience, a monitor with a deeper curve can be more engaging. It's all about finding the perfect balance for your needs.

The Expert: Why Trust Us

As a gaming journalist with over a decade of experience, I've tested countless monitors and written for major gaming publications. My expertise allows me to identify what makes a gaming monitor exceptional, tailored to different types of users. At IGN, our team of gamers ensures that every review is thorough and reliable, providing you with the best recommendations to enhance your gaming setup. After reading this guide, explore our lists of 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 next-level HDR and an impressive array of gaming features, making it a top choice for both gaming and productivity. Its deep 800R curve enhances immersion, while the OLED panel delivers stunning colors and brightness. With a peak brightness of 1,300 nits, it's perfect for HDR gaming, and its 240Hz refresh rate ensures smooth motion and low input latency. The built-in KVM switch adds convenience for multi-platform gamers. While its deep curve may not be ideal for productivity due to slight text distortion, it's an outstanding option for entertainment.

See it at AmazonSee it at NeweggSee it at AsusProduct SpecificationsScreen size34" 800RAspect ratio21:9 Resolution3,440 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

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 3,000:1 contrast ratio, enhancing the gaming experience with rich colors and good contrast. With a 240Hz refresh rate and 0.5ms response time, it's responsive enough for competitive gaming. However, to achieve the full refresh rate, a DisplayPort connection is required.

See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsScreen size27" 1500R Aspect ratio16:9Resolution1,920 x 1,080Panel typeVA FreeSyncBrightness300cd/m2 Refresh 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

0This 34-inch monitor with a 1800R curve offers exceptional value, especially at its current price point. The QD-OLED panel delivers stunning picture quality with vivid colors and high brightness, peaking at 1,000 nits for HDR. Its 165Hz refresh rate and 0.3ms response time make it highly responsive, ideal for competitive gaming. While its SDR brightness is lower, it's still suitable for most gaming environments.

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

0This 34-inch ultrawide monitor with an 800R curve is perfect for immersive gaming. Its OLED panel offers superior HDR brightness and excellent color reproduction, with a peak luminance of 1,300 nits. The 240Hz refresh rate ensures smooth gameplay, and its 21:9 aspect ratio is ideal for content creators. However, it lacks a dedicated sRGB mode, which might be a drawback for some users.

See it at AmazonSee it at B&H Product 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 mode5. MSI MPG 491CQPX

Best Curved 32:9 Super Ultrawide Monitor

### MSI MPG 491CQPX

0This 49-inch monitor with a 32:9 aspect ratio and 1800R curve offers a vast screen real estate, perfect for both gaming and productivity. Its QD-OLED panel provides bright and color-rich visuals, with a peak brightness of 1,000 nits. The 240Hz refresh rate and 0.03ms response time ensure exceptional performance, while USB Type-C connectivity adds versatility. However, its high resolution demands a powerful GPU, and some users may find the burn-in prevention features intrusive.

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 demandingHow to Choose a Curved Monitor

Selecting the perfect curved gaming monitor involves considering several factors. Start by identifying your primary use—whether it's gaming, productivity, or both. Here are key aspects to consider:

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

Size: The ideal size depends on your space and gaming preferences. For 1080p, 24 inches is optimal; for 1440p, 27 inches; and for 4K, 32 inches. Larger sizes may result in a softer image.

Panel Type: Choose between IPS for great colors and viewing angles, VA for better contrast, or OLED for the best contrast and color. OLED monitors are trending but come with concerns about burn-in.

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

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

Curvature: The curvature is denoted by an "R" number. Lower numbers indicate a deeper curve, which can enhance immersion but may distort text. Choose based on your intended use.

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

Upcoming Curved Gaming Monitors in 2025

The gaming monitor market continues to evolve, with OLED technology leading the charge. Mini-LED monitors are also gaining traction as an alternative, offering high brightness without the burn-in risk of OLED. Smart gaming monitors, blending the features of TVs and monitors, 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. The curvature doesn't affect performance but can make the gaming experience more engaging.

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

These numbers represent the radius of the monitor's curvature. Lower numbers indicate a deeper curve, which can be more immersive but may distort text. Choose based on your use case.

Are curved monitors good for work?

Curved monitors with gentle curves (1500R, 1800R) are suitable for most work tasks. Deeper curves may cause text distortion, making them less ideal for productivity but great for gaming.