Home > News > Top Curved Monitors of 2025 Revealed

Top Curved Monitors of 2025 Revealed

by Lucy Apr 24,2025

Enhancing your gaming setup with a curved gaming monitor can significantly boost immersion, pulling you deeper into your favorite games. The best curved gaming monitors of 2025 wrap around your peripheral vision, creating a more engaging and seamless experience, whether you're competing in esports or exploring expansive single-player worlds. Here's a curated list of top picks tailored to different gaming needs.

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 AmazonNavigating the vast sea of curved gaming monitors can be overwhelming, with countless options that may seem similar on paper but vary significantly in real-world performance. Whether you're into fast-paced shooters or immersive RPGs, choosing the right monitor involves considering factors like input latency, refresh rates, and the depth of the curve to match your gaming style.

The Expert: Why Trust Us

As a seasoned gaming journalist with over a decade of experience, I've reviewed and tested a wide array of monitors, understanding what makes a gaming monitor exceptional for various types of gamers. My work at IGN ensures that every recommendation is thoroughly vetted to provide you with the most reliable and up-to-date information. We're gamers at IGN, and our mission is to guide you to the best gaming setups, saving you time and money while enhancing your gaming experience.

Don't forget to explore our guides on the Best Graphics Cards, Best Gaming Keyboards, Best Gaming Mice, and Best Gaming Headsets to fully optimize 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 an OLED panel with HDR capabilities and a deep 800R curve, offering an immersive gaming experience. Its high peak brightness of 1,300 nits and infinite contrast make it perfect for HDR gaming and content creation. While its deep curve enhances gaming immersion, it may slightly distort text, making it better suited for entertainment over productivity.

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

0This budget-friendly 27-inch monitor offers a 1500R curve, high refresh rate, and solid responsiveness, making it an excellent choice for gamers looking to maximize value without breaking the bank. Its VA panel provides great contrast and color performance, though it's limited to 120Hz via HDMI.

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

0This 34-inch monitor features a QD-OLED panel that delivers stunning picture quality at a competitive price. Its 165Hz refresh rate and fast response time make it a solid choice for gamers seeking both value and performance.

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 combines a deep 800R curve with an OLED panel, offering superior HDR brightness and a 240Hz refresh rate. Its excellent color reproduction and variable refresh rate support make it a top choice for ultrawide gaming.

See it at AmazonSee it at B&HProduct SpecificationsScreen size34"Aspect 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

0This 49-inch super ultrawide monitor features a QD-OLED panel with a 240Hz refresh rate, offering a vast, immersive gaming experience. Its high resolution and versatile connectivity options make it an ideal replacement for multiple monitor setups.

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

Choosing a curved gaming monitor involves considering several key factors to ensure it meets your specific needs.

Resolution: Higher resolutions offer sharper images but require more powerful hardware. Common resolutions include 1080p, 1440p, and 4K, with ultrawide monitors extending the width.

Size: The right size depends on your desk space and gaming preferences. For 1080p, 24 inches is ideal, while 27 inches suits 1440p, and 32 inches is recommended for 4K. Larger sizes may lead to a "screen door effect" with lower resolutions.

Panel Type: Options include IPS, VA, and OLED, each with unique strengths. IPS offers great color and viewing angles, VA provides better contrast, and OLED delivers the best contrast and color but may be susceptible to burn-in.

Brightness: Aim for at least 350 nits for everyday use, and 1,000 nits peak for HDR gaming.

Refresh Rate: A minimum of 120Hz is recommended, with higher rates like 240Hz beneficial for competitive gaming.

Curvature: The "R" number indicates the curvature's radius. Deeper curves (e.g., 800R) enhance immersion but may distort text, while gentler curves (e.g., 1800R) are better for productivity.

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 or sniper modes.

Upcoming Curved Gaming Monitors in 2025

The gaming monitor industry in 2025 continues to focus on OLED technology, with mini-LED monitors emerging as a strong contender. Smart gaming monitors that integrate streaming and live TV capabilities are also on the rise, appealing to gamers with limited space.

Curved Monitor FAQs

Are curved monitors better for gaming?

Curved monitors can enhance gaming immersion by drawing you into the screen. While the impact depends on the display size and curvature, they don't affect performance or responsiveness directly.

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

These numbers indicate the monitor's curvature radius. Lower numbers (e.g., 800R) represent deeper curves, which are more immersive but may distort text. Higher numbers (e.g., 1800R) offer gentler curves, suitable for mixed use.

Are curved monitors good for work?

Curved monitors with mild curvatures (1500R, 1800R) are versatile for work, while deeper curves may distort text, making them better suited for gaming. Ultrawide curved monitors are beneficial for video editing due to their wide horizontal space.