Upgrading to a curved gaming monitor can significantly enhance your immersion, drawing you into the action and offering a more engaging gaming experience. Whether you're a competitive gamer seeking an edge in esports or a single-player enthusiast looking to dive deeper into your favorite storylines, the right curved monitor can make all the difference. 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 fans of fast-paced shooters, a monitor with low input latency and a high refresh rate is essential. If you're after the most immersive experience, a monitor with a deeper curve might be the better choice. 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, especially for 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, don't forget to check out our picks for the Best Graphics Cards, Best Gaming Keyboards, Best Gaming Mice, and Best Gaming Headsets to complete 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 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 stunning colors and brightness. Priced around $1,000, it offers a peak brightness of 1,300 nits for outstanding HDR gaming, with deep blacks that enhance dynamic range. It's also suitable for content creation with its crisp 3,440x1,440 resolution and wide color gamut support. However, its deep curve may slightly distort text, making it better suited for entertainment than productivity. With a 240Hz refresh rate and low input latency, it's perfect for competitive gaming, and its built-in KVM switch makes it versatile for multi-platform use.
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 productivity
AOC C27G2Z
Best Budget Curved Gaming Monitor
### AOC C27G2Z
0This budget-friendly monitor offers a 27-inch 1080p screen with a 1500R curve and a high 240Hz 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. While its colors and viewing angles may not match those of IPS panels, it's still a great option for gaming. The monitor's responsiveness is a key selling point, with a 0.5ms response time that's ideal for competitive gaming. However, to achieve the full refresh rate, you'll need to use a DisplayPort connection, as HDMI is limited to 120Hz. AOC also offers a 32-inch version, but sticking with the 27-inch model avoids the screen door effect at 1080p.
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 120Hz
3. 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 of just over $600. Its QD-OLED panel delivers stunning picture quality with vivid colors and high brightness, peaking at 1,000 nits in HDR mode. The 165Hz refresh rate and 0.5ms response time make it responsive enough for competitive gaming, and it supports both AMD FreeSync and Nvidia G-Sync. While its SDR brightness is lower, it's still suitable for gaming in most environments. This monitor is a fantastic choice for those looking to experience OLED technology without breaking the bank.
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 with an 800R curve is a top choice for gamers seeking an immersive experience. Its OLED panel offers superior HDR brightness, peaking at 1,300 nits, and a 240Hz refresh rate for smooth gameplay. The monitor supports both Nvidia G-Sync and AMD FreeSync, ensuring tear-free gaming. Its 3,440x1,440 resolution is manageable for most gaming setups, and its deep curve enhances immersion. While it's great for content creation due to its 21:9 aspect ratio, it lacks an 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 mode
5. 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, color-rich visuals with a peak brightness of 1,000 nits. The 240Hz refresh rate and 0.03ms response time ensure exceptional performance for competitive gaming. It also features USB Type-C video input and 98W PD charging, making it versatile for laptop users. However, its high resolution demands a powerful GPU, and its burn-in prevention features can be intrusive. Despite these, it's a great option for those who need a large, immersive display.
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 demanding
How to Choose a Curved Monitor
Selecting the right curved gaming monitor involves considering several factors based on your intended use. For gaming, focus on resolution, size, panel type, brightness, refresh rate, curvature, and additional features.
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 can lead to a softer image, especially at lower resolutions.
Panel Type: IPS panels offer great colors and viewing angles, VA panels provide better contrast, and OLED panels deliver the best contrast and color with the risk of burn-in. Mini-LED backlighting is also gaining popularity for its brightness and contrast.
Brightness: Aim for at least 350 nits for SDR and 1,000 nits for HDR to ensure a vibrant display.
Refresh Rate: A minimum of 120Hz is recommended for gaming, with 144Hz being ideal. Higher rates like 240Hz or 360Hz are beneficial for competitive gamers.
Curvature: The curvature is denoted by an "R" number, with lower numbers indicating a deeper curve. Deeper curves (800R or below) enhance immersion but can distort text, making them better for gaming than productivity.
Additional Features: Look for variable refresh rate support (VRR) like FreeSync or G-Sync, built-in KVM switches for multi-system use, and features like picture-in-picture or gaming-specific settings.
Upcoming Curved Gaming Monitors in 2025
The gaming monitor market in 2025 continues to be dominated by OLED technology, with many brands introducing new models across various sizes and price points. Mini-LED monitors are also emerging as a viable alternative, offering high brightness and reduced burn-in risk. Another trend is the integration of smart TV features into gaming monitors, providing built-in streaming and live TV options, which is particularly appealing for users with limited space.
Curved Monitor FAQs
Are curved monitors better for gaming?
Curved monitors can enhance immersion, especially on larger ultrawide displays. The impact of curvature varies with the monitor's size and the depth of the curve. While it doesn't affect performance, many gamers find the 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 enhance immersion but may distort text. 1500R and 1800R are gentler curves suitable for various uses, while 800R and 1000R are deeper and better for gaming.
Are curved monitors good for work?
Curved monitors with gentler 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 benefit from a wider field of view.
Where to Get the Best Curved Gaming Monitors in the UK
### AOC C27G2
1£214.97 at Amazon
### Asus TUF Gaming VG34VQEL1A
1£615.99 at Amazon
### Best Curved G-Sync Gaming Monitor LG UltraGear 34GP950G-B
0£1,199.95 at Overclockers
### Best Curved FreeSync Gaming Monitor MSI Optix MAG342CQRV
0£509.00 at Amazon
### Best G-Sync Compatible Curved Gaming Monitor Asus TUF Gaming VG35VQ
2Best G-Sync Compatible Curved Gaming Monitor£712.15 at Argos
### Best Ultra-Ultrawide Curved Gaming Monitor Samsung Odyssey G9
0Best Ultra-Ultrawide Curved Gaming Monitor£1,199.00 at Amazon
### Best Curved Gaming Monitor for Esports MSI Optix MAG301CR2
1£369.95 at Amazon
### Samsung Odyssey Neo G9
0£1,749.00 at Samsung
