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Top Curved Monitors of 2025 Revealed

by Christopher May 04,2025

Upgrading to a curved gaming monitor can significantly enhance your gaming immersion. The best curved gaming monitors of 2025 wrap around your peripheral vision, drawing you into the game world like never before. Whether you're a competitive gamer seeking an edge in esports or a single-player enthusiast looking to dive deeper into your favorite storylines, we've curated a list of the top picks tailored to your 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 Amazon

The market for curved gaming monitors has expanded rapidly, making it challenging to choose the right one. With numerous brands and models available, it's crucial to consider your specific gaming needs. For shooter enthusiasts, prioritize monitors with low input latency and high refresh rates. If you're looking for an immersive experience, a monitor with a deeper curve will be more suitable. It's all about finding the perfect balance that enhances your gameplay.

The Expert: Why Trust Us

As a seasoned gaming journalist with over a decade of experience, I've reviewed countless monitors for various major gaming publications. My expertise allows me to pinpoint what makes a gaming monitor exceptional, particularly for different types of gamers. At IGN, we're dedicated to providing you with reliable reviews and recommendations to help you make informed purchasing decisions. Our team ensures that each review is thorough, giving you the insights you need to enhance your gaming setup. After exploring our monitor recommendations, don't forget to check out our guides on the best graphics cards, gaming keyboards, gaming mice, and gaming headsets to complete your gaming experience.

1. Asus ROG Swift PG34WCDM

Best Curved Gaming Monitor

Our top pick### Asus ROG Swift PG34WCDM

0This 34-inch ultrawide monitor offers next-level HDR and an impressive suite of gaming features. Its deep 800R curve enhances immersion, and its OLED panel delivers stunning colors and high brightness. Ideal for both gaming and productivity, it supports a 240Hz refresh rate and a 0.03ms response time, ensuring smooth gameplay. It also includes a built-in KVM for seamless switching between devices. See it at AmazonSee it at NeweggSee it at AsusProduct Specifications

Screen size: 34" 800R
Aspect ratio: 21:9
Resolution: 3,440 x 1,440
Panel type: OLED, G-Sync compatible
HDR compatibility: DisplayHDR 400 True Black
Brightness: 1,300cd/m²
Refresh rate: 240Hz
Response time: 0.03ms (GtG)
Inputs: 1 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

PROS

Stunning HDR performance
Deep and immersive curve
High peak brightness, infinite contrast
Built-in KVM and meaningful gaming features

CONS

Deep curve isn't ideal for productivity

AOC C27G2Z

Best Budget Curved Gaming Monitor

### AOC C27G2Z

0Budget-conscious gamers will appreciate this monitor's 27-inch 1500R curved screen and high refresh rate. With a VA panel, it offers a deep 3,000:1 contrast ratio and vibrant colors, perfect for gaming. Its 240Hz refresh rate and 0.5ms response time provide excellent responsiveness, making it suitable for competitive play. See it at AmazonProduct Specifications

Screen size: 27" 1500R
Aspect ratio: 16:9
Resolution: 1,920 x 1,080
Panel type: VA FreeSync
Brightness: 300cd/m²
Refresh rate: 240Hz
Response time: 0.5ms
Inputs: 2 x HDMI 2.0, 1 x DisplayPort

PROS

Great responsiveness
High refresh rate
Good colors and contrast

CONS

HDMI limited to 120Hz

3. Dell Alienware AW3423DWF

Best Value Curved Gaming Monitor

### Alienware AW3423DWF

0This 34-inch 2K monitor features a QD-OLED panel that delivers exceptional picture quality and gaming performance. Its 165Hz refresh rate and 0.5ms response time ensure smooth gameplay, while its peak brightness of 1,000 nits offers a stunning HDR experience. See it at Best BuySee it at AmazonProduct Specifications

Screen size: 34" 1800R
Aspect ratio: 21:9
Resolution: 3,440 x 1,440
Panel type: QD-OLED, FreeSync Premium Pro, G-Sync compatible
Brightness: 1,000 cd/m² (peak)
Refresh rate: 165Hz
Response time: 0.5ms
Inputs: 1 x HDMI 2.0, 2 x DisplayPort, 4 x USB 3.2 Type-A

PROS

Great value
Fantastic picture thanks to QD-OLED panel
High refresh rate

CONS

Low SDR brightness
HDMI 2.0 only

4. Acer Predator X34 OLED

Best Ultrawide G-Sync Gaming Monitor

### Acer Predator X34 OLED

0This monitor stands out with its 34-inch ultrawide OLED display and deep 800R curve, enhancing immersion. It supports a 240Hz refresh rate and offers superior HDR brightness, making it perfect for both gaming and content creation. See it at AmazonSee it at B&HProduct Specifications

Screen size: 34"
Aspect ratio: 21:9
Resolution: 3440x1440
Panel type: OLED
HDR: VESA DisplayHDR True Black 400
Brightness: 1,300 cd/m² (peak)
Refresh rate: 240Hz
Response time: 0.03ms
Inputs: 2 x HDMI 2.1, 1 x DisplayPort 1.4, 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C

PROS

Superior HDR brightness
240Hz refresh rate
Great color reproduction

CONS

800R curve better for gaming than productivity
No sRGB mode

5. MSI MPG 491CQPX

Best Curved 32:9 Super Ultrawide Monitor

### MSI MPG 491CQPX

0This 49-inch QD-OLED monitor offers a super ultrawide 32:9 aspect ratio, providing ample screen real estate for gaming and productivity. Its 240Hz refresh rate and 0.03ms response time ensure exceptional performance, while its peak brightness of 1,000 nits delivers vibrant HDR visuals. See it at AmazonProduct Specifications

Screen size: 49", 1800R
Aspect ratio: 32:9
Resolution: 5,120x1,440
Panel type: QD-OLED
HDR: VESA DisplayHDR True Black 400
Brightness: 1,000 cd/m² (peak)
Refresh rate: 240Hz
Response time: 0.03ms
Inputs: 2 x HDMI 2.1, 1 x DisplayPort 1.4, 1 x USB Type-C (DP/PD 98W), 2 x USB 2.0 Type-A

PROS

Bright and color-rich
Great for productivity as well as gaming
Fast refresh rate and response time
USB Type-C video and PD charging

CONS

Burn-in prevention features can be annoying
High resolution demands powerful hardware

How to Choose a Curved Monitor

Selecting the right curved gaming monitor involves considering your specific needs. Whether you're focused solely on gaming or also use your monitor for productivity and creative tasks, here are key factors to consider:

Resolution: Higher resolutions like 1440p and 4K offer sharper images but require more powerful graphics cards. Ultrawide monitors extend the horizontal resolution while maintaining the same vertical resolution, enhancing clarity.

Size: The ideal monitor size depends on your available space and gaming preferences. For 1080p, 24 inches is recommended; for 1440p, 27 inches; and for 4K, 32 inches. Larger sizes can lead to a softer image, especially with 1080p.

Panel Type: Choose between IPS for great colors and viewing angles, VA for better contrast, or OLED for the best contrast and HDR. Avoid TN panels unless you prioritize response time over image quality.

Brightness: Aim for at least 350 nits for general use, with 1,000 nits for HDR gaming and movies.

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

Curvature: The curvature is indicated by an "R" number; lower numbers indicate a deeper curve. Deeper curves (800R or below) enhance immersion but may distort text, making them better for gaming than productivity.

Additional Features: Look for variable refresh rate (VRR) support like FreeSync or G-Sync for smooth gameplay. Features like KVM switches, picture-in-picture, and gaming software can add value and convenience.

Upcoming Curved Gaming Monitors in 2025

The gaming monitor market is constantly evolving, with OLED technology remaining a key trend. Mini-LED monitors are emerging as alternatives, offering high brightness without the burn-in risk of OLED. Smart gaming monitors, integrating streaming and TV-like features, are also on the rise, appealing to gamers in small spaces or students.

Curved Monitor FAQs

Are curved monitors better for gaming?

Curved monitors can enhance immersion, particularly on larger, ultrawide displays. However, the impact on performance and responsiveness remains the same as flat monitors.

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

These numbers represent the curvature radius. Lower numbers indicate a deeper curve, which can be more immersive but may cause slight image distortion. Deeper curves are better suited for gaming than productivity.

Are curved monitors good for work?

Curved monitors with gentle curves (1500R and 1800R) are suitable for most work tasks. Deeper curves may distort text, making them less ideal for tasks like typing or spreadsheets. However, ultrawide curved monitors can be beneficial for video editing due to increased horizontal space.