Top Curved Monitors of 2025 Revealed

Home News Top Curved Monitors of 2025 Revealed

Upgrading your gaming setup with a curved gaming monitor can significantly enhance your immersion, drawing you deeper into your favorite games. Whether you're a competitive gamer seeking that crucial edge in esports or a single-player enthusiast looking to lose yourself in rich storylines, the best curved gaming monitors of 2025 are here to elevate your experience. These monitors wrap around your peripheral vision, making you feel more engaged with the action on screen.

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 AmazonIn the past, selecting a great curved gaming monitor was straightforward, but today's market is saturated with various brands offering similar specs on paper. Yet, not all perform equally in real-world use. Depending on your gaming preferences, different features matter more. For shooters, low input latency and high refresh rates are paramount. For an immersive experience, a monitor with a deeper curve might be the better choice. It's all about the details that cater to your specific gaming needs.

The Expert: Why Trust Us

As a gaming journalist with over a decade of experience, I've contributed to numerous major gaming publications and tested countless monitors. My expertise allows me to identify what makes a gaming monitor exceptional, especially tailored to different user needs. It's not just about panel type, refresh rate, and resolution; it's how these elements come together to create a standout experience. At IGN, our team of gamers ensures our reviews are thorough and reliable, providing you with the best recommendations to enhance your gaming setup.

After exploring our picks, don't forget to check out the Best Graphics Cards, Best Gaming Keyboards, Best Gaming Mice, and Best Gaming Headsets to complete your setup. A truly immersive gaming experience awaits.

1. Asus ROG Swift PG34WCDM

Best Curved Gaming Monitor

Our top pick### Asus ROG Swift PG34WCDM

0This deep-dish 34-inch ultrawide packs next-level HDR and an impressive suite of gaming features. Its deep 800R curve enhances immersion, while the cutting-edge OLED panel delivers stunning colors and brightness. Ideal for both gaming and productivity, this monitor boasts a 3,440x1,440 resolution that feels like two 1440p monitors without the bezel. While its deep curve might distort text slightly, making it better suited for entertainment, its 240Hz refresh rate and low input latency make it a top choice for competitive gaming. With built-in KVM and various gaming modes, the Asus ROG Swift PG34WCDM justifies its premium price, typically just over $1,000. 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

0Budget-minded gamers will appreciate the AOC C27G2Z, offering a 27-inch, 1500R curved screen with a high refresh rate for under $200. Its VA panel delivers deep contrast and engaging colors, ideal for gaming, while its 240Hz refresh rate and 0.5ms response time ensure excellent responsiveness. Though limited to 120Hz over HDMI, this monitor still offers significant value and performance. 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

0The Dell Alienware AW3423DWF offers exceptional value at just over $600, featuring a QD-OLED panel that delivers stunning image quality. Its 165Hz refresh rate and 0.5ms response time are perfect for competitive gaming, and its immersive 1800R curve enhances your gaming experience. While its SDR brightness is lower, HDR gaming shines with peak brightness up to 1,000 nits, making it an excellent choice for both movies and games. 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

0The Acer Predator X34 OLED is the premier ultrawide curved gaming monitor for 2025, boasting superior HDR brightness and a 240Hz refresh rate. Its 800R curve and OLED panel provide an immersive experience with vibrant colors and excellent factory calibration. While it lacks an sRGB mode, it's perfect for gaming and content creation, especially with its 21:9 aspect ratio that enhances productivity. 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

0The MSI MPG 491CQPX is ideal for those needing expansive screen real estate, offering a 49-inch QD-OLED display with a 32:9 aspect ratio. It's equivalent to three 1440p monitors, perfect for multitasking and immersive gaming. With a 240Hz refresh rate and 0.03ms response time, it's suited for professional esports, while its USB Type-C connectivity and PD charging add versatility. Though demanding on hardware, it's a cost-effective alternative to multiple monitors and regularly sells for under $1,000. 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 perfect curved gaming monitor involves considering several key factors tailored to your gaming needs. Here's what to look for:

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

Size: The right size depends on your space and desired gaming experience. A gentle curve and 16:9 aspect ratio are suitable for aesthetics, while larger ultrawide (21:9) monitors provide more usable space. Optimal sizes are 24 inches for 1080p, 27 inches for 1440p, and 32 inches for 4K.

Panel Type: Choose between IPS for great colors and viewing angles, VA for better contrast and slightly faster response times, or OLED for the best contrast, color, and HDR performance. Avoid TN panels unless response time is your top priority.

Brightness: Aim for at least 350 nits for general use, and 1,000 nits for HDR gaming to enjoy a true wide dynamic range.

Refresh Rate: For gaming, start at 120Hz, with 144Hz being ideal. Competitive gamers might benefit from 240Hz or higher for lower input latency and better motion clarity.

Curvature: The "R" number indicates the monitor's curvature radius. Deeper curves (800R, 1000R) enhance immersion but may distort text and images, making them better suited for gaming than productivity. Gentler curves (1500R, 1800R) are more versatile.

Additional Features: Look for variable refresh rate support (VRR) like FreeSync or G-Sync to eliminate screen tearing. Features like built-in KVM switches, picture-in-picture, and customizable gaming modes can add value and convenience.

Upcoming Curved Gaming Monitors in 2025

The gaming monitor market in 2025 continues to evolve, with OLED technology dominating the high-end segment. Mini-LED monitors are emerging as a viable alternative, offering brightness and burn-in resistance at the expense of OLED's contrast. Smart gaming monitors are also on the rise, integrating features like game and movie streaming, making them ideal for gamers with limited space.

Curved Monitor FAQs

Are curved monitors better for gaming?

Curved monitors can enhance gaming immersion by occupying more of your field of view, though their impact on performance is minimal. Deeper curves are more noticeable on larger, ultrawide monitors, making them ideal for immersive gaming.

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

These numbers represent the radius of the monitor's curvature. A lower number means a deeper curve, which can increase immersion but may slightly distort text and images. Choose based on your intended use: deeper curves for gaming, gentler curves for mixed use.

Are curved monitors good for work?

Curved monitors with gentler curves (1500R, 1800R) are suitable for most work tasks. Deeper curves might distort text, making them less ideal for productivity. Ultrawide curved monitors can benefit creatives by offering more horizontal space for timelines and multitasking.