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Top Curved Monitors of 2025 Reviewed

Author：Kristen Update：May 01,2025

Upgrading to a curved gaming monitor can significantly enhance your gaming immersion. The best curved gaming monitors of 2025 are designed to wrap into your peripheral vision, drawing you deeper into your favorite games. Whether you're a competitive esports player seeking an edge or a single-player enthusiast looking to immerse yourself in captivating storylines, these top picks are 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 AsusAOC C27G2Z

0See it at AmazonDell Alienware AW3423DWF

0See it at AmazonAcer Predator X34 OLED

0See it at AmazonMSI MPG 491CQP

0See it at Amazon

The market for curved gaming monitors has expanded significantly, offering a plethora of options. It's crucial to select a monitor that aligns with your specific gaming style. For fans of fast-paced shooters, prioritize monitors with low input latency and high refresh rates. If you're after the most immersive experience, consider monitors with deeper curves.

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 outlets. My expertise lies in understanding what makes a gaming monitor exceptional, particularly for different types of gamers. At IGN, we're committed to providing you with the most reliable reviews and recommendations, ensuring you get the best gaming experience possible. After reading this guide, explore our lists of the best graphics cards, gaming keyboards, mice, and headsets to complete your setup.

1. Asus ROG Swift PG34WCDM

Best Curved Gaming Monitor

Asus ROG Swift PG34WCDM

0This 34-inch ultrawide monitor boasts superior HDR capabilities 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. Available for just over $1,000, it offers a peak brightness of 1,300 nits for exceptional HDR performance. Its 3,440x1,440 resolution is perfect for content creation, though its deep curve may slightly distort text for productivity tasks. With a 240Hz refresh rate and various gaming modes, it's built for competitive play and multi-platform use, featuring a KVM switch for seamless device switching.

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Product 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: 1,300 cd/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 great for productivity

2. AOC C27G2Z

Best Budget Curved Gaming Monitor

AOC C27G2Z

0Ideal for budget-conscious gamers, this 27-inch monitor features a 1500R curve and a high refresh rate, all under $200. Its VA panel offers a deep 3,000:1 contrast ratio, enhancing the gaming experience with vivid colors. The 240Hz refresh rate and 0.5ms response time make it suitable for competitive play, though it requires a DisplayPort connection to reach its full potential.

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Product Specifications:

Screen size: 27" 1500R
Aspect ratio: 16:9
Resolution: 1,920 x 1,080
Panel type: VA, FreeSync
Brightness: 300 cd/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 monitor, priced at just over $600, offers incredible value with its QD-OLED panel. The 1800R curve and 3,440 x 1,440 resolution provide an immersive gaming experience. Its HDR performance is exceptional, with a peak brightness of 1,000 nits. The 165Hz refresh rate and 0.5ms response time ensure smooth gameplay, making it a fantastic choice for both gaming and content creation.

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Product 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 34-inch ultrawide monitor features an 800R curve and an OLED panel, delivering exceptional HDR brightness and color reproduction. With a 240Hz refresh rate and support for both G-Sync and FreeSync, it's ideal for high-performance gaming. Its 3,440 x 1,440 resolution is perfect for gaming and content creation, though it lacks an sRGB mode.

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Product Specifications:

Screen size: 34"
Aspect ratio: 21:9
Resolution: 3,440 x 1,440
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 not ideal for productivity
No 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 is perfect for those needing extra screen space. Its QD-OLED panel offers vibrant colors and a peak brightness of 1,000 nits. With a 240Hz refresh rate and 0.03ms response time, it's ideal for gaming and productivity, though it demands a powerful GPU.

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Product Specifications:

Screen size: 49", 1800R
Aspect ratio: 32:9
Resolution: 5,120 x 1,440
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 grating
High resolution demands powerful hardware

How to Choose a Curved Monitor

Selecting the right curved gaming monitor involves considering several factors. Start with your primary use: gaming, productivity, or both. Key aspects to focus on include:

Resolution: Higher resolutions provide sharper images but require more powerful hardware. Common resolutions are 1080p, 1440p, and 4K.
Size: The ideal size depends on your desk space and gaming preferences. For 1080p, 24 inches is optimal; for 1440p, 27 inches; and for 4K, 32 inches.
Panel Type: Choose between IPS for color and viewing angles, VA for better contrast, or OLED for the best contrast and HDR.
Brightness: Aim for at least 350 nits for SDR and 1,000 nits for HDR.
Refresh Rate: A minimum of 120Hz is recommended, with 144Hz being ideal for most gamers.
Curvature: The "R" number indicates the curve's radius. Deeper curves (800R or lower) are more immersive but may distort text.
Additional Features: Look for variable refresh rate support, built-in KVM switches, and gaming-specific features like black equalizers and sniper modes.

Upcoming Curved Gaming Monitors in 2025

The gaming monitor market in 2025 continues to evolve, with OLED technology leading the charge. Mini-LED monitors are also emerging as a bright and durable alternative. Smart gaming monitors, integrating features like streaming and live TV, are gaining popularity, especially for those with limited space. For a detailed look at upcoming models, check out my full write-up from CES 2025.

Curved Monitor FAQs

Are curved monitors better for gaming?

Curved monitors can enhance immersion, particularly with larger, ultrawide screens. The curve itself doesn't impact performance or responsiveness but can create a more engaging gaming experience.

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

These numbers represent the radius of the monitor's curvature. A lower number indicates a deeper curve, which can be more immersive but may slightly distort text and images.

Are curved monitors good for work?

Curved monitors with gentle curvatures (1500R, 1800R) are suitable for most work tasks. Deeper curves are better suited for gaming and specific creative tasks like video editing, where the extra horizontal space is beneficial.