Upgrading your setup with a curved gaming monitor can significantly enhance your gaming immersion. The best curved gaming monitors of 2025 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 lose yourself in epic storylines, there's a perfect curved monitor for you. Here are our top picks for the best curved gaming monitors in 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 AmazonIn the past, selecting a great curved gaming monitor was straightforward, but now, with countless brands flooding the market, it's crucial to focus on the qualities that matter most to your gaming style. If you're into shooters, prioritize monitors with low input latency and high refresh rates. For a more immersive experience, opt for monitors with a deeper curve to enhance your gameplay.
The Expert: Why Trust Us
With over a decade as a gaming journalist, I've contributed to major gaming publications and tested numerous monitors. My expertise helps me identify what makes a gaming monitor exceptional, tailored to different user needs. At IGN, we're gamers ourselves, ensuring our reviews are comprehensive and reliable. After reading this guide, explore our recommendations for the Best Graphics Cards, Best Gaming Keyboards, Best Gaming Mice, and Best Gaming Headsets to complete your setup and elevate your gaming experience.
1. Asus ROG Swift PG34WCDM
Best Curved Gaming Monitor
Our top pick### Asus ROG Swift PG34WCDM
0This 34-inch ultrawide monitor features next-level HDR and an impressive suite of gaming features, making it ideal for both gaming and productivity. Its deep 800R curve enhances immersion, while the OLED panel delivers vibrant colors and exceptional brightness. Priced typically over $1,000, it's a worthwhile investment for its stunning HDR capabilities and smooth 240Hz refresh rate. With built-in KVM and various gaming modes, it offers a competitive edge for gamers and versatility for content creators, though its deep curve may slightly distort text for productivity tasks.
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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: 1,300cd/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 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, providing an immersive experience at a great value. Its 240Hz refresh rate and 0.5ms response time make it perfect for competitive gaming, all for under $200. The VA panel delivers excellent contrast and vibrant colors, though it's limited to 120Hz via HDMI.
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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: 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 is limited to 120Hz
Dell Alienware AW3423DWF
Best Value Curved Gaming Monitor
### Alienware AW3423DWF
0This monitor boasts a 34-inch QD-OLED panel with a 1800R curve, offering exceptional value at just over $600. Its vibrant colors and high refresh rate make it ideal for both gaming and productivity. While its SDR brightness is low, its HDR capabilities are impressive, peaking at 1000 nits. With a fast 0.3ms response time, it's perfect for competitive gaming.
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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
Acer Predator X34 OLED
Best Ultrawide G-Sync Gaming Monitor
### Acer Predator X34 OLED
0This ultrawide monitor combines a 34-inch OLED panel with a deep 800R curve, offering superior HDR brightness and a 240Hz refresh rate. It's perfect for immersive gaming and content creation, though it lacks an sRGB mode.
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Product 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 works for content creation but isn't the best for productivity
- No sRGB mode
MSI MPG 491CQPX
Best Curved 32:9 Super Ultrawide Monitor
### MSI MPG 491CQPX
0This 49-inch QD-OLED monitor with a 32:9 aspect ratio offers a vast screen real estate, perfect for gaming and productivity. Its 240Hz refresh rate and 0.03ms response time ensure smooth gameplay, while its high brightness and color richness enhance the visual experience. However, it requires a powerful GPU and has aggressive burn-in prevention features.
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Product 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, fast, fast!
- USB Type-C video and PD charging
CONS
- Burn-in prevention features can be grating
- Resolution is demanding
How to Choose a Curved Monitor
Choosing the right curved gaming monitor involves considering several key factors tailored to your needs. Here's a guide to help you make an informed decision:
Resolution: Higher resolutions offer crisper images but require more powerful graphics cards. Common resolutions include 1080p, 1440p, and 4K, with ultrawide monitors offering extended width.
Size: The ideal monitor size depends on your available space and desired gaming experience. For 1080p, 24 inches is ideal; for 1440p, 27 inches; and for 4K, 32 inches. Larger sizes may result in a softer image and a noticeable "screen door effect."
Panel Type: The panel type significantly affects image quality and performance. IPS panels offer great colors and viewing angles but lower contrast. VA panels provide better contrast and faster response times. OLED monitors deliver the best contrast and color but may have lower brightness and burn-in risks.
Brightness: Aim for at least 350 nits for SDR and 1,000 nits for HDR to ensure a vibrant visual experience.
Refresh Rate: For gaming, a minimum of 120Hz is recommended, with 144Hz being ideal. Competitive gamers may benefit from higher rates like 240Hz or above.
Curvature: The curvature is indicated by an "R" number, with lower numbers indicating a deeper curve. Deeper curves (e.g., 800R) enhance immersion but may distort text, making them better suited for gaming than productivity.
Additional Features: Look for monitors with variable refresh rate (VRR) support like FreeSync or G-Sync for smooth gameplay. Other useful features include built-in KVM switches, picture-in-picture support, and configuration software for easy settings adjustments.
Upcoming Curved Gaming Monitors in 2025
The gaming monitor market continues to evolve, with OLED technology leading the charge. Mini-LED monitors are also gaining traction as an alternative, offering improved brightness and reduced burn-in risks. Additionally, smart gaming monitors that combine the functionalities of TVs and gaming displays are becoming popular, catering to users needing versatile setups.
Curved Monitor FAQs
Are curved monitors better for gaming?
Curved monitors can enhance immersion, particularly on larger screens, but their impact on performance is negligible. The choice depends on personal preference and the monitor's size and curvature.
What is 800R, 1500R, and 1800R?
These numbers represent the radius of the monitor's curvature. Lower numbers indicate deeper curves, which are more immersive but may warp text and images, making them less suitable for productivity.
Are curved monitors good for work?
Curved monitors with gentle curves (1500R or 1800R) are suitable for most work tasks. Deeper curves can be beneficial for creatives using timelines but may not be ideal for tasks involving text and spreadsheets.
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