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Top Curved Monitors of 2025 Revealed

Upgrading your gaming setup with a curved gaming monitor can significantly enhance your immersion, drawing you into the heart of your favorite games. Whether you're a competitive esports player seeking an edge or a single-player enthusiast looking to dive deep into captivating storylines, the right

By Lily: Apr 08,2025

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 Amazon

Choosing the perfect curved gaming monitor can be overwhelming with the plethora of options available. It's crucial to consider your gaming preferences. For 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 will be your best bet. Let's dive into the details of each top pick.

The Expert: Why Trust Us

As a gaming journalist with over a decade of experience, I've reviewed countless monitors for major gaming publications. My expertise lies in understanding what makes a gaming monitor exceptional, especially for different types of gamers. 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.

When you're done here, don't forget to explore our guides on the Best Graphics Cards, Best Gaming Keyboards, Best Gaming Mice, and Best 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 boasts next-level HDR and a comprehensive suite of gaming features, making it a top choice for both gaming and productivity. 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 productivityThe Asus ROG Swift PG34WCDM stands out as the best curved gaming monitor, offering an immersive 800R curve and a cutting-edge OLED panel that delivers vibrant colors and exceptional brightness. Priced around $1,000, it provides a peak brightness of 1,300 nits for outstanding HDR gaming, complemented by deep blacks that enhance dynamic range. This monitor is also suitable for content creation with its crisp 3,440x1,440 resolution and wide color gamut support, though its deep curve may slightly distort text for productivity tasks. With a 240Hz refresh rate and various gaming modes, including a black equalizer and sniper modes, it's built to give you a competitive edge. The built-in KVM switch adds convenience for multi-platform gamers.

AOC C27G2Z

Best Budget Curved Gaming Monitor

### AOC C27G2Z

0Budget-conscious gamers will appreciate the AOC C27G2Z, which offers a 27-inch 1500R curved screen and a high refresh rate at an affordable price. 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 120HzAOC's C27G2Z is a budget-friendly option that doesn't skimp on performance. With a 240Hz refresh rate and a 0.5ms response time, it's perfect for competitive gaming. The VA panel offers a deep 3,000:1 contrast ratio, providing rich colors and engaging visuals. While the HDMI ports are limited to 120Hz, the DisplayPort connection allows you to reach the full refresh rate. The 27-inch size is ideal for 1080p resolution, avoiding the screen door effect that can occur with larger screens.

3. Dell Alienware AW3423DWF

Best Value Curved Gaming Monitor

### Alienware AW3423DWF

0The Dell Alienware AW3423DWF offers exceptional value with its QD-OLED panel and solid gaming features. 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 onlyThe Dell Alienware AW3423DWF is a standout value in the curved gaming monitor market, now available for just over $600. Its QD-OLED panel delivers stunning image quality with vivid colors and high brightness, peaking at 1,000 nits for HDR gaming. With a 165Hz refresh rate and a 0.3ms response time, it's highly responsive and perfect for competitive gaming. While its SDR brightness is lower, it's still suitable for most gaming environments. This monitor received glowing reviews upon its release and continues to impress with its current pricing.

4. Acer Predator X34 OLED

Best Ultrawide G-Sync Gaming Monitor

### Acer Predator X34 OLED

0The Acer Predator X34 OLED is the top choice for ultrawide G-Sync gaming, offering an outstanding picture and fast refresh rate. 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 modeThe Acer Predator X34 OLED is the premier ultrawide curved gaming monitor of 2025, featuring an 800R curve that enhances immersion. Its OLED panel offers fantastic colors and a peak brightness of 1,300 nits, making it ideal for HDR gaming and movies. With a 240Hz refresh rate and support for both Nvidia G-Sync and AMD FreeSync, it ensures smooth gameplay. While it's great for content creation with its 21:9 aspect ratio, the lack of an sRGB mode might be a drawback for some users.

5. MSI MPG 491CQPX

Best Curved 32:9 Super Ultrawide Monitor

### MSI MPG 491CQPX

0The MSI MPG 491CQPX offers a massive 49-inch QD-OLED screen with a 32:9 aspect ratio, perfect for both gaming and productivity. 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 demandingThe MSI MPG 491CQPX is ideal for those seeking a super ultrawide experience. Its 49-inch, 32:9 monitor is equivalent to three 1440p monitors side-by-side, offering ample screen real estate for multitasking. The QD-OLED panel provides vibrant colors and high brightness, while the 240Hz refresh rate and 0.03ms response time ensure exceptional performance. It's perfect for both gaming and productivity, though it requires a powerful GPU to maximize its capabilities. The burn-in prevention features are effective but can be frequent, and MSI offers a three-year warranty for peace of mind.

How to Choose a Curved Monitor

Selecting the right curved gaming monitor involves considering your specific needs. If you're focused solely on gaming, prioritize features like resolution, refresh rate, and panel type. For productivity or creative work, consider factors like screen size and curvature.

Resolution: Higher resolutions offer crisper images but require more powerful graphics cards. Common resolutions include 1080p, 1440p, and 4K, with ultrawide monitors extending the width.

Size: The ideal size depends on your 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.

Panel Type: IPS panels offer great colors and viewing angles, VA panels provide better contrast, and OLED panels deliver the best contrast and color. OLED monitors are popular but come with concerns about brightness and burn-in.

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

Refresh Rate: For gaming, a minimum of 120Hz is recommended, with 144Hz being ideal. Competitive gamers may benefit from higher rates like 240Hz or 360Hz.

Curvature: The curvature is indicated by an "R" number, with lower numbers indicating a deeper curve. Deeper curves (800R or below) are more immersive but can distort text, making them better suited 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 setups, and features like picture-in-picture and gaming-specific modes.

Upcoming Curved Gaming Monitors in 2025

The gaming monitor market continues to evolve, with OLED technology leading the way. Mini-LED monitors are also gaining traction as an alternative, offering high brightness and reduced burn-in risk. Smart gaming monitors, which combine the features of gaming monitors and smart TVs, are becoming more popular, especially for those with limited space.

Curved Monitor FAQs

Are curved monitors better for gaming?

Curved monitors can enhance immersion, particularly on larger ultrawide screens. The impact of curvature depends on the monitor's size and the depth of the curve. Performance-wise, curvature doesn't affect responsiveness.

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

These numbers represent the radius of the monitor's curvature. Lower numbers indicate a deeper curve, which can be more immersive but may distort text. 1500R and 1800R are gentle curves suitable for various tasks, while 800R and 1000R are deeper and better for gaming.

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 productivity. However, ultrawide curved monitors can be beneficial for video editing and other tasks that benefit from extra horizontal space.