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Top Curved Monitors of 2025 Revealed

by Elijah Apr 05,2025

Upgrading your gaming setup with a curved gaming monitor is one of the most effective ways to enhance your immersion. The best curved gaming monitors of 2025 wrap around your peripheral vision, drawing you into the heart of the action and making it easier to lose yourself in your favorite games. Whether you're a competitive gamer looking for an edge in esports or a single-player enthusiast eager to dive into a compelling storyline, we've selected the top curved gaming monitors to meet 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 AmazonThe market for curved gaming monitors has expanded significantly, making the choice more complex than ever. With numerous brands and models, it's crucial to understand the key features that matter most to your gaming style. For fans of fast-paced shooters, a monitor with low input latency and a high refresh rate is essential. If immersion is your priority, opting for a monitor with a deeper curve can enhance your experience. Let's dive into the details.

The Expert: Why Trust Us

With over a decade of experience as a gaming journalist, I've written for several major gaming publications and tested countless monitors. My expertise lies in understanding what makes a gaming monitor exceptional and how its features cater to different types of users. At IGN, our reviews are thorough and collaborative, ensuring you receive accurate and comprehensive information. We aim to provide you with the best recommendations to enhance your gaming setup, covering everything from monitors to graphics cards, keyboards, mice, and headsets.

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. It's perfect for those seeking an immersive experience with stunning visuals. See it at AmazonSee it at NeweggSee it at AsusProduct SpecificationsScreen size34" 800RAspect ratio21:9Resolution3,440 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 top choice for curved gaming monitors. Its deep 800R curve offers an immersive experience, while its OLED panel delivers vibrant colors and exceptional brightness. Priced around $1,000, this monitor achieves a peak brightness of 1,300 nits, perfect for HDR gaming and movies. Its high refresh rate of 240Hz and low response time ensure smooth gameplay. While its deep curve may not be ideal for productivity, it's a fantastic choice for entertainment and gaming.

AOC C27G2Z

Best Budget Curved Gaming Monitor

### AOC C27G2Z

0Budget-minded gamers will appreciate the value offered by the AOC C27G2Z, which provides a 27-inch 1080p screen with a 1500R curve and a high refresh rate. See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsScreen size27" 1500RAspect ratio16:9Resolution1,920 x 1,080Panel typeVA FreeSyncBrightness300cd/m2Refresh rate240HzResponse time0.5msInputs2 x HDMI 2.0, 1 x DisplayPortPROSGreat responsivenessHigh refresh rateGood colors and contrastCONSHDMI is limited to 120HzThe AOC C27G2Z offers excellent value for budget-conscious gamers. This 27-inch monitor features a VA panel with a 1500R curve, providing a balance of immersion and affordability. It boasts a 240Hz refresh rate and a 0.5ms response time, making it suitable for competitive gaming. The only limitation is that its HDMI ports are capped at 120Hz, but this is easily overcome with a DisplayPort connection. For those who want a larger screen, there's a 32-inch version available at the same price, though it may show visible pixels at 1080p.

Dell Alienware AW3423DWF

Best Value Curved Gaming Monitor

### Alienware AW3423DWF

0A curved 2K gaming monitor with an exceptional QD-OLED panel and solid gaming chops. 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 choice for value, now available for just over $600. Its QD-OLED panel delivers stunning visuals with vibrant colors and high contrast, making it a great option for HDR gaming. With a 165Hz refresh rate and a 0.3ms response time, it offers smooth gameplay, despite its lower SDR brightness. This monitor is an excellent choice for gamers looking to experience OLED technology without breaking the bank.

Acer Predator X34 OLED

Best Ultrawide G-Sync Gaming Monitor

### Acer Predator X34 OLED

0See it at AmazonSee it at B&HProduct SpecificationsScreen size34Aspect ratio21:9Resolution3440x1440Panel typeOLEDHDRVESA DisplayHDR True Black 400Brightness1,300 cd/m2 (peak)Refresh rate240HzResponse time0.03msInputs2 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. Its 800R curve and OLED panel create an immersive experience, while its 240Hz refresh rate and G-Sync support ensure smooth gameplay. With a peak brightness of 1,300 nits, it's perfect for HDR content. While it lacks an sRGB mode, its P3 mode offers standardized colors, making it suitable for content creators.

MSI MPG 491CQPX

Best Curved 32:9 Super Ultrawide Monitor

### MSI MPG 491CQPX

049 inches of QD-OLED gaming goodnessSee it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsScreen size49", 1800RAspect ratio32:9Resolution5,120x1,440Panel typeQD-OLEDHDRVESA DisplayHDR True Black 400Brightness1,000 cd/m2 (peak)Refresh rate240HzResponse time0.03msInputs2 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 a game-changer for those needing extra screen real estate. This 49-inch super ultrawide monitor with a 32:9 aspect ratio offers the equivalent of three 1440p monitors. Its QD-OLED panel ensures vivid colors and high brightness, while its 240Hz refresh rate and 0.03ms response time cater to competitive gamers. It's perfect for multitasking and gaming, though it requires a powerful GPU to maximize its potential.

How to Choose a Curved Monitor

Selecting the right curved gaming monitor involves considering several factors:

Resolution: Higher resolutions like 1440p and 4K provide crisper images but require more powerful graphics cards. Ultrawide monitors extend the horizontal resolution for a wider field of view.

Size: The ideal size depends on your available space and gaming needs. A 24-inch monitor is ideal for 1080p, while 27 inches suits 1440p. For 4K, consider 32 inches to maintain pixel density.

Panel Type: IPS panels offer great colors and viewing angles, VA panels provide better contrast, and OLED panels deliver the best contrast and HDR. Avoid TN panels unless response time is your top priority.

Brightness: Aim for at least 350 nits for SDR content, and 1,000 nits for HDR gaming.

Refresh Rate: A minimum of 120Hz is recommended, with 144Hz being ideal for most gamers. Competitive players may benefit from 240Hz or higher.

Curvature: The "R" number indicates the curvature's radius. Deeper curves (800R or less) enhance immersion but may distort text, making them better suited for gaming than productivity.

Additional Features: Look for variable refresh rate support (VRR), such as FreeSync or G-Sync, to eliminate screen tearing. Other useful features include KVM switches, picture-in-picture, and customizable gaming modes.

Upcoming Curved Gaming Monitors in 2025

The gaming monitor industry continues to evolve, with OLED technology remaining a key trend. Mini-LED monitors are also gaining traction, offering high brightness and burn-in resistance. Additionally, the integration of smart TV features into gaming monitors is becoming more common, providing an all-in-one solution for gamers 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 varies with screen size and personal preference, but it does not affect performance or responsiveness.

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

These numbers represent the curvature's radius. Lower numbers indicate a deeper curve, which can enhance immersion but may slightly distort text and images. Deeper curves are better suited for gaming rather than productivity.

Are curved monitors good for work?

Curved monitors with gentler curves (1500R and 1800R) are suitable for most tasks. Deeper curves may not be ideal for productivity due to potential text distortion. However, ultrawide curved monitors can benefit creatives working with timelines.