The Best Curved Monitors in 2025

Upgrading to a curved gaming monitor can significantly enhance your gaming immersion, drawing you deeper into the action. The best curved gaming monitors of 2025 wrap around your peripheral vision, creating a more engaging experience whether you're a competitive esports player seeking an edge or a single-player enthusiast looking to lose yourself in a captivating narrative. Here's a rundown of the top picks for 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 AmazonThe market for curved gaming monitors has grown immensely, making it challenging to choose the right one amidst the myriad of options. As a gamer, you'll want to focus on specific features depending on your gaming style. For fans of shooters, monitors with low input latency and high refresh rates are essential. Meanwhile, those seeking the ultimate immersive experience might prefer a monitor with a deeper curve. It's all about finding the perfect balance for your needs.

The Expert: Why Trust Us

With over a decade in gaming journalism, I've reviewed monitors for top gaming publications and tested countless models. My expertise lies in understanding what makes a monitor exceptional, especially for different types of users. At IGN, our reviews are rigorously vetted by multiple experts to ensure you receive accurate, reliable recommendations. We're committed to helping you find the best gaming gear, from monitors to graphics cards, keyboards, mice, and headsets, to elevate your gaming setup.

1. Asus ROG Swift PG34WCDM

Best Curved Gaming Monitor

Our top pick### Asus ROG Swift PG34WCDM

0This 34-inch ultrawide monitor features an OLED panel with next-level HDR and an impressive suite of gaming features. 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, delivering outstanding performance for both gaming and productivity. Its deep 800R curve enhances immersion, while the OLED panel offers vibrant colors and impressive brightness, typically available for just over $1,000. It supports a peak brightness of 1,300 nits, perfect for HDR gaming, and provides excellent factory calibration for content creators. However, its deep curve might slightly distort text, making it less ideal for productivity tasks.

AOC C27G2Z

Best Budget Curved Gaming Monitor

### AOC C27G2Z

0Budget-conscious gamers will appreciate the AOC C27G2Z, offering 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 high-value option for budget gamers, providing a spacious 27-inch screen, an immersive curve, and a responsive 240Hz refresh rate, all for under $200. Its VA panel offers a deep 3,000:1 contrast ratio, delivering rich colors ideal for gaming. However, to achieve the full refresh rate, you'll need to use a DisplayPort connection, as the HDMI ports are limited to 120Hz.

3. Dell Alienware AW3423DWF

Best Value Curved Gaming Monitor

### Alienware AW3423DWF

0This 34-inch 2K gaming monitor features a QD-OLED panel and solid gaming performance, offering exceptional value at just over $600. 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 offers the best value in curved gaming monitors. Its QD-OLED panel delivers stunning visuals with enhanced colors and brightness, peaking at 1,000 nits in HDR mode. With a 165Hz refresh rate and support for both FreeSync and G-Sync, it provides a responsive gaming experience at a competitive price, despite its lower SDR brightness.

4. Acer Predator X34 OLED

Best Ultrawide G-Sync Gaming Monitor

### Acer Predator X34 OLED

0See 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 top pick for ultrawide curved gaming monitors in 2025, featuring an 800R curve, OLED panel, and a 240Hz refresh rate. Its high peak brightness of 1,300 nits and vibrant colors make it ideal for both gaming and content creation, though its deep curve may not be the best for productivity without an sRGB mode.

5. MSI MPG 491CQPX

Best Curved 32:9 Super Ultrawide Monitor

### MSI MPG 491CQPX

0This 49-inch QD-OLED monitor offers expansive screen real estate and high performance 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 a game-changer for those needing expansive screen space. Its 49-inch, 32:9 display, combined with QD-OLED technology, offers stunning visuals and high performance, suitable for both gaming and productivity. While it demands a powerful GPU and has frequent burn-in prevention reminders, its versatility and performance make it a compelling choice, especially at under $1,000.

How to Choose a Curved Monitor

Selecting the right curved gaming monitor involves considering your specific needs. If gaming is your primary focus, prioritize features like resolution, refresh rate, and panel type. For productivity or creative work, consider aspects like size and curvature.

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

Size: The ideal monitor size depends on your space and gaming goals. For 1080p, 24 inches is optimal; for 1440p, 27 inches is ideal; and for 4K, 32 inches is recommended to maintain pixel density without losing detail.

Panel Type: IPS panels offer great colors and viewing angles, while VA panels provide better contrast. OLED monitors are renowned for their contrast and color, though they can be susceptible to burn-in.

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

Refresh Rate: A minimum of 120Hz is recommended for gaming, with higher rates offering smoother gameplay and lower latency.

Curvature: The curvature, indicated by an "R" number, affects immersion. Deeper curves (like 800R) are more immersive but can distort text, making them better suited for gaming rather than productivity.

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 gaming-specific software can enhance your experience.

Upcoming Curved Gaming Monitors in 2025

The trend in 2025 continues to favor OLED technology, with many brands introducing new models. Mini-LED monitors are also gaining traction as an alternative, offering solutions to OLED's brightness and burn-in concerns. Additionally, the integration of smart TV features into gaming monitors is becoming more prevalent, appealing to users needing versatile displays.

Curved Monitor FAQs

Are curved monitors better for gaming?

Curved monitors can enhance immersion, especially with larger, ultrawide displays. However, their impact on performance and responsiveness is minimal.

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 slightly distort text and images.

Are curved monitors good for work?

Curved monitors with milder curvatures like 1500R and 1800R are suitable for most work tasks. Deeper curves are better for gaming or specific creative tasks like video editing, where horizontal space is beneficial.