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 curved monitor can transform your gaming experience. Here are the top picks for the best curved gaming monitors of 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 expanded dramatically, with numerous brands offering a variety of options. Choosing the right one depends on your gaming preferences. For shooters, prioritize monitors with low input latency and high refresh rates. For a more immersive experience, opt for a monitor with a deeper curve. It's all about finding the perfect balance for your needs.
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 publications. My expertise allows me to identify what makes a gaming monitor exceptional, tailored to different user needs. 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. After reading this guide, explore our lists of 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 boasts next-level HDR and a comprehensive suite of gaming features, making it an outstanding choice for both gaming and productivity. Its deep 800R curve enhances immersion, while the OLED panel delivers vibrant colors and exceptional brightness. With a peak brightness of 1,300 nits, it's perfect for HDR gaming, offering deep blacks and stunning dynamic range. The monitor's 3,440x1,440 resolution is ideal for its size, providing crisp visuals akin to two 1440p monitors without the bezel. It's well-suited for content creation with excellent factory calibration and wide color gamut support, though its deep curve may slightly distort text, making it better for entertainment than productivity. With a 240Hz refresh rate and low input latency, it's built for smooth gameplay and includes gaming modes like a black equalizer and sniper modes for a competitive edge. The built-in KVM switch is a bonus for multi-platform gamers, allowing seamless switching between devices. The Asus ROG Swift PG34WCDM justifies its premium price with top-tier performance and 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 productivity2. AOC C27G2Z
Best Budget Curved Gaming Monitor
### AOC C27G2Z
0Budget-conscious gamers will appreciate the AOC C27G2Z, which offers a 27-inch 1080p screen with a 1500R curve and a high 240Hz refresh rate, all for under $200. Its VA panel provides a deep 3,000:1 contrast ratio, enhancing the gaming experience with rich colors and good contrast. The monitor's responsiveness is a key selling point, with a 0.5ms response time that's ideal for competitive gaming. However, to achieve the full refresh rate, you'll need to use a DisplayPort connection, as HDMI is limited to 120Hz. While a 32-inch version is available, sticking with the 27-inch model avoids the screen door effect that can occur at larger sizes with 1080p resolution.
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 120Hz
3. Dell Alienware AW3423DWF
Best Value Curved Gaming Monitor
### Alienware AW3423DWF
0The Dell Alienware AW3423DWF offers exceptional value with its QD-OLED panel, now available for just over $600. This monitor delivers stunning image quality with vivid colors and high brightness, thanks to its quantum dot enhancement. Its 165Hz refresh rate and 0.5ms response time make it suitable for competitive gaming, while its 1800R curve provides a gentle yet immersive experience. Although its SDR brightness is lower, it excels in HDR mode with a peak of 1,000 nits, making it ideal for both gaming and movie watching. The monitor's performance and features make it a compelling choice at its current price point.
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 only
4. Acer Predator X34 OLED
Best Ultrawide G-Sync Gaming Monitor
### Acer Predator X34 OLED
0The Acer Predator X34 OLED stands out as the premier ultrawide curved gaming monitor of 2025. Its 34-inch screen with an 800R curve and 21:9 aspect ratio offers a deeply immersive experience. The OLED panel provides superior color reproduction and a peak brightness of 1,300 nits for exceptional HDR performance. With a 240Hz refresh rate and support for both Nvidia G-Sync and AMD FreeSync, it ensures smooth gameplay. The monitor's 3,440x1,440 resolution is manageable for mid-range systems, making it a versatile choice for gamers and content creators alike. While it lacks an sRGB mode, its P3 mode ensures standardized colors for professional work.
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 mode
5. MSI MPG 491CQPX
Best Curved 32:9 Super Ultrawide Monitor
### MSI MPG 491CQPX
0The MSI MPG 491CQPX is a 49-inch, 32:9 super ultrawide monitor that offers a transformative gaming and productivity experience. Its QD-OLED panel delivers bright, color-rich visuals, and its 240Hz refresh rate and 0.03ms response time ensure top-notch performance. The 1800R curve is gentle yet effective, enhancing the viewing experience across its expansive screen. The monitor supports USB Type-C video input and 98W PD charging, making it versatile for various setups. While it requires a powerful GPU to maximize its potential, its features and performance justify its cost, especially considering its burn-in protection and warranty.
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 demandingHow to Choose a Curved Monitor
Selecting the perfect curved gaming monitor involves considering your specific needs. If gaming is your primary focus, prioritize features like resolution, size, panel type, brightness, refresh rate, and curvature. For productivity or creative work, additional factors such as text distortion and workspace efficiency come into play.
Resolution: Higher resolutions like 1440p and 4K offer crisper images but require more powerful graphics cards. Ultrawide monitors extend the horizontal resolution, enhancing the field of view.
Size: The ideal size depends on your space and gaming preferences. For 1080p, 24 inches is optimal; for 1440p, 27 inches; and for 4K, 32 inches. Larger sizes may result in 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 with the risk of burn-in.
Brightness: Aim for at least 350 nits for SDR and 1,000 nits for HDR to ensure vibrant visuals.
Refresh Rate: A minimum of 120Hz is recommended for gaming, with 144Hz being ideal. Higher rates like 240Hz or above are beneficial for competitive gamers.
Curvature: The curvature is denoted by an "R" number, with lower numbers indicating a deeper curve. Deeper curves enhance immersion but may 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, picture-in-picture capabilities, and gaming-specific features like black equalizers and sniper modes.
Upcoming Curved Gaming Monitors in 2025
The gaming monitor market in 2025 continues to be dominated by OLED technology, with many brands introducing new models across various price points. Mini-LED monitors are emerging as a viable alternative, offering high brightness and reduced burn-in risk. Another trend is the integration of smart TV features into gaming monitors, catering to users who need versatile displays for both gaming and entertainment.
Curved Monitor FAQs
Are curved monitors better for gaming?
Curved monitors can enhance gaming 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 radius of the monitor's curvature. Lower numbers indicate a deeper curve, which can enhance immersion but may cause slight text distortion. Deeper curves are better suited for gaming, while gentler curves are more versatile for mixed use.
Are curved monitors good for work?
Curved monitors with mild curvatures (1500R and 1800R) are suitable for most work tasks. Deeper curves may cause text distortion, making them less ideal for productivity. However, ultrawide curved monitors can be beneficial for video editing and other tasks that utilize horizontal space.
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
