The Best Curved Monitors in 2025
Immerse yourself in the heart of the action with a curved gaming monitor—a truly transformative upgrade. The best curved monitors subtly wrap around your peripheral vision, pulling you deeper into your favorite games. Whether you're a competitive esports player seeking that crucial edge or a single-player enthusiast craving complete immersion, this guide highlights the top contenders for 2025.
TL;DR – Top Curved Gaming Monitors:
Asus ROG Swift PG34WCDM
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AOC C27G2Z
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Dell Alienware AW3423DWF
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Acer Predator X34 OLED
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MSI MPG 491CQP
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The market is saturated with curved gaming monitors, making the right choice challenging. Features like low input latency and high refresh rates are crucial for competitive shooters, while a deeper curve enhances immersion for single-player experiences. The key is finding the perfect blend.
The Expert: Why Trust Us
With over a decade of experience as a gaming journalist, I've reviewed countless monitors for major publications. My expertise extends beyond raw specs; I understand how different features combine to create an exceptional user experience. My goal is to provide you with informed recommendations that save you money and deliver exceptional gaming.
At IGN, our reviews are rigorously vetted by multiple gamers to ensure accuracy and provide you with the best possible information. We simplify the research, delivering concise, actionable guides like this one.
After reading this, explore our guides on the best graphics cards, gaming keyboards, mice, and headsets to complete your setup. The ultimate gaming experience awaits!
1. Asus ROG Swift PG34WCDM: Best Curved Gaming Monitor
This 34-inch ultrawide boasts exceptional HDR performance and a comprehensive suite of gaming features.
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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.
The Asus ROG Swift PG34WCDM delivers an outstanding gaming and productivity experience. Its 800R curve is deeply immersive, and the OLED panel provides vibrant colors and exceptional brightness. While its price is high (typically over $1,000), the 1,300 nits peak brightness and inky blacks justify the cost. Its resolution is crisp and well-suited for content creation, although the deep curve might take some getting used to for text-heavy tasks.
Gaming features include a 240Hz refresh rate, low input latency, and various modes (black equalizer, sniper mode) for a competitive edge. A built-in KVM switch allows seamless switching between PC and console.
2. AOC C27G2Z: Best Budget Curved Gaming Monitor
Budget-conscious gamers will appreciate this monitor's 1080p 1500R curved screen and high refresh rate.
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.
The AOC C27G2Z offers exceptional value. For under $200, you get a high-quality VA panel with a 1500R curve, deep contrast, and a 240Hz refresh rate perfect for competitive gaming. While colors and viewing angles aren't as impressive as IPS, they're still suitable for gaming. Note that the full 240Hz refresh rate requires a DisplayPort connection; HDMI is limited to 120Hz.
3. Dell Alienware AW3423DWF: Best Value Curved Gaming Monitor
An exceptional QD-OLED curved 2K gaming monitor with strong gaming capabilities.
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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.
The Dell Alienware AW3423DWF provides incredible value at its current price point (often under $600). Its QD-OLED panel delivers stunning image quality with millions of local dimming zones and vibrant colors. While SDR brightness is moderate, HDR performance is exceptional thanks to its 1000-nit peak brightness. The 165Hz refresh rate and 0.3ms response time ensure smooth, responsive gameplay.
4. Acer Predator X34 OLED: Best Ultrawide G-Sync Gaming Monitor
A top-tier ultrawide monitor with superior HDR brightness, a 240Hz refresh rate, and excellent color reproduction.
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.
The Acer Predator X34 OLED reigns supreme among ultrawide curved gaming monitors. Its 800R curve, variable refresh rate support (G-Sync and FreeSync), and 240Hz refresh rate deliver an exceptionally smooth and immersive gaming experience. The OLED panel boasts fantastic colors and a peak luminance of 1,300 nits, bringing games and movies to life. While lacking an sRGB mode, it offers a P3 mode for standardized colors. Its 21:9 aspect ratio is also beneficial for content creators.
5. MSI MPG 491CQPX: Best Curved 32:9 Super Ultrawide Monitor
49 inches of QD-OLED gaming excellence.
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 refresh rate, USB Type-C video and PD charging.
Cons: Burn-in prevention features can be grating, resolution is demanding.
The MSI MPG 491CQPX is a massive 49-inch super ultrawide monitor perfect for those who need expansive screen real estate. Its 5120 x 1440 resolution is equivalent to three 1440p monitors, ideal for multitasking. Despite its size, it boasts a 240Hz refresh rate, 0.03ms response time, and a vibrant QD-OLED panel. The inclusion of USB Type-C video input and 98W PD charging adds convenience. However, its high resolution demands a powerful system, and some users find its burn-in prevention features slightly intrusive.
How to Choose a Curved Monitor, Resolution, Size, Panel Type, Brightness, Refresh Rate, Curvature, Additional Features, Upcoming Monitors, FAQs, UK Retailers (The rest of the original text detailing these sections would be inserted here.)
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