Top Curved Monitors of 2025 Revealed

Upgrading your 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 your next adventure, the best curved gaming monitors of 2025 offer something for everyone.

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 AmazonIn today's market, selecting the perfect curved gaming monitor can be overwhelming due to the variety of options available. Different features cater to different types of gamers. For those who enjoy fast-paced shooters, a monitor with low input latency and a high refresh rate is crucial. Meanwhile, if immersion is your priority, a monitor with a deeper curve might be the better choice. It's all about finding the right fit for your gaming needs.

The Expert: Why Trust Us

As a gaming journalist with over a decade of experience, I have tested numerous monitors and written for major gaming publications. My expertise helps me identify what makes a gaming monitor exceptional, tailored to various user needs. At IGN, our team of gamers ensures every review is thorough and unbiased, providing you with the essential information to make informed decisions. We aim to save you money while ensuring a top-notch gaming experience. After reading our guide, explore our recommendations for the Best Graphics Cards, Best Gaming Keyboards, Best Gaming Mice, and Best Gaming Headsets to complete your setup.

1. Asus ROG Swift PG34WCDM

Best Curved Gaming Monitor

Our top pick### Asus ROG Swift PG34WCDM

0This 34-inch ultrawide monitor boasts exceptional HDR capabilities and a suite of gaming features, making it an outstanding choice for both gaming and productivity. Its deep 800R curve enhances immersion, while its OLED panel delivers vibrant colors and outstanding brightness.

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 premier curved gaming monitor of 2025. Its deep curve and OLED panel provide a visually stunning experience, ideal for gaming and movie watching. The monitor's high peak brightness and infinite contrast ratio make it perfect for HDR content, while its fast refresh rate and low response time ensure smooth gameplay. Although its deep curve may not be ideal for productivity tasks due to potential text distortion, it's a minor trade-off for the immersive experience it offers.

AOC C27G2Z

Best Budget Curved Gaming Monitor

### AOC C27G2Z

0For budget-conscious gamers, the AOC C27G2Z offers a compelling package with its 27-inch, 1500R curved screen, high refresh rate, and excellent responsiveness. It's an affordable way to experience curved gaming without breaking the bank.

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 has a strong track record of delivering value-packed gaming monitors, and the C27G2Z is no exception. Its VA panel provides a deep contrast ratio and engaging colors, perfect for gaming. The high refresh rate and fast response time make it suitable for competitive gaming, though users should note that HDMI connections are limited to 120Hz.

3. Dell Alienware AW3423DWF

Best Value Curved Gaming Monitor

### Alienware AW3423DWF

0The Dell Alienware AW3423DWF is a fantastic value proposition, offering the benefits of a QD-OLED panel at a more accessible price point. Its vibrant colors and high refresh rate make it an excellent choice for gamers seeking quality without breaking the bank.

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 Alienware AW3423DWF stands out for its exceptional value, especially given its price drop to around $600. The QD-OLED technology provides stunning visuals and high brightness, making it an attractive option for HDR gaming. Its fast response time and variable refresh rate support ensure smooth gameplay, making it an ideal choice for those looking to upgrade without overspending.

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 gaming with G-Sync support. Its 34-inch display with an 800R curve and OLED panel delivers an immersive experience with vibrant colors and high brightness, perfect for both gaming and content creation.

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 a standout in the ultrawide category, offering a deep curve that enhances immersion and an OLED panel that delivers superior color reproduction and brightness. Its high refresh rate and variable refresh rate support ensure a smooth gaming experience, making it ideal for both gamers and content creators looking for an ultrawide display.

5. MSI MPG 491CQPX

Best Curved 32:9 Super Ultrawide Monitor

### MSI MPG 491CQPX

0The MSI MPG 491CQPX offers a massive 49-inch, 32:9 super ultrawide display with a QD-OLED panel, making it an excellent choice for those who want expansive screen real estate. Its high refresh rate and fast response time make it suitable 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 who need a large, immersive display. Its 32:9 aspect ratio and QD-OLED panel provide stunning visuals and ample screen space, ideal for multitasking and gaming. While its high resolution demands a powerful GPU, the benefits of its expansive screen make it a worthwhile investment for many users.

How to Choose a Curved Monitor

Choosing the right curved gaming monitor involves considering several key factors, tailored to your specific needs. Here's a detailed guide to help you make an informed decision:

Resolution: Higher resolutions offer crisper images but require more powerful hardware. The common resolutions are 1080p, 1440p, and 4K. Ultrawide monitors often use a wider version of these resolutions.

Size: The right size depends on your available space and gaming preferences. For 1080p, 24 inches is ideal; for 1440p, 27 inches is recommended; and for 4K, 32 inches is often suggested. Larger sizes can lead to a softer image, particularly at lower resolutions.

Panel Type: The panel type affects the monitor's performance. IPS panels offer great colors and viewing angles, VA panels provide better contrast, and OLED panels deliver the best contrast and color accuracy but may have lower average brightness and risk of burn-in.

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

Refresh Rate: A higher refresh rate reduces input latency and improves motion clarity. Aim for at least 120Hz, with 144Hz being a good starting point. Competitive gamers may benefit from 240Hz or higher.

Curvature: The curvature is denoted by an "R" number, with lower numbers indicating a deeper curve. A deeper curve can enhance immersion but may distort text and images, making it less suitable for productivity tasks.

Additional Features: Look for features like variable refresh rate (VRR) support, built-in KVM switches for multi-system use, and picture-in-picture support. Many monitors also come with software for easy configuration and gaming-specific features.

Upcoming Curved Gaming Monitors in 2025

The gaming monitor market continues to evolve, with OLED technology remaining a key trend for 2025. Mini-LED monitors are also gaining traction as an alternative, offering high brightness and reduced burn-in risk. Smart gaming monitors, which combine features of TVs and monitors, are also on the rise, appealing to those with limited space.

Curved Monitor FAQs

Are curved monitors better for gaming?

Curved monitors can enhance immersion, particularly on larger, ultrawide displays. While the curve itself doesn't affect performance, it can create a more engaging experience by drawing you into the game.

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

These numbers represent the radius of the monitor's curvature. A lower radius means a deeper curve, which can enhance immersion but may slightly warp text and objects on the screen. Choose based on your intended use; deeper curves are better for gaming, while gentler curves are more versatile.

Are curved monitors good for work?

Curved monitors can be beneficial for certain work tasks, especially with ultrawide displays for video editing. However, very deep curves may not be ideal for tasks involving a lot of text due to potential distortion.