Upgrading your gaming setup with a curved monitor can significantly enhance your immersion, making it feel like you're stepping directly into your favorite game. Whether you're a competitive player seeking an edge in esports or a solo adventurer looking to get lost in a captivating storyline, 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 AmazonChoosing the perfect curved gaming monitor used to be simple, but with the market now flooded with various options, it's essential to understand what features matter most for your gaming style. If you're into fast-paced shooters, a monitor with low input latency and a high refresh rate is crucial. For those seeking the ultimate immersive experience, a deeper curve could be your best bet.

The Expert: Why Trust Us

As a seasoned gaming journalist with over a decade of experience, I've reviewed countless monitors for major gaming publications. My expertise allows me to pinpoint what makes a gaming monitor exceptional, particularly for different types of gamers. At IGN, every review is meticulously crafted through multiple perspectives to ensure you receive accurate and helpful information. We connect the dots for you, delivering the best recommendations to enhance your gaming setup.

Don't forget to explore our guides on the Best Graphics Cards, Best Gaming Keyboards, Best Gaming Mice, and Best Gaming Headsets to complete your gaming setup. A truly immersive gaming experience awaits.

1. Asus ROG Swift PG34WCDM

Best Curved Gaming Monitor

Our top pick### Asus ROG Swift PG34WCDM

0This 34-inch ultrawide monitor offers unparalleled HDR and a suite of gaming features that elevate your experience. 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 is the ultimate choice for gamers seeking a curved display. Its deep 800R curve enhances immersion, while the OLED panel delivers vibrant colors and exceptional brightness. Priced around $1,000, this monitor's peak brightness of 1,300 nits ensures stunning HDR gaming. Its OLED technology offers deep blacks, enhancing the dynamic range for both movies and games.

This monitor also excels in content creation with its crisp 3,440x1,440 resolution across a 34-inch screen. It boasts excellent factory calibration and a wide color gamut. However, its deep curve may slightly distort text, making it more suited for entertainment than productivity.

With a 240Hz refresh rate, it ensures smooth gameplay and low input latency. It includes various gaming modes, such as a black equalizer for better visibility in shadows and sniper modes for precision targeting. For multi-platform gamers, the built-in KVM switch allows seamless switching between devices.

2. AOC C27G2Z

Best Budget Curved Gaming Monitor

### AOC C27G2Z

0The AOC C27G2Z offers a budget-friendly option with a 27-inch 1500R curved screen 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 120HzAOC's C27G2Z delivers exceptional value for budget-conscious gamers. At under $200, this monitor features a 27-inch screen with a 1500R curve, offering a solid picture and immersive gaming experience. Its VA panel provides a 3,000:1 contrast ratio, enhancing the visual experience, though its colors and viewing angles don't match IPS panels.

The monitor's 240Hz refresh rate and 0.5ms response time make it ideal for competitive gaming, offering improved motion clarity. However, to achieve this refresh rate, you'll need a DisplayPort connection as the HDMI ports are limited to 120Hz.

While AOC offers a 32-inch version, I recommend sticking with the 27-inch to avoid the screen door effect that can occur at larger sizes with 1080p resolution.

3. Dell Alienware AW3423DWF

Best Value Curved Gaming Monitor

### Alienware AW3423DWF

0This 34-inch curved monitor with a QD-OLED panel offers excellent value and superior gaming performance. 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 provides unmatched value, now priced at just over $600. Its QD-OLED panel delivers stunning visuals, enhanced by quantum dots for vivid colors and increased brightness. Though its SDR brightness is modest, the monitor shines in HDR mode, reaching up to 1,000 nits for a breathtaking experience.

With a 165Hz refresh rate and 0.3ms response time, this monitor ensures smooth gameplay and is ideal for competitive gaming. It supports both AMD FreeSync and NVIDIA G-Sync, ensuring tear-free gameplay.

4. Acer Predator X34 OLED

Best Ultrawide G-Sync Gaming Monitor

### Acer Predator X34 OLED

0This ultrawide monitor offers top-notch HDR and a high refresh rate, perfect for immersive gaming. See it at AmazonSee it at B&HProduct SpecificationsScreen size34"Aspect 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 for 2025. Its 800R curve enhances immersion, and the OLED panel delivers vibrant colors and high brightness, reaching up to 1,300 nits. With G-Sync and FreeSync support, this monitor ensures smooth gameplay at a 240Hz refresh rate.

Its 3440x1440 resolution is manageable for mid-tier systems, making it an excellent choice for both gaming and content creation. It lacks an sRGB mode, but offers a P3 mode for standardized colors.

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 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 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 expansive screen space. With a 49-inch 32:9 display, it's equivalent to three 1440p monitors side-by-side, perfect for multitasking. Its QD-OLED panel offers vibrant colors and high brightness, while the 240Hz refresh rate and 0.03ms response time ensure top-notch gaming performance.

This monitor supports USB Type-C video input and 98W PD charging, adding versatility. However, its high resolution demands a powerful GPU, and its burn-in protection features can be intrusive.

How to Choose a Curved Monitor

Selecting the perfect curved monitor involves considering your specific needs. For gaming, focus on resolution, size, panel type, brightness, refresh rate, and curvature. For productivity, consider the curve's impact on text and workspace.

Resolution: Higher resolutions like 1440p and 4K offer crisper images but require more powerful hardware. Ultrawide monitors extend the horizontal resolution, enhancing the viewing experience.

Size: The ideal size depends on your space and gaming preferences. For 1080p, a 24-inch monitor is optimal; for 1440p, 27 inches; and for 4K, 32 inches is recommended.

Panel Type: IPS panels offer great colors and viewing angles, VA panels provide better contrast, and OLED panels deliver the best contrast and color accuracy but can be susceptible to burn-in.

Brightness: Aim for at least 350 nits for standard use, and 1,000 nits for HDR gaming to experience true dynamic range.

Refresh Rate: For gaming, a minimum of 120Hz is recommended, with 144Hz or higher being ideal for competitive play.

Curvature: The curvature is indicated by an "R" number, with lower numbers indicating a deeper curve. Deeper curves (800R or below) are more immersive but may distort text.

Additional Features: Look for variable refresh rate support (VRR) like FreeSync or G-Sync for smooth gameplay. Other features such as built-in KVM switches and picture-in-picture can enhance versatility.

Upcoming Curved Gaming Monitors in 2025

The trend for 2025 continues to favor OLED technology, with many brands launching new models. Mini-LED monitors are also gaining traction as an alternative, offering high brightness without the burn-in risk of OLED. Smart gaming monitors, integrating streaming and TV functionalities, are becoming popular, especially for those with limited space.

Curved Monitor FAQs

Are curved monitors better for gaming?

Curved monitors can enhance immersion, particularly on larger ultrawide screens. However, the impact on performance is negligible.

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 distort text.

Are curved monitors good for work?

Curved monitors with gentler curves (1500R, 1800R) are suitable for most work tasks. Deeper curves may cause text distortion, making them less ideal for productivity.

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