Upgrading your setup with a curved gaming monitor is one of the best ways to enhance your immersion in gaming. The top curved gaming monitors envelop your peripheral vision, creating a more engaging experience that can draw you into the action. Whether you're a competitive gamer seeking an edge in esports or a single-player enthusiast looking to dive deep into your next adventure, we've curated a list of the best curved gaming monitors for 2025 that cater to various needs and preferences.
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 is more complex than ever, with numerous brands offering similar specs but varying real-world performance. Whether you're into fast-paced shooters, where low input latency and high refresh rates are crucial, or seeking the most immersive experience with a deeper curve, understanding these nuances is key to making the right choice.
As a gaming journalist with over a decade of experience, I've reviewed countless monitors for major gaming publications. My expertise lies in understanding what makes a gaming monitor exceptional for different users, beyond just specs like panel type, refresh rate, and resolution. At IGN, our team of dedicated gamers ensures that our reviews are thorough and reliable, helping you make informed decisions. After reading this guide, don't forget to check out our recommendations for the Best Graphics Cards, Best Gaming Keyboards, Best Gaming Mice, and Best Gaming Headsets to complete your setup and elevate your gaming experience.
Our top pick### Asus ROG Swift PG34WCDM
0This 34-inch ultrawide monitor with an 800R curve offers unparalleled immersion and next-level HDR. Its OLED panel delivers stunning colors and infinite contrast, perfect for gaming and content creation alike. With a 240Hz refresh rate and 0.03ms response time, it ensures smooth gameplay and minimal input lag. The built-in KVM switch and gaming features like sniper modes and black equalizer enhance your gaming experience further. Though its deep curve might not be ideal for productivity, it's a top choice for entertainment and competitive gaming.
### AOC C27G2Z
0This budget-friendly 27-inch monitor with a 1500R curve and 240Hz refresh rate is perfect for gamers looking to maximize performance without breaking the bank. Its VA panel offers great colors and contrast, making it an excellent choice for immersive gaming. While its HDMI ports are limited to 120Hz, the DisplayPort connection allows you to reach the full potential of its refresh rate.
### Alienware AW3423DWF
0This 34-inch QD-OLED monitor with an 1800R curve offers exceptional value, especially at its current price point. With a 165Hz refresh rate and 0.5ms response time, it provides a smooth gaming experience. Its vibrant colors and high brightness make it ideal for HDR gaming, though its SDR brightness is lower. This monitor is a fantastic choice for gamers looking to experience the benefits of OLED without the premium price tag.
### Acer Predator X34 OLED
0This 34-inch ultrawide monitor with an 800R curve is the ultimate choice for gamers seeking superior HDR performance and a high refresh rate. Its OLED panel provides excellent color reproduction and peak brightness of 1,300 nits. With a 240Hz refresh rate and G-Sync support, it ensures smooth gameplay. While it's excellent for gaming and content creation, it lacks an sRGB mode, which might be a consideration for some users.
### MSI MPG 491CQPX
0This 49-inch, 32:9 super ultrawide monitor with a 1800R curve offers a transformative gaming and productivity experience. Its QD-OLED panel delivers vibrant colors and a peak brightness of 1,000 nits. With a 240Hz refresh rate and 0.03ms response time, it's perfect for competitive gaming. The monitor's size and resolution demand a powerful GPU, but it's a cost-effective alternative to multiple monitors.
When selecting a curved gaming monitor, consider your primary use. For gamers, focus on specs like resolution, size, panel type, brightness, refresh rate, and curvature. Higher resolutions like 1440p and 4K offer crisper images but require more powerful hardware. Monitor size should match your available space and gaming preferences, with 24 inches being ideal for 1080p, 27 inches for 1440p, and 32 inches for 4K. Panel types such as IPS, VA, and OLED each have unique advantages; OLED stands out for its contrast and color, though it's pricier. Aim for at least 350 nits of brightness for SDR and 1,000 nits for HDR. A refresh rate of 120Hz or higher is recommended for gaming, with 240Hz being ideal for competitive players. Curvature is denoted by an "R" number; deeper curves (e.g., 800R) enhance immersion but can distort text, making them better suited for gaming rather than productivity.
Additional Features like variable refresh rate (VRR), built-in KVM switches, and configuration software can enhance your experience. Look for FreeSync or G-Sync compatibility to ensure smooth gameplay.
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 also gaining traction as an alternative, offering solutions to OLED's brightness and burn-in concerns. Additionally, the trend of integrating smart TV features into gaming monitors is on the rise, catering to users who need a versatile display for both gaming and entertainment.
Curved monitors can enhance immersion, especially on larger, ultrawide displays. While the curve itself doesn't affect performance, it can make the gaming experience feel more engaging.
These numbers represent the curvature radius of a monitor. Lower numbers indicate a deeper curve, which can be more immersive but may distort text. 800R and 1000R are deeper curves suitable for gaming, while 1500R and 1800R are gentler and better for mixed use.
Curved monitors with milder curves (1500R, 1800R) are suitable for most work tasks. Deeper curves may distort text, making them less ideal for productivity. However, ultrawide curved monitors can benefit video editors and creatives by providing more horizontal space for timelines.
### 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