Curved gaming monitors are becoming a trend nowadays. More and more curved monitors are coming out. They offer a new or different kind of immersion compared to flat monitors. In this article we’ll explore some of the best curved gaming monitors you can buy. Luckily, there many curved gaming monitors to choose from. Too many actually, some good some not, and competition is stiff. Each has its own unique features, different aspect ratio and display size, panel type, refresh rate, and many more. Some even have RGB lighting and other gimmicks just to attract gamers and consumers in general. We listed here more than ten curved gaming monitors that are generally great for gaming and content consumption. Pick the best that suites your preference, (gaming) system, need and budget. Go ahead and check the best curved gaming monitors today.
Best Curved Gaming Monitors
Why Buy A Curved Gaming Monitor? (Curved vs Flat)
Curved gaming monitors are said to offer a more immersive experience compared to flat monitors. But I think that’s a subjective opinion and depends from one person to another. Some people may like it, some people won’t like it. When I first used a curved (gaming) monitor, it did offer somewhat a “unique” experience, especially when playing games or watching movies and other content consumption activities.
Aside from offering a certain degree of immersion, it also brings the edges of the monitor closer to the user’s field of view. It may be pleasing to the eyes to use a curved (super) ultra-wide monitor rather than a flat ultra-wide monitor. Curved monitors are also good for a triple monitor setup, as it presents a continuous surround view.
However, personally I still prefer a flat monitor for work related activities, since there is a bit of warping effect when you look at a curved monitor as a whole, primarily due to the nature of the monitor itself. Some professionals who want to look at images, structures or lines, or people who uses CAD software may find it better to use a flat monitor.
What Graphics Card To Pair with Curved Gaming Monitor?
Since most of the curved monitors we listed here have a resolution of 1440p, we recommend using a fairly powerful mid-range graphics card or faster. And by that, I mean something like a GeForce RTX 2070 (or the new SUPER) to start with, or a GeForce RTX 2080 Ti for no compromise gaming performance. If you’re using an AMD graphics card, a Radeon VII or perhaps the new RX 5700 XT would do. Not much option from the red team at this time.
Note: If you haven’t heard the news yet, NVIDIA has opened its doors to FreeSync adaptive sync technology. Meaning, you can now use an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 10 series or an RTX 20 series graphics card with a Freesync monitor that is certified to be G-Sync compatible. However the number of certified G-Sync compatible FreeSync monitors are quite few (around 30 FreeSync monitors to date). Nevertheless, you can still enable G-Sync with a FreeSync monitor even if they are non-certified. The only downside is there is a chance that it may not work smoothly or properly. We have an MSI Optix MPG27CQ Freesync monitor which is not officially on the certified list. But when we tested it, G-Sync seems to be running smoothly when playing Battlefield V. I haven’t tested other games yet though.
The monitors listed below are in alphabetical order.
Best Curved Gaming Monitors
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| Monitor | Display Size | Resolution | Refresh Rate | Panel | Adaptive Sync | Aspect Ratio | Response Time (GtG) | Brightness | Ports |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acer Predator Gaming Z321QU | 31.5" | 2560x1440 | 144Hz - 165Hz | VA | G-Sync | 16:9 | 4ms | 300 nits | DisplayPort 1.2, HDMI 1.4, USB 3.0 |
| Acer Predator Gaming X34P | 34" | 3440x1440 | 100Hz - 120Hz (OC) | IPS | G-Sync | 21:9 | 4ms | 300 nits | DisplayPort 1.2, HDMI 1.4, USB 3.0 |
| AOC CQ32G1 | 31.5" | 2560x1440 | 144Hz | VA | FreeSync | 16:9 | 1ms | 300 nits | DisplayPort 1.2, HDMI 1.4 / 2.0, 3.5mm Audio |
| Asus ROG Strix XG32VQ | 31.5" | 2560x1440 | 144Hz | VA | FreeSync | 16:9 | 4ms | 300 nits | DisplayPort, mDP 1.2, HDMI, USB 3.0, 3.5mm Audio |
| BenQ EX3203R | 31.5" | 2560x1440 | 144Hz | VA | FreeSync 2 | 16:9 | 4ms | 400 nits | DisplayPort, HDMI 2.0, USB Type-C, 3.5mm Audio |
| Dell Alienware AW3418DW | 34" | 3440x1440 | 120Hz OC | IPS | G-Sync | 21:9 | 4ms | 300 nits | DisplayPort, HDMI, USB 3.0, 3.5mm Audio |
| LG 34GK950F-B | 34" | 3440x1440 | 100Hz - 120Hz | IPS | FreeSync 2 | 21:9 | 5ms | 320 nits | DisplayPort, HDMI, USB 3.0, 3.5mm Audio |
| MSI Optix MPG27CQ | 27" | 2560x1440 | 144Hz | VA | FreeSync | 16:9 | 1ms | 400 nits | DisplayPort 1.2, HDMI 2.0, USB 3.0, 3.5mm Audio |
| MSI Optix MAG341CQ | 34" | 3440x1440 | 100Hz | VA | FreeSync | 21:9 | 8ms | 250 nits | DisplayPort, HDMI 2.0, DVI |
| Samsung CRG9 | 49" | 5120x1440 | 120Hz | VA | FreeSync | 32:9 | 4ms | 1000 nits | DisplayPort 1.4, HDMI 2.0, USB 3.0 / 2.0, 3.5mm Audio |
Acer Predator Gaming Z321QU
The Acer Z321QU is 31.5″ inch WQHD monitor with a resolution of 2560×1440 and a curvature of 1800R. It’s using a VA panel, has a 4ms GtG response time and a fast refresh rate of up to 165Hz (OC). It’s a G-sync monitor so definitely use an NVIDIA GeForce graphics card with this monitor. It also has an 8-bit color depth and a 100% sRGB wide color gamut based on its specs sheet. It’s a standard 16:9 monitor, not an ultra-wide; specs and features are also not that fancy compared to the other monitors listed here. Nevertheless, it’s a good curved gaming monitor.
Acer Predator Gaming X34P Ultra-Wide Curved
If you want an ultra-wide curved gaming monitor from Acer, you might want to check out the Acer Predator X34P. Personally I find its design and aesthetics better than the Z321QU. It’s a 34″ display with a resolution of 3440×1440 and an aspect ratio of 21:9. It features an IPS panel, producing better colors compared to VA monitors. The X34P has 100% sRGB color accuracy and supports 1.07 billion colors. It also features G-Sync technology and has a refresh rate of 100Hz that can be overclocked to 120Hz.
Acer Predator Z35P Ultra-Wide Curved
A cheaper alternative to the X34P is the Z35P. It’s a 35″ monitor with a resolution of 3440×1440 and an aspect ratio of 21:9 with an 1800R curvature. It uses VA panel instead of IPS that is on the X43P; and features NVIDIA G-Sync as well. It has a standard refresh rate of 100Hz, but it can be overclocked up to 120Hz as well. The Z35P is cheaper, but this will come down to VA vs IPS depending on your preference. The Z35P has better contrast ratio but the X34P will have better and perhaps more accurate colors. Between X34P vs Z35P, I’d choose the X34P.
AOC CQ32G1 Curved Monitor
The AOC C32G1 is a standard 31.5-inch, 16:9, 1800R curvature, 2560×1440 VA monitor with a refresh rate of 144Hz. It features FreeSync technology and has a response time of only 1ms. It’s not an ultra-wide monitor, but it’s one of the best, if not the best, curved gaming monitor from AOC. Not to mention, it’s also the cheapest curved monitor so far in this list; with an MSRP of $395 USD. The CQ32G1 also features Flicker-Free technology and LowBlue Mode that allows longer gaming sessions with less eye strain.
Asus ROG Strix XG32VQ Curved Gaming Monitor
The Asus ROG Strix XG32VQ is a 31.5-inch curved display with an aspect ratio of 16:9 and a resolution of 2560×1440. It features 144Hz refresh rate and FreeSync technology, with 125% sRGB color gamut. It has a curvature of 1800R, has a response time of 4ms gray to gray and a contrast ratio of 3000:1. The XG32VQ comes with decent specs and features, and aesthetically speaking it looks modern and stylish. Remember, this is a 31.5″ monitor with a 1440p resolution; meaning pixel density is lower compared to a 27″ monitor. Thus if you seat closer to the monitor, you might notice the pixels, especially if you are a pixel peeper.
Note: Asus released the ROG Swift PG35VQ curved monitor. It’s a 35-inch ultra-wide curved gaming monitor with a resolution of 3440×1440 and aspect ratio of 21:9. It’s using VA panel, and promises 2ms of response time and a 200Hz refresh rate. It also features G-Sync Ultimate and DisplayHDR1000 (true HDR). It has 512 FALD zone, quantum-dot technology, built-in HiFi ESS amplifier with headphone out, DCI-P3 90% color gamut and many more features. Unfortunately, I don’t see it listed anywhere yet and including its street price. So if you want to get this monitor instead, just wait a little bit. Reviews for the PG35VQ are out already, it won’t be long until it hit store shelves.
BenQ EX3203R Curved Gaming Monitor with FreeSync 2
The BenQ EX3203R is a 32″, 2560×1440, 16:9, 1800R curved gaming monitor. It’s similar with the Asus XG32VQ, but it features the newer FreeSync 2 technology and DisplayHDR 400. It has a refresh rate of 144Hz, features USB Type-C connection, 90% DCI-P3 wide color gamut, 8-bit VA panel with 4ms GtG response time. It’s a good curved monitor with good set of features, but it’s just a bit expensive than the XG32VQ at this time.
Dell Alienware AW3418DW Curved Gaming Monitor
The Dell Alienware AW3418DW curved gaming monitor is one of the most popular ultra-wide 3440×1440 curved gaming monitor in this list. It features NVIDIA G-Sync technology with a refresh rate capable of reaching up to 120Hz. It also features a 1900R curvature with a 34-inch display size. It’s using IPS panel but with a response time of 4ms GtG, expect colors are better compared to curved monitors with VA panel. This one is a really good curved gaming monitor and we highly recommend it; however it is quite pricey as well.
LG 34GK950F-B UltraGear Nano IPS Curved Monitor
The LG 34GK950F UltraGear is a 34-inch Nano IPS curved gaming monitor with a resolution of 3440×1440. It is an ultra-wide monitor with a refresh rate of 144Hz and features the newer FreeSync 2 technology. The design looks nice and clean, it’s not as “gaming”-looking compared to the other curved monitors here. More professional-looking actually, but it still looks great. It features a color gamut of DCI-P3 98% and a contrast ratio of 1000:1. It’s also HDR400 certified, 5ms GtG with 1ms motion blur reduction. This is also a great ultra-wide monitor but it is on the expensive side as well.
MSI Optix MPG27CQ Curved Gaming Monitor with GameSense
The MSI Optix MPG27CQ is a 27-inch 2560×1440, 16:9, 1800R curved gaming monitor. It has some good set of features and specifications. It features DCI-P3 90% and sRGB 115%; features FreeSync technology and a refresh rate of 144Hz. It’s not a G-Sync certified compatible monitor, but when we tested it and enable G-Sync it does seem to work well. Haven’t tested it with lots of games though. The unique thing about this monitor is those RGB lighting on the front. It’s not for show only, it does have a function. It has a feature called GameSense where you can enable external game alerts via those RGB lighting. However, we feel it is a little bit gimmicky at this point, and the support or update for GameSense is very limited or slow.
MSI Optix MAG341CQ Ultra-Wide Curved
If you want an ultra-wide curved variant, MSI has the Optix MAG341CQ. It is a 34″ ultra-wide curved monitor with a resolution of 3440×1440. It’s using a VA panel with FreeSync technology. However it only has a refresh rate of 100Hz and a response time of 8ms GtG. On the bright side, the MAG341CQ is one of the cheaper curved monitor in this list.
Samsung CRG9 Dual QHD Curved QLED Gaming Monitor
Last but definitely not the least on this list, is the Samsung CRG9. It is a super ultra-wide double QHD monitor with a resolution of 5120×1440, 32:9 aspect ratio and a display size of 49-inch. It’s like putting two 27-inch 1440p display side by side. This thing is definitely wide, super wide! The CRG9 is using a VA panel but it is HDR1000 certified, with FreeSync 2 HDR technology and a 120Hz refresh rate. It also features LED backlighting and Quantum dots with local dimming. The CRG9 is definitely one of the best super ultra-wide curved gaming monitor you can get to date. But it’s also on the expensive side with an MSRP of $1,499 USD. If you want a super ultra-wide curved monitor, definitely consider the Samsung CRG9.
There you have it guys, I hope this article helped you one way or another in choosing which curved monitor is the best for you and your system. Let us know in the comment section below which curved gaming monitor is your favorite or which one are you using right now.
