Unlike flat monitor displays, curved screens expand the field of view. This allows users such as gamers, content creators, and designers to see more content on the screen. Additionally, curved displays provide a more immersive viewing experience, thereby reducing eye fatigue.
The Best Gaming Monitors In 2024
Gaming monitors are one of the most important purchases to make as part of a gamer's journey on a console or PC. The Game ZXC Team can help!
Owning a curved gaming monitor is a great idea, but knowing what to look for among the many options will help shoppers make the right decision. To assist, Game ZXC has compiled a list of the best curved gaming monitors that folks can buy in 2024.
How to Buy a Curved Monitor
Before buying a budget curved monitor, it is important to consider several factors, including monitor size, curvature, refresh rate, and response time.
- Monitor Size: Curved monitors need to be larger than conventional displays to provide a more immersive experience. The additional size enables the screen to envelop the user, enhancing immersion. Smaller curved displays do not offer the same advantages found in their larger counterparts, so even if bigger screens cost more, they are crucial for maximizing efficiency or simulating dual displays with a curved monitor.
- Curvature: Curved monitors vary in their curvature levels. If the curve isn't significant enough, the difference from a standard flat-screen monitor may not be very noticeable. Curvature ratings are denoted as 1000R, 1500R, 1800R, 3000R, or 4000R, directly linked to viewing distance in millimeters. For instance, a monitor with a curvature of 1800R is best-viewed straight-on at 1800mm. A higher number indicates a milder curve, necessitating a greater viewing distance for optimal visibility.
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- Refresh Rate: Refresh rate is how often your monitor updates its content each second. For instance, a 144Hz refresh rate means it updates 144 times per second. Higher refresh rates make the picture smoother.
- Response Time: Response time is how quickly a display changes colors, often from black to white. It's measured in milliseconds (ms), and anything under 4ms is fast and recommended.
- Resolution: It also makes sense to consider the resolution of one's preferred monitor as it determines the image quality. Curved monitors with a 4K resolution tend to offer superior picture quality and even upgrade content shot in 720p to near-4K. Unfortunately, they tend to be costly. Fortunately, a curved monitor with 1080p or 1440p resolution should be adequate for gamers' needs plus it costs less.
Game ZXC's Picks for the Best Budget Curved Monitors
ASUS ROG Strix XG27AQV
ASUS ROG Strix XG27AQV is a fast IPS display that features an impressive list of features for competitive and immersive gaming. The monitor boasts a 170Hz refresh rate for super fluid movements on the screen and a 1ms response time for no input lag. The monitor is also G-Sync and FreeSync Premium compatible for reducing and eliminating any screen tearing completely.
- Screen Size
- 27"
- Resolution
- 2560x1440p
- Brand
- Asus
- Response Time
- 1ms
- Max. Refresh Rate
- 170Hz
- Fast IPS panel with 1ms response time for quick reactions
- Good color accuracy and viewing angles
- G-Sync and FreeSync Premium support for tear-free gaming
- Not the best HDR
- Not suitable for playing from a close distance
Meet the ROG Strix XG27AQV, the HDR curved monitor that defies the norm and brings superior specifications and features for less than 300 dollars. With HDR support and brightness of up to 400 nits, this monitor is bright and excellent at displaying vivid details. It uses a fast IPS panel that is quicker than traditional IPS panels in response time. While most IPS panels on a budget provide 4ms GtG, this one comes with a 1ms GtG response time, which is ideal for competitive gaming.
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Moreover, the 170Hz refresh rate smooths out the gameplay to make sure that users don't see any blur or ghosting. It brings the perfect screen size and resolution combo that provides more details than a regular full HD monitor and higher PPI (pixel per inch). Being a curved panel, it is more immersive than flat monitors. However, it isn't the best for playing from a close distance as the curvature it boasts is 2900R, which makes it ideal for playing from the couch.
Dell 27 Curved Gaming Monitor
Dell S2721HGF is one of the very few monitors that is both FreeSync and G-Sync compatible, making it ideal for both Nvidia and AMD GPU users. The monitor boasts a satisfactory refresh rate of 144Hz, a quick response time of 1ms, and a 1500R curvature for an immersive gaming experience.
- Screen Size
- 27''
- Resolution
- 1920 x 1080
- Brand
- Dell
- Response Time
- 4 ms (GtG)/1 ms (MPRT)
- Max. Refresh Rate
- 144Hz
- 1500R cuvature for better immersion
- Nvidia G-Sync and FreeSync compatible
- Nearly 100% sRGB color gamut for good color representation
- Boasts VA panel which is inferior to IPS present on higher-end models
- Refresh rate could have been higher
The Dell 27 (S2721HGF) is a great curved gaming monitor that won't break the bank. The monitor uses a vertical alignment (VA) TFT panel with a 1500R curve. It has a 1920x1080 pixels resolution and a 144Hz refresh rate. The monitor supports both AMD FreeSync and Nvidia G-Sync adaptive-sync technologies to prevent screen tearing. While its contrast isn't the absolute best, it's still impressive for its price.
The colors are well-balanced, the motion is smooth, and the input lag is minimal. Overall, it's a satisfying and affordable gaming monitor that checks all the right boxes. The Dell 27 Curved Gaming Monitor is a good option for budget-conscious gamers. It offers a decent-sized screen with an immersive curve. However, it may not have all the fancy features of more expensive models.
Sceptre C255B-FWT240
Sceptre C255B-FWT240 is incredibly cheap and features an outstanding refresh rate of 240Hz that is rare on sub-$150 gaming monitors. The curved 1500R display adds to the immersive experience and 1ms of response time makes it pretty quick for gamers with good reactions. Built-in speakers, FreeSync Premium, and a good color gamut of 99% sRGB make it a bargain.
- Screen Size
- 24.5"
- Resolution
- 1920x1080
- Brand
- Sceptre
- Response Time
- 1ms MPRT
- Display Technology
- VA
- HDR
- No
- Refresh Rate
- 240Hzz
- Screen Brightness
- 280 Nits
- Sound
- 2W speakers
- Incredibly high refresh rate of 240Hz
- 1500R curvature for immersiveness
- FreeSync Premium for tear-free gaming
- Monitor stand not so sturdy
- Users may encounter ghosting issue
Featuring a standard screen size of 24.5 inches with a resolution of 1080p, Sceptre did a great job of manufacturing a high refresh rate display that is unparalleled in functionality. Most high refresh rate monitors are generally over $200, but this is where the C255B model shines and brings a 240Hz refresh rate for fluid gameplay at an incredible price point. The monitor uses a VA panel with a color gamut of 99% sRGB, it is satisfactory for gaming and also provides 178/178-degree viewing angles.
The curvature is 1500R, which is ideal for playing games at around a distance of 1.5m from the screen and should let the users enjoy gaming at some distance as well. Users shouldn't expect a premium build quality, and its stand is particularly not the sturdiest one out there. If adjustments like swivel, height, or tilt are necessary, then Game ZXC recommends these monitor stands for better adjustments on a budget.
GIGABYTE GS27QC Gaming Monitor
The Gigabyte GS27QC is affordable yet provides premium gaming specifications for serious gamers. With a QHD resolution on a 27" VA panel, it provides sharper details and boasts a refresh rate of 165Hz of high fluidity. It supports FreeSync Premium out of the box for tear-free gameplay and has an immersive 1500R curvature.
- Screen Size
- 27"
- Resolution
- 2560x1440p
- Max. Refresh Rate
- 165Hz
- Brand
- Gigabyte
- Response Time
- 1ms MPRT
- QHD resolution at affordable price
- 1500R curvature for immersive gameplay
- FreeSync Premium for tear-free gaming
- VA panel is inferior to IPS
- No adjustable stand
Finding a decent curved monitor that also boasts a QHD resolution on a budget can be difficult. Going from Full HD to QHD raises the prices drastically and that's why the Gigabyte's GS27QC makes a perfect solution for gamers who don't want to empty their pockets. The monitor boasts a VA panel with a 1500R curvature for immersive gaming and a high refresh rate of 165Hz.
The response time is also decent, but it could have been better if it was 1ms GtG instead of MPRT. Nonetheless, MPRT has its advantages and the monitor is super responsive, making it a good choice for esports. For Triple-A titles, it will be fabulous as well, due to the curvature and sharper details users are going to witness on the 27-inch panel. Moreover, FreeSync Premium allows turning on the adaptive sync for synchronizing the frame rates of the machine to the refresh rate of the monitor.
Sceptre 30-Inch Curved Gaming Monitor
This 30-inch curved gaming monitor from Sceptre features an ultra-wide aspect ratio of 21:9 and a resolution of 2560 x 1080. The monitor supports both HDMI and DisplayPort connections. The maximum refresh rate of the monitor is 200 Hz, and it supports a response time of 5 ms. It also comes with built-in speakers.
Other specifications include a maximum brightness of 250, viewing angles of 170 degrees, and support for AMD FreeSync, which allows smoother gameplay at lower frame rates when paired with a compatible AMD graphics card.
- Screen Size
- 29.5-inch
- Resolution
- 2560×1080 (UWHD)
- Brand
- Spectre
- Response Time
- 5ms (GtG)
- Refresh Rate
- 200Hz
- Ports
- DisplayPort 1.2, HDMI 2.0, 2x HDMI 1.4
- Very high refresh rate of 200Hz
- 1800R curvature for users who like to sit at a distance
- Built-in speakers
- VA panel with not the best viewing angles
- Monitor stand doesn't provide a lot of adjustments
While most high refresh rate curved UWFHD monitors cost several hundred dollars, the Sceptre C305B costs just over $200 and provides an outstanding refresh rate of 200Hz. This refresh rate is uncommon even on normal curved displays that may cost more. The display boasts a 1ms MPRT response time for fast-paced gaming and reduced ghosting. Furthermore, the FreeSync Premium is available to avoid any screen tearing during fast movements, which eliminates that annoying break in two different frames.
Even though it doesn't feature the best panel, the monitor still delivers accurate colors with a 99% sRGB color gamut. Moreover, it is HDR compatible and boasts a typical brightness of 350 nits, which is more than satisfactory. Users who like to switch to the speakers after a long gaming session with headphones can listen to the audio from the built-in speakers, which provides great value for the price.
AOC CQ27G3Z Gaming Monitor
The AOC CQ27G3Z is a 27-inch gaming monitor with a 2560x1440 QHD resolution. It features a curved VA panel for enhanced gameplay immersion. The monitor is part of AOC's G3 series, designed for serious gamers.
This monitor has a 240 Hz refresh rate and a 0.5 ms response time. These specifications allow for the smoothest action sequences, where gamers don't miss a beat. It also supports AMD FreeSync Premium technology, which reduces choppiness even when framerates are low.
- Screen Size
- 27"
- Resolution
- 2560x1440p
- Max. Refresh Rate
- 240Hz
- Brand
- AOC
- Response Time
- 0.5ms MPRT
- High refresh rate of 240Hz for great fluidity
- Bezel-less design and 1000R curvature for better immersion
- Good contrast ratio and impressive color gamut
- GtG response time is 4ms
- Could have utilized IPS panel
Going a little higher, the AOC CQ27G3Z is the monitor that provides a complete package of premium gaming features. Whether users look at its design, refresh rate, or display quality, it provides excellent specifications for a better immersive gaming session. Starting with the display design, it boasts a 27-inch curved screen with very thin bezels and a deep curvature of 1000R that makes it super immersive. This is the monitor that best suits gamers who love to play from a close distance and want to see sharper details. Players can just sit beside their desks as usual and enjoy the details right in front of their eyes.
Thanks to the impressive color gamut of the display, it is outstanding in providing vivid picture quality through 120% sRGB and 90% DCI-P3 color spaces, and an exceptional contrast ratio of 3000:1. It could have been better if it boasted an IPS panel, but considering that the color gamut, contrast, and viewing angles are perfect, this isn't a deal-breaker. What's more important is that it comes with a super-high refresh rate of 240Hz to provide buttery smooth fluidity.
MSI Optix MAG342CQRV 34 Inch Curved Gaming Monitor
MSI Optix MAG342CQR boasts a wide 34-inch display with a VA panel that offers adequate brightness, impressive color saturation, and a curvature of 1500R for immersive gaming experience. With a 144Hz refresh rate and 1 ms response time, players will have all that smoothness and real-time visual changes to stay ahead of their opponents.
- Brand
- MSI
- Screen Size
- 34"
- Display Technology
- AMD FreeSync
- HDR
- No
- Resolution
- 3440x1440
- Refresh Rate
- 144Hz
- Response Time
- 1ms
- Screen Brightness
- 300 Nits
- Adjustment
- Height and Swivel
- Tilt
- Yes
- Excellent color gamut for consistent and accurate colors
- 1500R curvature for immersive gaming
- 144Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time for competitive gaming
- Build quality not premium
- Monitor stand needs a lot of space
Switching to a higher resolution, for users who want more details on their screen, Game ZXC recommends getting the MSI Optix MAG342CQR that doesn't break the bank and still fulfills all the requirements satisfactorily. Boasting a VA panel with good viewing angles and excellent color reproduction, it won't feel much behind an IPS panel. On top of that, the 144Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time are what gamers get to execute moves quickly.
The monitor uses 1500R curvature to make it ideal for medium-sized desks. It can be adjusted in a variety of positions according to the users' needs. On the downside, its stand will occupy a lot of space on the desk and if that's the case, Game ZXC recommends getting a large desk or a good monitor stand arm that will allow even more versatility. Lastly, it has HDR support for brighter and more detailed images and also features Adaptive sync to eliminate any screen tears.
SAMSUNG 32" UR59 Series ViewFinity 4K UHD Monitor
The Samsung UR59 monitor is a superb choice for gamers who desire more realistic images. Sporting a 4K display with a 1500R curvature, the picture quality is so good with room for multitasking. The monitor can also upscale content from 720p or 1080p to near-4K quality, allowing users to enjoy superior pictures regardless of the content's original resolution. There's also a blue light filter to reduce the chances of experiencing eye fatigue following an extended gaming session.
- Brand
- SAMSUNG
- Screen Size
- 32 inches
- Resolution
- 3840x2160 Pixels
- Max. Refresh Rate
- 60 Hz
- 4K resolution delivers superb picture quality
- 1500R curvature for immersive gaming
- UHD Upscaler upgrades non-4K content to 4K quality
- Color reproduction is not good
- No DisplayPort input
Unlike the other monitors in this guide, the 32-inch Samsung UR59 offers a 4K resolution which translates to an exceptional picture quality for gaming, content creation, and other use cases. Available in Black and White colors, the UR59 ships with Samsung's top-tier 1500 curved screen, which makes viewing much more immersive than many flat monitors. With four times the picture quality of a 1080p monitor, the UR59 offers users life-like images and colors.
Even if the content being viewed was originally shot in 720p or 1080p, the monitor's UHD upscaler feature will upgrade the picture quality to a near-4K level. When gaming, players are promised a competitive advantage over opponents thanks to Game Mode. When activated, Game Mode enhances the monitor's image contrast, allowing players to get a better viewing experience even in dark areas. This helps spot enemies quickly.
Users have complained about the monitor's color reproduction along with the absence of a DisplayPort input. The monitor's display is also not adjustable, making it not as ergonomic as one would expect. Regardless of these cons, it remains a fantastic option at this price point.
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FAQ
Q: Do I have to purchase an ultra-wide curved monitor?
No, it's not a must. But a wider monitor is better as it adds depth, immersion, and more details. Smaller ones can't do this. A curved monitor is already wider than regular ones, but an ultra-wide curved screen is a game-changer for your viewing experience.
Q: Do curved monitors cost more than flat monitors?
Curved monitors usually cost more than flat ones, but prices for both types can vary based on size, quality, and features.
Q: Is a curved monitor suitable for multiple viewers simultaneously?
Not really. The person sitting right in front or a bit to the side gets the best view. The picture might not be as good if you're farther from the center. Also, watching a curved monitor from an odd angle for a long time can tire your eyes.
Q: Is gaming more effective on a curved screen?
Yes! A curved screen is better for gaming as it immerses you. A curved screen makes movie watching, gaming, and streaming more enjoyable. The images stay evenly spaced from your eyes, making it feel more natural. A curved monitor almost surrounds your field of vision.
Q: Do curved monitors reduce eye fatigue compared to flat ones?
Curved monitors help ease eye strain by maintaining a consistent viewing distance. However, the impact varies among individuals. Factors like lighting conditions, ergonomics, and screen settings can affect eye comfort.
Q: How do I select the appropriate curvature for a curved monitor?
Picking the right curvature for a curved monitor depends on screen size, how far you sit from it, and your preference. Generally, bigger screens and closer seating work better with a stronger curvature.
Q: Can I have several curved monitors in a multi-monitor configuration?
Certainly, you can utilize multiple curved monitors in a multi-monitor arrangement. This forms a smooth and immersive panoramic display. Nevertheless, verifying that the monitors are compatible and share similar specifications for optimal performance is vital.
Q: Is mounting a curved monitor on a wall or monitor arm challenging?
Setting up a curved monitor is a bit trickier than a flat one. But the good thing is that most curved monitors work with VESA mounts. Make sure you use a mount or monitor arm that can handle the monitor's size and weight.