Gaming monitors have never been as good as they are now. The current market is flooded with a plethora of gaming monitor options - ranging from simple flat 1080p monitors to 4K high-end refresh rate displays. However, ultrawide displays are increasingly popular as they provide an immersive experience without adding a second display.
Best Budget Curved Monitors For 2024
Curved monitors are more popular than ever, and these budget options perfect for anyone looking to upgrade their set up at an affordable price point.
Not only are these monitors capable of showing a wider field of view, but they also come with a variety of panels, resolutions, curvature, and refresh rates. Having tons of options in the current market can easily confuse gamers as each price range has similar specs. However, Game ZXC's guide will help users pick monitors that provide the best specifications and technological benefits for their price.
Updated on June 15, 2024 by Michael Akuchie: Since its last publication, the ASUS TUF 1500R monitor has joined the mix, offering an immersive viewing experience coupled with a high 180 Hz refresh rate to eliminate motion blur.
Game ZXC's Picks for the Best Budget Ultrawide Gaming Monitors in 2024
GIGABYTE G34WQC 34' 144Hz Gaming Monitor
The GIGABYTE G34WQC 34-inch 144Hz Gaming Monitor is a capable 144Hz 2K-esque ultrawide gaming monitor that delivers adequate performance without costing an arm and a leg.
- Screen Size
- 34''
- Resolution
- 3440 x 1440
- Max. Refresh Rate
- 144Hz
- Brand
- Gigabyte
- Response Time
- 1ms MPRT
- Strong build quality for its price
- Supports AMD FreeSync Premium for smoother visuals
- 144Hz refresh rate at 3440x1440p, curved display
- Great color saturation with 90% DCI-P3/120% sRGB
- Built-in 2W x2 speakers
- Lackluster HDR
- No swivel adjustment
The Gigabyte G34WQC Gaming Monitor is the best overall budget ultrawide monitor that boasts excellent specs for fast-paced gaming. Apart from featuring a tiltable and height-adjustable screen, it offers impressive features on a 34-inch display with a resolution of 3440x1440 pixels and perfect viewing angles that provide undistorted picture quality. The monitor is designed for gaming with a fast 144Hz refresh rate and quick 1ms response time, offering an edge in competitive gaming.
The screen has a 21:9 aspect ratio and a natural curve (1500R) for an immersive experience. This is ideal for AAA titles, particularly racing games. Moreover, the availability of AMD FreeSync Premium makes games look smooth by eliminating the frequent tears by syncing frames to the monitor's refresh rate. However, the HDR400 support is not really that impressive, considering some of the already existing best high-end displays on the market boast better HDR support.
ASUS ROG Strix 29.5-Inch XG309CM Gaming Monitor
This ultrawide gaming monitor will take any gaming session to the next level. It gives gamers a high refresh rate of 220Hz, which is ideal for gaming. Experience super smooth game visuals, ideal for playing racing, shooting, and sports games. The monitor is also compatible with NVIDIA G-SYNC which makes gaming more enjoyable without screen tearing.
- Screen Size
- 29.5 inches
- Resolution
- 2560 x 1080 Pixels
- Max. Refresh Rate
- 220 Hz
- Brand
- Asus
- Response Time
- 1 ms
- Incredibly fast 220Hz refresh rate
- NVIDIA G-SYNC compatible
- KVM switch support
- Shadow boost technology
- Built-in 2W x2 speakers
- 2560x1080p not ideal resolution for 30-inch screen
- Uses more GPU, which might make FPS to drop
Looking for an ultrawide gaming monitor with a super fast refresh rate? The ASUS ROG Strix XG309CM Gaming Monitor is an excellent choice, giving gamers a high refresh rate of 220Hz that will offer buttery smooth gameplay. The monitor is also compatible with NVIDIA G-SYNC, which makes gaming more enjoyable without screen tearing. It works automatically on most NVIDIA graphics cards and is superior to AMD's Freesync in many areas, including the elimination of ghosting and working flawlessly on eliminating the stuttering and tearing completely.
Now consider all of this on a fast IPS panel that not only excels in providing more accurate colors and better viewing angles than TN and VA panels but also provides a quick 1ms GTG response time. Also, the 2560x1080 resolution won't force gamers to upgrade to a higher-end GPU like a 4080 or 4090. Those who are looking to push the frame rates beyond 200 fps may upgrade to a better video card.
KOORUI 34-inch Ultrawide Curved Gaming Monitor
The 34-inch KOORUI ultrawide monitor is a great candidate for competitive gaming thanks to its high-end features. Sporting a 165 Hz refresh rate, players can enjoy responsive gameplay. The monitor’s 1 ms response time ensures that gamers don't experience high input lag or screen tearing. Players can fully immerse themselves in the action due to the monitor’s 1000R curvature which offers a wider field of view.
- Screen Size
- 34 Inches
- Resolution
- 3440*1440
- Max. Refresh Rate
- 165 Hz
- Brand
- KOORUI
- Response Time
- 1 ms
- Super fast 165 Hz refresh rate
- 1000R curvature for immersive gameplay
- Crosshair feature allows players to aim at targets quicker
- Screen ghosting issues
- Build quality feels cheap
One of the 34-inch KOURUI ultrawide gaming monitor’s many highlights is its 1000R curvature, allowing players to see more of the action. Built with users’ comfort in mind, the KOORUI monitor features an ergonomic stand that can be tilted, swiveled, and height adjusted depending on the owners’ preference. The availability of height adjustment options makes it less likely to experience neck or shoulder pains.
Regarding its gaming credentials, this monitor is well-equipped to deliver a great player experience. It offers a 165 Hz refresh rate with a 1 ms response time that translates to smooth rendering of images on the screen. When playing in low-light conditions, gamers can switch on the Dark Field Control function to find opponents budding in the shadows. Additionally, the Crosshair feature allows players to target enemies quickly and come out victorious. Although there are some concerns about its build feeling cheap and screen ghosting issues, this ultrawide display still offers some perks that shoppers should consider before making a decision.
AOPEN 34HC5CUR Pbmiiphx
The AOPEN 34HC5CUR is an excellent choice for gamers looking for an entry-level UWQHD display with a high refresh rate. While the display offers standard specifications when it comes to the picture quality, it is one of the cheapest 1440p monitors with a curved screen with built-in speakers. Also, the AMD FreeSync Premium is one of the best technologies gamers can utilize for a tear-free gaming experience.
- Screen Size
- 34"
- Resolution
- 3440x1440
- Brand
- Acer Aopen
- Response Time
- 1ms
- Max. Refresh Rate
- 144Hz
- 144Hz refresh rate at 3440x1440p resolution
- 1500R curved display for immersive gaming experience
- Built-in 2W x2 speakers
- AMD FreeSync Premium for tear-free gaming
- High, swivel, tilt adjustments
- Max brightness of 250 Nits and No HDR support
- Not the most accurate colors
Users who have less than 300 bucks in their pocket but still want a UWQHD resolution can get their hands on the AOPN 34HC5CUR, which offers similar specifications to the MSI Optix one. Of course, this is a cheaper display, and there are some drawbacks that gamers have to keep in mind before choosing it. First off, the maximum brightness level is lower. Secondly, the color saturation is not that impressive.
Speaking of the impressive features, the 1500R curvature and 144Hz refresh rate offer immersive and smooth gameplay. Moreover, the built-in speakers allow gamers to switch to these occasionally if their ears start hurting after several hours of usage.
The next outstanding feature is the availability of AMD FreeSync Premium, which has advantages over the basic FreeSync tech, including low frame rate compensation for a much better experience. So, despite being "entry-level," users get some of the best modern-day tech for a satisfactory experience.
Acer Nitro 34-Inch Curved Gaming Monitor
With almost no major drawbacks, the Acer XZ342CU provides a "Zeroframe" design with a 1500R curvature that takes the gaming immersion to the next level. Whether it is the color accuracy, refresh rate, or response time, the monitor excels in every area, making sure that gamers get the most out of every penny spent.
- Screen Size
- 34 inch
- Resolution
- 3440 x 1440 Pixels
- Max. Refresh Rate
- 165 Hz
- Brand
- Acer
- Response Time
- 1ms (VRB)
- 165Hz refresh rate, FreeSync Premium and 1ms response time
- 1500R curvature for immersive experience
- Great color saturation with 90% DCI-P3
- Vesa-certified Display HDR400
- Not the best HDR support
- Controls are a bit frustrating
The Acer Nitro 34-inch monitor has a ZeroFrame design with a 1500 curvature that allows gamers to immerse themselves even more as the edges are super thin while the screen wraps around them. Not many UW-QHD monitors out there boast a 165Hz refresh rate at this price. Also, the availability of AMD FreeSync Premium further enhances tear-free gaming by introducing the LFC.
The HDR400 support is also satisfactory, even though not the best in the game. However, considering that fewer monitors support HDR for under $400, this one stands out. Lastly, the height, swivel, and tilt adjustments are there for users to alter the viewing angles according to their needs.
Sceptre 30-inch gaming monitor C305B-200UN1
Sceptre's 30-inch curved gaming monitor proves that monitors don't need to be overly expensive. With an ideal resolution of 2560x1080p on a VA panel, this monitor is the best cheap ultrawide display for high refresh rate enthusiasts. Except for a few drawbacks, it is perfect for those who are looking to invest no more than 200-$220 bucks.
- Screen Size
- 30"
- Resolution
- 2560x1080
- Max. Refresh Rate
- 200Hz
- Brand
- Sceptre
- Response Time
- 5ms
- Dirt cheap monitor with high refresh rate of 200Hz
- Curved display for immersive gaming
- AMD FreeSync for tear-free gameplay
- Built-in 3W x2 speakers
- Slower response time
- Not the best color saturation
- No HDR support
Sceptre offers one of the very few ultrawide monitors out there that, despite being dirt cheap, boasts a crazy high refresh rate of up to 200Hz. Not only is this exceptional for a normal 16:9 ratio monitor, but it's also rare to find an ultrawide monitor with such a refresh rate at a price of around $200. The monitor also brings the curved aspect for an immersive experience and AMD FreeSync for tear-free gaming. Moreover, unlike most monitors, it boasts dual 3W built-in speakers for superior audio quality.
The only problem is the 5ms response time, which will be a disadvantage for those looking for a competitive edge. Still, it won't be a huge drawback if competitive gaming is not the ultimate goal. Apart from this, the monitor is up to modern standards in most areas, especially when the price is taken into consideration.
ASUS TUF Gaming 34” 1440P 1500R Curved Monitor
The ASUS TUF 1500R monitor offers one of the highest refresh rates in its category, with DisplayHDR 400 allowing it to offer higher brightness levels than many regular monitors. Its 1500R curvature also contributes to its strengths, offering a truly immersive gaming experience that puts you in the heart of the action. It also supports Adaptive Sync Premium Pro to tackle screen tearing. It's also height adjustable, allowing you to swivel and tilt to find the right viewing position.
- Screen Size
- 34 Inches
- Resolution
- QHD Wide 1440p
- Max. Refresh Rate
- 180 Hz
- Response Time
- 1 ms
- Brand
- ASUS
- High 180 Hz refresh rate eliminates motion blur
- 1 ms response time allows players to react rapidly to in-game actions
- Height-adjustable design
- No G-Sync compatibility
The Asus TUF monitor offers a stunning 1500R curvature that can deliver gamers' desired immersive experience. It sports an ergonomic design, allowing players to easily adjust their viewing position through tilt, swivel, and height adjustment to find the perfect spot. Additionally, the monitor has VESA compatibility, making it possible for you to mount it on the wall if needed. Equipped with HDR technology (DisplayHDR400) for increased contrast and more life-like colors, expect to see in-game characters with better details than on regular monitors. A 180 Hz refresh rate lets you play games without ghosting motion blur issues, ensuring you stay ahead of rivals in FPS titles.
To ensure you don't run into gameplay issues such as screen tearing and high input lag, the ASUS monitor has Adaptive Sync Premium Pro, Extreme Low Motion Blur technology, and flicker-free technology. A 1 ms (GtG) response time allows you to play AAA titles at the highest settings without worrying about being slow to react to in-game actions. A plethora of connectivity options, including HDMI and USB ports, ensure that you can easily plug in multiple gadgets. However, it's worth noting that this monitor is not compatible with Nvidia G-Sync, so if that's a deal-breaker, you might want to consider monitors in this guide that support it.
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How to Choose the Best Budget Ultrawide Gaming Monitor
Choosing a gaming monitor should not be a hassle. However, buyers will want to keep several factors in mind when purchasing a new ultrawide monitor to ensure that it meets their needs. Remember to consider these factors before buying a new monitor.
Panel Type: Gaming monitors come in three types of panels: VA, OLED, and IPS. The VA Panels are often inexpensive ultrawide screens. They have better contrast but aren’t great at some things. When playing fast games, most VA panels struggle with motion and can look blurry. OLED monitors are good with motion, contrast, and colors. Sometimes, they are less sharp than IPS and VA, but most people won’t notice. Their disadvantage is that they are not long-lasting like other screens.
Contrast Ratio: A higher contrast ratio is better. Look for numbers between 1000:1 and 3000:1 for the best image quality. But be careful. A monitor with a contrast ratio higher than 3000:1 is probably a marketing trick. It won’t make a big difference.
Connectivity: Remember that the number and type of inputs on a monitor matter. Gamers can connect a console and a PC with an HDMI cable or use a USB-C or display port for a PC. Players who wish to game in 4K with high refresh rates must have a monitor with the latest HDMI tech. The PS5 and Xbox Series consoles need HDMI2.1 for 4K at 120Hz.
Anti-Tearing Technology: Adaptive-sync tech has changed gaming a lot. The kind of graphics card a gamer has decides which gaming monitor to get. AMD users should choose a FreeSync monitor, while Nvidia’s RTX card users might want G-Sync. Sometimes, G-Sync works on some FreeSync monitors, but not always.
Split Screen Mode: People who want to replace multiple monitors must check if the monitor has a screen-splitting feature. Ensure it can connect to various devices and show them separately. This gives more screen space like one has with separate monitors.
Cost: Budget is a crucial factor. Ultrawide monitors used to be expensive, but now they’re more affordable. A cheap monitor has fewer pixels, while an expensive one offers a better resolution. But good budget ultrawide monitors still exist.
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FAQ
Q: What’s a suitable refresh rate for an ultra-wide gaming monitor?
A refresh rate of 144Hz to 165Hz is good for most ultrawide gaming monitors. Few ultrawide monitors go beyond this refresh rate and are too pricey to be a good deal.
Q: What is the best size for an ultra-wide gaming monitor?
The 34-inch ultrawide monitor with a 21:9 shape is usually the best for gamers. Bigger ultrawide monitors might not be great for gaming because they can’t do high refresh rates. Even when they can, they might not look as sharp as a 34-inch one.
Q: What is the best resolution for an ultra-wide monitor?
Most 34-inch ultrawide monitors use a resolution of 3440×1440. This is great for gamers. It looks good in modern games and doesn’t need super-powerful graphics.
Q: Is HDR a must for an ultra-wide gaming monitor?
No, but it’s a good feature to have. HDR can enhance gaming visuals. Gamers who want an ultrawide gaming monitor with HDR support must dig deep into their pockets.