Curved monitors provide a more immersive and, in some cases, more comfortable gaming experience than most flat screens. The wide aspect ratios of these screens show more of the game, while the curved screen puts the action in your peripheral vision so you can better monitor your surroundings. And with gaming-friendly technology like super high refresh rates and low response times now standard on most monitors in general, it’s never been better to grab a curved monitor for your desktop.
If you have space for one, that is.
Curved monitors can take up a lot of desktop space, especially ultra-wide and super-ultra-wide models, but it’s a simpler and more elegant setup than running multiple displays at once (unless that you don’t need two dedicated monitors for work or streaming, of course).
To help you find a new display that fits your desktop and your budget, here is our selection of the best curved monitors available today. Our list includes monitors with multiple display types and aspect ratios including 16: 9, 21: 9, and even 32: 9. We’ve also made sure to include models with USB pass-through and other cable management features that will help you if you need to rearrange your desk to make room for those large screens.
Samsung’s Odyssey G7 strikes the right balance between size, specs, price, and flexibility that make it the best overall curved monitor for PC gaming.
The monitor’s 2560×1440 (16: 9) screen is 32 inches wide, which isn’t much larger than other PC gaming monitors, but what makes it special is its 1000R curve. It’s a much more dramatic bend than other curved monitors, and Samsung says it matches the curvature of the human eye and results in a more comfortable viewing experience. There’s also a slightly cheaper 27-inch model with sharper pixel density, but the 32-inch model is more immersive.
The Odyssey G7 uses a VA panel, which is known for poor off-angle viewing, but that won’t be a problem if you’re sitting directly in front of the monitor. Its edge-lit dimming isn’t the best either, but everything else on Samsung’s Odyssey G7 makes it a top choice for gaming. Specifically, it supports G-Sync and FreeSync Premium Pro variable refresh rate technologies and offers up to 240Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time. That means smooth visuals and lag-free keyboard or controller input on just about any modern gaming PC, as well as the Xbox One and X / S series.
Unfortunately, the Odyssey G7 does not support HDMI 2.1, so you cannot use VRR over HDMI (the monitor has only one HDMI 2.0 port). However, the 60Hz mode should also be excellent for console games.
ASUS has several monitors in its TUF Gaming line, but the VG35VQ is the one for anyone with an Nvidia card thanks to its G-Sync compatibility. It also supports FreeSync, so you can enjoy the benefits of the monitor’s VRR up to 100Hz (and a 1ms response time) whether you’re using an Nvidia or AMD GPU in your platform. That said, G-Sync support is less common than FreeSync, and there are few G-Sync-compatible curved monitors with these specifications at this price point.
The VG35VQ’s 35-inch screen features an ultra-wide aspect ratio of 21: 9 and a resolution of 3440 x 1440, as well as support for HRD10. The 1800R curve is smoother than some other monitors, and it gives you a colorful, crisp image that will fill your peripheral vision as you play.
The VG35VQ is another monitor with a VA panel, so don’t expect this to work well with staggered viewing angles. That likely disqualifies it for users who need a screen they can use for local multiplayer games, but the VA panel also helps keep this ultra-wide monitor’s price lower than other models. That doesn’t mean it’s low-quality though: VA panels offer excellent contrast and block glare, so the VG35VQ is a dream for immersive single-player gaming when viewed from the proper angle.
For those using an AMD GPU, MSI’s Optix MAG242CQR is a great monitor in this price range. The screen is 34 inches wide with a 1500R curve and can display games in 3440×1440 resolution. The refresh rate also reaches 144Hz, and Adaptive-Sync mode works with any FreeSync-enabled device.
MSI keeps the price of the Optix MAG342CQR relatively low by using a VA panel. As we mentioned before, VA panels offer excellent contrast, black levels, and response time, and the picture looks great in dark, brightly lit rooms. The only downside is the limited viewing angle compared to IPS panels, but that’s only a problem if you’re sitting far away or sharing the monitor with several other gamers. For fast-paced single-player games, however, this is a great choice.
Here’s another 34-inch 21: 9 ultra-wide screen, but unlike many of our other picks, LG’s UltraGear 34GP83A uses a nano IPS panel. IPS panels are essentially the reverse of VA panels, offering much better viewing angles in exchange for comparatively lower contrast ratios (although color accuracy is virtually identical between the two screen types). If you’re planning on playing local co-op games, everyone should be able to see what’s on screen here, as long as there isn’t a lot of window glare or lights to deal with.
The UltraGear 34GP83A can achieve refresh rates up to 144Hz and offers a response time of 1ms. The monitor also supports VESA’s Adaptive-Sync, which is the same technology as AMD’s FreeSync, as well as Nvidia’s proprietary G-Sync. As long as you have a GPU or game console that supports any of these technologies, you can take advantage of the monitor’s VRR setting to eliminate screen tearing and make your game run smoother.
You know how in the mecha anime, pilots are often surrounded by a giant, transparent screen in the cockpit? That’s kind of what it feels like using Samsung’s massive Odyssey Neo G9. The 48.9-inch monitor pushes the aspect ratio to an extreme 32: 9 with a resolution of 5,120 x 1,440 and a curve of 1000R.
Samsung used a bright QLED panel for the Odyssey Neo G9, and with its native HDR10 and HDR10 + support, colors show up on this large display. The monitor also achieves refresh rates up to 240Hz and supports G-Sync and FreeSync Premium Pro.
Keep in mind that the Odyssey Neo G9’s physical footprint is as important as its price. But if you have desk space and cash to spare, a monitor like this will give you one of the most immersive visual experiences outside of a VR headset.
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