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Looking at contenders for the best curved gaming monitor is a great way to narrow down your list when searching for your next gaming screen. A curved monitor for gaming feels like it’s drawing you into the action and can really heighten immersion and focus as a result. I use one as my main monitor for work and play and I’m not sure I could go back now.
One piece of advice we would offer at this stage is that you will need more desk real estate than you would with regular flat gaming monitors; I’ve had to adapt my setup a bit to incorporate my AOC curved beast. And that’s not just because of the panel itself projecting outward; often the best curved gaming monitors have larger, beefier stands that you need to factor in too. However, when you can – and if you can have two next to each other in a multi-display setup – you will have a setup made up of some, real top-class best gaming monitor material.
You can treat your search for the best curved gaming monitor much like your search for the best PS5 monitor or the best G-Sync monitor, or any other screen really; think about size, resolution, HDR, panel type, and the speeds you want from a refresh rate and response time. This also goes hand in hand with what games you play: are you mainly a player of fast shooters online? Or do you prefer single-player games and for them to look as beautiful and crisp as they can?
Naturally, you can get curved gaming monitors in all shapes and sizes and you’ll see this guide grow and change over time as new entries come to the market (or if we revisit established models that are still worthy of your attention). From ultrawide monsters to perfectly curved 1080p panels, this is a great place to start your search for the best curved gaming monitor for you.
The best curved gaming monitor 2022
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1. Samsung Odyssey G7
The best curved gaming monitor
Specifications
Screen size: 27″; 1000R curvePanel type: VAAspect ratio: 16:9Resolution: 2560 x 1440Refresh rate: 240HzResponse time: 1msBrightness: 350 nitsContrast ratio: 2500:1Features: G-Sync Compatible, FreeSync Premium, 2x USB 3.0 hub
Reasons to buy
+Gorgeous VA panel+Super-fast response+Nice design and build quality
Reasons to avoid
-Pricey-Not a true HDR display
The Samsung Odyssey G7 C27G7 has local dimming, adaptive sync, high refresh, HDR, quantum dot technology, and more, and that makes it our favourite curved gaming monitor of the moment.
It’s a 27-inch (though a 32-inch model is also available) screen with 1440p resolution and 240Hz refresh for what many would agree absolutely nails the sweet spot in terms of balancing detail with speed and response. While the VA panel technology used here might raise eyebrows due to its traditionally slow pixel response and slightly laggy performance, those concerns are not valid here. Samsung claims 1ms response times and this monitor feels and looks that quick. Elsewhere it also matches IPS panels for colours and adds excellent contrast into the mix for an incredibly compelling package.
As for negatives, they’re limited to a relatively high price tag, and slightly disappointing HDR implementation given the DisplayHDR 600 certification, but all in this is an excellent curved gaming monitor and our favourite right now, as it offers a bit of everything for everyone.
Read more: Samsung Odyssey G7 review
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2. BenQ EX3203R
The best cheap curved gaming monitor
Specifications
Screen size: 32-inchPanel type: VAAspect ratio: 16:9Resolution: 2560x1440Response time: 4msRefresh rate: 144HzWeight: 18 lbs
Reasons to buy
+Gorgeous curved panel+144Hz refresh rate+FreeSync support
Reasons to avoid
-Lower end of HDR support-No G-sync
With the best curved gaming monitors often demanding high-ish price tags, the BenQ EX3203R is a great, more affordable option. We can’t classify it as a truly budget screen but it’s reasonably priced and worth the investment.
The BenQ EX3203R sports a VA panel that provides good contrast levels, and a high refresh rate. Although it sacrifices slightly in the viewing angle and color production departments, it’s a curved screen so it has great viewing direction by default. One of the first monitors I reviewed for GamesRadar, this is a great panel that doesn’t ruin the bank balance in one fell swoop.
At 32-inches it does offer more of a one-panel solution to your curved gaming monitor needs, but is certainly one that you should consider whenever it’s discounted or in sales. Even though it’s a couple of tech rotations old now, it still offers great game visuals, experiences, and performance.
Read more: BenQ EX3203R monitor review
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3. Alienware AW3423DW QD-OLED
The best premium curved monitor
Specifications
Screen size: 34”Aspect ratio: 21:9Resolution: 3440 x 1440 at 175HzBrightness: 1,000 nits peak HDRResponse time: 0.1msViewing angle: 178° H&VContrast ratio: 1,000,000:1Features: QD OLED panel, 99.3% DCI-P3, Nvidia G-Sync Ultimate, DisplayPort 1.4 x1, HDMI 2.0 x2, USB hub, AlienFX lighting
Reasons to buy
+Fabulous OLED panel+Incredible pixel response+True HDR performance
Reasons to avoid
-Less convincing as a desktop monitor-Not the lowest latency option-Not exactly cheap
It’s been an awfully long time coming. But with the new Alienware 34 AW3423DW, OLED technology has finally come to the best curved gaming monitor. And, boy, does it deliver. This screen has better contrast and a faster response than any LCD panel we’ve ever seen. It looks richer, more convincing, and more immersive, it’s faster, it’s sharper, it’s clearer.
It’s not absolutely perfect. The supposedly brighter HDR 1000 mode actually results in a duller image most of the time than the more usable HDR 400 setting. You will rarely if ever see the full 1,000 nits. The low pixel density also means this isn’t a great choice for an all-purpose display. It’s likewise not a good fit for console gaming. And strictly speaking, higher refresh panels will offer better latency. But for most types of gaming, it’s an absolute revelation. Concerns involving OLED burn-in do linger, a little. If that proves unfounded, OLED could take off on the PC in a big way.
Read more: Alienware AW3423DW QD-OLED review
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4. AOC CU34G2X
The best value-for-money quality curved ultrawide monitor
Specifications
Screen size: 34″Aspect ratio: 21:9Resolution: 3440x1440Refresh rate: 144HzBrightness: 300 cd/m2Response time: 1msViewing angle: 178°Contrast ratio: 3000:1Features: FreeSync, G-Sync, VA panel, 4x USB 3.0 ports
Reasons to buy
+144Hz and 1ms are the best specs for gaming+In-game performance in shooters and racing games is sublime+Ridiculously good value
Reasons to avoid
-Color isn’t quite as vibrant as some other monitors
If you want to reap the benefits of an ultrawide display but you don’t want to fork out the big bucks, look no further than the AOC CU34G2X. This 34″ beast may not look particularly noteworthy, but inside it’s rocking specs to make your mouth water, especially if you’re a competitive gamer. What’s even more impressive is that it costs less than £/$500, so it’s a brilliant entry point into ultrawide gaming for anyone upgrading from a 1080p or 1440p screen.
The CU34G2X offers both a 144Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time – two of the most important specs when it comes to gaming monitors – so any game that supports ultrawide displays will be a delight to play. Which at this point is most of them, except for Valorant and Overwatch. Whether you want the advantage of a wider peripheral vision in shooters like Call of Duty or you want to have the full view of the dashboard in a driving game, the CU34G2X is one of the best on the market. Also, give Elite Dangerous a go; the thrill of zooming through space on an ultrawide is phenomenal. Unfortunately, the AOC CU34G2X does lack a little when it comes to color vibrancy and HDR performance, but it isn’t such a big deal that it hinders our recommendation, because its primary purpose is gaming and for that, it is outstanding. Just don’t try and do too much color-sensitive work in Photoshop or anything, you know?
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5. Samsung Odyssey Neo G9
The best 49-inch curved gaming monitor
Specifications
Screen size: 27″; 1000R curvePanel type: VAAspect ratio: 16:9Resolution: 2560 x 1440Refresh rate: 240HzResponse time: 1msBrightness: 350 nitsContrast ratio: 2500:1Features: G-Sync Compatible, FreeSync Premium, 2x USB 3.0 hub
Reasons to buy
+Stupendously immersive gaming experience+Stupidly bright and punchy+Fantastic response and speed
Reasons to avoid
-Mini-LED backlight is surprisingly crude-Pixel density is nothing special-Insanely expensive
49 inches, 240Hz, seven million pixels, crazy 1000R curvature, and 1,000 nits not enough? Then how about the new Samsung Odyssey Neo G9. It ups the original G9’s 1000 nit ante to a slightly silly 2000 nits and also ups the price point to even loftier levels. Arguably more important isn’t the peak brightness but the fact that the old 10-zone edge-lit backlight has been ditched in favour of a cutting-edge 2,048 zone mini-LED backlight.
In theory, that’s a huge upgrade. In practice, it’s a bit more complicated. This is a big screen, and so even with that many zones, the granularity of the backlight control is actually quite crude. But when it’s performing at its best, the Neo G9 puts on a spectacular HDR show that few if any monitors can match.
It might be one to skip for console play for now – the likes of LG’s 120Hz C1 and CX OLED TVs are better matched for that from a big-screen perspective – but for pure PC gaming, the Neo G9’s wrap-around immersion is awfully hard to beat.
Read more: Samsung Odyssey Neo G9 review
6. ViewSonic VX2768-PC-MHD
The best curved high-refresh 1080p gaming monitor
Specifications
Screen size:: 27-inchAspect ratio:: 16:9Resolution:: Full HD; 1920x1080Brightness:: 250cd/m2Response time:: 1msViewing angle:: 178/178 degreesContrast ratio:: 3,000:1
Reasons to buy
+Full support for 120Hz refresh+High-contrast VA panel+Remarkably affordable
Reasons to avoid
-No HDR support
If you need speed in your curved gaming monitor, then this 27-inch VA panel is a prime candidate. It sports a tight 1500R curve for that immersive, wrap-around feel and offers a great static contrast of 3,000:1, plus punchy colours and good viewing angles. On top of that, the VX2768-PC-MHD offers a speedy 1ms response time.
A big pull of this curved monitor though is that with an HD resolution of 1,920 by 1,080 pixels – as opposed to 4K or even Quad HD resolutions – you can experience incredible fast refresh rates and frame rates. While it might not offer that ridiculously sharp image quality of a 4K-er, for anyone playing fast games, shooters or competitively online, the improved response and buttery smooth frame rates on offer here are undeniable and more important than the pixel count.
There isn’t HDR here, but with this price point and a strong steer toward speedy, smooth gaming, this wasn’t really on the cards. In short, this monitor represents an awful lot of high-refresh fun for the money and makes a neat, underrated curved gaming monitor contender.
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Samsung C27RG5
7. The best curved G-Sync-compatible monitor
Specifications
Screen size: 27-inchPanel type: VAAspect ratio: 16:9Resolution: 1920 x 1080 (at 1500R)Response time: 4msRefresh rate: 240HzWeight: 10.14 lbs
Reasons to buy
+Glorious curved panel+Quality gaming speeds
Reasons to avoid
-Only a VA panel
If you’re after Samsung’s quality and screen-making pedigree in your search for the best curved gaming monitor, but can’t quite splash out on those newer models, then this C27 is a really fine candidate.
Being G-Sync compatible – and not fully G-Sync – means you can still get the benefits of Nvidia’s screen-smoothing tech but without the bump in the price – a strong start.
But it’s also a great looking monitor, and if you’re in the market for any form of quality curved screen (or two!) then you can have no concerns about how this one would look on your desk or in your setup. Its speeds are very high-performing too: the C27RG5 offers a terrific 240Hz refresh rate along with a 4ms response time. These speeds on a fine, 1080p curved monitor for gaming, made by Samsung, make for an excellent recipe; it really has all the makings of a great Samsung gaming monitor for anyone (almost).
Extending their expertise in TVs to gaming monitors, Samsung have created a glorious gaming monitor that will enhance your immersion in games very nicely indeed.
8. BenQ Mobiuz EX3415R
The best top-end BenQ curved gaming monitor
Specifications
Screen size: 34-inchResolution: 3,440 x 1,440 at 144HzBrightness: 1,000 cd/m2Response time: 1ms MPRTViewing angle: 178° H&VContrast ratio: 1,000:1Features: IPS panel, AMD FreeSync Premium, DisplayPort 1.4 x1, HDMI 2.0 x1, VESA DisplayHDR 400
Reasons to buy
+Great overall feature set+Nice ultrawide IPS panel+Really good pixel response
Reasons to avoid
-Very expensive compared to competitors-Subdued image quality in SDR mode
What’s the ideal all-round curved gaming monitor? Maybe a 34-inch ultrawide model with a quality IPS panel and 3,440 by 1,440 pixels for a perfect compromise between detail and GPU load? Add in 144Hz refresh, 1ms response, and HDR response for good measure? Make it curved for that immersive wrap-around experience?
We’ve just described the new BenQ Mobiuz EX3415R, which, while expensive, does offer an excellent feature set. For sure, this monitor ticks all the important boxes. You also get really nice build quality and a fully adjustable stand. The slight snag is subdued image quality in SDR mode. To get an experience that delivers on the 400 nits quoted panel performance, whatever the content, you have to run Windows in HDR mode and then tweak the brightness for SDR content. If you’ve been looking for an awesome ultrawide and don’t mind investing considerably to get the right screen, then this could very much be the panel you’ve been looking for.
Read more: BenQ Mobiuz EX3415R review
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9.Samsung CRG9
A top massive, ultrawide gaming monitor from a quality maker
Specifications
Screen size: 49″; 1800R curvePanel type: VAAspect ratio: 32:9Resolution: 5120 x 1440Refresh rate: 212HzResponse time: 4msBrightness: 600 nitsContrast ratio: 3000:1Features: FreeSync 2, 4x USB 3.0 hub, VESA 100mm x 100mm
Reasons to buy
+Epic 49-inch panel+120Hz refresh
Reasons to avoid
-Low pixel density-Doesn’t suit all games
Go big or go home. That’s the Samsung CRG9’s philosophy. At 49 inches – count them! – it’s positively huge. It’s also immensely bright at 1,000nits, albeit that only applies to local hotspots, rather than panel wide. To that, you can add excellent claimed colour fidelity with 95 percent coverage of the DCI-P3 gamut, 3,000:1 static contrast from the VA panel, 120Hz refresh, and a gentle 1800R. Oh, and megabucks styling in typical Samsung fashion. Quite a package, isn’t it?
As for things the CRG9 lacks, well, you don’t get true HDR capability despite the claims, thanks to the very limited number of local dimming zones and there’s no USB-C connectivity. The CRG9 also lacks the very last word in pixel response. It’s reasonably quick, but it’s not lightning fast.
But most gamers won’t care. Instead, they’ll be blown away by the ridiculous scale of this monitor and the mind-blowing, immersive experience. The extreme 21:9 aspect certainly doesn’t work well in all games. It’s compromised back on the Windows desktop. While the 5,120 by 1,440 native resolution adds up to a lot of pixels, such as the epic panel size the pixel density is actually pretty poor. But when this thing really clicks, it’s an all-consuming experience like little other and earns its place in the best curved gaming monitor conversation.
Read more: Samsung CRG9 review
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10. AOC AGON AG352UCG6
The best curved G-Sync monitor
Specifications
Screen size: 35-inchPanel type: VAAspect ratio: 21:9Resolution: 3440 x 1440Response time: 4msRefresh rate: 120HzWeight: 26.01 lbs
Reasons to buy
+Good price point+Great colours and contrasts+Lovely, immersion-increasing panel
Reasons to avoid
-Hogs desk space-Legacy model so might be hard to find
If the best-curved gaming monitor for you is one that offers a really sizeable screen in one hit, then this beauty of an AOC model – or its Black Edition sibling – is for you. Nailing the 1440p sweet spot once more, this curved panel stretches it out ever so slightly to that super-wide, 21:9 ratio, 3440×1440 resolution. And it’s successful in doing so too as the AOC Agon AG352UCG6 really enjoys the elegance and picture quality of the middle ground between HD and 4K.
If you’re looking to get a single curved monitor for gaming then this is a great choice that can offer an excellent viewing, playing, watching, and user-experience in one package. The VA panel offers a decent 120Hz refresh rate – good for a curved screen – and a good 4ms response time to ensure smoothness of your inputs and the pictures on screen. It also sports G-Sync too, making it an incredibly attractive proposition from the experts at AOC.
However, this is an example of a desk-hogging curved screen as its three-legged stand stretches out wide to support the large body of the monitor – though its black, silver, and red aesthetic will liven up your setup. Curved monitors always seem to pull you in a bit more and the effect is no better than with the AG352UCG6 as a pick for the best curved gaming monitor, thanks to G-Sync offering that extra layer of immersion.
If you’re after something that’s TV-shaped then head over to our best gaming TV guide as well as our best TV for PS5 and Xbox Series X, best OLED TV, and best 120Hz 4K TV guides which will all see you right.
