The greatest curved gaming monitors may appear a little strange, but they provide an immersive experience that flat-screen televisions cannot. Although curved displays do take some getting used to, once you do, you’ll feel as though you’re being drawn into your favourite Steam games, and we’d argue these panels are the finest alternative to virtual reality.
Not all curved displays are created alike, and just like the top competitors for gaming monitors, each display will have unique specifications and features intended for particular gamers.
We put the top curved gaming monitors to the test to prevent you from spending hours searching for a curved screen. Below is a list of our top options, which include mammoth displays that can compete with the best gaming TVs and ultrawide monitors.
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Samsung Odyssey G7
Our current favourite curved gaming monitor is the Samsung Odyssey G7 C27G7, which includes local dimming, adaptive sync, high refresh, HDR, quantum dot technology, and more.
Its 1440p resolution, 240Hz refresh rate, and 27-inch size (although a 32-inch model is also offered) hit what many consider to be the perfect sweet spot for blending quality with speed and reaction. Although the generally slow pixel response and slightly jerky performance of the VA panel technology used here might raise some eyebrows, those worries are unfounded in this case. The Samsung monitor feels and appears to have a 1 ms response time. Additionally, it complements IPS panels’ colours in other places, and it adds superb contrast to the mix for a remarkably appealing display.
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BenQ EX3203R
The BenQ EX3203R is a fantastic, more inexpensive option because the best curved gaming displays sometimes come with high-ish price tags. Although we can’t categorize it as a very inexpensive screen, it is still competitively priced and a good investment.
A VA screen with a high refresh rate and strong contrast levels is included on the BenQ EX3203R. Because it is a curved screen, it has excellent viewing direction by default, despite some compromises in the viewing angle and color production areas. This is one of the first displays I tested for GamesRadar, and it’s a wonderful panel that won’t wipe all your savings in a single purchase.
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Alienware AW3423DW QD-OLED
It has taken a very long time to happen. The greatest curved gaming monitor, however, now incorporates OLED technology thanks to the new Alienware 34 AW3423DW. And boy, is it effective. This screen outperforms every LCD panel we’ve ever seen in terms of contrast and response time. It appears more realistic, compelling, and immersive; it is quicker, sharper, and crisper.
It’s not flawless in every way. In most cases, the purportedly brighter HDR 1000 mode produces a duller image than the more practical HDR 400 level. Rarely, if ever, will you see all 1,000 nits. This display is not a suitable option for an all-purpose monitor due to the low pixel density.
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AOC CU34G2X
Look no farther than the AOC CU34G2X if you want to enjoy the advantages of an ultrawide display but don’t want to spend a lot of money. Although this 34″ beast may not appear to be all that remarkable, it is packed with features that will make your mouth water, especially if you play competitive video games. Even better, it’s less than £/$500, making it a great entry point for anyone switching from a 1080p or 1440p screen into ultrawide gaming.
Since the CU34G2X has a 144Hz refresh rate and a 1ms reaction time, two of the most crucial features for gaming monitors, it will be a pleasure to play any game that supports ultrawide displays. Currently, the majority of them, with the exception of Overwatch and Valorant. The CU34G2X is one of the best on the market, whether you desire the benefit of a broader peripheral vision in shooters like Call of Duty or want to have a complete view of the dashboard in a driving game. Try Elite Dangerous as well; the rush of flying across space at ultrawide angles is incredible.
Unfortunately, the AOC CU34G2X does have certain shortcomings in terms of colour vibrancy and HDR performance, but they are not significant enough to prevent us from recommending it because its primary application is gaming, and it excels at that.
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Samsung Odyssey OLED G9
The Samsung Odyssey OLED G9 is a monster gaming monitor with a massive 49-inch size. Although it also offers a number of other positive qualities, the extra screen real estate is what makes this ultrawide curved display our current top pick. Its HDR capabilities are the icing on the cake.
The OLED G9 is not ideal, and because of its high price, many of you will probably never use this display. However, it successfully meets LG’s OLED challenge, and we are blown away by the screen’s HDR performance and extreme contrast.
If cost is the only barrier to purchasing this display, you’ll be relieved to learn that a less expensive model devoid of smart features is on the way. Yes, this one features built-in streaming services and the like, making it practically a gaming TV. Although some of these capabilities seem unnecessary and the OSD on the display is lacking, the superb visual performance it provides is unaffected.
