The curved screen naturally fits how the human eye processes information since every point on the curved screen is equidistant from the eye. It’s the opposite with standard monitors: the further along the edges of the screen you look, the further that point is from your eye, which causes strain and slows down your response time just slightly.
Buying Guide for Curved Gaming Monitors
Why buy a curved gaming monitor?
While price and performance were issues for a while, curved monitors have come a long way in the past few years, making them a must-try for gamers. They have outstanding refresh rates, great picture quality, and easy sync technology. While they can be a bit heavier and can take up more space than standard monitors, their pros more than make up for these potential issues.
What should you consider in a curved gaming monitor?
- The Type of Panel: There are three types of panels that you need to consider. In-Plane Switching (IPS) panels usually offer the best performance in terms of color. Twisted Nematic (TN) panels are the oldest models and are usually more affordable and offer faster response times than the other two types of panels. Vertical Alignment (VA) panels provide better color performance than TN monitors but tend to have slower response times.
- The Degree of Curvature: Different monitors have different degrees of curvature, which is most often denoted by one of the following: 1000R, 1500R, 1800R. The lower the number, the greater the curve of the screen. Make sure you know how curved you want your monitor to be.
- The Refresh Rate: Different monitors have different refresh rates, which are measured in Hertz (Hz). The higher the Hertz, the faster the response rate. This has a direct impact on gameplay and is important to know before buying.
Why make the switch to a curved gaming monitor?
It really comes down to gameplay. Standard monitors get the job done and can offer a great gaming experience, but a curved monitor really takes it to the next level. Since the curved screen more naturally fits the inner workings of the human eye, gamers will experience less strain and can play for longer. Plus, the split second of improved reaction time from a curved gaming monitor can make all the difference in competitive matches. While in the past, curved gaming monitors lagged behind standard monitors in terms of graphics or response rates, that’s no longer the case; they’re just as good (if not better) than many standard models these days. Furthermore, the price point for curved gaming monitors has become much more competitive in recent years.
Our Picks for the Best Curved Gaming Monitors
Pros: The Samsung Odyssey G7 does more than just check the boxes for what a curved gaming monitor can be—it sets the bar for what it should be. It features an incredible refresh rate of 240 Hz, which is one of the highest rates you can find on the market. Its 1000R curvature gets about as close as possible to what’s natural for the human eye. This level of curvature is what really pushes the immersive experience to the next level—it makes you feel like you’re in the game. The 32-inch screen completes that experience, no matter what you’re playing. The Samsung Odyssey G7 is, without a doubt one of the most well-rounded gaming monitors out there.
Cons: As good as it is, the Samsung Odyssey G7 does come with a few drawbacks. First of all, it’s quite large, so it’s going to take up a lot of desk space, and you’ll want to be sure that you have the room for it. Also, the Samsung G7 doesn’t include speakers. You’ll have to rely on other external speakers or headphones if you want to pump up the sound effects. Finally, the extreme 1000R curvature of this model isn’t for everyone—it can be a little disorienting if this is your first time using a curved screen. It might be a good idea to test out if you’re comfortable with a monitor that features such a severe curve.
Bottom Line: If you want a gaming monitor that is precisely that, this is the monitor for you. The high curvature was designed specifically for gaming, while the lack of speakers is an easy fix if you’ve got the funds. It has the response rate and the graphics capability for a totally immersive experience that gives you a competitive edge. Although it comes with a hefty price tag, it’s worth it if you’re looking for a next-level piece of gaming equipment.
Pros: When it comes to outstanding visuals and a total gaming experience, the ASUS TUF Gaming Monitor has you covered. It features a 1500R curvature, which is enough to be immersive but not too intense to be disorienting. It offers a 165-Hz refresh rate, which is as good as you’re going to get without dropping serious cash. Plus, it incorporates ASUS’s proprietary Extreme Low Motion Blur (ELMB) tech, which eliminates blur on the screen, keeping the images crisp. The low blue light feature also deserves mention since it’s great for reducing strain on the eyes during long gaming sessions. This is a great piece of equipment for gamers who love fitting in a session here or there throughout the week but who aren’t going to devote eight hours in a single day to a game.
Cons: While some people love the ELMB tech, it doesn’t always work perfectly: occasionally, images bleed into others on the screen, which can be rather irritating. There is also a tendency for the on-screen images to look “off” from certain angles. Finally, while it’s a relatively minor inconvenience, this monitor doesn’t have great menu controls. You might have to spend extra time playing around with the settings to get the right combination for how you want your screen to look.
Bottom Line: It’s often a challenge to find the right match between price and performance, but that’s what’s so great about the ASUS TUF Gaming Monitor. At a relatively affordable price point, it offers the classic benefits of a curved monitor without breaking the bank. While there are some drawbacks, this is a great monitor for those looking to make the switch without investing too much. It’s also worth mentioning that the physical screen itself is very versatile; you can play around with the stand and the orientation for the best possible angle.
Pros: While it’s not the most powerful or the biggest, the AOC Curved Frameless Gaming Monitor still has what you need for competitive gaming or just to play around online. It has an impressive 165-Hz refresh rate, eliminating lag. The screen is 24 inches, which puts you right in the sweet spot between big and too big. At this size, you’ll feel like you’re in the game without feeling like your eyes are darting all over the place. The stand is extremely adjustable, so you can find the best fit for your gaming style. Plus, the special three-sided frameless design gives you the option to use multiple monitors—a real plus at this price point.
Cons: Unfortunately, this monitor does come with a few drawbacks. You will likely have to play around with the settings; finding the combination for brightness, contrast, etc., will take some time. Even then, you might find that the screen isn’t always as bright as you might like. Also, some users have experienced dead pixels popping up. If you’re lucky, it won’t happen until you’ve got plenty of use out of the monitor.
Bottom Line: This monitor does it all without doing anything perfectly. You’ll get all the functions and features of a curved gaming monitor without anything that makes you step back and say, “wow.” That being said, it’s a great combination of form and function. Overall, you can get everything that curved gaming monitors offer without having to go all in in terms of your budget. It’s great for everyday gamers looking for a competitive advantage.
Pros: Some monitors sacrifice aesthetics in order to maximize response rate—that’s not the case for the AOPEN Gaming Monitor, which combines a fantastic response rate with a beautiful display. This monitor offers both an immersive gaming experience with 1080P resolution and a competitive edge with 240 Hz, which is an incredibly fast response rate. This monitor not only decreases lag but also produces almost no motion blur. While it might not be the biggest monitor, it’s one of the fastest you can find. If you ever find yourself raging at lags or slow responses, test out this monitor to see what gaming is like without these issues.
Cons: Some users have experienced backlight bleed with the AOPEN Gaming Monitor. So while it’s super speedy, sometimes the visuals leave something to be desired. There is the off-chance that the monitor will overheat: while this is unlikely, just buy knowing that there is the possibility for it to occur.
Bottom Line: This model has the finesse and form to make gamers fall in love with it. Not only the on-screen graphics but the monitor itself are things of beauty. Add them to the in-game performance—lightning-quick response rate and no blur—and you’ve got a curved gaming monitor that’s almost perfect. While the monitor isn’t great for everything (Netflix doesn’t always come through at the highest resolution), it’s a great fit for serious gamers.
Pros: If you’re looking to go all out in terms of screen size, this GIGABYTE monitor is an excellent choice. It has 34 inches of immersive power that surround you with gameplay that pops off the screen. The ultrawide screen gives you a uniquely expansive field of vision for total control of your surroundings. Plus, you get all these features without any of the harsh ghosting that occurs with some oversized monitors. The size, refresh rate, and colors make this monitor hard to beat in terms of an overall immersive experience.
Cons: The GIGABYTE monitor’s 144-Hz refresh rate is a bit slower than some other models. You’ll also want to make sure you have plenty of space on your desktop for this monitor. Curved monitors tend to take up more space than standard monitors, and this one is especially large. Lastly, some gamers have had minor installation issues and feel there’s a lack of customer support. There’s an online form in case you need help, but that’s about it.
Bottom Line: This monitor isn’t for everyone, but it’s the right choice for those looking for a gaming experience that’s as real as it gets. The 34-inch screen and the 1500R curvature make you forget that you’re not actually in the game. While professional gamers might want something with a higher refresh rate, most gamers will love how immersed they feel.
Final Thoughts
Curved gaming monitors have become staples in many serious gamers’ arsenals. Finding the right one depends heavily on preference and use. Two of the most important things to consider when deciding which one to purchase are curvature and refresh rate. While some people like a monitor with a high degree of curvature, others find it disorienting. Make sure you know what you’re comfortable with before making a decision. Lastly, the response rate is an essential part of gaming in general, but be sure you’re not sacrificing resolution for response rate. Just make sure you know what’s most important to you before making a decision.
