Curved monitors are the newest generation of displays and are witnessing a great increase in demand. Nowadays, competition for curved monitors is fiercer than ever, with every brand launching its own curved monitor.
However, some gaming enthusiasts wonder if curved monitors are as good as advertised. So, are curved monitors good for gaming? Here’s what curved monitors can offer.
Contents
What is a Curved Monitor?
Curved monitors have gained traction in the recent past as their prices continue to fall slowly. Generally, there isn’t much difference between a flat and a curved monitor except for the curvature. The monitor’s curvature is represented by R. These monitors have ‘R’ measurements, including 1800R, 3000R, or 4000R. A monitor with a lower number means a greater curve. Curved monitors are available from as small as 24-inch, but it’s advisable to buy a curved monitor with a bigger screen size.
Benefits of a Curved Monitor
Curved monitors are known to reduce eye strains and discomfort when gaming. They’re less prone to viewing angle and color fade issues because every pixel in a curved monitor is the same distance away from your eyes. Additionally, issues like glare aren’t common, and you’re guaranteed an impressive and immersive viewing experience.
Disadvantages of a Curved Monitor
To begin with, the price of a curved monitor isn’t the friendliest. The larger the screen size, the higher the cost. If you add features like G-Sync, resolution, blue light filters, a high refresh rate, among others, the price shoots even higher.
So, Are Curved Monitors Good for Gaming?
Curved monitors are undeniably one of the best gaming monitors out there. Curved monitors provide a better, more comfortable viewing experience and are easy on your eyes with some gaming advantages.
However, in terms of core specs and performance like response time, refresh rate, panel technology, and color depth, curved monitors are similar to flat screens. If you’re looking for a new gaming monitor, I strongly recommend a curved monitor.
Best Curved Monitors for Gaming
SAMSUNG Odyssey G5 Series 32-Inch WQHD (2560×1440) Gaming Monitor
The SAMSUNG Odyssey G5 Series monitor comes with a high-refresh screen with a curvature of 1000R for extreme immersion. This pocket-friendly monitor has a matte black finish with a swirling carbon-fiber texture, giving it a high-quality appeal. It sports a 32” VA panel with a 144Hz refresh rate, 2560×1440 resolution, and a 1ms response time. It also has a contrast ratio of 2500:1 and a brightness level of 250 cd/m2. This monitor is compatible with FreeSync and NVIDIA’s G-Sync.
Features
- 144Hz refresh rate
- 16:0 aspect ratio
- 1ms response time
- VA panel
Pros
- Decent image quality
- Excellent contrast
- Affordable
Cons
- Tilt-only stand
Pixio PXC243 24 inch 144Hz FreeSync FHD 1800R Curved Full HD 1920×1080 Premier Esports Gaming Monitor
The Pixio PXC243 is a perfect entry-level gaming monitor for you. At 1080p, 24-inch screen size, and a 144Hz refresh rate, you can elevate your game without sacrificing too much. The curved, slim bezel-less design offers a space-saving solution for all your viewing needs. This gaming monitor has everything you need for competitive gaming.
With this fighting games monitor, you will enjoy smooth gameplay, thanks to the AMD Radeon FreeSync Premium and G-Sync compatibility.
Features
- 24-inch screen size
- 144Hz refresh rate
- 1800R curvature
- 3,000:1 contrast ratio
- 1080p resolution
Pros
- Wide viewing angles
- FreeSync and G-Sync compatible
- Affordable
- Does not come with built-in speakers
Cons
- Bad customer service
AOC CQ32G1 31.5″ Curved Frameless Gaming Monitor
If you’re looking for a curved gaming monitor with a high resolution, high refresh rate, and several gaming features, this is a great choice. The AOC CQ32G1 31.5″ Curved Frameless Gaming Monitor is based on a VA panel that offers black shades for amazing detail clarity when viewing dark content, thanks to the superb 3,000:1 contrast ratio. It has decent 300-nits brightness and 178-degree viewing angles. Additionally, it has several connectivity options, including HDMI 1.4, DisplayPort 1.2, and a headphones jack.
Features
- 2560×1440 resolution
- 1ms response time
- 144Hz refresh rate
- VA panel
Pros
- Fast response time
- Several gaming features
- High contrast ratio
Cons
- Tilt-only stand
LG 34GP83A-B 34 Inch 21: 9 UltraGear Curved QHD (3440 x 1440) 1ms Nano IPS Gaming Monitor
This exquisite gaming monitor has an excellent combination of responsiveness, speed, great image quality, and an immersive 21:9 aspect ratio. The LG 34GP83A-B gaming monitor has a huge 32-inch screen, G-Sync support, 1ms Nano IPS panel, 144Hz refresh rate, and a plethora of other amazing features. This ultra-wide monitor boasts a huge array of gaming features that promises an impressive gaming experience. If you’re a gaming enthusiast and like fast-paced games, this monitor is a worthy investment.
Features
- 160Hz refresh rate
- 34-inch screen size
- AMD FreeSync premium
- 3440×1440 resolution
Pros
- High refresh rate
- Large screen
- Fantastic design
Cons
- Expensive
GIGABYTE G27QC 27″ 165Hz 1440P Curved Gaming Monitor
The GIGABYTE G27QC monitor is another reasonably priced monitor with Motion Blur Reduction, FreeSync, and plenty of extra features. This monitor comes with a 144Hz VA panel with a 1500R curvature, a 250-nit peak brightness, a 3,000:1 static contrast ratio, and 8-bit color depth support. It has a simple design without flashy colors or RGB lighting. Additionally, it offers height adjustment up to 130mm and 100x100mm VESA mount compatibility.
Features
- VA panel type
- 165Hz refresh rate
- 1500R screen curvature
- 1ms response time
Pros
- High contrast ratio
- Wide color gamut
- Several gaming features
Final Thoughts
Are you still confused about the curved monitor to choose from? If yes, pick one from above and enjoy a flawless gaming experience. However, you have to consider specifications, features, and your budget before making the final decision.