If you’re looking for the best curved gaming monitors, key features like immersive curvature, high contrast ratios, and low response times are essential. Monitors with a 1000:1 contrast ratio enhance visual depth, while sub-13ms response times ensure smooth transitions. These features, coupled with wide color gamut coverage and brightness, create a visually stunning and responsive gaming experience. Curved screens also reduce glare and provide a more engaging field of view.
In our analysis, five curved gaming monitors excelled. From 196 monitors analyzed and 319,348 reviews assessed, we found that 71% of experts weren’t trustworthy. Our selection process involves verifying products, using True Score and our Trust Score to filter out fake and low quality reviews. The winning monitors stood out for their superior performance in testing, offering an unparalleled gaming experience.
For a more general selection, we’ve included the best gaming monitor options, or to help you stay within budget, our guide also features some of the top-rated budget gaming monitors, offering impressive features without a high price tag. We also have selections that include highly-rated monitors known for their versatility and performance in gaming and productivity.
How Did We Rank the Best Curved Gaming Monitors?
By scrutinizing over 200 websites and combining expert reviews with customer feedback, we’ve crafted the ultimate guide to the best curved gaming monitors. We identified critical pain points and distilled the criteria that truly matter: 2 required test results, 1 nice-to-have test results, and 1 must-have specifications. Our thorough analysis ensures you get the most accurate and trustworthy recommendations for your gaming setup.
Our commitment to unbiased reviews is powered by our ‘True Score’ system, targeting low quality and fake reviews. When you shop through our links, you’re backing our mission. Dive deeper to see how.
?️ Minimum Specifications
- Must have a curved screen.
? Test Criteria
- Contrast Ratio: 1000:1 or higher (infinite), offering deep blacks and bright whites for an exceptional viewing experience.
- Fast Response Time: 13ms or less, ensuring smooth transitions without motion blur.
? “Nice To Haves”
- Input Lag: An input lag of less than 16 milliseconds ensures a highly responsive gaming experience with minimal delay between action and on-screen response.
Latest Updates
- 05/04/2024: Republished the list to include the best curved gaming monitors based on our True Score system.
Top Curved Gaming Monitors For 2024
Prices accurate at the time of publishing
Best Overall
Runner Up
Best Value
Best Budget
Best Mid-Range
Premium Pick
Dell S2721HGF
The Dell S2721HGF blends affordability with performance for casual gaming, offering smooth gameplay and accurate colors on a curved display.
True Score
86836Experts
936kCustomers
Absolutely Fresh
SAVE $80$229.99$149.99
Snapshot
Reasons to Buy
- 144Hz refresh rate
- Excellent contrast ratio
- Great out of the box color accuracy
- AMD FreeSync Premium and NVIDIA G-Sync compatible
- Low input lag
- Decent response time
- Good reflection diffusion
- 1500R curved screen
- Optional BFI feature available
Reasocurvedns to Avoid
- Limited to 1920 x 1080 resolution
- No HDR
- Lack of USB ports
- No built-in speakers
- It lacks a microphone input
- Poor display uniformity
- Visible backlight bleed and clouding
- Local dimming is not present
Specifications
Curved Screen Yes Display Type LCD HDMI Inputs 2 HDR Format Yes Max Resolution 1920 x 1080 (Full HD) 
Panel Type VA Refresh Rate 144 Hz 
Response Time 4 ms Screen size 27″ 
Sync Technology Adaptive Sync All Specs
Test Results
Brightness (nits) 287 Contrast Ratio (as ratio, x:1) 2,968 Color Gamut/Accuracy % (DCI P3 xy) 78 Color Gamut/Accuracy % (DCI P3 uv) 0 Color Gamut % (Adobe RGB Coverage xy) 76 Color Gamut % (sRGB Coverage xy) 100 All Retailers
$149.99$230Save $80
$198.00$247Save $49
$221.00$263Save $42
Our Verdict
If you’re on a budget and want an immersive curved gaming monitor, the Dell S2721HGF is a great choice. Ideal for casual gamers, this monitor offers an engaging experience without breaking the bank. With a refresh rate of 144 Hz, unmatched input lag of 5.3 ms, and a response time of 6 ms, the Dell S2721HGF ensures that every move is timely and smooth, key for casual gaming and immersive single-player narratives.
Although its DCI P3 color gamut of 78.1% doesn’t reach some competitors like the LG 40WP95C W, its sRGB coverage at 99.9% is nearly perfect, providing accurate color representation for gaming and general multimedia consumption. The Dell S2721HGF also has a higher contrast ratio of 2968:1 and a more responsive display, making it more suited for fast-paced gaming where responsiveness and deep blacks are crucial. Its brightness at 286.7 nits and reflection rate of 4.5% means it performs decently in indoor lighting conditions, although it may struggle with glare in very bright rooms.
If you prioritize an immersive experience over brightness, the Dell S2721HGF is a compelling choice. It excels with its low input lag, high contrast ratio, and color performance at a low price, offsetting its reflective rate and brightness. This makes it an outstanding candidate for casual gamers looking for an affordable, versatile curved monitor that excels in fast-paced games.
Best Overall
Runner Up
Best Value
Best Budget
Best Mid-Range
Premium Pick
Dell Alienware AW3423DW
The Dell Alienware AW3423DW excels for curved HDR gaming with exceptional color accuracy and minimal glare, ideal for an immersive experience.
True Score
838514Experts
862kCustomers
Absolutely Fresh
SAVE $250$899.99$649.99Snapshot
Reasons to Buy
- Spectacular image quality
- Ultra-fast response time
- Low Input lag
- High native refresh rate
Reasocurvedns to Avoid
- Bright surroundings reduce black levels
- Not suited for gaming consoles
Specifications
Aspect Ratio 21:9 
Available Inputs 3.5mm, DisplayPort, HDMI, USB 
Bluelight Filter Yes 
Built-In Speakers No 
Built-In Webcam No Curved Screen Yes Display Type OLED 
Flicker Free Yes HDMI Inputs 1 HDR Format HDR10, HDR400 High Dynamic Range (HDR) Yes Max Resolution 3440 × 1440 Panel Type n/a Refresh Rate 165 Hz Response Time 0.1 ms 
Rotating Screen No Screen size 34″ Sync Technology AMD FreeSync Premium Pro, G-Sync Ultimate All Specs
Test Results
Brightness (nits) 241 Contrast Ratio (as ratio, x:1) 0 Color Gamut/Accuracy % (DCI P3 xy) 100 Color Gamut/Accuracy % (DCI P3 uv) 0 Color Gamut % (Adobe RGB Coverage xy) 96 Color Gamut % (sRGB Coverage xy) 100 All Retailers
- $649.99$900Save $250
- $799.99$1,100Save $300
- $914.95
Our Verdict
If you’re a casual gamer looking for a curved HDR monitor that offers color precision and exceptional glare reduction, the Dell Alienware AW3423DW offers a fantastic immersive experience. Its superior 1.4% reflectivity rate reduces distractions caused by reflections in well-lit spaces.
Sporting a DCI P3 color gamut coverage of 99.80% and 100% for sRGB, the AW3423DW guarantees great color fidelity for games, movies, and design and editing work. Implementing OLED technology grants it an infinite contrast ratio, bringing out the deepest blacks and enhancing visibility in your games. Although its brightness measures 241.39 nits, this level is adequate enough for indoor environments.
While it may not boast the highest refresh rate at 165 Hz, its ability to deliver rich colors and contrast makes it a great choice for casual HDR gaming. Although its 20.5 ms input lag might steer competitive gamers elsewhere, the AW3423DW compensates with an unmatched 2.0 ms response time, effectively reducing motion blur and enriching the experience in swift HDR scenes. The absence of built-in speakers is a minor trade-off, easily outweighed by its stellar visual capabilities.
If you prioritize color precision, contrast, and minimal glare in your HDR gaming, the AW3423DW is a reliable pick. Though its input lag and brightness aren’t impressive and it’s expensive, it’s still a compelling option if you’re a gamer or HDR enthusiast who needs the best visual quality in a curved monitor.
Best Overall
Runner Up
Best Value
Best Budget
Best Mid-Range
Premium Pick
Samsung Odyssey G85SB
The Samsung Odyssey G85SB offers vibrant colors and minimal glare, making it a top pick for gamers and creatives valuing immersive curved displays.
True Score
838310Experts
878kCustomers
Absolutely Fresh
SAVE $350$1,199.99$849.99Snapshot
Reasons to Buy
- Great image quality
- Fast response time
- Low input lag
- Outstanding refresh rate
Reasocurvedns to Avoid
- Low peak brightness
- Subpar ergonomics
Specifications
Aspect Ratio 21:9 Available Inputs HDMI, USB Bluelight Filter Yes Built-In Speakers Yes Built-In Webcam No Curved Screen Yes Display Type OLED Flicker Free Yes HDMI Inputs 1 HDR Format HDR10, HDR10+, HDR10+ Gaming, HDR400 High Dynamic Range (HDR) Yes Max Resolution 3440 × 1440 Panel Type n/a Refresh Rate 175 hz Response Time 0.1 ms Rotating Screen No Screen size 34″ Sync Technology AMD FreeSync Premium Pro All Specs
Test Results
Brightness (nits) 237 Contrast Ratio (as ratio, x:1) 0 Color Gamut/Accuracy % (DCI P3 xy) 110 Color Gamut/Accuracy % (DCI P3 uv) 0 Color Gamut % (Adobe RGB Coverage xy) 96 Color Gamut % (sRGB Coverage xy) 141 All Retailers
- $849.99$1,200Save $350
- $1,199.99
$1,199.99- $1,499.99
Our Verdict
If you’re a gamer seeking a curved monitor with vibrant visuals and little glare, the Samsung Odyssey G85SB is a great value for the premium price. Boasting an unmatched color gamut coverage of 109.6% DCI P3 and 141.30% sRGB, it surpasses even the Dell Alienware AW3423DW in color reproduction, making it perfect for gaming and color-critical tasks that demand rich and immersive colors. Its superior reflectivity rate of 1.4% helps keep glare at bay, ensuring that nothing distracts you from your game.
The OLED technology enables the display to have an infinite contrast ratio, achieve true blacks, and have an extensive color range, significantly enhancing the gaming experience. With a brightness level of 237.45 nits, the G85SB is best suited for indoor rooms with moderate lighting, ensuring that visuals remain clear and vivid.
Though it may not reach the peak brightness of some competitors, its 175 Hz refresh rate and response time of 3.45 ms mean that the G85SB offers fluid gameplay and swift on-screen action. Its 13.4 ms of input lag is best for casual gaming since this level of responsiveness isn’t the fastest but still ensures minimal delay. Including built-in speakers and its curved design immerses you further into your gaming.
The Samsung Odyssey G85SB is an excellent pick for gamers and creative professionals looking for a curved monitor that balances cost with performance. Its wide color gamut and anti-glare qualities provide a superior gaming experience. While it may not be the brightest option available and comes with a premium price tag, its value is justified by its color accuracy and immersive design, making it a wise choice for gamers looking to upgrade their setup.
Best Overall
Runner Up
Best Value
Best Budget
Best Mid-Range
Premium Pick
Samsung Odyssey Neo G9
The Samsung Odyssey Neo G9 excels for competitive gamers in bright rooms. Its vivid display and tear-free action offer an immersive curved experience.
True Score
81814Experts
853kCustomers
Absolutely Fresh
SAVE $900$2,499.99$1,599.99Snapshot
Reasons to Buy
- Outstanding 240Hz maximum refresh rate
- Advanced Mini LED local dimming
- HDMI 2.1 inputs
- Excellent color gamut
- Outstanding 5120 x 1440 screen resolution
Reasocurvedns to Avoid
- Overly aggressive screen curvature
- Narrow viewing angles
- Variable refresh rate (VRR) issues at 60Hz
Specifications
Curved Screen Yes Display Type VA HDMI Inputs 2 HDR Format Yes Max Resolution 5120 x 1440 Panel Type VA Refresh Rate 240 Hz Response Time 1 ms Screen size 49″ Sync Technology AMD FreeSync All Specs
Test Results
Brightness (nits) 628 Contrast Ratio (as ratio, x:1) 4,692 Color Gamut/Accuracy % (DCI P3 xy) 91 Color Gamut/Accuracy % (DCI P3 uv) 0 Color Gamut % (Adobe RGB Coverage xy) 86 Color Gamut % (sRGB Coverage xy) 100 All Retailers
- $1,599.99$2,500Save $900
- $1,599.99$2,500Save $900
- $1,689.99$3,033Save $1,343
- $2,199.99
Our Verdict
If you’re a gamer looking for a massive curved gaming monitor that thrives in bright rooms, the Samsung Odyssey Neo G9 is an outstanding option. Boasting a superior brightness of 628.33 nits, it delivers bright and vivid visuals on its 49” screen, even under direct sunlight. Additionally, its response time of 2.7 ms ensures fluid transitions with minimal motion blur. The input lag of 8.9 ms is great for maintaining a responsive gaming experience, allowing for quick reactions and seamless interaction within fast-paced environments. With a refresh rate of 240 Hz and FreeSync, this monitor is made for competitive gamers seeking seamless, tear-free action.
The Odyssey Neo G9’s contrast ratio of 4692:1 ensures rich, deep blacks and vibrant colors, enhancing your gaming with a dynamic color range. Offering a 91% DCI P3 and 99.6% sRGB color gamut, it accurately reproduces a broad spectrum of colors, critical for games requiring detailed color differentiation. Although a reflection rate of 5.4% might leave glare in brightly lit rooms, its exceptional brightness level helps counter potential visibility issues.
Despite its premium pricing, the Odyssey Neo G9 justifies its cost in exchange for a blend of brightness, minimal input lag, and rich color detail. It’s a compelling choice for competitive gamers, offering a curved display that enhances immersive gameplay and visual engagement.
Best Overall
Runner Up
Best Value
Best Budget
Best Mid-Range
Premium Pick
LG 40WP95C W
The LG 40WP95C W offers a large, curved screen for an immersive gaming and creative experience, balancing smooth performance with vibrant visuals.
True Score
75752Experts
81348Customers
Mixed Reviews
SAVE $550$1,799.99$1,249.99Snapshot
Reasons to Buy
- Excellent Image Quality
- Superb Text Quality
- Lots of Screen Real Estate
- Thunderbolt 4 Compatibility for Daisychaining
Reasocurvedns to Avoid
- Disappointing Refresh Rate
- Low Native Contrast Ratio
Specifications
Aspect Ratio 21:9 Available Inputs 3.5mm, DisplayPort, HDMI, USB Bluelight Filter n/a Built-In Speakers Yes Built-In Webcam No Curved Screen Yes Display Type LED Flicker Free Yes HDMI Inputs 2 HDR Format HDR10 High Dynamic Range (HDR) Yes Max Resolution 5120 x 2160 Panel Type IPS Refresh Rate 71 Hz Response Time 5 ms Rotating Screen – Screen size 40″ Sync Technology AMD FreeSync All Specs
Test Results
Brightness (nits) 254 Contrast Ratio (as ratio x:1) 1,087 Color Gamut/Accuracy % (DCI P3 xy) 94 Color Gamut/Accuracy % (DCI P3 uv) 0 Color Gamut % (sRGB Coverage xy) 100 Color Gamut % (Adobe RGB Coverage xy) 90 All Retailers
- $1,249.99$1,800Save $550
- $1,249.99$1,800Save $550
- $1,799.99
Our Verdict
If you’re a casual gamer who wants a large, immersive curved monitor, the LG 40WP95C W is a great option. Its expansive 40″ display and 21:9 aspect ratio offer an extensive field of view, enhancing the gaming and cinematic experience. This premium monitor combines gaming with productivity, making it perfect for casual gamers, streamers, and content creators who want a versatile experience.
The 9.3 ms input lag and 8.6 ms response time ensure that on-screen actions are smooth and with little delay, catering to games that require quick decisions. Although its 71 Hz refresh rate may fall short for competitive gamers who need higher speeds, it’s efficient enough for immersive, casual gaming.
Its visual specs, including a 1087:1 contrast ratio, 94.4% DCI P3 color gamut, and 99.5% sRGB, promise vibrant colors and deep blacks, ideal for gaming and creative tasks such as video editing or graphic design. However, its brightness could be better since it’s measured at 254 nits, so keep it indoors in a room with limited ambient light.
Thanks to its impressive color fidelity, responsiveness, and expansive curved screen, this LG monitor excels in areas crucial for casual gaming, streaming, and intensive creative work. While its higher price point and modest refresh rate may deter some users, its overall value makes it an excellent choice if you want to balance gaming with creative tasks.
Which Criteria Matters for Testing Best Curved Gaming Monitors?
By focusing on these criteria (2 required, 1 nice to have), anyone can quickly and easily compare these computer monitors and how they’ll perform. This helps you make an informed decision and purchase the best curved gaming monitor!
| CRITERIA | RANGE | REQUIRED | DEFINITION |
|---|---|---|---|
| Contrast Ratio | >1000:1 | Yes | The difference in brightness between the whites (lit sections) and blacks (dim or unlit sections) of a monitor panel. |
| Response Time | < 13 ms | Yes | The time it takes for a pixel to change from one color to another. |
| Input Lag | < 16 ms | No (Nice to have) | The time it takes for the monitor to register inputs from the user and process them as action. |
Our Trusted Data Sources
We looked at 110+ computer monitor reviewers and found that 33 are trustworthy (60%+ Trust Rating). The three we have listed below are our most trusted for computer monitors.
- Samuel Breton – Rtings, MuckRack
- Chris Eberle – Tom’s Hardware, LinkedIn
- Tony Hoffman – PC Mag, MuckRack
Interested in a comprehensive analysis of our data sources? We’ve got you covered. Below, you’ll find a detailed list of every computer monitor review website we’ve identified, organized by their respective Trust Ratings from highest to lowest. But we didn’t stop there. We’ve meticulously reviewed each publication and verified the data by checking whether the authors have bio links to MuckRack or LinkedIn. We’re committed to not only checking the facts but ensuring their veracity.
Computer Monitor Test Data & Results
1. Contrast Ratio (as ratio, x:1) Test Results
Contrast Ratio
> 1000:1
Acceptable range of performance
Definition: How bright the monitor will get, usually under specific testing conditions, like 10% windows (which means 10% of the screen is a white box.)
Units of Measurement: Ratio
Tools to Measure: Luminance meter or photometer or colorimeter
Why It’s Important:
Contrast ratio is how dynamic images are given detail and dramatic effect, with very dark areas appearing truly dark, while bright areas are bright and pop.
Contrast ratio is responsible for making images appear “dynamic” and “dramatic.” By having a good contrast ratio, a monitor is able to recreate dramatic differences between light and dark spots in scenes, images and games accurately.
At a minimum, we recommend a contrast ratio of 1000:1, as this will do a good enough job at allow for detail in dark scenes and images. If contrast ratio gets too low, the picture quality suffers, and the monitor performs worse across the board, no matter the lighting condition. By getting a monitor with a sufficiently high contrast ratio, you can ensure the picture quality doesn’t suffer, and dramatic scenes with stark shifts in lighting, whether they be in games or videos, are created as accurately as possible.
Contrast Ratio (higher is better)
2. Response Time (ms) Test Results
Response Time (ms)
< 13 ms
Acceptable range of performance
Definition: The amount of time it takes for pixels on a monitor to shift from one color to another.
Units of Measurement: Milliseconds (ms)
Tools to Measure: Response time tool, camera
Why It’s Important:
Faster response times keep the screen from becoming muddied and blurred when fast-paced action scenes in movies or games start.
Response time measures how long it takes pixels to change from one color to another, often gray to gray. Low response times means the monitor is able to keep up with constant shifts in colors, and helps prevent motion blur from being introduced whatever you’re watching.
We generally recommend a response time that is 13 ms or less, as this will keep motion blur to a minimum, but if you don’t watch a lot of very high intensity videos or play fast-paced games, response time isn’t going to matter much. It’s important to note that monitors will often advertise a 1ms or 2ms or 5ms response time, to name a few, but response time tests measure full color to color shifts, as well as overshoots, which produces different times than what the monitor often claims on the box. This is why response time is a listed spec, but also a testable criterion.
Response Time (in ms; lower is better)
3. Input Lag (ms) Test Results
Input lag is more of a concern when it comes to gaming, but if you plan on using a monitor for a bit of gaming when you aren’t focused on productivity, editing or other tasks, lower values help improve responsiveness. High input lag means your actions take longer to register on the monitor, effectively introducing an artificial delay to your reactions.
It’s for this reason that we generally recommend an input lag under 16 ms. This ensures the delay that’s introduced has minimal impact on your reactions to what’s happening on screen. It’s important to note that a high input lag won’t have any real effect on anything that isn’t gaming, so it can be safely ignored if you don’t plan on gaming on your monitor.
Input Lag (ms)
< 16 ms
Acceptable range of performance
Definition: The amount of time it takes for a monitor to register an input from the user and display it.
Units of Measurement: Milliseconds (ms)
Tools to Measure: Input Lag Meter
Why It’s Important:
Input lag introduces artificial delay when gaming, which creates a mismatch between your reactions and on-screen action and creates frustration.
Input Lag (in ms; lower is better)
Best Curved Gaming Monitors: Mistakes To Avoid
- Ignoring the curvature: Curved monitors come in different degrees of curvature, typically measured in radians. Choosing the wrong curvature can lead to discomfort or a less immersive experience. Make sure to research and consider the optimal curvature for your setup and preferences. When deciding between a curved monitor and a flat monitor, remember that curved screens can enhance immersion, particularly for gaming and entertainment, while flat screens often provide a more traditional viewing experience for productivity tasks.
- Focusing solely on size: While a larger screen can offer a more immersive gaming experience, it’s not the only factor to consider. Pay attention to resolution, refresh rate, response time, and panel type (such as VA, IPS, or TN) to ensure you get the gaming performance you need. The best 1080p gaming monitors often feature fast refresh rates and response times, delivering smooth gameplay even on more budget-friendly systems. For those seeking ultra-sharp visuals, high-end 4K monitors offer unparalleled detail and clarity, making them perfect for gaming and creative work.
- Overlooking refresh rate and response time: Gaming monitors should ideally have a high refresh rate (e.g., 144Hz or higher) and low response time (e.g., 1ms) to minimize motion blur and ghosting, providing smoother gameplay. Don’t compromise on these specs for the sake of other features. To see some options that prioritize high refresh rates, check out our guides for the best 144Hz monitors or the top 240 Hz gaming monitors.
- Ignoring connectivity options: Make sure the monitor has the right ports for your gaming setup. HDMI, DisplayPort, and USB ports are common, but the specific ports you need may vary depending on your graphics card and other devices.
The Best Curved Gaming Monitors Tests Compared
Product |
True Score
|
Brightness
|
Contrast Ratio
|
Color Gamut (DCI P3)
|
Color Gamut (sRGB)
|
Input Lag
|
Response Time (ms)
|
Reflections %
| |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
86 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|  $149.99 $230 $80 | |
| 83 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| $649.99 $900 $250 |
| 83 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|  $849.99 $1,200 $350 |
| 81 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| $1,599.99 $2,500 $900 |
| 75 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| $1,249.99 $1,800 $550 |
