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In my former life, I was a media department manager and a video editor. Spending hours a day in the editing bay, a wide monitor was a must-have to ensure I didn’t miss any mistakes (like the coffee cup and plastic water bottles visible in season 8 of the fictional-but-presumably medieval Game of Thrones). While my work wasn’t nearly that important, nor my mistakes would have been as monumental, it still would have been a lot easier to work with a curved monitor.
That’s because a curved monitor bends the screen’s edges to provide a wider field of view. And that’s not the only benefit. “Curved monitors are ergonomic because there is less cervical spine rotation needed to easily view the monitor,” explains Dr. Allen Conrad, BS, DC, CSCS at Montgomery County Chiropractic Center in North Wales, PA. “As the monitor is curved at the ends, it allows a broader vision area.”
And as a result, Conrad says curved monitors help to reduce neck and shoulder spasm. “Consumers should consider a curved monitor, due to the many benefits they offer,” he explains. “These benefits may lead to improved work efficiency, increased workspace, and improved posture due to its ergonomic design.”
They also look really good on your desk. Although I rarely edit videos these days, all of my monitors (as well as my back-up monitors) are curved. In addition to reducing neck and shoulder pain, I’ve noticed that I’m less distracted when I’m working, and my eyes don’t hurt as much. That’s consistent with a Harvard Med School study that found eyestrain, blurred vision, and difficulty focusing was less likely to be reported by subjects with curved monitors compared to those who used flat monitors.
What to Consider
As with any monitor, size is a consideration. Fortunately, curved monitors are as small as 24 inches, and as wide as 49 inches. So, even if you’re working in a space as small as a closet, you can find a curved monitor to fit your needs. One advantage of a small monitor is that it doesn’t take up a lot of space, so there’s plenty of room on your desk for other items.
I like to put my monitors on risers so they’re almost eye level. One lesson I learned early on was that monitors (even the small ones) on wide V-shaped stands don’t sit well on my sleek, fashionable risers. The feet on most of my curved monitors are 18 to 19 inches wide and 6 to 8 inches in depth, which has led to some creative alternatives, like using an adjustable standing desk riser on its lowest setting.
A wider monitor can provide plenty of screen real estate, allowing you to open and view several documents and/or apps at once. It can also create a more immersive experience when you’re playing games or watching videos.
Resolution, refresh rate, and response time are also important factors to consider, so we list those in the specs for each curved monitor.
How I Selected
I’ve tested and written about TVs, tech, and entertainment products for a variety of digital publications, including Tom’s Guide, Bob Vila, The Spruce, Realtor.com, Apartment Therapy, and The Daily Beast. This list includes curved monitors that I’ve tested, as well as those highly recommended by the experts. I also researched consumer reviews and other trusted sources to find the top options across a range of prices, styles, and sizes. I then selected the models below based on their design, performance, and value.
Pros
High refresh rate- High resolution
- Excellent response time
Cons
- Size: 32 in.
- Curvature: 1500R
- Resolution: 2560 x 1440p
- Refresh rate: 165Hz
- Response time: 5ms
The Viotek GNV34DBE 32-inch monitor is our top overall pick for several reasons. It’s a great hybrid monitor, equally as impressive whether you’re gaming, editing, or viewing spreadsheets. It’s large enough that you get to enjoy the full benefits of having an ultrawide curved monitor, but reasonably priced for budget-conscious consumers. The monitor uses quantum technology to produce vibrant colors, has glare protection, and also includes a cool, red LED light on the rear of the monitor. There’s also a convenient headphone holder on the back of the monitor (which helps to save desk space and ensure you don’t misplace your headphones). In addition, you can tilt the monitor from 5 to 15 degrees to reach your desired angle.
Pros
- High refresh rate
- Great resolution
- Excellent response time
- Monitor tilts and swivels
Cons
- Size: 34 in.
- Curvature: 1500R
- Resolution: 3440 x 1440
- Refresh rate: 144Hz
- Response time: 1ms
MSI is known for its high-end gaming products, and it makes a variety of gaming monitors. For the best gaming experience with a curved monitor, we recommend the MSI Optix MAG342CQRM 34-inch curved monitor. The 144Hz refresh rate ensures you’re not missing any of the action, while the night vision tuner lets you see clearly in any light. With the Gaming OSD (on screen display) app, you can adjust the keyboard and mouse to configure your monitor and even use hotkeys for changing the settings in different games. You can also tilt and swivel the monitor, in addition to changing its height to find the most comfortable position.
Pros
- Stereo speakers
- Adjustable stand
- Built-in USB port for charging devices
Cons
- Expensive
• Size: 49 in.
• Curvature: N/A
• Resolution: 5120 x 1440
• Refresh rate: 60Hz
• Response time: 1ms
For the best ultrawide experience, the LG 49WL95C-WE 49-inch Dual DQHD Monitor delivers in spades. The 5120 x 1440 resolution is stunningly clear, and the monitor has plenty of room for visual artists to arrange everything they need on one screen. You can even use the screen split feature to control one part of the monitor with one device (like your laptop), and control the other part with a second device (like your smartphone). In addition, the two 10W built-in stereo speakers eliminate the need for other peripherals crowding the space. The monitor adjusts in height, and also tilts and swivels. It’s even Energy Star certified to be energy efficient.
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Best Splurge
Samsung Samsung Odyssey G9 QLED Curved Monitor
Pros
- Excellent resolution
- Superb refresh rate
- Dual display
Cons
- Expensive
• Size: 49 in.
• Curvature: 1000R
• Resolution: 5120 x 1440
• Refresh rate: 240Hz
• Response time: 1ms
If money is no object, then we have the object for you. Behold the Samsung Odyssey 49-inch QLED Monitor. It’s by far the most expensive curved monitor on the list—but it also has a lightning-fast 240Hz refresh rate, which is quite impressive for the monitor to be so large. In addition, it has a 1000R curve, and calling the monitor “immersive” is an understatement. It’s the equivalent of two 27-inch monitors, and you have the option of a dual display. The QLED technology makes all of the colors pop, making it ideal for gaming, editing content, and balancing all of your work documents. You can also adjust the monitor’s height and angle. In addition, the Infinity Core Lighting has 52 colors and five lighting effects on the back of the monitor, to help you set the right background environment.
Best With Space-Saving Stand
Sceptre Sceptre Curved C355W-3440UN UltraWide Creative LED Monitor
Pros
- Great price
- Space-saving stand
- Monitor tilts
Cons
- Slower response time
• Size: 35 in.
• Curvature: 1800R
• Resolution: 3440 x 1440
• Refresh rate: 100Hz
• Response time: 4ms
If you don’t have space for large V-shaped stands, you’ll appreciate the Spectre C355W-3440UN 35-inch Curved LED Monitor. Even though it’s a relatively large monitor, the modest stand—which is sturdy enough to provide more than adequate support—can help you reclaim some of your desk’s real estate. The monitor also has built-in speakers for listening to music as well as participating in video conferences. The custom gaming settings (FPS and RTS) provide an immersive experience. In addition, the display tilts backward 15 degrees and 5 degrees forward.
Pros
- Brightness Intelligence Plus
- High resolution
- Monitor tilts and adjusts in height
Cons
- Not the best refresh rate
• Size: 35 in.
• Curvature: 1800R
• Resolution: 3440 x 1440
• Refresh rate: 100Hz
• Response time: 4mm
If you stare at your monitor for long periods of time, it can cause eye strain and discomfort (even if it’s a curved monitor). However, the BenQ EX3501R 35-inch Curved Monitor uses Brightness Intelligence Plus. The monitor’s sensors detect ambient light levels then uses this information to adjust the screen’s brightness and color temperature. In addition, depending on the content on your screen, it can also brighten the dark spaces without overexposing the bright sections. And the low blue light modes (multimedia, web-surfing, office, and reading) can help filter out harmful blue light to keep your eyes from getting irritated and tired. Both the monitor tilt and height can be adjusted for additional comfort.
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Pros
- Excellent price
- Night vision feature
- Lightning response time
Cons
- Lower refresh rate
• Size: 23.6 in.
• Curvature: 1800R
• Resolution: 1920 x 1080
• Refresh rate: 75Hz
• Response time: 1ms
Fortunately, you don’t have to spend a lot of money to get a curved monitor. The MSI Full HD 24-inch LED Curved Monitor delivers surprisingly good results for the price. The colors are vivid and realistic, and the 1ms response time beats several higher-priced options on this list. The monitor also includes Night Vision, which is a smart black tuner that brings out the details and removes shadows in the screen’s dark areas.
Best Display
Alienware Alienware AW3420DW UltraWide Gaming Monitor
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Pros
- Anti-glare display
- Fast refresh rate
Cons
- Pricey
• Size: 34 in.
• Curvature: 1900R
• Resolution: 3440 x 1440
• Refresh rate: 120Hz
• Response time: 2ms
If you’re the type of person who wants pristine display while working online, the Alienware AW3420DW Monitor can help. It has an anti-glare display, so you won't have to reconfigure your home or office space to avoid the light from hitting it. Also, the curved LED monitor reduces blue light to maintain the health of your eyes. In addition, if you happen to be a gamer, the refresh rate is so fast that you won't have to wait for anything to load on your screen.
Pros
- Can be tilted and adjusted in height
- Good refresh rate
Cons
- Size: 34 in.
- Curvature: N/A
- Resolution: 3440 x 1440
- Refresh rate: 144Hz
- Response time: 1ms
Curved monitors—in fact, monitors in general—tend to come in a handful of standard sizes. However, LG may be the only company that currently makes a 34-inch curved monitor: the LG 34GP83A-B. It’s perfect when a 32-inch monitor isn’t wide enough but a 49-inch monitor is too wide. And the option to split the screen makes it even more versatile. HDR 10 and the black stabilizer feature create gorgeous, clear images in vivid and accurate colors. Additional monitor modes, such as textbook, reader, and newspaper, let you select the best setting to reduce eye strain. The monitor can also be tilted, and adjusted in height.
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Pros
- Sleek design
- Great color resolution
Cons
- Expensive
• Size: 34 in.
• Curvature: 1800R
• Resolution: 3440 x 1440
• Refresh rate: 100Hz
• Response time: 5ms
Pristine color quality is exactly what you'll get with this monitor. The ViewSonic VP3481a 34-inch Curved Monitor with FreeSync and a fast refresh rate is a state-of-the-art product. It’s an LED monitor with Full HD 1440p, so you’ll also get a high-resolution image. The refresh rate also allows for smooth playback. In addition, you can choose presets depending on your on-screen activities to optimize your view.
Terri Williams
When Terri Williams is not interviewing the world’s foremost leaders for The Economist, tracking down legal experts for the American Bar Association Journal, or covering finance topics for Investopedia and The Balance, she’s somewhere reviewing products; Terri has tested hundreds of tech and home products and has bylines at Architectural Digest, Popular Science, Tom’s Guide, The Spruce, Bob Vila, Realtor.com, Real Homes, Insider, and Apartment Therapy. She has a bachelor’s degree in English Literature from The University of Alabama at Birmingham. Follow her adventures .
