Curved monitors have taken off in popularity as of late, and it's easy to see why. They're far more immersive than a flat monitor, and they eliminate the distortion that comes with enlarging a document or spreadsheet on a bigger screen, providing you with less blurriness and more clarity as you perform your workday or school day tasks.
A curved monitor not only provides more viewing area but can also reduce eyestrain and blurred vision, according to a Harvard Medical School study. Not only that: The study also found that people who use curved monitors over regular monitors have improved focus.
Also:The best large monitors
ZDNET has extensively researched this list of best curved monitors, with our top overall pick going to Dell's Alienware 34 QD-OLED AW3423DW for its stellar QD-LED contrast, image quality, and refresh rate. If you spend a lot of time on the computer -- whether for work or play -- consider switching to one of these top picks for curved monitors.
The best curved monitors of 2023
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Exceptional QD-LED contrast
- Excellent image quality
- Impressive refresh rate
Cons
- Lower brightness
- Missing HDMI 2.1 port
More Details
Specs: Curvature: 1800R | Screen size: 34.18" | Aspect ratio: 21:9 | Resolution: 3440 x 1440 | Refresh rate: 175Hz | Response time: 0.1ms
The Dell Alienware 34 QD-OLED AW3423DW is technically a gaming monitor, but students and professionals, do not discount it just yet. This is the world's first QD-OLED monitor with an infinite contrast ratio. Combined with VESA DisplayHDR TrueBlack 400, you receive outstanding colors that are both vivid and lifelike. This monitor delivers an immersive experience with realistic visuals and bright, vivid colors.
It does this by incorporating Quantum Dot Display Technology for greater luminance and using a color gamut range rather than traditional white OLED. There is also cinema-grade color coverage of 99.3% DCI-P3 with colors arriving already factory-calibrated to less than 2 of Delta E.
Enjoy 1000 nits peak brightness with VESA Display HDR True Black 400 certification with HDR support. Response time is ultra-fast at just one millisecond with a refresh rate of up to 175Hz. If you are a gamer, you can also benefit from NVIDIA® G-SYNC® ULTIMATE certification.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Ultra-wide screen
- Fantastic color accuracy
- Ultra-low blue light technology
Cons
- Minimal coverage of Adobe RGB color space
- Mediocre speakers
More Details
Specs: Curvature: 1900R | Screen size: 34.1" | Aspect ratio: 21:9 | Resolution: 1440p | Refresh rate: 100Hz | Response time: 5ms
When you are looking for the best office monitor, consider the Asus ProArt PA34VC Professional Curved Monitor. Made with the graphic designer in mind, this professional-worthy monitor offers excellent curvature for an ultra-wide view.
Also: The best graphic design monitors
Color accuracy is excellent with 100% of sRGB color gamut, pre-calibrated and ready for use, and the ASUS ProArt calibration technology is a welcome addition to maintain color quality even when working across multiple devices or operating systems. The dual Thunderbolt™ 3 ports are an excellent fit for video and data transfers, empowering the device only further.
Adaptive-Sync technology keeps up with animated content that much faster while zapping any chance of screen tearing for a more enjoyable experience. To top it all off, there is an ergonomic design to make work that much more comfortable.
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Pros & Cons
Pros
- Phenomenal response time
- G-SYNC support
- Steady imaging
Cons
- No swivel
- Poor contrast
More Details
Specs: Curvature: 1900R | Screen size: 34" | Aspect ratio: 3440 x 1440 | Resolution: G-SYNC Ultimate 180Hz O/C | Refresh rate: 144Hz | Response time: 1ms
With a 1900R curvature, LG UltraGear 34GP950G-B is our pick for the best ultrawide curved monitor. Like the Dell Alienware, this is a gaming monitor but one that is versatile in its use. With an impressive 3440 x 1440 QHD resolution, the curve gives you 178° viewing angles.
The 144Hz refresh rate and one millisecond response time make this a high-functioning monitor that is designed to keep up with even your most trying projects. This model also features NVIDIA G-Sync Ultimate technology which ensures consistent viewing even when you use a graphics card.
You also receive an upgraded refresh rate of 180Hz when you plug in your graphics card. No matter what you choose, you still benefit from the In-Plane Switching (IPS) panel that gives you access to more than 1.07 billion colors for your viewing pleasure.
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Pros & Cons
Pros
- Fantastic image quality
- Super-fast response time
- Affordable
Cons
- No USB ports
- Mediocre brightness
More Details
Specs: Curvature: 1500R | Screen size: 34" | Aspect ratio: 21:9 | Resolution: 3440 x 1440 | Refresh rate: 100Hz | Response time: 1ms
There are a few curved monitors on our list that also work for gaming, but in our opinion, the MSI Optix MAG342CQRV is the best. There are 178° viewing angles with a 3440 x 1440 resolution and ultra-wide QHD design.
It also has a one millisecond response time with a 100Hz refresh rate to keep up with the faster-moving games. With Adaptive-Sync technology, you can enjoy uninterrupted viewing of your favorite games without delay.
Also: The best gaming PCs
This monitor is compatible with multiple monitors, thanks to its slim bezel design, and its coloring is exceptional with a 3000:1 static contrast ratio and 250 nits of brightness. There is even a built-in blue light filter combined with flicker-free technologies to protect your eyes and reduce eyestrain.
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Pros & Cons
Pros
- Oversized monitor
- Fast response time
- Impressive refresh rate
Cons
- Smaller curve
- Expensive
More Details
Specs: Curvature: 1000R | Screen size: 49" | Aspect ratio: 32:9 | Resolution: 5,120 x 1,440 | Refresh rate: 240Hz | Response time: 1ms
The Samsung Odyssey G9 Neo is home to an enormous screen measuring 49 inches wide, thus explaining the higher price tag. The 1000R curved screen mimics the curve of your eye to eliminate image distortion and help prevent eyestrain by up to 87%.
For outstanding efficiency, there is a 240Hz refresh rate and 32:9 screen ratio with a one-millisecond response rate. The Quantum HDR2000 offers a competitive HDR level for terrific graphics with Quantum Mini-LED and customizable Odyssey Infinity Core lighting integrated right into the system.
There are also several viewing options, including Picture-by-Picture, Picture-in-Picture, and Easy Setting Box. Benefit from G-Sync and FreeSync Premium Pro support to make your experience that much more enjoyable.
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What is the best curved monitor?
The Dell Alienware 34 QD-OLED AW3423DW is the best curved monitor with fantastic colors and outstanding imagery. However, if you are looking for something different, here is an overview of the best curved monitors.
Best curved monitor | Cost | Screen size | Curvature |
Dell Alienware 34 QD-OLED AW3423DW | $1,052 | 34.18" | 1800R |
Asus ProArt PA34VC Professional Curved Monitor | $999 | 34.1" | 1900R |
LG UltraGear 34GP950G-B | $947 | 34" | 1900R |
MSI Optix MAG342CQRV | $280 | 34" | 1500R |
Samsung Odyssey G9 Neo | $1,500 | 49" | 1000R |
Which is the right curved monitor for you?
To help you find the best curved monitor, I offer our expert suggestions to help ease the decision-making process.
Choose this curved monitor... | If you want... |
Dell Alienware 34 QD-OLED (AW3423DW | Exceptional QD-LED contract, sharp image quality, and impressive refresh rate. |
Asus ProArt PA34VC Professional Curved Monitor | An ultrawide screen with ultra-low blue light technology and excellent color accuracy. |
LG UltraGear 34GP950G-B | An extra-wide screen with fast response time, G-SYNC support, and steady imaging. |
MSI Optix MAG342CQRV | A monitor gamers will love with fantastic image quality and blazing-fast response time. |
Samsung Odyssey G9 Neo G9 | A more than capable oversized monitor with a quick response time and an impressive refresh rate. |
As this table demonstrates, I chose a variety of the best curved monitors based on unique purposes, so you can find the right fit at the best price for you.
How did I choose these curved monitors?
To find the best curved monitors, I analyzed several factors, including these.
- Curvature: The amount of curve on a monitor can help determine not only viewing quality but also affect things like eyestrain.
- Specs: Certain specs can differentiate the quality of one monitor from that of another. I looked at the resolution and refresh rate to determine what kind of image quality you will receive from each monitor.
- Screen size: The screen size is important because it makes the images better suited for your peripheral vision.
- Cost: Price is almost always a concern, so I look at curved monitors that suit a variety of different budgets.
Before you commit to a monitor, be sure to review the technical specs to ensure that the product really is the best fit for you.
Why is a curved gaming monitor better than a regular monitor?
A curved monitor can reduce eyestrain and improve visibility when gaming while also making the experience more immersive through a wider screen span.
Hardcore gamers (or regular office workers) will sit in front of their monitor all day staring at that screen of theirs, but doing so isn't the healthiest for your body. That's why reducing fatigue during those prolonged periods by having an ergonomic setup is essential. By having an ergonomic office chair, mouse,keyboard, and, yes, monitor, you'll enhance your work or play experience and keep your eyes, back, and neck in tip-top shape.
How much does a curved monitor cost?
The price of a curved monitor can vary significantly, depending on the size and features that you choose. For example, the best curved gaming monitors range in price from around $280 to $1,500, offering options for several different budgets.
What is the average curvature of a curved monitor?
Like its price, a curved monitor's curvature can also vary quite a bit. The best curved monitors range from 1000R to 1900R, offering a wide range of angles to better suit your personal needs. The lower the number is, the greater the curve.
Are there alternative curved monitors worth considering?
Sometimes, you want more than five options. Here are some of the other best curved monitors to consider:
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