Monitor Buying Guide: Are Curved Monitors Good for Gaming?

Curved monitors have become the talk of the town. These monitors immerse you in the virtual realms and offer an "easy-on-the-eyes" viewing experience. So, whether you are an avid gamer intending to take your setup to new heights or a casual eSports player getting started to explore the 3D arena, getting the lowdown on these curved screens can make a difference.  

 However, not all curved monitors are equally designed. Like the best gaming monitor alternatives, each screen will have different features and specifications that cater to specific players. For example, if you regularly jump into FPS games, you will likely benefit from the curved display with a faster refresh rate. As for the panel type, if you want the colours of your artistic indie games and immersive adventures to pop, you should choose a curvy OLED display with excellent HDR support. 

 To save you from driving around the bend when shopping for a curved monitor, we have put together this handy gaming monitor buying guide. It includes a list of the best curved gaming monitors and an outline of their experience. So, is a curved monitor better for gaming? Why and how should I buy one? Let’s break it all down!

What are Curved Monitors, exactly?

Curved PC monitors have a slight curvature that mirrors the natural curve of the human eye's field of vision. This design allows the screen's edges to fill our peripheral vision and direct our eyes towards the centre, resulting in a more comfortable viewing experience. 

Thus, curved monitors provide a realistic and immersive viewing experience for prolonged hours without the risk of eye strain. This is especially advantageous for people who spend long hours in front of their screens, such as gamers, office workers, and content creators.  

The degree of curvature is measured by its radius (or 'R') in millimetres. Most curved models feature one of three common 'R' sizes: 1000R, 1500R, and 1800R. 

Benefits of Curved Monitors

Whether battling in the virtual world or conquering deadlines in the real world, there are many compelling reasons to invest in a curved gaming monitor. These monitors not only immerse you in the heart of the action but also provide practical benefits. Here is why you need to get one.

A cinematic experience

Curved monitors let you dive into the heart of the action. You will be able to see the ongoing events and actively participate in the experience. The larger aspect ratio on curved monitors allows you to maximise your field-of-view settings. This provides a tactical advantage by allowing you to swiftly detect opponents approaching from the sides, which is especially useful in fast-paced shooter games.

Immersion

Another reason to invest in a curved monitor is exceptional immersion. A curved screen takes up more of your peripheral view, which helps make playing games and creative content feel more immersive. The monitor's curve also provides a sense of depth without using 3D glasses. This makes you feel like the game is taking place all around you rather than just in front of you, as with a flat monitor.

Greater field of view

As said, the monitors' greater vision field heightens the immersion of the curved screens. Seeing what is happening around you becomes easier since the viewing angles are smooth and clean.  

Unlike flat screens, where edges lie outside your eye's centre of focus, curved monitors place points on the screen at a more consistent distance from your eyes. This decreases the need to constantly shift your eyes across the screen, resulting in a more comfortable experience.  

You should remember that curvature doesn't increase the quantity of content displayed; it makes looking at the entire screen feel more natural and pleasant.

Productivity unleashed

Curved monitors are not just about playing games but are also great for productivity tasks. If you are a data analyst, graphic designer, or programmer, you'll appreciate the additional screen real estate. You can benefit from the improved overview of their designs and blueprints. With a curved gaming monitor, you can say goodbye to juggling multiple windows, and multitasking is a breeze.

Less eye strain

As a curved monitor takes up more peripheral vision, you don't have to move your head to visualise all the content. This reduces the chances of potential neck and eye strain. Curved monitors also complement the natural shape of your eyes.

Drawbacks of Curved Monitors

Like any other technology, curved monitors have downsides you should keep making before purchasing. So, before you delve into the monitor market, take a moment to look at the following points:

Hefty prices

Curved screens tend to be more expensive than traditional flat screens. This is because specialised design and advanced technology add to the expense. The good news? Not all curved monitors cost an arm and a leg to enjoy an immersive experience, like Box.co.uk's collection of curved gaming monitors. Under the hood, as technology grows, prices steadily drop, so you can still get a good bargain.

Adjustment to the curve

If someone is unaware of curved technology, the gaming experience may initially feel unsettling. Furthermore, mounting curved displays on a wall can be more difficult than flat monitors. You will also need a lot of room for a curved monitor since its wider form factor takes up more space than a flat screen. However, there is no reason for concern. If you initially feel disoriented, try adjusting the monitor's location until it feels right. With some effort and patience, you'll find your ideal viewing angle

Not all games support widescreen

Modern titles such as Far Cry 6 have an ultrawide viewing angle, which helps bring you into the action. This is true that most of the curved screens offer a 21:9 aspect ratio, which is far enough for running these kinds of games.  

However, most 2D and older 3D titles do not support these wider aspect ratios, and gaming consoles do not support ultrawide aspect ratios. As for creative activities like digital art and video editing, a curved display distorts the image, which is troublesome.

Best Curved Monitors to Buy in 2024

Below, we have rounded up the best curved monitors for gaming. We have tested and reviewed each of them extensively so that you can better understand all the specs and features. Check them out, and treat your eyes to some immersive, responsive gaming action without breaking the bank.  

LG 45GS95QE-B.AEK 45" (45GS95QE-B.AEK)

• 45 in WQHD OLED Display, 3440 x 1440 Max. Resolution 

• 0.03 ms Response Time, 240 Hz Refresh Rate 

• HDMI | USB | DisplayPort 

• Black Colour 
• 1 Year Warranty
  
  

The LG 45GS95QE-B.AEK is a 45-inch OLED monitor with a 240Hz refresh rate and a 3440x1440 resolution. It is one of the first OLED models that come in size and competes with the Corsair XENEON FLEX 45WQHD240. The display is bendable with an aggressive 800R fixed curve, which may take some time to get used to.  

The LG 45GS95QE-B.AEK has all the bells and whistles you expect in a gaming monitor, from FreeSync variable refresh rate (VRR) support to G-SYNC compatibility, 1440p resolution, and HDMI 2.1 bandwidth. While the monitor is suitable for office use and great for content creation, it has some limitations, as the text clarity is mediocre and prone to burn-in. 

AOC Gaming 34" (CU34G2XP/BK)

• 34" in 3440x1440 Resolution Anti-glare Display  

• 1ms Response Time  

• 180Hz Refresh Rate  
• HDMI | USB | DisplayPort 

The AOC CU34G2XP/BK is a 34-inch curved ultrawide monitor with capabilities that extend beyond gaming to provide an immersive visual experience for design and content creation. The monitor features a WQHD resolution of 3440x1440, an impressive 180Hz refresh rate, and a rapid 1ms response time, bringing you ultra-smooth visuals with no motion blur.  

The HDR400 support enhances on-screen colours and details, making it an excellent choice for creative professionals who want fidelity in their work. A 180Hz refresh rate restores those critical images onto the screen and lets you spot the enemies in ultra-smooth visuals. 

LG 39" (39GS95QE-B.AEK)

• 39 in WQHD OLED Display, 3440 x 1440 Max. Resolution 

• 0.03 ms Response Time 

• 240 Hz Refresh Rate 

• HDMI | USB | DisplayPort 

• Black Colour 

• 1 Year Warranty 
  
  
  

The LG 39GS95QE-B is a 39" ultrawide curved gaming monitor based on LG's W-OLED panel with a steep 800R screen curvature. The monitor has a maximum refresh rate of 240Hz, providing buttery-smooth gameplay. All OLED screens have low response time speed, so there is no noticeable ghosting behind fast-moving objects.  

Apart from the screen is a directional joystick for quick and easy navigation through the OSD (On-Screen Display) menu. Alternatively, you can rely on LG's On-Screen Control desktop application to adjust monitor settings using your keyboard and mouse. The LG 39GS95QE-B also offers advanced settings such as manual colour temperature adjustments in 500K increments, sharpness, three gamma presets, aspect ratio options, automatic input detection, and more. 

AGON by AOC 27" (C27G4ZXE)

• 27 in. 1920x1080 Max Resolution 

• 0.3ms Response Time  

• 280Hz Refresh Rate  

• HDR 10 Support  
  
  

Unleash your gaming potential with the AOC C27G4ZXE, meticulously designed to deliver the best gaming performance. This 27-inch curved gaming monitor has a Fast VA panel with up to 1ms GtG, 280Hz refresh rate, and lightning-fast 0.3ms response time.  

Low input lag, tear-free visuals, adaptive Sync technology, and HDR 10 Support ensure you get the best colours and fast responsiveness. You fully command your gaming controls with an eSports base and AOC G-Menu. The curved monitor wraps around you, taking you to the centre of the action and providing immersive gameplay. 

Monitor Buying Guide: How to Choose the Right Curved Monitor for Your Needs?

So, you have decided to ditch your flat-screen lifestyle for all-encompassing visuals and take the plunge and buy a curved monitor. However, when it comes to gaming monitors buying guide, there is more than size and curvature as for curved alternatives. The perfect curved gaming monitor will offer the best balance of hardware specs, game compatibility, price, and performance.  

You should take your time to explore your options, conduct thorough research, and compare different monitors. Here are some key factors you should consider when selecting your ideal curved gaming monitor.

Size 

 Let's start with the size. Curved monitors range from 24 to 50 inches, and larger screens arguably offer a more exceptional viewing experience. If you choose a curved monitor size under 30 inches, you may not notice much difference compared to a standard flat monitor. Not all displays have the same aspect ratio; you can consider standard 16:9 models and ultrawide displays that span across your desk.

Curvature

Another important factor is the curve itself. Curved gaming monitors have an "R" value, like 1800R or 1500R, indicating the curvature degree. A smaller R-value means a more pronounced curve. There is no rule of thumb; deciding the monitor's curvature depends on your preferences. If you enjoy expansive open-world adventures or intense racing simulations, opt for a monitor with a smaller R-value for a more immersive wrap-around experience. On the other hand, choose a higher R-value if you are buying a monitor for both productivity and entertainment

Resolution

There are three key points to remember regarding the resolution of a curved monitor. Consider the available resolutions ranging from Ultrawide Full HD (2560×1080) to the extravagant Ultrawide 5K (5120×2160). Balancing your gaming rig's capabilities with your selected resolution for detailed visuals is wise, as higher resolutions often require more powerful graphics cards. Additionally, check if the monitor supports HDR, which ranges from basic VESA DisplayHDR400 to HDR1400. Your decision should reflect your budget and preference for a visually appealing gaming experience

Refresh Rate and Response Time

Refresh rate is a game-changing feature, especially for fast-paced and competitive titles. A higher resh rate translates into a better and smoother motion. So, for a buttery-smooth gameplay, consider 144Hz and above.  Conversely, the response time ensures your monitor can keep pace with rapid action without ghosting and blurring. Ideally, the response time should be 3ms or below.

Budget

Generally speaking, curved monitors are pricier than their flat counterparts. When deciding, evaluate how much time you spend using your computer and whether the enhanced immersive experience justifies the additional cost.  Expect around £200-£1500 for features like a larger screen (27-32 inches), higher resolution (4K), and a faster refresh rate (144Hz or higher). However, if cost is your major concern, you can opt for a lower screen resolution, such as Full HD (1080p) rather than 4K, which can help keep expenses down. 

Final Verdict: Are Curved Monitors Good for Gaming?

Curved monitors are gorgeous pieces of technology. These screens have been known in the gaming community for outstanding immersion, comfort, and visual appeal. Their subtle curvature matches the natural curvature of the human eye. It facilitates an incredible point of view, which means there is a minimum risk of strain on the eyes and shoulders. Whether you're into virtual landscapes or competing fast-paced titles, curved monitors promise an engaging experience compared to flat monitors.  

However, like any technology, curved monitors also have pitfalls. They are expensive or may need some adjustment in setup and usage. Due to the extensive aspect ratio, some older games do not support curved gaming monitors. 

Simply put, whether a curved monitor is good for gaming depends on your preference and the specific gaming experience you seek. Whatever you decide, several excellent desktop monitors for gaming are available at Box.co.uk. Explore our extensive collection and get your hands on your favourite gaming monitor.