In this article, we will look at the best curved monitors for any budget. To find the best options, you need to consider the panel type, viewing angle, color range and accuracy, HDR support, available inputs, response times, and many other specs.
The Benefits of Using a Curved Monitor
Curved monitors were all the rage back in the day when they first came out. But they were pricey, and not many people could afford them. Now that the initial hype is over, curved monitors have become affordable. They have also proved their advantage over flat-panel monitors. Aside from the aesthetics, curved monitors have several benefits which might persuade you to make the switch. The best-curved monitors are highly immersive, especially when they are ultrawide. But it is essential to understand that not all monitors have the same curvature, and they do not offer the same degree of immersion. For example, ultrawide monitors usually have greater curvature, especially those intended for gaming. That said, general-purpose monitors will also benefit from the gentle curvature they offer. Ultrawide curved monitors can be used to replace multiple monitor setups for professional use. Instead of using two or three monitors to display several documents simultaneously, why not use one curved ultrawide display? Its curvature would help you reduce the eyestrain and make you even more productive. Curved monitors are panoramic and look as if they wrap around you when you sit in front of them, as their edges are the same distance from you as their center. This creates a three-dimensional effect and gives it focal depth, reducing image distortion and eyestrain. So, which curved monitor would be best suited for your needs? Here are some of the best options out there.
1. Samsung CF396 Curved LED Monitor
Price range: $150 – $200 Samsung CF396 is an affordable and versatile monitor good for gaming, entertainment, and office work. It has a bright panel with a great color display for the low price of only $150. It falls in the best budget category despite some shortcomings. This Samsung curved monitor has a 23.5-inch VA display, which is enough for most applications, although not the best for multitasking. The supported resolution is 1920×1080, and it has the standard widescreen aspect ratio of 16:9. The downside is its low 94 PPI pixel density, which doesn’t make this a good monitor for graphically demanding jobs like photo editing. The refresh rate of 60Hz, typical for low-budget monitors, is not something to brag about but good enough for casual gaming. That said, the 1800R curvature provides an immersive streaming and gaming experience. The Samsung CF396 is an all-purpose solution for someone looking to get their first curved display. Features:
23.5-inch VA display.1080p native resolution.60 Hz refresh rate paired with AMD FreeSync technology.4ms response time.
2. AOC C24G1
Price range: $200 – $250 The AOC C24G1 is an affordable curved VA monitor with solid contrast and color reproduction. It sports a standard 24-inch curved display, which is expected in this price range, but it has a 144Hz refresh rate. With a 1ms moving picture response time (MPRT) and 4ms gray-to-gray response time, this AOC curved monitor is a great budget-friendly choice for gamers. The AOC C24G1 is a great gaming monitor, even for fast-paced games, and the 1500R curvature instead of the typical 1800R gives a feeling of deeper immersion. Additionally, AMD FreeSync Technology combined with FlickerFree technology prevents most screen tearing and stuttering. All in all, In terms of the size, curvature, specifications, and price, this monitor hits the sweet spot. Features:
23.6-inch FHD display with VA panel.1500R curvature.1ms response times.144Hz refresh rate.AMD FreeSync Technology.
3. BenQ Ex3501R
Price range: $650-$750. BenQ EX3501R is an excellent gaming monitor, but it can also perform as an entertainment display due to its size. Immerse yourself in fast-paced games thanks to the 1800R curved display, 100Hz refresh rate, AMD FreeSync technology, and 4ms response times. When it comes to performance, this ultrawide curved BenQ monitor checks all the boxes. The BenQ EX3501R also supports HDR10, so you can expect a hyper-realistic video quality, although the color saturation and contrast could be a bit better in this price range. Nevertheless, the 35-inch screen and the 1800R curvature of this BenQ monitor are design choices made for optimal viewing performance. These features, combined with the 3440×1440 resolution and 21:9 aspect ratio, give you a cinematic experience so you can fully enjoy gaming and streaming your favorite Netflix shows. Features:
35” panel with 3440×1440 resolution and 1800R curvature.Ergonomic design with adjustable height and tilt.100 Hz refresh rate.4ms response times.HDR support.USB-C connectivity option.
4. Dell S3220DGF
Price range: $350 – $500. Dell S3220DGF is a very affordable curved monitor that is good for gaming and professional use. The 165Hz refresh rate and 4ms response times will satisfy you if you’re a gamer, and you won’t notice any ghosting. A 32-inch 10-bit color VA display with 1440p resolution and HDR support, the panel produces high contrast and color accuracy—perfect for professional use and entertainment. It’s also worth mentioning that the Dell S3220DGF has five USB 3.0 ports, so you can plug all your devices into it directly. Features:
32-inch curved display with 1440p resolution.165Hz refresh rate.10-bit color and HDR support.4ms response times.AMD Free Sync technology.
5. Gigabyte G32QC
Price range: $300-$450. Gigabyte G32QC is yet another affordable and excellent curved monitor, especially for gamers who seek an immersive experience without breaking the bank. The 32-inch screen with 2560×1440 resolution, AMD FreeSync, 165 Hz refresh rate, and 1ms response times make it an excellent choice for modern gaming and entertainment. This Gigabyte model has a high color accuracy for the price. It covers 93% of the DCI-P3 cinematic color gamut. Gigabyte’s own OSD Sidekick software will let you manage and tweak custom settings quickly and easily. Also, it has a Picture-by-Picture mode, which is an excellent addition for those who like to have multiple displays or for streamers. Features:
32-inch screen with 1440p resolution.164 Hz refresh rate.1 ms response times.1500R curvature.AMD Free Sync Premium Pro.
6. Samsung Odyssey G9
Price range: $1,250 – 1,500. Samsung Odyssey G9 is an ultrawide curved monitor for which you will need a lot of room on your desk. If you have the desk space and the budget, you’ll get a complete field-of-view and immersive experience. This monitor truly shines in gaming and entertainment, but it is also an excellent choice for professionals. Imagine having the screen size of two 27-inch monitors but one single curved display. Samsung Odyssey G9 boasts a huge 49-inch screen with a 1000R curvature that ensures no loss of quality. With this size and display angle, this Samsung monitor is as immersive as possible. This curved display offers an impressive 240 Hz refresh rate and 1ms response times, making it one of the top choices for serious gamers. You also get HDR 1000, ensuring excellent color accuracy, saturation, and contrast for the best viewing experience. It is a great entertainment setup. That said, the sheer size of the Samsung Odyssey G9 also makes it a perfect display for multitasking, streaming, and video/photo editing. Features:
49” screen with 5120×1440 resolution and 1000R curvature.HDR1000 for high color reproduction.240 Hz refresh rate.1ms response times.G-sync and AMD FreeSync2 compatibility.
7. MSI Optix MPG341CQR
Price range: $850 – $1000. MSI Optix MPG341CQR is foremost a gaming monitor as its color results are decent at best and not suitable for professional photographers and video editors. While HDR400 leaves some room for improvement in the professional environment, the gaming features are nothing to complain about. For gamers, MSI Optix is among the best in this price range. It has a 144 Hz refresh rate, 1ms response times, and a brightness of 400 nits. With a screen size of 34 inches and a bezel-free design combined with 1800R curvature, you will get an immersive gaming experience. MSI Optix offers some innovative quality-of-life features many gamers never knew they needed. These are mostly design choices that are both fun and functional. The monitor comes with a mouse bungee at the side and a camera cradle at the top for all those streamers out there. You also get LED lights below and behind the monitor that you can sync with the SteelSeries GameSense software to get in-game visual cues (think health bar or ammo count). Everything about the MSI Optix just screams gaming. Features:
34” display with 1440p resolution and 1800R curvature.VA panel with a 21:9 aspect ratio.144Hz refresh rate.1ms response times.2x HDMI ports, 2x DisplayPort connectors, and a USB Type-C port for extra connectivity options.
8. Alienware 34 QD-OLED (AW3423DW)
Price: $1,300. The Alienware 34 QD-OLED is a typical 34-inch monitor with 1440p native resolution and a gentle 1800R curvature, but it distinguishes itself through its high-quality build. It has a 175 Hz refresh rate and an exceptional 0.1ms gray-to-gray response time, making it one of the best options for a fantastic gaming experience. Such a fast response time results from the OLED technology, which you don’t often see in gaming monitors. Alienware’s OLED panel is combined with the Quantum Dot technology that allows an impressive 99% coverage of the DCI-P3 color space. This monitor also boasts 1,000 nits brightness, though not across the whole screen. Deep contrast is another impressive feature of the OLED technology as every pixel acts as a light source, and to achieve a true black, it can be turned off. The Alienware 34 QD-OLED was created as a gaming monitor, but its exceptional color reproduction, contrast, and overall image quality make it a good choice for professionals. It also has an ultrawide curved format which makes it perfect for immersive gaming and productive multitasking. The price is steep, but the viewing experience is worth the cost. Features:
34-inch display with 1440p resolution and 1800R curvature.1,000 nits peak brightness.0.1ms response times and 175 Hz refresh rate.QD-OLED panel with an exceptional contrast ratio of 1,000,000:1
9. Asus ROG Swift PG35VQ
Price range: $1,500-2,000. For those not afraid to spend some extra money for the ultimate gaming experience, the Asus ROG Swift PG35VQ is probably the best choice. It came out in 2019, but it will be a top-performing monitor for the foreseeable future. With a 200Hz refresh rate, 2ms response time, a whopping 1000 nits of brightness, and HDR1000, this Asus monitor ensures excellent gaming performance and an impressive viewing experience. But what is truly impressive is its color accuracy, which makes it a perfect choice for all the creative souls out there. This ultrawide curved monitor has a beautiful ergonomic design with smart fan control and three extra USB 3.0 ports for flexible connectivity. If you choose the Asus ROG Swift PG35VQ for gaming, streaming, or work, you will not be disappointed. It combines the must-have gaming features with professional color reproduction to give you the best of both worlds in a single curved monitor. The only true downside is the massive price tag. Features:
35-inch panel with 1440p native resolution.21:9 cinematic aspect ratio.200 Hz refresh rate.2 ms response times.HDR1000 with 500k:1 contrast ratio.
10. Acer Predator X38
Price range: $1,700 – $2,000 Acer already has a reputation for making great gaming monitors, and Predator X38 deserves a spot on this list. The 37.5-inch IPS panel with 3840×1600 native resolution produces excellent color accuracy and brightness for gamers and professionals. The 2300R curvature that you don’t usually find on many curved monitors will give you amazing panoramic views and help with immersion when you’re gaming or watching a movie. HDR performance is not the greatest in this price range, but you can overclock this monitor to 175 Hz and squeeze some extra visual performance. Paired with Nvidia’s G-Sync technology and a 1ms response time, the Asus Predator X38 is an ideal choice even for competitive gamers. Expect to spend extra money on this monitor, but its specifications and features are worth the money. The design is also very appealing thanks to its slim modern looking support and the under-glow of LED lights that set the mood and atmosphere. Also, as a bonus, you get 4 USB 3.0 and ports and audio output for more flexible connectivity. Features:
37.5-inch IPS panel with 3840×1600 resolution.2300R panoramic curvature with a 21:9 aspect ratio.1ms response times.144 Hz with the possibility of overclocking it to 175 Hz.4 USB 3.0 ports and audio output in addition to the HDMI and DisplayPort ports.
Which curved monitors are you thinking of getting next? Let us know in the comments below!
