The 5 Best Curved Monitors
You don’t need to be an MLG gamer to appreciate the fact that curved monitors are an amazing innovation in modern computing. Since the inception of the personal computer, our viewing habits have been limited to flat monitors, and, while pixel count, frame rate (Hz), refresh rates (ms) and maximum resolution have progressed in the right the direction, we haven’t until recently addressed the fact that our convex retinas are taxed significantly by flat screens blasting light in every direction (as opposed to one). While curved monitors won’t entirely address the long-term effects of blue light or simply being too close to the monitor for too long, they most certainly generate a viewing experience in both a practical and aesthetic sense. Here we’ve collected five of our favorite options in curved viewing for various price points and uses.
AOC Agon AG493UCX 49″
Major League Gamer
When determining the efficacy and justifying the eye-popping cost of a curved monitor, one of the first rules of thumb is whether or not the aspect ratio is greater than or equal to 21:9. Why? This will ensure an ultra-wide display without black bars on your periphery. The AOC Agon has a whopping 32:9 aspect ratio spread across 49 inches of quad high-definition pixels with a stunning refresh rate to boot. While some flat monitors now offer twice the frame rate as the Agon, seldom few games would require anything much higher than 120 Hertz to achieve maximum performance. Fit for an executive-sized desk or a VESA-certified wall mount, the Agon will serve you loyally for years to come.
Pros:
- Generous 4-year warranty hedges against dead pixels
- Ultra-wide monitor perfect for FPS
- Enormous port offering for countless peripheral devices
Cons:
- Cost is a bit prohibitive
- Requires a powerful computer to run
Acer Predator X34 34″
This Predator Would Never Lose to Alien
Acer’s Predator Ultrawide Monitor combines feasibility with performance in a more compact package than our overall winner. Ever so slightly smaller, slower & weaker than the Agon – but still packing a powerful punch – the Predator boasts a 21:9 aspect ratio, 4 USB ports, and a respectable 34 inches of quad high definition. On top of an impressive set of technical specifications, we are a major fan of Acer’s commitment to preventing eye damage with their array of software offerings that do everything from dim the monitor to reduce blue light emissions. While you may be giving up some of the bells and whistles for this reduced price, unless you have an inordinate amount of ancillary devices you need to be connected simultaneously or an enormous frame rate, you’ll be in good hands (or claws) with the Predator by your side.
Pros:
- Sleek display stand
- Frame rate can be overclocked to 120 Hz
- Integrated speakers in the monitor
Cons:
- Response time slightly slower than industry leaders
- No USB-C ports
LG Ultragear 34GK950F-B 34″
Life’s Good with LG’s Lifelike Gaming
For more than 60 years LG has produced high-end consumer electronics that dazzle, and the line of Ultragear curved monitors is no exception. Mounting capabilities, a robust offering of ports, and an elegant, minimalist design from stand to screen get the Ultragear in the door, but an unheard-of 144 Hz frame rate and 1ms response rate on top of a ultra-wide QHD setup deliver LG to the pantheon of top-performing curved digital displays in our book. In addition to the sheer power of this choice, extra frills such as LG’s Black Stabilizer and easily adjustable stand give an otherwise muted product a very loud voice when it comes to tackling your favorite AAA titles.
Pros:
- Extremely intuitive setup & installation process
- Comes in at a surprisingly lightweight 16 lbs
Cons:
- Refresh rate boost comes at expense of disabling Freesync
- VESA wall mount may require additional hardware not included
ASUS TUF VG27VQ 27”
Who's the TUF Guy Now?
Unforunately, the TUF’s 27-inch monitor will not give you the $25 movie-theatre ticket experience at a 16:9 aspect ratio and conventional 1080p resolution, but that’s not why you’re interested in this product. This display was built to do two things: reduce eye fatigue and absolutely eviscerate the curved gaming monitor market with a blistering 165 frames per second. Preset functions which cut down on blue light emission, shadow reduction, motion blur and flickering are a lovely touch to an already angelic machine, but for under $300 we would take this monitor without the stand, packaging or power cord to achieve performance at this price point.
Pros:
- Built-in Stereo speakers & up-to-date video display interfaces
- Pre-set functions set on back of device for changes on the fly
- Unbeatable price
Cons:
- Outdated resolution
- No USB Ports
Samsung 32’’ C32HG70 Gaming Monitor
Jack of All Games, Master of Fun
Samsung’s 32-inch curved gaming monitor is the middle-of-the-road pick for your cash-conscious cyber warrior. A 144Hz frame rate takes the cake from all but one of our suggestions, but that doesn’t mean it slacks off in the visual department. 1440p is nothing to sneeze at, and combined with AMD’s FreeSync technology this monitor will ensure lag-free performance in just about every scenario. While the backlit backside of the monitor is an aesthetic plus, we were truly impressed by the optional monitor stand which gives the C32HG70 a level of maneuverability lacking in all of our previous recommendations.
Pros:
- Vertical Alignment LED Display top of the line
- Ergonomically designed stand, screen & optional mount
- 3 Digital interfaces for multiple monitors
Cons:
- 16:9 Aspect ratio disappoint for the price
- Customer Service & Support somewhat lacking
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the benefits of a curved monitor vs. a flat monitor?
All things held constant, a curved monitor will aim light more directly at your retina vs. a traditional monitor. By doing so, curved monitors allow your eye to focus on the full picture more easily and reduce eye fatigue. Aside from this, simply being a newer technology increases the likelihood that ancillary features such a blue light dimming will be included as standard. Aside from eye health, curved monitors truly do give you a sense of immersion unlike any other visual delivery system save for modern movie theaters. While it’s generally accepted that the immersive effect is somewhat muted below an aspect ratio of 16:9 (most commonly seen today in monitors with 1920×1080 resolution), above 16:9 is where both this immersive sensation & a wider visual field can provide a material advantage for competitive gamers
What are the most important specifications to consider when purchasing a curved monitor?
Highly competitive gamers will in all likelihood skew towards maximizing their frame rate (measured in Hertz, Hz) and lower response rates (measured in milliseconds, Ms), while your casual PC-owner might favor a higher resolution and a more diverse port-offering for secondary monitors, controllers/joysticks or other secondary devices. As a general rule, 60Hz is plenty for non-gamers while some of the highest-end (mostly flat) monitors max out at 200+Hz and <1ms.
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With the constantly shifting landscape in the world of technology, GameRevolution seeks to provide gamers and tech-enthusiasts with the information they need to select the right products for their needs. Since 1996, our experts have used their knowledge on all the latest gadgets – everything from headphones to standing desks – to help millions of people navigate specs and answer common questions.