Buying Guide
The Best Curved Gaming Monitors
Six curved monitors from 24 to 40 inches, including OLED and VA ultrawides.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read6 products evaluated
A curve matters most on wide screens, where it keeps the edges at a similar distance from your eyes. These six run from 24 inches to a 40-inch 5120x2160 ultrawide.
We compared size, panel and refresh rate from each listing.
Quick Picks
Our 6 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Best OLED Ultrawide
Alienware 34 QD-OLED AW3425DW
A 240Hz QD-OLED ultrawide.
Best for: Immersive games on a high-end PC.
Our take Check price for Alienware 34 QD-OLED AW3425DW (opens in a new tab)
Best Budget Ultrawide
AOC CU34G4H Curved Ultrawide
A 200Hz 3440x1440 VA panel near $210.
Best for: Ultrawide on a budget.
Our take Check price for AOC CU34G4H Curved Ultrawide (opens in a new tab)
Widest 4K-Class Screen
Samsung Odyssey G7 (G75F) 40-inch WUHD
5120x2160 at 180Hz on 40 inches.
Best for: Racing and flight games.
Our take Check price for Samsung Odyssey G7 (G75F) 40-inch WUHD (opens in a new tab)
Fastest 27-Inch Curve
ASUS ROG Strix XG27WCMS Curved
280Hz at 1440p with USB-C.
Best for: Fast games on a curve.
Our take Check price for ASUS ROG Strix XG27WCMS Curved (opens in a new tab)
Best 27-Inch Value
LG UltraGear 27GS60QC-B Curved
A curved 1440p 180Hz screen.
Best for: Mid-range cards.
Our take Check price for LG UltraGear 27GS60QC-B Curved (opens in a new tab)
Best 1080p Speed
AOC C27G4ZH Curved
280Hz on a curved VA panel.
Best for: Esports.
Our take Check price for AOC C27G4ZH Curved (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Best OLED Ultrawide1 of 6
Alienware 34 QD-OLED AW3425DW on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Alienware's AW3425DW puts a 34.2-inch QD-OLED ultrawide at 240Hz with 99% DCI-P3 coverage.
Best for
- Immersive games on a high-end PC.
Skip if
- Worth skipping when oLED burn-in risk with static desktop element is a problem.
Why we like it
It pairs OLED contrast with a wide field of view. On refresh rate it sits mid-pack at 240Hz: the XG27WCMS offers 280Hz, and the 27GS60QC comes in at 180Hz. Its 34.2 inches screen size ranks second of 6 here, behind the Odyssey G7 40 (40 inches) and ahead of the C27G4ZH (27 inches).
It shares a 3440x1440 resolution with the CU34G4H; the XG27WCMS goes with a 2560x1440 (1440p) resolution. A QD-OLED panel is unique to it among these picks, while the C27G4ZH uses a VA panel. A DisplayHDR True Black 400 is unique to it among these picks, while the C27G4ZH uses an HDR.
It also offers 1000 nits peak HDR brightness. Leave the maker's pixel-refresh routines enabled and hide static taskbars to limit burn-in risk. At our last price check it topped the group, with the Odyssey G7 40 the nearest cheaper option.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 240Hz
- Resolution: 3440x1440
- Size: 34.2 inches
- Panel: QD-OLED
- Response: 0.03ms
- HDR: DisplayHDR True Black 400
- Color gamut: 99% DCI-P3
Pros
- a 240Hz refresh rate for fast motion
- a QD-OLED panel with per-pixel contrast
- DisplayHDR True Black 400 certification
- 99% DCI-P3 colour coverage
Cons
- OLED burn-in risk with static desktop elements
- Costs more than the 27GS60QC at the time of writing
Best Budget Ultrawide2 of 6
AOC CU34G4H Curved Ultrawide on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
AOC's CU34G4H is a 34-inch 3440x1440 VA ultrawide at 200Hz on a height, tilt and swivel stand.
Best for
- Ultrawide on a budget.
Skip if
- Look at the others if this bothers you: a VA panel that can smear dark transitions.
Why we like it
It is the lowest-priced ultrawide here at the time of writing. Its 200Hz refresh rate ranks fourth of 6 here, behind the XG27WCMS (280Hz) and ahead of the 27GS60QC (180Hz). On screen size it sits mid-pack at 34 inches: the Odyssey G7 40 comes in at 40 inches, and the C27G4ZH comes in at 27 inches.
Like the AW3425DW, it has a 3440x1440 resolution, while the 27GS60QC uses a 2560x1440 (1440p) resolution. Like the C27G4ZH, it has a VA panel, while the AW3425DW uses a QD-OLED panel. You get an adaptive-Sync here, which sets it apart from the 27GS60QC and its a FreeSync. On price it sat third of 6, between the cheaper C27G4ZH and the pricier XG27WCMS, at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 200Hz
- Resolution: 3440x1440
- Size: 34 inches
- Panel: VA
- Response: 0.3ms
- HDR: HDR
- Adaptive sync: Adaptive-Sync
- Stand: height, tilt and swivel
Pros
- 200Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen
- Adaptive-Sync to reduce screen tearing
- a stand with height, tilt and swivel
- 34-inch 1500R ultrawide
Cons
- a VA panel that can smear dark transitions
- Costs more than the 27GS60QC at the time of writing
Widest 4K-Class Screen3 of 6
Samsung Odyssey G7 (G75F) 40-inch WUHD on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Samsung's Odyssey G7 40 is a 40-inch 5120x2160 ultrawide at 180Hz with DisplayHDR 600.
Best for
- Racing and flight games.
Skip if
- Price-first buyers should look at the 27GS60QC, which cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It has the widest 4K-class canvas among these monitors. Its 40-inch WUHD panel is DisplayHDR 600 certified and refreshes at 180Hz with 1ms GtG response. On refresh rate it ties with the 27GS60QC at 180Hz.
On screen size it leads this guide at 40 inches, ahead of the AW3425DW (34.2 inches). A 5120x2160 resolution is unique to it among these picks, while the AW3425DW uses a 3440x1440 resolution. A DisplayHDR 600 is unique to it among these picks, while the AW3425DW uses a DisplayHDR True Black 400.
It also comes with a 40-inch 21:9 1000R curve. When we checked, only the XG27WCMS and cheaper picks cost less, and the AW3425DW cost more.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 180Hz
- Resolution: 5120x2160
- Size: 40 inches
- Response: 1ms
- HDR: DisplayHDR 600
Pros
- 180Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen
- DisplayHDR 600 certification
- 40-inch 21:9 1000R curve
- Largest screen size of the picks (40 inches)
Cons
- Costs more than the 27GS60QC at the time of writing
Fastest 27-Inch Curve4 of 6
ASUS ROG Strix XG27WCMS Curved on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
ASUS's XG27WCMS curves a 27-inch 1440p panel and overclocks it to 280Hz.
Best for
- Fast games on a curve.
Skip if
- Skip it if price comes first: the 27GS60QC cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
USB-C input and a three-year warranty are listed. On refresh rate it ties with the C27G4ZH at 280Hz. It matches the 27GS60QC and the C27G4ZH on screen size (27 inches).
It shares a 2560x1440 (1440p) resolution with the 27GS60QC; the C27G4ZH goes with a 1920x1080 (1080p) resolution. You get a 95% DCI-P3 color gamut here, which sets it apart from the 27GS60QC and its a 99% sRGB color gamut. It is the only pick here with a G-SYNC Compatible; the CU34G4H has an adaptive-Sync instead.
To see 280Hz at 1440p, connect over DisplayPort or HDMI 2.1; older HDMI 2.0 ports cap the refresh rate lower. G-SYNC Compatible works on NVIDIA cards over DisplayPort, and FreeSync covers AMD cards. It was priced above the CU34G4H and below the Odyssey G7 40 at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 280Hz
- Resolution: 2560x1440 (1440p)
- Size: 27 inches
- HDR: HDR
- Color gamut: 95% DCI-P3
- Adaptive sync: G-SYNC Compatible
- USB-C: Yes
- Warranty: 3-year
Pros
- a 280Hz refresh rate for fast motion
- 1440p resolution, sharper than 1080p at 27 inches
- 95% DCI-P3 colour coverage
- G-SYNC Compatible to reduce screen tearing
Cons
- Costs more than the 27GS60QC at the time of writing
Best 27-Inch Value5 of 6
LG UltraGear 27GS60QC-B Curved on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
LG's 27GS60QC is a curved 27-inch 1440p screen at 180Hz with 99% sRGB coverage.
Best for
- Mid-range cards.
Skip if
- Choose another pick if you can't accept this: hDR10 support without a DisplayHDR certification.
Why we like it
It is one of the lowest-priced curved 1440p models here. It matches the Odyssey G7 40 on refresh rate (180Hz). On screen size it ties with the XG27WCMS and the C27G4ZH at 27 inches.
Like the XG27WCMS, it has a 2560x1440 (1440p) resolution, while the AW3425DW uses a 3440x1440 resolution. It is the only pick here with an HDR10; the Odyssey G7 40 has a DisplayHDR 600 instead. It is the only pick here with a 99% sRGB color gamut; the AW3425DW has a 99% DCI-P3 color gamut instead.
You also get a steep 1000R curve and a budget 1440p price tier. If refresh rate is your priority, the XG27WCMS (280Hz) is the stronger choice.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 180Hz
- Resolution: 2560x1440 (1440p)
- Size: 27 inches
- Response: 1ms
- HDR: HDR10
- Color gamut: 99% sRGB
- Adaptive sync: FreeSync
Pros
- 180Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen
- 1440p resolution, sharper than 1080p at 27 inches
- 99% sRGB colour coverage
- FreeSync to reduce screen tearing
Cons
- HDR10 support without a DisplayHDR certification
- Refresh rate trails the XG27WCMS (280Hz)
Best 1080p Speed6 of 6
AOC C27G4ZH Curved on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
AOC's C27G4ZH curves a 27-inch 1080p VA panel and runs it at 280Hz on a height, tilt and swivel stand.
Best for
- Esports.
Skip if
- Worth skipping when a VA panel that can smear dark transition is a problem.
Why we like it
It trades resolution for speed. On refresh rate it ties with the XG27WCMS at 280Hz. It matches the XG27WCMS and the 27GS60QC on screen size (27 inches).
A 1920x1080 (1080p) resolution is unique to it among these picks, while the AW3425DW uses a 3440x1440 resolution. It shares a VA panel with the CU34G4H; the AW3425DW goes with a QD-OLED panel. You also get 280Hz on a 1500R curve and VESA mounting.
At 1080p, 280Hz is within reach of mid-range graphics cards in esports titles; use DisplayPort if your card's HDMI port is older. Screen size is its weakest area, and the Odyssey G7 40 covers it better at 40 inches.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 280Hz
- Resolution: 1920x1080 (1080p)
- Size: 27 inches
- Panel: VA
- Response: 0.3ms
- HDR: HDR
- Stand: height, tilt and swivel
Pros
- a 280Hz refresh rate for fast motion
- a stand with height, tilt and swivel
- 280Hz on a 1500R curve
- Height-adjustable stand
Cons
- a VA panel that can smear dark transitions
- Screen size trails the Odyssey G7 40 (40 inches)
How We Chose These Curved Gaming Monitors
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- Resolution and refresh
- We compared listed resolution and refresh rate against the graphics power each needs.
- Connectivity and stand
- We checked ports, USB-C and stand adjustment where the listing states them.
- HDR and colour
- We recorded DisplayHDR certifications and listed colour gamut.
- Panel
- We noted panel type and the trade-offs it brings for motion, contrast and burn-in.
What to Look for in a Curved Gaming Monitor
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Size for your desk distance
24 to 25 inches suits 1080p and competitive play at a typical desk. 27 inches pairs well with 1440p and 4K; 32 inches suits 4K at a deeper desk.
Pick the panel type
IPS offers wide viewing angles and good colour. VA has higher contrast but slower dark transitions. OLED has perfect blacks and very fast response but carries a burn-in risk with static content.
Match resolution to your graphics card
1080p suits entry and mid-range cards and high refresh rates. 1440p is the balance for most gaming PCs. 4K needs a high-end card to hold high frame rates.
Pick the resolution your card can drive before looking at refresh rate.
Choose a refresh rate you can reach
A higher refresh rate only helps when your PC delivers matching frame rates. 144Hz to 180Hz suits most players; 240Hz and above rewards competitive shooters.
Consider the stand
A stand with height, tilt and swivel adjustment saves buying a monitor arm. Check VESA mounting if you plan to use one anyway.
Read HDR labels carefully
HDR10 means the monitor accepts an HDR signal, not that it displays it well. DisplayHDR 600 or True Black 400 certifications say more about real HDR performance.
How to Choose a Curved Gaming Monitor
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Immersive games on a high-end PC | AW3425DW | A 240Hz QD-OLED ultrawide |
| Ultrawide on a budget | CU34G4H | A 200Hz 3440x1440 VA panel near $210 |
| Racing and flight games | Odyssey G7 40 | 5120x2160 at 180Hz on 40 inches |
| Fast games on a curve | XG27WCMS | 280Hz at 1440p with USB-C |
| Mid-range cards | 27GS60QC | A curved 1440p 180Hz screen |
| Esports | C27G4ZH | 280Hz on a curved VA panel |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
Figures as each maker states them.
| Monitor | Refresh rate | Resolution | Size | Panel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AW3425DW | 240Hz | 3440x1440 | 34.2 inches | QD-OLED |
| CU34G4H | 200Hz | 3440x1440 | 34 inches | VA |
| Odyssey G7 40 | 180Hz | 5120x2160 | 40 inches | Not listed |
| XG27WCMS | 280Hz | 2560x1440 (1440p) | 27 inches | Not listed |
| 27GS60QC | 180Hz | 2560x1440 (1440p) | 27 inches | Not listed |
| C27G4ZH | 280Hz | 1920x1080 (1080p) | 27 inches | VA |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
Prices change often; these tiers reflect Amazon prices when this guide was updated.
| Price tier | Monitors |
|---|---|
| About $150 to $250 | 27GS60QC, C27G4ZH, CU34G4H |
| About $250 to $500 | XG27WCMS |
| About $500 to $1000 | Odyssey G7 40, AW3425DW |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a GPU that matches the refresh rate?
To benefit fully, yes. A 240Hz monitor still feels smoother at 150fps than a 144Hz one, but the gains shrink when frame rates are far below the refresh rate.
Does a 1ms response time rating matter?
Makers measure response time differently, so compare panel type and independent reviews rather than the headline figure.
Is 1080p fine on a 27-inch monitor?
It works, but text and detail look softer. 1440p is sharper at 27 inches; 1080p is best at 24 to 25 inches.
Does a FreeSync monitor work with an NVIDIA card?
Most do as G-SYNC Compatible over DisplayPort. Check the product page or NVIDIA's compatibility list for the model.
Should I use HDMI or DisplayPort?
On a PC, DisplayPort usually supports the highest refresh rates. HDMI 2.1 is equivalent and needed for consoles.
Is HDR worth it on a budget monitor?
Rarely. Budget HDR10 monitors accept HDR but lack the brightness and contrast to show it well. OLED or DisplayHDR 600 models do it better.
Bottom Line
Alienware's AW3425DW is the high-end ultrawide. AOC's CU34G4H is the budget ultrawide, and LG's 27GS60QC keeps a curve on a standard 27-inch screen.