Buying Guide
The Best Curved VA Gaming Monitors
Four monitors compared, from the Westinghouse 24 Curved to the AG493UCX, with the trade-offs of each named.
By Alex Morgan, PC Hardware Editor
11 min read4 products evaluated
Curved VA panels combine deep contrast with an immersive curve. Every pick is curved VA, ordered from the lowest price.
This is a research roundup, not a lab test: refresh rate, resolution and size come from each maker's published specs; a missing response is flagged, not filled in, and no figure here comes from our own testing.
Quick Picks
Which of the 4 picks to look at first. Tap a name for the full analysis.
Lowest Price Here
Westinghouse 24-inch Curved 165Hz Gaming MonitorA lower price than the C24G42E and the rest when we checked.
Best for: Spending as little as possible, with the C24G42E the next step up.
Check price for Westinghouse 24-inch Curved 165Hz Gaming Monitor on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
AOC C24G42E CurvedA 1500R curve.
Best for: Buyers who want 1500R curve.
Check price for AOC C24G42E Curved on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
ASUS TUF Gaming VG32WQ3BA 1500R curved 31.5-inch screen.
Best for: Buyers who want 1500R curved 31.5-inch screen.
Check price for ASUS TUF Gaming VG32WQ3B on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Largest Screen Size
AOC AGON AG493UCX 49-inchThe largest screen size here (49 inches).
Best for: Buyers who put screen size first.
Check price for AOC AGON AG493UCX 49-inch on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it stands out | Best for | Check price |
|---|---|---|---|
| A lower price than the C24G42E and the rest when we checked. | Spending as little as possible, with the C24G42E the next step up. | Check price for Westinghouse 24-inch Curved 165Hz Gaming Monitor on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| A 1500R curve. | Buyers who want 1500R curve. | Check price for AOC C24G42E Curved on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| A 1500R curved 31.5-inch screen. | Buyers who want 1500R curved 31.5-inch screen. | Check price for ASUS TUF Gaming VG32WQ3B on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| The largest screen size here (49 inches). | Buyers who put screen size first. | Check price for AOC AGON AG493UCX 49-inch on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Lowest Price Here1 of 4
Westinghouse 24-inch Curved 165Hz Gaming Monitor
Westinghouse's 24-inch curved monitor uses a VA panel with a 3000:1 contrast ratio and a 165Hz refresh rate.
Best for
- Spending as little as possible, with the C24G42E the next step up.
Skip if
- Skip it if this is a deal-breaker for you: a VA panel that can smear dark transitions.
Why we like it
It adds built-in speakers and FreeSync at one of the lowest prices here. On refresh rate it sits mid-pack at 165Hz: the C24G42E offers 180Hz, and the AG493UCX comes in at 120Hz. It matches the C24G42E on screen size (24 inches).
It shares a 1920x1080 (1080p) resolution with the C24G42E; the AG493UCX goes with a 5120x1440 resolution. Like the VG32WQ3B, it has a FreeSync, while the AG493UCX uses an adaptive-Sync. It also comes with a 1500R curved screen.
At 1080p, 165Hz is within reach of mid-range graphics cards in esports titles; use DisplayPort if your card's HDMI port is older. No other pick here cost less at our last price check, and the C24G42E was closest.
Key specs
- Refresh rate
- 165Hz
- Resolution
- 1920x1080 (1080p)
- Size
- 24 inches
- Panel
- VA
- Response
- 1ms
- Color gamut
- 110% sRGB
- Adaptive sync
- FreeSync
Pros
- 165Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen
- 110% sRGB colour coverage
- FreeSync to reduce screen tearing
- 3000:1 contrast ratio from its VA panel
Cons
- a VA panel that can smear dark transitions
- Refresh rate of 165Hz, behind the C24G42E (180Hz)
The catch
What it gives up: refresh rate of 165Hz, behind the C24G42E (180Hz); by contrast, the C24G42E offers 180Hz.
Also Consider2 of 4
AOC C24G42E Curved
The C24G42E stands out for a 1500R curve, and it adds a three-sided frameless design.
Best for
- Buyers who want 1500R curve.
Skip if
- Worth skipping when a VA panel that can smear dark transitions is a problem.
Why we like it
It also offers a 180Hz refresh rate and offers a 24 inches screen size. The 24-inch 1080p VA panel curves at 1500R. It reaches 180Hz over DisplayPort 1.4 with a 1ms MPRT response.
On refresh rate it ties with the VG32WQ3B at 180Hz. It shares a 1920x1080 (1080p) resolution with the Westinghouse 24 Curved; the AG493UCX goes with a 5120x1440 resolution. It also comes with a budget price tier.
At 1080p, 180Hz is within reach of mid-range graphics cards in esports titles; use DisplayPort if your card's HDMI port is older. When we checked, only the Westinghouse 24 Curved cost less, and the VG32WQ3B cost more. Screen size is its weakest area, and the AG493UCX covers it better at 49 inches.
Key specs
- Refresh rate
- 180Hz
- Resolution
- 1920x1080 (1080p)
- Size
- 24 inches
- Panel
- VA
- Response
- 0.5ms
- HDR
- HDR
Pros
- 180Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen
- 1500R curve
- Three-sided frameless design
- Budget price tier
Cons
- a VA panel that can smear dark transitions
- Screen size trails the AG493UCX (49 inches)
- Costs more than the Westinghouse 24 Curved at the time of writing
Strong Alternative3 of 4
ASUS TUF Gaming VG32WQ3B
ASUS's VG32WQ3B is a curved 31.5-inch 1440p VA screen at 180Hz.
Best for
- Buyers who want 1500R curved 31.5-inch screen.
Skip if
- Skip it if this is a deal-breaker for you: a VA panel that can smear dark transitions.
Why we like it
VA contrast and the large size suit slower single-player games. It matches the C24G42E on refresh rate (180Hz). On screen size it sits mid-pack at 31.5 inches: the AG493UCX comes in at 49 inches, and the C24G42E comes in at 24 inches.
It is the only pick here with a 2560x1440 (1440p) resolution; the Westinghouse 24 Curved has a 1920x1080 (1080p) resolution instead. It shares a FreeSync with the Westinghouse 24 Curved; the AG493UCX goes with an adaptive-Sync. You also get a 3-year warranty and 90% DCI-P3 coverage. Its price falls between the C24G42E and the AG493UCX, based on our last check.
Key specs
- Refresh rate
- 180Hz
- Resolution
- 2560x1440 (1440p)
- Size
- 31.5 inches
- Panel
- VA
- Color gamut
- 90% DCI-P3
- Adaptive sync
- FreeSync
- Warranty
- 3-year
Pros
- 180Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen
- 1440p resolution, sharper than 1080p at 27 inches
- 90% DCI-P3 colour coverage
- FreeSync to reduce screen tearing
Cons
- a VA panel that can smear dark transitions
- Costs more than the Westinghouse 24 Curved at the time of writing
Largest Screen Size4 of 4
AOC AGON AG493UCX 49-inch
AOC's AG493UCX is a 49-inch 5120x1440 VA screen at 120Hz with USB-C and DisplayHDR 400.
Best for
- Buyers who put screen size first.
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 non-OLED super-ultrawide here. Its 120Hz refresh rate is the lowest in this group; the C24G42E leads at 180Hz. Nothing else here matches its 49 inches screen size; the VG32WQ3B comes closest at 31.5 inches.
It is the only pick here with a 5120x1440 resolution; the VG32WQ3B has a 2560x1440 (1440p) resolution instead. An adaptive-Sync is unique to it among these picks, while the VG32WQ3B uses a FreeSync. It also offers an 1800R 49-inch curve, USB-C docking and Dual QHD resolution. It was the most expensive pick when we checked, so weigh what it adds over the VG32WQ3B.
Key specs
- Refresh rate
- 120Hz
- Resolution
- 5120x1440
- Size
- 49 inches
- Panel
- VA
- Response
- 1ms
- HDR
- DisplayHDR 400
- Adaptive sync
- Adaptive-Sync
- USB-C
- Yes
Pros
- Adaptive-Sync to reduce screen tearing
- a USB-C input for laptops
- 1800R 49-inch curve
- USB-C docking
Cons
- a VA panel that can smear dark transitions
- Refresh rate trails the C24G42E (180Hz)
- Costs more than the Westinghouse 24 Curved at the time of writing
How We Chose These Curved VA Gaming Monitors
Alex Morgan compared the manufacturer specifications, connectivity, warranty terms and compatibility of every pick. Figures come from the makers unless a third-party source is named; we did not test these products ourselves.
- How these picks were ranked
- We set side by side four monitors on refresh rate, resolution, screen size and panel from manufacturer specifications. We did not test them in-house, and response and HDR are missing for at least one pick.
- The shared baseline
- All 4, from the Westinghouse 24 Curved to the AG493UCX, state refresh rate, resolution and screen size and share VA panel.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The VG32WQ3B gives no response; the Westinghouse 24 Curved and the VG32WQ3B give no HDR.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the Westinghouse 24 Curved ($50 to $100) to the AG493UCX ($500 to $1000).
What to Look for in a Curved VA Gaming Monitor
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Refresh rate
Here refresh rate runs from 120Hz on the AG493UCX to 180Hz on the C24G42E, a 50% spread. Start with the C24G42E if refresh rate decides it.
How much screen size you need
The AG493UCX tops screen size at 49 inches and the C24G42E sits lowest at 24 inches. The VG32WQ3B comes second at 31.5 inches, in the $150 to $250 tier against $500 to $1000 for the AG493UCX.
An ultrawide monitor on a desk in a dim room Response
The Westinghouse 24 Curved and the AG493UCX list 1ms; the C24G42E lists 0.5ms. Settling response first narrows 3 picks to 2 or 1.
Features beyond the spec table
The C24G42E: a three-sided frameless design. The VG32WQ3B: a 3-year warranty. The AG493UCX: USB-C docking.
An ultrawide monitor on a white desk beside a PC Where your budget lands
$50 to $100 buys the Westinghouse 24 Curved; $100 to $150 buys the C24G42E; $150 to $250 buys the VG32WQ3B; $500 to $1000 buys the AG493UCX at our last check.
How to Choose a Curved VA Gaming Monitor
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Spending as little as possible, with the C24G42E the next step up | Westinghouse 24 Curved | A lower price than the C24G42E and the rest when we checked |
| Buyers who want 1500R curve | C24G42E | A 1500R curve |
| Buyers who want 1500R curved 31.5-inch screen | VG32WQ3B | A 1500R curved 31.5-inch screen |
| Buyers who put screen size first | AG493UCX | The largest screen size here (49 inches) |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The C24G42E leads on refresh rate at 180Hz, ahead of the VG32WQ3B at 180Hz.
| Monitor | Refresh rate | Resolution | Size | Panel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Westinghouse 24 Curved | 165Hz | 1920x1080 (1080p) | 24 inches | VA |
| C24G42E | 180Hz | 1920x1080 (1080p) | 24 inches | VA |
| VG32WQ3B | 180Hz | 2560x1440 (1440p) | 31.5 inches | VA |
| AG493UCX | 120Hz | 5120x1440 | 49 inches | VA |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
At our last check the cheapest pick, the Westinghouse 24 Curved, sat in the $50 to $100 tier, 4 tiers in all up to the AG493UCX at $500 to $1000; Amazon prices move, so recheck before buying.
| Price tier | Monitors |
|---|---|
| About $50 to $100 | Westinghouse 24 Curved |
| About $100 to $150 | C24G42E |
| About $150 to $250 | VG32WQ3B |
| About $500 to $1000 | AG493UCX |
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the VG32WQ3B compare with the AG493UCX on screen size?
Between the top two, it is 49 inches on the AG493UCX against 31.5 inches on the VG32WQ3B, a 56% difference. The C24G42E is at the other end of this group with 24 inches.
Is the AG493UCX worth paying more than the Westinghouse 24 Curved?
The spec sheets show screen size (49 inches against 24 inches) in its favour. It does not win everywhere: the Westinghouse 24 Curved still leads on refresh rate (165Hz). The Westinghouse 24 Curved sat in the $50 to $100 tier and the AG493UCX in the $500 to $1000 tier when we checked, with 2 other picks between them; pay the difference only if screen size decides your purchase.
What makes the AG493UCX the Largest Screen Size?
The label rests on the largest screen size here (49 inches). The VG32WQ3B is next on screen size at 31.5 inches, so this pick's 49 inches is 56% further out. It gives up refresh rate (120Hz against 165Hz) to the Westinghouse 24 Curved, the cheapest pick. It is aimed at anyone who puts screen size first.
Do the Westinghouse 24 Curved and the VG32WQ3B differ on resolution?
The Westinghouse 24 Curved and the C24G42E use 1920x1080 (1080p); the VG32WQ3B uses 2560x1440 (1440p); the AG493UCX uses 5120x1440.
Beyond the specs, what sets the Westinghouse 24 Curved and the C24G42E apart?
The Westinghouse 24 Curved: a 3000:1 contrast ratio from its VA panel. The C24G42E: a 1500R curve. The VG32WQ3B: a 1500R curved 31.5-inch screen.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the Westinghouse 24 Curved, chosen for a lower price than the C24G42E and the rest when we checked. Look at the C24G42E for a 1500R curve, the VG32WQ3B for a 1500R curved 31.5-inch screen and the AG493UCX for the largest screen size here (49 inches) if those matter more to you.
Sit centred; curves look best head-on.
Related Guides
- Related guideThe Best Gaming Monitors to Buy Now
- Related guideThe Best 1440p Gaming Monitors to Buy
- Related guideThe Best OLED Gaming Monitors
- Similar guideThe Best Curved Gaming Monitors
- Similar guideThe Best 27-Inch Curved Gaming Monitors
- ExplainerHow to Choose an Ultrawide Monitor
- ExplainerUltrawide Monitor Resolutions: 2560x1080, 3440x1440, 3840x1600 and 5120x1440
- Also see: graphics cardsGPU Power Connectors Explained
- Similar guideThe Best 32-Inch Curved Gaming Monitors
- Topic hubAll ultrawide and curved monitors guides
About the author
PC Hardware Editor
Alex covers PC hardware, monitors, components, upgrades and peripherals for The PC Journal, with a focus on helping readers understand specifications, compatibility and meaningful product trade-offs.
Covers: Monitors, Graphics cards, Processors, PC components, Peripherals, Upgrades and compatibility
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