Buying Guide
The Best OLED Curved Gaming Monitors
From the MAG 321CUP to the MPG 321CURX: four monitors ranked on refresh rate and screen size, with who should skip each one.
By The PC Journal editorial team
11 min read4 products evaluated
OLED gives true blacks, but static taskbars and HUDs need some care against burn-in. Every monitor here uses an OLED panel, is curved and refreshes at 120Hz or more, ordered by refresh rate.
This is a research roundup, not a lab test: refresh rate, resolution and size come from each maker's published specs; nothing here was tested in-house, and a missing HDR is flagged, not filled in.
Quick Picks
Our 4 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Largest Screen Size
Alienware 34 QD-OLED AW3425DW
The largest screen size here (34.2 inches).
Best for: Buyers who put screen size first.
Our take Check price for Alienware 34 QD-OLED AW3425DW (opens in a new tab)
Premium Pick
MSI MPG 321CURX QD-OLED
A 1700R curve at the highest price in the group.
Best for: Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the MAG 321CUP costs less.
Our take Check price for MSI MPG 321CURX QD-OLED (opens in a new tab)
Lowest Price Here
MSI MAG 321CUP QD-OLED
The lowest price among these monitors at the time of writing.
Best for: Spending as little as possible, with the AW3425DW the next step up.
Our take Check price for MSI MAG 321CUP QD-OLED (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
Alienware AW3423DWF QD-OLED
An 1800R QD-OLED curve.
Best for: Buyers who want 1800R QD-OLED curve.
Our take Check price for Alienware AW3423DWF QD-OLED (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it’s here | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| The largest screen size here (34.2 inches). | Buyers who put screen size first. | Check price for Alienware 34 QD-OLED AW3425DW (opens in a new tab) |
| A 1700R curve at the highest price in the group. | Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the MAG 321CUP costs less. | Check price for MSI MPG 321CURX QD-OLED (opens in a new tab) |
| The lowest price among these monitors at the time of writing. | Spending as little as possible, with the AW3425DW the next step up. | Check price for MSI MAG 321CUP QD-OLED (opens in a new tab) |
| An 1800R QD-OLED curve. | Buyers who want 1800R QD-OLED curve. | Check price for Alienware AW3423DWF QD-OLED (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Largest Screen Size1 of 4
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
- Buyers who put screen size first.
Skip if
- Look at the others if this bothers you: oLED burn-in risk with static desktop elements.
Why we like it
It pairs OLED contrast with a wide field of view. It matches the MPG 321CURX on refresh rate (240Hz). Its 34.2 inches screen size is the largest here; the AW3423DWF comes next at 34 inches.
Like the AW3423DWF, it has a 3440x1440 resolution, while the MPG 321CURX uses a 3840x2160 (4K) resolution. Like the MAG 321CUP, it has a 99% DCI-P3 color gamut, while the AW3423DWF uses a 99.3% DCI-P3 color gamut. You also get 1000 nits peak HDR brightness.
Leave the maker's pixel-refresh routines enabled and hide static taskbars to limit burn-in risk. Its price falls between the MAG 321CUP and the AW3423DWF, based on our last check.
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 MAG 321CUP at the time of writing
Premium Pick2 of 4
MSI MPG 321CURX QD-OLED on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The MPG 321CURX stands out for a 1700R curve, and it adds a 98W USB-C port and KVM switch.
Best for
- Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the MAG 321CUP costs less.
Skip if
- Skip it if this is a deal-breaker for you: oLED burn-in risk with static desktop elements.
Why we like it
It also offers a 240Hz refresh rate and offers a 32 inches screen size. On screen size it ties with the MAG 321CUP at 32 inches. Like the MAG 321CUP, it has a 3840x2160 (4K) resolution, while the AW3425DW uses a 3440x1440 resolution.
Reaching 240Hz at 4K needs DisplayPort 1.4 with DSC or HDMI 2.1 on your graphics card, and a GPU able to render well above 100fps at 4K. Leave the maker's pixel-refresh routines enabled and hide static taskbars to limit burn-in risk. G-SYNC Compatible works on NVIDIA cards over DisplayPort, and FreeSync covers AMD cards. It was the highest-priced of the 4 picks at the time of writing, so the case for it rests on what it adds over the AW3423DWF and the rest.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 240Hz
- Resolution: 3840x2160 (4K)
- Size: 32 inches
- Panel: QD-OLED
- Response: 0.03ms
- HDR: DisplayHDR True Black 400
- Adaptive sync: G-SYNC Compatible
- USB-C: Yes
Pros
- a 240Hz refresh rate for fast motion
- 4K resolution for sharp text and detail
- a QD-OLED panel with per-pixel contrast
- DisplayHDR True Black 400 certification
Cons
- OLED burn-in risk with static desktop elements
- Costs more than the MAG 321CUP at the time of writing
Lowest Price Here3 of 4
MSI MAG 321CUP QD-OLED on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
What the MAG 321CUP brings to the table is a 1700R curve, plus HDMI 2.1 and a 15W USB-C port.
Best for
- Spending as little as possible, with the AW3425DW the next step up.
Skip if
- Skip it if this is a deal-breaker for you: oLED burn-in risk with static desktop elements.
Why we like it
It also offers a 165Hz refresh rate and offers a 32 inches screen size. On refresh rate it ties with the AW3423DWF at 165Hz. It matches the MPG 321CURX on screen size (32 inches).
It shares a 3840x2160 (4K) resolution with the MPG 321CURX; the AW3423DWF goes with a 3440x1440 resolution. It shares a 99% DCI-P3 color gamut with the AW3425DW; the AW3423DWF goes with a 99.3% DCI-P3 color gamut. Reaching 165Hz at 4K needs DisplayPort 1.4 with DSC or HDMI 2.1 on your graphics card, and a GPU able to render well above 100fps at 4K.
Leave the maker's pixel-refresh routines enabled and hide static taskbars to limit burn-in risk. G-SYNC Compatible works on NVIDIA cards over DisplayPort, and FreeSync covers AMD cards. No other pick here cost less at our last price check, and the AW3425DW was closest. Screen size is its weakest area, and the AW3425DW covers it better at 34.2 inches.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 165Hz
- Resolution: 3840x2160 (4K)
- Size: 32 inches
- Panel: QD-OLED
- Response: 0.03ms
- HDR: DisplayHDR True Black 400
- Color gamut: 99% DCI-P3
- Adaptive sync: G-SYNC Compatible
- USB-C: Yes
Pros
- 165Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen
- 4K resolution for sharp text and detail
- a QD-OLED panel with per-pixel contrast
- DisplayHDR True Black 400 certification
Cons
- OLED burn-in risk with static desktop elements
- Screen size trails the AW3425DW (34.2 inches)
Also Consider4 of 4
Alienware AW3423DWF QD-OLED on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Alienware's AW3423DWF is a 34-inch QD-OLED ultrawide at 165Hz with 99.3% DCI-P3 coverage.
Best for
- Buyers who want 1800R QD-OLED curve.
Skip if
- Pass on it if oLED burn-in risk with static desktop element rules it out for your setup.
Why we like it
Its stand adjusts for height, tilt, swivel and slant. On refresh rate it ties with the MAG 321CUP at 165Hz. Its 34 inches screen size ranks second of 4 here, behind the AW3425DW (34.2 inches) and ahead of the MAG 321CUP (32 inches).
It shares a 3440x1440 resolution with the AW3425DW; the MAG 321CUP goes with a 3840x2160 (4K) resolution. You get a 99.3% DCI-P3 color gamut here, which sets it apart from the MAG 321CUP and its a 99% DCI-P3 color gamut. You also get an 1800R QD-OLED curve and switchable DCI-P3 and sRGB modes.
Leave the maker's pixel-refresh routines enabled and hide static taskbars to limit burn-in risk. It was priced above the AW3425DW and below the MPG 321CURX at the time of writing. It gives ground on refresh rate, where the AW3425DW offers 240Hz.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 165Hz
- Resolution: 3440x1440
- Size: 34 inches
- Panel: QD-OLED
- Response: 0.1ms
- Color gamut: 99.3% DCI-P3
- Stand: height, tilt, swivel and slant
Pros
- 165Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen
- a QD-OLED panel with per-pixel contrast
- 99.3% DCI-P3 colour coverage
- a stand with height, tilt, swivel and slant
Cons
- OLED burn-in risk with static desktop elements
- Refresh rate trails the AW3425DW (240Hz)
- Costs more than the MAG 321CUP at the time of writing
How We Chose These OLED Curved Gaming Monitors
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- What we compared
- We compared four monitors on refresh rate, resolution, screen size and panel as the makers state them. Nothing was tested in-house; 5 of the 9 fields compared are stated for every pick, while HDR and color gamut have gaps.
- The shared baseline
- All 4, from the AW3425DW to the AW3423DWF, state refresh rate, resolution and screen size and share QD-OLED panel.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The AW3423DWF gives no HDR; the MPG 321CURX gives no color gamut.
- Price range
- From the MAG 321CUP to the MPG 321CURX, all sat in the $500 to $1000 tier when we checked.
What to Look for in an OLED Curved Gaming Monitor
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
How much refresh rate you need
The AW3425DW tops refresh rate at 240Hz and the AW3423DWF sits lowest at 165Hz; 2 picks share the top figure. The AW3425DW is the pick for refresh rate.
Screen size across these picks
Across these 4 picks screen size spans 32 inches (the MAG 321CUP) to 34.2 inches (the AW3425DW). If screen size is your first filter, the AW3425DW sets the ceiling at 34.2 inches.
Response
The AW3425DW, the MPG 321CURX and the MAG 321CUP list 0.03ms; the AW3423DWF lists 0.1ms. Settling response first narrows 4 picks to 3 or 1.
Features beyond the spec table
The MPG 321CURX: a 98W USB-C port and KVM switch. The MAG 321CUP: HDMI 2.1 and a 15W USB-C port. The AW3423DWF: switchable DCI-P3 and sRGB modes.
How much to spend
Price does little to separate these 4: the MAG 321CUP through the MPG 321CURX all landed in the $500 to $1000 tier, which leaves refresh rate to decide it.
How to Choose an OLED Curved Gaming Monitor
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Buyers who put screen size first | AW3425DW | The largest screen size here (34.2 inches) |
| Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the MAG 321CUP costs less | MPG 321CURX | A 1700R curve at the highest price in the group |
| Spending as little as possible, with the AW3425DW the next step up | MAG 321CUP | The lowest price among these monitors at the time of writing |
| Buyers who want 1800R QD-OLED curve | AW3423DWF | An 1800R QD-OLED curve |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The AW3425DW leads on refresh rate at 240Hz, ahead of the MPG 321CURX at 240Hz.
| Monitor | Refresh rate | Resolution | Size | Panel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AW3425DW | 240Hz | 3440x1440 | 34.2 inches | QD-OLED |
| MPG 321CURX | 240Hz | 3840x2160 (4K) | 32 inches | QD-OLED |
| MAG 321CUP | 165Hz | 3840x2160 (4K) | 32 inches | QD-OLED |
| AW3423DWF | 165Hz | 3440x1440 | 34 inches | QD-OLED |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the AW3423DWF compare with the AW3425DW on screen size?
The AW3425DW leads at 34.2 inches, with the AW3423DWF at 34 inches. The spread runs down to the MAG 321CUP at 32 inches.
Is the MPG 321CURX worth paying more than the MAG 321CUP?
What it brings is refresh rate (240Hz against 165Hz). Both sat in the $500 to $1000 tier when we checked, so the gains in refresh rate cost little extra by tier.
What makes the AW3425DW the Largest Screen Size?
The label rests on the largest screen size here (34.2 inches). The AW3423DWF is next on screen size at 34 inches, so this pick's 34.2 inches is 1% further out. It is aimed at anyone who puts screen size first.
Do the AW3425DW and the MPG 321CURX differ on resolution?
The AW3425DW and the AW3423DWF use 3440x1440; the MPG 321CURX and the MAG 321CUP use 3840x2160 (4K).
Beyond the specs, what sets the AW3425DW and the MPG 321CURX apart?
The AW3425DW: an 1800R QD-OLED ultrawide. The MPG 321CURX: a 1700R curve. The MAG 321CUP: a 1700R curve.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the AW3425DW, chosen for the largest screen size here (34.2 inches). Look at the MPG 321CURX for a 1700R curve at the highest price in the group, the MAG 321CUP for the lowest price among these monitors at the time of writing and the AW3423DWF for an 1800R QD-OLED curve if those matter more to you.
Check that your GPU has the port the monitor needs for its full refresh rate.