Tempted to buy a curved monitor but don’t know if they’re good for gaming? Then you’re in luck!
We’ve put together this complete guide to curved monitors, highlighting all the advantages and how these monitors can boost your gaming performance.
What is a Curved Monitor?
A curved monitor has been designed to perfectly match the curvature of the human eye and offer a wide field of view and aspect ratio.
Advantages:
- Typically feature widescreen aspect ratios and resolutions
- Greater immersion since they match the curvature of the human eye
- Better for multitasking and productivity – have been designed to allow you to have multiple tabs and applications open at once
- Save on desk space – don’t need to invest in multiple monitor set ups due to the large screen real estate
Disadvantages
- Can be more expensive than standard flat monitors
- Viewer position – if you aren’t always sitting in the centre of the screen, your display can appear slightly distorted
Curved vs Flat Monitors for Gaming
Both curved and flat monitor set ups offer distinct advantages for gaming. What you choose depends on your individual preferences.
The natural curvature of these monitors puts you in the centre of the gaming action, for greater immersion. This is boosted even further thanks to a multitude of different display technologies, such as G-Sync or FreeSync.
What’s more, since curved monitors boast a huge widescreen aspect ratio, you’ll have even more screen real estate to help boost your gaming performance. This is particularly suited for fans of FPS and popular esports titles since you can enjoy those fast response times and silky-smooth frame rates whilst never missing a moment.
Not only this, but a curved monitor removes the need for you to have multiple screens for seamless multitasking. You can have more than one tab open with ease, without having to consistently flick between them. This boosts your productivity and helps you save on precious desk space.
Alternatively, a flat monitor set up offers similar advantages to your gameplay. There are countless resolution options, fast refresh rates, and enhancements for you to take advantage of. However, for those looking for plenty of screen real estate, there are some limitations.
Unless you are investing in multiple monitors, having numerous tabs or applications open will become a hassle. You’ll have to consistently switch between them which, will ultimately break your immersion when gaming.
Our Top Curved Monitor Picks!
We’ve got a hefty line of high-quality curved monitors available to purchase. Below, we’ve included a few of our top recommendations, however, you can also browse the entire range by clicking the button if none of these suit your preferences.
Samsung Odyssey G8 32’’ Curved Gaming Monitor:
- 32”
- 3840 x 2160 display resolution
- 240Hz refresh rates
- 1ms response time
- VA panel
MSI Optix Plus 38’’ Curved Gaming Monitor:
- 38”
- 3840 x 1600 display resolution
- Up to 175Hz refresh rates
- 1ms response time
- IPS panel
LG 49WQ95C-W 49’’ Ultrawide Curved Gaming Monitor:
- 49”
- 5120 x 1440 display resolution
- Up to 144Hz refresh rates
- 5ms response time
- IPS panel
Do You Have a Curved Monitor?
Do you have a curved monitor in your set up? Be sure to let us know why you picked your curved monitor down below.
- 3 min read
Ruth Rowley
Author
Ruth has been with Overclockers UK for over a year and has gone on to write about everything ranging from in-depth hardware guides to monthly game releases.
Outside of writing blog posts, she can be found wrapped in a blanket with her black cat, engrossed in a book or playing life-simulation games such as The Sims, Stardew Valley, and Animal Crossing.
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