Curved Monitor Buying Guide: Size Considerations

If you're in the market for a curved monitor, you'll want to consider the size that best fits your needs. Curved monitors typically range from 27 inches to 49 inches, so you'll need to think about how much space you have on your desk and how far you'll be sitting from the screen.

For those looking for a monitor for work, a larger monitor will be more beneficial as it will allow you to have multiple windows open side by side. A curved monitor between 30 and 34 inches will give you enough room for modern resolutions and colour capabilities, and will fit easily on most desks.

If you're a gamer, a larger monitor will provide a more immersive gaming experience, but you may find anything over 32 inches too big to keep track of all the elements.

Curved monitors with a bigger curve will offer a more panoramic viewing experience, but if you're planning to use your monitor for work as well, a middle-ground option may be better as a tighter curve may distort text and images.

Curved monitors for gaming

Curved monitors are designed to match the field of view humans see with their eyes more closely, reducing eye strain. The larger the monitor, the more beneficial the curve, as the entire screen is closer to your field of vision, providing a more consistent image across the display.

Curved monitors are particularly good for racing games, flight simulators, and other games that provide panoramic views. They are also good for multi-tasking, allowing you to have several documents or one gigantic spreadsheet open at a time, viewing them with a minimum of eye strain.

The smallest size for a curved monitor is 24 inches, but most are 27 inches or larger, with clusters at 30, 34, 35, and 49 inches. For most users, an optimal size for a curved monitor is around 35 inches, providing enough room for tiling multiple windows and an immersive gaming or video experience, while being small enough to fit easily on most desks.

If you want the best gaming experience when looking for a curved monitor, it's important to consider its gaming performance and features, like its refresh rate, response time, and input lag.

Dell Alienware AW3225QF 304

The best curved gaming monitor we've tested is the Dell Alienware AW3225QF. It's a premium display that's outstanding for gaming, as it has a 240Hz refresh rate. It has a near-instantaneous response time, meaning there's almost no blur trail behind fast-moving objects. It also supports all common types of VRR, including FreeSync, HDMI Forum VRR, and G-SYNC compatibility, to reduce screen tearing. Its high 4K resolution delivers sharp images, and the screen's 1700R curve helps provide a more immersive feel.

Dell Alienware AW3423DWF 96

While 4K displays like the Dell Alienware AW3225QF provide the most detailed image, they cost more and require a powerful gaming setup to take advantage of them, especially at high refresh rates. If you prefer saving money or don't have a graphics card that can take full advantage of the AW3225QF, consider the Dell Alienware AW3423DWF instead. It's different from the AW3225QF because it has an ultrawide screen that's useful for atmospheric games, but it doesn't deliver the same detailed images due to its lower 1440p resolution.

Gigabyte M32UC

If you find the Dell Alienware AW3423DWF too much out of your price range, consider getting a mid-range option like the Gigabyte M32UC. It's different from the Dell because it isn't an ultrawide and its 4K, 32-inch screen makes it more of a cheaper alternative to the Dell Alienware AW3225QF. However, it has worse picture quality than both Dell monitors as it doesn't have an OLED display or even a local dimming feature, so blacks look gray in dark rooms, and colors aren't as vivid. Another downside is that it has worse motion handling, with more smearing with fast-moving objects, but its response time is still fast enough for most gamers.

Dell S3422DWG

If you want a budget-friendly curved monitor, look into the Dell S3422DWG. It's different from the Gigabyte M32UC because it has an ultrawide format with a 34-inch screen and a lower 3440x1440 resolution, so images are less detailed. It doesn't offer HDMI 2.1 bandwidth to take full advantage of consoles, either. That said, it still offers decent gaming performance, and the 1800R curve helps bring the edges closer to your field of vision.

Gigabyte GS27QC

If you want something cheap, it's better to look for 16:9 monitors instead of more costly ultrawide monitors. The Gigabyte GS27QC is a great option as it has a 1440p resolution like the Dell S3422DWG, but you don't get the same immersive gaming experience because there's less horizontal screen space. Luckily, it has a slightly higher 170Hz max refresh rate and the same FreeSync VRR support with G-SYNC compatibility to reduce screen tearing.

Curved monitors for video editing

When it comes to video editing, the monitor you use is an important piece of equipment. While you can use any display to edit your videos, getting a monitor that makes your content look life-like and realistic is beneficial.

The ideal monitor for video editing depends on your budget and your specific needs. If you're a professional video editor, you may want to invest in a high-end, professionally calibrated monitor. On the other hand, if you're just starting out, there are many consumer-level and budget-friendly monitors that can get the job done.

• Screen Resolution: A higher resolution will deliver more detail and sharper images. Look for monitors with 4K or higher resolutions.
• Colour Accuracy: Colour accuracy is crucial in video editing to ensure that the colours in your edited video match the original footage. Look for monitors with an advertised colour accuracy and, ideally, factory calibration.
• Colour Gamut: Different monitors offer different colour gamuts, which refer to the range of colours they can display. For video editing, you'll want a monitor that can display as close to 100% of the DCI-P3 and Rec. 709 colour standards as possible.
• Brightness and HDR: For basic HDR compatibility, look for a monitor with a brightness of at least 400 cd/m2. If you plan to edit HDR footage, consider a monitor with a brightness of 1000 cd/m2 or higher.
• Contrast Ratio: A higher contrast ratio will provide better picture quality with deeper blacks, making it ideal for editing videos in dark rooms.
• Size: The ideal size for a curved monitor depends on your workspace and preferences. Larger monitors can provide a more immersive experience and more screen real estate, but they may also be more expensive and require more desk space.
• Connectivity: Ensure that the monitor has the necessary ports to connect to your computer and other devices. USB-C ports are particularly useful as they can provide a streamlined, single-cable solution for modern laptops and peripherals.
• Dell UltraSharp 40 Curved U4021QW: This 40-inch curved ultrawide monitor offers a high resolution of 5120 x 2160, excellent colour accuracy with 100% sRGB, 100% Rec.709, and 98% DC-P3 coverage, and a practical 21:9 aspect ratio. It uses an IPS LCD panel for superior colour and contrast consistency compared to VA panels.
• BenQ PD3420Q: This 34-inch ultrawide monitor is designed with photographers and creatives in mind. It provides excellent colour accuracy and coverage, with 100% sRGB, 100% Rec.709, and 98% DCI-P3. It also has USB-C connectivity and a remote control for quick access to settings.
• LG 34BQ60QC-B: This 34-inch curved ultrawide monitor offers decent colour accuracy and coverage with 95% DCI-P3. It uses an IPS panel for better colour and contrast consistency than VA panels. It also supports HDR10 for viewing high dynamic range content.
• AOC Agon Curved Ultrawide CU34G3S: This 34-inch curved ultrawide monitor is a budget-friendly option for photo editors. It offers a resolution of 3440 x 1440 and a high refresh rate of 166Hz for smooth gaming. It provides good colour coverage with 119.25% sRGB but lacks USB-C connectivity.
• Samsung Odyssey Neo G9: This 49-inch ultrawide monitor offers a stunningly bright screen with a peak brightness of 2000 nits. It has a high resolution of 5120 x 1440 pixels and a solid colour coverage of 125% sRGB, 92% Adobe RGB, and 95% DCI. It also has a high refresh rate of 240Hz for gaming.

Curved monitors for content consumption

Curved monitors are an excellent choice for content consumption, offering an immersive viewing experience that rivals any modern display. They are also ideal for professionals or anyone who spends long hours in front of a computer, as they can help reduce eye strain by providing a wider viewing angle than flat monitors.

When it comes to size, curved monitors typically start at around 30 inches, with some options available in the 27-inch range. However, for content consumption, a larger screen size is generally preferable, with 32-inch or larger monitors being ideal for streaming movies or working on graphic design projects.

In terms of resolution, a higher resolution will provide a sharper and more lifelike picture. The two most common resolutions for curved monitors are 1080p (considered low) and 4K (high). However, there are also 5K and 8K options available. For content consumption, a higher resolution is beneficial, especially when streaming movies or viewing detailed images.

Another important specification to consider is the refresh rate, which refers to how many times per second the screen can refresh itself and create a new image. A higher refresh rate results in a snappier and more fluid picture, which is essential for gamers, video editors, and content creators. For content consumption, a higher refresh rate can enhance your viewing experience, especially when watching fast-paced or high-action content.

When choosing a curved monitor for content consumption, it is also essential to consider the aspect ratio, which is the ratio of the screen's width to its height. Curved monitors typically have a wider aspect ratio than flat monitors, commonly offering a 21:9 or 16:9 ratio. A wider aspect ratio provides more screen real estate, allowing you to view multiple windows or apps simultaneously.

• Dell Alienware AW3423DWF: This 34-inch monitor features a QD-OLED panel, providing deep blacks and vivid colours. It has a 1440p resolution and supports a variety of VRR formats.
• LG 34WN80C-B: With a 34-inch screen and a 3440 x 1440 resolution, this monitor offers ample workspace and a 178-degree viewing angle. It has a 60Hz refresh rate and covers 99% of the sRGB colour space, making it suitable for most content creation tasks.
• LG 34WK95C-W: This top-tier 34-inch monitor features an IPS panel with a 178-degree viewing angle and a 75Hz refresh rate. It covers 98% of the DCI-P3 colour space, making it ideal for video editors and other professionals.
• Samsung Odyssey G7: The 32-inch Odyssey G7 delivers a gorgeous 4K picture with a high refresh rate and support for AMD's FreeSync and G-Sync. It features a mini LED backlight for superb contrast.
• LG 49WL95C-W: For those seeking an ultra-wide option, the 49-inch LG 49WL95C-W offers a huge screen and a wide selection of ports, including USB-C for connectivity with Macs. It also features a built-in speaker system.

When choosing a curved monitor for content consumption, consider your budget, the size of your workspace, and the specific tasks you intend to perform. Additionally, pay attention to specifications like resolution, refresh rate, aspect ratio, and colour accuracy to ensure you get a monitor that meets your content consumption needs.

Curved monitor resolution

When it comes to curved monitor resolution, the higher the resolution, the better and more lifelike the picture will be. However, the higher the resolution, the more expensive the monitor will be. The two most popular resolutions for curved monitors are 1080p (low) and 4K (high), but there are even higher-resolution options, such as 5K or 8K.

Curved monitors with a 4K resolution deliver a ton of detail and sharp images. They provide a wider range of colours, deeper black tones, and a more true-to-life image. If you're looking for a budget option, you can opt for a lower screen resolution like Full HD (1080p) instead of 4K.

It's worth noting that curved monitors with higher resolutions may require a more powerful graphics card to function optimally. For most users, a 1440P or 1080P resolution will be more than adequate and can help keep costs down.

If you're a gamer, the Samsung Odyssey Neo G8 S32BG85 is a great option. It uses Mini LED backlighting and doesn't risk burn-in, although its picture quality and motion handling are not as good as some other models.

For a curved monitor with a higher resolution, the Dell Alienware AW3225QF is a premium option with a 4K, 240Hz QD-OLED display. It combines excellent gaming performance with fantastic picture quality, displaying a wide range of vivid colours. However, you'll need a high-end graphics card to take advantage of its high 240Hz refresh rate.

If you're looking for a curved monitor for work, the Dell U4025QW is a good choice. It has a much bigger 40-inch screen with a 5K2K resolution and high pixel density, producing extremely sharp text. It also has a massive USB hub with two of its five USB-C ports supporting Thunderbolt 4.

For a budget-friendly option, the Dell S3422DWG offers good value for money. It has a 34-inch screen size, 1440p resolution, and 1800R curve. However, it has worse picture quality than more expensive models, with less vivid colours and highlights that don't pop as much.

In summary, when choosing a curved monitor resolution, consider your budget, intended use, and whether you need a more powerful graphics card to support higher resolutions.

Curved monitor radius

The curvature of a monitor is indicated by its radius, which is measured in millimetres. This is often signified with an 'R', so you might see something like 1800R, 3000R, or 4000R. The lower the number, the more pronounced the curve. For example, a 1000R monitor will have a bigger curve than an 1800R monitor.

The curvature of the monitor is important because it determines the optimal viewing distance. The radius measurement is also the recommended maximum viewing distance in metres. So, for a monitor with 1800R curvature, the maximum distance you would want to position yourself away from the screen is 1.8 metres.

Curved monitors are designed to mimic the natural curvature of our field of view, bringing the edges of the screen into our peripheral vision. This has the benefit of reducing eye strain and creating a more comfortable and immersive viewing experience.

When choosing a curved monitor, it's important to consider what you'll be using it for. If you're a gamer, you may benefit from a more aggressive curve, whereas if you're using it for office work or photo and video editing, you may prefer a more conservative curve with a broader radius.

Frequently asked questions