Curved monitors have become increasingly popular due to their ergonomic design and immersive viewing experience. They provide a more natural viewing angle that reduces eye strain, making them perfect for power users like gamers and graphic artists, video editors, and everyday home and office use.
In this article, we’ll go over the benefits and features of curved monitors, as well as provide a list of our picks for the top 5 best curved monitors on the market today.
What is a Curved Monitor?
A curved monitor is a computer monitor with a curvature radius that is greater than traditional flat-screen monitors. Curved monitors are designed to provide a more immersive viewing experience, as well as improved image clarity and viewing angles. They also come with a variety of features such as higher resolutions, faster response times, and adjustable settings.
Benefits of Curved Monitors
Immersive Viewing
Curved monitors are more immersive because of their curved design. This curvature allows for a wider field of view, as the edges of the monitor wrap around the user’s peripheral vision. This provides a more natural viewing experience, which is especially beneficial when gaming or watching movies. Additionally, curved monitors have an increased contrast ratio and deeper black levels compared to flat monitors, which further enhances the viewing experience.
Reduced Eye Strain
The curved displays provide improved viewing angles, which reduce eye strain and fatigue. This is especially beneficial for long work sessions such as office work or video editing. Additionally, many curved monitors come with adjustable settings so you can adjust the monitor to your preferred viewing angle.
Multitasking with One Screen
Curved monitors are also great for multitasking as they allow you to easily view two or more windows side-by-side without having to purchase multiple monitors. This allows you to work more efficiently as you can quickly switch between different tasks without having to constantly adjust the monitor’s settings.
Less Distortion
Curved monitors also provide less distortion on the edges of the screen as compared to flat-screen monitors. With traditional flat-screen monitors, the edges of the screen often appear out of focus. In contrast, curved monitors mimic the natural curved shape of your eye, taking advantage of your peripheral vision and allowing your eye to capture images how they would naturally appear.
Drawbacks of Curved Monitors
More Glare
Due to the curved design of a monitor, there can be more glare and reflections than with flat-screen monitors. This is especially true if the monitor is in a bright room or is being used outdoors. To reduce this issue, you should use an anti-glare screen protector on your curved monitor.
Neck Strain
The curved design of a monitor can also cause neck strain as it is difficult to keep your head in the center of the screen when using a curved monitor. To reduce this issue, you should adjust the height and position of the monitor to improve ergonomics. Additionally, some curved monitors come with adjustable stand settings so you can find the best viewing angle.
Price
Finally, curved monitors tend to be more expensive than flat-screen monitors due to the additional features offered. Generally, curved monitors can range anywhere from $150 to as much as $2000. This makes them significantly more expensive than standard flat-screen monitors, which typically only cost between $50 and $400. However, the extra cost is often worth it for users who want a more immersive experience and improved viewing angles.
Takes up More Space
Curved monitors also take up more space than flat-screen monitors since they have a wider field of view. This means that curved monitors are not the best choice if you have limited desk space, as they will take up more room than a regular flat-screen monitor.
Top 5 Best Curved Monitors in 2023
- AOC CU34G2X (Best Budget Curved Monitor)
- Samsung Odyssey Neo G9 (Best Super Wide Curved Monitor)
- LG 34WN80C-B 34-Inch (Best Flexible Curved Monitor)
- Samsung CJ791 34-Inch (Best Curved Monitor for Multi-Monitor Displays)
- Alienware AW3423DW (Best Gaming Curved Monitor)
Here is our list of the top 5 best curved monitors on the market today.
5 Best Curved Ultrawide Monitors
1. AOC CU34G2X
Best Budget Curved Monitor
With a 34″ ultra-wide Quad HD (2K+) resolution VA panel, this monitor provides stunning visuals with a pixel pitch of 0.23175. The rapid 1ms response time and 144Hz refresh rate with Adaptive-Sync create ultra-smooth action, while the 1500R curvature radius gives you an immersive experience.
The VA panel also provides wide viewing angles and brilliant colors, displaying over 115% sRGB and 98% Adobe RGB color gamut area coverage. Plus, the AOC Re-Spawned 3-year zero-bright-dot 3-year advance replacement 1-year (one-time) accidental damage warranty ensures that your monitor will perform at its best for years to come.
2. Samsung Odyssey Neo G9
Best Super Wide Curved Monitor
The Samsung Odyssey Neo G9 is Samsung’s largest 1000R monitor. With its 49″ curved display, the G9 provides an immersive experience. QLED technology ensures sharp, vibrant colors and stunning detail, while the rapid 240hz refresh rate keeps things moving smoothly. NVIDIA G-SYNC and AMD FreeSync make sure your graphics are always in sync, while the Infinity Core lighting adds a touch of style.
This is the longest screen on the list, so if you’re looking for the most screen real estate and the best immersive experience, this is your guy.
3. LG 34WN80C-B 34-Inch
Best Flexible Curved Monitor
The LG 34WN80C-B 34-Inch monitor is the perfect choice for anyone looking for an immersive and engaging experience. The 21:9 aspect ratio and curved display make for a truly captivating experience, while the USB type-C connectivity and HDR 10 compatibility make it easy to connect to your favorite devices. The on-screen control and height & tilt adjustable stand makes it easy to customize your viewing experience, while the sRGB 99% color gamut gives you accurate colors.
This is a great monitor for work, but the 60hz refresh rate is probably not the best for gaming if you were looking for a multi-use monitor.
4. Samsung CJ791 34-Inch
Best Curved Monitor for Multi-Monitor Displays
The Samsung CJ791 34-Inch Curved Monitor with Intel Thunderbolt 3 is a powerful and versatile monitor perfect for those who want the best of both worlds – a curved display for an immersive experience, and the speed and power of Thunderbolt 3. With a single cable, you can connect your laptop and this monitor for rapid data transfer and up to 85W of charging power.
The WQHD resolution and QLED technology provide stunning visuals, while the intuitive screen split software makes multitasking a breeze. Whether you’re working on a creative project or just trying to be more productive, this monitor is an excellent choice.
The selling point for this monitor is the Thunderbolt 3 USB-C implementation with 85W output that works great for both Mac and PC.
Another bonus is that the cable is included and is around $100 in value itself.
5. Alienware AW3423DW
Best Gaming Curved Monitor
With a WQHD resolution and a fast response time, this monitor provides an immersive experience. Additionally, the 120Hz native refresh rate ensures smooth gameplay. And with IPS Nano color technology, you’ll enjoy stunning visuals. Plus, the input connectors make it easy to connect to your favorite gaming devices.
This monitor has a little of everything – a fast response time, great color accuracy and includes a free panel replacement and warranty. So whether you’re looking for an immersive creative experience or simply want a great display for your computer, the Alienware AW3423DW is a perfect choice.
What to look for when buying a curved monitor
When shopping for a curved monitor, there are several factors you should consider before making your purchase. Here are some tips:
1. Size
Curved monitors come in a variety of sizes, ranging from 21 inches to 49 inches in size, providing an optimal viewing experience that makes the content look sharp even at a distance. The larger the monitor, the wider the viewing angle will be. This is especially useful when gaming, watching movies, or video editing, as a wider field of view can give you more detail.
2. Degree of Curvature
When shopping for a curved monitor, the degree of curvature should be one of the first factors that you consider. This is measured by the radius of the monitor’s curved shape and affects the viewing experience. The larger the radius, the more immersive and engaging your viewing experience will be.
Monitors with a smaller radius are well-suited for office settings, while larger monitors with a higher degree of curvature are best for gaming and multimedia applications.
3. Ergonomics
When shopping for a curved monitor, you should also look for ergonomic features that can help reduce neck strain. Monitors with adjustable height settings and swivel stands will allow you to find the best viewing angle while minimizing any discomfort. Additionally, look for monitors with built-in eye protection technology such as blue light filters or flicker reduction features that can help reduce fatigue.
4. Connectivity
Finally, make sure that the monitor you choose has all the ports and connections that you need for your setup. HDMI, DisplayPort, and USB ports are essential for connecting to external devices such as gaming consoles or digital cameras. If you plan on connecting multiple devices at once, look for a monitor with multiple inputs and outputs.
5. Resolution and Refresh Rate
The resolution and refresh rate of a monitor are two important features to consider when shopping for a curved monitor. Higher resolutions will give you sharper images, while higher refresh rates will provide smoother motion with less input lag during gaming or multimedia applications. Look for a monitor with a resolution of 1920×1080 or higher and a refresh rate of 120Hz or higher.
6. Panel type
There are two types of panel technologies used in curved monitors – VA and IPS. VA panels have better contrast ratios and color reproduction than IPS panels, but IPS panels offer better viewing angles. Choose the panel type that best suits your needs.
Conclusion
When shopping for a curved monitor, there are many factors to consider. Take into account the size and degree of curvature of the monitor, as well as its ergonomic features, connectivity options, and resolution. You should also consider the panel type that best suits your needs. With these tips in mind, you’ll be able to find the best curved monitor for your needs.
If you’re unsure if a curved monitor is for you, check out our blog on the best regular, portable monitors, and ultrawide monitors for more information.
Happy shopping! 🙂
Frequently Asked Questions
Who should use a curved monitor?
A curved monitor is a perfect choice for those looking for an immersive viewing experience with a wider field of view and more detail. Gaming, watching movies, and video editing benefit the most from curved monitors due to their increased degree of curvature which gives more depth and realism to the image. Curved monitors are also great for office settings, the curved design can reduce eye strain commonly following hours of work behind a screen.
Which brand is best for curved monitors?
When shopping for a curved monitor, there are a variety of brands to choose from. The most reputable brands for curved monitors are LG, Samsung, Dell, and HP.
What size is the best curvature for a monitor?
A curvature of 1000R is considered to be the optimal size for a curved monitor, as it is closest to the natural curvature of the human eye, so it is the most comfortable viewing experience. Monitors with smaller curvatures are better suited for office settings, while monitors with higher curvatures are better for gaming and multimedia applications.
Is a curved monitor good for productivity?
Yes, curved monitors are good for productivity. The curved design of the monitor can help reduce eye strain and fatigue that is commonly experienced after hours of work behind a screen.
Additionally, curved monitors offer a wider field of view which allows you to see more on the screen at once, making multitasking easier and improving your overall productivity.
