1. Quick list
2. Best overall
3. Best curvature
4. Best ultrawide
5. Best for gaming
6. Best budget
7. FAQs
8. How we test
There are more options than ever before with the best 4K curved monitors on the market, and we've reviewed many different models which have been hand-picked below. Our list looks at budget, mid-range, and premium offerings from established manufacturers such as Dell, Samsung, LG, AOC, and others to give you an encompassing picture of what's available and worth your money in 2024.
What's exciting about the best 4K curved monitors in 2024 is the fact that they have become substantially cheaper and more available as the 2160p resolution has become standardized. Previously, you were paying a high price in comparison to 1080p and 1440p alternatives, but now things are far more level, even when weighing up with ultrawide and dedicated gaming panels. For more offerings, I recommend checking out our full list of the best gaming monitors.
A curved form factor can be a better fit for desk work and gaming over a more standard straight model. It also means enhanced viewing angles when sat up close, particularly when paired with an aggressive curve. For reference, the lower the number the more intense the curvature. Traditionally, this ranges anywhere from 1000R (a deep curve) to 4000R which is more subtle.
Then there's the size of 4K curved displays to consider. You'll find a range of sizes between 32 inches and 40 inches available in this buying guide to give you ample range which can benefit from having a curvature. For even more options, I recommend checking out the best 4K monitors and the best monitors overall to see what else is out there.
Michelle Ray Uy is now a contributer to TechRadar but she previously served as the site's Buying Guide Editor for several years. In her time, she has reviewed countless monitors, with a wealth of hands-on experience utilized to create this buying guide.
The Quick List
Best overall 4K curved monitor
The Dell S3221QS impresses with its classy design, excellent screen, affordable price tag, and vivid colors. It's not the brightest model on the market, and it lacks "true HDR" but given its price-to-performance, it's the best pick for most people.
Best 4K monitor with deepest curvature
The Samsung UR59C impresses with its staggering 1500R curvature for immersive media playback and working. It's not the best panel for gamers with its 60Hz refresh rate, but it should be a leading option for working on.
Best ultrawide curved 4K monitor
The Dell UltraSharp U4021QW features a 21:9 ultrawide aspect ratio with its 2500R curvature, with a form factor that's ideal for creatives, and media playback.
Best curved near-4K gaming monitor
The LG UltraGear 38GN950 features a staggering 144Hz refresh rate with a 2300R curve, and a bright 450 nits picture. Its resolution is just shy of native 4K at 3840 x 1600, but the display looks so good that it hardly matters in our opinion.
Best budget curved 4K monitor
While the AOC CU32V3 favors function over form, it is the most affordable option on our list with respectable colors and a good design. It's decidedly no-frills, but you can't argue with the value for money here.
Best overall 4K curved montior
The Dell S3221QS’s sleek and classy design, just the type of look that can fit anywhere, is only surpassed by the beautiful visuals it produces on its 3840 x 2160 60Hz panel. The image quality this 4K curved monitor delivers is sharp and vibrant, made better by its 300-nit brightness and 3000:1 contrast ratio.
The color gamuts – 99% sRGB and 90% DCI-P3 color – aren’t wide enough for content creators, but that doesn’t stop it from producing colors vivid enough for media consumption.
And, of course, that 1800R curvature offers deep immersion and a wider field of view. Its sub-$400/£400 price tag rounds it all out nicely, offering an attractive option for those looking for a display that sees them through most tasks, including narrative-driven games.
Read our full Dell S3221QS review
Deepest curvature on a 4K monitor
Curved monitors have varying curve ratings that typically range from 1800R to 4000R. But, then there are those special ones like the Samsung UR59C, whose 1500R curvature on a 32-inch panel means you’ll get a higher level of immersion without feeling engulfed by the screen. Its higher contrast ratio of 2,500:1 and color coverage are decent, which means you’re getting great dynamic range and vivid colors.
Plus, features like Game Mode and Picture-by-Picture mean you can switch from productivity to gaming in a snap – as long as you don’t need a higher refresh rate for your games. But it’s worth keeping in mind that you’re paying for the curvature here, as features like swivel and height adjustability are non-existent and USB ports are missing.
Best ultrawide 4K curved monitor
There are two things to bear in mind before jumping on the Dell UltraSharp U4021QW. One, it’s not exactly 4K. It’s specifically a 5K2K resolution panel, but this is as close as you’re going to get to an ultrawide 4K. Two, this productivity display is more expensive than many kitted-out gaming monitors out there.
However, if you can afford it, it might just be well worth it with its plethora of ports that include Thunderbolt 3 and RJ45 ports and massive screen real estate that allows for the ultimate multitasking. And that 2500R curvature is just enough to offer a deeper immersion on an ultrawide display. Last but hardly least, it comes with 100% sRGB, 100% Rec. 709 and 98% DCI-P3, which makes it a great 4K curved monitor for content creators.
Read our full Dell UltraSharp U4021QW review
Best curved 4K monitor for gaming
Who says you can’t have high-resolution gaming resolution while satisfying your need for speed too? While most 4K panels are still at 60Hz, a newer class of 4K 144Hz models is on the rise so that gamers can have the best of both worlds.
The LG UltraGear 38GN950 might not be exactly 4K, sacrificing some pixel space for that ultrawide look at 3840 x 1600, but it boasts superior picture quality, great features for gaming and elevated specs like 450-nit brightness and VESA DisplayHDR 600. Better than other 4K 144Hz monitors, it comes with a 2300R curvature and an ultrawide design that delivers deeper immersion and more screen real estate.
Read our full LG UltraGear 38GN950 review
Best budget 4K monitor
Also the least expensive option here, which means it’s the best value as long as you don’t need the extra frills, the AOC CU32V3 is best for general use if you’re looking for a 4K curved monitor for your home.
This 32-inch panel comes with that deep 1500R curve as well as a thin-bezel design. Of course, this being an AOC monitor, it touts an imaginative modern design as well, for better or worse. It’s a bit stripped down on features. Even its ports are limited. But most users don’t need those, and if you’re such a user, you’ll get a lot out of its sub-$400 price.
Best 4K curved monitors - FAQs
Are 4K curved monitors worth it?
If you want a more immersive working, gaming, or media playback experience then a curved 4K display is just the thing. it's particularly noticable when considering a 21:9 model over a 16:9 iteration. Keep in mind that curved displays in 2160p resolution tend to be more expensive than non-curved ones.
How should I choose the right 4K curved monitor?
We've listed five of our top choices for the best 4K curved monitors above. Typing speaking, you'll want to compare and contrast these options based on their price point, refresh rate, aspect ratio, peak brightness, and port selection.
How I tested the best 4K curved monitors
Here at TechRadar, we endeavour to review as many products as possible before recommending them here in our best lists. That's the case with the best 4K curved monitors as well. We've gone hands-on with many of the models featured here; testing their performance with media playback and gaming where possible.
You can find out more about how we test, review and rate products here. The cliff notes version is this: if a company makes claims about refresh rates, peak brightness, and the port selection then we will verify to ensure it's accurate. We're frequently testing and scoring more screens, so we'll be expanding on this list as more offerings hit the scene.
