The best curved monitors 2024: excellent curved displays for more immersive viewing

best curved monitors
(Image credit: Future)

Consider getting one of the best curved monitors if you’re in the market for a new computer display and want something more immersive. Not that flat panels are outdated but curved versions offer a completely different experience as their curvature not just gives these monitors their unique look.

The best curved monitors cure a few issues that flat ones have. They’re designed to minimize edge distortion. More importantly, that curvature lessens the risk of eye strain and ensures that you have a wider field of view. Regardless of whether you’re playing your favorite games, editing photos and videos, or streaming your favorite show, your experience on a top-quality curved display will be vastly improved and your eye will thank you.

So, if you’re in the market for the best display for your needs, it’s a good idea to consider a curved one. We’ve tested many of the models that have been released in the last few years, and we put together a list of the top ones that are worth your money. We made sure, of course, to include some of the best 4K monitors since 1080p displays are on their way out. 

LG UltraGear 38GN950 against a white background

(Image credit: LG)

1. LG UltraGear 38GN950

The best curved monitor for ultrawide fans

Specifications

Screen size: 38-inch
Aspect ratio: 21:9
Resolution: 3,840x2,160
Curve radius: unspecified
Viewing angle: 178/178
Refresh rate: 144Hz, overclocked to 160Hz
Response time: 1ms
Contrast ratio: 1000:1
Color support: DCI-P3 98% color gamut

Reasons to buy

+
160Hz refresh rate
+
Super-responsive
+
Large screen

Reasons to avoid

-
Expensive
-
May be a bit too large for some

The LG UltraGear 38GN950 isn’t just one of the best curved monitors we’ve tested recently. It’s also among the best ultrawide monitors to date. This nano IPS display rocks some solid specs – including a super-fast refresh rate and response time as well as HDR support, G-sync and massive screen size, making it a boon for gamers. You can even overclock its refresh rate to 160Hz for all those fast-paced games you’ll be playing. It’s not just your gaming experience that’s elevated here; that subtle screen curve helps reduce eye strain when looking towards its edges. Budget buyers might want to look at other options on this list, however, as this monitor will not come cheap.

Read the full review: LG UltraGear 38GN950

AOC CU34G2X against a white background

(Image credit: AOC)

2. AOC CU34G2X

Best curved monitor that’s easy on the budget

Specifications

Screen size: 34-inch
Aspect ratio: 21:9
Resolution: 3440x1440
Curve radius: 1500mm
Viewing angle: 178/178
Refresh rate: 144Hz
Response time: 1ms
Contrast ratio: 3000:1
Color support: 119% sRGB color gamut

Reasons to buy

+
Superb performance
+
Immersive
+
Subtle design

Reasons to avoid

-
Menu is hard to navigate
-
No G-Sync

For everything this curved monitor has going for it – and there’s a lot – the AOC CU34G2X is affordably priced. That’s pretty incredible for a monitor that boasts QHD resolution, 144Hz refresh rate, 1ms response time and AMD Freesync as some of its marquee features. That’s without mentioning its superb performance, impressive technical stats and some HDR support. It’s a little plain as far as design is concerned, but that’s hardly a deal-breaker. There’s also one advantage it has over the pricier LG UltraGear 38GN950 – it has a smaller footprint at 34 inches, so it’s just the ticket for users with more limited desk space.

Read the full review: AOC CU34G2X

Dell S3221QS against a white background

(Image credit: Dell)

3. Dell S3221QS

Best curved monitor with 4K resolution

Specifications

Screen size: 31.5-inch
Aspect ratio: 16:9
Resolution: 3840 x 2160
Curve radius: 1800mm
Viewing angle: 178/178
Refresh rate: 60Hz
Response time: up to 4ms
Contrast ratio: 3000:1
Color support: 1.07 billion colors

Reasons to buy

+
Picture-in-picture with two PCs
+
Surprisingly decent sound
+
Elegant design

Reasons to avoid

-
Not very fast
-
Limited ports

The Dell S3221QS is a gorgeous monitor inside and out. Its simple yet elegant silver design gives it a unique look that sets it apart from all the gamer-centric or boring black office monitors you're most likely to find. It comes with a stunning 4K VA panel to match, making everything from movies to gaming a pleasure to watch. And, to make it an even better proposition, it’s got some great features as well – namely, decent-sounding speakers and an interesting picture-in-picture functionality that will let you display two different computers in the same display. That’s pretty nifty and a great way to make up for the fact that there’s no USB-C connectivity.

Read the full review: Dell 4K S3221QS Curved Monitor

Asus Designo Curve MX38VC against a white background

(Image credit: Asus)

4. Asus Designo Curve MX38VC

Curved monitor with a terrific feature set

Specifications

Screen size: 37.5-inch
Aspect ratio: 21:9
Resolution: 3,840x1,600
Curve radius: 2300mm
Viewing angle: 178/178
Refresh rate: unspecified
Response time: 5ms
Contrast ratio: 1000:1
Color support: 1.07 billion colors

Reasons to buy

+
Huge desktop real estate
+
Good quality IPS panel
+
Excellent connectivity

Reasons to avoid

-
No HDR or high refresh
-
Very expensive

If you’re looking for something with a deeper curve – perhaps if you plan on sitting farther away from your monitor – you should take a look at Asus Designo Curve MX38VC. Its 2300R curvature gives you a 2300mm curve radius. That might not be the deepest out there, but it’s still decently deep. And, you’re also getting a couple of nifty features with it: Bluetooth connectivity, a pair of 10-Watts stereo speakers that Harman Kardon helped develop, and a Qi wireless charger at the base. Unfortunately, this isn’t one of the more affordable options out there, but if you’ve got the funds, this is the best curved monitor for your productivity needs.

Read the full review: Asus Designo Curve MX38VC

AOC Agon AG352UCG6 Black Edition against a white background

(Image credit: AOC)

5. AOC Agon AG352UCG6

Affordable curved monitor for gaming

Specifications

Screen size: 35-inch
Aspect ratio: 21:9
Resolution: 3440x1440
Curve radius: 1800mm
Viewing angle: 178/178
Refresh rate: 120Hz
Response time: 4ms
Contrast ratio: 2500:1
Color support: 85% NTSC color gamut

Reasons to buy

+
Strong price point
+
120Hz refresh rate
+
Super-wide aspect ratio

Reasons to avoid

-
Design needs work
-
OSD menu is clunky

Its design isn’t the only gamers-centric feature – although it might be a selling point for those who love that gamer’s aesthetic. The AOC Agon AG352UCG6 curved monitor is created for gamers, with its super-wide aspect ratio, 120Hz refresh rate and popping colors. Gamers with a predilection for fast-paced games might want to look elsewhere – that response time is still slow for those and that refresh rate could be faster. However, those who adore RPGs and slower-paced single-player titles will simply adore its buttery smooth performance.

Read the full review: AOC Agon AG352UCG6

Michelle Rae Uy
Contributor

Michelle Rae Uy is the former Computing Reviews and Buying Guides Editor at TechRadar. She's a Los Angeles-based tech, travel and lifestyle writer covering a wide range of topics, from computing to the latest in green commutes to the best hiking trails. She's an ambivert who enjoys communing with nature and traveling for months at a time just as much as watching movies and playing sim games at home. That also means that she has a lot more avenues to explore in terms of understanding how tech can improve the different aspects of our lives.