Curved gaming monitors are worth considering if you’re an avid PC gamer. The best curved monitors wrap around your field of view so you can see more at the same focal length as a standard screen. Not only can this improve immersion when playing the best PC games, but it can also help reduce eye strain. They can also help you by providing fast response times and high refresh rates. When paired with the best gaming PCs, curved monitors are extremely affordable.
While curved monitors like the recently announced Corsair Xeneon Flex OLED can bring tangible benefits to gamers, they come with some setbacks. These monitors are generally more expensive than the best gaming monitors and the best monitors. Curved monitors also take up more space on a desk and are generally heavier than flat monitors. Outside of gaming, curved monitors can even hinder your work.
Below we describe the reasons why you might want to buy a curved monitor for your gaming setup, along with reasons why you might want a traditional, flat monitor instead.
Curved Gaming Monitors: Reasons to Buy
Immersion
Greater immersion is often the main reason to buy a curved gaming monitor. A curved monitor takes up more of your peripheral vision, making games feel more immersive. The curvature of the monitor also provides perceived depth without the need for 3D glasses. These factors make you feel as if the game is happening around you instead of just standing in front of you, like on a flat screen monitor.
Larger field of view
The increased immersion occurs because of the larger field of view (FOV) of a curved monitor. It may be easier to see what’s around you because of the better viewing angle. A curved monitor can help when playing a fast-moving game like Call of Duty: Vanguard as it allows you to see more of the environment so you can attack an enemy or warn you before they attack.
Less head movement
Because a curved monitor takes up more of your peripheral vision, you don’t have to turn your head as much (or at all) to see what’s in front of you. This reduces the chance of possible neck strain or injury.
Less tired eyes
Curved monitors compliment the natural spherical shape of your eyes. Some studies suggest that curved monitors reduce stress (opens in new tab) on your eyes because they refract light in a way that is more similar to the way your eyes absorb light. With less eyestrain, you can play for longer.
Curved Gaming Monitors: Reasons to Skip
Higher price
Curved monitors are typically more expensive than flat panel monitors. For example, the Alienware 34 QD-OLED currently costs $1,299. The Acer Predator X34 can cost between $1,000 and $1,400 depending on the supplier. Even the MSI Optix MPG27CQ, which is ostensibly a “budget” curved monitor, costs $500. If you want a curved gaming monitor, be prepared to pay a premium.
Need more space
You should allow enough space for a curved monitor as it can take up more desk space than a traditional flat screen monitor. This is because curved monitors have an aspect ratio of 21:9, which is wider than the standard 16:9 of regular monitors. The depth and size of a curved monitor also requires more space, as do the larger stands needed to support the heavier monitor.
Not all games support widescreen
Ultra-wide viewing angles in modern titles like Far Cry 6 take you right into the action. This is true for many games that support 21:9 aspect ratios. But in general, 2D titles and older 3D titles don’t support wider aspect ratios. Consoles like PS5 and Xbox Series X also don’t support ultra-wide aspect ratios. Playing games with unused space on the sides (or black bars) can be immersive. This is also why watching TV shows and movies filmed in 16:9 is not ideal on a curved monitor or curved TV.
Limited viewing angles
Because a curved monitor is aligned with your field of view, you need to sit straight in front of it to get the best possible view. This isn’t normally a problem if you’re playing a video game, but if you plan on watching a movie with others, they may not get the best picture quality because they’re not right in front of the screen. If you have regular guests, this can be a big problem.
Not ideal for creative work
Curved monitors are great for gaming, but aren’t always suitable for creative work like digital art and video editing. This is because a curved monitor can distort an image. This is especially tricky when working on art that will eventually be displayed on flat surfaces. What you see on a curved monitor may not match what others will see. Those working on architectural projects may be bothered by a curved screen that could distort straight lines.
Should you get a curved gaming monitor?
Curved gaming monitors are a bit of a bone of contention among the PC gaming community. Some people swear by them for the reasons explained above. And while these monitors have their drawbacks, there is a market for them. That said, if you rarely play PC games, you’ll be better off with a flat panel monitor, as they’re cheaper, lighter, and more useful for more than just video games.
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