Curved Vs. Flat Gaming Monitors: Which Is Better For Your Setup?

To build the ultimate gaming setup, one of the biggest decisions is opting for a flat or curved gaming monitor. There are pros and cons to both, and your final decision will depend on what you prefer, your budget, and the type of games you play.

In this blog, we’ll break down the differences between curved and flat gaming monitors to help you decide which is the best for your setup. Let’s explore it in detail.

Why Are Gaming Monitors Important?

Gaming monitors are a crucial part of any gaming setup. They affect how you view and experience the game and how captivating your gaming session is. Whether you prefer crystal clear graphics or fast, buttery smooth performance or both, the right gaming monitor can create all the difference.
Buying a new gaming monitor will come down to the resolution, refresh rate, and style. The curved vs flat monitor debate also rages on in the gaming community. We will now discuss both of these monitors for their better understanding.

What Are Curved Gaming Monitors?

Curved gaming monitors are designed with a gentle curve, making the edges of the screen bend slightly toward you. This design is intended to naturally follow the curve of your eyes, thus creating a greater immersive viewing experience.

Benefits of Curved Gaming Monitors

These are some of the benefits of the curved gaming monitors.
• Immersion: The curved screen wraps around your field of view which draws you in the gaming action.
• Reduced Eye Strain: It also reduces distortion and doesn’t hurt your eyes even after prolonged use.
• Wide Viewing Angles: It offers a better screen sharing experience which is helpful in multiplayer gaming.

Downsides of Curved Gaming Monitors

Here are some disadvantages of curved gaming monitors.
• Price: Flat monitors are a little pricier compared to the other varieties.
• Desk Space: It isn’t flat and takes up more space.
• Preference-Specific: Some people don’t like the feel of a curved screen.

What Are Flat Gaming Monitors?

The traditional style of computer monitor is flat. They have a flat, unpretentious display and are popular for gaming and everyday use because of that.
Benefits of Flat Monitors
The following are some of the advantages of flat monitors.
• Affordability: Flat monitors are budget friendly.
• Space-Saving: They take up less desk space.
• Versatility: Excellent for doing multitasking and non-gaming activities.
• Compatibility: Appeals to multi monitor setups.

Downsides of Flat Monitors

Flat monitors are not without their disadvantages. Here are some of them below.
• Less Immersive: They don’t have the same wraparound effect of curved screens.
• Distortion: The flat screen can also look distorted at the edges in bigger sizes.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Between Them

Consider the following factors when choosing between a curved and flat monitor.

Size and Resolution

The curved monitors produce excellent results in larger (32 inches or more) sizes. A flat monitor is more suitable for smaller screens.

Response Time and Refresh Rate

Gamers need smooth visuals, so look for:
• Support for very high refresh rates (120Hz, 144Hz or higher.).
• Fast response times (1ms or less).
Both curved and flat monitors offer these features.

Desk Setup

A flat monitor may be a better choice for you if you can’t find space to accommodate a curved screen. Since a curved gaming monitor is designed this way, it might require a little larger desk to fit.
Budget
If you are looking for the best budget monitor for gaming, then flat monitors are more affordable. If immersion is your priority, then curved monitors are worth the investment.

What is Better for Your Setup?

Ultimately, the choice between curved and flat gaming monitors comes down to personal preferences and how you game. If you're out for immersion and prefer to play single player games a curved monitor might be the best bet. On the other hand, if you want something economical and versatile, a flat monitor may be for you.

Popular Gaming Monitors to Check Out

If you’re in the market for a new gaming monitor, here are some top picks:

LG UltraGear 27GS60QC-B 27" Curved Quad HD 180Hz 1ms AMD Freesync Gaming Monitor

This curved gaming monitor offers a high refresh rate of 180Hz and 1ms response time. If you want smooth performance and stunning visuals this model is perfect. It guarantees no screen tearing, thanks to AMD FreeSync.

ASUS TUF VG34VQEL1A 34" UltraWide Quad HD LED 100Hz 1ms Built-in Speakers Gaming Monitor

Ideal for those that want immersive, ultra-wide displays. Built in speakers make this curved monitor a good all-in-one choice.

Acer Predator X27U 27" OLED Quad HD 240Hz 0.03ms Freesync Premium USB-C Gaming Monitor

It is an OLED technology gaming monitor which supports 4K resolution and offers you vivid colours as well as deep blacks. With its 240Hz refresh rate and ultra-low response time it guarantees smooth gameplay.

AGON AG346UCD Curved OLED Quad HD 175Hz 0.03ms Height Adjustable

Built-in Speakers Gaming Monitor
An excellent pick for gamers who demand high end performance, this curved OLED monitor is the perfect laptop for you. Its height adjustable stand and built in speakers make it a versatile option.

Philips Evnia 8000 27M2N8500/00 27" OLED Quad HD 360Hz 0.03ms Height

Adjustable Built-in Speakers Gaming
This monitor is purely for competitive gamers who are in for a thrilling ride with 360Hz refresh rate. The OLED display is also perfect for providing excellent image quality.

AOC AGON PRO AG456UCZD 45" Curved OLED Wide Quad HD 180Hz

0.03ms Height Adjustable Built-in Speakers Gaming Monitor
If you hate traditional gaming monitors and want to play on a very wide curved monitor, then this is the one for you. Achieving an 180Hz refresh rate and OLED quality, this one differs from the competition.

iiyama G-MASTER G2470HSU-B6 23.8" IPS Full HD 180Hz 0.2ms Built-in Speakers Gaming Monitor

A compact solution for gamers on a budget. One of the best performing flat monitors available with a 180Hz refresh rate and fast response time.

Samsung S32BG650 32" Curved Quad HD 240Hz 1ms Smart Odyssey Height Adjustable Built-in Speakers Gaming

This high-quality product is from the Samsung Odyssey series. If you’re a gamer looking for a nice balance between performance and design, then it’s your cup of tea.

BenQ ZOWIE XL2746K 27" TN LED Full HD 240Hz 1ms Height Adjustable Gaming Monitor

It’s a flat monitor designed for gaming at a high level, with a high refresh rate and low response time. It comes with an adjustable height stand for added comfort.

Final Thoughts

Between a curved and flat gaming monitor, choose which suits you better based on space, and the type of gaming you like. Each option has its fair share of features so all that you need to do is select what works for you. You can't really go wrong with any of the models above, whether you go with a curved gaming monitor or choose to stick with something flat.