Want to game like the pros? If you take gaming seriously, there’s plenty of gear you could load up on, but how do you know what’s worth investing in and what’s a gimmick? It can start to get confusing (not to mention expensive!), so today we’ll demystify one of the key pieces of equipment you may need, being a curved monitor. We’ll break down the benefits and give you an insight as to whether they’re worth it or not.
What is a curved monitor?
A curved monitor is simply a type of monitor, which has a concave curve to it. It’s designed to mimic the natural curve in a human eyeball, the idea being that the curve is meant to give you a more natural viewing experience.
What is the purpose of a curved monitor for gaming?
Because curved monitors mirror the natural curve in your eye, you’re more likely to get a clearer picture, with no distortion at the edges of the screen the way flatscreens sometimes have. You’ll also find that you have a more immersive viewing experience, which is great for gaming, as you’ll feel almost as if you’re being wrapped by the world you’re seeing on the screen.
But the biggest advantage for gamers, particularly those who enjoy a long gaming session, is eye health. The curved monitor and subsequent minimisation of distortion will reduce eye strain and fatigue, meaning you can play for longer in comfort and protect your eyes in the long term. It’s a win-win!
Are there any downsides to a curved monitor?
The short answer is yes. While there are certainly plenty of options out there for mounting curved monitors, you may find you have less choices than with a flat monitor. Some people also find that the glare is worse on curved monitors due to more angles for reflection than a flat monitor, which (aside from being annoying) can cause eye strain, particularly if you’re gaming for long sessions at a time. Curved monitors also tend to take up more space than a flat screen, so that can be something to consider if you don’t have a lot of room.
Like any screen, it’s important to check that the performance of the display is up-to-scratch for gaming, to ensure you don’t experience any lags.
What are the best curved monitors on the market?
Everyone has their favourites, but some of the best curved monitors for gaming include the following:
Samsung Odyssey OLED G9
This 49-inch curved monitor is a gamer’s dream (if you have the space for it!). It has a 32:9 aspect ratio and definitely hits the mark when it comes to an immersive experience. It has incredible colour accuracy, coverage and contrast, plus it’s connected to the Samsung Smart Hub, so you can take advantage of their online gaming hub and streaming apps too. The downside? It’s about $2000 AUD, which isn’t within reach for everyone. If you like the sound of it but need to go for a more affordable option, check out other Samsung curved monitors available at Officeworks.
Dell S2722DGM
If you’re looking for something a touch smaller than the Samsung Odyssey, this 27-inch Dell might be the perfect solution for you. The picture quality is vibrant, the resolution is detailed and the speed is up-to-scratch for gaming. It has dual HDMI and a single Display Port connection, but is missing USB-C, so keep that in mind if that’s important to you. You’re looking at between $600-700 AUD for this one, so it’s definitely a more affordable option too.
Gigabyte M32UC
If having a 4K curved monitor is important to you, this Gigabyte model is the way to go. It’s fast, reasonably affordable and comes with a variety of different port and hub plugins. The image is as clear, bright and detailed as can be (which you’d expect being 4K) so if that’s what you’re after you won’t be disappointed. And in terms of price, for the quality you’re getting, you’ll struggle to find a serious competitor, with this model clocking in under $1000 AUD or much less if you find it on sale!
If none of these take your fancy, Officeworks has a great range of curved monitor options that you might like.
Are curved monitors actually better?
Ultimately it comes down to personal preference and what is important to you with your gaming experience. We suggest weighing up the pros and cons we’ve listed above, checking out a few different models and then making a decision.
