Updated 10/05/24
Curved PC monitors first hit the consumer market in 2014, making them still relatively new technology. Despite critics initially brushing them off as a passing fad, curved monitors are proving to be increasingly popular.
Curved monitors boast several unique features which, for some users, make them superior to their flat counterparts. Their pros include a more comfortable, ‘easy on the eyes’ viewing experience, an enhanced field of view, reduced screen glare, and of course their undeniably cool aesthetic.
But coming in at a much higher price tag than standard flat displays, are they worth the upgrade? In this article, we’ll take you through the pros and cons of curved monitors vs flat monitors, including a price comparison and what to look for in a curved monitor if you’re considering an upgrade.
We’ll also lay out the use cases where a curved monitor may help you get an enhanced visual experience and instances where sticking with your trusty flat monitor may be the better way to go.
Contents:
- What Are Curved PC monitors?
- At a Glance: Pros and Cons of Curved Monitors
- Pros of Curved PC Monitors
- Cons of Curved PC Monitors
- What to Look For When Buying a Curved Monitor
- FAQs
- Summary
WHAT ARE CURVED PC MONITORS?
Curved PC monitors are monitors that feature a slight curvature, which mimics the natural curvature of our field of view. Because the edges of the screen fill in our peripheral vision and guide our eyes to the centre of the screen, curved monitors can provide a much more comfortable viewing experience.
This can allow curved screens to be used for far longer periods without causing as much eye strain, in addition to providing a much more realistic and immersive viewing experience. This is particularly beneficial for those spending long hours in front of their screens, like content creators, or those wanting a totally immersive experience, like gamers.
How strongly it curves is measured by its radius (or ‘R’) in millimetres. When browsing Ebuyer’s range of curved monitors, you’ll find most models have one of three common ‘R’ sizes: 1000R, 1500R, and 1800R.
That being said, they do have a number of disadvantages compared to flat monitors, depending on what you’re looking to use the screen for. Let’s take a look at the main pros and cons of curved monitors vs flat.
AT A GLANCE: PROS AND CONS OF CURVED MONITORS
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CURVED MONITORS |
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PROS |
CONS |
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● A wider field of view creates a more enhanced and immersive viewing experience ● Reduced eye strain and discomfort ● Minimised screen glare and reflections ● Great for multi-monitor setups ● Reduced colour distortion ● Cool, modern aesthetic |
● Higher price point than standard flat screens ● Not ideal for wall mounting ● Not ideal for multiple users ● Need much larger aspect ratios to feel the benefits ● Prone to image distortions ● More space is required for larger screens |
Check out the below video for a quick visual walkthrough of the pros and cons of curved monitors. It’s a great real-world example of just how curved these monitors can get and how they fit into a computer setup.
IS A CURVED MONITOR BETTER FOR ME?
People who would benefit most from a curved monitor:
- Serious gamers looking for an enhanced and realistic gaming experience, especially for immersive games like first-person shooters and sim racers
- Those who spend long hours at their computer, such as graphic designers, photographers, or content creators
- Since these displays tend to be larger, they’re also a great fit for anyone who works in multiple programs and windows at once
- Those putting together a multi-monitor setup
- Those wanting an ultrawide aspect ratio display (21:9 or 32:9)
People who would benefit more from a flat monitor:
- Those who don’t want to spend more on getting a curved screen
- Those who don’t spend a huge amount of time at their computer or just use their screen for basic tasks
- Those wanting a standard aspect ratio screen (4:3 or 16:9)
- Those who don’t have space for a larger, wider screen
CURVED MONITOR PROS
Now you’ve got a sense of the pros, cons and who these screens might suit, let’s drill down into the specifics.
ENHANCED VIEWING EXPERIENCE
Because curved monitors mimic our natural field of view, in particular occupying our peripheral vision – this creates a more realistic viewing experience. This feature is particularly popular among gamers, as it creates a far more immersive gaming experience in games with a first-person perspective, like Call of Duty. Paired with razor-sharp images and the outstanding colour balance many curved monitors boast, it makes them the gamers’ ultimate choice.
REDUCED EYE STRAIN AND MOVEMENT
As we’ve already mentioned, curved screens can greatly reduce the amount of eye strain and discomfort that may come from extended periods of screen time. This is again due to the mimicking of our natural field of view. The wrap around effect also minimises the amount of neck movement needed to view the whole screen, as you’re always roughly the same distance from every part of the monitor. This is especially advantageous if you have a multi-screen set-up, or have a job or creative outlet that involves heavy amounts of screen time.
FEWER SCREEN REFLECTIONS
Curved monitors tend to have less screen glare. Their bend minimises annoying and distracting screen reflections that are all too common with flat monitors. This can be a big plus for anyone using their monitor in more confined spaces, who are unable to position their screen in a way that reduces glare from light sources.
SUPERIOR VIEWING ANGLES AND DEPTH
Curved monitors provide a wider viewing angle. When viewing a standard flat screen or non-IPS display from any angle other than head-on, the viewer will often lose out on contrast and colour saturation. This is because of the way light is projected from the screen, resulting in ‘washed out’ tones. The slight bend in a curved screen will compensate for this colour loss, giving you a wider viewing angle than your standard flat display.
Curved PC monitors also enhance your perception of image depth. This creates the illusion of viewing an almost 3D-like picture, but without the annoyance of using an actual 3D viewer. This enhanced depth may seem subtle, but compared to flat screens, it does provide a noticeable difference.
Shop for monitors at Ebuyer : Over 700 to choose from
MORE ADAPTABLE FOR MULTI-MONITOR SETUPS
If you’re someone who needs multiple monitors, curved screens offer a far smoother and more natural transition from screen to screen. Multi-screen setups with curved screens are also where all of the additional benefits of reduced neck movement, screen reflections and viewing angles really come into play.
Often one ultrawide curved screen performs better overall than multiple smaller flat screen setups. This not only gets rid of bezels in between monitors and the headache of configuring multiple screens, but it could save you desk space too.
CURVED MONITORS LOOK GREAT
Yes, we know that this is subjective, but you have to admit that there is something seriously chic about a curved screen. Similarly to how LCDs were an advancement on CRT, curved screens have that futuristic feel that makes them just that bit more aesthetically superior.
CONS OF CURVED MONITORS
Like all tech, curved monitors do have some notable cons as well as the pros mentioned. It really comes down to your preferences and what matters to you the most when using your screen, but here are some of the main cons to consider if you’re thinking about upgrading to a curved monitor.
SCREEN DISTORTION
Some users report slight geometric distortions with curved screens. They can be prone to what’s known as a ‘bow tie’ effect, where the edges of the screen appear marginally stretched compared to the centre. Most manufacturers believe this to be around the 35-degree mark, where the corners of the image become distorted simply due to the curve in the screen.
However, this con is a little contentious, as most users don’t notice any distortion from standard or head-on viewing angles. It’s only when you’re viewing your screen from an off-centre perspective that distortion comes into play. This might be an issue for you if multiple people are gathered around your monitor, but as a sole user sat head-on to your screen, this shouldn’t be an issue.
Image: Shutterstock
NOT IDEAL FOR WALL MOUNTING
Mounting a curved monitor to the wall can look a little odd, as the screen won’t sit flush to the wall like a flat monitor will. That being said, some people do position them on the wall and manufacturers do offer wall mounts for curved screens.
Ultimately it’s down to your aesthetic choice. It’s also worth noting that if you’re planning to use a curved monitor for say a TV display, screen distortion may occur for anyone sitting off-centre, or further away from the screen.
THE COST
Curved-angle screens tend to be more expensive than flat screens in general. As with all monitors though, the price will vary depending on resolution, screen size, features and the number and type of ports it offers. For an idea of prices, here are a few of our best-selling curved monitors vs flat.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A CURVED MONITOR
Convinced a curved monitor is the way to go? There are a number of specs you’ll want to consider if you’re looking to upgrade and really feel the benefit over a standard flat display.
The top four things you’ll want to consider if you’re looking to buy a curved monitor are:
- the screen size
- the curve radius
- the screen resolution
- the cost
CURVED MONITOR SIZES
Curved monitors come in all different sizes, from as small as 24 inches to as big as 49 inches. To fully notice the benefits of a curved monitor, you’ll need one which is at least 30 inches or more. The general rule is that the best curved monitors are the largest, widest ones, as they provide plenty of room for multiple windows and apps to be on display simultaneously.
If you get a curved monitor size that’s under 30 inches, you won’t notice much difference compared to a standard flat monitor. That being said, 30 inches or more, is often larger than a lot of people actually want or have space for. Plus, larger monitors, of course, come with a cost.
CURVED MONITOR RADIUS
The radius of the curve (essentially how much the screen curves on either side) is another really important spec to consider. The curvature of these monitors is signified with an ‘R’, which is always measured in millimetres.
Most curved monitors will have one of three common measurements: 1800R, 3000R, or 4000R. All you have to remember is that a lower number means a bigger, more pronounced, curve. A bigger curve means more of the screen will be wrapped around your peripheral vision, so it’s important to think about specifically what you’ll be using the screen for and whether a larger or smaller radius is preferable.
Some screens feature a radius measurement different to those mentioned above, but they’ll always be between those three numbers.
CURVED MONITOR RESOLUTION
Another spec to consider (as with any monitor) is the screen resolution. A curved monitor that features a higher resolution, will display a wider range of colours, deeper black tones and a more true-to-life image.
Curved monitors come in lots of different resolutions, from Full HD to dazzling 4K. As a general rule of thumb, Full HD is the bare minimum resolution that you should buy. If you’re already opting for a curved monitor, then it can definitely be worth spending a little more on a model with an even sharper picture.
CURVED MONITOR COSTS
Generally speaking, curved monitors tend to be more expensive than flat displays. Here, you’ll want to consider if the amount of time you use your computer warrants the additional cost and how much you’re prepared to spend on your computer setup.
If you’re looking to keep costs down, but are set on a curved display, consider going for a lower screen resolution, like Full HD standard (1080p), rather than 4K.
Shop for monitors at Ebuyer : Over 700 to choose from
CURVED MONITOR FAQs
Can you wall mount a curved monitor?
Technically yes, but it won’t sit flush to the wall like a flat screen. Some people think that this looks a little odd but it’s all down to your preference. Manufacturers do make wall mounts for curved screens.
Is a curved monitor a good fit for multiple viewers at once?
No, not really. With a curved monitor, you need to sit directly in front of the screen in order to get the best viewing experience. The farther away from the centre you are, the more the image may distort towards the edges of the screen. You also have to bear in mind that if you watch a curved monitor at an uncomfortable angle for long periods of time, it may result in eyestrain.
Do I need to buy a curved monitor that is also “ultra-wide?”
Not necessarily, but generally speaking, wider curved monitors are better. The additional width delivers more depth, a wider viewing angle and a more immersive viewing experience. Monitors with smaller aspect ratios just can’t match up. We recommend purchasing a screen of at least 30 inches or more. Any curved monitor will overall give you a larger aspect ratio than a standard flat monitor, but an ultra-wide curved screen will indefinitely enhance your viewing experience.
Are curved monitors more expensive than traditional flat models?
Yes. This is always the case with newer technology, but prices are gradually coming down and will continue to do so.
Is gaming better on a curved screen?
Yes, curved screens generally offer an enhanced experience for gaming and watching movies or streaming. This is because they create a sense of total viewing immersion, wrapping around your peripheral vision. All of the images on the screen are kept equidistant from your eyes, which is a much more natural way to view a screen and also reduces the amount of movement needed by your neck and eyes to view the whole screen. If you’re using your screen for gaming sessions, this reduced eye and neck strain can also make a real difference.
Image: Shutterstock
SUMMARY: IS A CURVED MONITOR BETTER?
Curved monitors boast some impressive benefits as well as a couple of pitfalls when compared to standard flat displays. Their enhanced field of view, immersive experience, adaptability for multi-monitor setups and reduced colour distortions make them the perfect choice for gamers or anyone serious about their screen visuals. Once you’ve experienced the incredible depth a curved monitor provides, you may find it difficult to go back to a traditional flat screen monitor.
However, if you’re hard up on space, don’t want to invest in an expensive computer setup, or looking for a standard aspect ratio screen – sticking with your flat might be your best bet for now.
If you do opt for a curved monitor, remember to consider the screen size, curve radius, screen resolution and cost when weighing up which one to buy.
Check out our range of curved monitors at Ebuyer.