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Curved vs flat monitor, do you know which one is best suited for your needs? Whether you want a curved or flat screen, there’re many benefits and drawbacks to both monitors, but honestly for most people having a curved monitor is ideal (especially if you're competitive gamers). However, it always comes down to specific pros and cons, and which apply to you which are based on a number of factors.
For example, each monitor comes with a different size, resolution, refresh rate, and aspect ratio. You should consider all these factors before purchasing one. For reference, here are the top-shelf 40-inch 4K monitors, we also reviewed.
Key Takeaways
- Curved monitors are more technologically advanced and offer a better user experience because to their high degree of curvature.
- The two can be distinguished from one another based on how they seem physically and how they project light.
- The two have significant differences in both picture quality and degree of immersiveness. In contrast to flat monitors, a curved monitor setup requires a bigger surface due to the curvature.
- Because curved screens are evenly spaced from you, the picture quality is consistent throughout.
Curved and Flat Monitors Latest Technology
Curved monitors like the ones we reviewed here are quickly overtaking flat-screen monitors because of their curvature design, reduced distortion, glare, and peripheral vision. We have seen significant technology improvement even on smartphones and TVs.
LCD monitor
When monitors were first introduced, they used the cathode ray tube tech. With the advancement in tech, the LCD came into the market.
The LCDs are slim. Their other features include a flat-screen with a great range of colors. They are also extremely light monitors that occupy extra space. On a related note, when speaking of space, you may want a monitor like one of these white monitors to suit almost any environment.
LED monitor
Right now, we have LED computer monitors that have replaced LCD monitors. Most of them have concave curved screens that have an ultrawide curved monitor display. All these show that there may be more to the advancement than we think.
Curved monitors, including the ones meant for gaming we reviewed here, including the top-of-the-shelf Acer XR382CQK, are quite new in the market (see also Dell U3818DW Review). As their prices fall, they are getting used in many fields such as curved for gaming, graphics design, video editing and also office use. With their NT panel types, you’ll get the most vivid images from your computer.
What Is Better Curved Or Flat Monitor?
Curved monitors have greater technological advancement with a high degree of curvature for greater user experience. The difference between the two comes down to their physical appearance and light projection. For better reference, see our Samsung LU32R590CWNXZA review.
When curved monitors came to market, many people were confused about whether to buy a curved or a flat screen monitor. The curvature that is found in curved monitors is essential for reducing eye strain and can create a more immersive experience while watching movies or playing PC games (see monitors for Fortnite). Let’s see how they differ from each other.
Curved vs Flat Monitors
There is a much difference between the flat and curved display. For curved gaming, graphics design, and extensive watching, a curved gaming monitor is more immersive and allows for a wide user view.
On the downside, the majority of people feel that the additional cost of purchasing a curved display is not worth it. This is because they already feel comfortable using a flat-screen and may not feel like getting a curved monitor.
It all comes down to personal preferences such as:
- How large you would like your monitor to be
- The shape of the curve
- The viewing distance from the display
The main two key differences between the two are on picture quality and level of immersive experience you get. Unlike flat monitors, a larger surface is needed to set up multiple curved monitors due to the curvature.
Curved monitors will come with an aspect ratio of 21:9 which is 33% more as compared to the usual 16:9 aspect ratio featured in flat monitors. This feature adds to the field of view, making the view more immersive. Another feature is the presence of tilt and height controls.
These are our top recommendations:
Is a Curved Monitor Better For Work?
Curved monitor’s wider screens help you to open multiple windows when doing graphics or web design. Especially relevant is the wide color gamut of the curved displays which gives the designer distinct colors without distortion. Check out the ultimate monitors for architects in this post.
With a curved screen, all areas of the screen are equal distance from you so the picture quality is uniform throughout. Most curved monitors are made equal; some have a more aggressive curve radius such as the newer models of LGs or Dell. In addition, check out this wide palette of top monitors for work we reviewed earlier.
Are Curved Monitors Worth the Extra Cost?
Curved model monitor edges will make the screen bigger than it actually is. You may use split-screen 2.0 technologies to split the panel display into several windows that can be managed individually. Spreading them all around will create an immersion effect. However, you don’t need this feature when gaming and you can revert to normal screen easily.
In office computers, curved monitors for office work will provide a wide field of view for multitasking hence improving productivity. In addition to this, curved monitors will provide aesthetic value with a greater user experience compared to flat monitors.
A curved monitor is designed for a greater gaming experience (see also monitors for CS: GO) with slightly better inferior viewing angles on the edges of the screen. When you are sitting much closer to the immersive widescreen, the benefits are greater.
All this confirms that a curved screen is better for work. However, many people still don’t see the marginal difference worth the extra cost. This leaves an unending battle of curved vs flat monitors.
Recommended flat monitors
Check out these recommended flat monitors:
- ASUS PB278Q gives you superb images with lifelike colors thanks to the 100% sRGB color gamut. The IPS panel provides wide 178-degree viewing angles for next-to-no distortion and color shift.
It features a 27” WQHD 2560 x 1440 panel with 109 pixels per inch, which means greater image detail and up to 77% more onscreen desktop space than standard Full HD.
- ViewSonic VX2457-MHD 24 Inch Gaming Monitor, Full HD monitor built for gaming and entertainment. Featuring AMD FreeSync, this monitor’s variable refresh rate capabilities completely eliminate screen tearing and stuttering for fluid gameplay during fast-paced action scenes.
- Designed for beautiful simplicity, BenQ 24 Inch IPS Monitor frameless monitor combines ultra-slim bezels design with hidden cable management. It comes with BenQ exclusive Eye-Care Technology with Low Blue Light Technology and Flicker-Free performance for extended viewing comfort. The industry-leading Brightness Intelligence Technology delivers amazing details in any ambient lighting environment. With the combination of LED and IPS technologies, GW2480 delivers a new level of visual enjoyment with life-like colors, real blacks, higher contrast, and sharper details.
What are the Advantages Of A Curved Monitor?
Curved monitors have been around for quite some time now which means they have some features that please many users.
Here’re some specifications to keep in mind when shopping for curved monitors such as refresh rates, response time, display resolutions, ultra-wide aspect ratio, and curvature of the screen.
- First, they feature a very thin bezel, hence increasing screen size.
- It will mimic your eyes peripheral vision hence giving you an immersive feel
- Provides in-depth viewing
- Gives immersive gaming hence more realistic
- Provides a broader field of viewing for your eyes
- They enhance privacy as one-viewer monitors
- Less eye strain than in flat displays
Wider Viewing
Curved displays are also ultrawide displays that will help you do many tasks at once on your screen by bending it around your field of vision. Gaming computer monitors with a curved screen will help in creating an almost 3D effect and an immersion experience. Also, a widescreen will offer a higher resolution.
The drawback is that not all of them are ultrawide monitors, unlike the ones we covered in this post. You should read our best monitors review so you can know what you are getting when you buy one.
Lessen Movements
Curved monitors will help in reducing movements from one monitor to another while working or gaming. The bigger the monitor size, the greater the curvature hence the edges will make it more nearer to you in a surrounding fashion.
The surrounding effect cancels the image distortion that would otherwise come with the flat screens at the edges.
More Arrangement Options in Multiple Setups
This is one of the advantages of this type of monitor. When creating multiple setups, curved monitors provide a smooth transition than flat monitors. Especially relevant, the curved monitor features very thin bezels which will make screens in this arrangement appear like one larger monitor.
Improved Privacy
Generally, curved monitors are meant for a single viewer. The reason is that the arrangement of the pixels is such that, if you sit at the ideal position, your eyes will get the best viewing angle.
This means that everyone else will not view details as you would view them. If office privacy is on your mind, a curved monitor is ideal.
Reduce Desk Space Usage
Imagine having two flat monitors on your desk. Now replace them with a large curved monitor. For sure, the view will take less space and even use a single system of cables as opposed to two monitors. In addition to this, setting up a single screen will be simpler than setting up two.
What Are Cons Of A Curved Monitor?
Although a curved monitor has lots of benefits compared to a flat one, it also brings some inconveniences. For instance, if they were to be used as TV screens, only a few people would sit at optimal viewing places.
- Most of people find the price of curved monitors high, although you can get at a lower price if the refresh rate is not your primary concern.
- They don’t look impressive on wall mounts
- The user has to be at the center of the display view
- To realize the effect, a curved screen need to be 30 inches or larger
- They can get light from multiple angles making more reflection hence much glare and eliminate distortion.
Recommended curved monitors
If you're looking for the best curved monitors, choose between these two new models:
- If you're shopping for a top-notch curved screen with unmatched resolution, the ALIENWARE AW3420DW Curved Monitor should be at the top of your short-list.
Coming with impressive 3440 x 1440 resolution, the ALIENWARE AW3420DW delivers sharp, clear images of superb quality with 4.9 million pixels.
- The AOC C24G1 Curved Monitor is one of the best affordable options. It's perfect if you're tight on money or space in your room. We found that the 24-inch smaller screen provides enough balance between size and clarity so you won't feel like it's too small or limited. It is a great, budget-friendly curved monitor.
- LG 34GN850-B Curved Monitor is another great choice for gamers or creative users in need of premium features for their setup.
This LG curved LED display comes with a stunning 3440 x 1440 resolution that delivers crystal clear images and sharp graphics for a more realistic and immersive experience.
Curved vs Flat Monitor | Which Should You Buy?
Curved monitors are excellent for individual productivity at different levels.
Most people won’t experience the immersion or the almost 3D effect. But, for gaming and graphic design, I recommend you choose curved monitors. However, you should consider the issue of light reflections.
This doesn’t mean that flat screens do not suffer light glare although, for most of them, it’s easy to adjust and cancel the effect to the comfort of your eyes.
Which Should You Buy?
Generally, a curved monitor. By weighing the benefits and limitations of curved screens, you can now decide which monitor to purchase. You can purchase one from a good local or online store to get an amazing experience.
However, your budget also will dictate the curved monitor that you will get. It is recommended to go big. If you are not much concerned about the refresh rate, you can get a cheap one with a big ultra-wide display size for a more incredible experience.
Bigger screens size has better curvature for a more natural feeling. Not all curve monitors are made the same. For instance, gaming monitors will need a tighter curvature for the best immersion experience.
FAQs:
1. What is better curved or flat monitor?
I prefer a curved monitor because it feels more natural and comfortable to look at. The curve helps to reduce eye fatigue and makes the image feel more immersive.
2. What is the advantage of a curved monitor?
A curved monitor has a number of advantages over a traditional flat monitor. First, the curve helps to reduce eye fatigue by providing a more natural viewing experience. Second, the curve gives you a wider field of view, which makes it easier to see all of the content on the screen. Finally, the curve creates a more immersive viewing experience that is similar to watching a movie in a theater.
3. Is it worth getting a curved monitor?
A curved monitor provides more immersive visuals and significantly wider field of view than a 21:9 display. However, because there are no inherent benefits to curved gaming monitors - see monitors for Xbox Series X - determining whether they are truly worth the money is entirely subjective. When purchasing a monitor, there are numerous considerations.
4. Is flat or curved monitor better for gaming?
Curved monitors are more comfortable on the eyes and offer a more immersive viewing experience, as well as certain gaming monitor advantages for those who prefer simulation titles - see best flight simulation monitors review. However, they are identical to flat screens in terms of performance and fundamental specifications such as refresh rate, response times, color accuracy, and panel tech.
5. What is the difference between curved and flat monitor?
There are several differences between curved and flat monitors. Curved monitors are said to be more immersive because they wrap around the viewer's field of view, while flat monitors have a more traditional rectangular shape. Curved monitors can also help reduce eye fatigue and improve viewing comfort. However, curved monitors can also be more expensive and may not offer as much screen real estate as a flat monitor.
