Very rarely, you will find a fully kitted-out sim racing setup that doesn't have a curved gaming monitor as the centrepiece - along with a gaming headset resting by the side.. This is because curved monitors provide more immersion in the world of sim racing and somewhat replicate the feel of a real car windscreen.
The benefits of curved monitors are clear when it comes to gaming, they can draw you further in the game, improve peripheral vision and reduce eye strain.
And when you pair them with some great sim gear from steering wheel setups to racing seats, you'll be ready to have your ultimate place for a bit of downtime on some racing games, no matter what gaming console you have.
The best curved gaming monitors at a glance:
Editor's pick: AOC Gaming CU34G2X - Buy from Amazon.
Best budget monitor: AOC Gaming C27G2ZU - Buy from Amazon.
Most advanced monitor: Alienware AW3423DW - Buy from Amazon.
Not to mention also; they look outright cool with the right set-up and will come with the hardware to allow you to enjoy your next online rally race with the best possible display. As such, we've found our favourite curved gaming monitors right here.
The best curved gaming monitors
Editor's pick
Via AOC GamingOur current top curved monitor pick is this powerful unit from AOC. The 1440p resolution will give you sharp graphics while the 144Hz refresh rate will ensure that the gameplay is as smooth as a well-executed gear change. The colours are vibrant and the sRGB rating of 119% means there is plenty of contrast too.
Pros
- Good graphics
- Allows smooth gameplay
- Six adjustable game modes
Cons
- Quite heavy to move around
- USB-C not supported
The best ultra-wide curved gaming monitor
Via ASUSWhen it comes to racing sims, the wider the screen, the better the immersion. With an aspect ratio of 32:10, this ultrawide monitor will give an experience similar to actually being sat in the car. This single monitor gives the same coverage as two standard 24-inch monitors but seamless and curved. The 120Hz refresh rate keeps gameplay smooth too.
Pros
- Smooth gameplay
- Wide size for more
- Supports USB-C
Cons
- Bit overkill for some in terms of size
- It's a huge premium over other 34-inch monitors
The best for hardcore gamers
Via AlienwareOne of the best curved monitors going comes from Alienware with it's AWE434DWF. Like many others, it has a 178-degree viewing angle and a resolution of 1440p.
With a refresh rate of 165Hz, you'll experience very smooth gameplay and the graphics will be spot on, even in fast-moving settings. Alienware even claim it has a0.1ms Grey-to-Grey response time - the fastest in the industry.
Pros
- Very advanced monitor that allows great colour and graphics
- 165Hz refresh rate
- Lighter (9.3kg) than competitors
Cons
- Very overkill for some
The best budget curved gaming monitor
Via AOC GamingYou don't need to spend a huge amount of cash to get a good curved monitor. AOC's C27G2ZU may only run at 1080p as opposed to 4K, or even 1440p, but that doesn't stop it from being a good choice. The 240Hz refresh rate, 120% sRGB and 1500R VA panel all mean that the colours are sharp and the graphics smooth.
Pros
- Great value
- 240Hz refresh rate means gameplay is smooth and clear
- Six gaming modes
Cons
- Is compromised next to more premium options
The best curved monitor with HDR10
Via SamsungA meaty option for anyone who wants the best colours possible, this premium example from Samsung has a stunning display. The standout details are a 164Hz refresh rate with a 1440p display. The fact it supports HDR10 means colour contrast will be ultra-rich and deep.
Pros
- Rich in colours and contrast
- 164Hz refresh rate better than similar alternatives
- Competitively priced
Cons
- Brightness isn't the best according to users
The most advanced curved gaming monitor
Via AlienwareThe most advanced curved monitor of them all goes to this immense setup by Alienware. It differs from the AW3423DWF (note the lack of F at the end of the title) because it has a refresh rate of 175Hz.
This ensures the quality of your gaming setup - both in graphics and colour terms - will be the best in the business. It has a QHD Ultra Wide 1440p resolution and is also designed to prevent 'burn-in', which are those little marks from tabs which have been up for a long time.
Pros
- Advanced monitor
- The best colour and graphics in the business
- Lots of settings
Cons
- Very overkill for many
- Price doesn't justify that much over other options
Things to remember with curved gaming monitors
The amount you wish to spend on a curved monitor all depends on how much of a hardcore gamer you are. If you're absolutely adamant that you want the most crisp, flawless monitor possible, then curved monitors by Alienware or anything that refreshes at at least 165Hz will be for you. For casual gamers however, this level of advancement simply isn't needed. A budget gaming monitor might be for you if you prefer some casual downtime on Forza. ASUS, AOC, or Samsung can quite easily provide less expensive monitors that will suit your needs perfectly.
What are those different HDMI and DisplayPorts?
Look at the back of any monitor and TV and the sheer number of connectors available will probably leave you scratching your head. Newer TVs and monitors will use newer iterations of HDMI and DisplayPorts which allow for more information to pass through them, basically meaning you can get better resolution and those important refresh rates. This of course, allows for a nicer experience in a game like Assetto Corsa Competizione.
Depending on whether you play racing games on Xbox, Playstation, or PC, you'll be wanting at correct connection for the best graphics possible. We've broken them down here:
HDMI 1.4 - 120Hz at 1080p, 75Hz at 1440p, 30Hz at 4K
HDMI 2.0 - 240Hz at 1080p, 144Hz at 1440p, 60Hz at 4K
HDMI 2.1 - 120Hz at 4K, 60Hz at 8K UHD
DP 1.2 - 240Hz at 1080p, 165Hz at 1440p, 75Hz at 4K
DP 1.3 - 240Hz at 1440p, 120Hz at 4K, 60Hz at 5K, 30Hz at 8K
DP 1.4 - 144Hz at 4K, 120Hz at 5K, 60Hz at 8K
Ryan Gilmore is the Deputy Autos and Tools Editor for CAR, specialising in car cleaning and hand tools. With an MA in Automotive Journalism, when he's not testing buckets he can be found looking at old Porsches.