Buying Guide
The Best Curved Ultrawide Monitors, From VA to QD-OLED
We compared seven curved ultrawides on curve radius, panel type, refresh rate and connectivity, from a budget VA panel to a 49-inch QD-OLED.
By Jamie Cole, Lead Product Researcher
9 min read7 products evaluated
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A curve is described by its radius: 1500R means the screen follows a circle with a 1,500 mm radius, so a lower number is a tighter curve. Tighter curves wrap more at close range; gentler ones suit sitting further back and are often easier to live with for straight-edged work like spreadsheets and design.
Panel type matters as much as curve. VA panels offer strong contrast for the money, IPS-type panels tend to hold color better at an angle, and QD-OLED offers per-pixel contrast at a much higher price, with the burn-in caution that comes with OLED.
The seven monitors below run from about $205 to $900 at the time of writing: five 34-inch 1500R panels, a 34-inch 1800R QD-OLED and a 49-inch 1800R QD-OLED. Our comparison is based on published specifications, not hands-on testing.
Quick Picks
Our 7 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Best Budget Choice
SANSUI 34" Curved Ultrawide
A 34-inch 1500R VA panel at 200Hz with strong stated color, for the lowest price here.
Best for: A first curved ultrawide for a desktop PC on a modest budget.
Our take Check price for SANSUI 34" Curved Ultrawide (opens in a new tab)
Best for Peripherals
ASUS TUF VG34VQ3B
Four USB 3.2 ports, speakers and a three-year warranty on a 1500R VA panel.
Best for: A desktop setup with several USB peripherals where a stated warranty matters.
Our take Check price for ASUS TUF VG34VQ3B (opens in a new tab)
Best for Color at an Angle
ASUS TUF FastIPS
An IPS-type 1500R panel at 250Hz, for steadier color than VA.
Best for: Photo and video work, or anyone who notices color shift at the edges of a wide screen.
Our take Check price for ASUS TUF FastIPS (opens in a new tab)
Best for PC and Console
Alienware AW3425DWM
A 1500R VA panel with a console mode, a height-adjustable stand and a three-year warranty.
Best for: A PC and console sharing one curved screen.
Our take Check price for Alienware AW3425DWM (opens in a new tab)
Best for a Laptop
Dell 34 Plus USB-C (S3425DW)
USB-C with 65W charging on a 1500R VA panel, with Dell's Premium Panel warranty.
Best for: A laptop-based home office that wants a curved ultrawide on one cable.
Our take Check price for Dell 34 Plus USB-C (S3425DW) (opens in a new tab)
Best QD-OLED
Alienware AW3425DW QD-OLED
A 34-inch 1800R QD-OLED at 240Hz with G-Sync and FreeSync Premium Pro.
Best for: Gaming and media where contrast and motion matter, for buyers ready to spend more.
Our take Check price for Alienware AW3425DW QD-OLED (opens in a new tab)
Best 49-Inch
Samsung Odyssey G93SC 49"
A 49-inch 5120 x 1440 QD-OLED with an 1800R curve and picture-by-picture.
Best for: A large desk where one screen replaces two, for gaming, trading or wide timelines.
Our take Check price for Samsung Odyssey G93SC 49" (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it’s here | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| A 34-inch 1500R VA panel at 200Hz with strong stated color, for the lowest price here. | A first curved ultrawide for a desktop PC on a modest budget. | Check price for SANSUI 34" Curved Ultrawide (opens in a new tab) |
| Four USB 3.2 ports, speakers and a three-year warranty on a 1500R VA panel. | A desktop setup with several USB peripherals where a stated warranty matters. | Check price for ASUS TUF VG34VQ3B (opens in a new tab) |
| An IPS-type 1500R panel at 250Hz, for steadier color than VA. | Photo and video work, or anyone who notices color shift at the edges of a wide screen. | Check price for ASUS TUF FastIPS (opens in a new tab) |
| A 1500R VA panel with a console mode, a height-adjustable stand and a three-year warranty. | A PC and console sharing one curved screen. | Check price for Alienware AW3425DWM (opens in a new tab) |
| USB-C with 65W charging on a 1500R VA panel, with Dell's Premium Panel warranty. | A laptop-based home office that wants a curved ultrawide on one cable. | Check price for Dell 34 Plus USB-C (S3425DW) (opens in a new tab) |
| A 34-inch 1800R QD-OLED at 240Hz with G-Sync and FreeSync Premium Pro. | Gaming and media where contrast and motion matter, for buyers ready to spend more. | Check price for Alienware AW3425DW QD-OLED (opens in a new tab) |
| A 49-inch 5120 x 1440 QD-OLED with an 1800R curve and picture-by-picture. | A large desk where one screen replaces two, for gaming, trading or wide timelines. | Check price for Samsung Odyssey G93SC 49" (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Best Budget Choice1 of 7
SANSUI 34" Curved Ultrawide on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The SANSUI is the lowest-cost way into a curved 3440 x 1440 ultrawide here, and its specification is strong for the price: a 1500R VA panel at 200Hz, with stated 97% DCI-P3 and 130% sRGB coverage and 3000:1 contrast.
Best for
- A first curved ultrawide for a desktop PC on a modest budget.
Skip if
- You want a stated warranty or USB-C; the ASUS TUF or Dell is the better fit.
Why we like it
It also supports HDR and picture-in-picture or picture-by-picture for two sources. For someone trying a curved ultrawide for the first time, it is the lowest-risk way to find out whether you like the format.
The listing doesn't state a warranty length, and there is no USB-C.
Key dimensions & specs
- Panel: 34" VA, 1500R, 3440 x 1440
- Refresh rate: 200Hz
- Color: 97% DCI-P3, 130% sRGB (stated)
- Contrast: 3000:1
- HDR, PiP / PbP
Pros
- Lowest price here
- 200Hz refresh rate
- Strong stated color coverage
Cons
- No stated warranty length
- No USB-C
- VA contrast can't match QD-OLED
Best for Peripherals2 of 7
ASUS TUF VG34VQ3B on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The ASUS TUF VG34VQ3B adds what the SANSUI lacks for a busy desk: four USB 3.2 ports, built-in speakers and a stated three-year warranty.
Best for
- A desktop setup with several USB peripherals where a stated warranty matters.
Skip if
- You mainly want picture quality per dollar; the SANSUI covers that for less.
Why we like it
The panel is a 1500R VA at 180Hz with 90% DCI-P3. That is slightly less color coverage and a lower refresh rate than the SANSUI's figures, so the case for it is connectivity and warranty rather than picture.
There is no USB-C for laptop charging.
Key dimensions & specs
- Panel: 34" VA, 1500R, 3440 x 1440
- Refresh rate: 180Hz
- Color: 90% DCI-P3 (stated)
- USB: 4x USB 3.2
- Speakers; warranty: 3 years
Pros
- Most USB ports here
- Three-year warranty
- Built-in speakers
Cons
- Costs more than the SANSUI for similar core specs
- Lower stated color coverage than the SANSUI
- No USB-C
Best for Color at an Angle3 of 7
ASUS TUF FastIPS on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The ASUS FastIPS model is the choice if you care about color consistency: IPS-type panels tend to shift color less than VA when viewed off-center, which helps with photo work and a wide screen whose edges you see at an angle.
Best for
- Photo and video work, or anyone who notices color shift at the edges of a wide screen.
Skip if
- Deep blacks for movies and games matter more; a VA or QD-OLED panel is the better fit.
Why we like it
It is also the fastest non-OLED panel here at 250Hz, with a stated 4000:1 contrast, 95% DCI-P3 and a three-year warranty.
It costs more than the VA models at similar sizes, and it has very little buyer feedback so far.
Key dimensions & specs
- Panel: 34" FastIPS, 1500R, 3440 x 1440
- Refresh rate: 250Hz
- Contrast: 4000:1 (stated)
- Color: 95% DCI-P3 (stated)
- Warranty: 3 years
Pros
- Steadier color at an angle than VA
- 250Hz, the fastest non-OLED here
- Three-year warranty
Cons
- Very little buyer feedback so far
- Costs more than the VA models
- Can't match QD-OLED contrast
Best for PC and Console4 of 7
Alienware AW3425DWM on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Alienware AW3425DWM is the pick for a shared gaming setup: it is the only monitor here with a dedicated console mode.
Best for
- A PC and console sharing one curved screen.
Skip if
- You only game on a PC and want the best value; the SANSUI covers that for less.
Why we like it
Its 1500R VA panel runs at 180Hz with a stated 1ms response, 3000:1 contrast, 95% DCI-P3 and HDR400, and it adds a height-adjustable stand and a three-year warranty, which the SANSUI and ASUS VA models don't both offer.
It is still VA, so blacks won't match the QD-OLED models, and there is no USB-C.
Key dimensions & specs
- Panel: 34" VA, 1500R, 3440 x 1440
- Refresh rate: 180Hz, 1ms GtG (stated)
- Contrast: 3000:1; 95% DCI-P3; HDR400
- Console mode
- Height-adjustable stand; warranty: 3 years
Pros
- Only console mode here
- Height-adjustable stand
- Three-year warranty
Cons
- VA rather than QD-OLED contrast
- No USB-C
- Costs more than the SANSUI
Best for a Laptop5 of 7
Dell 34 Plus USB-C (S3425DW) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Dell 34 Plus is the one to choose if a laptop drives your desk: USB-C with 65W Power Delivery carries video and charging over a single cable.
Best for
- A laptop-based home office that wants a curved ultrawide on one cable.
Skip if
- You play fast games on a desktop; the SANSUI or ASUS FastIPS is the better fit.
Why we like it
Its 1500R VA panel runs at 120Hz with stated 99% sRGB and 95% DCI-P3, and Dell's Premium Panel warranty covers certain pixel defects. Dell lists a 0.03ms response time; brands measure response differently, so we wouldn't compare that figure directly with the others.
120Hz is the lowest refresh rate here, which is fine for office work but less suited to fast games.
Key dimensions & specs
- Panel: 34" VA, 1500R, 3440 x 1440
- Refresh rate: 120Hz
- USB-C: 65W Power Delivery
- Color: 99% sRGB, 95% DCI-P3 (stated)
- Warranty: Dell Premium Panel
Pros
- One-cable laptop charging and video
- Premium Panel pixel coverage
- Strong stated sRGB coverage
Cons
- 120Hz, the lowest here
- Costs more than the other 1500R VA models
- VA rather than QD-OLED contrast
Best QD-OLED6 of 7
Alienware AW3425DW QD-OLED on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The AW3425DW is the step up to QD-OLED: per-pixel contrast (stated at 1,500,000:1), 240Hz, 99.3% DCI-P3 and HDR TrueBlack 400, with G-Sync and FreeSync Premium Pro and a three-year warranty.
Best for
- Gaming and media where contrast and motion matter, for buyers ready to spend more.
Skip if
- Your screen shows static office content all day; a VA or IPS panel avoids OLED's burn-in caution.
Why we like it
Its 1800R curve is gentler than the 1500R VA models, which suits sitting a little further back or work where straight lines should look straight.
It costs more than twice as much as the VA models, and like any OLED, it carries a burn-in caution with static content such as taskbars; check the warranty terms.
Key dimensions & specs
- Panel: 34" QD-OLED, 1800R, 3440 x 1440
- Refresh rate: 240Hz
- Contrast: 1,500,000:1 (stated); 99.3% DCI-P3
- HDR TrueBlack 400
- G-Sync + FreeSync Premium Pro; warranty: 3 years
Pros
- QD-OLED per-pixel contrast
- 240Hz
- Gentler 1800R curve
Cons
- More than twice the price of the VA models
- OLED burn-in caution with static content
- Less wraparound than a 1500R curve at close range
Best 49-Inch7 of 7
Samsung Odyssey G93SC 49" on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Odyssey G93SC is the largest screen here, a 49-inch 5120 x 1440 QD-OLED, and the choice if you want the width of two monitors without a bezel down the middle.
Best for
- A large desk where one screen replaces two, for gaming, trading or wide timelines.
Skip if
- Your desk is under about 55 inches wide or shallow; a 34-inch model is the better fit.
Why we like it
It runs at 240Hz with stated 1,000,000:1 contrast and 99% DCI-P3, supports G-Sync and FreeSync Premium Pro, and picture-by-picture lets two sources share the width. The gentler 1800R curve suits the extra width better than a tight radius would.
It is the most expensive monitor here, it needs far more desk width and depth than a 34-inch screen, and it carries the same OLED burn-in caution as the AW3425DW.
Key dimensions & specs
- Panel: 49" QD-OLED, 1800R, 5120 x 1440
- Refresh rate: 240Hz
- Contrast: 1,000,000:1 (stated); 99% DCI-P3
- G-Sync + FreeSync Premium Pro
- Picture-by-picture
Pros
- Width of two monitors without a bezel
- QD-OLED contrast
- Picture-by-picture for two sources
Cons
- Most expensive monitor here
- Needs a much larger desk
- OLED burn-in caution with static content
How We Chose These Curved Ultrawide Monitors
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- Curve and size
- We compared curve radius and screen size against typical desk distances.
- Panel type and picture
- We compared panel technology and stated contrast and color coverage, treating them as manufacturer figures.
- Refresh rate and response
- We compared refresh rates; response times are measured differently across brands, so we treat them as indicative.
- Connectivity, stand and warranty
- We noted USB-C, USB ports, console mode, stand adjustment and stated warranties.
What to Look for in a Curved Ultrawide Monitor
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Match the curve to your distance and work
1500R wraps more at close range and suits games and media; 1800R is gentler and suits sitting further back or straight-edged work. Larger screens generally pair with gentler curves.
Choose the panel type
VA gives strong contrast for the money; IPS-type panels tend to hold color better at an angle; QD-OLED gives per-pixel contrast but costs much more and carries a burn-in caution with static content.
Plan the desk
A 34-inch ultrawide needs more width and depth than a standard monitor, and a 49-inch model needs considerably more. If you use a monitor arm, check it is rated for the monitor's weight without its stand and its VESA pattern.
Check connectivity
USB-C with Power Delivery matters for a laptop; extra USB ports matter for a desktop full of peripherals. Here, only the Dell lists USB-C charging.
How to Choose a Curved Ultrawide Monitor
By priority
| Priority | Consider |
|---|---|
| Lowest cost | SANSUI 34" |
| USB peripherals and a warranty | ASUS TUF VG34VQ3B |
| Color consistency | ASUS TUF FastIPS |
| PC and console | Alienware AW3425DWM |
| Laptop on one cable | Dell 34 Plus USB-C |
| QD-OLED contrast at 34 inches | Alienware AW3425DW |
| The widest screen | Samsung Odyssey G93SC 49" |
By price at the time of writing
Prices change frequently; these tiers reflect typical prices when this guide was updated.
| Price tier | Monitors |
|---|---|
| About $205–$300 | SANSUI, ASUS TUF VG34VQ3B, Alienware AW3425DWM |
| About $350–$380 | ASUS TUF FastIPS, Dell 34 Plus |
| About $750–$900 | Alienware AW3425DW QD-OLED, Samsung Odyssey G93SC |
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 1500R or 1800R mean?
It is the radius of the curve in millimeters. A lower number is a tighter curve: 1500R wraps more than 1800R.
Is a tighter curve always better?
No. Tighter curves feel more immersive at close range; gentler curves can be easier for straight-edged work and suit larger screens. Choose by use and distance.
Why does the 49-inch model use a gentler curve?
Over a much wider screen, a tight curve would bend the far edges sharply. Larger ultrawides generally pair with gentler curves.
VA, IPS or QD-OLED?
VA for contrast on a budget, IPS-type for steadier color at an angle, QD-OLED for the best contrast if you can accept the price and OLED's burn-in caution.
Does a curved monitor need a special arm?
It needs an arm rated for the monitor's weight without its stand and its VESA pattern. Heavier curved screens are worth pairing with an arm that leaves margin above that weight.
Bottom Line
For most people trying a curved ultrawide, the SANSUI is the sensible start: a fast 1500R VA panel at the lowest price here. Choose the Dell if a laptop runs your desk, the Alienware AW3425DWM for a PC-and-console setup, or the ASUS FastIPS if color consistency matters.
If you're ready to spend more, the Alienware AW3425DW brings QD-OLED contrast to a 34-inch screen, and the Samsung Odyssey G93SC replaces two monitors with one 49-inch panel, provided your desk has room.