Curved vs. Flat Monitor [Which is the Best & Why – Expert’s Opinion]

Monitors are the only thing that lets you see what’s happening inside the computer. And that puts it in a higher position than any other computer part.

Commonly known as an output device, it lets you know if the computer is carrying out functions. And you will need to know the specifications like color accuracy, panel type, resolution, etc., before you buy one. (Check our article on Best monitors for Color Accuracy to know more)

You should buy a monitor of optimum quality which suits your needs. You can check our article on choosing the best monitor for more details.

For a long time, people have engaged in battles regarding which type of computer is the best. And those battles have usually been around the benefits of LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) against CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) monitors. But this battle is old now. And we have already established the fact that LCD is always superior. 

Nowadays, the comparison of popular concerns is between curved and flat monitors. So curved screen monitors are relatively newer than flat screen monitors. Both have features which you may like. And obviously, you will choose the one according to your needs. But to make things easier, we bring this Curved vs Flat monitor article to you.

Curved vs Flat monitor

Further, we have listed some points of comparison between these two types of monitors. And we will consequently list out features for both of them.

Curved monitors

The curved monitors are, as the name suggests, those that have curved screens. Both sides of the screen are slightly curved towards the inside.

Advantages

Here are some of the advantages you get when you buy a curved monitor:

• All brands which manufacture curved monitors claim to give their users an immersive viewing experience. Because of the shape of its screen, the images are more lifelike. And you get the feel of almost an actual life experience.
  We get this feeling because these curved monitors cover our peripheral vision too. And fulfill the need for the three dimensions, length, width, and height, for a more realistic experience.
• Another major advantage of using a curved monitor is that it reduces image distortion. These monitors project light from all sides, aiming at the viewer. Because of their curved shape, they automatically aim at the viewer. And we get a clear picture from every corner of the screen.
• So like, as we said, the curved monitors project light from all sides. Hence there is not one specific point in the eye to which it directs all its light. And this results in all the parts of the eyes getting an equal amount of view. So these monitors provide great comfort to the eye.
• Curved monitors will be a great option if you are a gamer or a professional. Because, as we have mentioned, they reduce screen distortion. And also because they feel larger because of their shape. So you get a wider field of view. 
• Apart from all the other benefits, we also see that these monitors are classy to look at. And it will add to the aesthetic environment of your home.

Disadvantages

Like all the things in the world, curved monitors have a few disadvantages too:

• These curved monitors are great when you are a single viewer. But it poses a problem when you have family or friends over. Because these monitors provide the best view at a certain angle. So when there are many people, achieving the best angle for everyone is impossible.
• Another problem the curved monitors face is glare. Because of their curvature, these monitors can give out glare when viewed from certain angles.

Flat monitors

The flat monitors are simple straight-screen monitors.

Advantages

These are some advantages of a flat monitor:

• The flat monitors are perfect for you if you have a big daily or frequently have friends over as these monitors provide you with the same viewing experience from all sides because they are straight so that no one feels left out.
• Also, these flat monitors have an ergonomic advantage too. Because of its flat screen, we look directly at the monitor. And will not have to move our necks or eyes frequently.
• Another advantage of a flat monitor is that it is pretty flexible. So you can move it around at your expense. And also, it is quite easy to mount on a wall. After the mounting, too, it perfectly aligns with the wall, giving it a visual appeal.
• As the flat monitors give you the same light projection from all angles, there is no chance of glare. 
• The flat monitors are also cheaper than the other options in the monitors.

Disadvantages

Flat screens also have some disadvantages:

• As the flat screens are straight, the image display is straightforward. Hence the viewing experience is not immersive and realistic like that of the curved.
• Studies have claimed that flat screens compared to curved are more prone to image distortion. And most often, the edges are blurry. 

Two-dimensional Images

Flat-screen monitors are ideal for viewing documents and other two-dimensional images. They provide a more accurate picture representation, which can be beneficial when editing photographs or videos. Flat screens are also typically more affordable and take up less space on a desk or in an entertainment setup, making them a great choice for those on a budget or with limited space. However, the image quality may suffer from washout due to reflections off the flat surface.

Usage Scenarios

Ultimately, curved vs flat monitor is largely a matter of personal preference and what you plan to use your display for. For general-purpose computing tasks such as browsing the web, writing emails, and word processing, it’s hard to go wrong with either type. For more immersive activities such as gaming and watching movies, a curved monitor may be better suited to provide a wider field of view. While you can save money by opting for a flat screen, it may be worth investing in the additional features offered by a curved display to get the most out of your setup.

What to choose, curved or flat monitors?

Well, the answer to this question is subjective. And it completely depends on people. 

For some people, curved screens might be pointless because they look more toward the functionality of things. And flat screens provide them with the basic functions of a monitor at a lesser price. So why would they go for the costlier curved ones?

People seeking an optimum viewing experience will want to invest in curved monitors. And why not with all the features of immersive viewing, less distortion, and eye comfort? 

Hence, you must be clear about your requirements before you go buy a monitor.

Triple monitor curved vs flat

Regarding triple monitor setups, curved vs flat monitors is an even more difficult decision as both types have pros and cons. For example, curved displays are better suited to provide a wider field of view and increased immersion, but they tend to be larger and more expensive than flat panel monitors. On the other hand, flat monitors may not provide the same level of immersion due to the straight edges on each display, but they can offer a more affordable solution when compared with curved models.

To decide which type is best for you in a triple monitor setup, consider your budget, available space, and intended use. A triple-curved monitor may be worth considering if you’re looking for an immersive gaming experience or watching movies despite the higher cost. However, a more affordable flat panel monitor will likely suffice if you’re primarily using your setup for general computing tasks such as browsing the web and writing emails.

Ultrawide

Ultrawide monitors are wider than traditional displays, with a 21:9 aspect ratio compared to the more common 16:9 ratio. This allows for a more immersive viewing experience and greater productivity, giving you extra space to work on.

When choosing between an ultrawide curved vs flat monitor, there are several factors to consider. Curved monitors generally provide a wider field of view and increased immersion, making them ideal for gaming or watching movies. They also reduce reflection due to their gently angled surface, which is especially helpful in bright environments. On the downside, curved ultrawide tend to be more expensive than flat panels and require additional space due to their larger size.

Curved vs flat monitor for AutoCAD

When it comes to AutoCAD or 3D modeling, curved vs flat monitors can make a significant difference in your productivity. Curved monitors generally provide a wider field of view and increased immersion, making them ideal for these tasks. The larger size also helps reduce reflection in bright environments, which is especially beneficial when working on detailed designs. On the downside, curved ultrawide are more expensive than their flat counterparts and require additional space due to their larger size.

Flat panel monitors may not provide the same level of immersion as their curved display counterparts, but they offer an affordable solution without sacrificing too much performance. Flat panels are usually smaller and more affordable than curved displays, making them an attractive option.

Curved vs flat monitor for spreadsheets

Spreadsheets are used for analyzing and managing data, and the extra space provided by wider ultrawide displays can give you an edge when dealing with large amounts of information.

Curved monitors generally provide a wider field of view and increased immersion which makes them ideal for working on spreadsheet tasks. The larger size also helps reduce reflection in bright environments which is especially beneficial when dealing with detailed spreadsheets.

FAQs

Q – Is it worth spending on a curved monitor?

A – Whether you spend on a curved monitor is entirely subjective to your choices. If an immersive viewing experience, less image distortion, and eye comfort are your priorities, you must go for it. But if functionality comes to your mind, the expenditure might not be worth it.

Q – Are curved monitors better for the eyes?

A – When you stare at the monitor for a long time, curved monitors will be a better option as these monitors project light from all sides and do not specifically pressure a certain part of the eye. So this equal distribution comforts your eyes.

Q – Can you put multiple curved monitors together?

A – Yes, you can put multiple curved screens together. For example, say you have two curved monitors. And you can place this two side by side in a line. This facilitates you seeing a lot of areas with better picture quality.

Q – What is better, a curved or a flat monitor?

A – Well, this choice is, as we have always said, subjective. And it all depends on what you want in your monitor. For more information on this question, go through the article above.

Q – Is a curved monitor good for gaming?

A – A curved monitor is a great option for gaming. First, it provides you with a very realistic, immersive experience. And also, there is little distortion. With a wider field of view, you also have the option of combining monitors together. So buying a curved monitor will be a win-win situation for you.

Conclusion

So we hope that our article on curved and flat monitors has helped reach a solution. Despite all the differences, both the resolution and picture quality are more or less the same.