Gone are the days when choosing your computer monitor meant deciding on size and resolutions. Now, one of the first and most important questions when it comes to evaluating computer monitors is the shape of the monitor – do you choose a flat monitor or a curved monitor? Are curved monitors better? Are flat monitors better? Let’s dive into a comparison of curved monitors vs. flat monitors to see which option is better.
Curved Monitors vs. Flat Monitors: Which is Better?
Everyone has used a flat monitor at some point in their lives, but despite their increasing popularity, not everyone has had the opportunity to experience a curved monitor. Are they really worth the hype? Should you take the leap and make the change to a curved monitor? How do the two compare in terms of user experience? Here’s what you need to know.
Curved Monitors: Benefits vs. Drawbacks
Over the past few years, curved monitors have emerged as a popular alternative to flat monitors, offering a more immersive and comfortable viewing experience.
Benefits of Curved Monitors
Increased Immersion: We see the world in three dimensions (length, width, and height). This is why our collective reality is based on 3D, not 2D (where everything would appear flat). The curved design wraps around your field of view and takes advantage of all three dimensions, drawing you deeper into the content, whether it’s a game, movie, or work project.
Enhanced Peripheral Vision: Just like it creates a more immersive experience, a curved monitor also fills your peripheral, creating a more engaging experience.
Improved Viewing Angles and Reduced Distortion: The curved screen of a curved monitor aims everything at the viewer, thus reducing distortion at the edges of the monitor, giving the viewer a larger perceived field of view, and providing provide more consistent viewing angles.
Reduced Eye Strain: The same physics that limit curved-screen distortion also make their use more comfortable. The curve mimics the natural curvature of the human eye, reducing the distance your eyes have to travel to see the edges of the screen. This can lead to less eye strain, particularly during long hours of use.
Drawbacks of Curved Monitors
Higher Cost: Though the price of curved monitors has come down since they were first introduced, curved monitors typically come with a higher price tag than flat monitors of comparable size and specifications.
Limited Wall Mounting: Wall mounting curved monitors is more challenging due to their shape. In order to be properly wall mounted, curved monitors require specific mounts and positioning.
Potential for Glare: Due to the geometry involved in its curvature, a curved monitor will regrettably be prone to glare, when viewed at certain angles. The best way to mitigate this issue is to place the screen away from as many light sources as possible.
Flat Monitors: Benefits vs. Drawbacks
Are flat monitors still the superior choice? For decades, flat monitors have been the standard for computer monitors. They’re what we’re most familiar with, and for many, they still serve their purpose perfectly.
Benefits of Flat Monitors
Affordability: Generally, flat monitors tend to be more budget-friendly than their curved monitor counterparts, especially in larger sizes.
Wall Mounting: Flat monitors are easier to wall-mount because of their design, which is typically flush with the adjacent wall.
Multiple Monitor Setups: Aligning multiple flat monitors side-by-side is generally simpler, creating a more seamless, linear workspace.
Drawbacks of Flat Monitors
Limited Immersion: Flat monitors offer a less immersive experience, especially in larger sizes, as the edges of the screen are further from your peripheral vision.
Potential for Distortion: In very large flat screens, the edges can appear slightly distorted due to the viewing angle.
Eye Strain (in Large Sizes): When using very large flat monitors, your eyes have to travel further to take in the entire display, potentially leading to eye strain over extended periods.
Are Curved or Flat Monitors Better? Our Final Thoughts
When it comes down to whether you should choose a flat monitor or a curved monitor, ultimately the best choice is going to come down to your specific needs, usage, and preferences.
Gamers and Entertainment Enthusiasts: Curved monitors offer a more immersive and engaging experience, making them ideal for gaming and watching movies.
Design Professionals (Graphic Designers, Architects, etc.): Flat monitors may remain the preferred choice for tasks requiring precise lines and straight edges.
Office Work and General Use: Both curved and flat monitors can be suitable, depending on personal preference and budget. If you prioritize comfort and immersion, a curved monitor might be worth the investment. If budget and multi monitor setups are your main concern, a flat monitor is a great choice.
What it comes down to is there is not a universally “better” option. Ultimately, the decision is yours. Consider your budget, usage, and personal preferences to determine which type of monitor best suits your needs! Whichever you choose, investing in a high-quality monitor like any of ViewSonic’s business monitors will definitely enhance your overall experience!
