If you’re looking for top-performing MSI monitors, you’re in luck. MSI offers a range of monitors known for excellent image quality, high refresh rates, and low input lag, which are crucial for both gaming and professional use. Features like Quantum Dot technology ensure vibrant colors and sharp contrasts, while their ergonomic designs provide comfort during long hours of use. However, some models may experience firmware issues or input lag at lower refresh rates, a trade-off for their competitive pricing.
We analyzed 196 monitors and certified 3 as the best. We scrutinized 319,390 reviews and found that 71% of experts weren’t trustworthy. Our unique approach uses True Score and Trust Score to filter out fake reviews and ensure only the top-performing models made our buying guide. These winning MSI monitors excelled in all key performance areas. We also have selections for the best computer monitors regardless of brand, providing impressive performance for gaming, productivity, and other uses.
How Did We Rank the Best MSI Monitors?
Our buying guide for the best MSI monitors is built on a foundation of meticulous research. We examined over 200 sites, evaluating testing methodologies, customer reviews, and expert opinions. By identifying 2 critical test results and 1 must-have specification, we crafted a guide you can trust. Our true score system guarantees the most accurate and relevant recommendations for your needs.
Our commitment to unbiased reviews is powered by our ‘True Score’ system, targeting low quality and fake reviews. When you shop through our links, you’re backing our mission. Dive deeper to see how.
?️ Minimum Specifications
- Must be MSI
? Test Criteria
- Contrast Ratio: 1000:1 or higher (infinite), offering deep blacks and bright whites for an exceptional viewing experience.
- Color Accuracy: At least 90% of the sRGB color gamut, providing rich and vibrant colors.
Latest Updates
- 05/05/2024: Republished the list to include the best MSI monitors based on our True Score system.
Top MSI Monitors For 2024
Prices accurate at the time of publishing
Best Overall
Runner Up
Best Value
Best Budget
Best Mid-Range
Premium Pick
MSI MAG274QRF-QD
Ideal for creatives, the MSI MAG274QRF-QD boasts superior color accuracy, ensuring precise hues for detailed work, with smooth performance for gaming.
True Score
85849Experts
92779Customers
Absolutely Fresh
$279.99
Snapshot
Reasons to Buy
- High refresh rate, low input lag, and rapid response time for gaming
- Stand has great ergonomics
- Wide viewing angles
- High color accuracy
Reasons to Avoid
- Low contrast ratio
- Mediocre black levels
Specifications
Display Type LCD HDMI Inputs 2 HDR Format Yes Max Resolution 2560 x 1440 
Panel Type IPS Refresh Rate 165 Hz 
Response Time 1 ms Screen size 27″ 
Sync Technology G-Sync All Specs
Test Results
Brightness (nits) 275 Contrast Ratio (as ratio, x:1) 1,087 Color Gamut/Accuracy % (DCI P3 xy) 100 Color Gamut/Accuracy % (DCI P3 uv) 0 Color Gamut % (Adobe RGB Coverage xy) 100 Color Gamut % (sRGB Coverage xy) 136 All Retailers
$279.99
$279.99
$299.99$350Save $50
$319.99$450Save $130
Our Verdict
Creative professionals looking for a monitor with great color accuracy will appreciate the MSI MAG274QRF-QD’s outstanding color reproduction. It covers 100% of the Adobe RGB color gamut, 136.28% of sRGB, and 100.20% of DCI-P3, meaning it has a broader color palette that’s essential for accurate color representation.
It has a decent brightness of 274 nits, making it suitable for indoor environments with limited natural light. This monitor outperforms its counterpart, the MSI Optix G273, with an unmatched response time of 5.5ms against 7.8ms. If crisp and blur-free content matters to you, this monitor’s low input lag of 10.8ms handles fast-moving images without significant ghosting, giving it an edge in fast-paced applications and gaming. Its unparalleled refresh rate of 165Hz also ensures smooth gameplay and reduces motion blur, providing a seamless experience.
Note that its somewhat high reflectivity, at 5.4%, may be distracting in very bright rooms. It offers a good contrast ratio of approximately 1087:1, which, while not extraordinary, is decent for an IPS panel and offers reasonable depth in visuals. Also, the lack of built-in speakers means you need an external audio solution.
Despite these minor setbacks in reflections and brightness, the monitor’s overall value, in terms of cost, performance, and usage, continues to be outstanding. With its superior refresh rate, excellent color reproduction, and impressive response time, it provides excellent value for gamers and creative professionals and is an exceptional pick in the MSI lineup.
Best Overall
Runner Up
Best Value
Best Budget
Best Mid-Range
Premium Pick
MSI Optix Mag273R
The MSI Optix Mag273R offers bright and clear visuals with solid contrast. It is suited for indoor use and general tasks and balances performance with price.
True Score
80792Experts
87327Customers
Absolutely Fresh
$349.00Snapshot
Reasons to Buy
- High contrast ratio
- High 144Hz refresh rate
- Good viewing angles
- Great reflection handling
- Low input lag
Reasons to Avoid
- Mediocre HDR performance
- Limited ergonomics
- No speakers
Specifications
Display Type LCD HDMI Inputs 2 HDR Format Yes Max Resolution 1920 x 1080 (Full HD) Panel Type IPS Refresh Rate 144 Hz Response Time 1 ms Screen size 27″ Sync Technology AMD FreeSync All Specs
Test Results
Brightness (nits) 323 Contrast Ratio (as ratio, x:1) 1,322 Color Gamut/Accuracy % (DCI P3 xy) 90 Color Gamut/Accuracy % (DCI P3 uv) 0 Color Gamut % (Adobe RGB Coverage xy) 81 Color Gamut % (sRGB Coverage xy) 117 All Retailers
- $349.00
- $490.64
Our Verdict
If you are looking for a monitor that offers crisp and bright visuals for productivity tasks, the MSI Optix Mag273R is a great choice. Its brightness level of 322.5 nits is nearly as good as that of the MSI Optix G273. It’s an excellent monitor if you need to set it up in a bright indoor room, though it might find direct sunlight challenging. The strong contrast ratio of 1322:1 further enhances its value, providing a clear, vivid viewing experience in various lighting conditions.
The input lag measures at 16.9ms, which, while adequate for casual gaming, might not sit well with competitive gamers who require faster responses. Similarly, the response time of 8.45ms is the slowest on the list, which could result in a slightly more noticeable motion blur if crisp and blur-free content matters most to you.
It manages reflectivity decently at 5.0% total reflections, making it usable in bright rooms.
The monitor’s color accuracy is mixed across the board, with an unimpressive 81% Adobe RGB coverage. However, it shows strength in its sRGB coverage at 116.50%, which is used for web and digital services, and it has a decent DCI-P3 coverage at 89.70% for film and video. This should be satisfactory for general users, but professional users in color-critical work might need to reconsider.The Mag273R is an excellent choice if brightness and contrast are your top priorities. Bear in mind its higher price point and slightly underwhelming performance in certain color spaces and input lag, but if you’re not into competitive gaming and need a monitor that provides bright, clear images with good contrast, it’s still a great option to consider.
Category Snapshot
Computer Monitors
- Total Brands/Products Tested
27 Brands, 196 Products
- Top 2 Brands
Dell, HP
- Price Range (Budget-Premium)
$100-$1,500
- Average True Score
74.46
- Important Test Criteria
Brightness (cd/m2)
Contrast Ratio (1000:1) - Most Trusted Testers
- Top Monitor Experts
- Typical Warranty
2 years
- Covered by Insurance
Yes – AKKO
Best Overall
Runner Up
Best Value
Best Budget
Best Mid-Range
Premium Pick
MSI Optix G273
Affordable with crisp visuals and minimal glare, this monitor has low reflections and high contrast, offering a great blend of performance and value.
True Score
76753Experts
8146Customers
Mixed Reviews
SAVE $91$249.99$158.89Snapshot
Reasons to Buy
- High 165Hz refresh rate ensures smooth gaming
- Rapid 1ms response time to prevent ghosting
- Features both FreeSync and G-Sync compatibility
- Great reflection handling
- Quick responsiveness courtesy of a low input lag
Reasons to Avoid
- Poor ergonomics
- No support for HDR
- Poor contrast
Specifications
Display Type LED HDMI Inputs 2 HDR Format n/a Max Resolution 1920 x 1080 (Full HD) Number of DisplayPort Ver 1.2 Inputs 1 Panel Type VA Refresh Rate 165 Hz Response Time 1 ms Screen size 27″ Sync Technology AMD FreeSync All Specs
Test Results
Brightness (nits) 326 Contrast Ratio (as ratio, x:1) 1,391 Color Gamut/Accuracy % (DCI P3 xy) 0 Color Gamut/Accuracy % (DCI P3 uv) 0 Color Gamut % (Adobe RGB Coverage xy) 85 Color Gamut % (sRGB Coverage xy) 99 All Retailers
- $158.89$250Save $91
- $268.90
Our Verdict
If you need crisp detail and no glare while you work or play on your monitor, this affordable model delivers a superior visual experience. The contrast ratio of 1391:1, the highest on our list, offers deeper blacks and a more pronounced contrast in images, enhancing your viewing experience. The monitor’s reflectivity is also better than any other monitor on the list, with only 4.4% total reflections, reducing potential glare issues.
Its superior brightness is an impressive 325.5 nits, which is decent and better than many standard displays. However, it may not be optimal for use in direct sunlight or extremely bright environments. Regarding color gamut coverage, the MSI Optix G273 covers 84.7% Adobe RGB and 99.15% sRGB. While this may not be perfect for tasks requiring ultimate color accuracy, it is certainly adequate for general usage.
If you’re going to use your monitor for both productivity and gaming, it has an unmatched input lag at an impressive 6.55ms, ensuring swift feedback. Compared to its counterpart, the MSI MAG274QRF-QD, the MSI Optix G273 has a slightly slower response time of 7.8ms, contrasting with the former’s 5.5ms. However, it matches the MSI MAG274QRF-QD with an unmatched refresh rate of 165Hz, assuring fluid motion in dynamic scenes.
The MSI Optix G273 truly offers value for money due to its lower price, high brightness, low reflections, high contrast ratio, and low input lag. Though its color coverage isn’t extraordinary, it’s still a great choice for productivity tasks and gaming.
Which Criteria Matters for Testing MSI Monitors?
By focusing on these criteria (2 required), anyone can quickly and easily compare these computer monitors and how they’ll perform. This helps you make an informed decision and purchase the best MSI monitor.
| CRITERIA | RANGE | REQUIRED | DEFINITION |
|---|---|---|---|
| Contrast Ratio | >1000:1 | Yes | The difference in brightness between the whites (lit sections) and blacks (dim or unlit sections) of a monitor panel. |
| Color Gamut % (sRGB Coverage xy) | > 90% | Yes | How much of the sRGB color gamut is covered by the monitor, which helps indicate color accuracy for web content and games. |
Our Trusted Data Sources
We looked at 110+ computer monitor reviewers and found that 33 are trustworthy (60%+ Trust Rating). The three we have listed below are our most trusted for computer monitors.
- Samuel Breton – Rtings, MuckRack
- Chris Eberle – Tom’s Hardware, LinkedIn
- Tony Hoffman – PC Mag, MuckRack
Interested in a comprehensive analysis of our data sources? We’ve got you covered. Below, you’ll find a detailed list of every computer monitor review website we’ve identified, organized by their respective Trust Ratings from highest to lowest. But we didn’t stop there. We’ve meticulously reviewed each publication and verified the data by checking whether the authors have bio links to MuckRack or LinkedIn. We’re committed to not only checking the facts but ensuring their veracity.
Computer Monitor Test Data & Results
1. Contrast Ratio (as ratio, x:1) Test Results
Contrast Ratio
> 1000:1
Acceptable range of performance
Definition: How bright the monitor will get, usually under specific testing conditions, like 10% windows (which means 10% of the screen is a white box.)
Units of Measurement: Ratio
Tools to Measure: Luminance meter or photometer or colorimeter
Why It’s Important:
Contrast ratio is how dynamic images are given detail and dramatic effect, with very dark areas appearing truly dark, while bright areas are bright and pop.
Contrast ratio is responsible for making images appear “dynamic” and “dramatic.” By having a good contrast ratio, a monitor is able to recreate dramatic differences between light and dark spots in scenes, images and games accurately.
At a minimum, we recommend a contrast ratio of 1000:1, as this will do a good enough job at allow for detail in dark scenes and images. If contrast ratio gets too low, the picture quality suffers, and the monitor performs worse across the board, no matter the lighting condition. By getting a monitor with a sufficiently high contrast ratio, you can ensure the picture quality doesn’t suffer, and dramatic scenes with stark shifts in lighting, whether they be in games or videos, are created as accurately as possible.
Contrast Ratio (higher is better)
2. Color Gamut % (sRGB Coverage xY) Test Results
Color Gamut % (sRGB Coverage xy)
> 90%
Acceptable range of performance
Definition: The amount of the sRGB gamut that the monitor covers.
Units of Measurement: %
Tools to Measure: Colorimeter
Why It’s Important:
The sRGB color gamut is the most commonly used gamut for most colors when browsing the web, watching videos on the web on sites like YouTube, and when playing video games.
Since color gamut comes in a variety of different types, there’s bound to be some confusion as to which is meant for what. sRGB is an extremely common gamut that is used for the vast majority of web content, including how YouTube videos display, and is the primary gamut used for video games.
If you’re looking for accurate colors while web browsing, watching videos or playing games, you’re going to want a coverage of at least 90%. Higher is always better and hitting 100% means that if you correctly calibrate your monitor, you should be seeing content exactly as it was intended. Higher than 100% means that more than just the standard gamut has been covered, which can create more saturated and vivid colors. Coming in under 100% means the colors are less accurate, though this doesn’t become a major issue until you start to fall under 90%.
Color Gamut SRGB (in %; higher is better)
Best MSI Monitors: Mistakes To Avoid
- Ignoring your Needs: Consider your primary usage. Are you gaming, editing videos, or doing graphic design work? Each activity may require different specifications such as refresh rate, resolution, and color accuracy.
- Not Checking Compatibility: Ensure that the monitor you choose is compatible with your computer or gaming console. Check the ports available on both the monitor and your device to avoid any connectivity issues.
- Overlooking Refresh Rate and Response Time: For gaming, a higher refresh rate (measured in Hertz) and lower response time are crucial for smooth gameplay without motion blur or ghosting.
- Ignoring Panel Technology: MSI monitors come with various panel types such as IPS (In-Plane Switching), TN (Twisted Nematic), and VA (Vertical Alignment). Each has its advantages and disadvantages in terms of color accuracy, viewing angles, and response times. Our MSI Optix MPG341CQR review highlights how the VA panel excels in offering deep blacks and a high contrast ratio, making it ideal for gamers who prioritize immersive visuals.
The Best MSI Monitors Tests Compared
Product |
True Score
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Brightness
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Contrast Ratio
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Color Gamut (DCI P3)
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Color Gamut (sRGB)
|
Input Lag
|
Response Time (ms)
|
Reflections %
| |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
85 |
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|  $279.99 | |
80 |
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|  $349.00 | |
76 |
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| $158.89 $250 $91 |
