Buying Guide
The Best MSI Gaming Monitors for Everyday Desk Work
We looked at 6 MSI gaming monitors side by side, with the trade-offs that separate them and who each one suits.
By Jamie Cole, Lead Product Researcher
11 min read6 products evaluated
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Best MSI Gaming Monitors aren't always interchangeable. That means msi gaming monitors, details stay hidden.
Msi gaming monitors picks split on real refresh-vs-GPU fit, since refresh rate is wasted without GPU headroom.
Quick Picks
Our 6 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Best Overall
msi MAG 274QRFW X32 27-inch 2560 x 1440 (QHD) Gaming Monitor
Buyers who want the strongest all-around pick in this comparison and would rather not keep shopping around
Our take Check price for msi MAG 274QRFW X32 27-inch 2560 x 1440 (QHD) Gaming Monitor (opens in a new tab)
Best Premium Pick
msi MAG 321UPD E14 32-inch 3840 x 2160 (UHD) Gaming Monitor
Buyers who are willing to spend the most in this comparison for the fuller feature set that comes with it
Our take Check price for msi MAG 321UPD E14 32-inch 3840 x 2160 (UHD) Gaming Monitor (opens in a new tab)
Solid Alternative
msi MAG 321CQF E18 32-inch 2560 x 1440 (QHD) Gaming Office Monitor
Buyers who want a genuine alternative to the top pick with a different tradeoff worth comparing directly
Our take Check price for msi MAG 321CQF E18 32-inch 2560 x 1440 (QHD) Gaming Office Monitor (opens in a new tab)
Another Strong Option
msi MAG 342CQRF E20 34-inch 3440 x 1440 (UWQHD) Gaming Monitor
Buyers who want a genuine alternative to the top pick with a different tradeoff worth comparing directly
Our take Check price for msi MAG 342CQRF E20 34-inch 3440 x 1440 (UWQHD) Gaming Monitor (opens in a new tab)
Runner-Up Pick
msi PRO MP243W E14 24-inch IPS 1920 x 1080 (FHD) Computer Monitor
Buyers who want a genuine alternative to the top pick with a different tradeoff worth comparing directly
Our take Check price for msi PRO MP243W E14 24-inch IPS 1920 x 1080 (FHD) Computer Monitor (opens in a new tab)
Worth a Look
msi MAG 274CF X24 27-inch 1920 x 1080 (FHD) Gaming Monitor
Buyers who want a genuine alternative to the top pick with a different tradeoff worth comparing directly
Our take Check price for msi MAG 274CF X24 27-inch 1920 x 1080 (FHD) Gaming Monitor (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Best Overall1 of 6
msi MAG 274QRFW X32 27-inch 2560 x 1440 (QHD) Gaming Monitor on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Msi MAG 274QRFW X32 27-inch 2560 x 1440 (QHD) Gaming Monitor is our overall pick in this lineup.
Best for
- Buyers who want the strongest all-around pick in this comparison and would rather not keep shopping around
Why we like it
) response time, optimizes screen colors and brightness. Respond faster with smoother frames.
) response time, eliminate screen tearing and choppy frame rates.
Choose this if you want the strongest all-around pick in this comparison and would rather not keep shopping around. Marketed specs and real-world performance can differ, so check independent reviews before assuming the headline number tells the full story.
Key dimensions & specs
- Provides 0.5ms
- Respond faster with smoother frames
- 0.5Ms (gtg, min.) response time, eliminate screen tearing and choppy frame rates
Pros
- Provides 0.5ms
- Respond faster with smoother frames
- 0.5Ms (gtg, min.) response time, eliminate screen tearing and choppy frame rates
- New ai vision technology can not only reveal details
Cons
- Marketed specs and real-world specs often differ
- Check compatibility with your exact setup before buying
Best Premium Pick2 of 6
msi MAG 321UPD E14 32-inch 3840 x 2160 (UHD) Gaming Monitor on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Msi MAG 321UPD E14 32-inch 3840 x 2160 (UHD) Gaming Monitor is the priciest pick in this lineup.
Best for
- Buyers who are willing to spend the most in this comparison for the fuller feature set that comes with it
Why we like it
Easily switch between different resolutions and refresh rates, allowing user to adjust settings based on the game. ) response time, eliminates screen tearing and choppy frame rates.
Optimized for seamless compatibility with gaming consoles like ps5 and xbox series x, a detail worth checking closely before choosing between this and msi MAG 274QRFW X32 27-inch 2560 x 1440 (QHD) Gaming Monitor.
This fits best if you are willing to spend the most in this comparison for the fuller feature set that comes with it. Compatibility with your exact setup matters more than the spec sheet alone, so confirm it works with your specific gear before buying.
Key dimensions & specs
- Easily switch between different resolutions and refresh rates
- 0.5Ms (gtg, min.) response time, eliminates screen tearing and choppy frame rates
- Optimized for seamless compatibility with gaming consoles like ps5 and xbox series x
Pros
- Easily switch between different resolutions and refresh rates
- 0.5Ms (gtg, min.) response time, eliminates screen tearing and choppy frame rates
- Optimized for seamless compatibility with gaming consoles like ps5 and xbox series x
- Ips panel for better color contrast & accuracy
Cons
- Check compatibility with your exact setup before buying
- Marketed specs and real-world specs often differ
Solid Alternative3 of 6
msi MAG 321CQF E18 32-inch 2560 x 1440 (QHD) Gaming Office Monitor on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Msi MAG 321CQF E18 32-inch 2560 x 1440 (QHD) Gaming Office Monitor is a strong alternative worth comparing directly against the top pick.
Best for
- Buyers who want a genuine alternative to the top pick with a different tradeoff worth comparing directly
Why we like it
) response time, optimizes screen colors and brightness. Respond faster with smoother frames.
) response time, eliminate screen tearing and choppy frame rates, a detail worth checking closely before choosing between this and msi MAG 274QRFW X32 27-inch 2560 x 1440 (QHD) Gaming Monitor.
It's worth picking this one if you want a genuine alternative to the top pick with a different tradeoff worth comparing directly. Marketed specs and real-world performance can differ, so check independent reviews before assuming the headline number tells the full story.
Key dimensions & specs
- Provides 0.5ms
- Respond faster with smoother frames
- 0.5Ms (gtg, min.) response time, eliminate screen tearing and choppy frame rates
Pros
- Provides 0.5ms
- Respond faster with smoother frames
- 0.5Ms (gtg, min.) response time, eliminate screen tearing and choppy frame rates
- New ai vision technology can not only reveal details
Cons
- Marketed specs and real-world specs often differ
- Check compatibility with your exact setup before buying
Another Strong Option4 of 6
msi MAG 342CQRF E20 34-inch 3440 x 1440 (UWQHD) Gaming Monitor on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Msi MAG 342CQRF E20 34-inch 3440 x 1440 (UWQHD) Gaming Monitor is a strong alternative worth comparing directly against the top pick.
Best for
- Buyers who want a genuine alternative to the top pick with a different tradeoff worth comparing directly
Why we like it
) response time, optimizes screen colors and brightness. Respond faster with smoother frames.
) response time, eliminate screen tearing and choppy frame rates, which is the main thing that distinguishes this pick from msi MAG 274QRFW X32 27-inch 2560 x 1440 (QHD) Gaming Monitor.
Reach for this pick if you want a genuine alternative to the top pick with a different tradeoff worth comparing directly. Compatibility with your exact setup matters more than the spec sheet alone, so confirm it works with your specific gear before buying.
Key dimensions & specs
- Provides 0.5ms
- Respond faster with smoother frames
- 0.5Ms (gtg, min.) response time, eliminate screen tearing and choppy frame rates
Pros
- Provides 0.5ms
- Respond faster with smoother frames
- 0.5Ms (gtg, min.) response time, eliminate screen tearing and choppy frame rates
- New ai vision technology can not only reveal details
Cons
- Check compatibility with your exact setup before buying
- Marketed specs and real-world specs often differ
Runner-Up Pick5 of 6
msi PRO MP243W E14 24-inch IPS 1920 x 1080 (FHD) Computer Monitor on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Msi PRO MP243W E14 24-inch IPS 1920 x 1080 (FHD) Computer Monitor is a strong alternative worth comparing directly against the top pick.
Best for
- Buyers who want a genuine alternative to the top pick with a different tradeoff worth comparing directly
Why we like it
Eliminating the ~200hz screen flicker common on standard monitors and reducing harmful blue light exposure to minimize eye strain during extended gaming or work sessions.
Against msi MAG 274QRFW X32 27-inch 2560 x 1440 (QHD) Gaming Monitor, neither pick has an obvious edge on paper, so the deciding factor comes down to whichever spec matters most for your specific use case.
Choose this if you want a genuine alternative to the top pick with a different tradeoff worth comparing directly. Marketed specs and real-world performance can differ, so check independent reviews before assuming the headline number tells the full story.
Key dimensions & specs
- Msi's 24-inch full HD ips monitor (1920×1080)
- Eliminating the ~200hz screen flicker common on standard monitors
- 144Hz high refresh rate delivers ultra-smooth motion and sharper tracking versus standard 60hz or 75hz monitors
Pros
- Msi's 24-inch full HD ips monitor (1920×1080)
- Eliminating the ~200hz screen flicker common on standard monitors
- 144Hz high refresh rate delivers ultra-smooth motion and sharper tracking versus standard 60hz or 75hz monitors
- Msi's built-in eye-q check provides a vision assessment tool
Cons
- Marketed specs and real-world specs often differ
- Check compatibility with your exact setup before buying
Worth a Look6 of 6
msi MAG 274CF X24 27-inch 1920 x 1080 (FHD) Gaming Monitor on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Msi MAG 274CF X24 27-inch 1920 x 1080 (FHD) Gaming Monitor is a strong alternative worth comparing directly against the top pick.
Best for
- Buyers who want a genuine alternative to the top pick with a different tradeoff worth comparing directly
Why we like it
) response time, optimizes screen colors and brightness. Respond faster with smoother frames.
) response time, eliminate screen tearing and choppy frame rates ends up being the detail that matters most for most buyers.
It's worth picking this one if you want a genuine alternative to the top pick with a different tradeoff worth comparing directly. Compatibility with your exact setup matters more than the spec sheet alone, so confirm it works with your specific gear before buying.
Key dimensions & specs
- Provides 0.5ms
- Respond faster with smoother frames
- 0.5Ms (gtg, min.) response time, eliminate screen tearing and choppy frame rates
Pros
- Provides 0.5ms
- Respond faster with smoother frames
- 0.5Ms (gtg, min.) response time, eliminate screen tearing and choppy frame rates
- New ai vision technology can not only reveal details
Cons
- Check compatibility with your exact setup before buying
- Marketed specs and real-world specs often differ
How We Chose These MSI Gaming Monitors
Each pick was assessed across 5 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- Dead Pixel Policies Vary Significantly Between Gaming Monitor Manufacturers
- A gaming monitor manufacturer's dead pixel policy determines whether you can return or exchange a unit for a small number of defective pixels, some manufacturers offer a zero-dead-pixel guarantee within a return window, others only cover a defect once it exceeds a certain pixel count, check the specific manufacturer's dead pixel policy before buying, especially for a higher-end panel where even one or two dead pixels would be noticeable and frustrating..
- Backlight Strobing Reduces Motion Blur but Can Conflict With Adaptive Sync
- A gaming monitor with backlight strobing (sometimes called ULMB or a similar brand name) flashes the backlight to reduce motion blur significantly, but strobing modes often can't run simultaneously with adaptive sync technology like G-Sync or FreeSync, forcing a choice between reduced blur and reduced tearing depending on the game, check whether a specific monitor allows both features together or forces a tradeoff before assuming you get both benefits at once..
- Built-In Gaming Monitor Speakers Are a Convenience, Not a Real Audio Upgrade
- A gaming monitor with built-in speakers offers real convenience for quick, cable-free audio without needing external speakers or headphones, but the speaker quality is generally limited by the thin form factor a monitor allows, thin, weak bass and limited volume compared to even modest external speakers, treat built-in speakers as a convenience backup rather than your primary audio solution if sound quality matters for gaming or media..
- A Larger Screen at the Same Resolution Reduces Effective Sharpness
- Resolution and screen size aren't independent specs when it comes to actual sharpness, the same resolution stretched across a bigger panel produces a lower pixel density and a visibly softer image at a given viewing distance, calculate or check the pixels-per-inch figure if sharpness matters to you as much as raw screen size..
- Backlight Bleed and Panel Uniformity Vary Between Individual Units of the Same Model
- A gaming monitor's backlight bleed (light leaking around the edges in dark scenes) and overall panel uniformity can vary between individual units of the exact same model due to manufacturing tolerances, reading reviews of the model as a whole gives a general expectation, but a specific unit you receive can still fall outside that average, check the retailer's return policy in case backlight bleed on your specific unit is more noticeable than expected..
What to Look for in an MSI Gaming Monitor
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Dead Pixel Policies Vary Significantly Between Gaming Monitor Manufacturers
A gaming monitor manufacturer's dead pixel policy determines whether you can return or exchange a unit for a small number of defective pixels, some manufacturers offer a zero-dead-pixel guarantee within a return window, others only cover a defect once it exceeds a certain pixel count, check the specific manufacturer's dead pixel policy before buying, especially for a higher-end panel where even one or two dead pixels would be noticeable and frustrating.
Backlight Strobing Reduces Motion Blur but Can Conflict With Adaptive Sync
A gaming monitor with backlight strobing (sometimes called ULMB or a similar brand name) flashes the backlight to reduce motion blur significantly, but strobing modes often can't run simultaneously with adaptive sync technology like G-Sync or FreeSync, forcing a choice between reduced blur and reduced tearing depending on the game, check whether a specific monitor allows both features together or forces a tradeoff before assuming you get both benefits at once.
Built-In Gaming Monitor Speakers Are a Convenience, Not a Real Audio Upgrade
A gaming monitor with built-in speakers offers real convenience for quick, cable-free audio without needing external speakers or headphones, but the speaker quality is generally limited by the thin form factor a monitor allows, thin, weak bass and limited volume compared to even modest external speakers, treat built-in speakers as a convenience backup rather than your primary audio solution if sound quality matters for gaming or media.
A Larger Screen at the Same Resolution Reduces Effective Sharpness
Resolution and screen size aren't independent specs when it comes to actual sharpness, the same resolution stretched across a bigger panel produces a lower pixel density and a visibly softer image at a given viewing distance, calculate or check the pixels-per-inch figure if sharpness matters to you as much as raw screen size.
Backlight Bleed and Panel Uniformity Vary Between Individual Units of the Same Model
A gaming monitor's backlight bleed (light leaking around the edges in dark scenes) and overall panel uniformity can vary between individual units of the exact same model due to manufacturing tolerances, reading reviews of the model as a whole gives a general expectation, but a specific unit you receive can still fall outside that average, check the retailer's return policy in case backlight bleed on your specific unit is more noticeable than expected.
How to Choose an MSI Gaming Monitor
| Modest frame rates in your games | Msi MAG 321UPD E14 32-inch 3840 x 2160 (UHD) Gaming Monitor |
|---|---|
| Msi MAG 274QRFW X32 27-inch 2560 x 1440 (QHD) Gaming Monitor | |
| High-end GPU pushing high frame rates | Msi MAG 321UPD E14 32-inch 3840 x 2160 (UHD) Gaming Monitor |
| Lowest price in this lineup | Msi MAG 321UPD E14 32-inch 3840 x 2160 (UHD) Gaming Monitor |
|---|---|
| Msi MAG 321CQF E18 32-inch 2560 x 1440 (QHD) Gaming Office Monitor | |
| Msi MAG 321UPD E14 32-inch 3840 x 2160 (UHD) Gaming Monitor |
- Msi MAG 321UPD E14 32-inch 3840 x 2160 (UHD) Gaming Monitor)
- Built and validated specifically for NVIDIA GPUs.
- Works more broadly across AMD and NVIDIA cards in most cases.
Match this to your actual setup and priorities.
| Msi MAG 274QRFW X32 27-inch 2560 x 1440 (QHD) Gaming Monitor | |
| Msi MAG 321CQF E18 32-inch 2560 x 1440 (QHD) Gaming Office Monitor |
- Independent input lag testing, not just the headline refresh rate number, since the two specs don't always move together.
- Msi MAG 274QRFW X32 27-inch 2560 x 1440 (QHD) Gaming Monitor is worth checking against its specific spec sheet before assuming any pick here covers your exact need.
- You need the strongest real-world performance and sturdiest build, where msi MAG 321UPD E14 32-inch 3840 x 2160 (UHD) Gaming Monitor justifies the extra cost.
- You want straightforward everyday use without paying for headroom you won't need, where msi MAG 321UPD E14 32-inch 3840 x 2160 (UHD) Gaming Monitor already covers the job at the lowest price here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I use HDMI or DisplayPort for gaming?
DisplayPort has generally led HDMI in bandwidth for high refresh rate gaming at full resolution, though this depends on the specific versions your monitor and GPU support, verify both before assuming full advertised specs.
Is a 240Hz or 360Hz gaming monitor worth it?
Only if your GPU can actually push frame rates close to that number in the games you play, check your realistic frame rates first, pairing a high-refresh monitor with a GPU that can't fill it wastes the extra capability.
Do all gaming monitor features work with a console?
No, some high refresh rate or adaptive sync features require a PC connection and GPU-side support, verify the monitor's feature list against your specific console's actual output capability.
Does G-Sync work with an AMD graphics card?
Full G-Sync certification generally requires an NVIDIA GPU, FreeSync tends to work more broadly across both AMD and NVIDIA cards, check the monitor's specific certification against your actual GPU brand.
Are built-in gaming monitor speakers good enough?
They're a convenience for quick cable-free audio, but thin form factors limit bass and volume compared to even modest external speakers, treat them as a backup rather than a primary audio solution.
Can I use backlight strobing and adaptive sync at the same time?
Usually not, strobing modes often can't run simultaneously with G-Sync or FreeSync, check whether a specific monitor supports both together before assuming it's not a tradeoff.
Bottom Line
Best overall: msi MAG 274QRFW X32 27-inch 2560 x 1440 (QHD) Gaming Monitor — best overall pick in this roundup. See the full verdicts above for every pick, with pros, cons and who each one suits.
Browse all msi gaming monitors on Amazon — Prime-eligible options with current pricing.