MSI PRO MP243L E14 24" Matte Black 2025

The MSI PRO MP243L E14 is a 24-inch 1080p IPS monitor with a 144Hz refresh rate that sells for as little as $75. Image quality is solid for the price, and the high refresh rate makes it great for casual gaming. If you need a budget monitor that doesn't feel budget, this is it.

The 144Hz refresh rate is the headline here, and it delivers. Scrolling feels smooth, games look fluid, and the 1ms MPRT response time keeps motion blur in check. FreeSync helps if you're running an AMD GPU, though it'll work with G-Sync compatible mode on Nvidia cards too. The 250-nit brightness is about average for budget monitors, and the 102% sRGB coverage means colors look decent out of the box. Just don't expect HDR to blow you away. It's HDR Ready, which is marketing speak for 'it'll accept an HDR signal but won't really show it off.'

Stacked against the HP OMEN 27qs G2 or ASUS TUF Gaming VG27AQL5A, the MSI gives up a lot. Those are 27-inch 1440p panels with higher brightness and better color. But they also cost two to three times as much. The Acer Nitro XV272U and LG UltraGear 27GS75Q-B are in a similar boat. If you have the budget and desk space, those are better monitors, period. But if you're trying to stay under $130, the MSI is competing in a different weight class entirely. The Alienware AW2725DM isn't even in the same conversation price-wise.

This is where the MP243L E14 shines. At $75 to $128 depending on where you shop, it's hard to find a 144Hz IPS monitor for less. The spread across vendors is real though. You'll see it listed anywhere from $75 to $128 in the US, so shop around. Best Buy and Amazon tend to have the most competitive pricing, but Newegg occasionally undercuts both. For CAD buyers, the range is CAD 104 to CAD 159, so the same advice applies. At the low end of that range, this monitor is an absolute no-brainer.

The MSI PRO MP243L E14 is a 24-inch 1080p IPS panel that punches way above its price tag. You get 144Hz, a 1ms response time, and FreeSync in a monitor that routinely sells for around $80. That's a combo that would have cost triple a few years ago.

It's not perfect. The 250-nit brightness is fine for a normal room but won't wow anyone, and the 6-bit panel with FRC is a budget trick for color depth. But for everyday work, casual gaming, and multi-monitor setups, this thing is a steal.

If you need accurate color for photo or video work, look elsewhere. The 6-bit panel with FRC and 250-nit brightness won't cut it for color-critical tasks. And if you're running a DisplayPort-only setup, the lack of DisplayPort here is a dealbreaker. Also skip it if you want real HDR, because this isn't it.

If you want a cheap 144Hz monitor for gaming, office work, or a multi-monitor setup, this is one of the best values out there. It's not going to win any awards for HDR or color accuracy, but it nails the basics. Buy it for the refresh rate and the price, and you won't be disappointed. Just don't expect it to replace a $400 monitor.