MSI MP275 E2 27" Black 2024

The MSI PRO MP275 E2 is a budget 27-inch 1080p monitor with a smooth 120Hz refresh rate and an edgeless design that's great for multi-monitor setups. Performance is above average for the price, but 300 nits brightness and fake HDR hold it back. Worth buying if you find it under USD 135 or CAD 200.

The 120Hz refresh rate and 1ms MPRT response put this monitor in the 70th percentile for performance, which is respectable for a budget panel. Scrolling feels smooth, and light gaming is genuinely enjoyable. The IPS panel gives you wide viewing angles, and the 116% sRGB coverage means colors look decent out of the box. But the 300 nits brightness is a real limitation. In a bright room, the screen can look washed out. And the HDR support is more marketing than magic, with no local dimming and limited peak brightness. The 1500:1 static contrast ratio is fine for an IPS panel, but dark scenes won't have much depth.

Against the LG UltraGear 27G810A-B and ASUS ROG Strix XG27JCG, the MSI is clearly the budget option. Those competitors offer higher refresh rates, better color accuracy, and more ergonomic stands. The Dell S2725QC brings 4K resolution and USB-C connectivity, which the MSI lacks entirely. The Acer Nitro XV272U W2bmiiprx gives you 1440p at a similar size, which is a meaningful sharpness upgrade. The HP OMEN 27qs G2 also outclasses this panel in almost every metric. But all of those cost more. If your budget is tight and you want 120Hz on a 27-inch screen, the MSI holds its own. Just know what you're giving up.

Pricing is all over the place right now. In the US, you'll see it listed anywhere from USD 127 to USD 150 depending on the vendor. That USD 23 spread is worth paying attention to. If you can grab it at the lower end, it's a decent deal for a 27-inch 120Hz IPS panel. At the top end, you're getting close to better options. In Canada, the spread is even wider, CAD 177 to CAD 233. A CAD 56 difference is significant. Shop around before you commit. The Best Buy listing tends to be competitive, but check current prices before you pull the trigger.

The MSI PRO MP275 E2 is a 27-inch 1080p IPS panel that tries to split the difference between office work and light gaming. You get a 120Hz refresh rate, 1ms MPRT response, and Adaptive-Sync, which is a solid combo for the price. The 4-side edgeless design is a nice touch if you're planning a multi-monitor setup, and the built-in speakers mean you can skip desktop clutter. But it's not a premium display. 300 nits brightness and 6-bit + FRC color mean HDR is mostly a checkbox, not a feature. The stand only tilts, so you'll need a VESA arm if you want height adjustment. For a budget-friendly all-rounder, it's fine. Just don't expect it to punch above its weight.

Skip this if you need accurate color for design or photo work. The 6-bit + FRC panel and limited brightness won't cut it. Also skip it if you want real HDR, a height-adjustable stand, or USB-C connectivity. And if you're sitting close to the screen, 1080p at 27 inches means visible pixels. A 24-inch 1080p or 27-inch 1440p panel would be sharper.

This monitor is for someone who wants a big, smooth display without spending much. Office workers who multitask all day will appreciate the 120Hz refresh rate and the edgeless bezels. Casual gamers who play fast-paced titles will get a responsive experience. It's also a solid choice for a second or third monitor in a multi-display setup. If you need accurate color for photo or video work, or if you want real HDR, this isn't the panel for you.