MSI G273CQ 27" Black 2023

The MSI G273CQ is a 27-inch curved 1440p gaming monitor with a 170Hz refresh rate and FreeSync Premium for around $173 USD. It's one of the best value gaming monitors we've seen, with deep blacks and smooth motion. The stand is basic and the OSD is sluggish, but for the price, it's hard to beat.

The 170Hz refresh rate is the star here. Paired with a 1ms response time and FreeSync Premium, motion stays smooth and tear-free in fast-paced shooters and racers. The VA panel delivers deep blacks and solid contrast, which makes dark scenes look moody and immersive rather than washed out. Color accuracy lands in the 33rd percentile, so don't expect pro-level grading, but for gaming it's vibrant enough. The HDR Ready label is more marketing than magic, expect a slight bump in contrast, not a transformative experience. Black smearing in dark scenes is a known VA quirk, and this panel doesn't fully escape it.

Stacked against the LG UltraGear 27G810A-B and ASUS ROG Strix XG27ACDNG, the G273CQ holds its own on raw gaming specs but gives up ground on color accuracy and ergonomics. The Alienware AW2725D and BenQ MA270U are in a different price tier entirely, with better panels and more premium builds. The Dell S2725QC is a productivity-focused alternative that trades gaming speed for better color and connectivity. For pure gaming on a budget, the MSI is the value pick. For color-critical work or a more adjustable stand, you'll want to look upmarket.

At $173 USD, this monitor is a steal. You're getting 1440p, 170Hz, and FreeSync Premium for less than many 1080p high-refresh panels cost a few years ago. The build quality has some cheap plastic vibes, and the ergonomics are barebones, but those are easy trade-offs when the core gaming experience is this good. If you're on a budget and want to step up from 1080p without breaking the bank, this is one of the best value plays in our database.

The MSI G273CQ is a 27-inch curved VA panel that nails the basics for 1440p gaming. You get a 170Hz refresh rate, 1ms response time, and FreeSync Premium, all wrapped in a 1500R curve that pulls you into the action. At around $173 USD, it's one of the cheapest ways to jump into high-refresh QHD gaming without feeling like you settled for scraps.

It's not perfect. The stand only tilts, the OSD menu is sluggish, and there's no built-in speakers. But for pure gaming performance per dollar, this thing punches way above its weight class. Our database puts its feature set in the 90th percentile and social proof in the 96th, which tells you people are buying it and mostly loving it.

Skip this if you need accurate colors for photo or video work, the color accuracy is mediocre and the VA panel has viewing angle limitations. Also skip it if you want a monitor with a fully adjustable stand or built-in speakers, because you'll be spending extra on a mount and audio setup. If you're sensitive to black smearing in dark scenes, a good IPS panel might be worth the extra cash.

The MSI G273CQ is for gamers who want high-refresh 1440p without spending a fortune. It's a no-frills panel that delivers where it counts: smooth motion, sharp resolution, and immersive contrast. If you can live with a tilt-only stand, a clunky OSD, and no speakers, this monitor will make your games look and feel great. Competitive players and budget builders should shortlist this one immediately.