MSI MP273U 27" Matte Black 2024

A color-accurate 4K panel that's a steal under $200, but don't expect gaming chops or a fancy stand. Buy it for the pixels, not the frills.

The 4K resolution at 27 inches gives you a pixel density that makes text look razor sharp, and the IPS panel keeps colors consistent from edge to edge. The 300 nits brightness is fine for indoor use but won't wow anyone in a sunlit room. The 4ms response time and 60Hz refresh rate are perfectly adequate for desktop work, though the Adaptive-Sync support is a nice bonus if you occasionally fire up a casual game. The built-in speakers are there, but they're the kind you use for a video call and immediately forget about.

The Dell S2725QC is the most direct competitor here, and it offers a more refined stand and better build quality, but you'll typically pay more for it. The LG UltraGear 27G810A-B and ASUS ROG Strix XG27AQDMGR are gaming monitors first, with higher refresh rates and faster response times, but they sacrifice color accuracy and cost significantly more. If you need 4K for work and don't care about 144Hz, the MSI is the smarter buy. If you want to game at high refresh rates, skip this and grab the LG or ASUS.

The price spread on this thing is wild. In the US, you'll see it anywhere from $160 to $400 depending on the vendor, and that's a massive gap for the same panel. At the low end, this is an absolute steal for a 4K color-accurate monitor. At the high end, you're better off looking at the Dell S2725QC or saving for something with better ergonomics. If you're in Canada, the CAD 210 to CAD 568 spread is even more ridiculous, so shop around before you commit.

The MSI MP273U is a 27-inch 4K IPS monitor that nails the basics for creative and office work without draining your wallet. The headline here is color accuracy, with 98% DCI-P3 and 93% Adobe RGB coverage that puts it in the top tier for a budget panel. It's not a gaming monitor, and it doesn't pretend to be, but for photo editing, spreadsheets, and everyday productivity, this thing punches way above its price class.

If you're looking for a high-refresh-rate gaming monitor, this isn't it. Go grab the LG UltraGear 27G810A-B or ASUS ROG Strix XG27AQDMGR instead. If you need a height-adjustable stand out of the box or serious HDR performance, you'll be disappointed here too. This is a color-accurate 4K panel for desk work, not a do-everything display.

The MSI MP273U is a straightforward 4K workhorse that delivers excellent color accuracy and sharp text at a price that's hard to beat when you find it on sale. It's not flashy, and the stand is basic, but the panel quality is the real story here. For creative professionals and office users who want 4K without spending a fortune, this is one of the best values on the market right now.