Buying Guide
The Best MSI Gaming Monitors
We weighed five monitors on refresh rate and screen size; the MPG 271QRX has the highest refresh rate, and the MAG 274QF costs the least.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read5 products evaluated
MSI's monitor range is wide, so the model number decides what you get. Every monitor here is made by MSI and refreshes at 120Hz or more, ordered by refresh rate.
We ranked these monitors on refresh rate, resolution and size using manufacturer specifications; we did not test these monitors ourselves, and where a maker leaves out HDR, we say so.
Quick Picks
Our 5 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Fastest Refresh
MSI MPG 271QRX QD-OLED
The highest refresh rate here (360Hz).
Best for: Esports players with a GPU that can feed high frame rates.
Our take Check price for MSI MPG 271QRX QD-OLED (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
MSI MAG 271QPX QD-OLED E2
A 240Hz QD-OLED panel with a height-adjustable stand.
Best for: Buyers who want 240Hz QD-OLED panel with a height-adjustable stand.
Our take Check price for MSI MAG 271QPX QD-OLED E2 (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
MSI MPG 321URX QD-OLED
A built-in KVM with picture-in-picture.
Best for: Buyers who want built-in KVM with picture-in-picture.
Our take Check price for MSI MPG 321URX QD-OLED (opens in a new tab)
Premium Pick
MSI MPG 321URXW QD-OLED
Up to 1000 nits peak brightness at the highest price in the group.
Best for: Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor.
Our take Check price for MSI MPG 321URXW QD-OLED (opens in a new tab)
Lowest Price Here
MSI MAG 274QF E20
The lowest price of the group at our last check.
Best for: Getting 200Hz refresh rate at 1440p for the least money.
Our take Check price for MSI MAG 274QF E20 (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it’s here | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| The highest refresh rate here (360Hz). | Esports players with a GPU that can feed high frame rates. | Check price for MSI MPG 271QRX QD-OLED (opens in a new tab) |
| A 240Hz QD-OLED panel with a height-adjustable stand. | Buyers who want 240Hz QD-OLED panel with a height-adjustable stand. | Check price for MSI MAG 271QPX QD-OLED E2 (opens in a new tab) |
| A built-in KVM with picture-in-picture. | Buyers who want built-in KVM with picture-in-picture. | Check price for MSI MPG 321URX QD-OLED (opens in a new tab) |
| Up to 1000 nits peak brightness at the highest price in the group. | Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor. | Check price for MSI MPG 321URXW QD-OLED (opens in a new tab) |
| The lowest price of the group at our last check. | Getting 200Hz refresh rate at 1440p for the least money. | Check price for MSI MAG 274QF E20 (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Fastest Refresh1 of 5
MSI MPG 271QRX QD-OLED on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The MPG 271QRX adds a KVM switch to a 360Hz QD-OLED panel with True Black 400.
Best for
- Esports players with a GPU that can feed high frame rates.
Skip if
- Skip it if this is a deal-breaker for you: oLED burn-in risk with static desktop elements.
Why we like it
Its built-in KVM switches a keyboard and mouse between two computers, and the stand adjusts for ergonomics. Its QD-OLED panel refreshes at 360Hz with a 0.03ms GtG response time. MSI rates its colour at Delta E 2 or below.
On refresh rate it leads this guide at 360Hz, ahead of the MAG 271QPX (240Hz). On screen size it ties with the MAG 271QPX and the MAG 274QF at 27 inches. Like the MAG 271QPX and MAG 274QF, it has a 2560x1440 (1440p) resolution, while the MPG 321URX uses a 3840x2160 (4K) resolution.
Like the MPG 321URX and MPG 321URXW, it has a DisplayHDR True Black 400, while the MAG 271QPX uses an HDR 400. You also get HDMI 2.1 inputs and an HDMI 2.1 input for consoles. Its price falls between the MAG 271QPX and the MPG 321URX, based on our last check.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 360Hz
- Resolution: 2560x1440 (1440p)
- Size: 27 inches
- Panel: QD-OLED
- Response: 0.03ms
- HDR: DisplayHDR True Black 400
Pros
- a 360Hz refresh rate for fast motion
- 1440p resolution, sharper than 1080p at 27 inches
- a QD-OLED panel with per-pixel contrast
- DisplayHDR True Black 400 certification
Cons
- OLED burn-in risk with static desktop elements
- Costs more than the MAG 274QF at the time of writing
Also Consider2 of 5
MSI MAG 271QPX QD-OLED E2 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The MAG 271QPX pairs a 240Hz QD-OLED panel with a height-adjustable stand.
Best for
- Buyers who want 240Hz QD-OLED panel with a height-adjustable stand.
Skip if
- Look at the others if this bothers you: oLED burn-in risk with static desktop elements.
Why we like it
It is the complete OLED option at this refresh rate. It matches the MPG 321URX and the MPG 321URXW on refresh rate (240Hz). On screen size it ties with the MPG 271QRX and the MAG 274QF at 27 inches.
Like the MPG 271QRX and MAG 274QF, it has a 2560x1440 (1440p) resolution, while the MPG 321URX uses a 3840x2160 (4K) resolution. It is the only pick here with an HDR 400; the MPG 271QRX has a DisplayHDR True Black 400 instead. To see 240Hz at 1440p, connect over DisplayPort or HDMI 2.1; older HDMI 2.0 ports cap the refresh rate lower.
Leave the maker's pixel-refresh routines enabled and hide static taskbars to limit burn-in risk. Its price falls between the MAG 274QF and the MPG 271QRX, based on our last check.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 240Hz
- Resolution: 2560x1440 (1440p)
- Size: 27 inches
- Panel: QD-OLED
- Response: 0.03ms
- HDR: HDR 400
- Stand: height adjustment
Pros
- a 240Hz refresh rate for fast motion
- 1440p resolution, sharper than 1080p at 27 inches
- a QD-OLED panel with per-pixel contrast
- a stand with height adjustment
Cons
- OLED burn-in risk with static desktop elements
- Costs more than the MAG 274QF at the time of writing
Strong Alternative3 of 5
MSI MPG 321URX QD-OLED on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
MSI's MPG 321URX is a 31.5-inch 4K QD-OLED at 240Hz with a built-in KVM, so one keyboard and mouse can switch between a desktop and a laptop.
Best for
- Buyers who want built-in KVM with picture-in-picture.
Skip if
- Worth skipping when oLED burn-in risk with static desktop element is a problem.
Why we like it
USB-C input rounds out the ports. It matches the MAG 271QPX and the MPG 321URXW on refresh rate (240Hz). On screen size it ties with the MPG 321URXW at 31.5 inches.
Like the MPG 321URXW, it has a 3840x2160 (4K) resolution, while the MPG 271QRX uses a 2560x1440 (1440p) resolution. Like the MPG 271QRX and MPG 321URXW, it has a DisplayHDR True Black 400, while the MAG 271QPX uses an HDR 400. It also offers HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 1.4a inputs and an HDMI 2.1 input for consoles.
Reaching 240Hz at 4K needs DisplayPort 1.4 with DSC or HDMI 2.1 on your graphics card, and a GPU able to render well above 100fps at 4K. Leave the maker's pixel-refresh routines enabled and hide static taskbars to limit burn-in risk. Its price falls between the MPG 271QRX and the MPG 321URXW, based on our last check.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 240Hz
- Resolution: 3840x2160 (4K)
- Size: 31.5 inches
- Panel: QD-OLED
- Response: 0.03ms
- HDR: DisplayHDR True Black 400
- USB-C: Yes
Pros
- a 240Hz refresh rate for fast motion
- 4K resolution for sharp text and detail
- a QD-OLED panel with per-pixel contrast
- DisplayHDR True Black 400 certification
Cons
- OLED burn-in risk with static desktop elements
- Costs more than the MAG 274QF at the time of writing
Premium Pick4 of 5
MSI MPG 321URXW QD-OLED on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
MSI's MPG 321URXW is a 31.5-inch 4K QD-OLED at 240Hz with 99% DCI-P3 coverage.
Best for
- Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor.
Skip if
- Look at the others if this bothers you: oLED burn-in risk with static desktop elements.
Why we like it
It is the 32-inch step up from the 272URX. On refresh rate it ties with the MAG 271QPX and the MPG 321URX at 240Hz. It matches the MPG 321URX on screen size (31.5 inches).
It shares a 3840x2160 (4K) resolution with the MPG 321URX; the MAG 274QF goes with a 2560x1440 (1440p) resolution. It shares a DisplayHDR True Black 400 with the MPG 271QRX and MPG 321URX; the MAG 271QPX goes with an HDR 400. It also comes with up to 1000 nits peak brightness, a white finish and an HDMI 2.1 input.
Reaching 240Hz at 4K needs DisplayPort 1.4 with DSC or HDMI 2.1 on your graphics card, and a GPU able to render well above 100fps at 4K. Leave the maker's pixel-refresh routines enabled and hide static taskbars to limit burn-in risk. Only the MPG 321URX came close to it on price at the time of writing; it cost the most of the 5 picks.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 240Hz
- Resolution: 3840x2160 (4K)
- Size: 31.5 inches
- Panel: QD-OLED
- Response: 0.03ms
- HDR: DisplayHDR True Black 400
- Color gamut: 99% DCI-P3
Pros
- a 240Hz refresh rate for fast motion
- 4K resolution for sharp text and detail
- a QD-OLED panel with per-pixel contrast
- DisplayHDR True Black 400 certification
Cons
- OLED burn-in risk with static desktop elements
- Costs more than the MAG 274QF at the time of writing
Lowest Price Here5 of 5
MSI MAG 274QF E20 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The MAG 274QF runs 1440p at 200Hz on a Rapid IPS panel with FreeSync Premium.
Best for
- Getting 200Hz refresh rate at 1440p for the least money.
Skip if
- Skip it if refresh rate matters most to you; the MPG 271QRX offers 360Hz.
Why we like it
It is a balanced step down from the AOC. The Rapid IPS panel is rated at 0.5ms GtG. MSI's AI Vision mode lifts detail in dark scenes and boosts brightness and saturation.
On refresh rate it trails the group at 200Hz, while the MPG 271QRX offers 360Hz. It matches the MPG 271QRX and the MAG 271QPX on screen size (27 inches). It shares a 2560x1440 (1440p) resolution with the MPG 271QRX and MAG 271QPX; the MPG 321URXW goes with a 3840x2160 (4K) resolution.
A rapid IPS panel is unique to it among these picks, while the MAG 271QPX uses a QD-OLED panel. G-SYNC Compatible works on NVIDIA cards over DisplayPort, and FreeSync covers AMD cards. No other pick here cost less at our last price check, and the MAG 271QPX was closest.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 200Hz
- Resolution: 2560x1440 (1440p)
- Size: 27 inches
- Panel: Rapid IPS
- Response: 0.5ms
- Adaptive sync: FreeSync Premium, G-SYNC Compatible
Pros
- 200Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen
- 1440p resolution, sharper than 1080p at 27 inches
- a Rapid IPS panel with wide viewing angles
- FreeSync Premium, G-SYNC Compatible to reduce screen tearing
Cons
- Refresh rate trails the MPG 271QRX (360Hz)
- Screen size trails the MPG 321URX (31.5 inches)
How We Chose These MSI Gaming Monitors
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- How these picks were ranked
- We set side by side five monitors on refresh rate, resolution, screen size and panel from manufacturer specifications. We did not test them in-house.
- What every pick has in common
- All 5, from the MPG 271QRX to the MAG 274QF, state refresh rate, resolution and screen size.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The MAG 274QF gives no HDR.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the MAG 274QF ($150 to $250) to the MPG 321URXW ($500 to $1000).
What to Look for in an MSI Gaming Monitor
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Refresh rate across these picks
Here refresh rate runs from 200Hz on the MAG 274QF to 360Hz on the MPG 271QRX. The MAG 271QPX comes second for less money.
How much screen size you need
Here screen size runs from 27 inches on the MAG 274QF to 31.5 inches on the MPG 321URX. The MPG 321URX is the pick for screen size.
Panel
The MPG 271QRX, the MAG 271QPX, the MPG 321URX and the MPG 321URXW list QD-OLED; the MAG 274QF lists Rapid IPS. Settle this first, then compare prices.
Response
The MPG 271QRX, the MAG 271QPX, the MPG 321URX and the MPG 321URXW list 0.03ms; the MAG 274QF lists 0.5ms.
Extras that separate them
The MPG 321URX: HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 1.4a inputs. The MPG 321URXW: a white finish. The MAG 274QF: a 200Hz refresh rate at 1440p.
How to Choose an MSI Gaming Monitor
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Esports players with a GPU that can feed high frame rates | MPG 271QRX | The highest refresh rate here (360Hz) |
| Buyers who want 240Hz QD-OLED panel with a height-adjustable stand | MAG 271QPX | A 240Hz QD-OLED panel with a height-adjustable stand |
| Buyers who want built-in KVM with picture-in-picture | MPG 321URX | A built-in KVM with picture-in-picture |
| Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor | MPG 321URXW | Up to 1000 nits peak brightness at the highest price in the group |
| Getting 200Hz refresh rate at 1440p for the least money | MAG 274QF | The lowest price of the group at our last check |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The MPG 271QRX leads on refresh rate at 360Hz, ahead of the MAG 271QPX at 240Hz.
| Monitor | Refresh rate | Resolution | Size | Panel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MPG 271QRX | 360Hz | 2560x1440 (1440p) | 27 inches | QD-OLED |
| MAG 271QPX | 240Hz | 2560x1440 (1440p) | 27 inches | QD-OLED |
| MPG 321URX | 240Hz | 3840x2160 (4K) | 31.5 inches | QD-OLED |
| MPG 321URXW | 240Hz | 3840x2160 (4K) | 31.5 inches | QD-OLED |
| MAG 274QF | 200Hz | 2560x1440 (1440p) | 27 inches | Rapid IPS |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
The MAG 274QF was the lowest-priced pick and the MPG 321URXW the highest when we checked; tiers move with Amazon pricing.
| Price tier | Monitors |
|---|---|
| About $150 to $250 | MAG 274QF |
| About $250 to $500 | MAG 271QPX |
| About $500 to $1000 | MPG 271QRX, MPG 321URX, MPG 321URXW |
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the MAG 271QPX compare with the MPG 271QRX on refresh rate?
The MPG 271QRX leads at 360Hz, with the MAG 271QPX at 240Hz. The MAG 274QF is at the other end of this group with 200Hz.
What does the MPG 321URXW add over the MAG 274QF?
On paper it adds refresh rate (240Hz against 200Hz) and screen size (31.5 inches against 27 inches). The MAG 274QF was the lowest-priced pick when we checked, so pay the difference only if those gains matter to you.
Why is the MPG 271QRX our Fastest Refresh pick?
It earns the label for the highest refresh rate here (360Hz). It suits esports players with a GPU that can feed high frame rates.
Do the MPG 271QRX and the MPG 321URX differ on resolution?
The MPG 271QRX, the MAG 271QPX and the MAG 274QF use 2560x1440 (1440p); the MPG 321URX and the MPG 321URXW use 3840x2160 (4K).
What extras do the MPG 271QRX and the MAG 271QPX include?
The MPG 271QRX: a built-in KVM switch. The MAG 271QPX: a 240Hz QD-OLED panel with a height-adjustable stand. The MPG 321URX: a built-in KVM with picture-in-picture.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the MPG 271QRX. Look at the MAG 271QPX for a 240Hz QD-OLED panel with a height-adjustable stand, the MPG 321URX for a built-in KVM with picture-in-picture and the MPG 321URXW for up to 1000 nits peak brightness at the highest price in the group if those matter more to you.
Use the cable in the box; older cables can cap the refresh rate.