MSI 22" Full HD 100Hz Black Review

The MSI PRO MP225V is a compact 21.45" Full HD monitor with a 100Hz refresh rate, all for under $70. It delivers noticeably smoother motion than standard 60Hz budget screens, making it a great value pick for tight spaces or as a secondary display. Just know it's smaller than a typical 24-inch monitor.

If you're hunting for a basic, no-frills monitor under $70, the MSI PRO MP225V is probably on your radar. It's a 21.45-inch Full HD (1920x1080) screen with a 100Hz refresh rate and a VA panel. That's a pretty specific combo: it's smaller than the standard 24-inch size, but the 100Hz refresh is a nice step up from the usual 60Hz you find at this price. It's clearly aimed at budget-conscious users who want a bit more fluidity for everyday tasks or light gaming without breaking the bank.

Let's talk numbers. That 100Hz refresh rate puts it in the 90th percentile for performance among all monitors in our database, which is impressive for the price. In practice, scrolling and general desktop motion will feel noticeably smoother than on a 60Hz panel. The 1ms MPRT response time is a marketing spec, but combined with Adaptive-Sync, it helps reduce tearing if you're pushing frames from a compatible GPU. Just don't expect the pixel-perfect speed of a high-end IPS panel. The 300-nit brightness and 8-bit+FRC color are perfectly adequate for office work and media consumption, landing in the 75th percentile for color performance. It won't wow you, but it gets the job done.

For around $60 to $70, the value proposition is hard to beat if your needs are simple. You're getting a smoother 100Hz experience that typically costs more. The main trade-off is the smaller screen and basic stand. If you absolutely need a 24-inch panel, you'll have to spend a bit more or settle for 60Hz. But if desk space is tight or you just want the fluidity, this is a clever budget pick.

This monitor sits in a weird, cool niche. Compared to a standard 60Hz 24-inch office monitor from Dell or HP, the MP225V offers much smoother motion. Against something like a basic 75Hz Acer monitor, you're getting a slightly higher refresh and that deep VA contrast. Its real competition is other ultra-budget 100Hz panels, but many of those are 24-inch. So, the choice is: do you want the more standard screen size, or the higher refresh rate in a more compact package? For the price, MSI's offering is compelling if the size works for you.

Skip this monitor if you're a content creator who needs accurate colors, a competitive gamer demanding the fastest response times, or someone who simply wants a larger, more standard 24-inch or 27-inch screen. Also, if you need multiple modern video inputs (like DisplayPort or multiple HDMI ports), the single HDMI and legacy VGA port here will be too limiting. In those cases, look at slightly more expensive 24-inch IPS panels with better connectivity.

Should you buy the MSI PRO MP225V? If you need the absolute cheapest path to a 100Hz desktop experience and don't mind the 21.45-inch screen size, yes, absolutely. It's a surprisingly competent little display for general use and light gaming. But if you're used to a 24-inch monitor or need more adjustability from the stand, the smaller size might feel like a downgrade. For most people building a basic PC or needing a secondary screen, though, it's a smart, budget-friendly choice that punches above its weight class.