MSI 23.8" 144Hz Review

A solid budget performer with a great color gamut and 144Hz refresh. Its low 1080p resolution is the main drawback. For about $109, it's a good value if you prioritize smooth motion and color over pixel density.

The MSI MP242 E14A is a 24-inch, 144Hz IPS monitor that's trying to do a bit of everything. It's got a fast refresh rate for gaming, surprisingly good color coverage for creative work, and a price tag that won't break the bank.

On paper, it looks like a solid all-rounder. But our database shows its overall score is just 58.6 out of 100, which tells us there are some compromises. Let's dig into what you're really getting for about $109.

For a budget monitor, the performance is actually pretty punchy. That 144Hz refresh rate and 1ms MPRT response time make for smooth motion, and it lands in the 92nd percentile for performance in our rankings. The color accuracy is a real highlight, too, hitting the 91st percentile with 86% Adobe RGB and 91% DCI-P3 coverage. The main catch is the display itself. At 1080p on a 24-inch panel, pixel density is low, putting it in the bottom quarter of all monitors we track for display quality.

At $109, it's hard to complain too much. You're getting a fast, color-accurate IPS panel for less than the price of a decent keyboard. The value is absolutely there if your priorities are smooth gameplay or decent color work on a tight budget. Just know you're trading away sharpness and premium features to hit that price point.

This MSI sits in a weird spot. It's not a dedicated gaming beast like the MSI MPG 32" 4K 240Hz, and it's not a color-critical workhorse like the ASUS ProArt OLED. Its real competition is other budget 24-inch 144Hz IPS panels. Compared to them, its color performance is a standout advantage. But if you care about screen sharpness, stepping up to a 27-inch 1440p monitor, even at a higher cost, is a massive upgrade this screen can't offer.

Skip this if you care about screen sharpness. The 1080p resolution on a 24-inch panel looks noticeably less crisp than a 1440p or 4K screen. Also, if you need height adjustment or swivel, look elsewhere because the stand is basic.

Buy this if you need a capable second monitor for gaming or casual creative tasks and every dollar counts. The 144Hz smoothness and good colors are genuine perks you don't always find at this price. It's a great 'get the job done' screen.