MSI 27" 120 Matte White Review
The MSI PRO MP275W E2 packs a 120Hz refresh rate into a budget-friendly 27-inch monitor, making it a great pick for smooth casual gaming. Just be ready for the trade-offs that come with a 1080p screen at this size.
The 30-Second Version
The MSI PRO MP275W E2 is a 27-inch 1080p monitor that delivers excellent value. Its 120Hz refresh rate and 1ms response make it great for smooth, casual gaming and everyday use, especially given its $105-$140 price range. Just know that 1080p on a 27-inch screen isn't the sharpest for detailed work.
Overview
If you're looking for a solid 27-inch monitor that won't break the bank, the MSI PRO MP275W E2 is a strong contender. It's a 1080p IPS panel with a 120Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time, and it usually sells for between $105 and $140. That price puts it in a sweet spot for budget-conscious gamers, students, or anyone who wants a smooth, responsive screen for everyday use. The specs read like a checklist for a great value monitor: you get wide viewing angles from the IPS panel, Adaptive-Sync for tear-free gaming, and a few handy extras like built-in speakers and an accessory slot for your phone.
Performance
This monitor punches above its weight in performance. The 120Hz refresh rate is a huge step up from a standard 60Hz screen, making everything from scrolling web pages to playing fast-paced games feel noticeably smoother. In our database, its performance score lands in the 91st percentile for its category, which is impressive for a budget monitor. The 1ms response time helps reduce motion blur, and Adaptive-Sync (which works with both AMD and NVIDIA cards) keeps gameplay looking clean. Just know that 1080p on a 27-inch screen isn't the sharpest—you can see individual pixels if you sit close—but for the price, the fluidity is hard to beat.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Excellent value for a 120Hz IPS monitor 90th
- Smooth, responsive performance perfect for casual gaming 89th
- IPS panel provides good color and wide viewing angles 89th
- Includes handy features like built-in speakers and an accessory slot 86th
- Solid ergonomic and eye-care software (EyesErgo)
Cons
- 27-inch screen at 1080p results in a low pixel density
- HDR support is very basic with only 300 nits brightness
- Stand only offers tilt adjustment, no height or swivel
- Built-in speakers are functional but not great for serious audio
- Design is fairly basic compared to more premium models
The Word on the Street
Specifications
Full Specifications
Display
| Size | 27" |
| Resolution | 1920 (Full HD) |
| Panel Type | IPS |
| Aspect Ratio | 16:9 |
| Curved | No |
Performance
| Refresh Rate | 120 Hz |
| Response Time | 1 |
| Adaptive Sync | Adaptive-Sync |
Color & HDR
| Brightness | 300 nits |
| Color Gamut | Adobe RGB 83%DCI-P3 87%sRGB 116% |
| Color Depth | 8 bits (6 bits + FRC) |
| HDR | HDR |
| HDR Support | HDR |
Connectivity
| HDMI Ports | 1 |
| DisplayPort | 1 |
| Speakers | Yes |
| Headphone Jack | Yes |
Ergonomics
| Height Adjustable | No |
| Tilt | Yes |
| Swivel | No |
| Pivot | No |
| VESA Mount | 100x100 |
Features
| Webcam | No |
| Touchscreen | No |
| Weight | 3.7 kg / 8.1 lbs |
Value & Pricing
For around $120, the MSI PRO MP275W E2 delivers a lot of monitor. You're getting a high refresh rate and adaptive sync, features that were premium just a few years ago, in a package that's easy on the wallet. It's a smarter buy than a cheap 60Hz office monitor if you do any gaming or value smooth motion, and it undercuts a lot of other 120Hz options. Just be okay with the trade-off in screen sharpness at this size and price.
vs Competition
Compared directly to other monitors, its value proposition is clear. Next to a basic 60Hz office monitor, the MSI's 120Hz refresh is a game-changer for responsiveness. Against more expensive 144Hz or 165Hz gaming monitors, you're saving money but giving up some speed and often better stands. And compared to a 27-inch 1440p monitor, you're trading resolution for affordability and higher frame rate potential. If your budget is tight but you want smooth gameplay, this MSI is a compelling choice. If you have more to spend and want sharper text or competitive esports performance, look at 1440p 144Hz models or faster 1080p screens.
| Spec | MSI 27" 120 | Samsung Odyssey Samsung - 27” Odyssey G50D QHD IPS 180Hz 1ms AMD | LG UltraGear LG UltraGear 27G610A-B 27" 1440p HDR 200 Hz Gaming | BenQ Mobiuz BenQ MOBIUZ EX271Q 27” 2K 180Hz 1ms DP 1.4 HDMI | ASUS ProArt ASUS ProArt Display 27“ 1440P Professional Monitor | Lenovo L27q Lenovo L27q-4A 27" 1440p HDR 100 Hz Monitor (Cloud |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Screen Size | 27 | 27 | 27 | 27 | 27 | 27 |
| Resolution | 1920 x 1080 | 2560 x 1440 | 2560 x 1440 | 2560 x 1440 | 2560 x 1440 | 2560 x 1440 |
| Panel Type | IPS | IPS | IPS | IPS | IPS | IPS |
| Refresh Rate | 120 | 180 | 200 | 180 | 100 | 100 |
| Response Time Ms | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 5 | 1 |
| Adaptive Sync | Adaptive-Sync | G-Sync Compatible | FreeSync | FreeSync Premium | Adaptive-Sync | - |
| Hdr | HDR | HDR400 | HDR10 | HDR10 | HDR10 | HDR10 |
| Compare | Compare | Compare | Compare | Compare |
| Product | Color | Compact | Display | Feature | User Sentiment | Ergonomic | Performance | Connectivity | Social Proof |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MSI 27" 120 | 88.6 | 60.6 | 53.7 | 82.4 | 90.1 | 72.3 | 88.5 | 85.9 | 74.1 |
| Samsung Odyssey 27” G50D Compare | 83.7 | 63.4 | 71 | 82.4 | 0 | 96.5 | 94.1 | 95 | 98.1 |
| LG UltraGear 27G610A-B 27" Compare | 92 | 28.2 | 71 | 82.4 | 0 | 87.8 | 95.5 | 89.4 | 99.3 |
| BenQ Mobiuz EX271Q 27” 2K 180Hz 1ms DP 1.4 Compare | 87.4 | 78.7 | 71 | 82.4 | 0 | 96.5 | 94.1 | 84.5 | 71 |
| ASUS ProArt 27“ Compare | 95.5 | 87.3 | 71 | 82.4 | 62.9 | 96.5 | 58.3 | 89.4 | 71.4 |
| Lenovo L27q L27q-4A 27" Compare | 87.4 | 78.7 | 71 | 82.4 | 0 | 87.8 | 87 | 84.5 | 96.7 |
Common Questions
Q: Is the MSI PRO MP275W E2 good for gaming?
Yes, it's very good for casual and competitive gaming thanks to its 120Hz refresh rate, 1ms response time, and Adaptive-Sync support, which all help reduce screen tearing and make motion look smoother.
Q: Does this monitor have built-in speakers?
Yes, the MSI PRO MP275W E2 includes integrated speakers, which are handy for basic audio but you'll want dedicated speakers or a headset for better sound quality.
Q: Is 1080p good on a 27-inch monitor?
It depends on your use. For gaming and videos, the 1080p resolution on a 27-inch screen is fine, especially with the high refresh rate. For detailed text work or photo editing, the lower pixel density can make things look slightly less sharp compared to a 1440p monitor.
Q: What is the refresh rate of the MSI PRO MP275W?
The refresh rate is 120Hz, which means the screen updates 120 times per second for much smoother motion than a standard 60Hz monitor.
Who Should Skip This
Skip this monitor if you're a graphic designer, video editor, or anyone who needs pin-sharp text and detail—the 1080p resolution on a 27-inch screen isn't ideal for that. Also, hardcore competitive gamers might want a faster 144Hz or 240Hz panel. And if you need a fully adjustable stand with height and swivel, you'll need a monitor arm since this one only tilts. For those users, look at 27-inch 1440p monitors or 24-inch 1080p high-refresh models.
Verdict
So, should you buy the MSI PRO MP275W E2? If you want a budget-friendly, smooth 27-inch monitor for casual gaming, general use, or as a secondary screen, absolutely. The 120Hz refresh rate is the star here, and it's wrapped in a capable IPS panel. But if you're a pixel-peeper who works with text or detailed images all day, the 1080p resolution on a 27-inch screen will feel a bit fuzzy. For those users, a smaller 24-inch 1080p monitor or a step up to 1440p would be a better fit. For everyone else looking for performance on a budget, this MSI gets a lot right.