MSI MSI PRO MP251 E2 24.5" Full HD HDR 120 Hz Monitor Review

A budget 1080p monitor with a useful 120Hz refresh rate, but basic features and dated ports. It scores in the 91st percentile for performance in its class. Worth buying if smooth motion is your top priority and your budget is under $110.

The MSI PRO MP251 E2 is a 24.5-inch, 1080p IPS monitor that's trying to do a bit of everything. It's got a 120Hz refresh rate for smoother motion, thin bezels for multi-screen setups, and a simple stand that just tilts.

At its core, this is a basic office monitor with a gaming feature tacked on. The 120Hz refresh is nice, but it's paired with older HDMI 1.4b and DisplayPort 1.2a connections, which feels a bit dated for a new screen.

For a budget monitor, its performance scores are surprisingly high in our database. It lands in the 91st percentile for performance, which is solid for the price. The 120Hz refresh and 1ms MPRT response time make everyday scrolling and casual gaming feel smoother than a standard 60Hz office screen. But that 'HDR Ready' label is basically meaningless with only 300 nits of brightness, and the display quality itself sits in a lower percentile. It's fast for the money, but don't expect stunning picture quality.

Priced between $85 and $110, the value proposition is clear: you're paying for that 120Hz smoothness on a tight budget. You're giving up adjustability, modern ports, and good HDR, but if your main goal is to get out of 60Hz jail without spending much, this does that one job well. It's a cheap upgrade path from an ancient monitor.

Compared to other basic 1080p office monitors, the 120Hz here is a legit advantage. But against actual gaming monitors like the MSI MPG series, you're missing higher refresh rates, better response times, and modern connectivity. It sits in a weird middle ground. It's better for motion than a Dell UltraSharp for office work, but not as good for gaming as a dedicated screen. Think of it as an office monitor with a bonus feature, not a true gaming display.

Skip this if you need a proper gaming monitor, care about color accuracy for creative work, or want a fully adjustable stand. The 120Hz is its only trick, and competitors at slightly higher prices offer more features and better panels. If HDR is important to you, this isn't it.

Buy this if you want a noticeable upgrade in screen smoothness for general use or very casual gaming, and your budget is rock bottom. It's perfect for a secondary screen or for someone building their first PC who can't afford a proper gaming monitor yet. The 120Hz is a real quality-of-life improvement you'll feel every day.