MSI MP273Q E14 27" Review

The MSI PRO MP273L E14 is a high-value 1440p, 144Hz monitor for budget gamers. It scores a 78/100 for gaming and is absolutely worth buying if you want smooth performance without spending a fortune. Just know the stand is basic and the HDR isn't real.

The MSI PRO MP273L E14 is a 27-inch monitor that tries to be a jack-of-all-trades. It's got a 144Hz refresh rate for gaming, a 1440p IPS panel for decent color, and a simple stand that just tilts. It's a solid budget-friendly screen that doesn't try to be fancy.

Our database scores it at a 75.2 overall, with its best marks in gaming (78/100). It's not going to blow you away with HDR or perfect ergonomics, but for the price, it's a straightforward workhorse. If you need a no-frills monitor for a bit of everything, this is worth a look.

Performance is where this monitor shines for its price. That 144Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time (MPRT) make games feel smooth, landing it in the 92nd percentile for performance. The 1440p IPS panel looks good from wide angles, and the 300-nit brightness is fine for most rooms. Just don't expect real HDR—it's more of a checkbox feature here. The built-in speakers are also pretty basic, so you'll want a headset or external speakers for anything serious.

For the price range we're seeing ($100-$190), this is a strong value. You're getting 1440p and 144Hz, which is a combo that usually costs more. You do make some sacrifices, like the basic stand and so-so HDR, but the core specs for gaming and general use are all there. If your budget is tight but you want high refresh rate gaming, this is a smart buy.

Compared to other budget 1440p high-refresh monitors, the MSI holds its own. It beats similar-priced options on connectivity (95th percentile) with its dual HDMI 2.0 ports. Against something like a Dell UltraSharp, you lose out on color accuracy and a better stand, but you gain that high refresh rate for gaming. The Samsung Odyssey or ASUS ROG Swift competitors are in a different league with OLED panels and higher brightness, but they also cost three or four times as much. This MSI is for the gamer on a budget who still wants smooth gameplay.

Skip this if you're a professional video editor or graphic designer. The 6-bit+FRC color panel and limited brightness won't give you the accuracy you need. Also, if you hate a wobbly, tilt-only stand and don't want to buy a VESA mount, look for a monitor with a more adjustable stand out of the box.

Buy this if you're a casual or budget-conscious gamer who wants a smooth 144Hz experience at 1440p, and you don't mind a basic stand. It's also a great secondary monitor for a multi-display setup thanks to those thin bezels. Just plug in your own speakers and maybe a monitor arm, and you're good to go.